Informal Round Table Conference and Panel Discussion on EU-MENA relations

Panel Discussion in Brussels

A key element in the mandate of the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa is to promote increased contacts and understanding between Sweden and other countries in Europe on the one hand, and countries in the Middle East and North Africa on the other. Europe and the MENA region are increasingly intertwined, and dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration are prerequisites to address the challenges and finding sustainable solutions.

During Sweden’s EU presidency in 2023, the Dialogue Institute arranged meetings on the EU - MENA relations, with a view to explore how strengthened dialogue can improve the conditions for a more favorable political, economic, and social developments in the region and to the relations between the two regions.  These have been organized in close collaboration with the Swedish Foreign Ministry, the Swedish Permanent Representation to the EU, and other European colleagues.

The main activities have been:

• An informal round table meeting (Brussels, May 5th) with participation by senior analysts from the MENA region and European analysis as well as practitioners from EU institutions and Member States.
• A panel discussion with analysts from the MENA region, and EU member state delegates of the EU Council Working Groups Maghreb-Mashreq and Middle East Gulf.
• An informal roundtable meeting on the Southern Neighbourhood bringing together senior officials from Southern partner countries and from Europe.  

During Sweden’s EU presidency the Institute has also wanted to highlight the importance of the relationship between the two regions, through its communication channels (primarily LinkedIn). Some of the relevant interviews are available below.

For more information:

For more information, read the full report on the Brussels meeting.

See here for a brief SUMMARY from the Amman meeting.

See here for:

• Interview with Hafsa Halawa, independent analyst (Advisory Committee Member)
• Interview with Noura Berrouba, President of the National Council of Swedish Youth Organisations (Advisory Committee member)
• Interview with Baroness Simone Susskind, BE politician (Advisory Committee member)
• Interview with Dr Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan (chair of Advisory Committee)
• Interview with Institute's Director on priorities for 2023
• Interview with Swedish ambassadors in Beirut, Cairo and Rabat
• Interview with Dr Nassif Hitti, former Foreign Minister of Lebanon (Advisory Committee Member)
• Interview with Mia Olsson and Ewa Nilsson, Swedish Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels