The Mediterranean Green Week in Istanbul highlights the benefits of a cross-sectoral approach to dialogue
The event, which counted on the participation of different services of the European Commission (DG NEAR, DG CLIMA, DG ENV and DG ENER), offered an important space for dialogue.
It demonstrated that green transition is gaining traction in the Southern Mediterranean, thus contrasting with the perception of a region with two speeds. The urgency to act on climate action and environment preservation is perceived on both shores, as the risks related to climate change are more and more palpable and opportunities to be seized are increasingly clear to counterparts.
During the event, while the importance of accompanying the transition was highlighted, the necessity to avoid creating imbalances was recalled. For instance, unlocking investments and limiting the negative socio-economic impacts of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on some sectors were discussed as crucial aspects to incentivise the transition.
Finally, adaptation, especially in sectors like water, was also discussed as a key area of action to be reinforced in the region.