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While the Eastern Mediterranean (Lebanon, Palestine, Israel) is torn apart by the war launched by Netanyahou and Trump, the Western Mediterranean (Spain, Morocoo, Algeria, Italy, etc.) has embarked on peace initiatives to ensure that they do not get caught up in a new World War.

Italy and Spain have announced that their air space cannot be used by the Americans for their attacks in the Middle East.

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez hosted two international meetings dedicated to peace and economic justice. Among those takiing part were Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and leading progressive elected officials from the United States. “We want to double our efforts to work for peace and for a reinforced multilateral order. While others open wounds, we want to mend them and cure them,” said Sánchez. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that “by firmly opposing the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran , “it seems to me that Spain’s position is at the forefront in Europe.”


Italy and Algeria are united in peace by the mission of Pope Leo to Algers. The President of the High Islamic Council pointed to its “prominent diplomatic dimension, which is poised to achieve harmony between two states of great religious and historical weight, establishing Algeria as a beacon of radiance for global peace”. The Pope continued on to Angola, Cameroon and Equaterial Guinea where he continued to speak for peace and dialogue. He called explicitly for “a new culture of peace“. As for Italy, it seems that the Pope’s criticism of Trump’s militarism, has led to the country’s opposition to it as well.

Algeria hosted an Arab Forum for Youth, Peace and Security. The UNDP Resident Representative in Algeria, Natasha Van Rijn, highlighted the essential role of young people in consolidating peace. The Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports underscored the crucial role of young people in spreading a culture of peace and building a more stable future.

In Moroco, the launch of the “Nawal Ouzitane – Youth Voices for Peace” Prize was one of the highlights of an international meeting dedicated to peace and tolerance. This national prize aims to promote the creative expression of young people in various fields, reflecting their awareness of the values of peace and their responsibility in strengthening them, with a particular emphasis on raising awareness among younger generations about the importance of dialogue, openness, and cultural diversity.

Barcelona is the center for peace initiatives. In addition to the meetings hosted by the Spanish President mentioned above, Barcelona is the scene for the mobilization of the Sumud Flotilla, bound for Gaza in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade. The flotilla has gathered 70 boats, many of them coming from other Mediterranean ports. The fleet carries medical supplies, food, and reconstruction materials while featuring doctors, engineers, legal experts, and activists ready to establish an unarmed protective presence if permitted. Participants include parliamentarians, journalists, and civil society leaders from every continent.

The city of Barcelona, along with the Pablo Casals Foundation has announced a new prize for peace. The Barcelona for Peace International Award  recognises the trajectory, action or project of a person, organisation or institution at an international level which has helped, in a relevant, transformational and verifiable way, to promote peace, coexistence, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The biennial award carries 300,000 euros in prize money and is geared towards strengthening the media impact and transformational characters of the winning project or organisation.

The rest of Europe is lagging behind Spain and Italy with regard to the wars of Trump and Netanyahou, but hopefully they, too, will eventually join the opposition.