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SHADE MED 2025 Brings Together NATO and EU Leaders to Address Mediterranean Security Challenges

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Nov 18 2025

Rome, ITALY. The EU Naval Forces Mediterranean Command (EUNAVFOR MED) and NATO's Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) co-organized the "Shared Awareness and De-confliction in the Mediterranean" (SHADE MED) Conference November 18 in Rome to discuss ways to enhance maritime security throughout the region.

The 14th edition of the annual conference focused on addressing future security challenges in the Mediterranean region and beyond. The conference serves as a crucial platform to connect international experts, government representatives and military leaders to discuss common challenges and emerging threats to maritime security.

"Our presence at the SHADE MED conference highlights the integral roles that both NATO and the EU play in the Mediterranean Sea and our shared security challenges in the maritime domain," said Vice Admiral Ludovic Poitou, Deputy Commander Allied Maritime Command. "The discussions during this conference provided a timely and welcome overview of the current strategic context, from Europe's Northern, Eastern, and Southern Flanks, to the Middle East and North Africa. Our dialogue enhances understanding and enhances our collective efforts to create a more secure and prosperous Europe, and beyond."

The annual gathering featured a series of speakers and panels with leading experts from academia, the diplomatic community, the shipping community, and military leaders who shared their insights and expertise on the Mediterranean region and its dynamic security environment.

The conference not only reflected the EU's and NATO's commitment to addressing regional complexities; it also highlights the significance of partnerships and collective action to enhance peace and stability of the Mediterranean region.

"SHADE MED is an annual open forum for bringing together EU, NATO, and partner Nation representatives for substantive dialogue about the security of the Mediterranean region and beyond," said Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI. "It is an exceptional opportunity to develop multilateral engagement, a key event to share EU and NATO experiences, and an ideal forum to raise maritime security awareness"

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM