Strategic aid: How the EU-Lebanon migration deal can work
To effectively deter migration to Europe, the EU’s €1 billion aid package to Lebanon must require that Beirut address its deep political and economic troubles
Middle East and North Africa
Direct destabilisation: Iran’s attack on Israel
Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel risks further escalation in the Middle East. European leaders should join the US in pressing Israel not to retaliate with strikes on Iran – or the region could end up embroiled in an all-consuming war
Aid with reform: How the EU-Egypt deal can succeed
The EU should release funding to Cairo only if it undertakes following meaningful economic reforms
On the brink: Why Europeans need to help save UNRWA from collapse
The UN agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees is on the brink of collapse, facing huge funding cuts and a dire situation amid the war in Gaza. But now more than ever, Europeans need to support its operations or risk an even more unstable situation
When soft power is spent: Gaza, Ukraine, and Europeans’ standing in the Arab world
Europeans’ reputation as defenders of international law has cratered among their Arab partners. The first step is to recognise the problem
Rest meets West: How the UAE keeps its economic ties open
The UAE sees itself first and foremost as a valuable economic connector, bridging the BRICS+ and the West. Its bet is that great powers, even amid rising tensions, need a safe haven to do business with one another
Recognising Palestine: How Europeans can support a post-Gaza war political track
Recognising the state of Palestine is an important step towards Palestinian self-determination. But to be impactful, it needs to be accompanied by concrete measures to challenge negative dynamics on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides
Trading bases: The Red Sea tinderbox and the maritime economy
Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes expose how actors beyond the great powers can weaponise an interdependent global economy. To help overcome this threat, Europeans should advocate cooperation between the US and China
Strategic myopia: Why Europeans should resume funding UNRWA
To prevent further catastrophic suffering and regional instability, European governments should urgently resume funding UNRWA – the UN agency responsible for supporting Palestinian refugees
Court order: Why Europeans should support the ICJ’s decision on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel
Despite their disagreements over the case, it is crucial that European countries support the implementation of the ICJ’s provisional measures