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What is behind Hariri’s resignation?

Wed, 03/01/2018 - 10:57

On the occasion of Saad Hariri’s disappearance in Saudi Arabia and his tele-resignation from his seat as prime minister of Lebanon, this note discusses various parameters regarding the background of these events. You can access the Briefing Note here.

Academy of Athens gives award to ELIAMEP

Fri, 22/12/2017 - 04:42

Following the publication of ELIAMEP White Book on Greek Foreign Policy, Defence and Security, the Academy of Athens gave an award to the Foundation. President of ELIAMEP, Professor Loukas Tsoukalis received the prize on 21 December 2017.

Professor Loukas Tsoukalis said after the ceremony:

‘This prize is a great honor and recognition of ELIAMEP’s work in the last 30 years. Congratulations to all his members, associates and friends’.

ELIAMEP-EPC Policy Dialogue: ‘2018: A turning point for European integration?’, 09/01/2018

Fri, 15/12/2017 - 17:56

Tuesday, 09 January 2018 – 14.30 to 16.30, Brussels
Policy Dialogue

2018: A turning point for European integration?

Speaker(s):

Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies, European Policy Centre
Zaki Laïdi, Professor of International Relations, Sciences Po, Paris;
former Advisor to the Prime Minister of France
Loukas Tsoukalis, Professor of European Integration, University of Athens
Herman Van Rompuy, President, European Policy Centre; President Emeritus of the European Council
Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive, European Policy Centre

ELIAMEP participates in a EP study on the strategic challenge of Russia

Fri, 15/12/2017 - 17:47

ELIAMEP is among the European think tanks which contributed to the study: Facing Russia’s strategic challenge: Security developments from the Baltic to the Black Sea, published by the European Parliament. Dr Panagiota Manoli and Dr Theodore Tsakiris are the authors. You can access the study here.

Dr Thanos Dokos writes in Kathimerini on Erdogan’s Greece visit, 13/12/2017

Fri, 15/12/2017 - 17:22

You can read here the article on Erdogan’s Greece visit which was written by Director General of ELIAMEP Dr Thanos Dokos. This commentary was published in the Greek daily Kathimerini on 13 December 2017 [in Greek].

Professor Loukas Tsoukalis writes in Kathimerini on Europe and Social Democracy, 10/12/2017

Fri, 15/12/2017 - 17:18

President of ELIAMEP Professor Loukas Tsoukalis wrote an article in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini on Europe and Social Democracy. You can access it here.

Ambassador (ad.hon.) Pavlos Apostolidis analyses Greek-Turkish Relations in Dimokratiki, 09/12/2017

Fri, 15/12/2017 - 17:13

Ambassador (ad.hon.) Pavlos Apostolidis gave an interview in Dimikratiki of Rhodes newspaper analysing Greek-Turkish relations. The content is available here (in Greek).

ELIAMEP Working Paper discusses the political turmoil in Kosovo

Thu, 07/12/2017 - 14:08

In Working Paper 88/2017 of ELIAMEP’s South East Europe Programme, Research Associate Bledar Feta deals with the political situation in Kosovo. More specifically, the paper attempts to provide the main aspects of the political and institutional crisis that hit Kosovo after Parliamentary elections of June 8th, 2014. The aim of the paper, besides giving an overview of the most important developments since then, is to provide an analysis on the attempts of Kosovar political class to establish a stable government putting under the microscope their political behaviour. In addition, the paper deals with the last parliamentary elections, as well as the new government’s priorities, the challenges ahead and the key policy issues which remain a major talking point in the political and public debate, polarizing opposition, the coalition government and the public opinion in general.

Dr Thanos Dokos talks on Greek News Agenda on Erdogan’s Greece visit, 07/12/2017

Thu, 07/12/2017 - 13:45

Dr Thanos Dokos spoke with Greek News Agenda* about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Greece, Greek-Turkish relations today and their economic aspect, as well as EU-Turkey relations and Turkish foreign policy in the Middle East:

How would you describe Greek-Turkish relations today?

Greece has moved away from zero-sum game perceptions vis-à-vis Turkey and overall, the two countries are much better off today in terms of bilateral relations (including trade and people-to-people contacts) than they were a few years ago [before 1999 to be more precise]. Having said that, neither country has moved from their firm positions regarding ‘high politics’ issues and Greece and Turkey continue to perceive each other through a Hobbesian prism. Greek policy-makers are moving away from “zero-sum game” perceptions regarding Greek-Turkish relations, but scepticism and distrust continue to linger as Turkey insists on its revisionist policies. During the last few years Turkey has been conducting frequent low level overflights of Greek islets and islands whose sovereignty Ankara started disputing rather recently. Turkey’s political objective is to promote its claims regarding maritime zones in the Aegean. Challenging the sovereignty of inhabited islands is a highly escalatory and potentially destabilising policy of brinkmanship, however.

It seems unlikely that there will be major progress in the near future in fully normalizing bilateral relations. It would be more productive if the two sides explored ideas for confidence-building measures and functional interim solutions regarding overflights, air-space violations and dogfights.

Erdogan has already visited Greece in the past. This will be his first visit as President. In fact he will be the first Turkish president visiting Greece in 65 years. What do you think about the timing of the visit and which are the expected outcomes for both sides?

The visit is taking place at a time of President Erdogan’s choice. It is probably related to Turkey’s difficult relations with the majority of EU countries, as well as the US and the resulting diplomatic isolation. A state visit to Greece would be a good photo opportunity and a successful public relations exercise for the Turkish president, who is eager to show that he is still welcomed in an EU member state, despite the bilateral problems and his authoritarian style of government. For the Greek government the expectation is that this visit and the resulting good will, in combination with Ankara’s many foreign and domestic problems will lead to a period of lower tension between Greece and Turkey and perhaps better cooperation on the migration issue. Boosting economic cooperation is another expectation for the Greek side.

Are we to expect further progress in the field of economic cooperation between Greece and Turkey?

TheTurkish side has put on the table a few potentially interesting proposals for economic cooperation. Boosting economic ties would be important for both sides, as Turkey remains an export destination for Greece whose economy is still struggling with the economic crisis, whereas the Turkish economy has been slowing down after several years of impressive growth rates. Energy is another area of potential cooperation. Already there is a natural gas pipeline linking the two countries and another one, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), that will carry gas from Azerbaijan to Italy, via Turkey, Greece and Albania, is under construction. The Russian proposal for an extension of the so-called Turkish Stream (another proposed pipeline) through Greece and then to other European destinations will have to overcome the obstacle of difficult political relations between Russia and the West.

You believe that Turkey still wants to join the European Union or that it wishes to establish another kind of relation with the EU?  

President Erdogan has made every possible effort to cause tension with major EU countries and alienate Turkey’s Western partners and allies. As a result of undemocratic practices inside Turkey, a number of European policymakers and a majority of the members of the European Parliament have been asking for a formal suspension of Turkey’s accession negotiations. Greece is one of several EU member states believing that such a decision would be counterproductive as it would cause Turkey to drift further away from Western institutions. Turkey’s key role in the management of refugee/migration flows would make such a development rather costly for the EU. It would also be tantamount to ‘abandoning’ those in Turkey (probably 50% of the population) who are against undemocratic practices and support a closer relationship with the EU. Of course, any expectation that Turkey could join the EU in the foreseeable future would be unrealistic. The best both sides could aim for is a better working relationship that would allow more efficient cooperation in areas of common interest (or concern).

What is the Turkish foreign policy in the Middle East?

After decades of very selective engagement with the Middle East, AKP’s Turkey has been trying to increase its presence in the region, using mostly its soft power to increase its regional role and influence. A confrontational attitude towards Israel was intended to serve those objectives. The Arab revolts significantly disrupted Turkey’s Middle Eastern policies. Ankara then tried to play the Sunni card by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in various Arab countries. This policy failed spectacularly in Egypt. Turkish support for the opposition in Syria also didn’t produce the expected results, as the Assad regime proved to be quite resilient. The situation became more complicated because of the emergence of ISIS and the support given to the Syrian Kurds by various powers. Turkey is currently struggling to prevent the emergence of autonomous Kurdish entities and is trying to re-define its relations with regional and global actors in the Middle East.

Source: Greek News Agenda

Dr Thanos Dokos writes in Kathimerini about security issues and obsessions, 01/12/2017

Mon, 04/12/2017 - 10:35

You can read here the article about security issues and obsessions which was written by Director General of ELIAMEP Dr Thanos Dokos. This commentary was published in the Greek daily Kathimerini on 4 December 2017 [in Greek].

ELIAMEP Briefing Note deals with relations between fYROM and Bulgaria

Mon, 04/12/2017 - 10:13

The formation of the new government in Skopje, led by Zoran Zaev, in May 2017, has set in motion a series of important developments in the relations between fYROM and Bulgaria. ELIAMEP Briefing Note 55/2017 written by Dr Yiorgos Christidis examines the recent rapprochement between the two countries centered around the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation, signed in 1 August 2017

Applications for the Master’s Programme at the College of Europe

Sun, 03/12/2017 - 16:19

ELIAMEP provides the channel for recruiting Greek students for the Master’s Programme at the College of Europe through the Greek Selection Committee for the College of Europe, which operates on the ELIAMEP premises. The College of Europe is a centre of academic excellence, with five programmes, leading to a Master’s degree. It operates in two campuses, in Bruges (Belgium) and Natolin (Poland). The six one-year programmes are: European Political and Governance Studies, European Legal Studies, European Economic Studies, EU International Relations and Diplomacy as well as Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs in Bruges, and the “European Interdisciplinary Studies: The Internal and External Dimensions of the EU” programme in Natolin.

Applying: The requirements for admission are a relevant University degree of good standard and working knowledge (writing and speaking) of English and French.

Closing date for applications is January 17th, 2018. Interviews for short-listed candidates take place in April / May in Athens by the Greek Selection Committee. Application files should include the documents (in English or in French) listed below:

  1. The Application Form of the College of Europe, to be submitted online.
  2. a CV indicating the totality of your studies as well as the grades obtained.
  3. a certified copy of your degree(s) (if you are not yet in possession of your final degree, please send it as soon as it is available).
  4. a transcript from your University, Faculty, School, detailing results for every year of your studies and grades obtained.
  5. two letters of recommendation from two of your university professors.

No other documents are required. Please note that applications which are not complete, especially with respect to the certificates detailing the results of your studies and the marks obtained cannot be taken into consideration. Please also note that the Master’s Degrees awarded from the College of Europe are recognized from the National Academic Recognition Information Center (NARIC).

Applications should be sent electronically to the College of Europe

There is a limited number of available scholarships, offered to successful candidates, based on their overall performance. For more information on scholarships, please access the College of Europe website.

For further information and a brochure, please contact Ms. Matina Meintani, tel: +30 210 360 7611, email: ltsoukalis_assistant@eliamep.gr.

ELIAMEP Working Paper analyses the Imia crisis

Sat, 02/12/2017 - 10:20

Undoubtedly, the Imia crisis was a major event in transnational relations between Greece and Turkey. In the January 1996 crisis, Turkish soldiers landed on Greek soil, ie the two countries were on the verge of armed conflict. The purpose of this text is to focus solely on comparing the opposing military forces (“hard power”), using comparative armor arrays, and analyzing the possible way of conducting potential war missions. However, it was deemed useful to include a brief history of the events of the crisis, as well as the current legal status. After the crisis in Imia, there was a strong rumor in Greece, but also a belief that they had a tactical advantage against Turkey, which the Greek government did not take advantage of. Because of this omission, the opportunity for a military victory against Turkey was lost. Through this text it is shown that this claim was unrealistic, both at a local and a wider level of confrontation. As a consequence of how the crisis was handled, it was the famous “Buffer Zones”, adding further issues in the direction of questioning the existing status quo in the Aegean.

Working Paper 87/2017: The Greek-Turkish Dispute over Imia (in Greek)

Author: Nikolaos Paounis

ELIAMEP Working Paper analyses the North Korean threat

Mon, 20/11/2017 - 11:21

Working Paper 85/2017 written by Dr Alexandros Kolovos aims to briefly deal with North Korea’s nuclear, missile and space program. It will then analyse the North Korean threat of using the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) against the US or its allies. It will refer to the lessons that have been learned from nuclear tests in the atmosphere and in Outer Space in the past. Then it will refer to the US institutional actions to deal with the impact of the EMP threat, the public debate that is taking place, and the diplomatic moves to resolve the crisis with North Korea.

Working Paper 85/2017: ‘The North Korean Threat‘ (in Greek)

Author: Dr Alexandros Kolovos

Dr Thanos Dokos writes in Kathimerini on Greek foreign policy, 15/11/2017

Fri, 17/11/2017 - 09:03

You can read here the article on Greek foreign policy which was written by Director General of ELIAMEP Dr Thanos Dokos. This commentary was published in the Greek daily Kathimerini on 15 November 2017 [in Greek].

Working Paper analyses factors affecting the education of Greek high school students on international relations issues

Thu, 16/11/2017 - 21:37

The purpose of this Working Paper is to study the factors which affect the education of Greek high school students in issues of international relations and foreign policy with an emphasis on European education. In addition, it is attempted to illustrate the level of their familiarity with the basic concepts and institutions of the international system and the European Union, as well as, their participation in programs on international studies and related issues within the school through a structured questionnaire which was answered by one hundred students in the period 7-12 July 2017. Proposals are being made to upgrade the study of both international and European institutions as well as the social sciences generally. Particular emphasis is given to developing the skills needed to understand the ever-changing international environment.

Refugees in Greece 2013-2017: Infographic & Statistical information

Mon, 13/11/2017 - 07:14

Α. Infographic (Data visualization):

ELIAMEP presents an Infographic below illustrating the number and main nationalities of asylum seekers and refugees in Greece; the number of unaccompanied minors by sex and ethnicity; the number of relocated asylum seekers by sex to other European countries; the number of migrants returned to Turkey under the EU-Turkey Agreement; aw well as the nationalities whose asylum applications are usually rejected.

You can access the PDF here.

ΒStatistical information

Moreover, we present charts on economic migration in Greece, which you can see below, so that you can get an idea about the immigrant population in Greece based on the number of residence permits per sex, age group and category (family reunification, employment, studies or else). Furthermore, there are some graphs and charts illustrating quantitative data sourced from the Social Insurance Institute – Unified Insurance Fund of Employees (IKA-ETAM) on the distribution of insured population by occupations and nationalities, as well as the employment and unemployment rates by gender and place of birth. All graphs in PDF are available here.

Dr Thanos Dokos writes in Kathimerini on the future of the Hellenic Army, 01/11/2017

Mon, 06/11/2017 - 08:43

You can read here the article on the future of the Hellenic Army which was written by Director General of ELIAMEP Dr Thanos Dokos. This commentary was published in the Greek daily Kathimerini on 1 November 2017 [in Greek].

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