Category: Institutions

  • German President Dissolves Parliament, Sets Stage for High-Stakes February Election

    Berlin, December 27, 2024 – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has officially dissolved the Bundestag, paving the way for early elections on February 23 that could signal a dramatic political shift in Europe’s largest economy. This move follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government in November, sparking intense political maneuvering and an unusually heated campaign.

    “Especially in difficult times like these, stability requires a government capable of acting and reliable majorities in parliament,” Steinmeier said in his formal announcement.

    The decision comes after months of political instability, culminating in a failed confidence vote for Scholz earlier this month. Germany’s constitution ensures that such transitions are orderly, aiming to avoid the chaos that plagued the Weimar Republic in the lead-up to World War II. Scholz’s request to dissolve parliament and Steinmeier’s subsequent approval marks the final procedural step in this well-defined process.

    Conservatives Lead in the Polls

    Recent polling shows the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader Friedrich Merz commanding a strong lead with 31% of voter support. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is in second place at 19%, while Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) trails in third with 17%.

    Merz, who has positioned the CDU further to the right on key issues like migration and energy, is poised to lead what could be Germany’s most rightward-leaning government in decades. However, analysts suggest that coalition negotiations with at least one center-left party will likely temper the extent of this shift.

    Heated Campaign and Key Issues

    The upcoming election is expected to focus heavily on Germany’s struggling economy, migration, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Public dissatisfaction with the country’s economic performance is growing, as Germany faces its second consecutive year of economic contraction and a wave of layoffs in key industries.

    The election campaign, which has already begun in earnest, is proving to be more contentious than usual. Merz has launched a series of sharp critiques against Scholz and the SPD, while Scholz has responded in kind, dismissing Merz as “Little Fritz” in a jab that highlights the campaign’s increasingly personal tone.

    Magdeburg Christmas Market Attack Intensifies Debate

    A deadly attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg has further inflamed the political climate. Five people were killed and many more injured in an incident that has since dominated campaign discussions. The alleged attacker, a Saudi Arabian refugee with reported sympathies for far-right ideologies and the AfD, has sparked outrage and renewed debate over immigration and security policies.

    The AfD has capitalized on the tragedy to amplify its anti-immigration platform. “We want something to finally change in our country, so we can finally live in safety again,” declared Alice Weidel, the party’s chancellor candidate, at a rally in Magdeburg.

    Germany’s Political Future at a Crossroads

    As the election date approaches, Germany faces a critical juncture. The potential for a strong conservative government, tempered or not by coalition agreements, could redefine the country’s policies on immigration, energy, and its role in the European Union. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of the far-right AfD reflects a deeper sense of discontent among German voters, adding another layer of uncertainty to the country’s political future.

    The coming weeks will be marked by a condensed and fiercely contested campaign as parties vie for the chance to shape the direction of Germany during a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. All eyes will be on February 23 to see whether the country’s political landscape takes its sharpest turn to the right in decades or if voters opt for a more centrist path forward.

  • European Parliament Elects Teresa Anjinho as New European Ombudsman

    In a decisive move to enhance transparency and accountability within the European Union, the European Parliament has elected Teresa Anjinho as the new European Ombudsman for the 2025-2029 term. Anjinho, a distinguished Portuguese lawyer and former Deputy Ombudsman of Portugal, succeeds Emily O’Reilly, who has held the position since 2013.

    A Competitive Selection Process

    The election, held during the December plenary session in Strasbourg, followed a rigorous selection process. The Committee on Petitions (PETI) conducted public hearings on December 3, 2024, where six candidates presented their visions for the Ombudsman‘s role. The candidates included:

    • Teresa Anjinho (Portugal): Former Deputy Portuguese Ombudsman.
    • Emilio De Capitani (Italy): Former European Parliament official.
    • Marino Fardelli (Italy): Ombudsman of the Lazio region.
    • Julia Laffranque (Estonia): Former judge of the European Court of Human Rights.
    • Claudia Mahler (Austria): Human rights expert.
    • Reinier van Zutphen (Netherlands): Ombudsman of the Netherlands.

    Each candidate outlined their priorities, ranging from enhancing communication and human rights awareness to strengthening trust between EU institutions and citizens. Anjinho emphasized effective communication, human rights awareness, and empowering individual complaints, which resonated with the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

    The Role of the European Ombudsman

    Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1995, the European Ombudsman investigates complaints of maladministration within EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies. The Ombudsman plays a crucial role in ensuring that EU institutions adhere to principles of good administration, thereby upholding citizens’ rights under the EU Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The position is pivotal in maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust between EU institutions and the public.

    Anjinho’s Vision for the Future

    Anjinho’s appointment comes at a time when the EU is striving to strengthen its democratic processes and enhance citizen engagement. Her commitment to launching strategic own-initiative inquiries and fostering partnerships with national ombudsmen’s offices, academic institutions, and civil society representatives is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Ombudsman’s office. Anjinho aims to build upon the work of her predecessors, focusing on proactive measures to address systemic issues and improve the quality of EU administration.

    Looking Ahead

    As Anjinho prepares to assume her duties on January 1, 2025, European civil society and politicians anticipate a continuation of the Ombudsman’s essential work in promoting transparency and accountability within the EU. Her tenure is expected to further bridge the gap between EU institutions and citizens, ensuring that the principles of good administration are upheld across all EU bodies.

    For more information on the European Ombudsman and the recent election, visit the official European Parliament Think Tank document. European Parliament

  • Securing Peace, Empowering Women, A Call to Action

    On behalf of the current and incoming Security Council signatories to the shared commitments on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, a coalition of nations including Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Republic of Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, and Panama have reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to advancing this vital initiative. This declaration underscores the enduring importance of intergenerational dialogue and the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in all aspects of peace and security processes.

    The Context: Global Conflicts and Their Disproportionate Impact on Women

    In the decades since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the world continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of armed conflict. These conflicts have devastating consequences, disproportionately affecting women and girls of all ages. Women face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, alongside widespread violations of their human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law.

    The prevention, cessation, and punishment of such violations are imperative for achieving sustainable peace and security. It is essential that the global community continues to denounce these atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable.

    Women’s Contributions to Peace and Security

    History demonstrates that the most successful peace and security processes have benefited immensely from the inclusion of women from diverse societal strata. Despite this, too many peace processes still fail to provide women with meaningful opportunities to participate.

    The African Union has set a laudable example, recently committing to a 30% quota for women’s participation in conflict prevention and management missions, peace processes, and election observation missions. The UN Secretary-General’s Common Pledge initiative also reflects promising progress by encouraging mediation actors to take concrete steps to ensure women’s active participation in peace processes.

    Expanding Representation Through CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 40

    The recent launch of CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 40-2024, which emphasizes the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems, presents a timely opportunity to further elevate women’s roles in peacebuilding. By fostering avenues for women of diverse backgrounds to engage meaningfully in peace and security processes, the international community can strengthen judicial and security sectors while empowering women and girls through knowledge, skills, and capacity building.

    The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue

    Intergenerational partnerships remain pivotal to advancing and sustaining the gains achieved under Resolution 1325 and its successors. These partnerships institutionalize gender-responsive approaches, foster solidarity across generations, and safeguard against regression in rights or representation.

    A Call for Action: Investment and Commitment

    To ensure the success of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, increased investment and focused initiatives are essential. The UN Security Council and its member states must prioritize gender-responsive approaches through peacekeeping mandates, sanctions, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks. Additionally, humanitarian actions and protective efforts must incorporate gender considerations at every stage.

    The United States, in its national capacity, serves as a testament to the importance of women’s leadership in diplomacy. For over 15 years, women have helmed the U.S. mission to the United Nations, a legacy of representation that continues to inspire.

    The path forward is clear: Member States must promote the rights of women and ensure their full, equal, and meaningful participation at every phase and level of peace and security processes. Only through sustained commitment, innovation, and implementation of the WPS agenda can the international community fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security for all.

    This reaffirmation by the Security Council signatories serves as a rallying cry for global action and progress in achieving these shared goals. Let us collectively work towards a future where women’s voices and contributions are integral to building a more peaceful, secure, and equitable world.

  • The New von der Leyen Commission Set to Begin Work on December 1

    The European Union is poised for a fresh chapter as the new von der Leyen Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, prepares to take office on December 1. Following a vote in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gave their confidence to the new College of Commissioners, marking the start of an ambitious five-year term.

    In her address to the European Parliament, President von der Leyen presented her vision for Europe, emphasizing freedom as the core principle of the European Union. “Because fighting for freedom connects us as Europeans. Our past and our present. Our nations and our generations. For me, this is the raison d’être of our Union and it remains its driving force more than ever today,” she declared.

    Von der Leyen underscored the importance of safeguarding and nurturing freedom, a task she linked to the Commission’s upcoming initiatives. The first major step will be the launch of the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic plan aimed at bolstering Europe‘s economic position globally. The Compass will focus on three key areas: closing the innovation gap with the United States and China, advancing decarbonization while maintaining competitiveness, and strengthening security by reducing dependencies.

    “The Compass will be built on the three pillars of the Draghi report,” von der Leyen explained, outlining the roadmap for Europe’s economic resilience.

    A Diverse and Experienced Team

    Highlighting the diversity and expertise of the new College of Commissioners, von der Leyen expressed confidence in her team’s ability to hit the ground running. The group includes former prime ministers, ministers, mayors, CEOs, business owners, journalists, and representatives from both rural and urban backgrounds. Spanning multiple generations, the team reflects Europe’s rich diversity and experience.

    In a press conference following the parliamentary vote, von der Leyen thanked MEPs for their trust and emphasized the importance of collaboration between EU institutions. “Over the next five years, European unity will be absolutely critical. I cannot stress this enough (…) This is why we need the tightest cooperation between the Commission, the Parliament and the Council. It is the partnership that Europe needs—and deserves. My team and I are fully committed to this,” she stated.

    Ambitious Goals for the First 100 Days

    The Commission’s agenda for the first 100 days is packed with initiatives addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges. Among the seven flagship projects are a Clean Industrial Deal, a White Paper on European Defence, an AI Factories initiative, and a Cybersecurity Action Plan for Health Infrastructure. Additionally, the Commission will present a vision for agriculture and food, review the EU’s enlargement policy, and launch Youth Policy Dialogues to amplify the voices of Europe’s younger generation.

    These initiatives reflect von der Leyen’s commitment to tackling issues ranging from climate change to technological innovation and security. The President also stressed the importance of giving Europe’s youth a platform, signaling a forward-looking approach to governance.

    A Call for Unity

    As the new Commission prepares to take office, von der Leyen reiterated the need for cooperation across EU institutions. “European unity will be absolutely critical,” she said, emphasizing the importance of a strong partnership between the Commission, Parliament, and Council.

    With a clear vision and an experienced team, the von der Leyen Commission is ready to address the challenges and opportunities of the next five years, setting the stage for a stronger, more united Europe.

  • Parliament pays homage to the victims of the floods in Spain

    President Metsola opened the 13-14 November plenary session in Brussels with a minute of silence for the victims of the flood tragedy in Spain.

    Following the devastating floods that swept through towns in Valencia and other regions in Spain two weeks ago and have taken at least 223 lives, President Metsola led MEPs in a minute’s silence in honour of the victims. She said that Europe was in shock and in mourning, and that the EU was ready to help in any way during the process of recovery and rebuilding, including through more flexibility to get financial assistance moving.

    Changes to the agenda

    Wednesday

    The European Council and Commission statements on Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024 are removed from the agenda, due to the absence of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

    A Commission statement on the devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis is added as the first item on Wednesday’s agenda.

    The European Council and Commission statements on EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections are changed into a Commission statement.

    A Commission statement on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud is added to the agenda, and MEPs voted to wind up the debate with a resolution to be voted at the next part-session.

    A Commission statement on Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans is added as fifth item.

    Thursday

    Two requests for urgent procedure are added to the voting session, pursuant to Rule 170 (5), for the following legislative files:

    • Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE,
    • Specific measures under the EAFRD for Member States affected by natural disasters.

    The sitting is extended to 22:00.

    Corrigenda

    Under Rule 251(4) of the EP Rules of Procedure, two corrigenda will be deemed approved unless a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold for them to put to the vote. You can find the relevant list on the plenary website.

  • The EU Court of Justice has ruled that sausage and schnitzel may not be made from meat

    European Union countries cannot generally ban the use of terms such as “schnitzel” or “sausage” for plant-based alternatives, the Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) ruled, DPA reported in early October.

    Euroleaders with a call for the urgent return of illegal migrants to their places of birth

    A brand new fire station in Germany burned down, it had no fire alarm

    A new deal for Macron in Brussels as his prime minister remains in the background

    France has issued a ban on the use of meat terms for vegetarian products, which has been challenged by several associations and food manufacturer Beyond Meat.

    The Court of Justice of the EU indicated that member states can restrict the use of terms traditionally associated with meat products only if they define legal names for vegetable protein products.

    The European Vegetarian Union (EVU), one of the claimants, said it was “very pleased” with the decision.

    “By ensuring clarity in food labelling, we can promote plant-based alternatives and work towards environmental goals, as well as boost competitiveness and innovation in the EU,” said Rafael Pinto from the Vegetarian Union.

  • Seeding the peace and friendship in Yakoruda – a journey beyond cultures and religions

    26-29.09.2024 – interfaith weekend in Yakoruda, Bulgaria

    On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace on 21 September, the association “Bridges – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue” held a three-day interfaith weekend in Yakoruda.

    From 26 to 29 September 2024, Hotel Helier was home to a group of 42 participants from 16 different places, belonging to 4 religious traditions – Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Muslims and Protestants.

    “Seeding the Peace.BG” was a continuation of United Religions Initiative Europe‘s interfaith camp held in August in The Hague, resonating with this year’s UN Day of Peace theme: Cultivating a Culture of Peace. The format was fully funded by the Bridges Association, thanks to winning the first Prize of King Abdullah II of Jordan Award for Interfaith Harmony, in competition with 1186 events from around the world held in the framework of the UN Week of Tolerance (WIHW).

    “Nestos Youth Initiatives” Association were our partners and hosts in Yakoruda.

    Day 1 – Opening, weekend objectives and ice breaking

    During the first day of the interreligious weekend, the official guests of the opening ceremony were the Archpriest of the Razlog Diocese, Fr. Danail from Yakoruda, Pastor Traycho Stefanov from the Evangelical Church of St. John in Sofia. The Regional Mufti of Blagoevgrad Osman Kutrev and the Secretary of the Muftiate were not only among the dignitaries, but they themselves participated in the youth forum. Among the guests were also representatives of the local authorities in Yakoruda and Belitsa – dep. Mrs. Osman and Mrs. Tabakova, as well as principals of schools in the region.

    Chair of BRIDGES opened the forum and welcomed the guests and participants “to this different event, which is extremely significant for us and we believe that with it we will open a new chapter in the interreligious and intercultural dialogue in Bulgaria, with the help and active participation of all of you. It is an honour to be together, to walk on the bridge of friendship, despite our differences and in fact because of them.  Thank you for your willingness not to let our differences stand in the way of living and working together for a better world.”

    The goals of the interfaith weekend were outlined, as well as the organizers’ idea of creating a sustainable structure, strengthening partnerships and planning future initiatives on a national scale. Yakoruda was chosen to be the home of Seeding the Peace.BG for a reason, it marked our long-standing partnership and friendship with Hatidje Djurina, the President of the “Youth Initiatives Nestos” Association.

    She said that the local community is welcoming, ready for such initiatives and happy to host us.

    After the official opening, youth leaders Silvia Trifonova and Ahmed Gorelski took the baton. With ice-breaking games the participants got to know each other and learnt their names. Then they divided into 3 working groups to work on specific topics for the next three days.

    In the evening, the group was joined by special guest HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha the guardian of the Bulgarian crown.

    Day 2 – Eco-justice and meeting with religious leaders in Yakoruda

    The second day of the interfaith weekend “Seeding the Peace” offered colourful activities in which participants gave their bid for a better future – one in which man lives in peace with his neighbour as well as in peace with his earthly home.

    The 6 young participants from Bulgaria at the URI Europe camp in The Hague gave an exciting presentation about their summer experience, which generated valuable friendships and unforgettable emotions. Each of them shared what they had learned and experienced with the other participants from the Netherlands, Belgium and Albania.

    With a school bus from the municipality, the group headed to the city for meetings with the leaders of the two religious communities in the community – Muslims and Orthodox Christians. At the mosque in Yakoruda, the guests were warmly welcomed by the Regional Mufti of Blagoevgrad, Osman Kutrev, as well as by his deputy in the town and the Imam of the local mosque.

    Immediately afterwards Fr. Danail welcomed the group at the St. St. Cyril and Methodius” and shared highlights from the centuries-old history of interreligious coexistence in the community.

    The words of each of the religious leaders overlapped as a testimony to the sincere spirit of good neighborliness and tolerance of the people in the area.

    A constant companion in the walk was HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, whose ancestors, it became clear, had left their spiritual and material mark on the community. We found out that even the main street of Yakoruda bears the name “Tsar Boris III”.

    After lunch HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha told us about his deep family connection with Jordan, as well as about the project marking the locations of the Holy Scriptures in the country, the cradle of Christianity. A temporal, spatial and cultural bridge.

    Seen from above, the world has no borders. The bird’s-eye view removes distinctions – between countries, cultures, people, religions… This is what one might think as the Prince steers a drone high in the clouds above Yakoruda in the way he captured the landscape of the holy sites in Jordan a year earlier.

    The second half of the day was dedicated to the ecological values that underpin our existence. Eco-justice and our footprint on the environment, the conservation of water resources and the responsibility we each have. Youth leaders Silvia Trifonova and Ahmed Gorelski illustrated the idea of natural balance with a series of fun games, culminating in the planting of a tree (acacia) of peace and hope. Each participant “planted” symbolically around the tree a wooden heart with wild flower seeds, on which they wrote their message of peace.

    The BRIDGES team and partners from Tervel and Aytos outlined short-term goals and future plans, building clubs in the country and national meetings.

    Day 3 – Partnerships, trip to Razlog, cultural evening

    On the third day of “Seeding the Peace”, the Holocaust and the “Jewish Question and Bulgarian Cinema” found a place in the morning sessions. Dr. Peter Gramatikov, Bridges board member and former URI Europe Global Trustee, shared briefly about the Holocaust and the projects implemented during the last few years with the support of Olga Lenguel Institute (TOLI). An interesting presentation on “The Jewish Question and Bulgarian Cinema” was given by youth facilitator Biserka Gramatikova. The session presented a film retrospective dedicated to one of the darkest pages in human history, which for a number of reasons brings us Bulgarians one of the brightest examples of tolerance and unity around a humane cause.

    Immediately afterwards, each of the three groups set to work actively on their themes and creating conceptual projects.

    At noon, the entire group of 42 boarded the attraction’s narrow gauge train to Razlog. During the trip, everyone enjoyed the incredibly picturesque mountain landscapes.

    In Razlog we were welcomed at the train station by Kostadinka Todorova and the coordinating team of the Anna Lindh Foundation for Bulgaria and Association “International Cooperation Initiatives”. They showed us the sights of the town and treated us with typical regional dishes.

    Even more remarkable was the experience in the office of the organization, where, according to an old Bulgarian custom, we were welcomed with geraniums and homemade banitsa – zelnik.  We were surprised with a rich cultural program presented by the folklore group “Dobarskite babi” , which is included in the national list of living human treasures. They greeted the group with several folk songs from the region. Especially for HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha a unique wedding ceremony was presented.

    Along with this surprise, we had the opportunity to hear from Kostadinka about Anna Lindh’s mission and work globally and nationally. They devoted time to introduce mission and philosophy of the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Bulgarian Anna Lindh Network of which Association “International Initiatives for Cooperation” is the coordinator, and Bridges – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue is one of our active members. We had a chance also to discuss next steps in our partnership and specifically in the realization of a conceptual project, the “Peace Pallete” Assembly which aims to promote intercultural cooperation in the Mediterranean and sow peace and understanding between different nations, religions, ethnicities… This project can bring together the potential and competencies of BRIDGES, Anna Lindh and URI networks.

    We took the narrow-gauge back to Yakoruda, where the cultural programme prepared by our talented participants was the highlight of the day. Music, poetry and theatrical interpretations beautifully interwoven in the program. Undoubtedly the icing on the cake were Agleya Kaneva and Boris Petkov, who ended the concert with jazz interpretations and songwriting.

    Day 4 – Presentation of results, future plans, certificates.

    Day 4 of the Interfaith Weekend “Seeding the Peace” was a time for reflection, a closing session and an emotional farewell between the youth and the organizers.

    HRH Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha presented all the young participants with certificates for their active contribution to the realisation of the event and to the establishment of a religious and cultural dialogue with the local communities. He himself received a certificate of appreciation from the Bridges Association for his contribution and support to the cause and the format.

    The three youth teams presented the thematic projects they had been developing over the three previous days. United by the motto “Seeding the Peace”, the participants developed in detail three concepts: a youth camp, a concert and an international peace assembly with the working title “Palette of Peace”. During the presentation we saw many fun surprises, creative ideas, large-scale programmes, which we started to dream about together.

    The weekend ended with an exciting exchange of symbolic gifts during which everyone revealed their “secret friend”. As expected, the game only confirmed the true friendship between the participants.

    Before leaving, each attendee left their mark on the colorful peace tree painted by Dilek and Eileen and received a seed bracelet to plant in their home.

  • Panama to host the 4th Edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit

    As published by the well-known digital newspaper ‘Panoráma Económico Panama’, the most read digital news of Panama, the Parlatino will host this week the 4th edition of the prestigious ‘Faith and Freedom Summit’ (see web). After noting the increasing violations of freedom of belief in many parts of the world, more than 40 speakers from Panama, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, United States, France, Holland, Mexico, United Kingdom and others will address during 2 intense days the problems and good practices in the protection of the right to freedom of belief in the world.

    Panama City, 22 September – The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) in Panama City has been chosen as the venue for the International Summit ‘Faith and Freedom’ on 24-25 September 2024. This event, under the appropriate slogan ‘Practising what we preach’, will bring together over two days more than 40 leading academics, human rights defenders, religious leaders and politicians from various regions of the world.

    The event will address the promotion and defence of freedom of conscience. Ambassadors from various countries around the world have confirmed their participation, as well as the Nunciature and public and legislative officials.

    The strategic partners supporting Faith and Freedom Summit IV have been the Parlatino, the National Bar Association of Panama, the European Religions Initiative, the Catholic University Santa María La Antigua(USMA), the International Center for Law and Religion Studiesand the international campaign ‘What is Freedom of Religion?’.

    The summit has broad global support from international organisations, academia, civil society and religious bodies, and will feature a special message from Dr. Nazila Ghanea, the current UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, who will emphasise the global importance of protecting this fundamental human right.

    The opening ceremony will be addressed by Elías Castillo, Executive Secretary of Parlatino; His Excellency Juan Francisco Borrell Cal, Vice Minister of Government of the Republic of Panama; H.E. Mr. Rubén Farje, Representative in Panama of the Organization of American States; Ms. Maricarmen Plata Secretary of Access to Rights and Equity Organization of American States; as well as Mr. Ivan Arjona, a founding member of the NGO Coalition Faith and Freedom Summit; and will have as Master of Ceremonies Ms. Giselle Lima, Coordinator of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable in Panama.

    Initiated as a European campaign by a coalition of secular and faith-based non-governmental organisations from the European Union, the Faith and Freedom Summit has gained international momentum with organisations from all corners of the world. Since its inception in 2018, it has succeeded in bringing together stakeholders from various parts of the world with a common goal: to join forces and resources to end discrimination and defend freedom of religion and belief, so that everyone can believe, disbelieve or change their beliefs everywhere in the world and at all times.

    Throughout its three previous editions, held at the European Parliament, the summit has served as a platform to foster dialogue between politicians, academics, religious and civil society, to promote non-discrimination policies and to strengthen legislative mechanisms for the protection of human rights at regional and international level.

    The event’s programme includes panel discussions focusing on:

    – Mechanisms to promote and protect freedom of belief within nations and regions.
    – The role of academia in the defence of religious freedom.
    – Religions and interfaith work to protect the freedom of others.
    – The importance of civil society participation in promoting freedom of belief.
    – Responsibility of the media in promoting and respecting freedom of belief.
    – Achieving freedom of belief for all through diplomacy.

    An International Call to Action

    The summit invites political leaders, civil society organisations and citizens around the world to unite in defence of freedom of conscience and religion. They are urged to sign a pledge rejecting intolerance, discrimination, harassment and violence, in order to build a more equitable society that respects diversity of belief.

  • Critical Oversight: ODIHR Prepares for Local Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    SARAJEVO, 30 August 2024 – In a critical step toward upholding democratic standards, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has officially opened an election observation mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the upcoming local elections scheduled for 6 October 2024. This initiative follows an official invitation from the national authorities and the results of a needs assessment mission conducted in May.

    Heading the mission is Corien Jonker, who will lead a core team of 11 international experts based in Sarajevo. In addition, the mission will deploy 20 long-term observers throughout the country starting on 6 September. To bolster the observation efforts further, ODIHR plans to request an additional 300 short-term observers, who are expected to arrive several days prior to election day.

    The primary objective of the mission is to assess the elections’ compliance with OSCE commitments, international obligations, and standards for democratic elections, as well as with the national legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Observers will meticulously monitor key aspects of the electoral process, which includes both offline and online campaign activities, the performance of the election administration at all levels, the implementation of election legislation, and the overall respect for fundamental freedoms.

    A significant focus will also be placed on evaluating the work of public and private media during the election period and monitoring the resolution of any election disputes that may arise. Additionally, observers will assess the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations related to electoral processes in the region.

    Integral to the observation mission is the engagement with a diverse array of stakeholders. This includes meetings with national authorities, representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, media entities, and members of the international community. Such interactions will provide vital insights into the electoral environment and the challenges faced during the election period.

    To keep the public informed, the ODIHR will release an interim report approximately two weeks before the elections, detailing the mission’s observations and activities up until that point. Following the elections, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference the day after the polling. A comprehensive final report assessing the entire election process, complete with recommendations for future improvements, will be published in the months following the elections.

    As Bosnia and Herzegovina approaches these crucial local elections, the ODIHR’s commitment to monitoring and assessing the democratic process underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in fostering a robust electoral environment.

  • The European Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against a Bulgarian milk producer

    The European Prosecutor’s Office announced that it has filed charges against a Bulgarian dairy farmer who received funds from the EU fraudulently, BTA reported.

    The accused submitted forged documents in order to be able to build a milk processing workshop with European funds. He has asked the State Fund “Agriculture” for 474,000 euros for this purpose. For the advance payment of half of the contract amount, the accused presented a bank guarantee, which was rejected by the paying agency due to non-compliance with the requirements. He later submitted more forged documents to make it appear that the necessary changes had been made. With this fraud, the accused received half of the project funds (237,000 euros). The investigation found that the EU-funded works had not been carried out.

    If found guilty, the accused could be sentenced to between two and eight years in prison, the EU prosecutor’s office said.

    Note: Laura Codruța Kövesi is the former chief prosecutor of Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA in Romanian), a position she held from 2013 to 9 July 2018. Prior to this, between 2006 and 2012 Laura Kövesi was the Prosecutor General of Romania, attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice. She was the first woman and the youngest Prosecutor General in Romania’s history. In October 2019, Laura Kövesi was confirmed by the European Parliament and the Council as the first European Chief Prosecutor to head the recently created European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO), EU Regulation (EU) 2017/1939.