Introduction At a time when Europe and the Arab world are increasingly inward-looking on account of their respective crises, their ability to influence each other remains undiminished. Socio-economic turbulence, violent conflict and other challenges may constitute sound reasons for the increasingly local pre-occupations of societies north and south of the Mediterranean, but geography remains a permanent reality. Interaction between these two regions is almost as old as history itself, and at different points in time each has – for better and for worse – played a pivotal role in the development of the other. The present is another such juncture. The Arab world is in upheaval, Europe is redefining its identity, and each may for different reasons be facing an existential crisis of its own. In November 2014, the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation’s Euro-Arab Dialogue Forum convened a distinguished gathering of Arabs and Europeans to reflect upon this relationship and to specifically address “The Arab Future and the Role of Europe”. Under the leadership of BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and with a keynote presentation by senior United Nations diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, panelists from a broad spectrum of fields and professions addressed the challenges of political transition, economic development, education and social engagement. In doing so they collectively provided insightful analysis and thoughtful reflections, as well as constructive prescriptions and recommendations. The purpose of the Euro-Arab Dialogue Forum is not to reach consensus on specific issues, but rather to illuminate the present state of Euro-Arab relations and generate ideas that can contribute to its improvement. This report presents a summary of the proceedings, and highlights key themes raised during the conference as well as questions that need to be further explored to promote a more constructive Euro-Arab relationship at the political, socio-economic and cultural levels. The report is divided into three sections that present the main issues and questions raised in each of the panels presented during the conference. In 1994 our organisation’s founder, the late Mahmoud S. Rabbani stated, “the EuroArab relationship represents an important challenge to both Europe and the Arab World. The most important step that can be taken towards meeting this challenge is to expand the Euro-Arab Dialogue.” It is a statement that resonates strongly in today’s context. This report is presented by the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation to further the cause of Euro-Arab dialogue and understanding that motivated the late Mahmoud Rabbani to establish our organisation. We hope you find it both interesting and informative. 3
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