The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, has invited young political leaders from the European Union, Israel and Palestine to Brussels as part of its efforts to foster a lasting peace in the Middle East, his office said.
The 3-day seminar, which is organized since 2008, combines debates on the current situation in the Middle East with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with reflexions on a fundamental, cross-cutting issue.
This year's edition is dedicated to the Arab Spring and worldwide social struggles.
"These seminars offer an excellent opportunity to raise the awareness of the European Union and our role in promoting peace in the Middle Eas," Buzek said.
"Above all, they are a way to engage the future leaders in an open dialogue. We want to encourage them to share their personal experiences and to challenge their views on the most pressing issues."
According to Buzek, "changing mindsets, through dialogue and open discussions, is a crucial step in bringing about a better understanding among all sides. It is a crucial step on the path to reconciliation and peace."
The European Parliament organizes the event together with the Peres Centre for Peace and the International Peace and Cooperation Centre.