On Thursday 5th September ECR MEP Anna Fotyga will host an International Conference titled 'Financing Terrorism through trafficking of Cultural Goods – Closing the Gaps'. In recent years the black market in works of art has become as lucrative as those for drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods. This is due to the largely un-regulated and confidential nature of the market, permitting a major rise in trafficking of cultural goods by terrorist groups and organized crime. This has forced both legislators and law enforcement to tackle these challenges by working together to close the gaps currently being exploited across the EU. Tomorrow's conference will feature some of the leading personalities in the countering of cultural smuggling, including Col. (Ret.) Matthew Bogdanos, Assistant District Attorney of New York County and Mr. Gilles De Kerchove, the EU's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.

Thursday 5th September, 14:00 – 17:30 - European Parliament, Brussels, Room ASP 1E2

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As a number of Muslim majority states make the democratic transition, there is a need for increased political, economic and civic engagement with other nations around the world, including in Europe. Facing significant regional and global challenges, it is necessary for nations to work together, strengthening shared values, and building lasting relationships as a catalyst for future action. Now more than ever, it is necessary for democracies to come together and discuss their shared values and mutual interests in order to strengthen the democratic order and to promote democracy and stability in the face of the resurgence of authoritarianism and to overcome the tension and polarization between the Muslim World and Western nations.

Tuesday 19 February 2019 - European Parliament, PHS 7C050

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