1. European Foreign Policy towards the Middle East Revisited Amman/Beirut, June 2nd, 2011 Dr. Martin Beck KAS Amman

2. Content 1.Introduction 2.The European approach towards the Middle East since the 1970s 3.Why did the EU policies towards the Middle East not match the ideals of a Civilian Power? 4.Lessons to be learned by the Europeans and what the Arabs could do to support a successful learning process.

3. 1.Introduction European self-image: “Civilian Power“ Problems in the past in terms of European policy towards the Middle East: -Inconsistencies in the approach -Hostile Realities on the ground -Hostile international environment As a result of the recent Arab Uprising: -Both opportunities and challenges are ahead

4. 2. The European approach towards the Middle East since the 1970s 2.1 “Civilian Power” Concept: homo sociologicus rather than homo oeconomicus - self-image - logic of appropriateness rather than logic of consequentiality 2.2 Historic Roots -Up to the 1960s: UK, F: Imperialism; Ger: Israel only -1970s: European Political Cooperation (EPC) -1977-80: Camp David (US) versus Venice (Europe) -1990s: Heydays and Failure -European Mediterranean Policy (EMP) -Oslo Peace Process

5. 3. Why did the EU Policies towards the Middle East not match the ideals of a “Civilian Power“? 3.1 Home-grown problems of the EU -Solo attempts of member states - “special relationships“: F, UK, Ger 3.2 Hostile environment in the Middle East (before 2011!) -contradiction between democratisation and stability -limited power -not using its limited power in an efficient way 3.3 Hostile international environment: -Special relationship between the US and Israel (plus Saudi Arabia)

6. 4. Lessons to be learned by the Europeans and what the Arabs could do to support a successful learning process To the Europeans: -Embrace the Arab movements for democratisation. -Accept that democratisation processes increase instability in the short and medium term. -Avoid national solo attempts. -Get engaged in a critical dialogue with Islamist groups. -Walk the talk of a two-state settlement for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the borders of 1967. -Try to coordinate with the US, at the same time propel them towards an approach compatible with the principles of a “civilian power.“

7. 4. Lessons to be learned by the Europeans and what the Arabs could do to support a succesful learning process To the Arabs: -Accept that the European support to the democratisation process is limited. -Accept European engagement based on the values of a “civilian power.“ -Avoid bypassing the EU by approaching single European states. -Accept that the EU should establish friendly relations with all groups who attempt to get engaged in an Arab democratisation process. -Accept the state of Israel within the borders of 1949 without ifs and buts— when the EU recognises a Palestinian state within the borders of 1967. -Accept that an effective European policy towards the Middle East requires coordination with the US.