The EU in the Middle East and North Africa : helpless bystander rather than effective democracy promoter or stabilizing force

Zusammenfassung: In 2011, European politicians, diplomats, media, and publics enthusiastically embraced the so-called Arab Spring. The EU pledged to generously support trans-formation processes initiated in the region with a “3 M” approach, which would combine monetary support, market access, and increased mobility, as well as through a reinvigorated European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). Yet, Europeans have not lived up to these promises. Against the backdrop of the Middle East and North Africa descending into ever greater levels of chaos and violence, the EU and its member states have been largely reduced to being bystanders, dealing with the symptoms of crises rather than impacting - let alone shaping - the path of developments. Yet, in view of an increasingly reluctant US government to provide regional stability, Europe has no choice but to address instability in its southern neighborhood. To be more effective actors, Europeans should revisit their priorities, underlying assumptions, policy frameworks, and instruments. (SWP Comments)

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource (4 S.)
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: SWP Comments ; 50/2014

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Politik
• Keyword: Europäische Union ; Außenpolitik ; Regionalpolitik ; Politische Bildung ; Demokratie ; Entwicklungshilfe ; Politische Reform ; Entwicklung ; Kritik ; Mangel ; Änderung ; Problem ; Gewalt ; Politik ; Instabilität ; Politischer Konflikt ; Innenpolitik ; Naher Osten ; Mittlerer Osten ; Nordafrika ; Arabische Staaten

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Berlin
• (who): Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik
• (when): 2014
• Creator: Asseburg, Muriel
• Contributor: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024020908394202271296
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:25 AM CEST