Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean: Europe’s mediatory power & Turkish-Greek reconciliation
Virtual debate ahead of the special European Council on Europe’s mediatory power in the Eastern Mediterranean
Guests
George A. Papandreou, Member of Parliament, Movement for Change; former Prime Minister of Greece
Dorothée Schmid, Senior Research Fellow; Head of Turkey and Middle East Program, IFRI
Asli Aydintasbas, Senior Policy Fellow, ECFR
Chaired by
Jana Puglierin, Head of Berlin office & Senior Policy Fellow, ECFR
Virtual discussion with George A. Papandreou, Dorothée Schmid and Asli Aydintasbas on Europe’s mediatory power and potential for Turkish-Greek reconciliation.
A conflict is brewing in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey, Greece and Cyprus at loggerheads about maritime borders, exclusive economic zones, and gas exploration. There is a risk for a wider conflict that draws in Middle East powers as well as other member states. Europe has a vested interest in stability on its southern flank and in making sure NATO partners do not clash over energy resources. But so far, EU-led mediation efforts have not led to a resolution of the conflict. What is the best strategy for de-escalation? Will Europe be able to overcome its internal divisions on East Med? Will the special European Council meeting on Oct 1-2 push things forward? Can there be a new bargain with Turkey that is acceptable to member states and addresses both Greek and Turkish concerns? What to expect from the forthcoming 61st round of exploratory talks between Turkey and Greece?
Read more analysis on the eastern Mediterranean.