On December 1st, we joined ECPM-SGP Members of Parliament Bert-Jan Ruissen and Miriam Lexmann (EPP) and MP Peter Östman in welcoming speakers Amir Avivi and Michal Cotler-Wunsh at an online conference where we looked at the implications of the Abraham Accords for the European Union. The accords refer to the recent diplomatic agreements between Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Mr. Avivi is a reserve Brigadier General who worked in the Israeli Defense and has more than 30 years of military experience. He has recently founded Habithonistim (protectors of Israel), a movement comprising more than 1000 high ranking reserve and retired officers and commanders from all branches of Israeli security establishment; the aim of the organization is to promote the security of the state of Israel and to ensure its existence and prosperity for next generations.

Ms. Michal Cotler-Wunsh is a member of the Israeli Knesset for the Blue & White party. She serves as chair of the subcommittee on Israel- Diaspora Relations and as a member of the Foreign Affairs & Security, Children's and Women's Rights and Immigration & Integration Committees. She is committed to promoting, advancing and protecting the rule of law, human rights and Israel-diaspora relations.

They were joined by ECPM President Branislav Skripek, Josh Reinstein (Israel Allies Foundation) and ECPM Director for European Affairs Leo van Doesburg as well as about 60 participants who drew from the main speakers' experience and speeches key lessons for the EU policies regarding the Middle East.