The REF is an independent collective that formed informally in 2005 to represent French civil society within the Plateforme non gouvernementale Euromed (PFNGE), a network of national and thematic Euro-Mediterranean civil society networks. In a context where dictatorships were the norm in southern countries, the Euromed Civil Forums organized by the PFNGE, with the support of the European Commission, served as important spaces for peer consultation and advocacy. Although the Plateforme non gouvernementale Euromed was put on hold in 2016, this history anchored the REF in close and natural relationships with numerous thematic, national, and sub-regional networks of independent civil societies active across the Mediterranean region.

In December 2009, the REF became a registered French association (under the 1901 law). This formalization stemmed from the founders' desire to strengthen the REF's impact and its position as a key interlocutor for public authorities on Euro-Mediterranean issues in France. The REF remains active within the Social Forums and Euro-Mediterranean civil society meetings, and in dialogue with the European Commission and French public authorities, alongside its partners. These years were also dedicated to the initial structuring of the network, including the hiring of a part-time employee. This period was marked by the onset of the 2011 Arab Revolutions, which resonated as a breath of hope and opened new avenues for action for Mediterranean civil societies.

The REF began a process of strengthening its structure as a network by hiring a full-time employee and consolidating its internal procedures. The number of member associations grew, and initiatives expanded. In partnership with several of its member organizations, the REF notably implemented two new work dynamics to support the most vulnerable civil societies, as well as Mediterranean youth, which would become important hallmarks of the network over the years. A project for meetings and consultations with Libyan, and later Syrian, civil societies was launched in 2013. This process led to the creation of consortium projects focused on human rights issues, such as Tamkeen (2018-2021) and later Tae’thir (2023-...). Wishing to provide a platform for young people to discuss current Mediterranean issues, the REF hosted 92 young people from 11 countries in Paris in October 2015 for a meeting that would give birth, a few years later, to the Med Youth network.

The REF continues to consolidate its network by developing a network coordination component that makes it a truly unique umbrella organization in France. The number of member organizations has grown significantly, with the addition of younger organizations bringing new practices and ways of working. The Med Youth network is becoming more structured, organizing 5 new major meetings and gradually evolving into a community. In 2022, nearly 600 active young people involved in 17 countries were mobilized through Med Youth activities. In 2018, the REF took the lead on the Majalat project in a consortium with Euromed Rights, the ANND, Solidar, the ATUC, and the FMAS, participating until 2021 in facilitating a structured dialogue between civil societies and the European Commission. The REF was also invited to participate in two dialogue processes initiated by French public authorities: the Sommet des 2 rives (June 2019) and the Forum des Mondes Méditerranéens (February 2022). As an independent civil society actor, the REF has gained real legitimacy and is now recognized as a reference point for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Starting in 2022, the REF asserted its unique identity. It began a reflection process with several member associations and partners regarding civil society influence within a global political context that is increasingly firm and repressive. In 2023, it launched the Tae’thir (“influence” in Arabic) consortium project, which explores the intersections between human rights, art, and digital influence to promote human rights among young people in the Mediterranean. During this time, the REF welcomed its first full-time employee based in Marseille, ahead of the formal opening of a branch there in 2025. The REF formalized its Association Project to reset the foundations of its collective action and implemented a 2024-2027 strategic orientation plan. These efforts have allowed it to affirm its distinct identity. Today, the REF is one of the few networks active in Europe working on the issue of Euro-Mediterranean partnerships. It presents a rather atypical profile within the French international solidarity landscape. The sectoral, generational, and geographical diversity of the network’s social base characterizes the REF and represents its identity and added value. For the past 10 years, the REF has placed youth at the heart of its association project. It serves as a space for convergence, solidarity, networking, expertise, exploration, and conviviality among independent actors in the Euro-Mediterranean region.