Regionalism

Regionalism in the Eastern Mediterranean refers to the growing efforts by countries in the region to form cooperative frameworks and alliances that address common challenges and opportunities. These include geopolitical tensions, energy security, economic integration, migration, and conflict resolution. In recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean has seen increasing collaboration among regional actors, often driven by shared interests in natural resources (especially natural gas), security concerns, and broader geopolitical shifts.

Key Aspects of Regionalism in the Eastern Mediterranean

1. Energy Cooperation and the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)

• Natural Gas Discoveries: The discovery of large natural gas reserves off the coasts of Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus has been a significant catalyst for regionalism in the Eastern Mediterranean. These resources offer the potential for energy independence, regional economic growth, and an opportunity for energy export to Europe.
• The EMGF: In 2019, the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) was established, bringing together key regional players, including Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority, with France joining later. The EMGF aims to foster energy cooperation, create a stable gas market, and facilitate the development of infrastructure to export gas to Europe and other regions.
• Exclusion of Turkey: A notable aspect of the EMGF is Turkey’s exclusion, which underscores the regional tensions, particularly regarding maritime borders and gas exploration rights in disputed waters.

2. Security Cooperation and Alliances

• Shared Security Challenges: The Eastern Mediterranean faces numerous security threats, including terrorism, illegal migration, and instability in neighboring regions (such as the ongoing Syrian civil war). These challenges have pushed countries to cooperate more closely in defense and security matters.
• Greece-Cyprus-Israel-Egypt Alliance: One of the most prominent emerging alliances is between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt. These countries have enhanced their cooperation through joint military exercises, intelligence-sharing, and diplomatic coordination. They see common ground in promoting regional stability, countering Turkish influence, and securing their energy interests.
• Naval Cooperation: The rising tensions over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and disputed waters, particularly between Turkey and Greece/Cyprus, have also spurred closer naval cooperation between these countries to protect their maritime boundaries and offshore resources.

3. Economic Integration and Infrastructure Development

• Trade and Investment: Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean are increasingly exploring opportunities for economic integration, including investments in infrastructure, shipping, and energy projects. Greece, for example, has positioned itself as a major hub for global shipping, with Piraeus becoming one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean.
• EastMed Pipeline Project: The proposed EastMed Pipeline, which would transport natural gas from Israel and Cyprus to Greece and Italy, highlights how energy cooperation is driving deeper economic and infrastructural integration in the region. While the project faces challenges, particularly due to its high cost and environmental concerns, it remains a central part of regional economic planning.
• EU Support: The European Union has been a significant supporter of regional economic projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, as they align with European goals of diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on Russian gas.

4. Geopolitical and Diplomatic Dimensions

• Regional Rivalries: Regionalism in the Eastern Mediterranean is heavily influenced by geopolitical rivalries, particularly between Turkey and its neighbors. Turkey’s assertive policies regarding gas exploration and its disputes with Greece and Cyprus over maritime borders have led to heightened tensions.
• Turkey’s Position: Turkey is a major regional power and an important player in Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics. However, its unilateral actions, such as conducting exploratory gas drilling in contested waters, have alienated it from other regional actors and strained its relations with NATO and the EU.
• US and Russia’s Influence: Both the United States and Russia play significant roles in shaping regional dynamics. The U.S. supports energy cooperation through the 3+1 framework (Greece, Cyprus, Israel, plus the U.S.), while Russia maintains close ties with Syria and has military interests in the region, including a naval base in Tartus.

5. Cultural and Historical Ties

• Shared Civilizational Heritage: The Eastern Mediterranean is home to ancient civilizations, and this shared cultural and historical heritage has been a foundation for diplomatic and cultural exchanges. Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt have long-standing historical ties, which are often referenced in modern diplomatic efforts to promote regional cooperation.
• Soft Power and Regional Influence: Cultural diplomacy, tourism, and academic exchanges also play roles in strengthening ties within the region. Countries like Greece, Israel, and Egypt, which have rich historical and cultural resources, promote tourism and cultural exchanges as part of their broader diplomatic efforts.

Challenges to Regionalism

While there is increasing cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, significant challenges remain that complicate the prospects for fully realized regionalism:

1. Territorial Disputes and Maritime Boundaries: The most prominent issue is the ongoing dispute over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), especially between Turkey and Greece/Cyprus. Turkey’s claims overlap with those of Cyprus and Greece, and Ankara’s military assertiveness in the region, including drilling activities in contested waters, has heightened tensions.
2. Exclusion of Turkey: While regional cooperation among non-Turkish actors is growing, Turkey’s exclusion from key initiatives like the EMGF highlights deep political divisions. Any long-term regional stability or integration is unlikely without Turkey’s involvement, but its current assertive foreign policy creates a roadblock to its inclusion.
3. Conflicting Alliances and External Actors: The involvement of extra-regional powers such as Russia, China, and the United States complicates regionalism. For example, Russia’s military presence in Syria and its ties with Turkey contrast with the U.S.’s close relations with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
4. Political Instability and Conflicts: Political instability in neighboring regions, especially the ongoing war in Syria, the instability in Libya, and broader Middle East tensions, impact regional security. This limits the ability of Eastern Mediterranean countries to focus on long-term regional integration.

Conclusion

Regionalism in the Eastern Mediterranean is evolving, driven by the shared interests of countries in areas such as energy security, economic integration, and geopolitical cooperation. Initiatives like the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) and growing alliances between countries like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt are key developments in this regional dynamic. However, challenges such as territorial disputes, Turkey’s exclusion from some regional frameworks, and the influence of external powers complicate the path toward deeper integration. The region’s complex mix of cooperation and rivalry makes it a critical geopolitical arena for both local and global actors.