An IRES delegation, composed of Mr. Mohammed Tawfik MOULINE, Director General of the Institute, and Mr. Said MOUFTI, Director of Research, conducted a working visit to some think tanks based in Brussels from June 30 to 3 July 2013, namely the Bruegel Institute, the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), the European Policy Centre (EPC) and the International Crisis Group (ICG). These institutes are among the leaders in the world ranking of think tanks (outside the United States) and address, in their research programs, issues contained in the field of interest of IRES.

Meetings with senior officials of these think tanks enabled to share experiences in the field of managing research programs and explore opportunities for collaboration in areas of common interest. They were also an opportunity to exchange views on current topics including the prospects for democratic transition in North Africa, the security challenges in the Sahel, the scenarios for the economic situation in Europe and their implications for the southern Mediterranean neighbors.

On the sidelines of the visit, a working meeting was held with the Head of the Mission of Morocco to the European Union in order to discuss recent developments in the implementation of the Morocco-European Union advanced status and prospects of a full and comprehensive free trade agreement between both parties.