The EUMEDCONNECT Project

EUMEDCONNECT aims to transform the scale and reach of Mediterranean research networking, foster greater levels of research collaboration, and help accelerate the rate of development of the Internet in the region. It was a key part of the European Commission’s EUMEDIS (EUro-MEDiterranean Information Society) programme to promote Information Society objectives in the region, and was the principal infrastructure project supported by EUMEDIS.

The EUMEDCONNECT project began in December 2001 and is proceeding in two phases. In the first phase, feasibility and planning studies were conducted. In the second phase, the results of these studies have been implemented to develop and operate the EUMEDCONNECT network.

Phase 1

Phase 1 highlighted the ‘digital divide’ between the Mediterranean region and more advanced regions such as Europe. Before EUMEDCONNECT, there was almost no direct Internet connectivity between Mediterranean countries, and little research and education linkage between the Mediterranean area and Europe. This situation held back market use and growth, in turn hindering the growth and development of research and education networking. The need for the EUMEDCONNECT network was clear. Phase 1 also established that the EUMEDCONNECT network was technically feasible.

Phase 2

Phase 2 involves the actual development and operation of the EUMEDCONNECT network infrastructure. After completion of a specification and tender process, contracts were awarded, and installation work carried out for the first connections, which came into service in April 2004. 11 of the 12 EUMEDCONNECT Mediterranean partners are now connected to the EUMEDCONNECT network.

The EUMEDCONNECT network was originally contracted to operate up to June 2006, but in January 2006 its funding was extended to July 2007. Options for continuing to operate the network beyond this date are being discussed by the project partners and with the European Commission.

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