European Platform for Middle East Dialogue (EPMED)

National Network
Belgium
Address

Rue Newton 9
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium

Telephone
00353 86 057 1997
Telephone (other)
0032 485 114 931
E-Mail
epmed.brussels@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
paynec@tcd.ie
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2014
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Human rights
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information
The organisation is currently comprised of 3 founders and 3 additional administrators, together who make up the CA. As of yet we have no budget but will be looking for sources of funding this summer in order to begin events in the Fall. We will hold several hearings in Brussels on topics such as the Bedouin, water-sharing, settlements, political prisoners etc. with key policy-makers, stakeholders and politicians being invited, presenting both sides of the argument and encouraging constructive dialogue. The founder (Claire Payne) will spend the summer in Israel-Palestine and will meet grassroots organisations and individuals involved in peace-building, and will film and conduct interviews which will also be used in the upcoming hearings. As of yet we have no partners, but will do our best that they are either neutral or that we have a balanced number from each side.
Mission and Objectives

This platform is being established in order to provide a space for contentious issues in Middle-East conflicts to be discussed in Brussels, with a particular emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hearings will be held in Brussels on topics such as the Bedouin, water-sharing, settlements, political prisoners etc. with key policy-makers, stakeholders and politicians being invited, presenting both sides of the argument and encouraging constructive dialogue. European Parliament delegations and NGOs carrying out research on specific areas will be invited to present their findings to a multi-party hearing and create the potential for balanced outcomes and statements from Europe towards both Israel and Palestine. It would encourage positive and constructive dialogue with both parties, and pave the way for more European involvement in the resolution of the conflict. Research projects on each hearing topic will also be carried out and distributed to interested parties.

Main Projects / Activities

- Hearings on contentious issues
-Research projects and publications
 

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

The ALF stands for the promotion of intercultural dialogue, which is exactly what EPMED will be aiding, in that we provide a space for discussion on topics which are usually only discussed within the pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups separately in Brussels- these groups do not come together, and thus they remain stuck in their own mindsets and are not open to dialogue. Within Europe there is a microcosm of the conflict itself, and this should not be the case as we are so far removed from the conflict. We thus will allow for both sides of the conflict to be heard on each topic we chose for our hearings, and allow people to thus be more informed and open to dialogue. 

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

The ALF Network will provide us with a network of connections which is very important for a new independent organisation. It will also give us some potential funding opportunities, and workshops whereby we can improve our skills.

Contact (1) Full Name
Claire Payne
Job Title
EPMED Founder
Head of the organisation
Claire Payne
Contact (2) Full Name
Olivier Loose
Job Title (2)
Founder