A new agenda for the Mediterranean: are the EU tools and means of action up to its ambitions?

The primary objective of the “FUTURE FOR ALL - Advancing Cross-Generational Collaboration through Futures Literacy (FFA)” project is to encourage active participation of citizens in the life of their respective neighborhoods with a specific emphasis on promoting intergenerational cooperation. The project addressed to elderly and youth residing in youth sociotheraphy centres (and the educators of the respective groups) identifies specific objectives: Face social problems between generations and contributing to lifelong learning Fight stereotypes, improve mutual knowledge and understanding Transfer of knowledge between Norway and Poland, and exchange of experience in applying futures thinking tools in working with intergenerational group Equip seniors and (socially maladjusted) youth with Futures Literacy tools to help them achieve developmental goals for their life stage Raise awareness of the local environment and a sense of responsibility, and agency to improve it To achieve these goals, the project intend to leverage the innovative approach of Futures Literacy to empower and engage the two crucial demographics. Futures Literacy is a concept and methodology developed by the UNESCO that presents an altered perspective on how to perceive and engage with the future (UNESCO, n.a.). It is a cognitive skill and a framework designed to enhance one’s capacity to comprehend, navigate and shape the complex and uncertain nature of the future. Apart from Futures Literacy approach the project will use additional activities designed to address key issues and encourage intergenerational collaboration such as: anti-stereotype and integrational workshops to provide a platform for both generations to openly discuss and challenge stereotypes that may hinder effective collaboration and understanding Urban Game Design: The elderly will take the lead in designing an urban game for the youth, offering them an opportunity to explore and connect with the city they know from a different perspective Planting activity: A shared activity of planting flowers will be organised to foster active citizenship and environmental awareness among the groups. Intergenerational trip: Organisation of a day trip to a museum or a concert chosen by either the elderly or the youth hold immense potential for interesting experiences among the participants The activities planned in the project support intergenerational cooperation, leverage the strengths of different age groups, creating a synergy that is particularly relevant in the context of modern world. By promoting understanding, collaboration, and mutual support among generations we can collectively adapt to and address the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. The project will also strengthen bilateral cooperation between Poland and Norway in the area of building social capital in local communities. It will be achieved by a Polish and a Norwegian organisation that will combine their experiences in supporting active citizenship in their various environments and by using their different areas of expertise. Funding: Fund for Bilateral Relations, hereinafter referred to as the “FBR” the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 and Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 Project Leader: CASE Project Partner: Fremtenkt

  The study will contribute to the reflection on possible policy solutions to affordable sustainable housing in the EU, by examining a number of initiatives taken at (sub)national level innovating in the field of housing and determining how these could be relevant in a European context. The current challenges surrounding the availability of affordable and … Continued

The aim of the study is to collect, map and share good practices, examples and success stories of investing in disaster resilience (including but not limited to in response to past disasters and the lessons learned from them) at local and regional level. The study focuses on collecting evidence on initiatives, good practice examples and measures taken by the NAT commission members to improve disaster resilience. The study will be built on interviews with NAT commission members based on a questionnaire. The study will also draw conclusions on the benefits of investing in disaster resilience and make some recommendations to local and regional authorities for moving forward based on the success stories collected from the members demonstrating that smart investment at local and regional level can make a difference in disaster risk reduction. The focus will be mainly, but not exclusively, on extreme weather events and climate-related disasters, given their growing frequency, intensity and impact. The study will contribute to knowledge sharing and exchange of good practices, by collecting and sharing success stories from and by members who have invested in reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening disaster resilience at local and regional level. As a repository of local and regional good practice examples, initiatives and measures relating to disaster preparedness and resilience, the aim of the study is also to feed into a bigger and longer-term project to map success stories of investing in disaster resilience on the ground.

The world is currently facing a water crisis driven by overdemand, mismanagement and the impacts of the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Alarmingly, 40% of the global population resides in regions confronting water scarcity.  In the southern Mediterranean, particularly within the MENA region, the situation is even more dire. This area … Continued

  In its 2023 enlargement package, the European Commission recommended that the Council open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Moreover, it recommended that the Council grant Georgia the status of candidate country and open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria has been achieved.  The … Continued

The study commissioned to CASE by the Committee of the Regions and entitled “Tourism and Rural Development” is to provide a brief analysis of the main barriers and enablers to tourism as part of rural development in the European Union from the perspective of subnational governments. The study also will pay attention to identify supporting … Continued

  This study aimed to assess the prospects of, and underlying conditions for, a joint diplomatic EU-US initiative to support the Middle East Peace Process, and ultimately a viable, sustainable and peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, in line with applicable international law.  The paper prepared by CASE and IMED experts evaluates the possibility of … Continued

  The project will examine what causal mechanisms link the pseudo-causal policy narratives and policy outcomes in the European Union’s trade-development-migration nexus (hereafter, T-D-M nexus), and how they do it. To address this question, the project will focus on the narratives about addressing the root causes of migration through trade and development cooperation, produced by … Continued

In a context of changing labour market needs due to the green and digital transitions and the still gaping skill divides across society, the European Commission proposes a number of actions ‘to give a fresh impetus to lifelong learning’. This includes ‘Promoting increased, and more effective and inclusive investment in training and upskilling to harness … Continued

  In its 2023 enlargement package, the European Commission recommended that the Council open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Moreover, it recommended that the Council grant Georgia the status of candidate country and open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria has been achieved.  The … Continued

  Since February 2022, the war in Ukraine has significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape and exacerbated the multiple challenges and tensions in the Mediterranean region. The conflict has highlighted the vulnerability of traditional energy supply routes, and the need to reassess future energy development strategies in the Mediterranean region. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical uncertainties … Continued

  The COVID-19 pandemic, the war right on our doorstep, the devastating floods in Slovenia, wildfires in Greece and Cyprus, relentless heatwaves in Italy and Spain, to name just a few: all of them highlight the need to better prepare for, cope with and recover from disasters and crises. It is one of the most important challenges for … Continued