1) The Mediterranean has always been at the heart of your political and cultural commitment. In an Europe currently fraught with new tensions, what is the significance of the concept of a shared Mediterranean space today?
"We must change the paradigm regarding the Mediterranean. It should no longer be seen merely as a link between Suez and Gibraltar, but as a 'liquid continent'—a political and cultural space that unites rather than divides. The term 'Euro-Mediterranean' often carries overtones of neo-colonialism. Our future depends on recognizing the Mediterranean as a sea of interdependence. This is the core objective of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which envisions a common space: a path aimed at making Europe more 'Mediterranean' and the Mediterranean more 'European' through cooperation, peace, and the protection of rights. This framework will define my parliamentary work as Rapporteur representing the Greens/EFA Group.
2) As Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries of the European Parliament, what priorities do you believe should guide the strengthening of ties between the European Union and this strategic region?
"The Mashreq is a region defined by profound tensions and conflicts. The European Union must champion political dialogue, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the strengthening of state institutions by collaborating with regional partners and multilateral actors. While energy security, counter-terrorism, and the fight against criminal networks remain central objectives, the European Union must also commit itself to a diplomacy of peace and the rigorous application of sanctions for massacres, genocide, and war crimes.
3) The Mediterranean is one of the youngest regions in the world. How can the European Union help leverage this human capital by promoting training, exchange, and employment programs that connect young talent to European economic and entrepreneurial networks?
"The European Union must take decisive action on education, mobility, and integration into economic and entrepreneurial systems. The Pact proposes the establishment of a Mediterranean University and the expansion of Erasmus programs to include more dedicated scholarships for young people. However, we must also support vocational and technical training, foster partnerships, and increase circular mobility programs. These would allow non-European youth to gain expertise and work in Europe, before returning to their home countries equipped with new skills to contribute to their local economies.
4) Migration from the Eastern Mediterranean remains a litmus test for Europe’s credibility. What choices can transform a recurring crisis into a framework of shared responsibility?
"First and foremost, we must commit to a policy of reception and integration, valuing the contribution of migrants who are now a reality that can no longer be ignored. The solution is certainly not a 'security-first' approach that treats those who are different as a threat. Nor is it the externalization of migration policies—such as the criminogenic agreements with the gangs and criminals referred to as 'Libyan authorities'—nor 'white elephants' like the useless processing centers in Albania commissioned by the Meloni government. In Albania, as in Tunisia or Libya, we see a massive waste of public resources that also violates fundamental rights and criminalizes migrants. We must open legal and safe migration channels, establish labor migration programs and pathways coordinated at the European level, and create humanitarian corridors and protected routes for refugees to reduce the pressure of irregular flows and break the traffickers' business model.
5) The recent report on the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process and the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality highlights the importance of constant dialogue between institutional levels. In practice, how can the interaction between Member States, national parliaments, and European institutions be strengthened, especially in matters of shared competence?
"I believe that authentic dialogue between institutional levels requires, first and foremost, the acceptance of the principle of interdependence between Member States and the rejection of the paralyzing 'sovereigntisms' that betray the very founding principles of the European Union. Specifically, we need timeliness, transparency, shared tools, and a structured cooperative approach. There is still much work to be done on this point. Ultimately, the decisive factor will always be a clearly pro-European political mandate granted by the citizens who elect the Parliaments and Governments of the Member States, as well as the European Parliament.