Türkiye and the Levant

The European Commission has published its long-awaited strategy for taking forward its relationship with its southern neighbours. It proposes "a new, ambitious and innovative Agenda for the Mediterranean, drawing for the first time on the full EU toolbox and the ground-breaking opportunities of the twin green and digital transitions, in order to relaunch our cooperation and realise the untapped potential of our shared region".

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al Hariri arrived in Egypt in a bid to help form a new government and end Lebanon's multifaceted crisis. In Cairo, Al Hariri met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and General Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel.

While the protest started primarily to air opposition to the strict lockdown in place, the growing anger among the demonstrators reflects frustration with the country's political and economic situation.

Zarif is trying to carve a role for Iran in the region following the changed circumstances following the 44 day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The war ended with a victory for Azerbaijan and with the west, particularly the EU and the US appearing excluded and marginalised by the processes that have ensued since. For Iran the new situation offers both risks and opportunities, and the trip was meant to ensure that it has a role in the region in the future

After meeting Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Brussels on Friday (22 January) European Council president Charles Michel tweeted that dialogue needs to produce tangible outcomes. Michel and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are expected to visit Ankara soon at the invitation of president Erdogan.

The Turkish army has assumed the lead of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) on Friday (1 January 2021), placing thousands of soldiers on standby, ready to deploy within days.

The semi official Anadolu news agency quoted the president as saying in a video address from Istanbul that "as promised, I hope 2021 will be a year of democratic and economic reforms". 

The EU has now allocated €485 million to support refugees in Turkey via the two programs delivered through Turkish partners, such as the Turkish Red Crescent Society. These programmes help over 1.8 million refugees meet their basic needs and will help over 700,000 children to continue their education, and will now be funded under the EU budget. The EU is now allocating €485 million ($591.6 million) to support refugees in Turkey via the two programs.