Briefs / Focus / Spot Ons
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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