The economic consequences of the Ukrainian war in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean region faces profound economic challenges from the compounded shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and surging inflation. This essay examines how these crises have disrupted growth, widened inequalities, and strained public debt across the region. Euro-Med countries struggle with high debt and energy dependence, East-Med nations demonstrate resilience and robust recovery, while South-Med economies navigate political instability and sharp declines in investment. The Russia-Ukraine war accelerates geopolitical polarization, disrupts global trade, and fuels inflation, undermining regional stability and economic progress. This essay identifies the divergent trajectories among Mediterranean economies: East-Med nations capitalize on economic reforms, Euro-Med countries grapple with stagnation, and South-Med states confront mounting poverty and reduced investment. Despite these obstacles, the Mediterranean holds the potential to reclaim its role as a strategic nexus. By advancing regional cooperation, scaling investments in energy and digital transitions, and addressing inequality, the Mediterranean region can transform current crises into sustainable growth and integration pathways.