In the second episode of our Europe Responds series, we turn our focus to a region in turmoil: the Middle East. From the rapid developments in post-Assad Syria to the renewed conflict in Gaza and the shifting posture of the United States, the region is once again at a geopolitical crossroads. Against this backdrop, what role for the EU?
With:
- Katarzyna Sidło - Senior Policy Analyst for the Middle East and North Africa, EU Institute for Security Studies.
- Giuseppe Spatafora – Research Analyst Transatlantic and EU-NATO relations, EU Institute for Security Studies.
Our experts addressed three urgent themes:
- The new Syria: since the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime, the situation in Syria is changing continuously. How are Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts at strengthening the central government evolving? Who are the key players jostling for influence in the new Syria? What should the EU do?
- Gaza, back to war: The ceasefire brokered at the beginning of the year has collapsed. Israel is once again advancing in the Gaza Strip and expanding its presence in the Wes Bank. What are Netanyahu’s new objectives? How is Hamas going to react? Has any progress been made towards implementation of the Arab Plan for Gaza?
Shifting sands: After taking credit for the first Gaza ceasefire, Trump is seeking to change the US posture in the region. What dynamics does the changing US strategy towards the Middle East create? And what opportunities emerge for the EU?
