In 1995, the Barcelona Declaration established political objectives to transform the Mediterranean basin into a common space of peace, stability, and prosperity, strengthening political and security dialogue, as well as economic, social, and cultural cooperation. It has three main pillars: peace, economic prosperity, and sociocultural rapprochement.
As a result of this agreement, the Union for the Mediterranean was created in 2008, headquartered in Barcelona and governed by representatives from both shores. With 43 member countries, its purpose is stability and integration throughout the region. Since its inception, it has promoted numerous projects, including railway networks in Jordan, wind farms in Tafila, desalination plants in the Gaza Strip, and initiatives to clean the Mediterranean of plastics, among others.
That political initiative undoubtedly made sense, reflecting the vision of its creators in the 1990s. It was both appropriate and feasible at that time. It recognized the need to tackle the region's challenges in a coordinated manner between the states on both shores of the Mediterranean and served as an example of effective multilevel governance. However, the usefulness and efficiency of the institution, as well as the achievement of its objectives, require the coordination and political will of each state, making it challenging to consolidate the project.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine, entering a new phase since October 7, 2023, has brought Gaza and the Mediterranean into global focus. International organizations and all activated diplomatic mechanisms, including the Union for the Mediterranean, have once again faced a difficult test that they have not passed.
The failure of international management, evident in the number of civilian, particularly child, casualties, the escalation of violence, and the impossibility of reaching a ceasefire, highlight the need to improve the operational systems of these institutions and, specifically, to prevent the blocking of joint actions by the will of a single state. It is a good time to focus on decision-making processes, ensuring they are adopted by majority rather than unanimity. If we truly consider international institutions necessary to address global challenges, a good solution might be to extend the delegation of state competencies to supranational bodies, as in the case of the EU. By ceding sovereignty and proceeding with the signing of public international law instruments such as treaties, along with the corresponding constitutional guarantees in each state.
We are in a state of shock; let’s be clear about that. The atrocities being perpetrated in the Gaza Strip provoke sadness, helplessness, and suffering, exacerbated by the constant live television coverage of a tragedy, while we see institutions failing to act. The power of communication and dissemination through social networks is undeniable, and images are reaching every corner of the world. We are witnessing an abuse of military force unparalleled in other contemporary situations, something we had not seen live until now.
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has been a critical voice regarding what is happening and has denounced the situation, but more actions are needed. A country geographically distant from the conflict, South Africa, has taken a stand and initiated proceedings before the International Court of Justice for genocide. Even the Spanish Prime Minister advocates for the recognition of the Palestinian state. Additionally, besides the essential role of UNRWA, private organizations like Open Arms and World Central Kitchen are providing a glimmer of hope to the population in Gaza.
We do not want to remain mere spectators of atrocities; we want peace and for the international bodies we have created to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens, in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in the world.
By Max Vives-Fierro, lawyer and trustee of the Foundation.
