The Regional Program Political Dialogue South Mediterranean of the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS PolDiMed) , the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC, University of Malta) and Andr谩ssy University Budapest (AUB) organised a conference, entitled 'Euro-Mediterranean Relations Revisited' in Malta between 14 and 17 March 2024 where 15 students from each university participated, along with subject-matter experts, to discuss and explore Euro-Mediterranean relations.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr Malte Gaier, Director, KAS PolDiMed & KAS Tunisia Amb Dr Heinrich Kreft, Professor of Diplomacy & Head of International Relations - European Studies Programme, AUB, and Prof. Derek Lutterbeck, (Deputy Director, MEDAC). Prof. Stephen Calleya (Director, MEDAC) then welcomed the distinguished guests and students, and provided a number of stimulating concepts for the open discussion held on The European Neighborhood Policy and the Challenges for the European Union in 2024.
Dr Matt Herbert, Head of Research, North Africa and the Sahel, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC), then addressed the students, providing them with an introduction to the threat posed by transnational organised crime in the Mediterranean region with emphasis on the challenge of illegal migration.
In the afternoon, the students were taken on a site visit to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). On their return, Prof. James N. Sater (Department of International Relations) delivered a lecture on Civil Society Dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on the effects on Civil Society on citizenship and the Arab Spring.
The next day saw presentations from both sets of students, followed by a lively discussion on the key issues that define the EU Neighbourhood policy and the Union鈥檚 relationship with its Southern Mediterranean Neighbours.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation was pivotal in organising and providing support for this event.
