EuroMeSCo has published a new joint policy study: Implementing the CBAM: How Are the EU’s Southern Neighbours Preparing and What Can the EU Do to Help? Authored by Michael Jakob, Celine Yazbek, Jean-Claude Al Khalil, Yasmine Kamal, Myriam Ramzy, and Larbi Toumi, the study examines the effects of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on its Southern Mediterranean neighbours, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey.

The CBAM, part of the European Green Deal, aims to prevent carbon leakage by imposing carbon pricing on certain imports to align with EU emissions standards. The study finds varied exposure levels among these countries due to differing economic dependencies and trade relations with the EU. Although the immediate macroeconomic impact appears limited, concerns remain about sector-specific vulnerabilities and social repercussions, particularly for workers in emission-intensive industries.

Policy recommendations emphasize the need for national policies that promote clean energy and emissions reduction to mitigate CBAM impacts. Additionally, the study calls for EU support through technical assistance, capacity-building, and collaborative partnerships. Existing EU-Mediterranean initiatives provide frameworks for mutual benefit in climate action and economic resilience.

Readers can download the full study, access infographics, and watch two related videos—a summary of the findings and an interview with the coordinator—on the policy study’s page here.