The first meeting of the NextMed observatory gets underway

Energy, defence, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and its implications for the Mediterranean, and the cognitive security of infrastructure in the world of artificial intelligence. These were some of the topics discussed yesterday during the first meeting of the 24Ore NextMed observatory. In addition to an editorial pillar – which takes the form of a programme schedule covering the daily newspaper, the website (in Italian, English and Arabic), podcasts and television, and even extending to Radiocor – the group’s project also features a second pillar focused on relations, networking and strategy. This second pillar is based precisely on the observatory’s activities. In this context, NextMed promotes research and content aimed at connecting Europe, Africa and the Gulf States, with a focus on security, development and technology. The aim, together with its members, is to facilitate and promote strategic decisions directed towards the countries of the wider Mediterranean basin and Brussels. Its missions include raising awareness of issues in the region, stimulating international public opinion, developing a network of partnerships to explore opportunities for technological exchange, and, finally, supporting studies, analyses and best practices for specific commercial sectors. The two-hour session, launched by Director Fabio Tamburini and Chief Executive Federico Silvestri, was attended at the headquarters of *Il Sole 24 Ore* by representatives of the member companies, as well as a number of guests. Those present included Fincantieri, Snam, CDP, Simest, Intesa Sanpaolo (through its SRM research centre), the Enel Foundation, Leonardo, Fab Group, Generali and ICE. The round-table discussion, chaired by Claudio Antonelli, addressed current issues and also finalised the agenda for the next phase of work ahead of the second meeting in October. Discussions centred on activities aimed at producing business intelligence reports and a framework for in-depth thematic analysis, which NextMed will carry out through the ‘Brain Rooms’: closed-door meetings bringing together leading experts and technical specialists in the fields of security, training, defence, and the energy and digital transitions. Antonio Gozzi, Vice-President of Confindustria and President of Federacciai, spoke to highlight the importance of energy issues and relations with neighbouring countries to the south, whilst also providing an update on activities relating to the Mattei Plan. Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE, spoke about the importance of ‘Made in Italy’ in relation to the topics under discussion. The Europe advisor for Alice – a US company specialising in AI security – presented specific case studies of the fraudulent use of bot agents against companies or states. In effect, this represents a new form of cognitive warfare. Finally, Brigadier General Dror Shalom, speaking remotely, helped to outline the post-Hormuz scenario in the Middle East and to illustrate the modern requirements of the air defence sector.