EU action to strengthen respect for human rights and democracy in the process of political changes in the Middle East and North Africa

This report evaluates the EU’s action to strengthen respect for human rights and democracy in North Africa and the Middle East. Assessing the EU’s changing institutional context since the Lisbon Treaty, it examines the major policy initiatives of 2011 in response to the events of the Arab Spring. Four cases studies consider the situation in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Yemen. Finally, the report suggests ways for the EU to enhance the effectiveness of its policy.