- Galip Dalay, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow of the Robert Bosch Academy
The discovery of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean is fueling geopolitical tensions between the littoral states. Europe has formidable stakes in this crisis: NATO partners Greece, France, and Turkey are at odds with each other. A violent conflict is unlikely but not unthinkable as calculated escalation can eventually spiral out of control. As German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas put it: a spark can ignite a blaze. The conundrum calls for de-escalation and negotiations rather than reckless brinkmanship. The longer these tensions fester, the more perilous the confrontation in the Eastern Mediterranean becomes.
The crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean is a European affair and test of the EU’s foreign and security policy. How should Europe respond? Which principles and interests should drive European policy? What are the necessary conditions for European diplomacy to produce positive results? The aim of this virtual workshop is to bring together European experts and develop constructive policy recommendations.
The participation is by invitation only.
Registration for this event is closed.