Forging a sustainable future with the Southern neighbourhood countries: a contemporary pathway for the New Mediterranean agenda

The Euro-Mediterranean region has been marked by a series of crises, from food riots in North African countries during 2007-2011 to the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by climate change and conflicts in the Middle East. This complex and interconnected set of challenges has created a state of uncertainty and instability, leading to what is described as a «poly-crisis» in the Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum. This term signifies the simultaneous occurrence of multiple crises that impact various aspects of society, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of current and future risks to develop effective resilience and mitigation strategies. The New Agenda for the Mediterranean, launched in 2021, prioritizes green and digital transitions, climate resilience, migration and mobility, alongside existing objectives of upholding the rule of law, peace and security in the region. This chapter critically analyzes the evolving role of the new partner countries in the Euro-Mediterranean context, focusing on co￾operation activities and policy instruments adopted by the EU for the Southern Neighbourhood countries, with particular emphasis on the sensitive and challenging issue of migration management. We suggest re-evaluating policies through an innovative interdisciplinary approach, operating at macro and micro levels, harmonizing them for effective collaboration. The Mediterranean basin can be seen as a central hub for shaping and executing development policies; it offers a holistic framework for enhancing understanding and facilitating cooperation across various actors at international, national and local level, a key to fostering inclusive and sustainable development.