Kelly Petillo
@kellyp90.bsky.social
MENA Programme Manager at ECFR, focusing on regional migration and humanitarian issues. London based.
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Today the EU is unveiling its new Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims at establishing comprehensive partnerships between the EU & its Southern Neighbourhood.
Take a look at @ecfr.eu's new expert analysis to find out how exactly could this look: 👇
Take a look at @ecfr.eu's new expert analysis to find out how exactly could this look: 👇
October 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Today the EU is unveiling its new Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims at establishing comprehensive partnerships between the EU & its Southern Neighbourhood.
Take a look at @ecfr.eu's new expert analysis to find out how exactly could this look: 👇
Take a look at @ecfr.eu's new expert analysis to find out how exactly could this look: 👇
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Incredibly thorough policy brief on Italy, the EU and the Wider Mediterranean. I recommend this one highly.
Great work! @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @kellyp90.bsky.social
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean: ecfr.eu/publication/...
Great work! @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @kellyp90.bsky.social
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean: ecfr.eu/publication/...
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
ecfr.eu
October 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Incredibly thorough policy brief on Italy, the EU and the Wider Mediterranean. I recommend this one highly.
Great work! @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @kellyp90.bsky.social
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean: ecfr.eu/publication/...
Great work! @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @kellyp90.bsky.social
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean: ecfr.eu/publication/...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
If you get lost in the narrow streets between the Mattei Plan, the Global Gateway and the Rome Process, this policy brief by @kellyp90.bsky.social @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfr.eu will guide you through, suggesting a more symbiotic relationship between the #EU and #Italy. ecfr.eu/publication/...
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
ecfr.eu
October 7, 2025 at 10:26 AM
If you get lost in the narrow streets between the Mattei Plan, the Global Gateway and the Rome Process, this policy brief by @kellyp90.bsky.social @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfr.eu will guide you through, suggesting a more symbiotic relationship between the #EU and #Italy. ecfr.eu/publication/...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Giorgia Meloni mira a ridefinire il rapporto 🇮🇹 con i Paesi del Sud del Mediterraneo attraverso la creazione di partenariati eguali. Ciò implica anche il rafforzamento del ruolo del settore privato.
✍️ @kellyp90.bsky.social & @arturovarvelli.bsky.social
✍️ @kellyp90.bsky.social & @arturovarvelli.bsky.social
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean | ECFR
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
buff.ly
October 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Giorgia Meloni mira a ridefinire il rapporto 🇮🇹 con i Paesi del Sud del Mediterraneo attraverso la creazione di partenariati eguali. Ciò implica anche il rafforzamento del ruolo del settore privato.
✍️ @kellyp90.bsky.social & @arturovarvelli.bsky.social
✍️ @kellyp90.bsky.social & @arturovarvelli.bsky.social
Finally, it’s out! My new paper on Italy’s engagement in the Mediterranean:
Meloni aims to redefine Italy’s relationship with countries to its south by creating equal partnerships with partner states. This also involves enhancing the role of the private sector, write @kellyp90.bsky.social and @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
bit.ly
October 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Finally, it’s out! My new paper on Italy’s engagement in the Mediterranean:
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Italy can do more. It should immediately stop blocking EU action to suspend the trade clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social in @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4gHSAgG
https://bit.ly/4gHSAgG
Italy Should Lift its Block on EU Action to Stop the Genocide in Gaza
After almost two years of genocide, famine, ethnic cleansing and unspeakable war crimes, European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed a partial suspension of EU-Israel ties and sa...
dawnmena.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Italy can do more. It should immediately stop blocking EU action to suspend the trade clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social in @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4gHSAgG
https://bit.ly/4gHSAgG
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
"Leading EU countries like Italy must seize the moment to advance deeper moves that materially hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories," writes @kellyp90.bsky.social.
Italy Should Lift its Block on EU Action to Stop the Genocide in Gaza
After almost two years of genocide, famine, ethnic cleansing and unspeakable war crimes, European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed a partial suspension of EU-Israel ties and sa...
dawnmena.org
September 26, 2025 at 7:53 PM
"Leading EU countries like Italy must seize the moment to advance deeper moves that materially hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories," writes @kellyp90.bsky.social.
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
It’s taken nearly 2 years of atrocities for the EU to finally propose suspending the #EU - #Israel deal. But without #Germany’s backing, it won’t go anywhere.
Berlin should stop opposing EU action, uphold its duties under the #Genocide Convention: hrw.org/news/2025/09...
@aussenminister.diplo.de
Berlin should stop opposing EU action, uphold its duties under the #Genocide Convention: hrw.org/news/2025/09...
@aussenminister.diplo.de
As Israel Escalates Assault, Germany Should Support EU Action on Gaza
The German government has so far claimed that only bilateral diplomacy, without concrete action by the European Union, is enough to press Israel to halt its atrocities. It hasn’t worked.
hrw.org
September 30, 2025 at 9:46 AM
It’s taken nearly 2 years of atrocities for the EU to finally propose suspending the #EU - #Israel deal. But without #Germany’s backing, it won’t go anywhere.
Berlin should stop opposing EU action, uphold its duties under the #Genocide Convention: hrw.org/news/2025/09...
@aussenminister.diplo.de
Berlin should stop opposing EU action, uphold its duties under the #Genocide Convention: hrw.org/news/2025/09...
@aussenminister.diplo.de
My intervention for @france24.com’s The Debate programme on EU dynamics surrounding the Gaza war, including the Meloni government’s response:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM3...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM3...
Netanyahu under pressure to accept Trump plan for Gaza • FRANCE 24 English
YouTube video by FRANCE 24 English
m.youtube.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My intervention for @france24.com’s The Debate programme on EU dynamics surrounding the Gaza war, including the Meloni government’s response:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM3...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM3...
New piece where I argue that shifts in the Italian position towards Israel are not enough. Italy also needs to vote in favour of a partial suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel. With VdL & right-wing EU countries voicing support for this, now the time is ripe for Italy to follow.
"Leading EU countries like Italy must seize the moment to advance deeper moves that materially hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories," writes @kellyp90.bsky.social.
Italy Should Lift its Block on EU Action to Stop the Genocide in Gaza
After almost two years of genocide, famine, ethnic cleansing and unspeakable war crimes, European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed a partial suspension of EU-Israel ties and sa...
dawnmena.org
September 28, 2025 at 6:13 AM
New piece where I argue that shifts in the Italian position towards Israel are not enough. Italy also needs to vote in favour of a partial suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel. With VdL & right-wing EU countries voicing support for this, now the time is ripe for Italy to follow.
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
📰 US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on #Syria could stabilize Syria on many levels. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Read @jbdacey.bsky.social & @kellyp90.bsky.social 's comments in @news.dw.com
No more US sanctions: What does Syria's future look like? – DW – 05/15/2025
US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria could stabilize Syria on many levels. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
p.dw.com
May 16, 2025 at 8:22 AM
📰 US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on #Syria could stabilize Syria on many levels. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Read @jbdacey.bsky.social & @kellyp90.bsky.social 's comments in @news.dw.com
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Beautiful to see the footage of Syrians celebrating following Trump's sanctions announcement. Friends in Syria say scenes are reminiscent of celebrations after the regime's fall.
Certainly much to do, but let's take a moment to share the relief millions of are feeling tonight.
Certainly much to do, but let's take a moment to share the relief millions of are feeling tonight.
May 13, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Beautiful to see the footage of Syrians celebrating following Trump's sanctions announcement. Friends in Syria say scenes are reminiscent of celebrations after the regime's fall.
Certainly much to do, but let's take a moment to share the relief millions of are feeling tonight.
Certainly much to do, but let's take a moment to share the relief millions of are feeling tonight.
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
A journalist asks President Donald Trump: “Will there be a meeting with the Syrian President?”
Trump: “Yes, I think so.”
Trump: “Yes, I think so.”
May 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A journalist asks President Donald Trump: “Will there be a meeting with the Syrian President?”
Trump: “Yes, I think so.”
Trump: “Yes, I think so.”
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
📰 "Regional actors, (most) of all Egypt and Jordan, have been very clear in their total rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and of the possibility of them receiving these refugees " comments @kellyp90.bsky.social for Arab News
Why Israel’s Gaza reoccupation threat is fueling fears of regional spillover
LONDON: For the people of Gaza, the threat of destruction, displacement and death at the hands of the Israeli military is nothing new. But for the next week they will living with a countdown to a…
buff.ly
May 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
📰 "Regional actors, (most) of all Egypt and Jordan, have been very clear in their total rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and of the possibility of them receiving these refugees " comments @kellyp90.bsky.social for Arab News
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
My long read for @ecfr.eu and probably the publication im most proud of in all my years doing this.
A deep dive into how Russia retrenched in Libya, uses it to project power from Ukraine to the Sahel, and the many lessons Europe or other frontline states can learn from it
ecfr.eu/publication/...
A deep dive into how Russia retrenched in Libya, uses it to project power from Ukraine to the Sahel, and the many lessons Europe or other frontline states can learn from it
ecfr.eu/publication/...
The bear who came to tea: Russia, Libya and the Kremlin’s playbook for fragile states
Russia’s re-entrenchment in Libya, Europe’s soft underbelly, offers profound lessons on how it exploits geopolitical instability—and how Europeans can push back…
ecfr.eu
May 5, 2025 at 6:50 AM
My long read for @ecfr.eu and probably the publication im most proud of in all my years doing this.
A deep dive into how Russia retrenched in Libya, uses it to project power from Ukraine to the Sahel, and the many lessons Europe or other frontline states can learn from it
ecfr.eu/publication/...
A deep dive into how Russia retrenched in Libya, uses it to project power from Ukraine to the Sahel, and the many lessons Europe or other frontline states can learn from it
ecfr.eu/publication/...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Tens of thousands of Egyptians took part in a rare pro-Palestine demonstration on Monday (Eid al-Fitr).
This rare sight was most likely prompted by the ongoing pressures Cairo faces to accept Donald Trump's 'Gaza plan'⬇️
This rare sight was most likely prompted by the ongoing pressures Cairo faces to accept Donald Trump's 'Gaza plan'⬇️
Egypt sees rare pro-Palestine protests on Eid al-Fitr
Egyptians went out after Eid prayers waving flags and raising photos of President Sisi, as the country remains under pressure from Trump’s proposal
www.newarab.com
April 1, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Tens of thousands of Egyptians took part in a rare pro-Palestine demonstration on Monday (Eid al-Fitr).
This rare sight was most likely prompted by the ongoing pressures Cairo faces to accept Donald Trump's 'Gaza plan'⬇️
This rare sight was most likely prompted by the ongoing pressures Cairo faces to accept Donald Trump's 'Gaza plan'⬇️
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
CDU’s victory puts Merz on track as Germany’s next chancellor, pushing a hard-line migration plan.
But @kellyp90.bsky.social doubts that the plan presented in Jan. will be implemented "because it violates EU law and European countries have said they will not cooperate." via MEE:
But @kellyp90.bsky.social doubts that the plan presented in Jan. will be implemented "because it violates EU law and European countries have said they will not cooperate." via MEE:
What does the German election mean for refugees?
Newly elected leader vows dramatic tightening of the immigration law, including return to hard borders
buff.ly
February 26, 2025 at 8:46 PM
CDU’s victory puts Merz on track as Germany’s next chancellor, pushing a hard-line migration plan.
But @kellyp90.bsky.social doubts that the plan presented in Jan. will be implemented "because it violates EU law and European countries have said they will not cooperate." via MEE:
But @kellyp90.bsky.social doubts that the plan presented in Jan. will be implemented "because it violates EU law and European countries have said they will not cooperate." via MEE:
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
📺 For DW, @kellyp90.bsky.social warns about the impact of Israel passing two laws banning @UNRWA in Gaza and in the West Bank. @ecfrmena.bsky.social
What Israel's UNRWA ban would mean for Palestinians | DW News
Israel is cutting all contact with the United Nations Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA. The government says the organization is a security threat and has pre...
buff.ly
January 29, 2025 at 6:56 PM
📺 For DW, @kellyp90.bsky.social warns about the impact of Israel passing two laws banning @UNRWA in Gaza and in the West Bank. @ecfrmena.bsky.social
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Speaking with DW about the political transition in Syria, @kellyp90.bsky.social reminded that "I don't think there is any example I know of in the region of a political transition that has occurred within six months to a year. These things last a long time."
European Union mulls easing Syria sanctions — with a catch – DW – 01/24/2025
For the first time since the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, the EU is considering lifting sanctions in a variety of sectors. But the bloc wants to keep leverage over the Islamist group now…
buff.ly
January 27, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Speaking with DW about the political transition in Syria, @kellyp90.bsky.social reminded that "I don't think there is any example I know of in the region of a political transition that has occurred within six months to a year. These things last a long time."
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
LEBANON: Critical days ahead
• Session tom. to vote for President
• Gen. Joseph Aoun leading name
• Backed by US, Saudi, others
• Still would need amendment
• If elected, would end > 2 yr void
• Session tom. to vote for President
• Gen. Joseph Aoun leading name
• Backed by US, Saudi, others
• Still would need amendment
• If elected, would end > 2 yr void
January 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
LEBANON: Critical days ahead
• Session tom. to vote for President
• Gen. Joseph Aoun leading name
• Backed by US, Saudi, others
• Still would need amendment
• If elected, would end > 2 yr void
• Session tom. to vote for President
• Gen. Joseph Aoun leading name
• Backed by US, Saudi, others
• Still would need amendment
• If elected, would end > 2 yr void
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
What steps can Europe take to ensure sustainable refugee returns in Syria? Find out in @kellyp90.bsky.social's latest commentary 👇
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
ecfr.eu
December 30, 2024 at 11:24 AM
What steps can Europe take to ensure sustainable refugee returns in Syria? Find out in @kellyp90.bsky.social's latest commentary 👇
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to ensure voluntary, sustainable returns, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
ecfr.eu
December 16, 2024 at 1:21 PM
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to ensure voluntary, sustainable returns, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
📑 NEW @ecfr.eu commentary by @kellyp90.bsky.social: European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support #Syria’s transition in a constructive way & ensure voluntary, sustainable returns. Read it here 👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
ecfr.eu
December 16, 2024 at 1:21 PM
📑 NEW @ecfr.eu commentary by @kellyp90.bsky.social: European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support #Syria’s transition in a constructive way & ensure voluntary, sustainable returns. Read it here 👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
Reposted by Kelly Petillo
L'ascesa di agende politiche di destra nella politica europea si scontra con i dilemmi del dopo-Assad per i rifugiati #siriani. I leader 🇪🇺 devono superare le pressioni interne per assicurare rimpatri volontari e sostenibili, scrive @kellyp90.bsky.social👇
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
ecfr.eu
December 16, 2024 at 1:52 PM
L'ascesa di agende politiche di destra nella politica europea si scontra con i dilemmi del dopo-Assad per i rifugiati #siriani. I leader 🇪🇺 devono superare le pressioni interne per assicurare rimpatri volontari e sostenibili, scrive @kellyp90.bsky.social👇
ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu/article/how-...