We had the pleasure of bringing together some of our most influential voices in political, academic, and ethical thought at the second edition of the Mediterranean Economic and Social Forum, held on June 17 and 18 in Málaga, Spain. This event, promoted by Prensa Ibérica and Fundación “la Caixa”, aims to position the Mediterranean as a strategic axis to address global challenges—from mobility and energy to the blue economy and sustainable urban development.

Our participating experts included Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy; Matteo Renzi, Italian senator; David Abulafia, Professor of Mediterranean History at the University of Cambridge; and Carissa Véliz, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford. These voices, coming from diverse areas of expertise, offered their perspectives on the Mediterranean’s role in shaping the global future.

In this context, Enrico Letta—who opened the forum—emphasized the urgent need to reconnect younger generations with the European political project. Drawing from his close experience as a university professor, he warned of a profound shift in social perceptions, where politics is no longer seen as an aspirational path among young people. He also underscored the importance of ethics and civic engagement as fundamental pillars to revitalize democracy and foster a more committed and conscious citizenry.

In light of the deep transformations occurring across all sectors and countries, Matteo Renzi offered a clear vision: the Mediterranean has the potential to become a key player in addressing the geopolitical challenges affecting Europe. At Thinking Heads, we sought his insights into the main obstacles Europe faces in strengthening its geopolitical position and increasing its autonomy. His response pointed to one of the defining challenges of the 21st century: Europe will only be able to reclaim a leading role if it commits fully to political action and overcomes the barriers currently holding it back. Achieving this bold and ambitious goal will require eliminating excessive regulation, reducing bureaucracy, and placing a strong emphasis on talent, artificial intelligence, innovation, and the space economy.

Another pressing issue for the region is unregulated tourism, and in the case of the Mediterranean Sea, the overuse of its resources, which is increasingly resulting in environmental consequences. However, David Abulafia called for a renewed appreciation of the sea’s historic role as a nexus of connection and civilization. To explore the region’s complex present-day challenges, we asked him about the evolving relationship between the EU and the Mediterranean. He pointed to long-standing obstacles rooted in history: historical antagonisms, military alliances, and other geopolitical factors that have long created divergent views and difficulties in negotiations.

In a world shaped by algorithms and digital platforms, there are significant advances—but also emerging risks. In this regard, Carissa Véliz focused on the ethical implications of the technological revolution and the management of personal data, particularly with respect to privacy. She highlighted the abuses committed by organizations and governments worldwide, warning of the threat this poses to individual privacy and to democracy itself. Véliz also raised concerns about exposing children to technology, noting that we are raising monitored youth rather than critical citizens.

The Mediterranean serves as a bridge between cultures, economies, and civilizations. At Thinking Heads, we remain committed to working alongside organizations to bring the expertise of influential voices to support the region’s progress and strategic autonomy.