Middle East & North Africa

A study tour of foreign policy think tanks organized by the EU-Middle East Forum (EUMEF) at the DGAP brought together 17 mid-level experts from the MENA region and Europe, all of whom had previously participated in one or more EUMEF policy workshops or scenario workshops. The program was undertaken in close cooperation with the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

The conclusion of the Iran nuclear treaty in July 2015 and its entry into force the following January had a significant impact on both German and European politics vis-à-vis Iran and with regard to media coverage of the Islamic Republic. Human rights issues have shifted out of focus in favor of economic interests. What is the reality of the human rights situation in Iran, and what effect does the conclusion of the treaty have on the country? What does it mean for German and European foreign policy toward Iran? These were some of the questions of an expert panel discussion organized by the DGAP’s Middle East and North Africa program in cooperation with the Middle East and International Affairs Research Group (MEIA).

At their Malta summit in early February, EU heads of state and government adopted a 10-point plan – the Malta Declaration – to address the Central Mediterranean refugee route. They agreed to intensify cooperation with the Libyan authorities, even as domestic struggles for power continue to rack the North African country. A panel of experts discussed possible options for the EU to help establish stability in Libya and the wider region.