Promoting Political and Economic Reform in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Summer 2005

The EU has a major interest in the reform process of its neighbors. However, theEU is not entitled to “impose” the ground rules of political, economic and socialbehavior that it requires from member countries upon its southern neighbors theway it is able to upon its European neighbors and potential member countries. TheEU’s “sticks and carrots” are insufficient to motivate national authorities toimplement reforms that weaken their own power status. This article considers theimportance of the region for the EU, assesses the achievements of the BarcelonaProcess, evaluates present EU policies towards the region, asks whether democracyis possible in the region and examines the prospects for EU-U.S. cooperation inthe wider Middle East. The author suggests a number of recommendations for EUaction although it is recognized that progress will depend on decisions made bythe countries in the region themselves...Please click here to read the text in full.