This volume, published by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary analysis of the evolving relationship between Europe and the Middle East. The book addresses the historical, geopolitical, and economic factors that have both fostered and hindered cooperation between the two regions. It highlights the shared historical experiences, geographic proximity, and economic links that suggest the potential for closer relations, while also examining the persistent obstacles—such as colonial legacies, nationalism, regionalism, and divergent political systems—that have limited institutionalized interaction.

The book is organized into thematic sections covering security relations, the Middle East peace process, foreign policy strategies, and political transformation. Contributors analyze issues such as collective security, the impact of the Barcelona Process, the role of the EU in the Arab-Israeli peace process, and the challenges of economic reform and political legitimacy in the Arab world. The volume also addresses the transformation from traditional geopolitics to geo-economics, arguing that sustainable peace and development in the Middle East require intensified and institutionalized cooperation, particularly in areas like economic development, infrastructure, and resource management.

Drawing on a network of political scientists and economists, Bound to Cooperate offers both academic analysis and policy recommendations. It seeks to bridge the gap between scholarly research and practical policymaking, serving as a platform for debate on the EU’s future role as a strategic actor in the Middle East.