This first policy paper of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) - European and South Mediterranean Actors: Partners in Conflict Prevention and Resolution - concentrates on the “Changing Realities in the Region”. In providing some insights into the emerging balance of power at the state, domestic, and transnational levels, Gerrit F. Schlomach summarizes the discussions which took place during an EAG workshop held in Tunis on 5th and 6th May 2007.

Four policy recommendations follow this overview: Martin Beck argues that the perspective of neglecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to tackle more “substantial” Middle Eastern issues is misleading. Sven Biscop stresses that with its troops on the ground, the EU cannot afford to wait and see, but must actively facilitate the internal political dialogue in Lebanon. Regarding Iran’s nuclear file, Emily B. Landau claims that the sanctions path should be pursued with even greater determination, until Iran finally comes to the table actually looking to close a deal. Carlo Masala suggests a reprioritisation of EU’s relations towards its Mediterranean neighbours in order to achieve what so far has been impossible: the willingness of Arab regimes to cooperate and to change. Finally, Yasar A. Qatarneh puts forward the idea that the international community should enter into a dialogue with state and non-state players in the region to maintain the stability and sovereignty of the whole region.