Introduction
The 2024 edition of WeMed offers a detailed and multidimensional analysis of the social, economic, environmental, and gender dynamics of Mediterranean countries, reflecting the complexity and deep interconnections that characterise this region. The Mediterranean, a crossroads of cultures, economies, and geopolitics, represents both a space of significant challenges and an arena of opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development. This publication is organised into four main thematic areas: Population and Society, Economy, Environment and Natural Resources, and Gender Inequalities, providing an integrated and comparative perspective on the region.
The approach adopted in this collection integrates multiple domains, from demographic and labour market changes to issues concerning health, education, macroeconomics, international relations, agriculture, environment, and infrastructure. Gender issues are addressed transversally but are also explored in depth in a dedicated section.
The opening chapters focus on demographic dynamics, analysing birth, fertility, and infant mortality rates, highlighting significant regional disparities. Population growth, more pronounced in North African and Middle Eastern countries compared to the European Union, reflects differing development models that pose critical challenges in terms of sustainability and social policies. The analysis of age structure and life expectancy further illustrates how Mediterranean countries are facing significant demographic changes, with an ageing population in European nations and a predominance of younger cohorts in non-European countries.
The labour market is examined through activity and employment rates, revealing significant inequalities, particularly regarding gender and youth access. In the European Union, while youth participation is relatively stable, gender disparities and challenges related to job quality remain evident. In North African and Middle Eastern countries, low participation rates for women and young people highlight the urgency of targeted socio-economic inclusion policies.
Social issues, including food security, health, and education, provide insight into the social disparities across the Mediterranean. Food insecurity is more acute in North African and Middle Eastern countries, while the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes shows a general increase, underscoring the need for interventions promoting healthier lifestyles. Regarding education, EU and Western Balkan countries have achieved high levels of enrolment, whereas significant delays persist in parts of North Africa.
Macroeconomic analysis highlights the region's economic fragmentation. While the Mediterranean is dominated by the advanced economies of the European Union, faster growth is observed in the emerging economies of North Africa and the Middle East. Disparities in GDP distribution and added value reflect the varying levels of development among nations, with Turkey and Israel emerging as key economic players in their respective areas.
In terms of international relations, trade flows and foreign direct investment reveal a strong dependence on energy resources in North African countries, while the European Union benefits from greater diversification. The analysis of trade balances and exports emphasises the need for stronger economic integration among the region's macro-areas.
The section on environment and territory explores natural resource management, highlighting increasing water stress in non-European countries and progress in protecting natural areas within the European Union. Urban populations continue to rise, placing additional pressure on natural resources and infrastructure systems.
Agriculture, with its deep regional differences, remains a key component of food security and environmental sustainability. While European countries have made progress in sustainable agricultural practices, North African countries face significant challenges related to water scarcity and climate change. Fertiliser use and agricultural emissions remain critical issues for many nations.
The analysis of infrastructure and energy highlights the importance of maritime connectivity and renewable energy for sustainable economic development. EU economies demonstrate more advanced infrastructure, but North African and Middle Eastern nations are rapidly improving their logistical performance and capacity to integrate clean energy.
The final chapters delve into gender inequalities, examining women's participation in the labour market, their political representation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. In North Africa and the Middle East, gender disparities are particularly pronounced, while European countries show significant progress, albeit with remaining gaps. Indicators such as the Gender Inequality Index and the Gender Development Index provide a clear picture of the challenges to achieving greater equality.
Gender issues are addressed as a standalone theme to highlight their cross-cutting nature and critical impact on socio-economic development in the Mediterranean area. Gender inequalities are not merely a matter of social justice; they directly influence fundamental aspects such as labour markets, access to education, political participation, and health. This necessitates a specific focus to understand their implications on multiple levels.
In the Mediterranean region, this theme assumes particular relevance for two main reasons:
- Cultural and structural diversity among macro-regions: In EU countries, gender gaps are less pronounced due to more advanced policies, though disparities remain significant, particularly in leadership and economic participation. In North African and Middle Eastern countries, cultural, social, and institutional barriers strongly limit women's access to education, paid work, and political life.
- Impact on sustainable development: Women’s empowerment is an essential element for economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainability. Greater inclusion of women improves economic productivity, strengthens communities, and promotes fairer and more inclusive governance. Reducing gender inequalities is therefore crucial not only for ensuring equity but also for fostering overall progress in the region.
Addressing gender issues as a standalone topic highlights the connection between women’s rights and regional development, underlining how their inclusion is a strategic priority for improving economic and social conditions across the Mediterranean.
Finally, it is worth noting that all indicators in the database can be visualised through a dashboard that represents national time series and territorial distributions of each indicator with charts and maps. Additionally, the statistical information base is accompanied by metadata documentation to ensure transparency in the methodological choices adopted.
In conclusion, WeMed 2024 aims to provide, through its thematic analyses and robust data foundation, an analytical tool to understand regional dynamics and propose integrated policies that promote equitable, sustainable, and cooperative development in the Mediterranean area.