EU – Page 9 – European Neighbourhood Monitor

“Russia’s presence in Libya provides it with the strategic depth to squeeze Europe”

Oil supply disruptions in Libya have escalated in past weeks, further increasing concern in Europe over its energy supply. This was due to protests, blockades and shutdowns at key oil infrastructure in the unstable country, as only 650,000 b/d in oil was pumped in June, which is the lowest level since October 2020 and meant […]

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Kazakhstan’s oil supply to the EU under threat?

Central Asia / ENM

Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) was ordered last week by a Russian court to suspend its operations, citing environmental arguments, meaning that Kazakhstan annual supply of 67 million tons of oil through Russia to Europe is under threat. This was only two days after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told Council President Charles Michel his country is ready

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Will the EU snubbing Georgia push it closer to Russia?

Caucasus / ENM

The EU’s decision to only grant Georgia EU candidate status after addressing certain priorities, unlike Ukraine and Moldova, continues to make waves. Commenting to Stuttgarter Nachrichten, German ECR MEP Lars Patrick Berg states: “Denying Georgia accession status is a terrible sign and a big strategic mistake by the EU”, adding that there is a danger

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A closer look at Israel’s relationship with the EU

Middle East / ENM

Writing for The Jerusalem Post, Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu discusses the idea raised by French President Emmanuel Macron to establish a “European Political Community”, referring to a gathering of 12 countries surrounding the European Union: eight candidate member states (five in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia), three that are not interested to join the

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EU agrees strategic partnership with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Middle East / ENM

The European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Monday approved a strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). EU agrees new strategic partnership with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) The EU has approved a new strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab

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EU looks at Israel and Egypt to reduce dependence on Russian energy

Middle East / ENM

In order to deal with the energy crisis, the European Commission is looking at Egypt and Israel to increase import of natural gas. It is proposing this to EU member states in a memorandum of understanding. According to a draft obtained by Reuters, the Commission states: “The natural gas to be shipped to the European Union

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A closer look at political developments in Kazakhstan

Central Asia / ENM

In Kazakhstan, a clear majority of voters approved constitutional amendments proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a referendum earlier this month. The reforms for more decentralisation of decision-making in the oil-rich country, as well as stripping former strongman Nursultan Nazarbayev of his “national leader” status. Turnout was 68.06% and 77.18% of Sunday’s votes were

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Visit of MEP Lars Patrick Berg to Iraq

EU policy makers call for closer EU trade ties with India

India / ENM

According to The Print, France’s ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, has urged the EU to engage in closer trade with India. He stated at a business meeting: “We don’t want to solely depend on China for manufacturing products. So, there is strong support from the government to bring some production back to the EU, and

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Iraq voices support for voluntary return of Iraqis denied asylum in the EU

Middle East / ENM

At a recent meeting, Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein (picture) and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, discussed the issue of irregular migration between Iraq and the EU, on the the sidelines of the sixth Brussels Conference for Syria and the region. In a statement, the Iraqi government mentioned “the latest measures taken by

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