Pandemic shock could destabilize the Middle East, EU fears

"The pandemic can only make things worse in the context of the protracted crisis in Libya," he said.

The war in Syria "could also see a new wave of refugees in Europe," he said. "The tragedy of the conflict is only deteriorating in Yemen," he added.

Other countries in the region have also risked instability due to the "triple parallel shock in (falling) income from oil, tourism and remittances," warned the report. 39; EU.

"All of this can create an increased risk of social disruption, jeopardize security and stability in the region" and create "tensions between secularists and Islamists," he said.

"The collapse in the price of oil will have a big impact in Algeria," he said.

"Iraq, due to the combination of political instability, insecurity and low oil prices, stands out as a country on which the EU should focus its attention" , did he declare.

And Lebanon was at the limit, because of "growing popular discontent for months," he added.

"Overall, the health impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa region … has been more limited than expected originally feared it because of early preventive measures, "said the EU report in a statement. positive note.

"But (the viral situation) can change," warns the report.

The three-page document was distributed before a videoconference of EU foreign ministers on Friday May 15.

He said little about the Arab-Israeli conflict, except: "Despite the strong and remarkable cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli occupation obviously remains a major problem".

But foreign ministers will also discuss how to react if Israel annexed Jewish settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank, as promised by its new government.

The Israeli move could bury the two-state solution backed by the UN and the EU and cause Palestinian unrest.

"The annexation is contrary to international law and if Israel goes ahead the EU will react accordingly," spokesman for the EU External Service Peter said on Monday. Stano.

He refused to speculate on the nature of the reaction before the EU's foreign chief, Josep Borrell, spoke to the ministers.

And member states are divided into Israel, Hungary, for example, often vetoing critical EU statements from Israel.

But Borrell's predecessor in power, Federica Mogherini, has in the past listed possible sanctions to prevent Israel from swallowing Palestinian land, giving an idea of ​​the options for the EU.

Borrell options

The filtered Mogherini list, since 2014, included "remembering ambassadors" and "reassessing the distribution of funds" in Israel.

He spoke of "actions (sanctions) against EU companies operating in (Israeli) settlements" and "actions against settlers", including the EU visa ban for "violent settlers".

And he mentioned "actions that strengthen the status of a Palestinian state", including "support or non-opposition to (Palestinian) demands from international organizations; recognition."

Ministers will also discuss broader regional issues on Friday, said Stano.

"The EU has launched a campaign to combat misinformation about the story of an egocentric and dysfunctional Europe, originating mainly in the region and spreading … especially in the Gulf," said the document. EU internal from May 8. , highlighting another problem.

The EU already has four civilian missions in the region: one in Libya, two in Israel / Palestine and one in Iraq.

And ministers may consider sending more EU security experts to the region in the future, according to the EU report.

"There could be further reflection on the possible role of civil missions (EU) in strengthening regional cooperation," he said.