In the course of the lecture entitled “Past and Future Problems of Cross-Mediterranean Relations: A European Perspective” Dr. Beck, formerly a visiting professor at Birzeit University from 2001-2004, discussed the achievements and difficulties of the European approach towards the Middle East in the past and illustrated future challenges brought upon the relations alongside the developments of the Arab Spring. He emphasized that the Cross-Mediterranean relations can hardly be comprehended without shedding light on the European approach towards the Arab world and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After recapitulating Europe’s imperialist history and how it is often shed out when reflecting Middle Eastern problems nowadays, Dr. Beck visualized the European concept of Civilian Power seeking a culture of non-violent resolution of political disputes, the rule of law and human rights, self-determination, the development of social division of labor and institutions, the participation in decision-making by those affected by them and social justice. Yet, European policies towards the Middle East did not always match those ideals. This is mainly ascribed to the inevitable dilemma of democratization and stabilization: One cannot witness both at the same time. Transitions are always troublesome. Moreover, the European Union lacks a clear cut administration and suffers from a weak institutional setting. Concerning international matters, Europe still has severe difficulties presenting itself as a community, but often acts as a loose merger of self-sufficient nation states instead.

The future of cross-Mediterranean relations cannot be entirely foreseen. The hindsight of the dilemma between democratization and stabilization, additional financial commitments, the termination of the former 'one size fits all'-approach and the strengthening of relations with the Arab civil society, however, indicate a positive break in EU cross-Mediterranean policy. Currently though, the EU mainly hits negative headlines concerning the Palestinian quest for statehood, to which - given the failed bilateral peace process within the Oslo Accords – positive resonance was expected on behalf of the Civil-Power-concept. Unfortunately, the EU did not (yet) manage to come up with a coordinated response.

Approximately twenty students and guests attended the lecture.