POMED Notes: European Union Response to Arab Spring

On Tuesday, The Brookings Institution held a forum on “The European Union Response to the Arab Spring” featuring Catherine Ashton, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Police.  The forum was moderated by Martin Indyk, the vice president and director of the foreign policy department at the Brookings Institution.  Ashton spoke on the role of the European Union in supporting the Arab Spring.

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On Tuesday, The Brookings Institution held a forum on “The European Union Response to the Arab Spring” featuring Catherine Ashton, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Police.  The forum was moderated by Martin Indyk, the vice president and director of the foreign policy department at the Brookings Institution.  Ashton spoke on the role of the European Union in supporting the Arab Spring

Ashton emphasized that it is important for the European Union to stay committed to aiding the Arab Spring as a “long-term job” because of the effects it can have on neighboring countries, especially Europe.

Ashton highlighted key areas of concern for the European Union and the challenges EU faces in assisting the opposition with the necessary help. Syria is “hard to read,” but Ashton emphasized that it was a priority to put an end to violence and encourage the regime to release the political prisoners.  Ashton also emphasized the importance of removing Libyan Leader Muammar Gadhafi from Libya and allowing the “Libyan people to determine their future.”  Ultimately, Ashton stated that Morocco and Jordan are the only countries that are currently “trying to make reform without chaos.” “They are implementing the right kind of reform,” Ashton said.

According to Ashton, there are two major challenges as the Arab countries struggle to implement reform.  The political challenge would be building a democracy that included sustainable institutions and a framework for an effective political system. She said that EU and the United States would have to provide assistance in ensuring that the newly formed democracies are able to successfully continue by having consecutive elections, an independent judiciary, a political party system, an active civil society and opposition.  In addition, Ashton said it is important to develop engagement with individuals within the country, specifically ensuring that the youth and women are also able to participate in engagement.  “The youth and women of these countries should not be underestimated,” Ashton said. It is the role of the international community to help these countries develop the resources that would allow them to have effective engagement.  In addition, Ashton emphasized the importance of having freedom of the press and media.

Ashton specified that the next major challenge would be ensuring economic development in the Arab countries that are trying to transition to a new political system. Ashton said that economic development must be a priority as it was the cause of major protesting in countries such as, Egypt. Specifically, Ashton said that building a sustainable infrastructure, allowing businesses to flourish, building job opportunities and other economic developments must be a priority for these transitioning countries.  “Tourism needs to come back to countries like Egypt,” said Ashton.

Ashton presented three key areas that the EU would be contributing to the region as an effort to enable them to transform into a more effective political system. First, EU has dedicated financial assistance to ensure that Arab countries would be able to build their resources to build a democracy and economic development.  In addition, Ashton said that the EU is working to get more investors. “EU is working with others to add about $2-2.5 billion a year to small businesses and getting an infrastructure in place,” she added. Ashton also emphasized that police reform is also essential in building an effective political system so that “people can rely on the police.”

Second, the EU plans to offer support to opposition and youth groups in an effort to mobilize the country.  “We are going to need this workforce,” Ashton said, therefore, it is essential to have the youth and opposition involved in the political process.

Third, Ashton emphasized the necessity of establishing market access through trade with the international community so that the Arab countries can build and grow their economy.  “This is about foreign policy in our own interests so that we can ensure a good neighborhood,” Ashton said.

Martin Indyk asked Ashton why EU had denounced Qadhafi as the leader of Libya, but not the president of Syria, President Bashar al-Assad.  Ashton responded that Syria and Libya are two different countries with different political systems.  The situation in Syria is “complicated” and Ashton emphasized support for the protesters.

Indyk also asked whether the EU would support Turkey’s efforts in acting as a refuge for Syrian protesters, which Ashton responded and said, “Turkey is incredibly important and has a lot to offer.  We would support them if they need it. I’ve always wanted to see Turkey join the European Union.”

One audience member asked Ashton whether it was more effective to engage or isolate regimes.  Ashton emphasized the importance of engaging regimes in an effort to work with them, whereas isolation would only have negative results.