Christian Berger: (Political Advisor on the Middle East at the EU)

Mr. Berger points out the fact that Europe will benefit from stability in the Middle East region. Secondly the interest of Europe in the region is logic because of the investments and help funds paid in the post Oslo years to help the Palestinian territories. On discussion of the US versus the EU he says, that Europe does not always have to follow, nor that it should try to influence the policies of the US, these matters are not that black and white. He says that the Bush administration was not at all interested in getting to be too involved, but because of European pressure that in fact it got back to the track of the peace process. This shows that Europe is not helpless or powerless. Certain things have been achieved. He emphasises that other than in the past, nowadays also civil society is supposed to give political direction. Concerning funds invested in the Palestinian Territories it is clear that projects will have to get more transparent (financially). The role of the EU can be a supportive one, but a lot has to come from the Palestinians themselves. The monitoring systems have to improve though and here Europe can play a leading role. Besides this, Europe would like to have some influence on Palestinian policies, not by imposing but by negotiating. One crucial aspect in oncoming developments is defining viability and ways to reach this.