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Naples is being positioned as a leading candidate to become a major center for research and education in the Euro-Mediterranean region, leveraging its historical role as a cultural crossroads and its potential to facilitate collaboration with Africa, the Balkans, Turkey and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. The assertion came from Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, who highlighted the city’s unique foundations for dialogue and innovation during a recent meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of research in the Mediterranean basin.

The push for Naples to take on this role coincides with renewed focus on the Mattei Plan, an Italian initiative aimed at fostering economic and political ties with Africa. Manfredi emphasized that Naples’ strengths – its capacity for inclusion and cross-fertilization of ideas – make it ideally suited to lead this process. The city’s historical openness to diverse cultures, exemplified by the founding principles of the University of Federico II, provides a strong foundation for future collaboration.

The meeting, held at the Salvatore Foundation, too included Rector of the University Federico II of Naples, Matteo Lorito, Regional Councillor of Campania, Fulvio Bonavitacola, President of CNR, Andrea Lenzi, journalist Marco Demarco, and director of Il Mattino, Vincenzo Di Vincenzo. Discussions centered on the role of metropolitan areas as engines of innovation, with Manfredi noting that cities like Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Milan, and Rome are currently leading start-up hubs in Europe.

Manfredi recalled that the University of Federico II was intentionally established in Naples to create an open space for dialogue between European and Arab-Jewish cultures. This historical precedent, he argued, underscores Naples’ inherent ability to foster collaboration and innovation across diverse communities. The mayor pointed to the concentration of research and innovation in major metropolitan areas, stating that cities are “the real engines of innovation.”

The Mattei Plan and Italy’s Geopolitical Strategy

The Mattei Plan, originally conceived in the 1950s by Italian state oil company ENI’s founder Enrico Mattei, sought to establish a latest model of cooperation with African nations, based on mutual respect and shared benefits. According to Geopolitical Monitor, the current Italian administration, led by Giorgia Meloni, is attempting to revive the plan to consolidate Italy’s position as a key player in Africa. The plan aims to address issues such as energy security, migration, and economic development through increased investment and partnerships.

The renewed emphasis on the Mattei Plan comes as Italy seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on Russia, particularly in the wake of the war in Ukraine. The plan also aims to address the challenges of irregular migration by promoting economic opportunities in Africa, thereby reducing the incentives for people to leave their home countries. Italy’s role as a “gatekeeper” in the European migratory crisis is a key aspect of the plan’s political value, as noted by the National Interest.

Upcoming Events and Focus on Regional Collaboration

Further discussions regarding the Mattei Plan are scheduled for February 10, 2026, in Rome, with Fabrizio Saggio, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister and Coordinator of the Mission Structure of the “Mattei Plan,” leading the meeting. This event is supported by the TEHA Club’s Observatory on the Mattei Plan, as detailed by The European House – Ambrosetti. Additional meetings are planned throughout February and March 2026, focusing on Southern Italy’s growth and the region’s potential as an energy and maritime hub.

The Verso Sud: International Mediterranean Forum, scheduled for May 15-16, 2026, in Sorrento, will further explore Europe’s strategy for a new geopolitical, economic, and socio-cultural season in the Mediterranean. This forum, organized by TEHA Group in collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, aims to bring together companies, institutions, and researchers to develop a shared vision for the region. A preview event dedicated to students of local schools was held on May 14, 2025, in Sorrento.

Looking ahead, the success of Naples’ bid to become a Euro-Mediterranean hub will depend on continued investment in research and education, as well as strengthened partnerships with institutions and stakeholders across the region. The upcoming meetings and forums will provide crucial opportunities to refine strategies and build consensus around a shared vision for the future of the Mediterranean.

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