EMNES economists advocate a “blue transition” in the Mediterranean region

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MEDITERRANEAN. The blue transition addresses the future of the Mediterranean and is based on three interactive pillars. This vision must first of all promote dialogue among the many Mediterranean civilizations –the different cultures, religions and national identities- rather than focus on setting them against each other and ending up with what is known as a “red” transition. Then, if this roadmap is to succeed, it is essential to obtain support for a common project aimed at regional integration, on a win-win basis. Lastly, regional strategies and joint action plans must be put in place to further inclusiveness and sustainable development.

Speaking at the Euro-Mediterranean Network for Economic Studies (EMNES) annual conference in Brussels on 27th June, 2019, Rym Ayadi, founder and president, brought up the acronym TRIS (Transparent, Responsible, Inclusive and Sustainable) in connection with transition in the areas of energy and the environment, the economy, society and governance, a model she believes will become predominant by 2050. The model aims to instil trust by increasing accountability for decisions, actions and objectives, both past and present (Transparent). It also involves managing the foreseen and unforeseen consequences in the future and reflecting on their acceptability on an ethical level (Responsible), taking into account what is socially desirable for today’s generations (Inclusive) and being concerned about what we are going to leave future generations (Sustainable).

"TRIS can provide an answer to the prosperity paradox: the digital era provides us with unlimited potential for innovation and economic progress, but prosperity has stalled. It can also tackle the issue of the acceleration in the number of new technologies and discoveries,” says Rym Ayadi.
 
“At present, the Euro-Mediterranean project is not a joint project, it’s an individual project with a bilateral approach. But we should be talking about a regional commonwealth,” she adds, insisting that “we know governments’ role in pushing reforms, but everybody must contribute to the decisions.” EMNES does not want this road map to circulate only among economists, but also among decision-makers and citizens and in universities, to increase awareness.

The president of the Mediterranean network of economists is calling for “a paradigm shift in the world of work, involving contracts and worker mobility in Southern Mediterranean countries.” According to Ayadi, “The vision of the blue transition, indeed, is to determine how to create jobs.”