Historically, divisions between the EU member states have ensured that the Middle East has been a significant Achilles heel to European foreign policy cooperation as the conflict in Iraq has so clearly demonstrated. The proposals outlined in this publication are not only attainable but make a tangible contribution to current security preoccupations; ensure continued European relevance in a sphere now subject to increased US activity and provides a fillip to current efforts to fashion a more resonant European foreign policy identity.

This paper focuses on the role of the European Union (its member states individually and collectively, as well as the Brussels institutions), and offers 10 proposals that could inject greater clarity, dynamism and coherence into EU democracy promotion efforts in the Middle East.