The Mediterranean: An energy and decarbonization opportunity for Europe

The wider Mediterranean region holds exceptional value for the European Union’s energy transition, energy security, and industrial competitiveness. Rich in renewable energy resources, hydrocarbons, and carbon storage potential – and hosting critical infrastructure such as the Suez Canal, LNG terminals, and gas corridors – the region can contribute significantly to the achievement of a decarbonized, diversified, and secure European energy system. As the EU advances in its path towards net zero emissions and moves to end Russian gas imports by 2027, it must fully harness the Mediterranean’s potential along the way. This includes tapping both EU Member States’ and neighbouring countries’ resources to meet three core energy-related objectives: sustainability, security of supply, and economic competitiveness.
The European Commission’s New Pact for the Mediterranean is a welcomed step to deepen cooperation on trade, energy, climate, and sustainable development in the region. As highlighted by Commissioner Dubravka Šuica in Barcelona in July 2025, the Pact seeks to ensure a shared space of peace, prosperity, and stability, "anchored in all areas of common interest".
The Pact is forecasted to build on existing flagship initiatives such as the Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED). However, to establish a strategy that ensures economic growth and prosperity, it must go beyond a focus on renewables only.
It should leverage, among others, the findings of initiatives such as the Union for Mediterranean (UfM), which established the Euro-Mediterranean Gas Platform to promote gas market integration, infrastructure development (pipelines, LNG terminals), secure a sustainable supply to the EU and partner countries. Alongside renewables, a broader, integrated energy and decarbonization strategy is needed – one that combines natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and low-carbon hydrogen.

The EU should urgently act to:

• Unlock natural gas production potential and develop gas power plants in the Mediterranean to support coal power phase-out and stabilize power grids during the energy transition and allow for local power production on islands.
• Develop regional and cross-border natural gas, CO₂ and hydrogen transport networks to enhance regional integration and energy system flexibility.
• Accelerate regional deployment of CO₂ storage capacity to enable cost-effective decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors and preserve industrial competitiveness.
• Promote development of low-carbon hydrogen to complement green hydrogen, providing scale, affordability, and technological maturity.
• Deepen partnerships with non-EU Mediterranean countries to foster security of natural gas supply, as well as clean energy deployment and regional cooperation.

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