It is well established that economies prosper in stable and predictable
environments. Business is like farming. Today the seeds are put into the earth and tomorrow the fruits are reaped. If the weather forecast is very uncertain the seeds are not sown in the first place since the
probability of a total loss is high.
Thus, it comes at no surprise that the Israeli and especially the Palestinian economies greatly suffer from the Middle East conflict. However, economics is not standing at the
sidelines, it is an integral part of the conflict. This work shop sets out to explore this important link.
It is non disputable that the conflict effects welfare. Trade is hampered, infrastructure destroyed and
defence expenditures drain state coffers (but at the same time increase spending). Thus, it is obvious that the conflict has a serious impact upon prosperity. A bit more difficult is the question to what extend
economics is the cause for the conflict? Here, the economics of water allocation are cited frequently as a source of conflict in the Middle East. Thirdly, economics might play a crucial role in the resolution of the
crisis. Is hatred completely blind to the costs of destruction and the benefits of peace? Can the strife for prosperity help to bring together the entrenched communities?
The European peace process after the Second
World War gives an example of how to make use of economics in order to bring lasting peace. It was the ground breaking insight of the European Union founding fathers that economic interdependence can be used as a means
for conflict resolution. Furthermore trade sanctions are considered as a potential means to put pressure on the conflict parties. Here it is especially the EU-Israel Association Agreement that comes into play. This
treaty puts forward a number of conditions that are allegedly violated by Israel. However, the question remains whether economic incentives are of any importance when human lives seem to be scarified so easily.
In
brief, economics is part of the Middle East conflict. This work shop tries to shed light on the different links between economics and the conflict.
2. Progress in the cultural field as a prerequisite for a successful
EU-policy in the Middle East
While much emphasize was put on a fast development of the political, security and
economic tracks of the Euro-Mediterranean Process (EMP) during the last seven years, the cultural dimension – being the third chapter of the objectives laid down in Barcelona in November 1995 – has been the subject of
long debates and discussions. Its main advances – if they could be called thus – have been on the non-governmental level, involving little or no high level politics. Even if the emphasises of this chapter should be laid
on the role and participation of the respective civil societies of the euro-med countries, a stronger coupling of the security and economical policies with the cultural ones is essential for a successful EMP.
The Workshops aim is to analyse and discuss the importance of intercultural dialog and democratisation-process – i.e. involving the civil society in the decision making process– on the progression of the
security and economical field of the EMP. It should be specially noted that this Conference, with its accentuation on the differences of perception between the European, Israeli and Palestinian participants, can be seen
as being conducted in the spirit of this third chapter of the Barcelona Process.
3. Workshop : US - EU Relationship in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
In front of the
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the situation in the Middle East, the two global actors in the International Community, the US and the EU are confronted with a thorny issue.
During this workshop, an outline of the
existent profound differences of judgement and course of action adopted by the US and the EU will be made. In addition, an insight will be provided to the proposed peace-plans made by each actor which will be thoroughly
analysed. This will be enriched by the debate on the possibility of a merging situation between the US and the EU. Furthermore, other intrinsic problems such as the question of terrorism and of the Palestinian
leader will be discussed.
4. The EU’s active involvement
Usually in the shadow of the United State’s activities, the European Union has been trying to contribute to finding a solution in
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Union’s respective presidencies launched initiatives repeatedly, many diplomats of member states are trying to work on the problem, the High Representative Javier Solana
continuously interfered and looked for contacts and finally EU also appointed Miguel Angel Moratinos as Special Envoy for the Middle East peace process already in 1996.
In our workshop we will analyse in particular
the common policy of the Union, as it is exercised by Solana, Moratinos and the respective presidencies. We will evaluate official documents, speeches and media reports and discuss the following aspects:
- Does the Union have and follow a consistent policy in the Middle East?
- If so, does this policy achieve the results wanted and does it comply with the activities of other actors?
- If not
so, where do inconsequence and inefficiency in the Unions activities originate from?
The aim of this workshop is to develop a critical but fair view on the Unions’ efforts and to determine the EU’s
potential and its restrictions as an external actor in the Middle East.
