A Pivotal Year: Israel, the Middle East, the US, and Europe Come 2026

Following the signing of the Trump-led Gaza ceasefire deal, the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missiles project, and the effective neuralization of the bulk of Hezbollah’s capabilities - which prompted the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm the group - the Middle-East is bracing for a profound restructuring of its security architecture. At stakes is the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords with the full normalization of diplomatic relations between long-time rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia, which may extend to the wider Muslim world, including Pakistan and Indonesia.

While these developments take place in the Middle East and primarily under American leadership, Europe would do well to study them closely, engage proactively, and position itself to benefit from the potential peace dividends.

Yet instead, many Western European governments – backed by international institutions, and influential globalist NGOs – have continued to paint Israel as the aggressor, that needs to be openly castigated, isolated internationally – and even sanctioned for its conduct during the war. Yet, within the EU27, Hungary stands out as Israel’s most consistent and outspoken ally in its fight against radical Islamism, providing a diplomatic umbrella for Israel in EU institutions, withdrawing from the ICC, and ensuring the security of its Jewish community at a time when much of Western Europe has been engulfed by a spike of anti-Semitic waves, mostly as a result of massive influx of irregular migration from the Islamic world.

This conference, jointly convened by the Danube Institute, Ludovica University of Public Service, and the Israel-based David Institute for Security Policy (affiliate of IDSF), will explore how the Middle East war has precipitated a regional realignment; Europe’s potential role in this shifting landscape, including opportunities and partnerships tied to the IMEC project. Finally, while acknowledging Hungary’s track record as Israel’s most ardent supporter in Europe, it will also examine the possibility of building a coalition of Central-European nations united in opposition to mass irregular migration as well as in support of Israel’s fight against radical Islam.

Details:

Date & time: Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, 10:00 A.M.
Venue: Lónyay-Hatvany Villa, 1 Csónak Street, 1015 Budapest (Entrance: Aranybástya Restaurant)
Gate opens at 09:30 A.M.
Language: English

Participation is free; however, due to limited seating, pre-registration is required by clicking the button below.