New Dynamics in The Eastern Mediterranean
10 November 2017. From 09:00 | Workshop | English | Permanent Representation of the EU, Athens
While the Arab Middle East is in turmoil and is capturing international attention mostly due to crises and instability, the Eastern Mediterranean sub-region is witnessing some positive diplomatic momentum. Signs of increased political cooperation between different countries, new opportunities for economic and energy cooperation, as well as common threats related to security and refugee flow all lead to the emergence of the Eastern Mediterranean as a new sub-region.
However, this positive momentum is challenged by a variety of geo-political factors, including the war in Syria and its consequences; the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian and Cyprus conflicts; the crisis between Turkey and Egypt; the Palestinian split and the situation in Gaza; the growing involvement of foreign actors in the sub-region with their own political agenda; and mounting obstacles to the promotion of democracy, tolerance and human rights.
Navigating the sub-region towards a win-win, rather than a zero-sum reality requires relevant stakeholders to gain more knowledge, better understand regional dynamics, identify opportunities for cooperation, overcome conflicts and contradictory interests, and practise skilled and inclusive diplomacy.
The workshop aims at presenting and discussing the initial research results of the Joint Policy Study. Participants analyse various factors that may constitute both opportunities and threats to an increasing cooperation between some Eastern Mediterranean countries, such as newfound energy reserves and the war in Syria.Over 25 participants, including EuroMeSCo researchers, experts and academics attend the workshop organised by MIVTIM in cooperation with ELIAMEP, and hosted by the Representation of the European Commission in Greece.
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