Reconsidering ‘EU Actorness’ in Changing Geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The discovery of hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean reshuffled the existing foreign policies, increased the region’s geopolitical importance, and acted as a catalyst for the emergence of new geopolitical dynamics and political alignments. The European Union (EU) has been involved in the Eastern Mediterranean region due to foreign, security, and energy policy considerations. The hydrocarbon deposits have the potential to provide diversification of resources and act as a bridge for greater cooperation in the region. Instead, the explosive geopolitical context evokes insecurities and threat perceptions. This article aims to contextualize the EU’s engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean region vis-à-vis the latest developments and political factors.