Human rights: rights versus reality Soil Atlas 2024 Equitable access to land and fertile soil is fundamental to realising human rights, such as the right to food. Although numerous United Nations declarations on land rights have been ratified by national governments, deadly land conflicts persist throughout the world. By Dr. Jes Weigelt and Frederike Klümper
The EU and Azerbaijan as energy partners: short-term benefits, uncertain future Analysis Azerbaijan has strengthened its energy ties with the EU since 2022, ramping up gas deliveries and articulating ambitions to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe in the future. However, the EU’s shrinking gas demand and Azerbaijan’s lack of a genuine decarbonization strategy cast uncertainty on the long-term prospects of this partnership. By Yana Zabanova
Migration policy: EU increasingly outsources responsibility for asylum Analysis Externalisation is increasingly seen as a lever for solving the EU’s migration issues, yet poses serious legal, ethical and practical problems. By Judith Kohlenberger
Argentinian civil society visit to Brussels, 14-18 October 2024 Dossier Since Javier Milei became President, Argentina's political landscape has experienced a profound shift. A self-proclaimed libertarian and populist, Milei has challenged traditional political norms, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights. His administration’s pivot away from international commitments, such as the 2030 Agenda, and its focus on deregulation and extractivist industries, have set Argentina on a new trajectory. With rising state control, restrictions on civil liberties, and increased mass surveillance, many are questioning the future of Argentina's democracy and its relationships with global partners. Three civil society representatives will visit Brussels on 14-18 October 2024, to present the impact of Milei's administration on democracy, human rights, digital rights, environmental protection and economic and social rights. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union , Beatriz Busaniche , Cecilia Ales and Ariel Slipak
EU-Lebanon deal: Turning a blind eye to reality Commentary Although Lebanon receives EU support to provide for Syrian refugees, they are increasingly being criminalized and deported. Less than a week after Commission President Von der Leyen’s visit in May, Lebanon issued new residence regulations that effectively block the pathways to legal residence. These new regulations were followed by deportations to Syria, which the EU does not consider safe for return. Instead of making support conditional on respect for the refugees’ human rights, the EU is turning a blind eye. By Sara Stachelhaus
TV, information and culture: How Giorgia Meloni is changing the country’s narrative (to stay in power) Analysis The Italian Prime Minister has always claimed to be fighting against an alleged cultural hegemony of the left. And ever since she won the election, she has been trying to take over public broadcasters, museums, and theatres. The aim is to take control of the collective discourse and impose her own narrative. By Martina Castigliani
The far right – a stress test for civil society in Slovakia Analysis Slovakia's ruling nationalist-populist coalition plans to introduce controversial Hungarian-style NGO regulations, raising concerns about transparency and fears of increased bureaucracy and repression of civil society. By Martin Makara
German democracy awakens at last Analysis In an extraordinary upsurge, millions of Germans have been demonstrating against the far right. The unexpected movement has shaken the AfD without seriously threatening it. But Germany's political landscape looks likely to change. By Thomas Schnee
Migration agreement with Egypt: EU backing the wrong horse Commentary The European Commission has signed a new agreement with Egypt. One of the aims is to reduce migration to Europe. But this will most likely not succeed. By Anna Schwarz
3 Questions on EU-Iran relations to MEP Hannah Neumann 3 Questions Supporting a range of militias in the Middle East and providing weapons to Russia in its war against Ukraine, Iran is increasingly in the geopolitical spotlight. At the same time, Iranian women are still fighting for their rights, while legislative voting took place on 1 March 2024. So, we asked three questions to MEP Hannah Neumann (Greens/EFA), Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, Member of the EP Delegation for relations with Iran, as well as Standing Rapporteur on Iran, regarding how she sees EU-Iran relations moving forward. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Hannah Neumann
