Together We'll Win: Can the Old Barcelona Process Vision Serve as a Platform for a Contemporary Regional Alliance?

The war following the October 7th, 2024, Hamas attack on Israel is imposing a significant economic burden on Mediterranean nations involved. In the aftermath, these economies will require substantial rehabilitation. Economic stability in the Middle East is crucial for fostering peace. Achieving this may best be realized through regional cooperation, which can strengthen solidarity among neighboring countries. The European Union (EU) has a vital role to play in this process, potentially drawing inspiration from its own integration model. Additionally, the conflict may revitalize the Barcelona Process vision, initially conceived in 1995 and further developed since. Considering existing regional initiatives that emerged prior to the war, such as the Abraham Accords concluded in 2020, there is an opportunity to capitalize on the weakening influence of groups like Hamas and Hizballah. By leveraging the gradually established security coalition and utilizing the network of regional association agreements, the EU and its Mediterranean partners could formulate a constructive plan. This plan would empower regional stakeholders to rebuild the area with a contemporary framework that leverages each partner's comparative advantages and addresses mutual interests—such as advancing modern technologies, promoting clean energy, combating desertification and climate change, improving infrastructure, and strengthening the regional resilience of moderate nations. This article explores the feasibility of such an initiative from an Israeli perspective and addresses the questions and concerns that may arise during the process.