Europe shouldn't only invest in "controls and police" at its borders to manage "northward" migration flows from the southern shores of the Mediterranean. It should also work towards "economic integration" with its southern Mediterranean neighbours to deal with one of the greatest challenges faced by the region today, UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel told ANSA in an interview published on May 11.

If Europe is more economically integrated with the South, then migration flows are managed better and Europe has a "place in the world of the future", Kamel said in the interview.

UfM chief calls for 'complete' vision on migration

The organization headed by Kamel has pledged to deal with the "deep-rooted causes" of migration flows, suggesting solutions that can be part of a framework of "humanitarian cooperation", said the Egyptian diplomat. Such a task requires to analyse phenomena like the climate crisis, scenarios of political instability and economic crises, like the ones linked to the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

The secretary general of the UfM thus called for a "complete" vision on migration that is not limited to "managing" the phenomenon. "It is understandable that European countries are trying to manage the extraordinary influx, they have every right to do so and southern countries, which are trying to give a hand, agree on this," he stated.

"But at the same time", he added, a "discussion" on how Europe can "diversify its investments", using them to "improve the productive situation on the other side of the Mediterranean" would be important, noted Kamel. This is also key because of the huge difference between the area's north and south in terms of demographic trends.

"With a European population constantly shrinking, in addition to migrants the only way to be able to maintain competitiveness is to rely on southern and eastern neighbours," observed Kamel. In addition to the general situation, specific issues should be dealt with, the diplomat said. He mentioned in particular a "quick solution to Libya's political instability" which would "certainly have an impact" on the management of flows.

Climate crisis and objectives of the Spanish presidency of the EU

The global climate crisis is another source of concern in relation to migration and other issues. "The Mediterranean is overheating at a speed that is 20% higher compared to the rest of the world," said Kamel, warning that multiple adverse phenomena are rocking the area much more frequently: from devastating "forest fires" to "sudden floods", from "shrinking water availability" to the increase of "sea levels".

"380 million people live along the coasts of the Mediterranean, some of them could face an existential threat," he commented.

On this issue, however, the UfM chief said there aren't only negative signs. "This is a fully dynamic and proactive region in the adoption of international standards to mitigate and adapt" to the effects of climate change, he noted, adding however that "more can be done".

Kamel cited as an example the renewable energy sector. The diplomat said "low-cost or free" land in the southern area of the region could provide more options to generate solar and wind power to also cover demand in the north.

An opportunity to increase cooperation plans between Europe and the rest of the Mediterranean area could arise in the second semester of this year, when Madrid will take over the rotating EU Council presidency.

"I am quite optimistic given Spain's enthusiasm in wishing to place the Mediterranean at the centre of its presidency, and because I also see other countries sharing this priority," stated the secretary general of the UfM.

Meanwhile, the organization he heads has launched a new initiative called "Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue": the idea is to select each year two cities in the region, one in the northern area and the other in the south, to join them in a sort of twinning initiative to promote "cultural, socio-economic and sporting events."

"The idea is to celebrate our common identity together, as well as to discuss the challenges we are facing", explained Kamel. Applications for the first edition of the event, which will take place in 2025, can already be presented.