Newsflash

Serbian riot police fire tear gas at anti-government protesters demanding snap elections

In Serbia, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Belgrade, demanding snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. The protests, led by university students, have been ongoing since November, sparked by a train station collapse that killed 16 people, widely blamed on government corruption. Despite persistent demonstrations, Vucic has refused to call for early elections, accusing protesters of foreign influence and planning violence. Riot police fired tear gas at the crowd, and skirmishes erupted near a camp of Vucic's loyalists. The president, who has become increasingly authoritarian, has cracked down on universities and independent media, while his supporters have set up a camp in central Belgrade. The protests, marked by a mix of national pride and calls for democratic reform, highlight the deepening divide in Serbian society. 🇷🇸💥

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals deemed disloyal or threatening to state security. This practice, linked to the "securitisation of citizenship" since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has seen 18 European countries adopt such measures between 2000 and 2020, a stark contrast to their near-absence before 2001.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threats to National Security: Over 130 countries, including two-thirds of European states, can revoke citizenship for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. This rule often applies only to naturalized citizens.
2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can strip citizenship for severe crimes, though this is less common in Europe.
3. Serving in a Foreign Army: 70 countries can revoke citizenship for military service in another country, with 40% of European nations having similar provisions.
4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries can remove citizenship for non-military services to another state, such as holding public office or working in civil service.

The report highlights that naturalized citizens are particularly vulnerable, as many provisions are discriminatory and only apply to them. This can lead to statelessness and affect dependents, as citizenship deprivation can extend to children in 40% of countries. Additionally, citizenship can be lost through fraud, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or residing abroad.

The report also notes unequal pathways to acquiring citizenship, with varying residency requirements and naturalization processes. While some regions like the Americas and Western Europe have more inclusive measures, others impose lengthy residency requirements, sometimes exceeding 10 years. The report underscores the importance of addressing these inequalities and the potential consequences of citizenship deprivation, emphasizing that everyone has the right to a nationality. 🌍📜

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals deemed disloyal or threatening to state security. This "securitisation of citizenship" has accelerated since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, with 18 European countries adopting such measures between 2000 and 2020.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threats to National Security: Nearly 80% of countries, including two-thirds of European states, can revoke citizenship for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. However, in 89 countries, this rule applies only to naturalized citizens.
2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can strip citizenship for severe criminal convictions, though this is less common in Europe.
3. Service in a Foreign Army: 70 countries can revoke citizenship for serving in another country's military, with 40% of European nations having similar provisions.
4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries, including some in Europe, can remove citizenship for providing certain services to another state.

The report highlights that naturalized citizens are particularly vulnerable, as many provisions are discriminatory and only apply to them. Losing citizenship can also affect dependents, with 40% of countries extending deprivation to children. Additionally, citizenship can be lost through fraud, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or prolonged residence abroad. The report underscores the unequal pathways to acquiring citizenship, with residency requirements varying widely and some countries imposing excessively long waits. Despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guaranteeing the right to a nationality, millions remain stateless due to denied or unrecognized citizenship. 🌍📜

Tens of thousands to attend Budapest Pride in defiance of Orban's ban in Hungary

Tens of thousands of people are anticipated to participate in Budapest Pride this Saturday, defying a ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. This unprecedented restriction on LGBTQ rights within the European Union marks a significant setback for the community. Orbán's ruling coalition has amended laws and the constitution to prohibit the annual celebration, citing "child protection" as the justification for their years-long crackdown on LGBTQ rights. Despite these efforts to suppress the event, the community and its allies are determined to gather in large numbers to assert their rights and visibility. 🏳️‍🌈🇭🇺

Libya on Greece’s radar

Greece is intensifying its focus on Libya as recent developments in the North African country increasingly impact its national interests. Athens is closely monitoring energy agreements between Libya's Tripoli-based government and Turkey, which could have significant geopolitical implications. Additionally, Greece is deploying naval assets south of Crete in response to a surge in migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Libya, seeking to reach Greek shores.

The situation in Libya is evolving rapidly, with potential consequences for Greece's energy security and border management. As Libya's political and economic landscape shifts, Greece must navigate these changes to protect its interests and maintain regional stability. The recent agreements between Libya and Turkey, coupled with the migrant crisis, underscore the need for Greece to stay vigilant and proactive in its foreign policy and defense strategies. The country's diplomatic and defense apparatus is closely tracking these developments to ensure Greece's security and sovereignty in the face of emerging challenges. 🌊🛳️

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals deemed disloyal or threatening to state security. This "securitisation of citizenship" has accelerated since the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, with 18 European countries adopting such measures between 2000 and 2020.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threat to National Security: Nearly 80% of countries, including two-thirds of European states, can revoke citizenship for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. However, in 89 countries, this rule applies only to naturalized citizens, not those who acquired citizenship by birth.

2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can strip citizenship for severe criminal convictions, although this is less common in Europe.

3. Serving in a Foreign Army: 70 countries can revoke citizenship for military service in a foreign army, with 40% of European countries, including France and Germany, having such provisions.

4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries, including some in Europe, can remove citizenship for non-military services to another state, such as holding public office or working in civil service.

The report highlights that naturalized citizens are particularly vulnerable, as many provisions are discriminatory and only apply to them. This can lead to statelessness and severe personal and familial consequences. Additionally, the report notes other ways to lose citizenship, such as fraudulent acquisition, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or residing abroad.

The report also underscores the unequal pathways to acquiring citizenship, with varying residency requirements and naturalization processes. While some regions, like the Americas and Western Europe, have more inclusive measures, others impose lengthy residency requirements, sometimes exceeding 10 years. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing these inequalities and the potential risks of statelessness, which affects millions worldwide. 🌍📜

Budapest Pride march gets underway despite Orban's ban

In Budapest, a vibrant Pride march commenced despite a government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, marking a significant setback for LGBTQ rights within the European Union. The event saw participants waving rainbow flags, symbolizing their defiance against the restrictive measures. The march underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Hungary, where the government has increasingly targeted the community with discriminatory policies. The ban has sparked international outcry and highlighted the broader challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the region. 🏳️‍🌈🇭🇺

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals perceived as disloyal or threatening to state security. This "securitisation of citizenship" has accelerated since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, with 18 European countries adopting such measures between 2000 and 2020.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threat to National Security: Nearly 80% of countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. This applies to both naturalized citizens and those born with citizenship in many cases.
2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can revoke citizenship for severe crimes, though this is less common in Europe.
3. Service in a Foreign Army: 70 countries can strip citizenship for military service in another country, with some restrictions based on how citizenship was acquired.
4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries can revoke citizenship for non-military services to another state, such as holding public office or working in civil service.

The report highlights that naturalized citizens are particularly vulnerable, as many provisions discriminate against them to prevent statelessness. However, this creates an unequal legal status between naturalized citizens and those born with citizenship. Additionally, losing citizenship can affect dependents, as 40% of countries extend deprivation to children.

Other ways to lose citizenship include fraudulent acquisition, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or residing abroad. The report underscores the global issue of statelessness, with four million people lacking recognized citizenship despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guaranteeing the right to a nationality.

The report also notes significant disparities in citizenship acquisition pathways, with knowledge tests being the most common requirement. Economic self-sufficiency, civic integration, language proficiency, and renunciation of other citizenships are less frequent demands. Residency requirements vary widely, with some countries imposing waits of up to 40 years before granting citizenship. 🌍📜

Turkey welcomes ECHR ruling on Xanthi minority association

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed satisfaction with a recent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling that favored the "Cultural Association of Turkish Women of the Prefecture of Xanthi." The ruling underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Turkish minority in western Thrace, who are reportedly hindered in exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. This decision marks the fourth ECHR ruling against Greece in similar cases, prompting Turkey to urge Greece to fully comply with the court's judgments and allow the registration of organizations representing the Turkish minority without discrimination. Ankara expects Athens to implement these decisions promptly to ensure the rights of the Turkish minority are upheld. 🇹🇷🇬🇷

France pledges support to make Gaza food distribution safer

France has pledged to enhance the safety of food distribution in Gaza, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating that France and Europe are prepared to contribute to this effort. This announcement comes amidst growing international outrage over civilian casualties at Israeli-backed aid centers in the region. The initiative aims to address both the humanitarian crisis and Israeli concerns about aid being diverted to armed groups like Hamas.

The French minister expressed deep concern over the reported deaths of 500 people seeking food aid in Gaza in recent weeks. This statement follows criticism from various international bodies and aid organizations. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) described the current food distribution efforts as "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid," while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the situation, stating that those seeking food should not face a "death sentence." The Gaza health ministry has reported over 500 deaths near aid centers since late May, highlighting the dire need for safer aid distribution mechanisms. 🇫🇷🍞💔

Four French policemen to stand trial for beating black musician

On November 21, 2020, Michel Zecler was brutally assaulted by police in his Parisian music studio. The officers, who initially accused Zecler of "violence" and "rebellion," were later found to have acted without justification. The incident, captured on video, showed the officers beating Zecler, causing a ruptured left biceps tendon. The policemen will face trial for illegal use of force, but prosecutors did not pursue aggravated hate-crime charges despite Zecler's claims of racist comments from the officers. Zecler's lawyer expressed disappointment that the racist element was not considered an aggravating factor, while the officers' lawyer maintained that no racist remarks were made. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the police's actions as "unacceptable" and "shameful." Two of the officers have already served a month in jail, and the trial will proceed based on the excessive use of force. 🚔💥

ATHEX upgrade might do more harm than good

The potential upgrade of the Athens Exchange (ATHEX) to developed market status could have detrimental effects on the Greek stock market, according to JP Morgan. The U.S. bank has reiterated its stance that the upgrade, while seemingly positive, may actually harm Greece's market dynamics. Currently, Greece holds a 4% weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets index, but this would plummet to just 0.4% in the MSCI Europe index, significantly reducing investor attention and capital inflows.

JP Morgan argues that the upgrade will diminish Greece's investment visibility, as many funds will shift their focus away from the market. This change could lead to a loss of interest in Greek stocks, which are already small players in their respective pan-European sectors. For instance, major Greek companies like National Bank, PPC, and Metlen would no longer be among the top stocks in their sectors, potentially falling off investors' radars. The overall impact could be a decline in market liquidity and increased volatility, as the Greek market struggles to maintain its relevance in the broader European context. 📉💸

Ten years later

A decade has passed since Greece faced severe economic turmoil, with capital controls, political divisions, and the looming threat of Grexit. Today, the country grapples with different challenges, including the OPEKEPE EU subsidies scandal, devastating wildfires, and global conflicts. Despite these issues, public opinion polls reveal a steady, though weak, societal pulse. The governing New Democracy party maintains a lead, while the populist Course of Freedom has slipped to third place behind the center-right PASOK.

The prevailing social climate is marked by fear, anger, and resignation, with hope and pride notably absent. The political landscape remains unstable, with a dominant government viewed negatively by 69% of citizens yet still considered the most capable of governing. Similarly, the prime minister is rated unfavorably by 67% but seen as the most suitable for the role. This contradiction reflects a broader sense of despair and ambivalence among Greeks, who recognize the shortcomings of their leaders but see no viable alternatives to maintain stability and alignment with Europe. This sense of despair is not unique to Greece but has spread globally, reflecting a widespread feeling of uncertainty and discontent. 🌍😞

Europe bakes in summer's first heatwave as continent warms

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, pushing temperatures to extreme levels and prompting authorities to take action to protect residents and visitors alike. In Rome, temperatures are expected to reach 37°C (99°F), driving tourists and pilgrims to the city's 2,500 public fountains for relief. Marseille, France, anticipates temperatures near 40°C (104°F), leading authorities to open public swimming pools free of charge. Portugal will be on high alert for extreme heat and forest fires, with Lisbon expected to hit 42°C (108°F). Meanwhile, guests and protesters at Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice endured scorching temperatures.

Scientists attribute these intense heatwaves to the burning of fossil fuels, which is causing global temperatures to rise and leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. Spain is bracing for temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) across most of the country, with some areas potentially reaching 42°C (108°F). The past three years have been the hottest in Spain's history, and the country has implemented outdoor work bans during the hottest hours in regions like Sicily and Liguria. In Nice, France, schools have received nearly 250 portable fans to help students cope with the heat.

This heatwave follows a series of record-breaking extreme heat events, including Europe's hottest March ever. The increasing frequency and intensity of such events are a direct result of global warming, which has led to costly disasters worldwide. As temperatures continue to rise, authorities and communities must adapt and implement measures to protect public health and safety. 🌡️🔥

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals deemed disloyal or threatening to state security. This "securitisation of citizenship" has accelerated since the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, with 18 European countries adopting such measures between 2000 and 2020.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threats to National Security: Nearly 80% of countries have rules allowing citizenship revocation for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. This affects two-thirds of European states, including Belgium, France, Germany, and the UK.

2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can revoke citizenship for severe crimes, though this is less common in Europe.

3. Service in a Foreign Army: 70 countries, including France, Germany, and Greece, can remove citizenship for serving in another nation's military.

4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries, such as France, Greece, and Turkey, can strip citizenship for certain non-military services to foreign states.

The report highlights that citizens by naturalisation are particularly vulnerable, as many provisions discriminate against them to prevent statelessness. Losing citizenship can also impact dependents, with 40% of countries extending deprivation to children. Additionally, citizenship can be lost through fraud, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or prolonged residence abroad. The report underscores the unequal pathways to citizenship acquisition, with varying residency requirements and naturalisation criteria across regions. Despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guaranteeing the right to a nationality, millions remain stateless due to denied or unrecognised citizenship. 🌍📜

Two more New Democracy officials resign in EU subsidy fraud case

In a significant development, two more officials from Greece's ruling New Democracy party have resigned amid allegations of corruption involving the mismanagement of European Union farming subsidies. Andreas Karasarinis, secretary of the party’s agricultural organizations, and Yiannis Troullinos, a member of its political committee, stepped down following their names' appearance in a 3,000-page case file submitted to the Greek Parliament by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The file includes recorded conversations gathered by the National Intelligence Service as part of the investigation into the alleged misuse of EU agricultural funds between 2019 and 2022 by the government agency OPEKEPE.

The resignations follow a wave of departures on Friday, when five high-ranking government officials, including a minister and three deputy ministers, also resigned over the same case. The officials who stepped down are Minister of Migration Makis Voridis, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hatzivasileiou, Deputy Minister of Rural Development Dionysis Stamenitis, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Boukoros, and Secretary General of Rural Development and Food Giorgos Stratakos. The ongoing scandal has raised serious concerns about corruption within the Greek government and its handling of EU funds. 🇬🇷💸

Europe swelters in summer's first heatwave as climate change intensifies

Southern Europe is experiencing its first heatwave of the season, with temperatures soaring due to climate change, the fastest-warming continent. Rome reached 37°C (99°F), driving tourists and pilgrims to public fountains for relief. Italy placed 17 cities on red alert, with temperatures peaking at 39°C (102°F). In Venice, visitors to Jeff Bezos's wedding endured extreme heat. France opened public pools for free in Marseille as temperatures neared 40°C (104°F), and Portugal prepared for high alert due to extreme heat and forest fire risks. Spain anticipated temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), with El Granado recording a potential record of 46°C (114°F). Precautionary measures included bans on outdoor work in Sicily and Liguria, Italy, and school closures in France. The heatwave follows a series of record-breaking temperatures, with Europe warming at twice the global average since the 1980s. This intensification of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, is a direct consequence of climate change, driven by humanity's burning of fossil fuels. 🌡️🔥

Europe bakes in summer's first heatwave as continent warms

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, pushing temperatures to extreme levels and prompting authorities to take action to protect residents and visitors alike. In Rome, temperatures are expected to reach 37°C (99°F), driving tourists and pilgrims to the city's 2,500 public fountains for relief. Marseille, France, anticipates temperatures near 40°C (104°F), leading authorities to open public swimming pools free of charge. Portugal will be on high alert for extreme heat and forest fires, with Lisbon expected to hit 42°C (108°F). Meanwhile, guests and protesters at Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice are enduring the intense summer heat.

Scientists attribute these scorching temperatures to the burning of fossil fuels, which is heating the planet and causing increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves. The heatwave is forecast to intensify, with Spain expecting temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) and potentially reaching 42°C (108°F) in some regions. Sicily and the Liguria region in Italy have implemented bans on outdoor work during the hottest hours, with trade unions pushing for similar measures nationwide. In Nice, schools have received nearly 250 portable fans to help students cope with the heat.

This heatwave follows a series of record-breaking extreme weather events, including Europe's hottest March ever. Scientists warn that global warming is making such events more frequent and intense, with 2024 being the hottest year on record and costing over $300 billion in worldwide disasters. 🌡️🔥

How securing rights through citizenship has become 'increasingly fragile'

The first Global State of Citizenship report, published by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, examines citizenship laws across 191 countries in 2024. The report reveals a troubling trend: many nations, including numerous European countries, have implemented provisions to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, often targeting individuals perceived as disloyal or threatening to state security. This "securitisation of citizenship" has accelerated since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, with 18 European countries adopting such measures between 2000 and 2020.

The report identifies four primary ways citizenship can be stripped for security reasons:

1. Disloyalty or Threat to National Security: Nearly 80% of countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation for acts like treason, espionage, or terrorism. This applies to both naturalized citizens and those born with citizenship in many cases.
2. Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries can revoke citizenship for severe crimes, though this is less common in Europe.
3. Service in a Foreign Army: 70 countries can remove citizenship for military service in another country, with some restrictions based on how citizenship was acquired.
4. Non-Military Services to Another State: 75 countries can revoke citizenship for non-military services to another nation, such as holding public office or working in civil service.

The report highlights that naturalized citizens are particularly vulnerable, as many laws discriminate against them to prevent statelessness. However, this creates a tiered system where citizenship by birth is more secure. Losing citizenship can also affect dependents, with 40% of countries extending deprivation to children.

Additionally, the report notes other ways to lose citizenship, such as fraudulent acquisition, voluntary renunciation, acquiring another nationality, or residing abroad. Despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guaranteeing the right to a nationality, four million people worldwide remain stateless. Meanwhile, 35 countries restrict or prohibit citizenship renunciation.

The report also exposes significant disparities in citizenship acquisition pathways, with knowledge tests being the most common requirement. Economic self-sufficiency, civic integration, language proficiency, and renunciation of other citizenships are less frequent demands. Residency requirements vary widely, with some countries imposing waits of up to 40 years. 🌍📜

Finnish MEPs to join Budapest Pride parade

Finnish MEP Eero Heinäluoma, along with several other European Parliament members, will participate in the Budapest Pride parade this Saturday, despite it being banned by Hungarian authorities. Heinäluoma expressed his support for the rights of gender and sexual minorities, condemning the Hungarian government's decision to prohibit the march and threaten participants with arrest. The ban has drawn criticism from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who urged Hungarian authorities to allow the event to proceed and reaffirmed her support for the LGBTIQ+ community.

The Hungarian government, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has implemented policies that limit the visibility of gender and sexual minorities in society. Heinäluoma and other MEPs hope that their presence will provide some protection and support for Hungarian participants. The visit is part of a working trip to Budapest by the EU Parliament's social democrat caucus, highlighting the broader European concern over Hungary's restrictive policies. 🏳️‍🌈🇭🇺