Briefs / Focus / Spot Ons

Egypt, Poised for a Comeback to the Mediterranean Region
  • Spot On

Egypt, Poised for a Comeback to the Mediterranean Region

On 6 February 2018, the Union for the Mediterranean Senior Officials confirmed the appointment of Nasser Kamel as the new Secretary General. This will mark a turning point in the life of the institution.

21 March 2018
Iran at the Heart of the Middle East
  • Focus

Iran at the Heart of the Middle East

To many countries in the Middle East, Iran is a disruptive and difficult power. But Iran’s goals are no different from those of other countries: it seeks to preserve its territorial integrity and secure its borders.

26 February 2018
Terrorism in the Sahel Region: An Evolving Threat on Europe’s Doorstep
  • Policy Brief

Terrorism in the Sahel Region: An Evolving Threat on Europe’s Doorstep

A combination of several factors exacerbated the Sahel’s vulnerability. In this volatile landscape, violent extremism and armed militancy created the conditions for the expansion of new threats in the Sahel region and its neighbourhood.

19 February 2018
Comparing the War Economies of Syria and Libya
  • Focus

Comparing the War Economies of Syria and Libya

There are four principal modalities of the Libyan and Syrian war economies: the extraction of rents and extortion; the direct sale of goods; access to or predation upon state revenues; and the patronage of external actors.

19 February 2018
From Refugees to Asylum Seekers? Palestinian Refugees and the Syrian Conflict
  • Focus

From Refugees to Asylum Seekers? Palestinian Refugees and the Syrian Conflict

The current forced migration of Palestinian refugees, largely overshadowed by the magnitude of the Syrian refugee crisis, raises many questions regarding the status of refugees forced to leave their countries.

12 February 2018
Fragile States and the Issue of Foreign Interventions in the Sahel
  • Policy Brief

Fragile States and the Issue of Foreign Interventions in the Sahel

The EU policy towards the Sahel was either a failure or mixed success because of different reasons. Without a more significant financial contribution and a comprehensive approach, the EU cannot contribute to state building processes in the Sahel.

9 February 2018
Turkey´s Fight Against Youth Radicalisation: Small Steps On a Long Path
  • Policy Brief

Turkey´s Fight Against Youth Radicalisation: Small Steps On a Long Path

The Turkish government has responded to radicalisation by combining both hard and soft approaches and resorting to different methods. Regardless, youth radicalisation and extremism continue to pose a threat to the country.

10 January 2018
Les non-musulmans en Islam. Quel statut?
  • Policy Brief

Les non-musulmans en Islam. Quel statut?

Le papier permet de mieux comprendre les problématiques relatives à la liberté religieuse et à l’intégration des minorités religieuses en islam et dans les États musulmans.

10 January 2018
No Longer a New Kid on the Block – China in the Middle East
  • Spot On

No Longer a New Kid on the Block – China in the Middle East

Given China’s growing role in the complex security dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, the EU should intensify its dialogue and, where interests coincide, joint action with Beijing.

15 December 2017
The Role of Schools in Tackling the Problem of Radicalisation in Germany
  • Policy Brief

The Role of Schools in Tackling the Problem of Radicalisation in Germany

How to prevent terrorist acts has become a key question within current policy debates. In search of relevant actors that can contribute to the prevention of radicalisation, schools were identified to play a major role.

13 December 2017
Beyond Signposting. New Approach to Working with Families of Radicalised Youth and Cooperating with National Authorities
  • Policy Brief

Beyond Signposting. New Approach to Working with Families of Radicalised Youth and Cooperating with National Authorities

An estimated 27,000-31,000 foreign fighters have joined terrorist groups such as Daesh or Al-Qaeda affiliates. The need for effective prevention and de-radicalisation programmes cannot therefore be overestimated.

12 December 2017
No Need for Spoilers in the EU-Tunisia Relationship
  • Spot On

No Need for Spoilers in the EU-Tunisia Relationship

In December 2017 Council conclusions, EU Finance Ministers listed Tunisia as one of the 17 non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. There is an opportunity to reverse this decision at the next ECOFIN meeting.

11 December 2017