7th MED & Italian Energy Report presented in Brussels
28 January 2026
The 7th MED & Italian Energy Report was presented at the European Parliament, reaffirming Intesa Sanpaolo’s role in supporting analysis and debate on energy security and the Euro-Mediterranean transition.
The Report is produced by SRM, the research centre linked to the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, in cooperation with the ESL@energycenter of Politecnico di Torino.
It focuses on energy supply security, electrification, critical raw materials, emerging energy technologies, nuclear power and strategic maritime routes.
Energy security and import dependence
The Report shows that the European Union remains highly dependent on energy imports, accounting for 56.9% of total consumption. Italy records a higher-than-average level of dependence, although slightly improving. France benefits from lower exposure thanks to nuclear power, while Germany shows increasing dependence. Global competition for energy resources is identified as a structural driver.
Changing power mix and renewables
Since 2000, Europe’s power mix has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a sharp decline in coal and strong growth in renewables, which now represent 47% of electricity generation. Italy, with renewables accounting for 49% of its power mix, stands above the EU average. Euro-Mediterranean cooperation on renewables is highlighted as essential to reducing Europe’s energy dependence.
Critical raw materials and strategic supply chains
The energy transition is driving unprecedented growth in demand for critical raw materials, including lithium, nickel, copper and rare earths. The analysis points to a high concentration of production and refining capacity, with China playing a dominant role across several strategic value chains. A dedicated section examines uranium and the nuclear fuel cycle, characterised by strong global concentration.
Maritime routes and logistics
Energy commodities and strategic raw materials are mainly transported by sea. Chokepoints such as Hormuz, Malacca and Suez handle around half of global maritime oil and gas flows. The Suez Canal remains a strategic route for Europe, while the Strait of Gibraltar is gaining importance for LNG traffic. Within this framework, Italy’s maritime system emerges as a strategic asset for energy and bulk transport.
Institutional and scientific framework
The Brussels event brought together representatives from European institutions, academia and industry. The conference was introduced and moderated by Intesa Sanpaolo’s European Regulatory and Public Affairs structure, underscoring the Group’s focus on energy security and the Mediterranean energy transition.
Download here the MED & Italian Energy Report 2025 Executive Summary
Last updated 28 January 2026 at 10:38:57
