Background

On the occasion of establishing the Euro-MENA Initiative for Democracy and Development, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) will convene a strategic workshop in February 2025. This workshop comes in response to the significant geopolitical shifts triggered by the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent regional and international transformations. These events have reshaped political dynamics, and disrupted longstanding regional balances, but also offered opportunities for new engagement. The interconnected nature of regional conflicts, as seen in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, highlights the pressing need to address broader geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian challenges in the MENA region.

Since October 7th, 2023, the escalation of violence in Gaza has exposed the fragility of regional agreements, particularly for Arab states that normalized relations with Israel without addressing the core Palestinian issue. These developments have reignited tensions across the region, amplifying instability and humanitarian crises, and underscoring the urgency of re-centering respect for international law and human rights as guiding principles for conflict resolution and diplomacy.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria introduces a shift in the regional landscape. Syria’s political transition raises critical questions about the role of regional and international actors, prospects for inclusive governance, and the humanitarian and economic needs of the Syrian population. Neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon face compounded pressures, including refugee challenges, security concerns, and economic strains, necessitating coordinated international responses rooted in respect for human dignity and shared responsibility.

For Europe, these developments present both challenges and opportunities. Concerns over energy security, migration, and geopolitical recalibration with Arab states and Israel have grown increasingly urgent. Additionally, the widespread solidarity with the Palestinian cause across the MENA region has compelled European governments to reassess their policies, balancing domestic political considerations with the need for renewed engagement and diplomacy. The rise of far-right agendas in Europe further complicates these dynamics, influencing narratives on migration and humanitarian aid.

Recognizing these challenges, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) has been actively contributing to these critical discussions through its Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) and Global Network on the Question of Palestine (GNQP). ARDD’s work underscores the importance of addressing the interconnected challenges of governance, humanitarian aid, and development while fostering inclusivity and respect for international law.

The upcoming workshop in Amman seeks to build on these efforts, bringing together European and MENA experts from ARDD’s boards, networks, and partner organizations, as well as European diplomats based in Jordan. Participants will explore the far-reaching implications of the war and further events since October 7 including Syria’s political transition for Euro-MENA relations. The workshop will emphasize the importance of civil society as a catalyst for fostering dialogue and rebuilding trust, while also identifying opportunities for renewed cooperation in areas such as economic recovery, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development.

Objectives of the Workshop

The workshop seeks to promote dialogue and analyze the transformative effects of the ongoing conflict and the Syrian transition on Euro-MENA relations. It builds on ARDD’s Euro-MENA Dialogue Initiative, launched in August 2024, which aims to foster cooperation between Europe and the MENA region.

The Workshop aims to:

1. To analyze the political, social, and economic consequences of the October 7 events on the MENA region and
2. To assess key issues such as aid, refugees, reconstruction, and global governance in addressing the crises in Gaza, Syria, and
3. To evaluate the state of Euro-MENA relations in light of shrinking dialogue and increasing fragmentation over the past two decades.
4. To identify policy pathways and opportunities for renewed Euro-MENA cooperation that prioritize inclusivity, stability, and long-term development.

Additionally, the event will serve as a strategic planning platform for ARDD’s Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC)

and the Euro-MENA Initiative for Democracy and Development, ensuring a forward-looking approach to regional stability and inclusive dialogue.

By convening policymakers, experts, and diplomats, the workshop will generate insights and solutions that respond to the current crisis while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and cooperative Euro-MENA future.