Against an international backdrop marked by geopolitical tensions, the energy transition, the technological revolution and the reshaping of global value chains, Europe is called upon to strengthen its competitiveness and resilience.

This issue of the EU Dossier examines the main developments in EU policies and their impact on the regions, with a particular focus on Southern Italy and the Mediterranean. From the new governance mechanisms of the 2028–2034 EU budget to the challenges of ESG regulation, and from the prospects for cohesion policy to European strategies for the maritime and port sector, this volume offers analyses, contributions and testimonies that help to understand how Europe is rethinking its development model. Of particular note are the two interviews with the President of Assologistica and the President of Assoporti on the role and importance of the logistics and port sector for our economy. Finally, ample space is devoted to the themes of Innovation, the Space Economy and the Bioeconomy, identified as strategic levers for sustainable, competitive and inclusive growth.

Contributors to this issue: 
Elide Alinovi, Debora Assisi, Marco Boscolo, Luca Bottaro, Salvio Capasso, Agnese Casolaro, Andrea Conte, Daniele Corbino, Autilia Cozzolino, Gaetano D’Adamo, Filippo di Pietro, Maurizio Di Pietro, Roberta Garganese, Giulio Limpido, Claudio Lubatti, Alessandro Panaro.

We would like to thank the following for their collaboration:
Assologistica, Italian Ports Association, Intesa Sanpaolo – European Regulatory & Public Affairs, Istituto Pugliese di Ricerche Economiche e Sociali (IPRES), JRC (Joint Research Centre) of the European Commission.