Antonio López-Istúriz White MEP (EPP)

This video captures the presentation by co-host Antonio López-Istúriz White IMPAC conference "Bridging Divides: Addressing Polarisation & Radicalisation Among Europe's Youth," held in the European Parliament on September 25, 2025.

Co-organised by the International Movement for Peace and Coexistence (IMPAC) and Sabrina Repp MEP (Socialists & Democrats) this landmark event brought together policymakers, experts, and thought leaders to explore the drivers of youth radicalisation, the role of extremist influences, and strategies for fostering tolerance, integration, and resilience in European societies.

In a candid address, López-Istúriz White pulls no punches on the timeless tactics of populists and extremists exploiting societal shifts—like our tech revolution - to sow fear and division.

Drawing parallels to past eras of fascism and communism, he spotlights education as the frontline defense, calling for cool-headed politics, cross-cultural dialogue, and unyielding hope to safeguard Europe's vulnerable youth.

Key Highlights
History Repeats: From Industrial Revolution panics to today's AI fears, "prophets of the apocalypse" and "sellers of miraculous elixirs" (aka modern populists) thrive on desperation, polarising societies just like nationalists and fascists did a century ago.
Youth at Risk: Extremes target young voters with quick-fix dreams, amplified by foreign meddlers like Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—driving radicalisation and eroding democracies.
Education First: Promote integration, cultural dialogues, and critical thinking over clicks and headlines; it's not trendy, but it's essential for the next generation to navigate this "drama" without civil war echoes from Spain or Ukraine's shadow.
A Dose of Hope: Amid WW3 anxieties, remember: Democracies triumphed before—against Nazis and more. We can win again with balanced resolutions, anti-terror strategies, and focusing on "them and the future," not just "me today."

"History teaches us that as democracies, we have won before—we can do it again." – Antonio López-Istúriz White

Progamme available here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid...

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