Map Story
Economic Opportunities and Investments for Peacebuilding
Our New Path to Peace for the “Day After”: The IMEC Peace Triangle
EcoPeace Middle East proposes a new geo-economic approach to peacebuilding in the region, leveraging trade, energy, and environmental cooperation as drivers of stability.
Map view: Middle East from France to the Arabian Gulf.
The IMEC Peace Triangle
An EcoPeace Strategy for Middle East Peace, Shared Prosperity and Inclusive Resilience
In the aftermath of October 7, the ensuing war in Gaza, and developments in the political realities of Lebanon, Syria and the broader region, EcoPeace Middle East has developed a strategy for a prosperous and resilient Middle East.
This strategy aims to utilize the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a means to promote regional stability and cooperation. By adding to IMEC the concept of a “Peace Triangle,” focused on Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, EcoPeace envisions fostering economic interdependencies at several levels, across sectors and across regions.
The success of IMEC is much dependent on unimpeded trade and connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and the Peace Triangle concept helps create the political and security arrangements needed.
Map view: A red line drawn from Jerusalem to Riyadh.
The IMEC Peace Triangle Rationale
IMEC, signed at the sidelines of the G20 in 2023 , has created a unique political-economic coalition to stimulate economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Though implementation has been delayed due to the continuing wars in the Middle East, since February 2025, many important meetings initiated by US President Trump, Indian Prime Minister Modi, EU President von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Meloni, have created much needed renewed momentum.
The work of French President Macron’s IMEC Envoy Gérard Mestrallet resulted in the first collective IMEC sherpas meeting held in France in May 2025. The European Commission has committed to include IMEC within the framework of the new MENA strategy and the New Pact for the Mediterranean. Private sector mobilization, initiated by the Saudi company ACWA Power, is exploring joint projects in green hydrogen, renewable energy exports, and related infrastructures.
Map view: blue line extending the corridor from Riyadh to Kuwait City.
France and IMEC: A Case Study
France has emerged as a key European actor in the IMEC initiative. It is positioning the Port of Marseille as a major gateway for trade and energy flows between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
The French President’s Special Envoy for IMEC, Gérard Mestrallet, plays a central role in coordinating between government, European institutions, and the private sector.
Map view: zooms to France. Click on France on the map to open a detailed sidebar case study.