Joey Gurney
Research Fellow
Joey specialises in geopolitics and has a particular interest in EU foreign and strategic policy. His recent research has primarily focused on EU-China relations. He has also covered extensively other research areas including EU-Russia relations and the EU’s geopolitical actorness. Prior to IDRN, Joey held positions for several other European-based think tanks.
He holds a Master’s in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Portsmouth.
Languages: English, Italian
Mindful of the MENA: Europe and China in the Middle East and North Africa
China’s increasing influence in the MENA region has important implications for the EU. While the EU has long recognised the MENA’s strategic importance, it is at risk of overlooking the region amid increasing focus on other areas of geopolitical competition.
The EU and Global Britain
After Brexit, there appears to be a more deliberate attempt from the British Government to sidestep the EU and work directly with European partners, including EU member states, through other diplomatic arrangements.
Security and Stability in the Sahel: The EU’s 2021 Integrated Strategy
The EU’s latest strategy for the Sahel demonstrates Brussels has recognised some of its failures in recent approaches to the region, and the emphasis on accountability is an important development.
The EU’s Biodiversity Strategy
If the EU truly aims to tackle biodiversity loss and to lead the way in facing the global biodiversity crisis, then it must learn from previous failures and follow through on the ambitious targets laid out in the new strategy.
Sino-European Relations: A Three Point Action Plan
To address Chinese abuse of human rights and level the playing field with Beijing for European business the EU must focus on three key objectives: improving the EU-US relationship; introducing a meaningful Indo-Pacific strategy, and overcoming obstacles preventing a tougher EU approach to Beijing.
Covid-19 and Digital Inequalities
The Covid-19 pandemic provides the EU and the Member States with an opportunity to improve digital services and reduce digital inequalities. The importance of widespread digital access has never been more apparent and European political and business leaders must act accordingly.
Sino-European Relations: The EU’s China Strategy
There is increasing pressure within the international community for the European Union to adopt a more robust approach towards China in response to the proposed security law in Hong Kong that represents a violation of human rights and contradicts the founding values of the EU.