SHADE MED stands out as a beacon of collective engagement to discuss the security complexities of the Mediterranean. This year edition underscores the importance of shared responsibility in navigating the intricate issues that affect the region.
MARCOM, EUNAVFOR MED and other stakeholders ranging from the navies, diplomacy, shipping community and academia among many others, converged their diverse voices to come together and collectively address the core issues affecting the maritime security in the Mediterranean.
SHADE MED represents the important roles that both NATO and EU play in the Mediterranean and the close relations built over many years particularly in the maritime domain. However, we have space for improvement and be more efficient through better coordination in full agreement with the NATO-EU strategic partnership
EUNAVFOR MED and MARCOM have co-organized the SHADE MED conference, between 6 and 7 December in Rome to discuss Mediterranean maritime security. This year’s edition, the 12th edition addressed on the theme “Managing common challenges together in the Mediterranean
Managing common challenges in the Mediterranean requires a shared commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and innovative solutions. The conference not only reflected the EU's and NATO dedication to addressing regional complexities but also highlights the significance of partnerships and collective action in ensuring the security and stability of the Mediterranean region.
“SHADE MED represents the important roles that both NATO and EU play in the Mediterranean and the close relations built over many years particularly in the maritime domain” said Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre, Deputy Commander Allied Maritime Command. “However we have space for improvement and be more efficient through better coordination in full agreement with the NATO-EU strategic partnership”.
On conclusion, MARCOM Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre identified three main areas where MARCOM might explore further means to enhance efficiency. First, information sharing between EUNAVFOR MED and MARCOM. Second, unclassified information sharing between Operation Irini and the NATO Shipping Centre. Third and last, to extend the work of the NATO-EU Task Force on critical undersea infrastructure to the operational level, to increase common understanding, all with appropriate political approval.
“SHADE MED is an open forum bridging three continents from North to South and East to West” said Rear Admiral Stefano Turchetto, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR MED. “Taken as exemplary reference by the latest EU Maritime Security Strategy as an outstanding mechanism for sharing awareness and great tool for multilateral engagement”.