CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE

The paper at hand aims to examine to what extent cooperation between MENA countries and the EU could be strengthened by the EU Green Deal. For example, in the MENA region, high targets for the development of renewable energy have already been set. Given this common goal, new opportunities for cooperation could therefore be opened up with the EU Green Deal. Indeed, Europe will be forced to import renewable energy in the future due to limited land availability and the increased energy needs of the population.

At the same time, however, perceptions on many issues related to climate change diverge. While developed countries, and in particular EU countries, see mitigation projects as the most promising approach to reach the 1.5°C target, Southern regions, such as MENA countries, are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and therefore need more support for adaptation projects to build resilience. It is worth noting that, according to the first Mediterranean Experts' Assessment on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) report published in 2020, the MENA region is one of the most affected places in terms of climate change. MENA countries thus need to strengthen their adaptation efforts, which will also require external support. In this respect, constructive and balanced cooperation with the EU is a strategic choice for most MENA countries. Against this backdrop, the EU Green Deal could offer new opportunities for both shores to achieve their climate goals on a win-win basis if implemented with the needs and interests of all partners in mind.