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Highlights from Sebastian Kurz's Keynote Speech on EU-Israel Relations and Jewish Life in Europe
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AJC Webinar with EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi
In conversation with AJC CEO David Harris, European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi outlined the EU’s policy priorities in relation to the countries and regions at Europe’s borders. Commissioner Várhelyi stressed the need to deepen ties with Israel by holding a long-overdue Association Council, to get to the bottom of allegations of EU funding reaching terrorists, and to work closely with the Jewish state on battling the virus.
Is the EU Funding Terrorism?
In the span of just one week, the European Parliament condemned Palestinian incitement in EU-funded school textbooks and leading MEPs wrote to the EU’s foreign policy chief about allegations that European taxpayer money is reaching NGOs with terror links. Joining Counterpoint host Daniel Schwammenthal to unpack these questions are Olga Deutsch, Vice President of NGO-Monitor, and German MEP Niclas Herbst, Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Budget Committee.
Conversation with Jordan’s Ambassador to the U.S.
H.E. Dina Kawar, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the U.S., joins AJC’s Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacon for a discussion about how Amman is dealing with the burden of hosting a refugee population of some 1.4 million people amid a scarcity of natural resources. The ambassador also shared her views on Middle East stability and the regional impact of Covid-19.
Congressman Brian Mast tells AJC why he volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces
Watch decorated war veteran Congressman Brian Mast tell AJC why, after 12 years in the US army and serious combat injuries, he still volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces.
Transatlantic Dialogues (Part 2): MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou and Rep. Brian Mast
Part two of the Transatlantic Dialogues series bringing together legislators from both sides of the Atlantic featured Greek MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou and Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL). Moderated by AJC Transatlantic Institute Director Daniel Schwammenthal, the lawmakers covered a wide range of issues, from international trade and Iranian belligerency to relations with China and opportunities and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Can the transatlantic partners find some much-needed common ground? Find out in this webinar!
Transatlantic Dialogues (Part 1): Rep. Ted Deutch and MEP Lukas Mandl
Relations between the U.S. and the EU have experienced unprecedented strains in recent years. In this first Transatlantic Dialogues webinar moderated by Julie Rayman Fishman, AJC Deputy Director for Policy and Diplomatic Affairs in Washington, Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl, Chair of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), and U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, discuss how the two sides can overcome their differences on Iran, Russia, Israel, and other key issues.
Germany’s Hezbollah Ban a Model for Europe?
After Germany’s decision last week to ban Hezbollah, the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) caucus held its first webinar entitled “Europe and Hezbollah: A New EU Approach to Iran's Proxy.“ Moderator Daniel Schwammenthal discussed with TFI Chair and Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl, EU Parliament Vice President from Germany Nicola Beer, and Michael Doran from the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute the significance of Berlin’s momentous decision, the prospects for the EU to follow suit, and a common transatlantic approach to Iran and its terror proxies.
Coronavirus and Conspiracy Theories in Iran
Iran was one of the early countries hit hard by the coronavirus. In this month’s episode of Counterpoint, host Daniel Schwammenthal is joined by Kasra Aarabi, Analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, to discuss the Shi’ite Islamist ideology driving the regime's inadequate response to the pandemic, Tehran’s dissemination of antisemitic and anti-American blood libels, as well as the terrorist threat stemming from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Can Europe Strengthen its Energy Security in the EastMed?
Israel’s discovery of vast gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean is a potential game-changer for EU energy security. A seven billion Euro pipeline connecting the Jewish state with Europe could diversify the continent’s energy supplies. But not so fast - Turkey and Russia could still torpedo the project. To discuss how Brussels can advance the pipeline, Counterpoint host Michael Sieveking is joined by Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Costas Mavrides and Israeli energy consultant Gina Cohen.
How Can Europe Help the Iranian People?
During last December’s crackdown of protests in Iran, the regime killed up to 1,500 people and imprisoned over 7,000. To discuss Europe’s reaction to the dramatic events and the Iranian people’s quest for change, Counterpoint host Daniel Schwammenthal is joined by Polish Member of the European Parliament Anna Fotyga and Middle East Analyst Mohsen Behzad Karimi.