Economic Integration as a Pathway to Peace - Can the Middle East Follow Europe's Example?
Overview: Economic integration as a path to peace: Can the Middle East follow the European example?
The idea of using economic integration as an instrument for securing peace has been a central guiding principle of international politics since Europe's experiences after the Second World War. The European Union and its predecessor organizations have impressively demonstrated how economic integration between former wartime adversaries can not only break down trade barriers, but also significantly reduce the risk of violent conflict. This model continues to shape the debate on regional cooperation today and serves as a source of inspiration worldwide.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the question arises as to whether and in what form European experience can be transferred to the conflict-ridden reality of the region. The multitude of political tensions, historical burdens and the activities of state and non-state actors make stable framework conditions difficult. At the same time, many decision-makers inside and outside the region see economic integration as a promising means of conflict prevention and peace-building.
Against this background, the ICI - Institute for International Cooperation, Technological Diplomacy and Communication - together with the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union invites you to a public panel discussion. The event will be opened by a keynote statement from MP Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag and former Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The discussion will focus on the theoretical foundations and historical experiences of European integration, existing approaches to economic cooperation in the MENA region and innovative strategies for overcoming regional challenges. Leading politicians, diplomats and experts from Europe and the Middle East will discuss perspectives for deeper economic, infrastructural and institutional cooperation.
The Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Brussels offers a protected framework for this, which enables an open and constructive dialog on peace-promoting policy options.
Here you can register as a guest for the event.
Program
18:00 - 19:30, Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union, Rue Montoyer 47, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Greeting Susanne Metzler Stellvertretende Leiterin der Vertretung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen bei der Europäischen Union
Keynote Armin Laschet MdB
Former Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, Chairman of the Abraham Accords Institute
Panel discussion
Hind Al Barwani, Head of the Department of Diplomatic Affairs, Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, European Commission
Hildegard Bentele, MEP, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Israel
Moderation
Dr. Iulia-Sabina Joja, Senior Fellow Middle East Institute (MEI)
Following the panel discussion, all participants are cordially invited to a reception on the premises of the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union in Brussels. The reception will provide an opportunity for informal discussions and an open exchange in a pleasant atmosphere.
