The fragile political situation in Turkey has suffered a major blow through the attempted military coup. Given both the necessity to work with Turkey in handling the refugee crisis and the widespread criticism towards the EUTurkey deal, how should the EU position itself towards Turkey in light of recent political developments?
The EU’s relationship with the countries of the southern Mediterranean are tied to a series of political, technical and democratic conditions. Is this a justified approach, or does it risk reproducing inequalities and creating an unlevel playing field? With which principles should the EU approach its investment in the Southern Mediterranean?
The lost generation: With youth unemployment both north and south of the Mediterranean threatening to create an entire generation of longterm unemployed, what steps should the EU and its Member States take to create opportunities for their young citizens?
The Mediterranean Sea is a vital source of food and income, but managing resource use between nineteen countries is a constant challenge. With overfishing, fish farming and ranching all depleting fish stocks, how can the EU and its neighbours better coordinate fishing efforts and ensure the sea is protected for future generations?
With ever greater pressure to ensure energy security in the EU, the reduction of reliance on Russia outlined in the EU’s Energy Security Strategy will have a significant impact on the Mediterranean. How should the EU balance harmonisation as a means to diversify and increase energy security with Member States’ wish to retain control over energy policy?
After perceived threats to their internal security, a common response employed most recently by France and Turkey is the declaration of a state of emergency. With this step allowing the suspension of citizens’ rights and notably international human rights conventions, is their use a cause for concern? How should the EU and its Member States balance citizens’ security and their liberty in critical situations?
By 2016, an estimated 3,000 people have lost their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean, with thousands still willing to risk their lives to reach Europe by sea. The rise in the number of refugees has brought with it a vicious trade in human trafficking: what can both the states of departure and those of arrival in the EU do to tackle traffickers?