Category: News

  • The sudden withdrawal of the EU Equal Treatment Directive is a step backward that would harm many years of positive work

    Bashy Quraishy

    Secretary General – European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion

    Thierry Valle Chair – CAP Freedom of Conscience

    The European continent went through years of conflicts and disturbances before the very destructive first and second world wars. These calamities made some visionary European leaders realize that to have peace and development after the WW2, cooperation and trade was necessary. Thus the “Treaties of Rome” were signed in Rome on 25th March 1957, which are considered as the foundation acts of the European Community.

    The signing of the Rome Treaty eventually resulted in the establishment of EC and later EU. However, in the Rome Treaty, there was almost nothing concrete about the protection of worker’s rights or anti-discrimination laws on European level. But one of the major benefits of the movement towards the European Union has been the increased protection of workers and anti-discrimination laws. This happened because of pressure from trade unions and strong anti-racist movemenst of the 90ies. The inclusion of a non-discrimination clause called; Article 13 in the 1997 Amsterdam Treaty was a turning point. The introduction of a clause of this nature into the Treaty signified an enormous step forward for all those fighting for the elimination of discrimination or for equality of treatment in various areas.

    That followed with the Employment Equality Directive, the Race Equality Directive – both in 2000 and other anti-discrimination directives as well as the establishment of ENAR, Fundamental Rights Agency, Equality Bodies as well as a renewed  hope for a comprehensive directive in later stages. That came in 2008, when the European Commission presented a proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment outside the labour market, irrespective of age, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief, which aimed at extending protection against discrimination through a horizontal approach.

    But after 17 years of stagnation, the European Commission (EC) decided to withdraw the Equal Treatment Directive proposal, a key piece of legislation aimed at closing critical gaps in European anti-discrimination law. The reasons behind this decision are complex and multifaceted, but we can sum up the situation this way:

    Lack of consensus among Member States

    The proposal has been blocked by the Council of the European Union since 2008 due to a lack of unanimity among member states, especially Germany. Despite repeated efforts by various presidencies to reach a compromise, no agreement could be reached. The EC likely concluded that further progress was unlikely given the entrenched positions of some member states.

    Political climate and priorities

    The current political climate in Europe, with the rise of far-right movements and increasing polarization, may have influenced the EC’s decision. The Commission might have prioritized other legislative initiatives that it deemed more feasible or politically urgent. Additionally, the decision to withdraw the directive could be seen as a strategic move to avoid further delays and to focus on areas where progress is more likely.

    Resource allocation and work programme

    The EC’s 2025 Work Programme indicated that the proposal was withdrawn due to the lack of foreseeable agreement and the likelihood of further stagnation. The Commission may have decided to allocate its resources to other initiatives that have a higher chance of success and alignment with its current priorities.

    To make matters worse, the withdrawal of the directive leaves significant gaps in legal protection for marginalized communities, including young people, older persons, LGBTIQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and those facing discrimination based on religion or belief. This decision has been seen as a betrayal of the EU’s fundamental values and its commitment to building a “Union of Equality.

    Criticism and Civil Society Reaction

    The decision has been met with strong criticism from civil society organizations, MEPs, and advocacy groups, who argue that it severely undermines the EU’s commitment to fundamental rights and equality. These groups have expressed disappointment and called for the EC to reconsider its decision or propose alternative measures to address discrimination.

    What can be the next steps?

    The withdrawal of the Equal Treatment Directive proposal by the European Commission has sparked significant concern and calls for immediate action to address the gaps in anti-discrimination law. The next steps will be crucial in determining whether the EU can maintain its role as a leader in human rights and equality. The commitment to developing and implementing comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, along with meaningful consultation and collaboration, will be essential in closing the gaps in legal protections for marginalized communities.

    Here are some potential next steps and commitments that could be crucial in determining the future of equality in Europe:

    1. Reconsideration of the Withdrawal

    Civil society organizations and MEPs are urging the European Commission to reconsider its decision to withdraw the Equal Treatment Directive. This would involve a re-evaluation of the directive’s importance and the potential for renewed efforts to reach consensus among member states.

    2. Development of a New Legislative Proposal

    If the withdrawal proceeds, the Commission is being called upon to immediately propose a more robust and comprehensive legislative proposal that takes an intersectional approach. This new proposal should address the compounded impact of multiple forms of discrimination and ensure comprehensive protection outside the labour market.

    3. Consultation and Collaboration

    The Commission is urged to engage in meaningful consultation with the European Parliament, civil society, Equality Bodies, and EU citizens to determine the necessary actions to achieve true equality. This collaborative approach would help in developing legislation that reflects the diverse needs of marginalized communities.

    4. Strengthening Existing Strategies

    The Commission can use its upcoming roadmap on women’s rights, as well as the LGBTIQ+ rights and anti-racism strategies, to highlight the urgent need for stronger legislation and concrete action. These strategies should lay the groundwork for bold, intersectional policies that address structural inequalities.

    5. Public Hearings and Accountability

    Civil society organizations are calling for the European Parliament to hold a public hearing with the European Commission on the decision and future steps to ensure protection against discrimination for all people living in the EU. This would provide an opportunity for transparency and accountability.

    6. Member State Responsibility

    Member states, particularly those that have historically opposed the directive, are urged to come to an agreement before the proposal is withdrawn. This would require political will and compromise to ensure that the EU maintains its commitment to equality.

    7. Civil Society Advocacy

    Organizations such as the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and the European Disability Forum (EDF) are committed to continuing their advocacy efforts. They plan to develop new legal frameworks and strengthen cooperation between institutions and civil society to push for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

    No matter, how we look at it, this withdrawal would have an impact on Marginalized Communities. It also reflects the challenges of achieving consensus on sensitive issues within the EU. While the reasons for the withdrawal are rooted in political and procedural complexities, the decision has significant implications for the protection of fundamental rights and the EU’s credibility as a leader in human rights. The EC’s next steps and its commitment to addressing these gaps in anti-discrimination law will be crucial in determining the future of equality in Europe.

  • Codependence, addiction to save others

    This morning, he spoke with a professor at the University of Oregon about codependence and, while I had a rather complex idea of ​​that topic, he summed it up in the “Dependency of another”, Especially circumscribing it to a relationship.

    However, the codependent is in itself an addict that tries to take refuge in others or help others. Without realizing that as long as it does not eradicate that Addiction to peopleyou cannot elaborate a personal strategy that takes it out of an increasingly complex vicious circle.

    In 1996, I was working as head of a press cabinet at an addiction clinic located on the island of Palma de Mallorca. There, and while I performed my work, I was making a series of small documentaries related to the different addictions that were: alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. And among all of them, the one that was defined as Codependence or addiction to people.

    Although circumscribed to the scope of relationships, I soon realized that this addiction to others was extrapolable to all other fields.

    In one of the small documentaries I interviewed a nurse who had suffered different hooks throughout his life, moving from an abuser father, to establishing permanent abuse relationships with other couples already in adulthood. We established, that he had not only maintained this negative, toxic relationship, but I needed it. He had succumbed, even to the other addictions of others.

    In general, if his partner smoked, he ended up smoking, if he drank he ended up drinking, and if he consumed, he ended up consuming any kind of substance. It is not even strange to see obese couples that when analyzing its past it is observed that one of them, before knowing and starting living together was thin.

    Without entering the psychological rhetoric about the self and its problems, or in the uncontrollable psychoanalytic ideas about the relationship with parents, etc., which are not my field, if commenting that at that time I extrapolated that Codependence To other fields, specifically that of the bad calls, at that time destructive sects.

    When one enters the fascinating world of codependence, he realizes the inner loneliness that policy to the people who suffer from it, and the result of that desolation tends to feel fascinated by everything that can give them a meaning in life. At that time (90s), where there were no social networks and access to information was complex and difficult, people hugged all kinds of beliefs, whether these religious, naturists, policies, etc.; In many cases this hug was made consciously, but on other occasions it was simply the need to give or receive affection that motivated those acts.

    The codependents, at one point they entered or left, depending on which groups or organizations, for an eagerness to help or be helped, permanently canceling who were really. This act, used to take them permanently to failure, turning their lives into a permanent struggle, not to advance, to know each other, but to subsist.

    Through the years, I have observed how he ended Codependent It is extrapolable to other aspects of life, until it becomes a term that disguises other types of disorders, such as the obsession to control, instead of helping.

    Can the Codependence extrapolate to a social phenomenon such as power, for example. The desire for wanting to help others compulsively could even lose the focus to many politicians about what are the real needs of their people, and yet perform actions that harm him, thinking that he is doing well.

    The war in Ukraine and its main actors comes to mind, regardless of whether this issue requires an exhaustive analysis, it is still curious that both Volodimir Zelenski and Vladimir Putin seem to depend on each other, to continue feeding its contest strategy. Could we be talking about codependence in this case? About 80,000 dead by the forces and the Ukrainian people and more than 200,000 dead by the Russian contingent, make external intermediation more than necessary so that this strange symbiosis breaks. I repeat, understanding that, as the French president Emmanuel Macron affirms, Russia already broke other peace agreements in the past, for that codependence he has with power and with whom he is flattened, I think that the emergence of external forces far from the conflict would be necessary to establish a framework of conversations that breaks said dynamic. In this case, welcome is Mr. Trump.

    Today the Codependence It is also studied as a character defect, that raises certain behaviors. This is interesting, especially since it focuses on us, our needs, in our drives, in our virtues or in our defects, in our fears and the need to advance within the maze of our own perception.

    In general, what happens to us, what we express, always usually occurs for a continuous and deep struggle between our past and our present. We are what we eat, not only physically, but also and much more emotionally and intellectually.

    Originally published at LaDamadeElche.com

  • EFSA updates Xylella host plant database

    Source: EFSA. EFSA has released an update of its Xylella species host plant database, which tracks plant species affected by the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. The latest update, covering research published between January and June 2024, includes data from 27 scientific publications and recent outbreak notifications.

    Key findings:

    • A new host plant was identified: the Cantabrian mountain oak (Quercus orocantabrica) was naturally infected in Portugal.
    • For the first time, natural infections of the Pierce’s disease strain – a strain of Xylella fastidiosa that causes disease in vineyards in North America – have been found in grapes, almonds and other plants in Italy’s Apulia region.
    • The total number of confirmed host species has increased to 452 species (from 70 different botanical families) when using the most stringent detection methods.
    • No new sequence types (STs) of Xylella were identified worldwide.

    Background

    Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial pathogen that causes severe diseases in a wide range of plants, including olive trees, citrus fruits, grapevines and various ornamental plants. EFSA developed the Xylella spp. host plant database following a request from the European Commission to support risk assessment and management efforts to control Xylella fastidiosa. The database, which has been continuously updated since 2016, serves as an important resource for policy makers, researchers, and plant health authorities.

    Read the full report

  • The Hidden Trap: How Instagram and TikTok Are Wasting Your Time and Warping Your Perception of Reality

    In today’s world, social media is more than just entertainment—it’s a part of our daily routine. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promise connection, inspiration, and even opportunities. But beneath the surface, they create a cycle of distraction, wasted time, and misinformation that keeps people engaged for all the wrong reasons.

    The Endless Scroll: How You’re Losing Hours Without Realizing It

    Have you ever opened Instagram or TikTok for a quick check, only to look up and realize an hour has disappeared? You’re not alone. These platforms are designed to keep you engaged with an infinite stream of content, making it difficult to pull away. The issue isn’t just the time lost but what that time could have been spent on—personal growth, meaningful conversations, learning new skills, or simply enjoying the real world.

    Social media’s greatest trick is convincing users that they are engaging in something valuable when, in reality, much of the content is repetitive, shallow, and offers little substance. What starts as a harmless way to unwind quickly turns into an empty routine of watching video after video, without any real benefit.

    The Illusion of Productivity and Connection

    Instagram and TikTok claim to connect people, but do they really? While it may feel like you’re staying in touch with friends or keeping up with trends, most interactions on these platforms are surface-level. A like, a comment, or a quick message does not replace real conversations, deep friendships, or meaningful social interactions.

    Many users also fall into the trap of believing they are being productive—watching videos about success, fitness, or business. But without action, consuming motivational content becomes a passive activity. Watching someone else achieve their goals does not bring you any closer to your own.

    The Spread of Misinformation: Believing What Isn’t True

    Beyond wasting time, these platforms have a serious issue with spreading false or misleading information. From financial scams to fake health advice and dangerous challenges, misinformation is everywhere. Influencers and viral trends often share misleading claims without fact-checking, and before long, millions of people accept these falsehoods as truth.

    Take, for example, the rise of investment “gurus” on Instagram or TikTok who promise quick wealth through secret strategies. Many users have lost money following unverified advice from unqualified individuals who care more about views than providing accurate information. The same happens in beauty, fitness, and even historical discussions—where exaggerated or entirely false claims spread simply because they are entertaining or shocking.

    The Social Consequences: Damaging Self-Worth and Encouraging Comparison

    Perhaps the most overlooked danger of social media is its effect on self-perception. Instagram, in particular, is notorious for promoting unrealistic lifestyles. Carefully edited photos, staged moments, and exaggerated success stories create a distorted sense of reality. Users compare their everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel, leading to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction.

    TikTok, with its fast-paced viral trends, also pushes unrealistic expectations. People feel pressured to participate in challenges, look a certain way, or fit into whatever is currently popular. This constant exposure to curated perfection makes people feel like they are not doing enough, not achieving enough, or not good enough—when in reality, they are comparing themselves to something that isn’t real.

    Taking Back Control: How to Break Free from the Trap

    So, what can be done? The first step is awareness. Recognize how much time you are actually spending on these platforms and question whether it is adding real value to your life. Are you learning? Growing? Making meaningful connections? If the answer is no, it’s time to set boundaries.

    • Limit Your Time – Set specific time limits for social media use. Many phones now have built-in tracking features to help you monitor your usage.
    • Be Intentional – Instead of mindlessly scrolling, decide what you want to do before opening the app. Are you checking in on a friend? Looking for specific news? Once you complete that task, log off.
    • Verify Information – Don’t believe everything you see. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to fact-check before sharing or acting on information.
    • Engage More in the Real World – Prioritize face-to-face interactions, hobbies, and activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.

    Social media is not inherently bad, but when used without intention, it quickly becomes a trap—one that wastes time, distorts reality, and diminishes real-world experiences. The choice is yours: will you continue to be controlled by an endless scroll, or will you reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters?

  • Council appoints new EU Special Representative for Central Asia and extends the mandate of the EUSR for the Gulf region

    Today the Council appointed Mr Eduards Stiprais as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will take up his duties on 1 March 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, succeeding Terhi Hakala.

    The task of the new EUSR will be to promote relations between the EU and the countries of Central Asia on the basis of common values, contribute to strengthening the stability of and cooperation between the countries in the region, and to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    In close cooperation with the High Representative, he will also enhance the EU’s effectiveness and visibility, including through closer coordination with other relevant partners and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations.

    Mr. Stiprais is a Latvian diplomat with extensive experience. He served as Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU, and as Deputy State Secretary – Political Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2016 and 2020, he was Head of EU Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and he also served as Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom, and to France.

    Today the Council also extended the mandate of Mr. Luigi Di Maio as EUSR for the Gulf region for further 2 years.

    In line with the Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf, he will continue to develop a stronger, comprehensive and strategic EU partnership with the countries in the Gulf region, contributing to the stability and security of the area by engaging and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions with individual Gulf partners and relevant regional organisations.

    EU Special Representatives promote the EU’s policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

  • Israel: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the EU-Israel Association Council

    Check against delivery! 

    Thank you.  

    Mr. Sa’ar, dear Gideon,  

    I am glad to welcome you to Brussels today. Today marks the fifty years since the European Union signed its first trade agreement with Israel. Over these decades, our relationship has grown.  

    We had a candid meeting today on issues of mutual concern, especially at this critical moment in the Middle East. I am glad we can do this with you.  

    We started today by reiterating the condemnation of the brutal and indiscriminate attacks by Hamas on the 7th of October, 2023. The State and the people of Israel can count on the European Union’s full support on this.  

    In the wake of these attacks, a deadly conflict has followed with atrocious levels of loss of civilian lives. We have constantly called on all parties, including Israel, to respect international humanitarian law. 

    The European Union is now supporting the fragile ceasefire and that is only holding in Gaza. All parties must respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Our Rafah border mission is a useful and concrete contribution to the support of ceasefire on the ground. 

    It was welcome news to see the release of six more hostages on Saturday, including two people who were held more than a decade. But we are closely watching developments and cannot hide our concern when it comes to the West Bank.  

    The ceasefire is a real chance to break the cycle of violence. It is imperative that we now move towards the second phase. Ministers today stressed that there can be no other solution that the two-state solution. 

    We support the Palestinian Authority and its return to Gaza. We support the return of every displaced Palestinian for whom Gaza is their home.  

    When the time comes the European Union will also support Gaza’s reconstruction together with the regional actors. Palestinians must be able to live in Gaza. At the same time, Gaza must never be again a terror haven.  

    I will be holding the first ever high-level political dialogue with Palestinian Prime Minister. It will be held in April to discuss also these aspects.  

    And let me finally reiterate that the European Union will continue to be an honest, open and viable, reliable partner to the region.  

    Thank you again for coming.  

    Q&A 

    Q. There is a very fragile ceasefire in place in Gaza, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. What is the European Union’s message? Are you planning any concrete steps beyond the European Union mission in Rafah?  

    Thank you. On the ceasefire. Of course, it is important that the ceasefire agreement is fully implemented to allow the hostages to be released and to ensure the end of the permanent hostilities. I think this is important. The European Union is committed to a just and lasting peace, a comprehensive peace that is also including the two-state solution. What we are willing to do, of course, we are interacting with our counterparts. We are also able to participate in the discussions when it comes to the governance of Gaza, for example. We do not want to see Hamas there. And all the terrorism; we do not want to see this emerging again. But we definitely need to see how the services are provided to the Palestinians and how this work continues. So, we are able, and we also willing to operate there. Thank you. 

    Q. I understand your EU statement talks about unwavering support for the International Criminal Court, International Criminal Justice, and it calls for respect of the functioning of the court. So, can you explain to us what you think that commitment should look like in practise? Do you want Mr Netanyahu to comply for the warrant with his arrest? Is it appropriate for Germany’s likely next chancellor to extend an invitation to the Prime Minister, given that that could, if not accompanied by an arrest, constitute a violation of the Rome Statute? 

    The European Union supports the International Criminal Court and neutrality and functioning of the International Criminal Court and the principles of the Rome Statute, and all European Union Member States also parties to their own statute. But it is true that the enforcement of the International Criminal Court warrants is up to the Member States to decide. So, in principle, the European Union is supporting the International Criminal Court and the neutrality of it.  

    Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-268025

  • The State of Minority Rights in Bangladesh: A Critical Review of Human Rights Violations

    Brussels – February 19, 2025 – Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) hosted a high-level event at the European Parliament, shedding light on the severe and systematic human rights violations faced by minorities in Bangladesh. The discussion centered on the pivotal 2024 elections and the subsequent national uprising, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to safeguard marginalized communities.

    Event at the European Parliament

    The event commenced with an opening speech by GHRD, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the escalating persecution faced by minority communities in Bangladesh. The event was honored by the presence of distinguished members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and other key stakeholders committed to human rights advocacy.

    The recent event saw a notable gathering of distinguished attendees, including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) such as Miriam Lexmann, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Giusi Princi, Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Alessandra Moretti, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Marco Falcone, and Fulvio Martusciello. Additionally, Himanshu Gulati and John Erik Selle, both Members of the Norwegian Parliament, contributed to the discussions. The event also featured Thierry Valle, Director of Coordination des Associations & Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, and Professor Chandan Sarkar, who participated online, highlighting the diverse perspectives represented at this significant gathering.

    MEP Giusi PRINCI stressed the importance of mutual respect and its necessity for peaceful coexistence. She commended the solidarity shown by the Hindu community and raised concerns about the alarming situation for women, citing ongoing cases of trafficking and forced marriages. She called for economic and diplomatic measures to pressure Bangladesh to enact reforms that ensure human rights protections.

    MEP Ioan-Rareş BOGDAN spoke passionately about the plight of women and religious minorities, condemning forced marriages, physical violence, and persecution. He urged Bangladesh to strengthen its legal framework to ensure the full inclusion and protection of minority communities, emphasizing that the defense of human rights is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty.

    MEP Șerban-Dimitrie STURDZA highlighted the failures of Bangladesh’s new government to uphold promised reforms. He pointed to continued human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of the press. He urged the EU and the UN to maintain pressure on Bangladesh to ensure structural change, advocating for the use of economic and diplomatic tools beyond trade preferences such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).

    MEP Miriam LEXMANN emphasized the importance of religious freedom and human rights, drawing from her experience with totalitarian regimes. She warned of the growing influence of China in the region and criticized the EU’s weak enforcement of sanctions against human rights violators. She called for stronger monitoring mechanisms and greater accountability from the European Commission.

    MEP Marco FALCONE underscored that the fight for human rights is a universal duty. He emphasized the EU’s responsibility in upholding fundamental rights and urged for stronger global enforcement mechanisms to prevent continued abuses.

    Thierry VALLE Director of CAP LC, called for increased international monitoring of human rights violations, urging the United Nations and other organizations to take stronger action. He stressed that without accountability, perpetrators would continue their abuses with impunity.

    MEP Alessandra MORETTI highlighted the use of violence against women as a tool of oppression in various conflicts, including in Bangladesh. She called for urgent action to combat gender-based violence and ensure the protection of vulnerable women in oppressive regimes.

    The event concluded with a strong call for international intervention, emphasizing the need for diplomatic, economic, and legal measures to ensure human rights are upheld in Bangladesh. GHRD and its partners remain committed to advocating for the protection and dignity of all marginalized communities facing persecution.

    For further information, please contact:
    Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD)
    https://ghrd.org/  info@ghrd.org  +31 62 72 41006

  • EU reaffirms unwavering support to Ukraine on anniversary of invasion

    On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU has condemned Russia’s unprovoked aggression, imposed wide-ranging sanctions, and offered unwavering support to Ukraine. The EU will stand with Ukraine until it achieves a just and lasting peace.

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  • Syria: EU suspends restrictive measures on key economic sectors

    The Council decided today to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation.

    The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes.

    In particular, the Council has decided to:

    – suspend sectoral measures in the energy (including oil, gas and electricity) and transport sectors

    – remove five entities (Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines) from the list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources, as well as to allow making funds and economic resources available to the Syrian Central bank

    – introduce certain exemptions to the prohibition of establishing banking relations between Syrian banks and financial institutions within the territories of the member states, to allow transactions associated to the energy and transport sectors as well as transactions needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes

    – extend indefinitely the application of the existing humanitarian exemption

    – introduce an exemption for personal use to export prohibitions of luxury goods to Syria

    Following up on today’s decision, the Council will pursue its work, and assess whether further economic sanctions could be suspended. It will also continue to closely monitor the situation in the country to ensure that such suspensions remain appropriate.

    At the same time, the Council maintains listings related to the Al-Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector and illicit drug trade as well as a number of sectoral measures, such as on arms trade, dual-use goods, equipment for internal repression, software for interception and surveillance, and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage goods.

    EU restrictive measures have been used as a tool against the Al-Assad regime, responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian civil population. The fall of the Al-Assad regime marks the beginning of a new era of hope for the Syrian people. All Syrians, in the country and diaspora, should have the opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of their country. The EU stands with the Syrian people in this moment of transition.

    The Council approved a declaration in this regard and the relevant legal acts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU tomorrow.

    Background

    Following the fall of al-Assad’s regime in Syria, in its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council stressed the historic opportunity for all Syrians to reunite and rebuild the country and underlined the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

  • World’s ‘warmongers’ must end disdain for global order, UN chief insists

    On the opening day of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Secretary-General rounded on “warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter”.

    To date, Ukraine has seen more than 12,600 civilians killed, many more injured and entire communities reduced to rubble, Mr. Guterres told the UN’s top human rights body. “We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions, he insisted.

    “One by one, human rights are being suffocated,” Mr. Guterres continued, singling out the “autocrats crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do”, amid “wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education”.

    Turning to the “precarious” ceasefire in Gaza, the UN chief insisted that a resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all costs for the sake of the enclave’s people who have endured 15 months of constant Israeli bombardment. Mr. Guterres also expresseddeep concern about rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers – “and other violations, as well as calls for annexation”.

    “It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.”

    Voices of anger

    And amid growing intolerance towards many of society’s most vulnerable and marginalized people – from indigenous peoples, to migrants, refugees, the LGBTQI+ community and persons with disabilities – the UN Secretary-General also criticized the voices of “division and anger” for whom human rights threaten their quest for “power, profit and control.”

    Echoing the UN chief’s concerns that human rights are “being pummelled hard”  today, putting at risk 80 years of multilateral cooperation embodied by Organizations, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that the international system “is going through a tectonic shift, and the human rights edifice we have built up so painstakingly over decades has never been under so much strain”.

    Beyond Ukraine, where Russian attacks have created “wanton destruction”, Mr. Türk told the Council’s Member States that the suffering borne by Gazans and Israelis since the Hamas-led attacks that sparked the war in October 2023 had been “unbearable”.

    The UN rights chief also repeated his call for an independent probe into grave violations of international law “committed by Israel in the course of its attacks across Gaza, and by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups”.

    Mr. Türk also condemned as “completely unacceptable” any suggestion that people can be forced from their land – amid proposals floated by the United States that Gazans should be resettled outside the devastated Strip.

    His comments came on the opening day of the Human Rights Council in Geneva which meets in three scheduled sessions throughout the year. March is traditionally the “high-level” session where top national representatives rub shoulders at the Palace of Nations in Geneva.

    Nigh-on six weeks of debates are slated to discuss emergencies in around 40 countries – from Belarus to DR Congo, DPRK/North Korea, Haiti, Sudan, Ukraine and more – along with thematic issues and some 80 reports from top independent rights experts and the UN human rights office, OHCHR – on disability rights, genocide, children in armed conflict and torture, among others – until the 58th session ends on Friday 4 April.    

    The Human Rights Council is the world’s principal body for discussions and action on human rights. It was founded in 2006 and has 47 Member States, although all 193 countries belonging the UN can take part as observers.

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