Iraq and its International Partners: Converging Priorities & Enhancing Partnership
- Janet Alberda, The Netherlands Ambassador to Iraq
- Andrea Nasi, The Ambassador to Iraq
- Thomas Seiler, Head of the European Union Delegation in Iraq
- Zainab Rabee, Journalist (Moderator)
This panel brought together senior European diplomats to explore evolving partnerships with Iraq. The speakers, Ambassador Janet Alberda of the Netherlands, Ambassador Andrea Nasi of Austria, and Thomas Seiler, Head of the European Union Delegation in Iraq, shared visions and policy priorities in a discussion moderated by journalist Zainab Rabee. The dialogue provided nuanced insights into Europe’s diplomatic, economic, and security engagements with Iraq, as well as the shared ambitions, mutual criticisms, and underlying frictions in the relationship.
A Shifting Diplomatic Paradigm: From Transactional Engagement to Comprehensive Partnership
Ambassador Alberda opened the discussion by situating the Netherlands’ policy toward Iraq within a broader historical and strategic context. She emphasized the transformation from a consular and trade-based relationship to a more strategic, comprehensive partnership. Her reflections on the evolving relationship, particularly following the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to The Hague, highlight a diplomatic recalibration driven by mutual interests in migration management, economic reform, and regional stability.
Alberda’s remarks reflect a potential change in Western diplomatic engagement with Iraq. The goal is no longer limited to post-conflict reconstruction or humanitarian support, but to foster sustainable, institutionalized cooperation. However, she also highlighted persistent obstacles, including unpaid debts to Dutch companies, as deterrents to broader economic engagement. Such challenges indicate a gap between political rhetoric and implementation on the ground.
Austria’s Quality-of-Life Diplomacy
Ambassador Andrea Nasi articulated Austria’s approach to Iraq through the lens of “quality of life” diplomacy. Drawing on indicators such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and internal security, Nasi framed Iraq’s reform agenda as overlapping with the normative benchmarks of the Western model of development. By invoking the Mercer Quality of Life Survey and detailing Austria’s diplomatic and commercial agreements with Iraq, from migration cooperation to water infrastructure, Nasi portrayed Austria’s engagement as multidimensional and people-centered.
Still, Austria’s approach is not without caution. Nasi’s remarks on the need for the rule of law, civilian control of the military, and functioning federalism carried implicit criticisms of ongoing governance weaknesses in Iraq. His assertion that full legal accountability is essential was a clear signal to Iraqi authorities regarding security and institutional reform expectations.
The European Union’s Role: A Balancing Act Between Partnership and Conditionality
Ambassador Thomas Seiler delivered a candid assessment of the EU’s engagement with Iraq, marked by a clear sense of urgency and strategic recalibration. While affirming the strength of bilateral relations, Seiler acknowledged a broader regional challenge: the EU’s waning influence in the Arab world, exacerbated by the war in Gaza and divergent regional allegiances.
Seiler’s remarks conveyed a dual message. On the one hand, the EU remains committed to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty and democratic development. On the other hand, its engagement is increasingly shaped by conditionality, especially around issues such as anti-corruption, rule of law, and human rights. He emphasized the importance of systemic anti-corruption strategies and the development of civil society as prerequisites for sustained support.
He also addressed criticism regarding freedom of expression, clarifying the EU’s stance: while political dissent must be protected, hate speech, including attacks on religious leaders, is not shielded by democratic norms. This reflects the EU’s attempt to uphold universal rights while navigating Iraq’s social complexities.
Investment and Economic Integration: Opportunity Meets Constraint
Ambassadors Alberda and Seiler elaborated on the economic dimension of European-Iraqi relations. Both underscored the unrealized potential of European investment in Iraq, pointing to legal ambiguities, poor communication, and lack of institutional capacity as ongoing obstacles. Alberda emphasized the Netherlands’ significant past role in agricultural development in the Kurdistan Region and expressed hope to replicate this model in other parts of Iraq. However, unresolved commercial disputes, including outstanding debts to Dutch companies, were cited as significant deterrents to broader private sector engagement.
The panelists’ observations reflect a consensus: Iraq is at a “pivotal juncture,” offering opportunities in infrastructure, digitalization, and renewable energy, but only if systemic constraints are addressed. Seiler’s comparison of EU investment figures to China’s (10%) highlights the scale of underperformance, while his insistence on “dedicated” rather than inflated investment figures reveal a preference for strategic, mutually beneficial economic engagement.
Security Cooperation: A Comprehensive Vision
Security featured prominently in the panel. The Netherlands’ leadership of NATO’s advisory mission, its support for the EUAM, and assistance to the Peshmerga forces demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to Iraq’s institutional stability. Alberda stressed that Dutch engagement in security is not standalone, but embedded within a broader diplomatic and developmental framework.
Austria’s contribution to the NATO mission and its emphasis on human security broaden the scope of security dialogue to include water management, climate change, and federalism. This holistic perspective, as Nasi explained, links stability to democratic governance and institutional robustness. Elections in the Kurdistan Region, in particular, were described as a “milestone of normalcy.”
Seiler, in turn, commended Iraq’s regional de-escalation policy under Prime Minister Sudani. He highlighted Baghdad’s balancing act amidst regional conflicts, praising its reception of refugees and its commitment to non-confrontation. The EU’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty, including against external pressures from neighboring powers, aligns with broader European interests in regional stability.
Human Rights, Civil Liberties, and Youth Empowerment
A recurring theme in the panel was the status of human rights, civil liberties, and the role of youth in Iraq. Alberda praised the recent elections and reaffirmed Dutch support for civil society, youth employment, and inclusivity. She spotlighted initiatives such as Orange Corners and Capita as mechanisms for private sector development and youth empowerment.
Seiler was particularly vocal in delineating the EU’s stance on human rights: a policy of “non-interference” that simultaneously promotes dialogue, legal reform, and civil society strengthening. He clarified the EU’s red lines, particularly regarding freedom of expression, and distinguished between legitimate dissent and hate speech. This nuanced position balances respect for Iraqi sovereignty with advocacy for universal norms.
Ambassador Nasi stressed that Iraq’s pluralistic political structure provides a foundational framework for compatibility with Western democratic models. However, he also noted that sensitive discussions, particularly around legislation, are best handled in private, a diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering trust while avoiding public friction.
Nevertheless, concerns were expressed about the slow pace of legislative reform, rising pressure on civil liberties, and the ambiguous fate of laws such as the controversial personal status bill. Civil society actors and segments of the Iraqi public have voiced strong criticisms, which European diplomats acknowledged as indicative of both progress and unresolved challenges.
Regional Dynamics and Iraq’s Sovereignty
The panelists converged in their assessment of Iraq’s regional role. Seiler and Alberda commended the Iraqi government’s policy of neutrality and de-escalation, particularly amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict. Nasi went further, attributing the success of this policy to popular support and institutional coherence.
The EU’s diplomatic messaging was clear: Iraq must not become a battleground for external powers. By affirming Iraq’s right to determine its foreign and security policies, the European diplomats reinforced Baghdad’s agency while cautioning against entanglement in regional wars.
Toward a Principled, Strategic Partnership
The panel underscored a shift from crisis management to strategic partnership. While European actors reaffirmed their commitment to Iraq’s development and sovereignty, they also emphasized the importance of institutional reform, legal clarity, and rights-based governance.
In sum, the dialogue reflected a growing convergence of priorities between Iraq and its European partners. Yet, it also laid bare the challenges ahead: entrenched political dynamics, economic constraints, and regional instability. The success of this evolving partnership will depend on mutual accountability, transparent dialogue, and shared commitment to reform.
MERI Forum 2024
Iraq and its International Partners: Converging Priorities & Enhancing Partnership