Abhatoo - Centre Nationale de Documentation

The issue of Environmentally Harmful Subsidies (EHS) is a pressing concern for all Mediterranean countries of the Barcelona Convention. These subsidies, while often intended to support economic sectors or alleviate social issues, can have unintended negative impacts on the environment, exacerbating challenges that Mediterranean countries are already facing, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. This report provides an in-depth analysis and tailored recommendations relevant to the diverse contexts and legislative frameworks across the region. Importantly, this is the first report to address the issue of EHS specifically for the Mediterranean, making it a pioneering effort in regional environmental policy. While the Mediterranean countries share common environmental goals, they also face unique challenges. From the northern to the southern and eastern shores, these nations operate under different political, economic, and social circumstances. The report acknowledges that, also taking into account that EHS were established as economic and social support mechanisms which “made sense” from a socio-economic standpoint. Furthermore, the report notes how countries are beginning to better integrate environmental considerations into their policy frameworks. Despite the focus on the harmful nature of these subsidies, we have adopted a positive and forward-looking
narrative throughout the report. Each chapter addresses a key issue pertinent to the Mediterranean as a whole (ex. fisheries, energy transition, gender issues, monitoring framework), then delves deeper into specific case studies where applicable. This report aligns with global efforts, such as those led by the OECD and UNEPs work on reforming harmful subsidies. It also serves as a critical resource that will inform the revision of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) under UNEP/MAP. By presenting a comprehensive overview of the state of EHS in the region and suggesting practical pathways for reform, this report contributes significantly to the broader international dialogue on sustainable development and subsidy reform.