About: Middle East
Iran: Appeasement is not the right way
Sanctions relief and increased economic activity with European companies will not change Iran's pursuit of its own interests and curb its nuclear ambition, writes Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata.
Austrian Chancellor: Europe needs to understand Israel’s security needs
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz gave prominence to interesting issues during his recent visit to Jerusalem and emphasised the security needs of the Israelis. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Neftohim refinery boss: Europe’s refining sector will consolidate, improve
The number of oil refineries in Europe is likely to decrease but those that remain will be truly competitive, highly technological and highly efficient, Ilshat Sharafutdinov told EURACTIV in an interview.
Tusk: With friends like Trump, who needs enemies
The European Union's top official launched a stinging attack Wednesday (16 May) on President Donald Trump, slamming his "capricious assertiveness" and saying the US leader acted more like an enemy than a friend.
Trump slaps Europe in the face with Iran deal pull-out
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the landmark deal curbing Iran's nuclear programme, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany who signed the agreement published a joint statement, saying they will continue to stick by it.
The EU had a great plan for Jordan – now it’s time to make it work
In order to help Syrian refugees, the EU must improve its deal with Jordan and deliver on its promise to boost Jordanian exports and refugee hiring, write Gideon Maltz & Cindy Huang.
A school for refugees in Lebanon
Kawkab School stands in the middle of the narrow streets of Beddawi refugee camp, in North Lebanon. A safe haven for children who dream of a better life. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
How to get Europe back into the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council is right to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process when it meets Arab leaders on Monday, but it’s on Iran that the EU is needed the most, writes Franco Frattini, the former Italian foreign minister.
They talk of war but it’s their own citizens these ‘strong’ men fear most
In the current geopolitical context, European support for those fighting for human dignity is more important than ever, writes Shada Islam.
Abbas to ask EU to recognise Palestinian state: minister
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas will ask the EU to officially recognise the state of Palestine when he meets foreign ministers from the bloc today (22 January), a senior official told AFP on Sunday.
Netanyahu makes appearance at EU foreign affairs meeting
Today’s (11 December) Foreign Affairs Council begins with a discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, against the background of the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalm as the capital of Israel.
Trans-Europe Express: Erdogan is bad for everyone
He never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. So went the Abba Eban-penned 1973 slogan used to describe the late PLO chief, Yasser Arafat, who was routinely blamed for failing to secure peace with Israel.
Rasmussen: Europe has to invest more to be secure
The world has changed and there is a long list of things that Europe should do to protect itself. First, we have to increase defence spending, Anders Fogh Rasmussen told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
New lines in the sand in the Middle East
The Middle East used to be known for its stale continuity. But with the Qatar crisis now in its third week, the region is finding itself convulsed in its biggest diplomatic shakeup in decades, warns Willem Oosterveld.
Saudi and allies cut Qatar ties in diplomatic crisis
Saudi Arabia and several of its allies yesterday (5 June) cut relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to have hit the region in years. Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the...
NATO plans ‘feel-good meeting’ to impress Trump
Ribbon-cutting, jets overhead and a dinner in a new, billion-dollar headquarters: Donald Trump's first meeting at NATO on Thursday (24 May) is being choreographed to impress a US president who called the Western alliance "obsolete"
The story of an 18-year-old refugee from Iraq
Hassan was in Kirkuk when a bomb exploded in a nearby building. He was with some friends. They entered to see if they can help. A machine gun opened fire on them. His companions died. He is now 18 and calls Romania his home. Hassan spoke to EURACTIV.ro
Debunking the myth of a ‘no-go zone’ in Malmö
Few European cities are as disparaged for their multicultural makeup as much as Malmö. With over 20% of its residents estimated to be Muslim, Malmö is an ideal whipping boy for populists. The reality is something else. EURACTIV's media partner Gazeta Wyborcza reports.
Trans-Europe Express: Playing the proxy, St. Petersburg and the Syrian chemical attack
At first, the Russian approach was to admit to everything. Well, almost. Following the first reports of the Syrian chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday, the defence ministry appeared almost too willing to confirm what happened.
EU unveils Syria reconstruction plan
The EU unveiled an ambitious plan Tuesday (14 March) to support the reconstruction of war-torn Syria, calling it a "dividend" to encourage warring parties to reach a peace deal.
NATO, the Middle East and Eastern Europe
Interests within NATO diverge, particularly between the United States and many European countries. George Friedman takes a closer look.
International arms trade shoots up to highest level since end of Cold War
Global arms deals have reached their highest level since the end of the Cold War, according to one study. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Commission threatens to sue countries that don’t take refugees
The EU warned today (8 February) that it will consider punishing member states next month if they fail to share the burden of asylum seekers stranded in Greece and Italy.