The Arab region has been witnessing a period of
change and quest for new societal relations between the citizen and the state,
based on respect of fundamental freedoms, rights, dignity, and rule of law.
Along the multiplicity of factors including political repressions, corruption,
and lack of accountability and legitimacy of Arab regimes, the peoples’
uprisings and revolutions in multiple Arab countries have reflected a failure
of social and economic policies, according to the Network. Indeed, citizens are
calling for a new development paradigm, which re-enforces the right to
development and economic and social rights and justice. Accordingly, the
democratic process and practice in the region necessitates revising the
approach to the economic and social policies and policy making, aligned with
reforms of political systems and enhancing the role of civil society, observed
the ANND.
These changes in the Arab countries necessitate
a re-thinking of priorities and policy approaches in the cooperation and
partnerships with the European Union, on various fronts whether political,
economic, social, and cultural. One of the main challenges to be addressed is
seeking coherence among the various levels of cooperation between the EU and
Arab countries, specifically among the development cooperation and the economic
partnership, including the trade and investment relations. Furthermore, the
region witnesses have swept across the whole Arab region, including the
Maghreb, Mashreq, and Gulf countries, thus requiring a holistic approach in the
revision of the relation between the EU and the various Arab countries.
Find more information
>>> here.
