Pierini is a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, where his research focuses on developments in the Middle East and Turkey from a European perspective.
Marc Pierini is a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, where his research focuses on developments in the Middle East and Turkey from a European perspective.
Pierini was a career EU diplomat from December 1976 to April 2012. He was EU ambassador and head of delegation to Turkey (2006–2011) and ambassador to Tunisia and Libya (2002–2006), Syria (1998–2002), and Morocco (1991–1995). He also served as the first coordinator for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, or the Barcelona Process, from 1995 to 1998 and was the main negotiator for the release of the Bulgarian hostages from Libya from 2004 to 2007.
Pierini served as counselor in the cabinet of two European commissioners: Claude Cheysson, from 1979 to 1981, and Abel Matutes, from 1989 to 1991. He has published three essays in French: “Le prix de la liberté,” “Télégrammes diplomatiques,” and “Où va la Turquie?.”
Pierini is a member of the International Council of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille.
EU leaders must either decide to act jointly as the European Union or leave Libya’s future in the hands of Russia and Turkey—with dangerous consequences for NATO and for Europe’s security.
The way autocratic regimes make use of the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting democracy and governance worldwide. Turkey is no exception.
The acquittal of Osman Kavala followed by his absurd rearrest shows the abysmal state of rule of law and democracy in Turkey.
Canal Istanbul is a truly international and environmental issue, not just a dream-come-true story for Turkey’s leadership.
Turkey’s incursion into Syria has adverse consequences for Europe’s security. But the problem is much bigger than just Turkey. It is high time the EU reemerged on the Middle East scene and acted strategically.
After almost seventeen years in power, Turkey’s president wields absolute power. It’s doubtful he would relinquish it without a fight.
As Turkey continues to forge its own economic and political path, the issue is how much more damage the current system of governance will inflict on the country, and how long and costly fixing the destruction will be.
The Turkish leadership has not only turned its back on its proclaimed European ambitions. It has also launched itself into a different political, legal, and ethical orbit.
European leaders should do more to preserve the rule of law, which is both a domestic and a foreign policy matter—and the cornerstone of the EU’s outlook and goals.
Turkey’s president suffered a frustrating setback in local government elections as democratic resilience prevailed. Watch out for the impact on the economy, the rule of law, defense, and Syria.
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