From 15 to 17 September 2025, the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), held the EuroMed Young Researchers Forum 2025 in Mollina (Spain).

Organised under the theme “Shaping the digital future of the Euro-Mediterranean region”, the Forum took place within the University on Youth and Development, convened by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, dedicated this year to “Empowering youth for digital safety.”

Over three days, 30 young researchers from across the Euro-Mediterranean and neighbouring regions came together to exchange on how digital transformation can foster inclusive and rights-based progress in the region. Participants shared and refined research proposals, took part in capacity-building workshops on research design, policy writing and communication, and engaged directly with policymakers and practitioners on digital governance, migration, and youth participation.

Discussions underscored that while digitalisation offers opportunities for innovation, transparency, and sustainability, it also raises concerns around data protection, bias, and social exclusion. Participants called for stronger cooperation, human oversight in AI governance, and youth inclusion in shaping digital policies.

The Forum is part of the Euromed Young Researchers Lab, coordinated by the IEMed with the support of AECID, which empowers emerging scholars under 36 to develop their skills, gain visibility, and contribute to Euro-Mediterranean policy debates on digitalisation and beyond.