The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a fragmented region: in spite of its relative cultural and historical homogeneity, it has some of the lowest levels of intra-regional trade, political cooperation and legal migration in the world.
This is largely due to the fact that, since the end of the Second World War, it has experienced the full spectrum of political violence. Conventional, hybrid, and civil wars, revolutions, and terrorism have hindered political and economic development, and created fertile ground for further violence. Breaking this ‘conflict trap’ is imperative for the states of the region, as well as those actors who have a stake in it.
For the EU, the MENA is of strategic importance for three reasons:
- it is an immediate geographic neighbour,
- a crucial passage for goods traveling to and from Europe (including oil and gas),
- and it has been historically unstable.
The region’s security and economic situation is consequently closely intertwined with that of Europe. This explains the Union’s desire to contribute to regional stability through different means such as the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Barcelona Process and the Union for the Mediterranean.
The EUISS seeks to contribute to the EU’s overall effort in the MENA by providing in-depth analyses on a number of key issues affecting the region.
Russia’s political, diplomatic, military and economic footprint in the Middle East and North Africa has expanded visibly over the last decade. This Chaillot Paper provides a detailed account of Russia’s spectacular return to the region.
The Yearbook of European Security (YES) is the Institute’s annual publication compiling key information and data related to the CFSP and CSDP in 2017. YES 2018 provides an account of the EU’s engagement with the world through evidence-based, data-rich chapters.
This Brief looks at the economic and political implications of drug trafficking and consumption for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). What problems do states face and how have they responded? And how deep is the symbiotic relationship between drugs and terrorism?
Baathists, jihadists, insurgents: stereotypes about the Sunni Arab community of Iraq abound. But what is the truth about this community? And how can their grievances be addressed?
Since the end of the Second World War, 2.3 million citizens in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have died as a result of political violence. This Brief explains what needs to be known about conflict in the MENA in order to support peace in the region.
This Report presents a number of grey swan scenarios which are designed to help decision-makers think about possible responses to crises and how they can be prevented.
As well as introducing new decisions and actions in the field of security and defence, the EU Global Strategy (EUGS) stresses the imperative to build resilience in the EU neighbouring countries and surrounding regions. As the EUGS approaches its first anniversary, and shortly...
The third edition of the EUISS Security Monthly Stats (SMS) illustrates data linked to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). How has the region changed since the 2011 Arab Spring? And what has been the Union’s response in terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA)?
Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation, one of the cornerstones of the Oslo Accords, appears to be under threat. What are the reasons behind the current crisis and what could happen if this cooperation falls apart?
A criminal past is a common, yet often overlooked, characteristic of many European jihadists. This Brief examines the link between petty crime and terrorism, as well as the ways in which criminal experiences shape terrorist actions.
