The 'EU Matters Podcast' by EU Watch
EU Watch has launched the “EU Matters” podcast. With this new format, we want to shed some light on subjects that are of importance to citizens and Brussels decision-makers alike.
In the second episode of our podcast, we speak with Arash Hampay, an Iranian human rights activist who endured a tough upbringing in Iran. When he was 12 years old, his father was killed by the forces of the Islamic regime. His older brother was executed. Arash himself has been jailed multiple times for his activism and has experienced the harsh conditions of Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, where political prisoners are detained.
During his time there, he was subjected to both physical and psychological torture. We asked Arash about his assessment of the nature of the Iranian regime and wanted to know from him what steps he thinks the EU should take to support the Iranian people.
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A podcast produced by EU Watch, the Brussels-based NGO committed to encouraging debate about the European Union and its policies. EU Watch aims to contribute to better communication between citizens and the European Union. We support the values and principles of the European Union, analyze EU policy-making with respect to effectiveness, transparency and fairness, scrutinize key EU actions, notably in the field of foreign affairs, migration, good governance and respect for fundamental rights. Host: Michael Thaidigsmann, Executive Director of EU Watch.
David McAllister is the chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs. We sat down with him to assess the work of his committee, the role the European Parliament plays in EU foreign policy and whether or not the European Union carries enough weight in international affairs.
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Episode #1, EU-Turkey relations after Erdogan’s re-election: We speak with Dimitar Bechev, lecturer at the School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford. Bechev is also a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, focusing on Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. He is the author of the books “Turkey Under Erdogan: How a Country Turned from Democracy and the West” and “Rival Power: Russia in Southeast Europe”.
Videos
Playlist
Can EU decisions be bought by foreign governments? #qatargate #corruption #europeanparliament #eu
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German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd could be executed at any moment in #Iran, #savesharmahd #irgc #eu
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Enhancing our understanding of the EU’s role in the Middle East
Professor Cristina Vanberghen delivers her analysis on the EU’s role in mediating Middle East conflicts.
Friends of EU Watch Fund launched
A new fundraising platform to support the mission and projects of EU Watch has been established under the auspices of the renowned King Baudouin Foundation in Belgium.
David McAllister: “The EU should be a global player, not just a payer”
The chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs on the role of the European Parliament and the European Union in world politics.
Squaring the concentric circles?
Cristina Vanberghen delivers her thoughts on the Franco-German proposal for EU reform
Borrell: “EU has a special duty of care”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell responds to questions from EU Watch and Hostage Aid Worldwide on European hostages jailed in Iran.
Letter to Josep Borrell concerning the case of Johan Floderus and other EU citizens held hostage in Iran
EU Watch and Hostage Aid Worldwide have asked EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell what he and the EU diplomatic service have done to secure the release of his staff member Johan Floderus and other EU citizens who have been held hostage in Iran for long time.
After the coup in Niger: What are the options for the EU?
What are the consequences of the military coup in Niger, and is the European Union’s response adequate?
Open letter for the release of Iranian artist Toomaj Salehi
EU Watch joins more than 150 politicians, organizations, and activists in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Iranian rapper and dissident Toomaj Salehi. Please find below the full letter.
“Write your last letter to your mom”: How an Iranian dissident broke free from Khamenei’s regime
Arash Hahmpay, an Iranian dissident and activist details his dreadful experience with the Islamic regime in Iran and how he escaped to Germany.
EU-Turkey relations: “Erdogan is not 12 feet tall”
Turkey expert Dimitar Bechev argues that the European Union has a lot of leverage on Ankara, in spite of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election.
Council reaches agreement on controversial reform of asylum rules
Member states want new rules for the processing of asylum applications, including a solidarity mechanism.
Outsourcing EU foreign policy?
Should private companies be entrusted with formulating EU foreign policy priorities asks Cristina Vanberghen, an expert on EU affairs, regarding a controversial €4 million tender by the European Commission.
The Taliban Conundrum: What’s next for the EU in Afghanistan?
What are the European Union’s policy options vis-à-vis Afghanistan? How can it help the Afghan people, especially women? Leading experts give their insights. Join us for this online event organised jointly by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) and EU Watch.
Polish judiciary reform infringes EU law, European Court of Justice rules
Rule of law is "an integral part of the identity of the European Union", the judges held Poland’s highly contested 2019 reform of the judiciary is not in line with
Letter to HRVP Borrell concerning the plight of EU citizens held hostage in Iran
EU Watch recently sent a letter to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell in which we asked him what he and the EU diplomatic service have done to free EU citizens detained in Iran, such as Jamshid Sharmahd (Germany) and Ahmadreza Djalali (Sweden) who are both facing executions.
“Iran must be treated like Russia”: Daughter of abducted dissident sentenced to death in Iran urges change of strategy
German national Jamshid Sharmhad was hijacked by Iranian agents in Dubai in 2020. His daughter Gazelle is campaigning for his release and urges Europe to take a tougher line with the Islamic Republic.
Confronting authoritarian regimes: How should the EU deal with Iran? – 20 April 2023, 16:00 CET – REGISTER NOW
Should Iran’s Revolutionary Guard be added to the EU terror list? What has been done to free European citizens held hostage in Iran? Is the current EU policy vis-à-vis the Iranian regime effective? Leading experts give their insights. Join us for this online event.
“Borrell’s statements are just empty words”: Daughter of Iran prisoner wants stronger EU action
Mariam Claren is campaigning for the release of her mother who was been held in the notorious Evin prison in Iran since 2020. Are European governments doing enough?
“Russia sanctions will remain in place for a long time”: EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan
INTERVIEW: The former senior European Commission official is tasked with overseeing the implementation of restrictive measures. EU Watch sat down with him for an interview.
Qatargate: “It is time the European Parliament delivers on reforms”
The latest proposals adopted can be a “game-changer” but swift implementation is needed, argues Green Party MEP Daniel Freund in an EU Watch interview.
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Our newsletter
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We will keep you informed about our latest publications and events. EU Watch will store your email address in our database. It will not be shared with third parties.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of the newsletter. Find out more in our privacy policy
