The Middle East is in the midst of a profound transformation. The wave of popular uprisings that began in Tunisia and Egypt earlier this year is swiftly redrawing the domestic and regional order of the Arab world.
While the ultimate outcome of this transformation remains uncertain, it necessitates a fundamental rethink of the EU’s policies towards its southern neighborhood. This seminar seeks to take stock of regional developments and their impact on EU policies and institutions: How should the EU adjust its neighborhood policies? What will be the future of the Union for the Mediterranean? What will be the long-term impact on the EU’s regional role? The seminar will also mark the launch of a new FIIA project on “The Middle East in Transition”.
SESSION 1: The Middle East in Transition: Domestic and Geopolitical Changes
Opening & Chair: Teija Tiilikainen, Director, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Speaker: Timo Behr, Researcher, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Comments: Hannu Juusola, Professor, University of Helsinki
SESSION 2: The EU and the Arab Uprisings: Readjusting EU Policies and Institutions
Chair: Kirsti Kauppi, Director General, The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Speakers: Ilkka Uusitalo, Director (on leave), Middle East Unit, EEAS
Federica Bicchi, Professor, London School of Economics
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Ms Annina Aalto, tel. +358 9 432 7710, annina.aalto@fiia.fi
Ms Julia Jansson, tel. +358 9 432 7724, julia.jansson@fiia.fi