A roundtable discussion titled “From the Middle East to the Eastern Mediterranean: Intersecting Crises and Regional Implications” was held at Near East University.
The Near East Institute at Near East University hosted the roundtable discussion, which evaluated current developments in the region from a multi-dimensional perspective. The meeting, through which the dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed with an interdisciplinary approach, brought together academics from various universities in the TRNC, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), experts in their fields, and officials from relevant state institutions and international organizations. The event created a strategic platform of experts that strengthens university-NGO-public cooperation and directly contributes to policy-making processes.

The meeting, which addressed energy security, humanitarian security, and geopolitical balances, evaluated issues related to foreign policy, diplomacy, and regional security. The opening speech of the meeting, which saw high participation, was given by the Director of the Near East Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı, aimed to foster regional cooperation and included academics from Near East University, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus International University, Lefke European University, and Bahçeşehir Cyprus University. Participants emphasized that the transformations in the Middle East have transcended the regional problem, directly impacting energy supply security, international trade, diplomacy, climate, and security balances. The meeting also highlighted that the Eastern Mediterranean presents opportunities for new cooperation and diplomatic initiatives in this process.

University, NGO, and public sector cooperation strengthened!
The meeting addressed the multifaceted crises in the Middle East-Eastern Mediterranean region, discussing regional risks as well as policy steps that could be implemented according to different scenarios. A consensus was reached on identifying areas requiring intervention, discussing potential policy steps, and developing frameworks for monitoring future work.

At the end of the meeting, various cooperation opportunities were discussed, focusing on developing concrete policy steps and assessment reports in the areas of energy security, climate risks, refugee movements, economic vulnerabilities, geopolitical balances, and regional security architecture. These topics will also be compiled into a comprehensive report by the Near East Institute, with the aim of providing expert support to policy processes related to regional developments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı: “Constructive dialogue channels are being established on critical developments concerning our region!”
In his opening speech, the Director of the Near East Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı, stated that the meeting was not only an academic event but also contributed to regional policy-making processes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çıraklı noted that thanks to the contributions of experts from different institutions, a multifaceted assessment platform was created at the meeting, and that the discussions would also offer opportunities for new cooperation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çıraklı said, “Meetings of this kind organized by the Near East Institute are of great importance not only for producing academic knowledge but also for establishing constructive dialogue channels on critical developments concerning our region. The transformation in the Middle East has now become central to global politics and diplomatic relations. Understanding the reflections of this change on the Eastern Mediterranean and our country is a vital need for policymakers, academics, and society.”