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.
Helmut Brandstätter is an Austrian journalist, author, and
politician. He was elected to the Austrian National Council (the lower house of Austria's parliament) in 2019 as part of NEOS – The New Austria and Liberal Forum. Now, he's a member of the European Parliament, part
of the Renew Europe Group.
We talked with him about EU foreign policy, migration, enlargement and the Western Balkans, as well as media freedom in Europe.
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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
1:00
German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd could be executed at any moment in #Iran, #savesharmahd #irgc #eu
0:59
Read more
EU: Taliban recognition hinges on full compliance with international norms
Read the response to our letter sent to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell regarding the EU’s Afghanistan policy and human rights issues, with a particular focus on Afghan women’s rights.
How the US election could shape Europe’s security future?
EU Watch interviewed Finnish politician Mika Aaltola, who serves for the first time as a Member of the European Parliament. We discussed the issues of the impact of US elections on Europe’s security, NATO and the EU enlargement.
‘Kaja Kallas is my hope for an EU that speaks with one voice’, says Austrian MEP Brandstätter
EU Watch interviewed Austrian politician Helmut Brandstätter, who serves for the first time as a Member of the European Parliament. We discussed the issues of Ukraine’s support, EU enlargement, migration and media freedom.
Borrell’s Legacy: What Stays Behind?
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Former Estonian Foreign Minister: “We should make Russia understand that the West is not weak anymore”
In our most recent podcast edition of “EU Matters”, the Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament and former Estonian foreign minister, Urmas Paet, talks about the threat of Russia to Europe and the West’s support for Ukraine, as well as the recent developments in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.
Avital Grinberg appointed as General Manager of EU Watch
BRUSSELS – EU Watch announces the decision to appoint Avital Grinberg as the new General Manager, succeeding Michael Thaidigsmann at the helm of the organisation.
Veteran Socialist lawmaker: “We always knew that the EU would come under attack from guys like Putin”
German MEP Udo Bullmann talks about the importance of human rights in EU’s foreign policy, the EU as a player on the world stage and foreign interference in EU politics.
EU’s pivotal steps toward Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia: A personal perspective on the region’s historic shift
Professor Cristina Vanberghen delivers her opinion on the European Council’s decision to green-light negotiation talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
EU Sets Global Standard for AI Regulation
Professor Cristina Vanberghen delivers her analysis of the EU AI Act, which regulates the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Union.
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.
Become an EU Watch supporter!
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
