Welcome to the joint International Summer Programme series of İstanbul Bilgi University and the Institute of International Relations of Panteion University (Athens) on Turkey and Greece: Transcending the Past and Embracing the Future This is the continuation of a long-term bilateral cooperation between two prominent academic institutions on the two sides of the Aegean that aims at addressing major issues of interest for foreign policy experts and academics of both countries. Following years of independent organisations, this year, the two institutions are jointly hosting a Summer Seminar concentrating on the topical issue of "The EU, Turkey and Greece: Perceptions on the Middle East". The purpose of the seminar is to examine the main geopolitical challenges facing the Middle East today as well as Turkey's and Greece's role within this context. The seminar will also include a discussion on US policy towards the Middle East and major security and geopolitical challenges, such as Iraq, The Arab-Israeli conflict, and Gulf security issues. Special attention will be given to the European perspective regarding the Middle East and transatlantic relations under this prism. The seminar will also examine the role of Greece in the Middle East and the perspectives of Greek-Turkish relations.