Spain, Italy, Portugal and Mediterranean Dialogue
The Madrid office seeks to strengthen cooperation and political dialogue between representatives from political parties, scientific institutions and civil society organisations from Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany and the European sphere. We are committed to help contribute to solutions to specific regional challenges in Southern Europe and highlight best practices from this ever more important region for the European integration process. It also seeks to develop a new approach to interregional cooperation in the Mediterranean. With partner organisations, we are developing a liberal approach to geostrategic demands and opportunities in the Mare Nostrum.
News
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The Caisses de Dépôt of France, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia in the face of the challenges of the Mediterranean
The Caisses de Dépôt of France, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia are committed to greater collaboration to create specific projects in different local populations in order to meet the challenges facing the countries of the Mediterranean.
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The Rise of Populism in Italy and the Role of the Media
Berlusconi: Media Mogul, Billionaire, and the First "Modern Populist". How he shaped the Italian media landscape and how his monopoly with his own television and radio stations made him one of the most powerful men in Italy. Even a year after his death, press freedom in Italy is being abused and partly threatened by right-wing populists.
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European Elections 2024: The Outlook on the Iberian Peninsula
On June 9th, Europe will vote for a parliament that will determine the future of the European Union for the next five years. In Spain and Portugal, the election results could have significant impacts on national politics and the governing capabilities of their respective governments. This report highlights the relevant parties, their leading candidates, and the current polling results in both countries.
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Free3- network is creating solutions in Milan
Looking back on an inspiring time in Milan! In May, we met with our Free3 Network of classical liberal think tanks to discuss youth unemployment and energy transition, with a special focus on our project countries Spain, Italy and Portugal!
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Mediterranean Agriculture: in Search of Excellence
The lack of water, the progressive desertification of their lands and the fight against climate change are the challenges faced by African Mediterranean countries and Turkey through research and public-private collaboration with the United Nations and the European Union.
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The "cultured colour" of the Mediterranean and its 35 Nobel Laureates in Literature
The shores of the Mediterranean Sea proudly bathe 20.5% (8 nations) of the total number of countries (39) with Nobel Prize-winning writers in literature, but is it the same pride these intellectuals feel for their countries?
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Italy advocates strategic diplomacy with Mediterranean Africa
Italy is strengthening its diplomatic and investment strategy, not only with Mediterranean Africa, but also with the rest of the continent, through its Mattei Plan, which is starting with 5.5 billion euros in investments.
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Sicily: A Key Transit and Arrival Port on the Migration Map
During last month, the FNF Madrid hosted a working program on Migration in Sicily, Italy. The FNF Madrid Policy Group composed by liberal policy makers and experts from across Europe, North and West Africa, and the Middle East had the opportunity to get to know the reality of migration management in Italy first-hand.
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Democratic Elections in an Autocratic World
Throughout the year 2024, elections will be held in several countries. More than 4 billion voters will be called to the polls. The consolidation of democracy in Europe, America, Asian democracies and the Mediterranean region depends on the legitimacy of the processes and the convergence of the main political groups around a strategy of institutional strengthening and shared values.
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The Mediterranean and art: from Alexandria to Dalí's House-Museum
The Mediterranean Sea has been the inspiration for many artists, its mythological waters, its colours, its coasts, its stories. We will delve into several museums on both shores to rescue some of these works devoted to the Mare Nostrum.
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Remembering Adolfo Suárez
Under Adolfo Suárez, Spain quickly emerged from the throes of Francoism and embraced liberal democracy, not without challenges. Now, a decade after his death, we should revisit his key role during the Spanish Transition and the lessons it carries.
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The complicated decarbonisation of the Mediterranean
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28 (Conference of the Parties) held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) at the end of 2023, closed with an agreement described as historic for fulfilling the mandate of the Paris Agreement. The text, for the first time, opened the door to the end of fossil fuels and set the path for decarbonisation of the world's economies. A challenge with a deadline: 2050. And with much to be done in the Mediterranean, where coal, oil and natural gas are still the main sustenance and fuel of the countries in the north and south of this region.
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The 5+5 Initiative, a bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean
The Western Mediterranean Forum, known as the 5+5 Initiative, is an informal multidisciplinary group that includes Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia. The 5+5 Initiative seeks to strengthen mutual knowledge and strengthen links and interoperability between the two sides of the Mediterranean.
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How Security Challenges Shaped the European Union‘s Common Foreign Policy
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine jolted Europe from its peaceful post-World War II era, leading to a unified EU response aiding Kyiv. This underscores the importance of consensus in foreign policy for cohesive security measures. Analyzing pivotal events like 9/11, 2015 terror attacks, and the Ukraine invasion reveals EU's evolving foreign relations stance. While 9/11 initially caught EU off-guard, 2015 showcased unity post-attacks in France and Belgium. The Ukrainian conflict marked a return to Cold War divisions but also signaled a shift to a tougher EU stance against Russia. Exploring potential common policy areas, Africa and disinformation emerge as crucial arenas requiring coordinated EU action, leveraging partnerships and historical ties to counter rival influences.
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Youth in the Mediterranean at the heart of the debate in the European Parliament
Last week, FNF Madrid and ESADE EcPol, in cooperation with Renew Europe, presented in the European Parliament the report: “The Youth of the Mediterranean and the Challenges of a permanent crisis: Income, independence, housing, and future challenges”. The cross-regional survey generates primary research and extensive first-hand data on the situation of different young people in Jordan, Lebanon, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.
