munity, has then evolved from a condition in which concealment is necessary, to one which openly challenges the institutions as well as the local, regional and global equilibrium. 47. The threat posed by actors capable of successfully combining transnational terrorist, criminal, military and media actions, means that the traditional concepts of “security” and “defence” are outdated and leads to a progressive development of the tools necessary to address the problems of internal security and external defence. This transformation creates a need for broader integrated intergovernmental response capabilities, of which the military is still an essential element. 48. The complexity of the situations and the diversity of the actors in this area mean that a stable and effective regional security system is not feasible at the moment. At the same time, the geographical proximity and the direct influence on Italy of the events developing in this area, make it impossible to ignore the way various situations of crisis and conflict are evolving. These situations, if not properly addressed and settled, could further jeopardize the regional and already fragile security. 49. In this context, it is therefore vital for our national interest to work towards ensuring the Euro-Mediterranean region development of greater stability, economic progress and respect for fundamental human rights, within which the process of democratic competition can replace that of confrontational opposition. However, the current situation demonstrates how these conditions are still well out of reach. It is therefore necessary for the nation to assume more responsibility and a role of active participation in the efforts of the international community to resolve these crises. 50. In short, it is not possible for Italy to separate the safety of the Euro-Mediterranean region from that of the Euro-Atlantic, as they are both essential and complementary elements in the framework of national security and defence. Whilst in the Euro-Atlantic context the participation in established mechanisms of prevention, deterrence and collective defence (Atlantic Alliance and the European Union) ensures that the Nation’s security conditions are adequate, it is - 28 -