Shaping the Digital Future of the Euro-Mediterranean Region

Conceived and founded by the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the Forum offers young experts the chance to share experiences and issue concrete proposals on relevant topics. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend capacity building sessions to boost their research and communication skills.

The Forum is part of the Euromed Young Researchers Lab, which aims to boost the research capacities of young experts across the Mediterranean, give visibility and recognition to their work, strengthen exchanges and stimulate research on issues of common interest, in particular in the fields of economic development, migration and security.

Focus Areas

• The role of youth in influencing and shaping digital sovereignty policies in the region
• The impact of digital sovereignty on young people’s access to education, employment, and digital opportunities
• The intersection of digital and green transitions, exploring how digitalisation can drive sustainable development in the region and create green jobs for youth
• The use of digital technologies to address environmental challenges, from green hydrogen to smart agriculture and waste management
• Digital tools and migration: how can digitalisation impact migration flows, what impact does new technology on free movement and human rights?
• The opportunities and risks of digitalisation for young people, including issues of data privacy, cybersecurity, and the potential for youth-led innovation in the digital sector
• How young people can address challenges of digital inequality and contribute to building a more inclusive digital future

Costs Covered

• The Euromed Youth Forum will last 3 full days (15 and 17 September), participants are expected to travel to Mollina on 14 September and depart on 17 September in the afternoon or 18 September (depending on flight availability).
• The IEMed will provide round-trip flight tickets, accommodation expenses and meals during the Forum, and will cover visa costs. Participants will be accommodated in double or triple rooms at the venue.

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidates shall:
  • Be researchers or students between 18 and 35 years of age who have attained at least a bachelor’s degree;
  • Be affiliated to a research centre, a university or organisation based in one of the UfM countries (priority will be given to researchers affiliated to EuroMeSCo member organisations);
  • Demonstrate interest in the Forum’s themes;
  • Demonstrated academic and/or professional background with regards to the Forum’s theme is desirable.

Selection Criteria

• The selection process will be completed by 23 June 2025. All applicants will be notified by e-mail of the results of their application.
• Selected participants will be asked to prepare a 1-2 pages Concept Note on their selected research topic ahead of the event.
• After the Forum, at least 6 authors will be selected to develop and convert their Concept Notes into a EuroMeSCo Policy Brief (about 3,000 words).
• Authors selected for publishing Policy Briefs will be remunerated.

For more information, visit EuroMeSCo.