Films & Politics #11

Crisis or Opportunity? Europe’s Leverage on Iran

March 16, 2026 7:00 PM

La Tricoterie

Brussels

Tickets

Speakers

Hannah Neumann

MEP

Greens/EFA

Schams El Ghoneimi

Former Foreign Policy Advisor (MENA)

European Parliament, Renew Europe

Samuel Stolton

European Competition Reporter

Bloomberg News in Brussels

Event Description

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Over the past days, tensions around Iran have escalated rapidly, with the designation of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, as the third leader of the Islamic Republic and growing uncertainty about what comes next. As events unfold, the consequences are already reaching far beyond the Middle East — raising new questions for Europe and its place in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. In moments like this, understanding the politics behind the headlines becomes essential.

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On March 16, join us for a timely debate exploring how Europe is navigating this evolving crisis. We are also pleased to welcome Samuel Stolton, European Competition Reporter at Bloomberg News, as a new speaker joining the discussion.

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The evening will continue with a screening of It Was Just an Accident (2025) by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi — Palme d’Or winner at Cannes 2025 and nominated for an Oscar. Panahi’s cinema has long captured the tension between power, resistance, and everyday life in Iran.

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The panel will explore what “leverage” means in practice in 2026: how Europe can combine pressure and diplomacy without fuelling escalation, what role the European Parliament can play in shaping a principled approach, and how human rights, accountability, and the protection of civilians can remain central rather than symbolic. We will also look at what credible de-escalation could require—politically, legally, and in terms of trust.

🎙️ Speakers

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MEP Hannah Neumann (Greens/EFA) is also Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Iran. She works on EU foreign policy, human rights, and security, with a focus on the Middle East.

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Schams El Ghoneimi is a former foreign policy advisor specializing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). He worked at the European Parliament for the Renew Europe group, where he advised on international policy issues and relations between the EU and Middle Eastern countries.

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Samuel Stolton is European Competition Reporter for Bloomberg News in Brussels. He previously worked for Politico Europe, covering EU antitrust and tech policy. His past work has featured broadly across major international news organisations including Time Magazine, Der Tagesspiegel, Agencia Efe, La Tribune, and The Irish Times. Samuel has also previously written for The Guardian and Al Jazeera, covering a range of European affairs topics.

Moderator : Elena Sánchez Nicolás is Editor in Chief of TheEUObserver

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🎥 Film Screening: It Was Just An Accident (2025)

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Synopsis: It follows a former political prisoner, Vahid, who believes he has identified his sadistic torturer (“Peg Leg”) as a local mechanic following a minor car accident. The film centers on Vahid’s intense, morally ambiguous journey to seek vengeance, navigating doubt, memory, and the ethical dilemmas of retribution, as he brings together other survivors to confirm the man's identity.

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🕒 Evening Agenda:

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19:00 – 19:30: Doors opening
19:30 – 20:30: Panel discussion & Q&A
20:45 - 22:30: It Was Just An Accident (2025) - (104 min )

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About Films & Politics

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Films & Politics is a series by newframes designed to bring social issues to life through cinema, focusing on the challenges of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each monthly event features a film screening followed by a discussion with one or more expert panellists, fostering democratic participation and meaningful dialogue between civil society, industry, and policymakers.