Introduction
This week saw major developments in the Euro-Mediterranean region, from rising geopolitical tensions to technological advancements and environmental concerns. Here’s a roundup of the top stories and upcoming events.
Top 5 News Stories of the Week
1. Middle East Conflict Escalates: Iran Retaliates Against Israel
Date: October 1, 2024
A wave of missiles from Iran targets Israel in response to the assassination of key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas. A ceasefire remains a distant option, with no signs of de-escalation in sight.
Read more on NPR.
2. Microsoft Invests €4.3 Billion to Boost AI in Northern Italy
Date: October 2, 2024
Microsoft’s investment promises to elevate Italy’s AI capabilities, bringing it to the forefront of digital innovation in the Mediterranean.
Read the full article here.
3. Power Cuts and Extreme Weather: Malta’s Top Emergency Concerns
Date: October 3, 2024
Malta is facing increasing challenges due to climate change, with frequent power cuts and extreme weather conditions becoming critical concerns for emergency preparedness.
Source: Times of Malta
4. New Report: Digital Surveillance Technologies for Migration Control at Spain’s Southern Border
Date: October 4, 2024
EuroMed Rights and AlgoRace have launched their new report: “Digital Technologies for Migration Control at the Spanish Southern Border: A Journey to the Cross-Cutting Edge of Digital Automation in Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands.”
Over the past two decades, the use of digital technologies at the borders of the European Union has increased significantly. The EU and its member states are investing in technologies to track migration flows, collect biometric data, and monitor maritime borders with drones and thermal cameras. However, the report reveals that at Spain’s southern border, the installation of these systems has been slow and costly, complicating the process of border management.
Read the full report here: Digital Surveillance Technologies Report.
5. Tunisia Heads to Elections
Date: October 6, 2024
This weekend, Tunisia heads to the polls in a highly anticipated national election. The outcome will be closely watched by both regional and international observers.
Source: Al Jazeera
Past Events Recap & Upcoming Events
Event Recap:
- October 2, 2024 – Faro, Portugal:
The 16th Meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy took place, with discussions on strategies to manage marine and coastal resources. - October 2, 2024 – Cairo, Egypt:
For the first time, the European Commission, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), and League of Arab States (LAS) teamed up to host a high-level meeting on science diplomacy. Held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, the event brought together government officials, diplomats, and scientists from across the Mediterranean to explore how science, technology, and innovation can act as positive forces for dialogue and cooperation in the region. See more
Upcoming Events:
- October 6, 2024 – Tunisia Elections:
Keep an eye on the results of this election, which will shape Tunisia’s political future.
Funding and Job Opportunities
Fellowship Opportunity – Center for Advanced Studies, Rijeka (Croatia)
The Center for Advanced Studies has launched a regional call for fellowship applications, encouraging scholars from across the Mediterranean to apply.
Apply here.
Job Openings – Union for the Mediterranean
Job Opportunity: Finance and Accounting Officer
Organization: Union for the Mediterranean
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Deadline: October 13, 2024
The Union for the Mediterranean is hiring a Finance and Accounting Officer to support the Legal & Administration Department. The role involves preparing financial reports, managing assets and liabilities, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and assisting with monthly accounts.
Apply by October 13, 2024: Link to Job Description
Funding Opportunity – UfM Grant Scheme
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has launched a grant scheme to support the expansion of e-commerce across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Grants of up to €300,000 are available, with a focus on projects that address gender equality, the environment, and climate action.
Eligible businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply by October 28, 2024.
Read the guidelines and apply here.
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