Abstract
<jats:p>The approach to the Middle East issues in general is a unique phenomenon in the foreign policy activities of the European Union and its member states. It is often dictated by the situation within these countries themselves, which is influenced by processes occurring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The policy generated by this «intertwining» does not always coincide with the guidelines of the EU leadership. This monograph examines new aspects in the approaches of Brussels and member states to the changed realities in the neighboring region – following the end of the «Arab Spring». One of these is the attempt by Europeans to protect their interests in the region against the backdrop of the unilateral actions of both Trump administrations. It is concluded that this is only possible through accelerated implementation of the EU’s «strategic autonomy» plans. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of the growing threat of Islamist radicalism in Muslim communities to the preservation of the principles of secularism in European countries.</jats:p>