Category: News

  • Norway discriminates against Jehovah’s Witnesses

    Oral statement denouncing the discrimination by the Dutch branch of Human Rights Without Frontiers at the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference on 7 October

    “Mensenrechten Zonder Grenzen Nederland is deeply concerned about a decision in Norway which arbitrarily revoked the registration of Jehovah’s Witnesses present in the country for over 130 years. This measure puts an end to their eligibility for state grants they had received for 30 years.

    The registration of the Norwegian Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religious organization for 39 years was put to an end on unclear and controversial grounds in 2022.

    In addition, on 4 March of this year, the Oslo District Court upheld the decisions of the County Governor of Oslo and Viken who has denied Jehovah’s Witnesses state subsidies since 2021. The financial loss is estimated at 1.6 million EUR for 2021. An appeal has been lodged.

    We recommend that the Government of Norway

    • cancel the discriminatory decision to remove the registration of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religious community;
    • reconsider and reverse the denial of state grants since 2021;
    • abide by their commitment to uphold fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Norway, the ICCPR and the European Convention on Human Rights for all citizens, including Jehovah’s Witnesses.

    State subsidies in Norway are not a gift. The Lutheran Church of Norway which is a state church is financially supported by the government and gets state subsidies proportional to the number of its members. For the sake of coherence and non-discrimination, the Constitution mandates that other religions should also benefit from the same financing system and get subsidies in proportion of the number of their members. Over 700 religious communities receive such state grants in Norway, including Orthodox parishes subordinated to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow who blessed Russia’s war on Ukraine.”

    Background information

    Jehovah’s Witnesses go to trial against Norway after state registration is revoked

    Source: Religion News Service (16.01.2024) 

    With its recognition of more than 700 registered faith communities, Norway is often admired as a bastion of religious freedom. But after Norway deregistered the Jehovah’s Witnesses last year, some human rights experts say that reputation could be in question. Now, the Jehovah’s Witnesses of Norway are suing the state for revoking their national registration and withholding state funds. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, they are the first religious group to lose their national registration in Norway.

    The trial, which began Jan. 8, 202 will determine whether some practices of the Jehovah’s Witnesses violate Norway’s Religious Communities Act or whether withdrawing the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ registration violates their right to freedom of religion and freedom of association, as guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights.

    Willy Fautre at <a class=OSCE 2024″ class=”wp-image-157549″ style=”width:303px;height:auto”/>
    Willy Fautre at OSCE 2024

    “It’s certainly the most important trial about a religious freedom issue in Norway in decades,” Willy Fautré, director of the Brussels-based organization Human Rights Without Frontiers, told Religion News Service.

    In January 2022, Valgerd Svarstad Haugland, the county governor of Oslo and Viken, in Norway, denied Jehovah’s Witnesses state grants for the year 2021 in response to concerns about what she perceived as exclusionary practices. The Jehovah’s Witnesses had received the grants, which currently amount to around $1.5 million annually, for three decades. These funds are typically used for international disaster relief work and supporting religious activity in Norway, including translating literature and building kingdom halls, according to Jørgen Pedersen, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norway.

    In an announcement originally written in Norwegian, the county governor of Oslo and Viken claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are forbidden to contact disfellowshipped members, as well as people who voluntarily dissociate, which can hinder a person’s ability to freely withdraw from the group. She also argued that Jehovah’s Witnesses may disfellowship children who have chosen to be baptized if they break the religious community’s rules, a practice she said constituted “negative social control” and violated children’s rights. These practices, the county governor argued, defy Norway’s Religious Communities Act. “We have assessed the offenses as systematic and intentional, and have therefore chosen to refuse grants,” the press release said.

    In an email to RNS, Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson Jarrod Lopes said Witnesses only disfellowship an unrepentant member who “makes a practice” of serious violations of “the Bible’s moral code.” Even then, Lopes added, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t force members to limit or cease association with former congregants, whether they’ve been disfellowshipped or withdrawn voluntarily — that’s up to individuals. “Congregation elders do not police the personal lives of congregants, nor do they exercise control over the faith of individual Jehovah’s Witnesses,” wrote Lopes.

    Pedersen added that the serious sins that might lead to disfellowship include manslaughter, adultery and drug use. He said a congregation will always try to help an individual restore their relationship with God, but if the problem persists, Jehovah’s Witnesses feel compelled to respect the entire Bible, including instructions to not associate with unrepentant sinners, such as 1 Corinthians 5:11.

    Though the Witnesses appealed the county governor’s decision, in September 2022 the Ministry for Children and Families upheld the ruling. In October that same year, the county governor said in a press release that unless Jehovah’s Witnesses would “rectify the conditions that led to the refusal of state subsidies,” they would lose registration, which they did a few months later, in December. Without its national registration, Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot perform marriages, and they lose entitlement to government grants.

    The Jehovah’s Witnesses of Norway filed two lawsuits against the state in December 2022: one challenging the denial of state grants and another challenging their loss of registration. Those lawsuits have since been combined. Though the Oslo District Court initially granted the Jehovah’s Witnesses an injunction that suspended their deregistration until that case was argued, the Ministry challenged the injunction, and in April 2023, the court removed it.

    As the trial plays out at the District Court of Oslo, Jason Wise, an attorney who is acting as a consultant on the case for the legal team representing the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norway, said part of the Witnesses’ argument is that there is no evidence of harm and that it’s not the place of the state to interpret religious texts. The state continues to contend that the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practices are in conflict with the Religious Communities Act, particularly, they claim, by exposing children to psychological violence.

    Since 2022, Jehovah’s Witnesses have reported an increase in vandalism, harassment and physical assaults in Norway. In September 2022, two Jehovah’s Witnesses in Harstad, Norway, reported that a man screamed at them and repeatedly attempted to hit one of them. That same month, a man in Kristiansand, Norway, reportedly set a Jehovah’s Witnesses mobile display car on fire, and a month later, someone attempted to set fire to a Jehovah’s Witnesses meeting place in Fauske, Norway.

    Norway isn’t the only place where Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practices have been under scrutiny. In December, the Belgian Court of Cassation — the highest court in the Belgian judiciary — rejected an appeal of a lower court’s decision, ruling in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ right to avoid contact with former members. “Norway is just the tip of another phenomenon. That is a source of concern, because we see that there are more and more attempts in Europe by state institutions to interfere and intrude into the teachings and practices of religious groups, which is forbidden by the European Convention,” said Fautré. “The risk is they would open the door to more court cases against other religious groups.”

  • Hungarian Patriots at stake, China police take the streets of Hungary

    The presence of Chinese police in Hungary is not just a fleeting event; it marks a potentially transformative moment in Hungary’s foreign relations and internal security strategies. As the collaboration between Budapest and Beijing deepens, analysts are closely monitoring how this shift will affect Hungary’s role within the European Union, where skepticism towards Chinese influence has heightened in recent years.

    Critics of the partnership argue that it could lead to a normalization of foreign police presence on EU soil, which raises fundamental questions about the protection of individual rights. The EU has long upheld values of democracy and human rights, and the introduction of officers from an authoritarian regime like China’s presents a stark contrast to those principles. Human rights organizations within Europe are voicing their concerns, warning that normalizing such cooperation could embolden repressive practices in Hungary and possibly in neighboring countries as well.

    Furthermore, this collaboration occurs against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, particularly as the West grapples with the implications of China’s global ambitions. The United States and its allies have been increasingly vigilant regarding China’s influence in Eastern Europe, viewing Hungary’s actions as a potential gateway for further Chinese penetration into the EU.

    Hungary’s ongoing partnership with China is part of a broader trend wherein Central and Eastern European countries are increasingly looking to Beijing for investment and strategic alliances. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “16+1 initiative,” has drawn a mixed response from EU officials who worry that it undermines the union’s cohesive stance on issues such as human rights and security.

    As public awareness of the implications of this collaboration grows, it remains to be seen how the Hungarian government will navigate the pushback from civil society and EU institutions. The coming months will be critical as Hungary assesses its commitment to longstanding democratic values in light of its evolving relationship with China.

  • ‘Pivotal moment’ as violence against children reaches unprecedented levels worldwide

    “Millions of children worldwide are victims of physical, sexual, and psychological violence both online and offline, including child labor, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, trafficking, bullying, and cyberbullying, among many others,” she said.

    According to the report many more children are vulnerable to violence due to what it calls “multidimensional poverty.”

    Half of the world’s children, around one billion, are identified as “at high risk” of being affected by the climate crisis.

    One in six young people worldwide are also growing up in conflict zones.

    “This is a pivotal moment. Violence against children has reached unprecedented levels, caused by multifaceted and interconnected crises,”, Ms. M’Jid said. 

    The vulnerability of children to violence is a worldwide issue, transcending geographical and socioeconomic boundaries. 

    “The problem currently is that no country is immune, no child is immune. In all countries, we are finding many forms of violence,” Ms. M’Jid stated, adding that “you can have the same child who is victim of various forms of violence in various settings.”

    Children across the world, including in Haiti (pictured), face the threat of violence in conflict situations.

    © UNICEF/Ralph Tedy Erol

    Children across the world, including in Haiti (pictured), face the threat of violence in conflict situations.

    According to the report, nearly 400 million children under five regularly endure psychological aggression and physical punishment at home.

    Figures released by the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, ahead of International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October, estimate that more than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in eight, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

    When ‘non-contact’ forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse are included, the number of girls and women affected rises to 650 million, according to UNICEF.

    Online exploitation 

    Ms. M’Jid expressed particular concern about online child sexual exploitation.

    “The issue is really big”, warned Ms. M’Jid, with “the increase of internet connectivity among children and a rise in online predators”. 

    Many children face online abuse.

    Many children face online abuse.

    Cyberbullying also emerged as a significant issue, with 15 per cent of children worldwide reporting victimisation.

    The Special Representative noted that the issue is a complex problem to address. “It’s not an easy task to resolve because you have three pieces to take into account. The victims, the bullies and the bystanders”.

    Child Labour: A form of violence

    The report reveals that 160 million children are still engaged in child labour “a form of violence against children,” according to Ms. M’Jid. “Children should be in school, not working.”

    She further emphasised the interconnected nature of different forms of violence. “Many children who are victims of child labour are also victims of trafficking, smuggling and sexual exploitation”.

    Long-lasting impacts

    The report highlights the severe consequences of violence against children. “It has a long-lasting impact on children’s mental health. We see increased rates of suicide, behavioural disorders, eating disorder, drug addiction, despair and post-traumatic stress disorder”.

    Ms. M’Jid also explained that “it affects their education, performance and learning”.  

     

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  • EU Voices Concerns Over Israeli Draft Bill Targeting UNRWA

    The European Union has expressed deep apprehension regarding a draft bill currently under discussion in the Israeli parliament that threatens the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This legislation, if passed, could have catastrophic implications for Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

    In a statement, the EU underscored its support for the UN Secretary General’s call to address the situation, emphasizing that the draft bill would prevent UNRWA from continuing its vital services. “The final adoption of the bill would abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA, stopping all operations in Israel and East Jerusalem,” a high-ranking EU official stated. “This would destroy UNRWA’s life-saving operations in Gaza and seriously hamper the provision of health, education, and social services in the West Bank.”

    The EU has urged Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to carry out its crucial work in accordance with its mandate adopted by the UN General Assembly. “UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and is a pillar of regional stability,” the official added. “It plays a fundamental role in ensuring the conditions on the ground for a credible pathway towards the Two-State solution.”

    The potential legislation would not only halt UNRWA’s operations but also revoke its diplomatic privileges and immunities, significantly undermining its effectiveness. The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting UNRWA and closely monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review Group report. “We are committed to ensuring neutrality, accountability, and strengthening control and oversight over the operations of the Agency,” the EU representative affirmed.

    As the situation unfolds, the EU remains a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral, rules-based global governance system, recognizing UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian assistance and fostering stability in a volatile region. The implications of this draft bill extend beyond immediate humanitarian concerns, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace process and the future of countless refugees reliant on UNRWA’s services.

  • Bruxelles Média: Firm response to the defamatory allegations made by Blast

    It is regrettable that Blast, under the guise of an alleged journalistic investigation by journalist Philippe Engel, has chosen to spread false and defamatory allegations against me and my organization, Bruxelles Média. I wish to set the record straight and expose the true motives behind these attacks.

    1. Almouwatin asbl no longer exists: an obvious manipulation

    Firstly, it’s essential to point out that Almouwatin was closed for good in 2019, and that Bruxelles Média was founded under a completely new framework. The fact that Blast chooses to mix the two entities demonstrates a blatant lack of professionalism and a deliberate desire to sow confusion. Our offices are located at the Cité des Associations in Brussels, we are in full compliance with our legal obligations, and recognized by the Belgian CSA (Supreme Council of Audiovisual).

    2. A transparent and constructive collaboration

    Our relationship with Eddy Van Ryne is that of a friendly, professional collaboration. Blast tries to portray our work as suspect, whereas we work together to promote initiatives for inter-religious dialogue and peace. My skills are recognized and my commitment to constructive projects cannot be called into question by malicious insinuations.

    3. Proven independence

    Bruxelles Média operates without public subsidies and has never sought any. We concentrate on organizing constructive events and debates. Blast’s insinuations are not only unfounded, they are part of a strategy of intimidation typical of media losing credibility.

    4. Malicious confusion with Le Matin.ma

    The allegations of a link with Le Matin.ma are based on a technical misunderstanding. Our webmaster has clarified that this was a simple error, and not a connivance with a Moroccan media outlet. Blast’s continued insistence on this point demonstrates its inability to conduct a rigorous and honest investigation.

    5. Interfaith dialogue: an easy target

    My collaboration with religious institutions and actors, be it the Church of Scientology, but also with Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Catholics, Protestants and even humanists, is part of a framework of inter-religious dialogue, and not part of any promotion of sectarianism. This willingness to reduce my efforts to accusations of complicity is a reflection of Blast’s ignorance and contempt for the work of those who genuinely seek to promote dialogue and peace.

    6. Blast: a corrupt media on the verge of decline

    It’s ironic that Blast, which claims to uphold ethical values, is itself at the heart of controversies concerning its independence and dubious practices. Suspected links with investors from the United Arab Emirates raise questions about their objectivity. Indeed, the newspaper “Libération” recently accused Blast of being financed by investors from the United Arab Emirates, raising questions about the transparency of their operations. It is also worth noting that Blast is facing more than 40 complaints for misleading and defamatory investigations, testifying to its inability to produce quality journalism.

    Blast is also the newspaper which, on October 7 2024, as the world commemorates the innocent Jewish victims killed by Hamas in Israel, publishes an interview with Michèle Siboni in which she declares that “the Jews who died on October 7, and all those who followed, are the victims of a colonial regime”, and that the Hamas assassins are waging nothing other than a “war of liberation of an oppressed people”. To justify itself, Blast can think of nothing better than to invoke a concern for “rationality and freedom”. Certainly, my work for peace, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims, will not find favor in the eyes of a media suffering from such unabashed anti-Semitism.



    Certainly, by publishing their article today, on the eve of the municipal elections, they are hoping to influence the vote, perhaps financed by backers who would prefer not to see actors for peace and dialogue elected. Another ironic position of Blast which states that politics and journalism sometimes don’t mix.

    In conclusion, I strongly condemn Blast’s attacks, which have no other aim than to sully my reputation and that of Bruxelles Média. We will continue to work for peace and dialogue, despite the attempts to denigrate by a media that is losing ground.

    Lahcen Hammouch



  • MSCA researcher David Baker wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

    Dr Krausz has supervised MSCA postdoctoral researchers and coordinated several MSCA projects over the past two decades, including NICOS, ALPINE or ATTOTRON.

    Both L’Huillier and Krausz obtained funding and cooperated through the MSCA doctoral training network ATTOFEL, and trained and supervised a number of doctoral researchers.

    They also received funding through several projects funded under FP6, the 6th EU’s research and innovation programme.

    2022

    Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to former MSCA supervisors Alain Aspect and Anton Zeilinger, alongside John F. Clauser, “for experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science”.

    Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to former MSCA supervisor Morten Meldal, alongside Carolyn R. Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless, “for the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry”.

    2021

    Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to former MSCA supervisors Benjamin List and David MacMillan for their development of organocatalysis, a new precise tool for molecular construction described as “an ingenious tool for building molecules”.

    2020

    Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier (Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens), an MSCA alumna and principal investigator involved in the training of young researchers in the field of genomics in the MSCA project ENLIGHT-TEN ITN.

    Dr Charpentier received the award alongside Dr Jennifer A. Doudna “for the development of a method for genome editing”, CRISPR/Cas9.

    2017

    Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded for the work of Rainer Weiss, Barry C. Barish and Kip S. Thorne “for their decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves”.

    The MSCA project GraWIToN involved nine MSCA fellows who contributed to the preparation of the data on gravitational waves.

    Nobel Prize in Chemistry, to Richard Henderson (Medical Research Council), the coordinator of the MSCA project Membrane Proteases. His work was honoured along with Jacques Dubochet and Joachim Frank “for developing cryo-electron microscopy for the high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution”.

    2016

    Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Bernard Feringa, Jean-Pierre Sauvage and J. Fraser Stoddart. Bernard Feringa (University of Groningen) was in charge and supervisor of several MSCA projects such as ALERT while Jean-Pierre Sauvage (University of Strasbourg) was the supervisor for the MSCA projects NANO-PRESSES and FEMOS.

    They received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with J. Fraser Stoddart “for the design and synthesis of molecular machines”.

    2015

    Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to Takaaki Kajita (University of Tokyo) who was involved in MSCA projects as a participant. He earned the Nobel Prize “for the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have mass”.

    The Japanese researcher has participated in several MSCA projects promoting international collaboration, such as ELITES, SKPLUS and InvisiblesPlus.

    2014

    Stefan W. Hell (Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg) was an MSCA fellow at the University of Turku in 1996-1997. He then coordinated several MSCA Individual Fellowships prior to receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Eric Betzig and William E. Moerner “for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy”.

    The MSCA fellowship saved my career because it bought me some time to perform a number of important experiments that supported the viability of my ideas and eventually find an institution that would support me in pursuing them.

    Dr. Stefan Hell, 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

    Edvard I. Moser and May-Britt Moser (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim) are former MSCA project coordinators. The two Norwegians received a Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology alongside John O’Keefe “for their discoveries of cells that constitute a positioning system in the brain”.

    Jean Tirole (Toulouse School of Economics) was a supervisor of the MSCA project MASIEGE. He received the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel “for his analysis of market power and regulation”.

    2013

    James Rothman (Yale School of Medicine) was a supervisor in the MSCA project BFLDs. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine alongside Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof “for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells”.

    Several fellows from the MSCA projects ITN ACEOLE, ITN TALENT, COFUND CERN, COFUND CERN 2010 and LHC-PHYS were directly or indirectly involved in the revolutionary sub-atomic particle discovery of the Higgs Boson.

    This discovery led to the award of the Nobel Prize in Physics to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs.

    2012

    Serge Haroche (Collège de France and École Normale Supérieure) supervised the MSCA project ONDEQUAM. He received the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside David J. Wineland “for ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems”.

    2010

    Konstantin Novoselov (University of Manchester) has received funding, supervised and coordinated several MSCA projects, including GRAPHENE, MEDICIS-PROMED, 2DMAT4ENERGYand PTMCnano. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Andre Geim “for groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene”.

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  • Religious Persecution in Europe: Margaritis Schinas’ Vision for Internal Tolerance and Solidarity

    In a passionate and reflective speech delivered at the European Parliament during the “how to stop the rise of religious intolerance in Europe” debate, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission, addressed the importance of religious freedom, tolerance, and the European way of life. His speech, rich in both historical context and forward-looking vision, called for a united European response to religious intolerance while affirming the values that define Europe today.

    Schinas highlighted both the internal and external challenges facing the European Union and emphasized Europe’s commitment to human rights, freedom of religion, and the protection of democracy. However he failed to mention the lack o action and the amount of state sponsored discriminations within Europe, not just about historical religions, but specially against the new religious movements, often ostracized by the very European Commission.

    A Union of Freedom and Democracy

    Mr. Schinas began his address by acknowledging the importance of religious tolerance as central to what Europe stands for today. “It’s a union of freedom. It’s a union of democracy,” he declared, emphasizing the need to preserve these core values within and beyond European borders. Schinas made it clear that addressing religious intolerance in all its forms is an essential part of maintaining Europe’s identity as a beacon of democracy and freedom.

    Joint Action Against Religious Intolerance

    Religious intolerance remains a significant issue both within Europe and abroad. Schinas stressed the need for a united approach at the EU level, urging for collaboration among European institutions. He called for dialogue and understanding, cautioning against finger-pointing or fostering toxic divisions. “All of us work together at EU level, within the EU institutions, without pointing fingers, without cries of hatred, without toxicity, through dialogue and understanding,” he said, signaling the importance of constructive engagement in tackling this sensitive issue.

    The European Commission, according to Schinas, is committed to playing a pivotal role in addressing religious intolerance by providing funding, support, and catalyzing processes that foster togetherness among Europeans.

    Promoting Religious Freedom Beyond Europe’s Borders just by word

    In addition to tackling issues within Europe, Schinas emphasized Europe’s moral responsibility to defend freedom of religion and belief worldwide. “We have a moral duty to stand for religious freedom,” he asserted. Europe must speak out wherever religions, including Christianity, are under threat, and where individuals are persecuted for their beliefs. To this end, Schinas announced (as if it was almost new) the appointment of Frans van Daele as the EU’s envoy for promoting and protecting religious freedom across the globe (in fact only for outside the European Union), reaffirming Europe’s commitment to championing these freedoms beyond its borders.

    He shared details of van Daele’s recent missions to Jerusalem and Pakistan, noting that these efforts are critical in spreading the European message of religious tolerance and freedom across the world. However, Schinas did not mention that the status of the EU Special Envoy is not better than the one of a volunteer, with no salary, no budget and not political weight.

    The European Way of Life: A Broken Mirror of Values

    Schinas then turned to a theme that has defined much of his tenure as Vice President: the European way of life. Recalling his parliamentary hearing five years ago, where the European way of life was debated, Schinas underscored that this concept is not about exclusion or superiority. “The European way of life is not a bulldozer. It’s a mirror that reflects the richness, the diversity, the might, the values, the principles that unite us,” he explained.

    The European way of life, as Schinas described, is a system where democracy flourishes, minorities’ rights are meant to be protected, and human rights are respected (at least by some). It is a union where women play a central role in family, society, and the workplace, where education and health systems are universal and free, and where the elderly are cared for. “We are the world champions of human rights, of data protection, and we don’t have the death penalty,” he affirmed as if no violations of these occur in the EU, noting that while pieces of this might be found elsewhere, the full picture of these values is unique to Europe.

    Margaritis Schinas’ speech at the European Parliament attempted to give a powerful reminder of the values that are meant to underpin Europe’s identity: freedom, democracy, tolerance, and unity. By addressing the challenges of religious intolerance and defending religious freedoms, both within Europe and abroad, Schinas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to upholding its core principles, even if these kind and powerful words need still to be brought to visible and efficient action. His message was clear: the European way of life is not about division or exclusion, but about inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all. This should mean not just for Christians, Jewish, Muslims and Atheists, but also for Baha’is, Hindus, Scientologists, Sikhs, Buddhists, Freemasons, Jehovah Witnesses, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Later Day Saints and even Pagans. As he concluded, “You can find bits and pieces of this elsewhere in the world, but all this together you will only find here, and it’s called the European way of life.“

    Now, let’s see what the upcoming executives of the European Commission will have to say, and more importantly, what they will do… Will the European Commission continue to not practice what they preach?

  • Stronger consumer protections needed to address current and emerging harms consumers face online

    Nine out of ten consumers have been affected by “dark commercial patterns” – manipulative online design tactics such as countdown timers, hidden fees, and subscription traps that influence consumer behaviour and often lead to unintended purchases or privacy compromises. These deceptive practices are widespread on websites and apps, posing significant risks to consumers worldwide. 

    The findings are part of a new OECD survey conducted with over 35 000 respondents across 20 countries. They were presented during the OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting on 8-9 October, where Ministers adopted a Declaration committing to further protecting and empowering consumers in the digital and green transitions. The Declaration underscores the need to act against both current and emerging harms consumers face online, encourages businesses to adopt fair practices, and commits governments to protect all consumers. It places emphasis on those who may be particularly vulnerable, such as children, older consumers and infrequent internet users. Additionally, the Declaration calls for an update to the OECD Recommendation on Consumer Protection in E-commerce to better address the evolving risks and harms in the digital transition. 

    “With consumer spending accounting for about 60% of GDP in OECD countries on average, consumer policies have an important role to play in contributing to well-functioning, open and competitive markets by protecting consumers from deceptive, unfair and fraudulent commercial practices and unsafe products, fostering informed consumer decisions and trust, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses, by ensuring fair competition based on quality, price and innovation,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. “Today’s Ministerial Meeting has discussed how policymakers can ensure consumer policies help people navigate these new digital and green products, services and options, by adapting to new technology-related risks, by continuing to prioritise consumer safety, and by ensuring consumer policies are well co-ordinated with other relevant areas, such as competition, digital and environmental policies.” 

    The OECD also announced the launch of the Global Forum on Consumer Policy. This new forum will bring together policy makers, academics, civil society, businesses, and experts in an inclusive network to collaborate on consumer issues, behavioural economics, technological trends, and emerging consumer policy research.  

    Participants also addressed ways to protect and empower consumers making sustainable consumption decisions and tackle new consumer product safety risks. A part of the discussion was the safe and responsible use of lithium-ion batteries. With a growing number of safety incidents involving these batteries, the OECD and its members are launching an awareness campaign on their safe and responsible use. The global lithium-ion battery market is projected to reach USD 307.8 billion by 2032, up from USD 59.8 billion in 2022, underscoring the urgency of these efforts. 

    For more information on the outcomes of the OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting, please visit: https://oe.cd/consumer24.  

    Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to preserve individual liberty and improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

  • 2024 Non-GMO industry calls for transparency and fair cooperation throughout the whole value chain

    Frankfurt/Main, More than 160 representatives from a thriving international Non-GMO industry and leading European associations from 23 countries and four continents met on 7th and 8th October 2024 at the ‘International Non-GMO Summit 2024’ in Frankfurt. Operators across the full Non-GMO value chain are united in battling the current challenges posed by the planned deregulation of New Genomic Techniques, as proposed by the EU Commission. The participants at the Summit gave a clear message for freedom of choice and transparency.

    “The Non-GMO sector is here to stay!”

    On behalf of the organisers, Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of VLOG emphasised: “Non-GMO markets are economically very successful and are thriving with strong support from consumers. We are ready and willing to face current political and market challenges.“ The organisers are convinced that NGTs should be strictly regulated, just like all other GMOs. Hissting’s clear message: “The Non-GMO sector is here to stay!”

     High-level political support, advocating freedom of choice

    The current Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) want to work towards a compromise in the revision of the EU‘s GMO legislation that ensures consistent labelling, coexistence and traceability in dealing with new genetic engineering techniques (NGTs). In his welcoming address, Dr. István Nagy, current President of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, stated: “I am convinced that the precautionary principle should be applied when new technologies are used and organisms produced with such techniques are released into the environment and the food chain. Furthermore, I consider it to be of the utmost importance to provide consumers with adequate information and to guarantee their freedom of choice.”

    German State Secretary Silvia Bender criticised the European Commission’s draft regulation on NGTs, doubting that it sufficiently takes into account the interests of consumers, farmers and food processors: “The market for Non-GMO products has been growing for years and we want to preserve this added value. To do this, we need functioning coexistence measures, from seeds to consumer. Our goal is to find a compromise for a socially acceptable way of dealing with the new genetic engineering methods, and we are working on that,” Bender explained. 

    Call to strengthen critical voices in the EU: Keeping Europe GMO-free

    Dietmar Vybiral from the Austrian Ministry of Health gave a detailed update on the current standstill with the negotiations around the planned revision of the EU’s GMO legislation. He explained that as Ministers at the EU Council could not yet agree on a “general approach”, trilogue negotiations between the three main EU institutions cannot start. Mr Vybiral called on those at the Summit to: “strengthen the critical voices in their respective governments to vote against a deregulation of NGTs.” He continued: “Austria has always stated that NGTs must be regulated as GMOs. Therefore, all NGTs products must have a proper risk assessment, must be labelled and have traceability assured – only this can ensure consumers’ knowledge and freedom of choice.”

    The coordinator of the European DARWIN project, Odd-Gunnar Wikmark from the Norwegian research institute NORCE, reported on future-oriented research into reliable detection methods for NGTs. “It will be possible to develop detection methods for known varieties of NGTs. And we are confident that in time also untargeted detection methods will be developed.” 

    Hans-Peter Dejakum, representative of the premium wafers and chocolate producer Loacker from South Tyrol, believes in the high value of excluding GMOs from the company’s supply chains: “We are tracking consumer wishes in around 70 countries and we know that our customers truly want our Non-GMO products. In the last decade we have substantially invested to build up a credible Non-GMO value chain and we definitely want to continue this way.” Loacker exports its product with Non-GMO label to more than 100 countries worldwide.

    Good availability of soy, rapeseed and corn – but even more potential

    International experts in the field of raw material production and agricultural trade agreed that the most important regions for non-GMO commodities (especially soy, corn, rapeseed) currently have good market coverage – in Latin America (especially Brazil) as well as in Europe (especially Ukraine). There are also sufficient growth opportunities to further increase the availability of GMO-free feed and thus keep pace with rising demand. The supply of GMO-free goods is secured for this year and the next, explained Bertalan Kruppa, Donau Soja, Maxime Montserrat, Bunge and Daniele Marcomin, Agribusiness di Covolato in their presentations on the current situation on the international markets.

    “Keep calm and carry on!”

    Heike Moldenhauer, Secretary General of ENGA, concluded the Summit on behalf of the organisers, with a clear call to the Non-GMO industry present “to keep calm and carry on”. The battle for the right to continue to produce without GMOs is far from over, Moldenhauer stated: Currently there are hardly any New GMOs on the global markets – none in the EU, just a handful in countries where New GMOs have a non-regulated status. Therefore, markets will not be flooded with New GMOs in the coming years – as a glance at the companies’ development pipelines shows.

    In addition, the exploration of audit strategies and research on detection methods and improvements in traceability have picked up speed. Moldenhauer is confident that significant progress will be reached to exclude New GMOs from Non-GMO value chains

    The International Non-GMO Summit was organised by the most important industry associations of the Non-GMO market: Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik
    (VLOG), ARGE Gentechnik-frei, Donau Soja, European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA) and ProTerra Foundation.

    The congress was supported by its major sponsors Caramuru, Foodchain ID, Köster Marine Proteins, Bunge.

  • The Chancery Lane Project unveils climate clauses for Japanese and German markets

    London, U.K. 8 October 2024: UK-based, nonprofit The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) has launched six new foreign-language climate clauses — three German and three Japanese. These clauses help organisations integrate net zero commitments into their contracts, making it easier to meet climate targets with accountability and impact.

    The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is a pioneering nonprofit that equips organisations with free, cutting-edge legal tools (guides, clauses, and glossary terms) designed to reduce emissions and drive real climate action. Large companies like Telstra, Salesforce, Vodafone, NatWest, and Cambridge University Press are leveraging TCLP’s climate clauses to embed sustainability into their operations.

    The release of these six country clauses marks the first time the organisation has published climate clauses in a foreign language. The Japanese clauses are the nonprofit’s first set published specifically for an Asian jurisdiction. 

    These Japanese and German clauses solve a range of different climate issues for organisations:

    • Riku’s Clause provides climate change clauses for Heads of Terms, making climate a key consideration for any deal team.
    • Sakura and Sora’s DDQ  is a due diligence questionnaire for corporate mergers and acquisitions.
    • Sumire’s Clause (transposed from Agatha’s Clause) gives customers a right to switch suppliers if their existing supplier cannot match a ‘greener’ offer made by an alternative supplier.
    • Fenjas-Klausel is an ESG-oriented remuneration and compensation clause for executives.
    • Pauls-Policy guides companies towards greater social responsibility through ESG-aligned corporate governance.
    • Uwes-Klausel is an employment contract clause tied to ESG.

    Natasha Morgan, Head of Legal Content at The Chancery Lane Project commented:

    “With the rise of climate regulations worldwide, such as the CSDDD and the German Due Diligence Supply Chain Act, legal frameworks are becoming critical tools for real climate action. Our new Japanese and German climate clauses empower organisations to take meaningful steps toward net zero, embedding sustainability into the heart of their contracts. This is more than just legal compliance—it’s about driving change from within.”

    The Chancery Lane Project is committed to supporting companies globally to decarbonise contracts. Today’s announcement follows the recent publication of new English language international clauses in the US, Germany, Australia and Italy.