“Europe’s credibility is at stake” in the Mediterranean region said Franco Frattini, former European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security (2004-2008), at a seminar organized by the EIB Institute in collaboration with the Bocconi Alumni Association Luxembourg.

Europe is “not doing very much” to understand or to prevent the turbulences shaking the region, added Mr Frattini who also served twice as Italy’s Foreign Minister (2002-2004, 2008-2011). These turbulences stem from economic factors (poverty, unemployment, inequalities) but also from historical conflicts (Western Sahara…) as well as tribal and religious divisions. The most visible result is massive migration flows of which – despite what most Europeans think – the majority happens at the regional level.

Franco Frattini would like to see a “common EU-Mediterranean policy based on equal partnership”. For him, it is “crucial to take into account the human dimension of all the dynamics going on in the region” and to propose a “new approach that addresses the root causes of the situation”.

Mr Frattini is currently President of the Italian Society for International Organization and Justice and Chamber President of the Italian Supreme Administrative Court.