The EU and the Eastern Mediterranean

The European Union (EU) has a complex and strategically significant relationship with the Eastern Mediterranean, shaped by several key factors: energy security, regional stability, migration, trade, and political tensions. The region is vital for the EU’s foreign policy due to its geographical proximity, its role as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and the various crises that arise in the area.

1. Energy Security

• Natural gas reserves: The discovery of substantial natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly in the waters of Israel, Cyprus, and Egypt, has made the region critical for Europe’s energy diversification strategy. The EU seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, making the Eastern Mediterranean a potential alternative for natural gas supplies.
• Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF): The EU supports regional energy cooperation through the EMGF, which includes Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. This forum promotes collaboration on gas exploration and export, which could help ensure Europe’s energy security while fostering regional stability.
• Tensions with Turkey: Maritime boundary disputes between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus have led to tensions, especially regarding gas exploration in contested waters. The EU has backed Cyprus and Greece, imposing sanctions on Turkey for unauthorized drilling activities. However, Turkey remains a key geopolitical player, and the EU must balance its criticism with the need to maintain dialogue.

2. Regional stability and security

• Eastern Mediterranean conflicts: The Eastern Mediterranean includes volatile zones such as Syria, Libya, and Israel-Palestine. The EU has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to address these conflicts, promoting political resolutions, humanitarian aid, and economic support to affected countries.
• Libya and Syria: Both countries are critical for Europe’s security due to their roles in the migration crisis and as potential sources of extremism. The EU has participated in peace processes, imposed sanctions on warring factions, and provided humanitarian assistance, particularly in response to the Syrian civil war.
• Cyprus issue: Cyprus, an EU member, remains divided between the Greek-Cypriot south and the Turkish-Cypriot north, which is recognized only by Turkey. The EU is involved in ongoing efforts to reunify the island, although progress has been slow due to deep-rooted political disagreements.

3. Migration and Refugees

• Front-line for migration: The Eastern Mediterranean has been one of the main entry points for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The 2015 migrant crisis saw hundreds of thousands of people, particularly from Syria, arrive in Europe via this route, overwhelming countries like Greece and Cyprus.
• EU-Turkey migration deal: In 2016, the EU and Turkey reached an agreement to manage the flow of migrants. Turkey agreed to accept returned migrants from Greece in exchange for financial assistance and political concessions, including visa liberalization for Turkish citizens and a renewed EU accession process. The deal has been critical in reducing migration numbers, but tensions over its implementation persist.
• Migration pressures: Despite the deal, migration pressures remain, and countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Italy continue to bear a disproportionate burden. The EU has struggled to implement a cohesive migration policy, with disagreements among member states about how to share the responsibility for asylum seekers.

4. Trade and economic relations

• Trade routes and connectivity: The Eastern Mediterranean is a critical region for EU trade routes, connecting Europe to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The region’s ports, such as those in Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, are essential for global maritime trade, making economic relations with Eastern Mediterranean countries vital for European markets.
• Investment in infrastructure: The EU has been involved in various projects aimed at improving infrastructure, trade logistics, and connectivity in the region. These efforts are part of broader initiatives like the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which aims to foster closer ties with neighboring regions through economic cooperation and development aid.

5. EU-Turkey Relations

• Strategic importance of Turkey: Turkey is a NATO ally and a candidate for EU membership, but relations have become increasingly strained in recent years due to political disagreements, particularly over human rights, democratic backsliding, and Turkey’s foreign policy actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Sanctions and diplomacy: The EU has imposed sanctions on Turkey for illegal drilling activities in Cypriot waters, but it also recognizes Turkey’s importance as a regional power and a key player in managing migration flows. Diplomatic efforts continue to find common ground, though the relationship remains delicate.
• EU accession process: Turkey’s accession to the EU has stalled due to these tensions, but Turkey remains a key partner for Europe in terms of trade, security, and migration.

6. Security and defense cooperation

• NATO and EU cooperation: Greece and Cyprus are EU members, while Turkey is a NATO member, which sometimes puts the EU in a delicate position when managing regional tensions, particularly between Greece and Turkey. The EU and NATO often coordinate on regional security, counter-terrorism, and defense issues in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Counter-terrorism and migration security: The EU has increased its security cooperation with Eastern Mediterranean countries like Egypt, Israel, and Jordan to address terrorism threats and manage migration. The EU has also provided funding and support for border security in countries like Greece and Cyprus.

7. Cultural and diplomatic ties

• Cultural heritage: The Eastern Mediterranean is home to ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Byzantine, that have shaped Europe’s cultural and historical identity. These shared histories create strong cultural ties between the EU and Eastern Mediterranean countries.
• Diplomatic efforts: The EU plays an active diplomatic role in the region, promoting dialogue and cooperation between conflicting parties. The EU’s approach is rooted in diplomacy, economic incentives, and multilateral engagement, aiming to stabilize the region through peaceful means.

Recent developments

• EU’s Green energy transition: As part of the European Green Deal, the EU is keen to promote renewable energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean. Solar and wind energy potential in the region aligns with the EU’s long-term goal of transitioning to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.
• EU’s role in maritime security: The EU has increased its naval presence in the region to protect shipping routes, counter piracy, and ensure freedom of navigation, particularly as disputes over maritime boundaries have intensified.

Conclusion

The EU’s relationship with the Eastern Mediterranean is shaped by a combination of energy interests, security concerns, migration management, and political dynamics. The region’s strategic importance and the presence of EU members Greece and Cyprus make the Eastern Mediterranean a priority for European diplomacy, security, and economic policies. While the EU faces significant challenges in dealing with regional conflicts and tensions, it continues to pursue a balanced approach focused on cooperation, stability, and energy security.