International instability is gradually reshaping the global economy and, with it, the landscape of infrastructure. Efficiency is no longer the sole guiding principle for the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure; increasingly, these systems must also meet growing demands for resilience, safety, and security. In this particular moment in time, both the private and public sector are showing willingness to invest more resources in resilient infrastructure and in this context, building strong public-private partnerships, even creating new financing frameworks, might enable them to optimally share the burden of the higher level of investments required.  

In line with the revised EU Regulation on TEN-T networks, investments in the Union’s core transport corridors must now also support military mobility. Within this evolving context, the Mediterranean is set to play an increasingly central role in enhancing both the competitiveness and diversification of transport routes, particularly through the development of dual-use infrastructure along the South–North axis and the redesign of logistics platforms. 

Security also requires redundancy. The Mediterranean could emerge as a strategic hub and final destination for major international corridors, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and the Middle Corridor. Against this backdrop, increased infrastructure investment under initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the Mattei Plan should focus on fostering alternative value chains between Europe and Africa. Equally important is to increase the involvement of the private sector in supporting the required investments, including through schemes such as public-private partnerships (PPPs). 

The next crucial step is the development of an integrated Euro-Mediterranean transport network – particularly in the maritime domain. Establishing a European maritime space and enhancing short-sea shipping routes could support this vision by helping Europe de-risk its supply chains and strategic dependencies, strengthen its economic security, and promote a win-win approach with its Southern neighbours.  

What dual-use investments are being considered to enhance both the competitiveness and security of transport infrastructure in the Mediterranean basin? How can transport routes in the Mediterranean be diversified, redundancy increased, and the Euro-Mediterranean region integrated into emerging global connectivity corridors? What role could the new EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean play in advancing these objectives?