THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE MIDDLE EAST: AN UNUSUAL PARTNERSHIP

Sabina Þuca () and Zîna Marcu ()
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Sabina Þuca: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
Zîna Marcu: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania

A chapter in EURINT Proceedings 2013, 2013, vol. 1, pp 167-179 from Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University

Abstract: The relationship between the European Union and the Middle East is very complex. On the one hand, because the European Union, as one of the most important economic powers in the world, has various commercial transactions with the Middle East countries, and on the other hand, because the European Union’s aim is to become an important global player, it wants to exert a positive influence in this region. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the way in which the European Union manages the relationship with the Middle East, based on the two aspects. To achieve this goal, the study uses both theoretical and empirical data in the recent years. The paper is divided into two parts: an analysis of the commercial transactions of the EU with the Middle East and an analysis of the European Union foreign policy in the Middle East. The findings revealed that there is a contrast between the economic power of the European Union and its foreign policy. More specifically, the European Union is having problems acting as a credible player in the Middle East region. It is imperative for the political and social relations between the two entities to strengthen, both for the benefit of the European Union and of the Middle East.

Keywords: the European Union; the Middle East; trade; foreign policy; democracy promotion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jes:euri13:167-179

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