MENA Stories: Episode 6

As the European Parliament elections approach, the stakes are higher than ever. From June 6th to 9th, nearly 400 million Europeans in 27 countries will head to polling stations to determine those who’ll sit in the European Parliament for the next five years, and consequently the composition of the next European Commission. But European elections are not exclusively about Europe, not anymore.

Beyond European borders, how could the EP vote redefine relations with the MENA region? What lessons can be learned from the past? And what strategies should the EU adopt to build a more sustainable and effective partnership?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. 

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo. 

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

MENA Stories: Episode 6

One year since the beginning of the war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the consequences on the population have been devastating and the external component of the conflict, merging with the interests of domestic elites, have made the process of conflict resolution extremely complex. The new US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, has promoted a new diplomatic push since his appointment in late February, and now represents the closest hope for ending the Sudanese civil war. Who is the new US Special Envoy? Can he be a game-changer? And how far is a peaceful outlook for the country?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo.

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

MENA Stories: Episode 5

More than five months into the Gaza war, many pieces have started to come together: the power of the Israeli lobby, the complexity of negotiations and the varieties of actors involved, as well as the prospects for ceasefire. However, the positions of Arab states remain unclear. Some have relied on the war of words to condemn Israel; others opted for wooden language. While those groups are different, the common denominator is that no substantial action has been taken so far. What are the actual positions of Arab states? And what explains them?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Blanca González.

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

Join Maria Tsanova, EST Ambassador to Germany, on "Speaking of EU" as she explains the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving the European Union's economic engine. With SMEs comprising 99% of all businesses in the EU, their significance cannot be overstated.

Listen in as she discusses how the EU prioritizes supporting SMEs to secure employment for millions and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato

Credit to music: ComaStudio

MENA Stories: Episode 4

In March, nearly 64 million Turks in 81 provinces are expected to head to polling stations to vote for municipal elections. Turkish politics and elections are always a hot topic, and local polls are no exemption. After securing the majority in the national round in 2023, Erdoğan is aiming to take an easy win, but what can we expect? Will Erdoğan be able to regain control over major cities like Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir? Will the opposition manage to save face after last year’s defeat? What has changed since the 2019 local elections? 

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. 

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Laura Montes Alonso.

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

In this episode, hosts Oliwia Borek and Nikita Pia Jensen delve into the factors shaping Ireland's distinct pro-Palestine stance, setting it apart from other EU nations amid the ongoing crisis. 

The episode traces Ireland's historical roots, highlighting pivotal moments such as the 1641 Uprising and the Irish War of Independence, which contributed to the nation's support for Palestine. 

Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato

Credit to music: ComaStudio

MENA Stories: Episode 3

Falling in-between history, politics, and controversy, Henry Kissinger – the famous American diplomat who has shaped American foreign policy and world diplomacy in the second half of the 20th century - passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100.  Many provided a detailed account of his controversial role around the world, but only a few have focused on his legacy in the Middle East. How has Kissinger, the US diplomat who had fled Nazi persecution, contributed to what the Middle East looks like today? How is Kissinger’s diplomacy important to understand the ongoing war in Gaza? And what was his real contribution to peace in the Middle East?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. 

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Blanca Gonzalez.

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

Join host Claris Diaz, Deputy Head of the Security and Defense Working Group at the European Student Think Tank, for a compelling discussion with Professor Chris Adamczyk, a 20-year veteran in law enforcement and intelligence. In this episode, they dissect the complexities of Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW).

Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato

Credit to music: ComaStudio

MENA Stories: Episode 2

Amidst the looming spectre of climate crises - floods, storms, heatwaves, and wildfires - the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) emerges as a crucial battleground for climate action. As the world prepares for Dubai's negotiations that will start in less than a week, what can we expect from COP28? What are the main issues on the agenda? And the main actors? Will it pave the way for genuine change or offer empty promises?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari

Script-edited by Blanca González, Laura Montes Alonso and Luca Saviolo.

Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

MENA Stories: Episode 1

More than a year has passed since nationwide protests broke out in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under mysterious circumstances. The slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom' has long echoed through Iran's streets, but what does the protest movement look like one year later? How is the government reacting? Has the movement been successful? And if so, to what extent?

This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.

This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

Script-edited by Luca Saviolo.

Edited and sound-engineered by Eden Salviato.