Briefs / Focus / Spot Ons
- Spot On
Oslo + 25, Lessons Learned and Ways Forward
The Oslo Accords have been the subject of considerable debate ever since the agreement was signed in 1993. 25 years later, an almost desperate situation paradoxically opens a window of opportunity for Europe.
19 November 2018
- Spot On
Post-Varna EU-Turkey Relations. Neither a Break-Through, nor a Break-up
The Varna summit did not bring any breakthrough in the EU-Turkey relationship. However, mutual interdependence on trade and migration means that a divorce of this troubled marriage is not in their interest.
10 April 2018
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Focus
La rivalidad por la hegemonía regional de Oriente Medio: El caso de Arabia Saudí
El reino de Arabia Saudí, uno de los estados musulmanes más influyentes del planeta, ha imprimido un cambio notable a su política exterior desde el inicio de la llamada Primavera Árabe en 2011.
20 November 2017
- Focus
EU Good Offices in Revolutionary Egypt (2012-2013)
The assessment of the period from Mubarak’s fall to the launching of a new political regime remains deeply controversial, with judgements often clouded by very strong emotions in Egypt and differing international agendas.
6 February 2017
- Focus
EU and Turkey at a Crossroads: Avoiding a Foreseeable Break-Up
As the Turkey-EU membership process has lost its credibility, with neither side honestly believing in Turkey’s accession anymore, this may be the moment for the EU to redefine its relationship with Turkey to regain leverage.
19 December 2016
- Focus
What Are the Alternatives with the Disappearence of the Two-State Solution?
The two-state solution as a proposal for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is on the verge of vanishing. Unfortunately, everyone warns that the two-state solution is vanishing without giving an alternative.
12 September 2016
- Focus
Recognising Palestine, Unrecognising Settlements
Achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a long-standing EU policy objective. Of all the territorial disputes outside Europe, this conflict that has most preoccupied European decisions-makers.
13 June 2016
- Policy Brief
Turkey and the EU: A New Path Toward a Shared Security Policy
The current geopolitical situation opens space for security cooperation between Ankara and Brussels. Turkey should redefine its strategy to include European priorities, whereas the EU needs to recognise some of the Turkish interests as legitimate.
4 March 2016