Middle East – European Neighbourhood Monitor

U.S. Signals Military Deployment Toward Iran Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is deploying naval forces toward Iran, describing the movement as an “armada” while suggesting that the deployment may serve as a deterrent rather than a prelude to immediate action. Speaking to reporters while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stated that although […]

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Israel approves expansion of Leviathan gas production for exports to Egypt

Middle East / ENM

The Israeli government has approved a plan to expand natural gas production at the Leviathan field in the eastern Mediterranean, enabling a significant increase in gas exports to Egypt over the coming decades. Leviathan, Israel’s largest offshore gas field, is operated by a consortium led by Chevron, alongside NewMed Energy and Ratio Energies. The newly

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Tehran Faces Severe Water Emergency as Drought Deepens and Rationing Looms

Middle East / ENM

Satellite analysis from CSIS indicates that Tehran’s already severe water shortages are worsening at an accelerated pace. President Masoud Pezeshkian issued one of the strongest warnings yet, stating that if meaningful rainfall does not arrive within the next month, Tehran will have to impose water rationing—and, in the most extreme scenario, consider evacuating parts of

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U.S. and Qatar Warn EU Over CSDDD

Middle East / ENM

In a rare show of alignment, the United States and Qatar have jointly warned the European Union that its proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) could pose an “existential threat” to global energy affordability and security. The two nations argue that the EU’s plan to impose extraterritorial fines for non-compliance with environmental and human

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Nusuk, the app with 40 million users

Middle East / ENM

– Guest post by Seleman Yusuph Kitenge – Just a year ago, Nusuk had around 12 million users. Today, that number has soared past 40 million, connecting people from 190 countries who are using the platform to plan and experience their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. But this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people whose

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Tensions in Yemen on the rise

Middle East / ENM

According to Israeli officials cited by The Times of Israel, an airstrike conducted late last week in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a was aimed at Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari, the Chief of Staff of the Houthi military. The Israeli military has not confirmed the outcome of the operation, but officials claim the strike coincided with

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EU Sidelined as Iran-Israel Peace Deal Unfolds Without European Input

Middle East / ENM

A surprise ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, announced late Sunday, appears to have been brokered primarily through U.S.-led diplomacy—without direct involvement from the European Union. The development has drawn attention to the EU’s limited role in the recent escalation and subsequent de-escalation in the region. On the same evening the agreement was revealed, Dutch

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Israel Intercepts Aid Ship Bound for Gaza

Middle East / ENM

A British vessel carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces late Sunday night in international waters. Among those on board was climate activist Greta Thunberg. The incident has sparked international criticism and raised questions over maritime law. The Madleen, a British ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was stopped approximately

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EU and UAE Launch Free Trade Talks

Middle East / ENM

In a significant development for international trade, the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Announced on April 10, 2025, this move aims to strengthen economic ties between the two entities, focusing on enhancing trade in goods and services, investment, and

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Saudi Arabia Pushes OPEC+ Oil Output Hike as Prices Slide and Global Demand Weakens

Middle East / ENM

Saudi Arabia has coordinated a new oil production increase with its OPEC+ partners, including Russia, marking a significant departure from recent supply restraint policies. The move comes amid growing concerns about a global economic slowdown and increasing uncertainty in international trade, particularly in the context of escalating tariff tensions. The production hike, described as a

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