On June 30th, 2026, SDI convened its first Advisory Committee meeting (AdCom) with members of the mandate period 2026-2028. A total of 14 members out of 15 possible attended. The purpose of the meeting was partly to introduce the AdCom members to SDI and to each other, and partly to discuss SDI’s strategic direction in the coming year, including SDI’s annual dialogue forum in November. This report summarizes key takeaways from the discussions as well as the envisioned next steps for the AdCom.
In the first round of discussions, AdCom members introduced themselves and reflected on what in their view were priority topics when it came to advancing EU-MENA relations. Overall, the reflections centered on the need to strengthen EU–MENA cooperation in response to a rapidly evolving regional landscape triggered by a chain of regional developments in the past few years, culminating in the war between the US, Israel and Iran this spring. Members highlighted the potential emergence of a new regional order driven by shifting alliances, the growing role of the Gulf states, and uncertainty surrounding regional security. Several members noted that this presented an opportunity to deepen dialogue on future security arrangements, and regional integration, while expanding EU engagement with Gulf partners. Reflections also pointed to the need for continued attention to Gulf–Levant relations, Iran–Arab dynamics and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
