B’nai B’rith International has chosen Nuno Wahnon Martins as the new director of its Brussels-based Office of European Union Affairs. The EU Affairs Office is part of the B’nai B’rith European Affairs Institute, a joint venture of B’nai B’rith International and B’nai B’rith Europe. Wahnon, who joined B’nai B’rith in early February, will monitor the EU’s actions and represent the rights and interests of Israel and European Jews in the governing body as part of B’nai B’rith’s global mission.

Wahnon, a lawyer, also has experience in political studies and European affairs. He previously worked as a European affairs officer at European Friends of Israel, which aims to improve the relationship between Israel and European countries. He is also a political commentator for RFI Radio France Internationale, Portugal.

“The EU Affairs Office is an essential part of B’nai B’rith’s commitment to protecting the interests of Jews in Europe at the center of European policymaking,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “We are proud to welcome Nuno to his new role.”

Wahnon studied law at Catholic University of Portugal, where he later received a master’s degree in political science and international relations, security and defense. In 2008, Wahnon received the university’s academic prize “Infante D. Henrique” at the Institute for Political Studies.

“Nuno is supremely qualified, through his vast experience in legal and European affairs, to advocate for Israel and Jewish issues within the network of EU policy makers, diplomats and Jewish community leaders,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said.

Since 2006, B’nai B’rith’s EU Affairs office has advocated before EU institutions on behalf of Jewish concerns.