This issue brings together 20 accounts from associations, reminding us that the civic struggles of Mediterranean diasporas are an integral part of French society’s past and present—and of its fight for equality, justice, and democracy. As the political climate in France continues to deteriorate, the REF aims to restore complexity and nuance to the heart of public debate, moving away from the caricatures that fuel racism and Islamophobia.

"Amidst the clamor of crises, wars, and global news, Palestine continues to endure an untenable and alarming situation. Palestine has been forgotten. At a time when the far right holds power in Israel and 2023 is shaping up to be one of the deadliest years on record, the REF aims—through this publication—to offer a fresh perspective on the forms of resistance led by Palestinian civil society." (Excerpt from the foreword by Claire De Sousa Reis, General Delegate of Engagé.e.s & Déterminé.e.s).

"This report highlights the diversity—and, it must be said, often the gravity—of the realities experienced by many young people in the Mediterranean. Yet, it also aims to showcase the local initiatives, struggles, and new models that inspire belief in the future and give us reason to dream and hope. Youth resistance takes shape through projects rooted in the everyday lives of individuals." (Excerpt from the editorial by Marion Isvi, Executive Director of REF)

To Europeans, Libya remains an enigmatic, little-understood country often viewed with apprehension. Cahier No. 7 was designed to move beyond stereotypes and familiarize French civil society actors with the realities of life in Libya—drawing on ground-level insights and contributions from Libyan social actors and leading French experts on the country. This publication highlights the diversity of Libyan society and the commitment to local social action.

Cahier No. 6 addresses a crucial issue: the unprecedented challenges currently facing the voluntary sector in its efforts to promote democracy, progress, and solidarity across our societies. Through various firsthand accounts, this publication examines the diverse areas of civil society activity in the Mediterranean region and the deteriorating working conditions that jeopardize the work—and sometimes even the very existence—of these organizations.

This publication aims to extend a series of reflections on cultural rights, a joint initiative of the REF and Instants Vidéo. "Amidst the terrible tragedies unfolding daily in the Mediterranean—a sea that nonetheless unites us—we felt it essential to approach culture as a process of forging our shared humanity. The contributors to this volume are a diverse group with varied approaches, yet they share a common commitment to the principle that human beings are free and equal in DIGNITY." (Excerpt from the editorial by Naïk M’Sili, Co-director of Instants Vidéo Numériques et Poétiques)

This report reviews the discussions, exchanges, and lessons learned from the "Mediterranean Youth" gatherings held in Paris (2015), Casablanca (2017), and Algiers (2018). "Dynamism," "diversity," "future," "the next generation," "political priority"… the rhetoric surrounding young people is repetitive and predictable. There is a consensus among public authorities and institutions regarding the language used to describe youth. Yet, upon closer inspection, this verbal consensus rarely—and with great difficulty—translates into action… (Excerpt from the editorial by Grégoire Vincent, Mediterranean Youth Project Officer at REF). This issue reflects on cooperation and collective engagement in the Mediterranean region, looking beyond the rhetoric.

This third issue stems from the work of the REF working group on migration and the free movement of people—one of the most critical issues facing citizens across Europe and the Mediterranean. "Since the beginning of 2015, thousands of people have drowned in the Mediterranean, victims of reckless smugglers. The scale of this phenomenon is unprecedented, directly highlighting the inadequacy of the European response to this major humanitarian emergency. No Euro-Mediterranean policy can be credible if we continue to erect insurmountable barriers, obstacles, and walls to the movement of people between countries in the region." (Excerpt from the editorial by Giovanna Tanzarella, Vice-President of the REF).

This second issue includes a report on the "Mediterranean Youth" gathering held in Paris on October 9 and 10, 2015. During the event, four workshops were organized—covering the themes of "access to employment and training," "freedom of movement for young people within the Mediterranean region," "civic participation in community life," and "the role of arts and culture for younger generations"—along with a debate.

This first issue brings together accounts from Alya Cherif Chammari, Aicha Ait Mhand, Radhia Bel Haj Zekri, and Nadia Chaabane regarding the experiences, struggles, and determination of women from the southern shore of the Mediterranean in the context of the revolutions. These accounts were shared during the round table titled "Gender Equality: A Democratic Imperative in the Euro-Mediterranean Region," organized by the REF in Lyon on May 22, 2013.