Industrial Decarbonization and Climate Diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean Region. How Italy can help the EU drive towards its goals

The new European Commission has made industrial decarbonisation and competitiveness top priorities, but both are facing growing challenges. To overcome political, economic and energy challenges, alongside rising competition, Europe needs a fresh and forward-looking strategy. This includes improving energy security and affordability, and rethinking its partnerships with other regions. Strengthening ties with neighbours like the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa will be essential. These partnerships should go beyond energy trade to include clean energy like hydrogen and electricity, as well as joint investments in technology and industrial development. This approach is reflected in the recently announced Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships, which point to a new kind of strategic cooperation. Given its geographical position and long-standing relations with these regions, Italy has a great opportunity to play a critical role.

The event, hosted by Hon. Giorgio Gori, is an opportunity to discuss the measures proposed in the Clean Industrial Deal and how Europe can move forward on both industrial decarbonisation and competitiveness by building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships, with a particular focus on Italy’s role in the EU.

The event will be kickstarted by the presentation of two new research papers by Istituto Affari Internazionali, developed in collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund Europe, focused on EU goals and potential role of Italy in promoting a just and coordinated transition.