Does the EU have a truly comprehensive and strategic framework for its relations with its Southern Neighborhood (SN)?

Publications

17 Jun 2022

Trade & Macro

Karolina Zubel

Katarzyna Sidło

Agnieszka Kulesa

Oskar Chmiel

Karolina Zubel

Environment, Energy and Climate Change Director
Karolina Zubel holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science and BA from the University of Warsaw and Sciences Po Paris. Currently, she is a PhD student at the Warsaw School of Economics, focusing her research endeavours on smart cities developments. Her work has been at the intersection of sustainability, low-carbon … <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/does-the-eu-have-a-truly-comprehensive-and-strategic-framework-for-its-relations-with-its-southern-neighborhood-sn-2/">Continued</a>

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Author’s articles
Katarzyna Sidło
Dr Katarzyna W. Sidło specializes in the political economy, geo-economics and socioeconomic development of the European Union’s Southern Neighbourhood as well as EU-Mediterranean relations. She has a proven track record working on studies, evaluations and impact assessments commissioned by various international donors such as the European Parliament, the European Commission and its various departments and agencies, … <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/does-the-eu-have-a-truly-comprehensive-and-strategic-framework-for-its-relations-with-its-southern-neighborhood-sn-2/">Continued</a>

Articles from this author:
- Preparing for the enlargement from a territorial perspective: governance, policies and investments to ensure the role and means of LRAs in an enlarged EU
  The report examines the potential impacts of EU enlargement, focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. It highlights the benefits of a larger internal market, increased geopolitical influence, and improved food and energy security, while also addressing the financial and policy challenges, especially in agriculture and regional development. Enlargement would require major adjustments to the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy, with Ukraine’s vast agricultural sector putting particular pressure on EU funds. Financial estimates suggest significant budget needs, leading the report to outline three scenarios: no new members until 2041, a single large expansion, or a phased approach over multiple budget cycles. The report underscores the critical role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in managing these changes, recommending support and shared strategies to ensure a balanced, sustainable approach to EU growth.
- Tourism and rural development
  The study delves into the multifaceted impact and potential of tourism in fostering rural development across the European Union (EU). Its aim is to equip local governments with practical insights, empowering them to effectively leverage the benefits of tourism in rural EU regions. Employing a diverse array of research methodologies, including interviews, case studies, and … Continued
- Prospects of reinvigorating the Middle East Peace Process: a possible joint EU-US undertaking?
  The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute has been an issue of strategic and common interest for the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA). The Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) was initiated through the 1991 Madrid Conference co-sponsored by the Soviet Union and the USA. … Continued
Author’s articles
Agnieszka Kulesa

Specialist in Social Sciences
Agnieszka Kulesa has been working at CASE since 2018. She specialises in the labour market, international labour migration, and migration policies within and outside the European Union.

Articles from this author:
- Exploring the Entrepreneurial Potential of Belarusian Migrants in the EU
  This Working Paper aims to deepen the understanding of Belarusian migration to the EU, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship among Belarusian migrants.
- 180th mBank-CASE Seminar Proceedings: BNPL: Buy Now Pay Later. Deferred Payment– An Established Idea Gaining Traction
  The publication examines the growing popularity and implications of the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financial model in Poland and globally. It features expert analyses and discussions from a seminar held on March 14, 2024, including insights from key players like PayPo, PKO BP, and the Credit Information Bureau (BIK). The publication focuses on: BNPL Evolution and Success: Originating in Sweden, BNPL has transformed global online shopping, offering deferred payment options as an alternative to credit cards. Poland's BNPL market, still in its infancy, shows rapid growth due to firms like PayPo, Twisto, and Allegro Pay. Comparison with Credit Cards: Unlike credit cards, BNPL offers simpler, targeted transactions that resonate with younger demographics and more women. It avoids the complexities and high fees associated with traditional credit cards, fostering higher adoption rates. Polish Market Dynamics: By the end of 2023, nearly 2 million Poles had used BNPL, representing 12% of active borrowers. PayPo leads the market with innovative features, while PKO BP introduces seamless banking integration for deferred payments. Challenges and Growth Potential: Despite its success, establishing a universal BNPL business model remains challenging. However, its consumer-centric approach signals continued growth, especially as it aligns with modern purchasing behaviors. The report provides a nuanced understanding of how BNPL reshapes financial landscapes, blending fintech innovation with traditional banking.
- Intergenerational Dialogue for the Future of My City
  The publication is an educator's guidebook designed to inspire and support discussions between youth and elderly participants about shaping the future of urban environments. Created as part of the "Future for All" project by CASE (Center for Social and Economic Research), this guidebook uses Warsaw as a case study but provides adaptable insights for cities globally. It is funded by the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism (2014–2021). The guidebook delves into critical themes, including: Demography: Addressing the implications of an ageing population, declining birth rates, and migration patterns for urban planning and social cohesion. Migration: Exploring the integration of diverse populations and fostering intercultural and intergenerational understanding. Climate Change: Highlighting urban sustainability through public initiatives like green spaces and waste reduction. Digitalisation: Emphasizing smart city development while bridging the generational digital divide. Central to its approach are intergenerational activities that foster collaboration and mutual understanding, with a focus on scenario planning, problem-solving, and community engagement. This resource equips educators with tools to promote critical thinking and inclusivity, encouraging young and older citizens alike to actively shape resilient and sustainable urban communities.
Author’s articles
Oskar Chmiel
Oskar Chmiel holds a PhD in Social Sciences with a specialization in Political Science from the University of Wroclaw. He is particularly interested in the political and social aspects of international development cooperation, migration, and trade. Prior to joining CASE, Oskar gained experience working, among others, as an intern at the Polish Centre for African … <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/does-the-eu-have-a-truly-comprehensive-and-strategic-framework-for-its-relations-with-its-southern-neighborhood-sn-2/">Continued</a>

Articles from this author:
- Poland’s Migration Strategy for 2025-2030 – Expert Commentary
- V4 Development Cooperation Trialogue: Reinforcing Synergies, Sharing Good Practices
  V4 Development Cooperation Trialogue: Reinforcing Synergies, Sharing Good Practices. A Guide to participation in EU development funding The study is the result of V4DevCo project aiming at enhancing knowledge base on participation of V4 non-state development actors in EU development funding programs. The Guide includes a set of recommendations developed with contribution of representatives of … Continued
- Energy policy and the labour market: consequences for employment in regions undergoing energy transitions
  This study examines the socio-economic situation of three lignite regions in the process of transitioning out of coal mining: Lusatia in Germany, Wielkopolska in Poland, and Upper Nitra in Slovakia. It assesses the effectiveness of various instruments, factors and approaches in creating quality jobs, employment, and economic growth. The research results suggest that a successful … Continued
Author’s articles

A new agenda for the Mediterranean: Are the EU tools and means of action up to its ambitions? A new report for the European Parliamentary Research Service by dr Katarzyna Sidło, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at CASE and Emmanuel Cohen-Hadria, Director of the Euro-Mediterranean Policies Department at IEMed.

The Southern Neighbourhood (SN) of the European Union (EU) remains in what appears to be a state of permanent turmoil. Similarly, the rift in Euro-Mediterranean relations seems to be growing, as exemplified by reactions to the Russian aggression on Ukraine across the SN region and despite a window of opportunity the pandemic offered to relaunch cooperation between both sides of the Mediterranean.

“The New Agenda for the Mediterranean introduces certain adjustments in the EU’s approach towards its Southern Neighbourhood, but much more comprehensive changes are needed to truly revitalise the relationship between the two” – dr Katarzyna Sidło, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at CASE, says.

The Joint Communication on a ‘Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: a New Agenda for the Mediterranean’, released in February 2021 and endorsed by April 2021 Council conclusions, is an attempt at addressing both the above mentioned rift, and the multitude and magnitude of challenges facing societies and economies of the SN countries. The present study considers whether the Joint Communication is well-fitted to achieve these goals. Accordingly, it first undertakes an analysis of the geopolitical trends and megatrends, of the political, and socio-economic situation in the region, and the state of Euro-Mediterranean relations. Subsequently, it looks into the text of the Joint Communication and the accompanying Economic and Investment Plan, exploring their potential for launching a new phase in this relationship in the areas of green and digital transitions, promotion of ‘inclusiveness’, migration, trade, and peace and security. The study concludes that more than a year after its adoption, many question marks remain in relation to the implementation of the Joint Communication, and a truly comprehensive and strategic framework to guide the EU’s relations with its SN is still missing.

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Does the EU have a truly comprehensive and strategic framework for its relations with its Southern Neighborhood (SN)?

Karolina Zubel

Articles from this author:

Katarzyna Sidło

Articles from this author:

Agnieszka Kulesa

Articles from this author:

Oskar Chmiel

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