A fruitful day of dialogue, exchange and collaboration in Tunis!
On 13 May 2026, the 1st Multi-Programme Projects Energy Dialogue, organized by RESt4GREEN project and hosted by ECOPARK, brought together more than 100 Mediterranean stakeholders to explore practical solutions for clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainability. Labelled by as a Sustainable Energy Day under #EUSEW2026, the event created a valuable space to connect project results with emerging policy priorities.
During the event, participants shared insights from Mediterranean cooperation projects, discussed challenges and opportunities related to the energy transition, and explored how project results can support policy development and behavioural change across the region. The discussions highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation, knowledge sharing and multi-level dialogue in building a more cohesive, resilient and sustainable Mediterranean cooperation landscape!
The event brought together 26 unique speakers across the opening session and four thematic sessions, and it was moderated by Ms. Sonia Torkhani, Master of the ceremony.
The event featured 27 speaking contributions, brought together representatives from 6 ongoing programme frameworks — including Interreg NEXT MED, Interreg Euro-MED, Interreg NEXT Italy-Tunisia, Interreg IPA ADRION, Horizon Europe and LIFE — alongside the closed but still impactful ENI CBC MED Programme, and showcased 28 projects and initiatives working across energy transition, climate resilience, sustainable cities, circular economy, coastal transition and environmental governance.
While our team is currently drafting the key findings, which will be shared with you soon, let’s take a look at some highlights from this inspiring day of dialogue, exchange and collaboration in Tunis.
The event opened with introductory remarks from distinguished representatives of key institutions and programmes, setting the scene for a day of dialogue!
- Nada LACHAAL, CEO of Management Company of Technopark Borj Cedria
- Marco STELLA, Head of the Economic Section, Delegation of the European Union in Tunisia
- Alejandro LAFARGA, Programme Officer, Interreg NEXT MED Programme
- Sophie SCARVELI, Project Unit Manager, Interreg Euro-MED Programme
- Fethi BEN MIMOUN, Ministry of Economy and Planning, National Authority Interreg Next MED/Interreg Next Italy-Tunisia
- Nafaa BACCARI, General Director of the National Agency for Energy Management
Mr. Alejandro Lafarga, presented the programme’s priorities, with a particular focus on the upcoming and final call of the programme. He also shared encouraging messages on the value of cooperation fostered through the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism, which inspired the organisation of this event.
Mr. Alejandro Lafarga, from the Branch office for the Western Mediterranean – Valencia, supported the organisation of the event by extending invitations to the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the National Authority for Interreg NEXT MED / Interreg NEXT Italy-Tunisia, and the Delegation of the European Union in Tunisia. They also launched the call for participation among Tunisian partners of NEXT MED energy-related projects.
Thanks to this effort, the 1st Multi-Programme ProjectsEnergy Dialogue showcased 8 Interreg NEXT MED projects, alongside 3 completed ENI CBC MED projects whose results continue to inspire new cooperation, transferability and impact across the Mediterranean.
Let’s take a closer look at the Interreg NEXT MED Programme initiatives showcased during the event!
RESt4GREEN organised the 1st Multi-Programme Projects Dialogue on Energy in Tunisia! Together with the University of Patras, Greece, Lead Partner of the project, the Management Company of Technopark Borj Cedria (ECOPARK) contributed to the development of the event concept note and agenda, and hosted the event at the Sheraton Hotel in Tunis, Tunisia.
Session 1 — Governance and Policy Frameworks for Mediterranean Energy and Climate Transition
Prof. Emeritus Yorgos Stephanedes, from the University of Patras, presented the contribution of RESt4GREEN under Interreg NEXT MED, while also building on the results of two completed projects: Efficient Buildings under the Interreg MED Programme and SEACAP4SDG under the ENI CBC MED Programme. His presentation highlighted the importance of energy-efficient public buildings as a key pathway for scaling climate action across the Mediterranean. By connecting ongoing and completed cooperation projects, the intervention showcased how existing tools, methodologies and lessons learned can be transferred and capitalised to support local and regional authorities in improving building performance.
The session also showcased the continued impact of ENI CBC MED through completed projects such as SEACAP4SDG and GreenBuilding, highlighting how previous project results can be scaled and transferred to support energy-efficient public buildings and green transition actions.
The GreenBuilding project, funded under the ENI CBC MED Programme, was presented as a concrete example of how Mediterranean cooperation projects can generate lasting impact beyond their implementation period. The presentation was delivered by the host partner ECOPARK, represented by Ms. Amina LAMOUCHI, and focused on the experience of the Mohamed Kassab Orthopaedic Institute in Tunisia. It highlighted the project’s contribution to improving energy performance in public buildings and demonstrated the potential of energy efficiency measures within the healthcare sector.
Mr. Josep Maria Granolles, from the Catalan Institute for Energy, presented RESt4GREEN work on energy efficiency in the Mediterranean from a policy, strategy and governance perspective.
His presentation highlighted the importance of strengthening governance frameworks and aligning policies to accelerate the energy transition across Mediterranean territories. It also underlined the role of energy efficiency as a key priority for reducing energy consumption, improving public building performance and supporting climate objectives in the region.
Supporting this framework Ms. Federica Giardina, from MedCities, highlighted the important role of Mediterranean city networks in supporting the energy transition at local level. Her presentation emphasised how cooperation among local authorities can help cities exchange experiences, strengthen capacities and turn shared climate and energy challenges into coordinated action.
Miljenko Sedlar, from the North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency (REGEA), presented key European initiatives, including AdaptationHubs, NECPlatform and NetZeroCities, supported under LIFE/H2020. His intervention focused on the importance of multilevel governance in shaping effective climate policies, stressing the need for coordination between cities, regions, national authorities and European frameworks to turn climate objectives into concrete action.
Session 2 From Innovation to Implementation: Financing and Delivering Energy Transition
Souha Ferchichi, from the Mediterranean Renewable Energy Centre (MEDREC), presented MAENA, funded under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, while also drawing on the results of completed projects, including Med-EcoSuRe and SEACAP4SDG under the ENI CBC MED Programme, as well as ICAPT, REFAT and EAUSIRIS under MEDREC Programmes. Her presentation highlighted best practices and strategic solutions for advancing energy projects in the Mediterranean, underlining the importance of capitalising on previous project results, transferring tested methodologies and strengthening cooperation among institutions and territories.
Maher Ben Chiekh, from the University of Monastir, presented OpenMod4Africa, funded under Horizon Europe, focusing on renewable energy transition pathways in Tunisia. His contribution introduced an integrated modelling approach to support evidence-based energy planning and decision-making, offering insights into how data, modelling tools and scenario analysis can guide more effective renewable energy strategies.
Ahmed Said Nouri, representing FLOTTANT under Interreg NEXT Italy-Tunisia, presented innovative energy efficiency solutions based on transducers and advanced technologies. His intervention focused on the development of next-generation hybrid energy harvesters and marine energy conversion systems, highlighting the potential of technological innovation to support energy efficiency and renewable energy generation in Mediterranean marine environments.
Session 3 — Innovation for Sustainable Mediterranean Systems
NEXT MED had a strong presence in this session through MATRIX, Gov4GreenMed, SMARTMED and GREENMEDPORTS. These projects addressed circular economy, waste governance, resilient Mediterranean cities, coastal transitions and inclusive decarbonisation strategies, demonstrating the breadth of NEXT MED support for sustainable territorial systems.
Ms. Hanene Akrout, from the Centre of Water Research and Technologies, Wastewater and Environment Laboratory, presented MATRIX. Her intervention focused on the transition from linear to circular models, highlighting how innovation can support more sustainable resource management and contribute to a greener Mediterranean.
Ms. Lamia Sayahi, from the International Center for Environmental Technologies of Tunis, presented Gov4GreenMed. Her presentation addressed the development of local governance models and practical measures for municipal solid waste management and food waste policies, underlining the importance of stronger territorial governance for more sustainable Mediterranean communities.
Ms. Takoua Mrabet, from BUSINESSMED, presented SMARTMED. Her contribution highlighted SMARTMED’s vision to promote resilience, efficiency and sound governance in Mediterranean cities, showcasing how smart solutions can support urban sustainability and strengthen cities’ capacity to respond to environmental and climate challenges.
Ms. Asma Ben Abda, from the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, presented GREENMEDPORTS, which is one of the six projects that are dealing with energy efficiency in Mediterranean for NEXT MED Programme. Her intervention focused on the role of small-scale fishing ports in the energy transition, highlighting inclusive decarbonisation strategies and the need to integrate port ecosystems into broader Mediterranean sustainability and climate action frameworks.
Session 4 — Climate Adaptation, Environmental Governance and Citizen Engagement
The final thematic session featured NEXT MED projects MedFireWise and YouthCare4Planet, focusing on wildfire risk governance, stakeholder engagement and youth participation in environmental governance. Their contributions underlined the importance of inclusive, participatory approaches to climate adaptation and environmental resilience.
Ms. Essia Znouda, from the National Engineering School of Tunis, presented REINTEGRATE. Her presentation focused on integrating sustainability into Mediterranean systems, underlining the importance of systemic approaches that connect environmental, social and economic dimensions. The contribution highlighted how research and innovation can support more resilient, sustainable and inclusive transition pathways across the region.
Mr. Hamdi AOUINTI, from the National Research Institution for Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, presented the MedFireWise project under Interreg NEXT MED. His intervention focused on strengthening governance and stakeholder engagement to improve integrated wildfire risk management across Mediterranean territories.
Mr. Mohamed Ouahebi, from The International Institute of Debate – iiDebate, presented YouthCare4Planet. His intervention highlighted the essential role of young people in promoting more inclusive environmental governance across the Mediterranean. Drawing on practical insights, the presentation showed how youth engagement can strengthen participation, raise awareness and contribute to more democratic and responsive approaches to environmental and climate action.
Across the event, Interreg NEXT MED projects demonstrated a strong and diverse contribution to Mediterranean energy and sustainability challenges, with 8 projects showcased across all thematic sessions. At the same time, ENI CBC MED remained highly visible through 3 completed projects, whose results continue to inspire transferability, capitalisation and future cooperation across the region.
Want to learn more on the Green Living Areas Mission on its first mission in the Southern Mediterranean? Visit the Green Living Areas website for more information that will be released soon!
Many open questions remain to be answered, but one thing was clearly agreed: multi-programme cooperation and dialogue must continue!
Next stop: Alexandria, early October 2026!
With 27 interventions and so many rich exchanges and discussions, there is still much more to share, right?
We’ll keep you posted!
Next Med
