News analysis

Why EU's Mid-East economic stake cannot translate into political clout

Bloc's inability to forge consensus, shortage of workable strategies for region among reasons

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Heads of states and governments as well as top businessmen from the European Union and Middle Eastern nations convened over two days in the Greek capital of Athens for a summit devoted to enhancing regional cooperation.

Plenty of enthusiasm for promoting Europe's relations with the Middle East was in evidence at the 3rd EU-Arab World Summit on Monday and Tuesday.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 01, 2018, with the headline Why EU's Mid-East economic stake cannot translate into political clout. Subscribe