Italy, Turkey and China in the Eastern Mediterranean: Implications for the EU

The Eastern Mediterranean is undergoing rapid transformations, increasing its importance in current international affairs for four main reasons: i) the energy dimension and the discovery of natural gas fields; ii) the new geopolitical dynamics testing the balance of power between states; iii) the refugee crisis; and iv) the renewed presence of external great powers. In this framework, the article explores the role of Italy and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean region with a focus on energy issues and the refugee crisis. It also analyses China's growing influence in this region and in Italy in the context of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the implications of these policies for the European Union.