The realisation of economic, social, and cultural rights has not improved in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean over the recent years. The region remains one of the most unequal in the world with the top 10% of earners sharing roughly 60% of the national income. Women, youth, the elderly, vulnerable groups, and minorities are particularly exposed to these inequalities in the MENA region. The EU has a responsibility for this situation, notably by failing to properly involve civil society in trade negotiations and investment agreements.