Strategic Priorities for Europe and the Middle East: 2025–2035

The world is entering a decade of accelerated transformation. Geopolitical realignments, technological disruption, and economic volatility are converging to reshape global power structures. For Europe and the Middle East—regions at the epicenter of these shifts—the imperative is clear: strategic foresight, collaborative problem-solving, and policy-relevant research must guide decision-making. At the Center for European and Middle East Policy (CEMEP), we are committed to equipping leaders with the insights and tools necessary to navigate this complexity with clarity and purpose.

Europe stands at a strategic crossroads. The war in Ukraine has redefined the continent’s security architecture, reinvigorated NATO, and exposed critical vulnerabilities in energy resilience and defense readiness. As the European Union grapples with internal fragmentation, demographic shifts, and the challenge of green industrial transformation, CEMEP will prioritize research that supports strategic autonomy, strengthens transatlantic partnerships, and informs the delicate balance between integration and sovereignty.

The Middle East remains a region of both persistent volatility and emerging opportunity. Conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen continue to test the limits of diplomacy and humanitarian response. Yet, new alignments—from the Abraham Accords to regional economic diversification—offer pathways to stability and cooperation. Over the next decade, CEMEP will focus on the strategic recalibration of Middle Eastern states, the role of middle powers, and the intersection of climate, technology, and governance in shaping the region’s trajectory.

Technology will be a defining force across both regions. Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cyber capabilities are not only transforming economies but also reshaping the nature of conflict and diplomacy. Europe and the Middle East must develop coherent bridge—not a wedge—between regions, and how strategic investments can foster sustainable growth without compromising security.

As we chart the path forward, CEMEP remains steadfast in its dual mission: producing policy-relevant research of the highest caliber and shaping the strategic thinking of the next generation of leaders. We aspire to convene a multidisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, and technologists to illuminate the trends reshaping our world and offer actionable insights to those entrusted with its stewardship. Our mission is to catalyze ideas that shape policy—and policy that shapes the future.

 The decade ahead will be defined by choices made today. At CEMEP, we aim to ensure those choices are informed, strategic, and enduring.

Warm regards, 

Hani Sélim

Founder, Center for European and Middle East Policy