Security governance and with it, security sector reform and the democratic oversight over the use of defence resources is an emerging issue in international politics that is promoted by various international actors. In view of the sensitive nature of security and defence of Southern Mediterranean states, the convergence towards a common language on security governance will be a mid-to long-term objective for the Euro-Mediterranean community. The policy brief explores various ways in which security governance can be conceptualised in the cross-cultural context of the Mediterranean.