Navigating Crises: Enhancing EU Soft Power in the MENA Region

29 July 2024 | Corporate news

Building on the latest issue of afkar/ideas which focuses on the conflict in Gaza from several perspectives (the regional and international implications, the repercussions on regional and global economy, and the narratives of the conflict…) this new edition of the afkar/debates series will explore the role of the European Union in light of the results of the European Parliament elections, as well as disinformation and hate speech

More than 9 months after the October 7 attack and the outbreak of the Gaza war, the EU is still struggling to find a unified stance on the current Middle East crisis. This open crisis requires new ways for the multilateral, European and regional main players to calm tensions, prevent a deeper regional conflict and activate new regional dynamics.

In this such complex context marked by conflict, there is a main request for a dedicated space for exchange and soft power dimension that can be useful to confront the impact on security policies and global narratives

There are two major challenges for the Mediterranean relations that emerge as further highlighted by the annual EuroMeSCo multistakeholders platform coordinated by IEMed and that recently took place in Brussels. First, the lack of a common and coherent response to the Gaza crisis has undermined the EU’s credibility as an interlocutor in promoting peace in the region, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in Euro-Mediterranean relations and the EU’s engagement with its southern neighbours. Second, disinformation and hate speech, a global challenge over the past decade, have been further intensified in the context of violent conflicts, and are being fuelled by extremists seeking to advance their own agendas.

To navigate these challenges the second edition of afkar/debates aims to identify ways in which more solid relations can be built among Mediterranean partners and will address the EU’s crucial role in countering disinformation and hate speech and promoting dialogue.

SESSION 1: Searching for Prevention and Peace Instruments in the New EuroMed Paradigm

The global response to recent crises, particularly the war in Gaza has revealed inconsistencies and shortcomings. Since then, the EU has not played a determinant role in mediation or to prepare for the building of Gaza’s future. We have witnessed insurmountable differences between the positions of the different countries, which has contributed to the erosion of the international community credibility and trust as an interlocutor in addressing international challenges. Recognizing the importance of a consistent and coherent response to Gaza crises in promoting peace in the region, this session will try to shed light on how to overcome divisions in order to enhance the EU’s credibility and influence in the region.

In the perspective of the day after: how EU can support sustainable stabilization by building on the Borrell principles and translating the peace plan into concrete approaches? What commitment for a humanitarian and reconstruction effective policies? Any responses to the potential displacement of population? Do we need instruments to manage and control the situation or to resolve the deep- rooted problems during the post-crisis period? How to start to make the parameters to guide potential negotiations? Can all this be done without a commitment to democratic renewal in the region?

Speakers

  • Patrick Costello, former civil servant and EU diplomat, European Partnership for Democracy.
  • Carmen Geha, IEMed Senior Fellow.
  • Youssef Cherif, director, Columbia Global Centers, Tunisia.

Moderator:

  • Kristian Herbolzheimer, director, International Catalan Institute for Peace, Barcelona.

12 September – Noon
On zoom

SESSION 2: Tackling Disinformation and Hate Speech Narratives across the Region

The world is experiencing the highest number of violent conflicts since the second world war. In this context, social media have facilitated the spread of disinformation and hate speech, and far right and anti-democratic narratives can increasingly be found in institutionalised political discourse across Europe. Since October 7, disinformation campaigns on social media platforms have triggered unprecedented levels of both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech on social media platforms.

As shown by the results of the last European elections, far-right parties have managed to make an impact among young people using social media platforms and are likely to bring this hate speech into the forthcoming European Parliament Hemicycle.

To navigate this global challenge that has been further intensified in the context of sensitive conflicts, the session will explore several critical questions:

How do wars and international conflicts affect disinformation and hate speech? What are the main challenges posed by disinformation and how are these issues impacting young people throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region? Which limitations exist in the current measures to combat hate speech, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act? How can youth and civil society actors across the Euro-Mediterranean contribute to countering disinformation and hate speech? What mechanisms can be implemented to hold social media companies accountable?

Speakers:

  • Jean-Paul Marthoz, Le Soir columnist, author of the books Les médias face au terrorisme (UNESCO, 2017) and En première ligne. Le journalisme au couer des conflicts (2018).
  • Shada Islam, EUobserver columnist, and independent EU analyst and commentator; Founder and Director, New Horizons Project Geopolitical Strategy advice and analysis.
  • Xavier Mas de Xaxàs, Diplomatic Correspondent, La Vanguardia.

Moderator:

  • Natalia Sancha, former Middle East correspondent (El País). Currently at EEAS.

19 September – Noon
On zoom