Summary :
Abstract
The Euro-Mediterranean region, which involves Southern European, North African and Eastern Mediterranean countries, faces both significant challenges and opportunities in advancing multi-level cooperation. This paper explores the crucial yet often overlooked role of young people and individuals up to 39 years from both shores of the Mediterranean in fostering long-term regional stability through cross-sectoral dialogue. While existing literature addresses cultural exchanges and mobility, it tends to focus on short-term economic impacts rather than the broader, long-term contributions of youth to regional cohesion and stability. Shifting the focus from traditional macro-level, state-centric policies to a micro-level, long-term perspective, this research underscores the transformative potential of young individuals and civil society organisations (CSOs). Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates network mapping, and both quantitative and qualitative data collection through online questionnaires, written interviews, and focus groups. The sample include individuals under 40 – students, junior researchers, young professionals – engaged with research institutes, consulting firms, and grassroots organisations across the European Union (EU) and Southern Mediterranean region. Drawing on neo-functionalist and transnationalist theories, the study demonstrates how youth-driven interactions and mobility can strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and enhance the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) framework through multi-level cooperation and cross-sectoral dialogue. The collected data underscore the potential of cross-sectoral dialogue as an effective mechanism for youth engagement in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. However, they also highlight the need for more structured forms of aggregation and political reforms that formally integrate youth into decision-making processes. Since institutional constraints hinder spill-over effects, further cooperation remains challenging to sustain.