New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared colonial past. Algeria
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Iran president says he held official meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know The president’s announcement marks the first public confirmation of a meeting between a senior official and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the start of the war. Iran
Turkey-EU tensions spill over to customs union accord Amid mounting bilateral tensions, Germany has ruled out talks on improving Turkey’s customs union accord with the European Union, but such sanctions might have little effect on Ankara in the short term. Turkey
The EU, headed by France and Germany, could replace US on Mideast With US President Donald Trump largely working solo on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the EU is preparing its own initiative, which might be launched next fall. Israel
Turkey, EU can't seem to walk away from each other The fact that Turkey sits on the most strategic real estate in the world ensures that the EU can’t put its ties with Ankara at risk, regardless of objections to Turkey's politics. Turkey
New clashes likely between Turkey, Europe Controversy follows Turkey's president wherever he goes. Next stop: Europe. Turkey
What are European Union’s plans if Trump fails on Mideast peace? If US President Donald Trump fails to advance his Middle East conference initiative, the European Union will advance its own initiative for a third Paris conference. Palestine
Turkey's diplomatic relations with Europe take a nosedive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fast ending the European dream following a weekend of serious disputes with the Dutch government over a pro-referendum rally in Rotterdam by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Turkey
The real reason behind thaw in EU-Egypt tensions Throughout 2016, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted high-level delegations from at least 17 European states including Germany, France and Britain, reflecting a notable improvement in Egyptian-European relations. Egypt
What EU shift in financial support policy means for Gaza The European Union contribution of 30 million euros to pay the salaries of Palestinian Authority civil servants in the Gaza Strip will be used to support families in need, which has angered Palestinians. Palestine
The EU giveth, Israel taketh away in West Bank The European Union keeps funding projects in the West Bank's Area C, and Israel keeps demolishing them. Palestine
Controversy flares over opening of EU office in Iran Iran's Foreign Ministry has sparked confusion in sending mixed signals about the government's position on opening an EU office in Tehran. Iran
