The University of International Studies of Rome (UNINT) (https://www.unint.eu) is pleased to propose a collaboration with the University of Carthage within the framework of the project: “Joint Actions and Programs within the Framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Higher Education and Scientific Research between Italy and Tunisia 2025”
(http://www.ricercainternazionale.mur.gov.it/media/45452/italia_-_tunisia_2025_prot._6938.07-05-2025.pdf).
📌 Deadline for submission: September 1st, 2025
👉 Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 17th, 2024, this call aims to support joint projects in the following fields: Agri-Tech, food security and health, ICT, sustainable blue economy, energy security, advanced manufacturing, and cultural heritage.
Project Proposal
I would like to explore the role of the trans-Mediterranean energy corridor linking Italy and Tunisia in the context of European and North African energy security.
In particular, the focus could be on the energy interconnections between Italy and Tunisia, examining the geopolitics of the Elmed submarine cable, with specific attention to strategic security issues in the Mediterranean basin.
This analysis could draw on the proposals of Italy’s Mattei Plan, the Tunisian decrees aiming to support this initiative, and the promotion of submarine cables for other forms of energy (notably solar energy). This framework aligns with the European Horizon programs, in which Tunisia also participates, promoting the development and strengthening of submarine cable infrastructures.
The starting context and scenario involve Italy as a strategic energy hub for Europe, seeking to reinforce ties with North African countries, especially Tunisia. For its part, Tunisia is at the heart of renewable electricity transmission projects (solar and wind) towards Europe.
The ELMED project, which involves an undersea electricity cable between Tunisia and Sicily, represents a critical infrastructure for the energy transition. It foresees a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine interconnection linking Partinico-Terrasini (Sicily, Italy) and Cap Bon – El Haouaria (Tunisia).
This project could serve as a key element in diversifying European energy sources in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and as a strategic asset in the geopolitical competition in the central Mediterranean, especially in a region where Russian and Chinese presence is increasingly significant.
The geopolitical and strategic aspects worth focusing on include:
- The security of cross-border energy infrastructures;
- Geostrategic vulnerabilities in case of political tensions, terrorism, or sabotage;
- Energy competition among external actors (EU, Russia, China, Turkey) in North Africa;
- Implications for the energy sovereignty of Tunisia and Italy;
- Potential impacts on Tunisia’s political stability and Italy’s leadership in the energy domain.
The importance of this project is directly tied to potential future scenarios, such as:
- Possible future extension to other Maghreb countries (e.g., Algeria);
- Synergies with private projects like TuNur (Tunisian solar energy exported to Italy);
- The potential, if successful, to replicate this model of agreement and partnership for future Euro-African interconnections.
📎 Documents available for download:
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Call:
- Collaboration Proposal:
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Vanni Nicolì
Adjunct Professor at the University of International Studies of Rome (https://www.unint.eu)
Assistant Project Manager at the GEODI Study Center (Geopolitics and Comparative Law, https://geodi.unint.eu)
📧 vanni14nicoli@gmail.com