On 27 February 2025, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) met with students of the MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) Programme at the OSCE Academy for an interactive discussion on human rights, and EU relations with Central Asia. The meeting took place as part of the MEPs’ official visit to the region.
The delegation included Mr. Mounir Satouri (France), Group of Greens/European Free Alliance, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Ms. Isabel Wiseler Lima (Luxembourg) from the Group of European People’s Party – Christian Democrats, Mr. Ignacio (Nacho) Sanchez Amor (Spain) from the Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Mr. Bruno Goncalves (Portugal) also from the S&D group, and Mr. Urmas Paet (Estonia) from Renew Europe. They were accompanied by Ms. Myriam Goinard and Mr. Charalampos Kontonis, both from the Secretariat of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Ms. Anna Ksiazczakova, Adviser from S&D, Ms. Itziar Munoa Salaverria, Adviser from Renew Europe and interpreters from the European Parliament.
The discussion was opened by Dr. Pal Dunay, Interim Director at the OSCE Academy, H.E. Ambassador Alexey Rogov. Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy, and Mr. Mounir Satouri. Dr. Michael Hayes, Vice President of the Global Campus of Human Rights, introduced the activities of the Global Campus.
During the one-hour session, students had the opportunity to engage in an open Q&A with the MEPs, discussing pressing human rights challenges in Central Asia and Afghanistan, the role of the European Parliament in promoting democratic values, and the evolving dynamics of EU-Central Asia relations. The delegation provided insights into their work within the European Parliament and shared perspectives on the importance of youth engagement in global human rights advocacy.
This meeting was a unique opportunity for students to directly interact with European policymakers and gain firsthand knowledge about the EU’s approach to human rights and international relations.
