The European Union, Tunisia and Egypt: norms versus interests - thoughts and recommendations. EUMA Paper Vol. 8, No. 2, February 2011

Tunisia and Egypt are two very different situations due to economic and geopolitical reasons. Egypt is a central actor in the Israeli-Palestinian discussions.3 It also controls the Suez Canal, one of the main world maritime transit hubs. In recent days, the price of oil has skyrocketed over $100 a barrel. Egypt is also a major ally of the US and Western European states in the war against Al-Qaeda and Islamic terrorism. Last, the West is worried that a brusque change of power could lead to a radicalization of Egyptian politics. The Muslims Brotherhoods have been described as the main power in opposition in Egypt and a potential leading power in a post-Mubarak Egypt. This paper will look at the way the EU has handled – or mishandled – the two revolutions by looking at its main actors: the European Union, the High Representative, and three EU Member States – France, United Kingdom, and Germany