Podcasts about member states

In recent years, development efforts have been set back by long-standing obstacles made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, climate change, rising debt, lack of digital access and growing inequalities.Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) says there's an urgent need to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals – only 17 per cent of which are on track.In pursuit of that, more than 120 Member States gathered this week at UN headquarters in New York to discuss how South-South and triangular partnerships can boost future sustainable development for all.UN News's Emma Trager-Lewis sat down with Ms. Al-Khatib and began by asking her to explain what South-South collaboration means in practice. 

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Sophie Bertin. You know that feeling when everything looks good on paper, a great job, supportive colleagues, a solid paycheck, but something inside keeps whispering, this isn't it! That was Sophie. She had a comfortable life, but comfort wasn't enough. It took a spark - an unexpected stat about entrepreneurs from a business school dean when Sophie was at a less-than-satisfying moment in her career - for her to realize: “Why am I in the 50% who haven't taken the leap?” That catalyzed her turning point. Sophie Bertin has a varied career path, from strategic consultancy, to banking operations, to the European Commission and now turned entrepreneur. She recently founded Serapy with the aim of improving corporate compliance training through the combination of simulations, gamification, role play and online tools. Serapy uses the latest educational theories to provide trainings with increased retention rate, and combines that with AI tools to enhance the learning process. Serapy is currently present in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Portugal, France and the UAE. Serapy has been accepted in the incubation program of the Unicorn Factory Lisbon and of Station F in Paris. In addition to Serapy, Sophie has her own consultancy (Parnima Consulting) since 2016, where she works with top legal and regulatory firms, consultancy firms and financial clients on EU Regulations in the area of Financial Services, Foreign Subsidies and State Aid. She also serves as independent board member of Eastnets, a leading provider of AML, SWIFT and payments solutions. She sits on the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee. Before becoming entrepreneur, Sophie was Group Head of Corporate Development and Managing Director of SIX Group (in Switzerland), in charge of strategy development, innovation and regulatory affairs. During the Financial Crisis, she served as Head of Unit at the Directorate General for Competition within the European Commission. There, she was responsible for the review and approval of the State aid provided by Member States to the financial services (mostly banks) during the financial crisis of 2008-2014. Prior to her role with the European Commission, Sophie held senior positions within SWIFT, where she was globally in charge of Asset Servicing; with The Bank of New York Mellon; and worked with the top consultancies McKinsey and later Bain &Co. She started her career path as IT and database programmer, which is very helpful now with the latest AI tools she uses in her start-up. She started her studies in Vienna, graduated from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, holds an MBA from INSEAD and a post-graduate diploma in EU Competition Law from King's College. She holds also a diploma from the Swiss Board Institute. She is member of the Executive Committee of the INSEAD Alumni organization, and she is also the founder and president of the global INSEAD Women in Business Club. Recently, she finished an advanced AI Mastery class and won the award for the best AI Application Builder. She is promoting and advocating for AI literacy among women and through the INSEAD Women in Business Club organizes events for Women in AI.

In this episode, Policy Fellows James Abrahams and Sophie Seitler discuss all things NATO. They look at internal and external challenges faced by member states, like whether nations are positioned to adequately increase their defence spending, and how they can adapt to the Trump Administration's changing vision for America's role on the world's stage. 

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Dr Khalid Khalafalla, CEO, The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on advancing green finance and enhancing private sector partnerships for economic development in member states, including Algeria

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Hassan Zago Idris, Director (Acting), Legal Affairs Department, The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on addressing global trade risks and supporting infrastructure development across OIC member states

In a historic milestone for global public health, Member States of the World Health Organization on Tuesday adopted the Pandemic Agreement – an accord aimed at preventing future devastating outbreaks.Negotiations began in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and after just three and a half years – a relatively short timeline for crafting complex international treaties – the world today is more prepared than it was before the coronavirus struck.At the heart of the process is Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the intergovernmental negotiating body that steered the talks to the finish line.She told UN News' Vibhu Mishra shortly after the agreement was adopted that it was a ground-breaking moment in public health. Related story: Nations adopt historic pledge to guard against future pandemics

Serious and organised crime is not just a threat to public safety; it impacts the very foundations of the EU and its society. It has a double destabilising effect on the EU. It undermines the EU's economy, rule of law and society by generating illicit proceeds, spreading violence, and normalising corruption.But the threat does not stop there: increasingly, criminal networks serve as proxies for hybrid threat actors, exploiting vulnerabilities to destabilise the EU and its Member States from within. Drugs, firearms trafficking, hybrid threats and organised criminal networks recruiting young people to carry out acts of violence, including contract killings. These are a few examples which we will explore in this episode, to find out how serious and organised crime is destabilising the EU.

Democracy is at the heart of the EU's and Member States' political foundations. Yet in an increasingly volatile global landscape— marked by the rise of authoritarianism, foreign interference, and disinformation— it cannot be taken for granted. The digital public sphere is particularly vulnerable to manipulation: recently, we have seen influencers being paid to promote certain political candidates and AI-generated fake news flooding social media platforms. Beyond external threats, there is a growing sense of disengagement among citizens from democratic participation. How can the EU address these challenges? One of the European Commission's priorities for 2025 is the European Democracy Shield, which is envisaged as a tool to combat digital propaganda, develop media literacy and support free and independent media and civil society. In his address to the IIEA, Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, speaks about the European Commission's plans to protect European democracy, in particular, through the European Democracy Shield.  About the Speaker: Michael McGrath assumed the role of EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection on 1 December 2024, as a member of the European Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen. Commissioner McGrath has specific responsibility for upholding the rule of law, protecting democracy and fundamental rights, tackling disinformation, improving criminal justice cooperation and strengthening the rights of victims of crime. His broad portfolio also includes improving EU competitiveness through the reform of company law and civil law. He has responsibility for consumer protection policy and for ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation across the EU. Prior to his appointment, Commissioner McGrath served as Ireland's Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022, and was an elected member of the Irish Parliament from 2007 to 2024.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra delivers remarks at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's B7 summit in Ottawa. Over the past two days, 130 Member States participated at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin - with more than 60 Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense participating.  UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, briefed the media following a ceremony where more than 70 Member States made pledges of needed capabilities and support to UN Peacekeeping, including 81 military and police units, as well as in the areas of capacity-building partnerships, Women, Peace, and Security, Safety and Security, Technology, environment, conduct and accountability and strategic communications and Information Integrity. Participants at the B7 summit in Ottawa take questions from the press. Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the three-day summit brings together business leaders from G7 countries to discuss economic challenges and make policy recommendations. Speaking with reporters are chamber representatives Candace Laing (president and CEO) and Matthew Holmes (executive vice president and chief of public policy), as well as Michael Kovrig (senior adviser, Asia-Pacific for the International Crisis Group), Shachi Kurl (president of the Angus Reid Institute), and Erin O'Toole (managing director, ADIT North America and former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover LinkedIn's launch of new video ad options, a US bill challenging Apple's app store dominance, and the EU's legal action against member states over failure to comply with the Digital Services Act.

In this episode, I speak with Louis McLatchie-Miller about critical political and societal issues affecting children's rights. We analyze the recent UK by-elections, reflecting on public discontent with traditional parties, and discuss transgender rights and treatments for minors, highlighting potential risks and the need for clarity around biological definitions of sex.   Lois McLatchie serves as a senior legal communications officer for ADF UK . She works with journalists and press representatives to advocate for fundamental freedoms in the “court of public opinion”, both in written pieces and through public speaking. Before beginning her current role, Lois was a legal analyst on ADF International's UN Advocacy Team at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. There, she provided Member State representatives with key legal resources and amendatory language which promotes the inherent value of every person. She is an alumnus of ADF International's Veritas Scholarship, under which she she completed training on on international law, communications and argumentation. Lois also holds an LLM Human Rights Law with distinction from the University of Kent, and an MA (Hons) International Relations from the University of St Andrews. During her studies, she participated in Areté Academy and Blackstone Legal Fellowship, where she completed extensive research on bioethical issues, including surrogacy. Connect with Lois and ADF UK...

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces that her government will be challenging the constitutionality of the federal government's net-zero electricity regulations in court.   The premier also faces questions from reporters on her recently proposed legislation that makes it easier for Alberta to separate from Canada. The legislation was tabled on April 29, the day after the federal Liberals won a minority government in the 2025 federal election.   She is joined at the news conference in Edmonton by provincial ministers Mickey Amery (justice), Rebecca Schulz (environment and protected areas) and Nathan Neudorf (affordability and utilities). British Columbia Premier David Eby announces new legislation that aims to speed up building permit approvals to allow the province to deliver key infrastructure projects faster. Priority projects will include schools, hospitals and major transportation infrastructure. He is joined at the news conference in Victoria by Bowinn Ma, the province's infrastructure minister Peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix today (24 Apr) told reporters in New York that the Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025, taking place in Berlin on 13-14 May, will be “a very important opportunity” for the UN and Member States to determine how to address challenges to ensure peacekeeping remains an “important, viable, credible and effective tool of the United Nations and multilateralism in the future.” Lacroix said another issue to be discussed will be “how we can make peacekeeping more cost effective, because we are aware that we are operating, and we will be operating under increasingly severe financial constraints.” He confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres “will be participating in the Berlin meeting in two weeks' time.” Joining Lacroix, Germany's State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Nils Hilmer said, “we are convinced that UN peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most important tools the international community has an international crisis management. However, we still face many challenges with regards to changing conflict dynamics, disinformation campaign, or targeting missions. Hence, it is all the more important to discuss about the future of peacekeeping.” Hilmer said, “we want to provide a forum for Member States to discuss how we can continue making UN peacekeeping strong, effective and fit for the future,” adding that “by participating at the Berlin Ministerial, delegations can underline their political support for UN peacekeeping, contribute to closing critical capability gaps, and reinvigorate UN peacekeeping reform efforts.” The results of the discussions, he said, “will provide important input to the UN Secretary-General's review on the future of all forms of peace operations mandated in the Pact for the Future.” The goal of the Berlin Ministerial, Hilmer explained, will be to “ensure UN peacekeeping remains at a sufficient level of preparedness for both current and potential future missions, and we want to increase overall mission effectiveness while enhancing safety and security of our personnel deployed.” Germany's Director-General for International Order, United Nations, and Disarmament at the Federal Foreign Office, Katharina Stasch, said the Berlin Ministerial's aim, “is really to provide a follow up to the Pact for the Future. Actions must follow words.” Responding to journalists' questions, Lacroix said, “the United States is and has always been a very important part, and I should say, also a very important supporter of peacekeeping operation throughout the years. And we look forward to continuing cooperation with the United States. Now, when it comes to finances, I think that in any case, we are looking at times where financial resources will be limited. I think a very important challenge, to all of us really, is how we can improve the cost efficiency of peacekeeping.” He said, “we operate on mandates, you know, those mandates are given to us by Member States, by the Security Council. We keep telling our Member States, please prioritize those mandates. You know, make sure that, you know, we know what are the key mandated tasks from your point of view that we have to implement. And then please give us an adequate level of resources, and please pay on time and in full.” Leading up to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and marking the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping, the 2025 Berlin UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is the latest in a series of meetings held at the Head of State, Government, or Ministerial level. The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial will serve as a high-level political forum to discuss the future of peacekeeping and for Member States to express and demonstrate their political support. It will also provide a platform for delegations to announce substantial pledges in support of closing capability gaps and adapting peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities, in line with the pledging guide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

So it was a real pleasure to invite CEIP's Stewart Patrick back into the Virtual Studio to talk about the shape and influence of the BRICS, or BRICS+, as it is often referred to these days. Stewart Patrick is senior fellow and director of the Global Order and Institutions Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP). His primary areas of research focus are the shifting foundations of world order, the future of American internationalism, and the requirements for effective multilateral cooperation on transnational challenges. Stewart is an expert in the history and practice of multilateralism. He is the author of a number of volumes and most recently he has led the research at CEIP for the volume: “BRICS Expansion and the Future of World Order: Perspectives from Member States, Partners, and Aspirants”. Stewart has authored many articles, essays, chapters, and reports on problems of world order, U.S. global engagement, the United Nations and other international organizations, and the management of global issues.

Global outcry at ICJ as Israel faces accusations of starving Palestinians At the International Court of Justice, South Africa accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in Gaza, calling it a breach of international law. Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Spain echoed concerns, citing Israel's disregard for humanitarian obligations and UN rulings. Representatives warned of a collapsing aid system and worsening famine, urging global action and reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination amid what was described as an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Israel, in its genocidal war, has killed more than fifty-two thousand three hundred Palestinians since October 2023 and wounded hundreds of thousands of others. UN chief urges two-state solution in Israeli war on Palestine United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pushed countries to "take irreversible action towards implementing a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of an international conference in June. "I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-state solution before it is too late," Guterres told a Security Council meeting on Tuesday. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the conference at the United Nations in June. Daesh-linked militants attack mourners in Nigerian village, killing 15 A wave of terror engulfed Kwaple village in Nigeria's Borno State when Daesh-linked militants stormed in on motorcycles, unleashing a hail of bullets on mourners and killing at least 15 people. "The ISWAP militants opened fire on the mourners and pursued them on motorcycles into the bush as they tried to flee," Ayuba Alamson, a community leader in Chibok, said. Local leaders are gripped with dread, warning that the true death toll may be far higher, with scores still missing in the chaos. Trump marks 100 days, promises defence investments US President Donald Trump kicked off a pair of events in Michigan, celebrating his first 100 days in office. Speaking to a packed rally in Macomb, Trump touted the country's economic growth, declaring, "Companies are coming back to Michigan." Highlighting a $1 trillion defence investment, he praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for securing the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While his approval rating dropped to 42 percent, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll, Trump continues to promote his administration's successes, claiming the best start in US presidential history. BRICS unites in opposition to Trump's tariff policy BRICS foreign ministers, including those from China and Russia, criticised the growing "trade protectionism" during talks in Rio de Janeiro, a direct response to US President Dondald Trump's tariffs. Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, emphasised the group's ""strong rejection"" of such policies, without naming Trump. Amid escalating tariffs, China has imposed 125 percent duties on US goods, while the US has slapped 10 percent tariffs on numerous countries. The ministers agreed on a unified stance against trade conflicts just ahead of the leaders' summit in three months.

Haiti is facing a ‘point of no return', says the UN's special envoy to the country, María Isabel Salvador. She also said that Member States must increase support to Haiti's security forces, particularly the Multinational Security Support Mission, "not as a matter of choice but of necessity”. What does this mean for Kenyan officers on the ground? Also, Amnesty International says Ethiopia's so-called “corridor development” project is sparking fear and uncertainity amongst residents And what are Ponzi schemes and why do so many people fall victim to it? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Since the seminal 2018 Portuguese Judges case, it has been established that violations of values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) can be litigated before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Currently, proceedings are ongoing in the European Commission's infringement action against Hungary, the argument being that its anti-LGBTQI+ laws breach provisions of the internal market, several Charter rights, and, importantly, the common values enshrined in Article 2 TEU. The case, known as Valeurs de l'Union, has been hailed as the “largest human rights battle in EU history.”In this RevDem Rule of Law podcast episode, our co-managing editor, Dr. Oliver Garner, discusses the enforcement of the Union's values at the Member State level as well as at the Union's institutional level with Dr. Luke Dimitrios Spieker.Dr. Spieker is Senior Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law and Postdoctoral Researcher at Humboldt University in Berlin. In his monograph, EU Values before the Court of Justice, published by Oxford University Press, he analyzes the foundations, potential, and risks of the mobilization of Article 2 TEU.

As Canada strengthens ties with Europe’s defence industry, Monocle’s Toronto correspondent, Tomos Lewis, joins Chris Cermak to discuss rumours that Canadians now want to officially join the bloc. Plus: the death toll mounts in Gaza as ceasefire negotiations continue, the future of Radio Free Europe, Indian film ‘Santosh’ and Fernando Augusto Pacheco’s ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn raids are an evergreen in the world of competition law. EU competition authorities use this powerful investigative tool to uncover cartels. A dawn raid is also a process in which the inspectors are more experienced and the staff under extreme pressure. It can lead to costly mistakes as the authorities protect their investigative powers by imposing hefty fines for non-cooperation. In the first episode of the Competition+ podcast, we discuss how to avoid making mistakes during a dawn raid that can severely damage a company. As competition authorities nowadays focus their efforts on collecting electronic evidence, we give examples of mistakes that various companies have made when providing inspectors with electronic communications from their employees. We discuss recent cases from the European Commission as well as Member State practice (Germany and Poland) and summarise what companies can do to better protect themselves. Stay tuned for the next episodes!

In this webinar Ms Lucilla Sioli, Director of the EU AI Office, addresses the Institute on the enforcement of the EU's new AI Act. Ms Sioli explores the enforcement framework for the AI Act and how this legislation will be implemented in practice. Ms Sioli focuses particular attention on the role of the EU AI Office and how it can help to ensure coherent cooperation between regulators across different sectors and Member States. About the speaker: Lucilla Sioli is the Director of the AI Office in Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content, and Technology (DG CONNECT) in the European Commission. She was previously the Director for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Industry within DG CONNECT, where she was responsible for the development of AI policy, including the AI Act, and for the digitisation of industrial strategy. Ms Sioli holds a PhD in economics from the University of Southampton (UK) and one from the Catholic University of Milan (Italy) and has been a civil servant with the European Commission since 1997.

Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack died on Monday. She was 88, Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan crashed out of ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 hit the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, Donald Trump on Monday said the 25 per cent tariffs planned for Canada and Mexico, United States' two biggest trading partners, will go ahead as planned next month, India was among the 65 UN Member States that abstained on the resolution.

In this episode, we speak with Yasha Maccanico a researcher and journalist at StateWatch, a UK-based charity focused on civil liberties, human rights and democracy in Europe.    We talk about a proposed EU law that could make it easier for states to criminalise acts of solidarity with people on the move.   Yasha also talks to us about abuses of state power in Europe under the guise of lowering immigration, the externalisation of the EU's borders in Africa, and much more.    ---Get in touch---   Twitter: @FleetCivil   Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social   Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social   Instagram: thecivilfleet   info@civilfleet.com   civilfleet.com --- Show notes ---   For more on StateWatch, check out their work here: statewatch.org   Follow them on BlueSky: @statewatch.bsky.social Ben misquotes the late left-wing politician Tony Benn, who once said: “The way a government treats refugees is very instructive, because it shows you how they would treat the rest of us if they thought they could get away with it.” In fact, the phrase may have been misattributed to Tony Benn. You can watch one of Tony Benn's most famous speeches against the US-UK' illegal invasion of Iraq, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ciGW7h7PI&ab_channel=PoliticsJOE    Yasha mentions the an independent media company Bristol Cable. You can read their work here: thebristolcable.org   Ben and Yasha talk briefly about the toppling of the statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol in 2020. You can read more about that here; https://exhibitions.bristolmuseums.org.uk/the-colston-statue   Here's where you can find out more about Migreurop: https://migreurop.org/?lang=en   Ben mentions an episode of The Civil Fleet with Jihed, a Tunisian activist with Alarm Phone and Louise Michelle. Check out episode 48 for that.    For more on Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency, check out episodes 54, 52, 50, 34, 31, 23, 15, 7 and 1   Ben mentions previous The Civil Fleet Podcast episodes with people who have been arrested and given ludicrous sentences for driving boats or cars across borders. Check out episodes: 56, which focuses on Homayoun Sabetara, a father who fled Iran to be reunited with his daughters in Germany and was sentenced to 18 years behind bars in Greece after he was forced to drive across the border.  53 with Nadia, a young refugee woman from Lebanon who husband was arrested by the Greek authorities and accused of human smuggling after spending 10 days adrift in the Mediterranean.  35 with Hanad, a Somalian refugee who was senteced to 142 years behind bars for trying to stop his boat from sinking in the Aegean Sea and saving the lives of 33 others   Here are the links Yasha sent:   EU: New migrant smuggling law to ensure criminalisation of solidarity (December 2024) https://www.statewatch.org/analyses/2024/eu-new-migrant-smuggling-law-to-ensure-criminalisation-of-solidarity/   A new EU law on the criminalisation of migrant smuggling will be examined by the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council. The Council is due to approve its position for negotiations with the European Parliament. The existing law has been criticised for failing to prevent the criminalisation of migration and acts of solidarity with migrants and refugees. The new text, obtained by Statewatch and published here, appears likely to worsen the situation. ----- EU: Council lowers threshold for migrant smuggling prosecutions (July 2024, with PICUM) https://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/july/eu-council-lowers-threshold-for-migrant-smuggling-prosecutions/  EU institutions are discussing proposed changes to the law criminalising the facilitation of irregular migration, which has also been used to criminalise migrants and individuals acting in solidarity with them. The Belgian Council presidency presented a revised draft to other EU member states at the end of May, which would simplify the criminalisation of irregular entry, amongst other things. The draft will serve as the basis for further discussions within the Council, with Hungary now in the presidency role until the end of this year.   -----   Viewpoint, Hindering humanitarianism: European Commission will not ensure protection for those aiding sans-papiers, Chris Jones (April 2017) https://www.statewatch.org/media/documents/analyses/no-311-facilitation-directive.pdf   -----   The shrinking space for solidarity with migrants and refugees: how the European Union and Member States target and criminalize defenders of the rights of people on the move (TNI, Yasha Maccanico, Ben Hayes, Samuel Kenny, Frank Barat, September 2018) https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/web_theshrinkingspace.pdf   -----   Libya/elmasri: including full text of Shatz/Branco submission to the ICC against Italian ministers: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/february/italian-ministers-should-face-justice-for-freeing-fugitive-war-criminal-says-legal-complaint/   -----   Secrecy: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/november/italy-has-nullified-the-right-to-transparency-regarding-borders/   -----   Tunisia: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/november/tunisia-no-to-the-criminalisation-of-solidarity-with-migrants/   -----   Deportations (aka returns): http://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/january/deportations-new-role-for-frontex-as-eu-pushes-for-more-voluntary-returns/   -----   Egypt: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/january/eu-police-cooperation-with-egypt-sacrifices-people-s-rights-and-freedoms-for-security/   -----   “Outsourcing borders” externalisation bulletin project, bulletins and documents archive: https://www.statewatch.org/outsourcing-borders-monitoring-eu-externalisation-policy/     -----   To challenge border militarisation (with partners, 2023/24), Telling the story of EU border militarisation, https://www.statewatch.org/media/4000/eu-border-militarisation-narrative-guide.pdf     -----   Europe's techno-borders (2023 with EuroMed Rights) https://www.statewatch.org/publications/reports-and-books/europe-s-techno-borders/    -----   Frontex and interoperable databases: knowledge as power? (2023) https://www.statewatch.org/frontex-and-interoperable-databases-knowledge-as-power/    -----   Empowering the police, removing protections: the new Europol Regulation (2022) https://www.statewatch.org/publications/reports-and-books/empowering-the-police-removing-protections-the-new-europol-regulation/    -----   Interoperability, eu-LISA and the biometric state (2022) Building the biometric state: Police powers and discrimination https://www.statewatch.org/publications/reports-and-books/building-the-biometric-state-police-powers-and-discrimination/   -----   Background docs selection on interoperability and the EU JHA policy field http://www.statewatch.org/observatories/interoperability-eu-big-brother-database/    -----   Secrecy and externalisation of EU border control (2022) https://www.statewatch.org/media/3781/secrecy-and-externalisation-of-migration-control.pdf    -----   Renditions observatory http://www.statewatch.org/observatories/rendition-the-use-of-european-countries-by-the-cia-for-the-transport-and-illegal-detention-of-prisoners/ 

War leaves scars not only on people but also on the land. In Ukraine, vast fields are littered with explosive remnants, threatening the future of farming. Tiphaine Lucas, a Programme Coordinator for FAO's Mine Action and Land Rehabilitation Initiative, is on a mission to collect and analyze soil samples, ensuring the land can once again grow wheat and sustain communities. Watch how science and resilience are helping Ukraine rebuild. Financing challenges are at the heart of the current sustainable development crisis. The International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development, a group of experts on Financing for Development, will launch its report on pathways to resolve this crisis on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, at 1:15 p.m. (EST). The launch will take place on the sideline of the 3rd Preparatory Committee Session of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place at UN Headquarters from 10 to 14 February 2025.  The report provides innovative ideas and fresh perspectives critical to shaping the future of financing for development, putting forward proposals for concrete actions across a range of areas, including debt restructuring and strengthening the global safety net.   The International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development comprises 14 distinguished experts, including Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Laureate and Professor at Columbia University. Chaired by Professor José Antonio Ocampo, the Commission has developed a comprehensive set of recommendations to support all stakeholders involved in the substantive preparations and negotiations of the outcome document for the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.   The Commission was set up by the Spanish Government, in support of its commitment to advancing the Financing for Development (FfD) process and welcomed by the UN Secretary-General.  The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov today (10 Feb) told the Security Council that the “volatile situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is of great concern, especially as there is a risk that stockpiles of advanced weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists.” Briefing the Council on the threat posed by Da'esh to international peace and security, Voronkov noted that the Syrian Badia region “continued to serve as a centre for Da'esh external operational planning and a critical region for their activities.” He also expressed concern over the situation in detention camps and other facilities in the north-east of the country. On Afghanistan, Voronkov said ISIL- Khorasan “has continued to pose a significant threat in Afghanistan, the region and beyond,” as supporters have “plotted attacks in Europe and were actively seeking to recruit individuals from Central Asian States.” He stressed that no State can confront terrorism in isolation, and noted that Member States “must prioritize comprehensive, long-term responses that address the conditions conducive to terrorism while strengthening the rule of law and upholding international human and humanitarian rights.” Also, addressing the Security Council on the twentieth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Da'esh to international peace and security, Natalia Gherman, the Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, highlighted the UN's efforts to support Member States in addressing the challenges. Gherman said, “the challenges posed by Da'esh remain complex, with humanitarian, security, and governance concerns persisting across regions affected by its activities.” She said, “after devastating so many parts of the world for more than a decade, Da'esh and other terrorist groups now pose the most significant threat to peace, security and sustainable development across the African continent.” For her part, United States Ambassador Dorothy Shea said, “countering ISIS and other terrorist groups around the world is a top priority for the Trump Administration. President Trump has already taken decisive action in conjunction with the Somali government by directing precision airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia on February 1st. President Trump's message is clear: The United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

In the last decade the Court of Justice of the EU has rapidly developed its case-law on the enforcement of EU values. Following multiple cases in which the Court enforced provisions that instrumentalize the Rule of Law in actions involving the 'backsliding' Member States of Poland and Hungary, the question now arises as to whether EU action may be justified to protect the co-foundational value of democracy during national elections in the EU's Member States. The upcoming elections in the Federal Republic of Germany in February will bring these issues into sharp relief. In the latest RevDem Rule of Law podcast, Oliver Garner discusses these themes with Miriam Schuler (King's College London), whose PhD research analyzes the protection of values within the European Union.

It's not often that biodiversity legislation grabs international headlines, but thats what happened repeatedly in 2024 with the European Union's new Nature Restoration Law. It happened first because of the ambitious nature of the law; and then because of the political tussle around its rejection and eventual approval. Along the way it gathered a trail of detractors and supporters, and has raised hopes as well as concerns, depending on who you speak to. The law's overarching target is for Member States to put in place restoration measures in at least 20% of the EU's land areas and 20% of its sea areas by 2030.Brian MacSharry, who was also my guest for episode 10 on protected areas, is Head of the Nature and Biodiversity Group at the European Environment Agency and he has had a birds-eye view of the development of the law. He kindly agreed to respond to some of the critiques of the law, but first he goes into some detail about its content and its journey through the political process.Links to resourcesNature Restoration Law - Outline of the law on the website of the European CommissionVisit www.case4conservation.com

As part of the D.C. Bar International Law Community's historic year of elections* initiative focusing on global principles and standards for national elections, Brief Encounters hosted Thomas Garrett and Tova Wang, global democracy experts to discuss how this historic year of elections is now transitioning into a historic year of governance in the United States and around the world.We considered trends in voter access, assessed the benefits and risks of decentralized election laws and governance, noted the potential dangers of lengthy count times, emphasized good comparative practices, and stressed the role of law and lawyers in bolstering trust in democratic institutions and upholding democratic governance standards.For more, please visit the International Law Community's webpage of key resources on Global Elections and Electoral Standards here, including guidance for legal frameworks, equal access to voting, protections for election observers and electoral workers, electoral integrity and accountability, as well as links to organizations who work on elections and democratic governance promotion.*This year over half the globe's population has already or will be voting in over 80 national elections, for more information click here to view more. Making 2024 the biggest election year in history, and the largest election cycle until 2048. Speakers bios:Thomas Garrett is currently a Practitioner in Residence and Distinguished Global Democracy Lecturer in the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy. He is the immediate former Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, a global intergovernmental coalition of Member States (including the US) coordinating efforts on the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. In 2024, the Government of Romania conferred the National Order of Merit–Grand Officer on Thomas for his work on behalf of human rights and democracy. Previously, Thomas was Vice President of Global Programs at the International Republican Institute (IRI), a nonpartisan organization supporting elections, civil society, and democratic governance around the world. An enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, he began his national career at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs as the Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.Tova Wang is the Director of Research Projects in Democratic Practice, with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, at Harvard Kennedy School. Tova previously served as Director of Policy and Research at the Center for Secure and Modern Elections, where she worked on voter registration reform and led research on how to develop transformative strategies for increasing political participation among marginalized groups. She has over 20 years of experience working on improving democracy and has focused on issues related to greater political inclusion in the United States, including major studies on increasing voter participation rates among low income people, communities of color, naturalized immigrants, women and Native Americans. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Politics of Voter Suppression: Defending and Expanding Americans' Right to Vote. She has advised international organizations on voting rights, election reform, and constitutional reform in countries around the world. Her commentary on voting and participation has appeared in myriad media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Hill and Politico, and numerous national television and radio news shows. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Thank you to our sponsor!CASEpeer is a comprehensive practice management software for personal injury law firms, optimizing workflows and increasing productivity with robust and intuitive case management and business operations features.

International law is a live instrument in the current global geopolitical crisis. This latest RevDem Rule of Law podcast, conducted by Konstantin Kipp with Professor Tom Ginsburg, reflects upon the potentially authoritarian nature of international law in its function of enabling relations between states. Authoritarian regimes have traditionally been reluctant to engage in robust forms of international cooperation. Reasons for this may include strong nationalist views, and concerns that cross-border engagement could invite interference in domestic affairs or constrain the government's autonomy. Consequently, international law has largely been shaped by liberal democracies. However, this stance appears to be shifting in the 21st century. Just as authoritarian regimes once recognized the strategic value of adopting new constitutions and utilizing seemingly democratic institutions in order to gain legitimacy, they are now beginning to see international law as a potential tool to legitimize their policies and strengthen the pursuit of their preferences. This development was identified by Professor Tom Ginsburg in his 2020 article “Authoritarian International Law?” published in the American Journal of International Law. Half a decade on from this publication, Professor Ginsburg discusses his findings on this still-emerging phenomenon and considers its potential future developments. Past, Present, and Future Authoritarian International Law Ginsburg provides an introduction to the history of Authoritarian International Law (AIL), highlighting the pivotal turning point as marked by the year 2006. He claims that this was the peak for global democracies and that subsequently the story is one of decline.  The conversation explores current developments in international law, raising a concern that the United States' potential shift towards isolationism could cede the international playing field to authoritarian forces like China or Russia, thereby fueling the development of AIL. Ginsburg describes AIL as “designed to extend the survival and reach of authoritarian rule across space and/or time.” AIL is seen as having the potential not only to secure the persistence of existing authoritarian regimes, but also to be a possible trigger for further authoritarianism. The podcast addresses the extent to which this feature is inherently embedded within AIL, given that liberal democracies tend to pose a challenge to authoritarian regimes. Ginsburg reflects upon whether there is a danger that authoritarians might create entirely new international legal systems and institutions, or else seek to capture and transform existing bodies. While an American return to isolationism might fuel the development of AIL, there is also significant concern that the U.S. could veer toward dictatorship during Donald Trump's second presidency. Statements by President-elect Trump, such as suggestions that people “won't have to vote anymore,” imply at the very least authoritarian aspirations. Ginsburg reflects upon whether U.S. isolationism is truly the main danger to international law, or instead whether a government under Donald Trump may actively engage in promoting AIL. Ginsburg offers his view on why, despite his authoritarian nature, Donald Trump will not be able to become the dictator of the United States of America. Authoritarian European Union Law? While the European Union continues to embody relatively strong democratic values among most Member States compared to other regions, right-wing populism with authoritarian aspirations has also been on the rise. The EU's most notable authoritarian leader, Viktor Orbán, has recently advocated that right-wing populists should “occupy” Brussels. Ginsburg considers whether the emergence of authoritarian EU law may be possible. One of the EU's current strategies for addressing “backsliding” on its values, including democracy and the Rule of Law, is financial conditionality. It remains to be seen whether this tool may effectively halt the trend towards authoritarianism in the long term, or whether it may indeed exacerbate it. Ginsburg concludes his reflections on the supranational dimension of AIL by musing upon whether the Eurasian Economic Committee, discussed in his 2020 article, could evolve into a serious competitor that promotes authoritarian rather than democratic values in the Europe-Asia region. Preventing the Emergence of Authoritarian International Law Tom Ginsburg suggests that there is a strong possibility that the 21st century will be known more as an authoritarian century rather than a democratic one. The notion that international law guarantees a right to democratic governance has faced substantial criticism; Ginsburg challenges this idea as well. The podcast concludes with reflection upon the options for democratic countries to prevent international law becoming authoritarian. Could civil society – whether or not such societies aspire to be ‘open' or not – prevent the authoritarian transformation of international law? Ginsburg concludes his contributions by emphasizing how recent developments in South Korea illustrate the vital role of civil society in the struggle for democracy. Such struggle, for democracy and against authoritarianism, is set to continue in the second half of the 2020s.

In this episode, Associate Professor Marta Andhov and Professor Willem Janssen discuss the intersection of public procurement and contract law. The topic of the research project PurpLE (Purchase Power – Sustainable Public Procurement Through Private Law Enforcement) led by Marta. This episode provides an introduction to an upcoming series of episodes that will dive deeper into its individual aspects. The hosts provide a general overview of how public procurement contracts are perceived across the EU within its many Member States, differentiating between the two models of approach - the administrative approach present in, for example, France or Spain, and the more civil commercial one presented in the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and across Scandinavian Countries. They outline the need to differentiate two phases; the pre-contractual and post-contractual, as legal frameworks differentiate between them. Marta & Willem briefly introduce what type of practical and relevant issues arise in each of the mentioned phases, for example, the possibility of culpa in contrahendo, the issues of interpretation, and termination to name a few. Finally, for dessert, they switch gears and talk about the instances where public procurement appeared in the entertaining world of pop culture. How the pop culture references can be used and what should be your new movie, or series to watch if you want to combine your passion for procurement with some entertainment?

He discusses the challenges posed by this fragmentation, as well as the potential for innovative solutions to harmonize and strengthen Europe's position. Watch the full episode here

The President of the UN Human Rights Council has a critical mission: fostering consensus among Member States on pivotal human rights issues while navigating geopolitical tensions that often threaten the Council's work.Independent and impartial, the President also helps bridge divides, promote cooperation, streamline priorities, and above all, guide Council meetings efficiently and in line with its rules and procedures.Against this background, UN News' Vibhu Mishra spoke with Omar Zniber, the current Council President, about what his work entails and how he is keeping vital human rights issues in the spotlight.The veteran diplomat from Morocco started off by explaining his role and that of his Office.

It is important to call a genocide a genocide, UN experts told the UN Palestinian Rights Committee during a Briefing “International legal responsibilities for preventing genocide, holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for ending the unlawful occupation of Palestine” on 31 October 2024 as they called on all States to examine their relationships and avoid being complicit in this crime being committed by Israel on the Palestinian people in Gaza.“If you go to a doctor because you have cancer and you are diagnosed with fever, you have a big problem — it's the same with the people who are being genocided,” said Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory Occupied Since 1967, during a briefing on the international legal responsibilities for preventing genocide, holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for ending the unlawful occupation of Palestine.Describing herself as “a reluctant chronicler of genocide,” Ms. Albanese said the international community must recognize what is happening in Gaza as a genocide and “understand the bigger design behind what's happening in Palestine today”. It is not simply war crimes and crimes against humanity that the Palestinians are experiencing — “they have experienced those through their entire life,” she said, but the current situation is different. At the beginning of the meeting, Cheikh Niang (Senegal), Committee Chair, commended the work of UN experts in investigating and documenting what has been happening. They have sifted through vast amounts of documents and testimonies, gathered evidence and separated facts from misinformation. Their “efforts are vital, not only for telling the story of Gaza, but more importantly for ensuring accountability”, he said. More details: https://www.un.org/unispal/briefing-i...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/depictions-media--4208927/support.

I am excited to welcome Emma Lovell to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Emma is an author, master of ceremonies, speaker and business coach who supports people to combine business, travel and self-care in what she calls the ‘bleisure' lifestyle. The personal branding and remote business expert has run her consulting and coaching business for 15 years while travelling to 75 countries around the world. Her goal is to visit each of the 195 Member States of the United Nations by 2037. As host of the podcast The Emma Lovell Show, she has interviewed leading businesswomen and thought leaders from around the world. She is also a travel writer, with her articles appearing in national magazines. In this episode of The Debra Shepherd Podcast, Emma shares her story, and we talk about her new book, The Art of Bleisure. HIGHLIGHTS The importance of living a life you love, now! Why living a bleisure lifestyle is personal to you and how it changes depending on the season you're in. Emma's world stopped when she broke her back. Emma talks about the power of mindset, kindness and forgiveness in her recovery. Why Emma wrote The Art of Bleisure. Emma talks about the power of connection and what travel means to her. Common myths about combining work and travel. The importance of looking within yourself to stay grounded. Emma talks about success and what self-care means to her. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a 5 star review. Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released.    SHOW NOTES   Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast   CONNECT WITH EMMA www.emmalovell.au www.emmalovell.au/book Connect with Emma on Instagram CONNECT WITH DEBRA  www.debrashepherd.com.au Instagram @_DebraShepherd  

Although the European defence industry is generally competitive, more than a decade of underinvestment has kept it from reaching its full potential. The significant under-investment in European defence is demonstrated by the severe difficulties the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) has in obtaining finance. Member States' defence budgets will continue to be the EDTIB's main source of funding; however, more collaborative actions and spending would enhance output and efficiency. - Original publication on the EP Think Tank website - Subscription to our RSS feed in case your have your own RSS reader - Podcast available on Deezer, iTunes, TuneIn, Stitcher, YouTube Source: © European Union - EP

PREVIEW: OCEANIA: AUSTRALIA: USA: Conversation with colleague Cleo Paskal of FDD re an unguarded exchange between PM Albanese of Australia and Deputy StateSec Kurt Campbell re the member states of the Pacific Island Forum. More later. 1944 Saipan

Hello and welcome again to yet another episode of the Migration & Diaspora Podcast, where we showcase projects and people from the field of migration and diaspora engagement. I'm your host Loksan Harley from Homelands Advisory, your independent migration and diaspora agency. India is one of the most interesting countries to study when it comes to migration. When I think of Indian migration, my mind jumps to the large Indian diaspora community in the UK, the migrant workers in the Gulf, historical indentured servitude in Africa, and Indian tech founders in Silicon Valley. One thing I don't think much about is India-EU migration. So I'm delighted to have Naozad Hodiwala on the show to tell us all about the emerging trends and growing potential of the India-EU migration relationship.  About Naozad Naozad Hodiwala is the International Centre for Migration Policy Development's (ICMPD) Country Coordinator for India at the South and West Asia Regional Office. Since 2017, in this role, Naozad has been helping ICMPD to co-implement a project (the EU-India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (EU-India CDMM) project) that supports the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM).  Through the dialogue support initiative, Naozad has facilitated several high-level meetings on migration governance, including on migration data, remittances, student mobility, and welfare of Indians in the EU. And all this is part of his more than 17 years of experience in migration management across Asia and Africa. It comes as no surprise to me that, in 2020, Naozad was recognised as a Top 40 under 40 Leader by the Europe-India Centre for Business Industry (EICBI). When not jetting across the globe, he is an avid tennis fan, enjoys walks with his dog, and is a proud husband and father of two girls. Which is lovely to hear and you'll also learn more about his own fascinating migration and diaspora story in a moment. The ICMPD is an international organisation, with 20 Member States and working in more than 90 countries worldwide. Contributing to the development of better and safer migration policies and programmes, ICMPD takes a holistic approach to migration: structurally linking policy and research, cooperation, community outreach, and capacity development. With over 500 staff members, it takes a regional approach in its work towards efficient cooperation and partnerships along key migration routes, with a focus on Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Founded in 1993 with headquarters in Vienna and a liaison office in Brussels, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 200 partners including EU institutions, UN agencies, Member States, and several countries. ICMPD receives contributions from its Member States and bilateral donors, the European Commission, UN partners, and other multilateral institutions. What we talk about In today's episode, we're talking EU-India migration, including:  The migration trends between the two superpowers.  The potential that migration holds for both sides in helping balance labour supply and demand.  How that potential can be maximised through measures to facilitate and support migration in a way that can benefit Europe, India and those who choose to move.  The EU-India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility project.  And if your interest in India has been piqued by this episode,  you can check out related Episode 29 on South Asian migration mega-trends with ILO's Shabari Nair.  Links Episode 29 on South Asian migration mega-trends with ILO's Shabari Nair India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility Phase II  EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility Declaration Follow Naozad and ICMPD on Twitter:  @NaozadH   @BudapestProcess  @icmpd @ICMPD_PolRes Connect with Naozad and ICMPD on LinkedIn: Naozad ICMPD ICMPD Silk Routes Tune into The Migration Podcast by ICMPD Options for Green-Skilled Migration Partnerships, CGD EU Blue Card Regional Outlook for South and West Asia, 2024: Top 5 Issues

Quantum technology specialists from across Europe are gathering at the Camden Court Hotel in Dublin city this week for a 3-day conference organised by the IrelandQCI Project Leads at Walton Institute in South East Technological University (SETU). Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth T. D., was delighted to address attendees today, Tuesday, 2 July 2024, an audience made up of representatives from the European Commission, European Space Agency and technology specialists from across Irish and European industry and academia. The €10m Ireland Quantum Communications Infrastructure (QCI) project, almost one and a half years into its 30 month duration, is one of several EuroQCI projects across the European Union which sees the European Commission working with 27 Member States, as well as the European Space Agency, towards the deployment of a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the EU. The €10m project, co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish government's Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is working to create an innovative quantum technology ecosystem, future-proofing Ireland's communications infrastructure against cyber-attacks. The IrelandQCI team is working to establish Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) infrastructure along a major network backbone from Dublin to Cork via Waterford using a quantum channel integrated with existing classical fibre systems. The project will trial 16 quantum security technology scenarios with key stakeholders across the general public, industry and academic sectors over the project duration. This week's QCI Ireland event in Dublin spans 3 days of industry and academic stakeholder engagement, workshops, training and technology specialist addresses from representatives of the European Commission's PETRUS network - the organisation coordinating the deployment of EuroQCI - and will see over 150 attendees each day. Opening remarks today were delivered by John Regan, Managing Director of ESB Telecoms, who then introduced Ossian Smyth T.D. who commented on the importance of the IrelandQCI project and Ireland's fantastic collaborative efforts with the EU and wider EuroQCI territories. Minister Smyth said, 'I'm delighted that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is co-funding the IrelandQCI project with the European Commission. With the creation of a secure communication network, this project represents a major step forward in our ability to protect and encrypt communications. Working collaboratively with European partners through the EuroQCI initiative is a key pillar of the project and I'm glad to see members of other European QCI projects in attendance. I'd like to commend the Walton Institute for organising today's event which has brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across many different industries. Today's event will benefit both the IrelandQCI project and stakeholders in attendance through collaboration and knowledge-sharing'. Waterford's Walton Institute in SETU is leading the €10 million IrelandQCI project on behalf of SFI CONNECT. Several national universities and research centres make up the consortium of partners involved in the project, including quantum technology experts from Trinity College Dublin, UCC's Tyndall National Institute, UCD, Maynooth University and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing at the University of Galway, and industry partners HEAnet and ESB Telecoms. These academic and industry specialists are pooling their expertise and resources to achieve success in adding an extra security layer to Ireland's communications infrastructure and the data it transmits. Project Lead and Director of Research at Walton Institute, Dr Deirdre Kilbane, commented: "This event is an excellent coming-together of the quantum communication community not only from across Ireland but ac...

This latest RevDem Rule of Law podcast discusses the doctoral research of Dr. Maciej Krogel following the defence of his thesis “The intellectual sources of the European Union's response to the rule of law crisis in the Member States”. Maciej is a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and he completed a re:constitution fellowship in 2022/23. Oliver Garner: Your Ph.D. traces the intellectual sources of the EU's response to the Rule of Law crisis in certain Member States.  This is a topic that we have covered since the inception of RevDem.  Could you summarise your key findings for our listeners and readers? Maciej Krogel: Thanks a lot for asking me about it.  It is still brand new to me to be graduated from the EUI and I think you are the first person to ask me about my research in an interview.  So, indeed, I have written my thesis about the background conditions for the response of the European Union institutions to the Rule of Law crisis in the Member States.  A lot has been written about the Rule of Law crisis, about institutions, about judiciaries, and about the problems in the Member States in the recent years.  However, I think what was lacking, and what is lacking still, is the critical theory of the origins of what the European Union institutions are doing. We have some very specific critical accounts of, for example, the overly legalistic response or the democratic credentials of the response.  But I have decided to trace the origins of the Rule of Law response of the European Union to its earlier constitutional heritage, as I call it. What has been lacking most of all, I think, has been situating the Rule of Law reactions, and also scholarship, within the broader constitutional heritage, concepts, ideas, and discussions of the European Union from the past decades.   For instance, on topics such as constitutional pluralism, constitutional change, and membership in the European Union. These were the three main strands that I selected for tracing the origins in my thesis.

Ireland has joined a European-wide effort to underscore the importance of plant health. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign is led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission (EC), and is active in 22 European member states. PlantHealth4Life, European Initiative Speaking about the campaign, Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: "We are proud to stand alongside our European partners to raise awareness of the profound interdependence between plant health and our collective well-being. This collaborative effort is a unique opportunity to engage citizens from all walks of life - be it the intrepid traveller, the conscientious gardener, or the vigilant parent - in safeguarding plant health." Ms Louise Byrne, Chief Plant Health Officer for Ireland, added that the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine conducts comprehensive inspections on imports of regulated plants and plant products. Importantly however, a critical element is educating the public across all spectrums, from commercial importers to amateur gardeners on the need for heightened awareness of the issues at stake and to not attempt to import unchecked plants and plant products that pose a risk to Ireland. The campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Embracing good plant hygiene practices and promptly addressing signs of plant pests or diseases in home gardens and communal outdoor spaces will also prevent their spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Speaking on Ireland's involvement in the campaign, leading Irish garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, who was appointed as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland in May 2022, said: "Safeguarding Irish plant health is paramount. As gardeners, we hold the power to effect change - by allowing our gardens to flourish naturally, propagating your own plants from seeds, sourcing plants responsibly, and vigilantly monitoring for abnormalities, we can collectively protect our botanical heritage." Tobin Robinson, Head of EFSA's PLANTS Unit added: "Plant health impacts not only the environment, the economy, and the European food chain but also our present and our future - by keeping plants healthy, we are protecting life. It is therefore a source of pride to see how Europeans are engaged in the topic, as demonstrated by the unprecedented participation of Member States in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign." Claire Bury, Deputy Director-General for Food Sustainability of DG SANTE stated: "Informed European citizens armed with accurate information on plant health can help protect and preserve our biodiversity. Plant health is a priority for the European Commission within the One Health approach. By informing people about the importance of not importing pests into the European Union and empowering them with the knowledge to take appropriate actions, we can make a difference." Visit the #PlantHealth4Life campaign at www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l and discover how to safeguard plant health. About the campaign #PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year and multinational campaign developed at the request of the EC and based on an in-depth analysis of perceptions and behaviour on plant health across the EU. This year, the campaign involves 21 Member States and a candidate country, doubling the reach from the previous year: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Montenegro. About EFSA The European Foo...

The East African Legislative Assembly is calling for countries that have failed to pay their yearly dues to be sanctioned. The move comes after the regional assembly approved the community's budget on the eve of the deadline. Moses Havyarimana reports from Arusha.

Cultural commentator and senior communications officer at ADF UK, Lois McLatchie Miller returns to Hearts of Oak to give us her analysis of the past weeks doom and gloom in the news, articles and from her social media, and there is plenty to get stuck into including... - Christians in politics are treated terribly - the UK should be utterly ashamed - BBC Debate: One thing is certain. If Labour get into power, your finances are going to get hammered - An elitist white man tells a black woman to "shut up": David Tennant's narcissistic posturing laid bare  - Sunak Says: "If you're calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn't exist, you are the problem - What is a woman? Labour frontbencher refuses to answer eight times when asked which lavatory a trans woman should use - Dear Celebrities... There is no such thing as a trans child - Abortion is not healthcare - Germany: Woman convicted of “offending” migrant gang rapists receives longer prison sentence than the rapists - Birth rates in the world's rich economies have more than halved since 1960 to hit a record low - Farage: Second and third Covid lockdowns were UK's biggest peacetime mistakes Lois McLatchie serves as a senior legal communications officer for ADF UK . She works with journalists and press representatives to advocate for fundamental freedoms in the “court of public opinion”, both in written pieces and through public speaking. Before beginning her current role, Lois was a legal analyst on ADF International's UN Advocacy Team at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. There, she provided Member State representatives with key legal resources and amendatory language which promotes the inherent value of every person. She is an alumnus of ADF International's Veritas Scholarship, under which she she completed training on on international law, communications and argumentation. Lois also holds an LLM Human Rights Law with distinction from the University of Kent, and an MA (Hons) International Relations from the University of St Andrews. During her studies, she participated in Areté Academy and Blackstone Legal Fellowship, where she completed extensive research on bioethical issues, including surrogacy. Connect with Lois and ADF UK... X x.com/LoisMcLatch x.com/ADF_UK SUBSTACK tradical.substack.com WEBSITE adfinternational.org Interview recorded 28.6.24 Connect with Hearts of Oak... WEBSITE heartsofoak.org/ PODCASTS heartsofoak.podbean.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA heartsofoak.org/connect/ SHOP heartsofoak.org/shop/ *Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast. Check out his art theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com and follow him on X/Twitter x.com/TheBoschFawstin Links to topics... Christians in politics https://www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/ann-widdecombe/1915279/christians-politics-terrible-uk-ashamed If Labour https://x.com/LoisMcLatch/status/1806059064864002210 Shut uphttps://twitter.com/Jonnywsbell/status/1805578232067969221  You are the problemhttps://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1805862183626031297 What is a woman? https://x.com/HeartsofOakUK/status/1806375147684630730 Dear Celebritieshttps://x.com/LozzaFox/status/1806011206144008460 Abortion https://x.com/LoisMcLatch/status/1805584488027533772 Woman Convicted https://www.thepublica.com/germany-woman-convicted-of-offending-migrant-gang-rapists-receives-longer-prison-sentence-than-the-rapists/ Birth rateshttps://x.com/cb_doge/status/1804191685708255636 Faragehttps://archive.ph/yp10o

The recent European elections came at a pivotal time for Europe and its relations with the rest of the world. In the continent, the economic squeeze, along with the public's concern around security and migration, drove the outcome of the elections. Across the world, the rise in protectionist and nationalist ideology threatens the future of the multilateral system. At risk is the global commitment to the climate crisis and human rights.  The Brussels policy debate is highly Eurocentric, but has extraterritorial impact, often with unanticipated consequences, across the globe. There is an urgent need for European Institutions and Member States to navigate these challenges effectively, to shape a European response. In this episode of the Think Change podcast we discuss the outcome of the European elections and how this will influence the EU's foreign policy; the future of the multilateral system; and how dialogue and more equal partnerships with the rest of the world is essential to maintain Europe's standing in the world. Guests:Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive, ODIAmbassador João Vale de Almeida, previously Ambassador of the European Union to the United Nations; Ambassador of the European Union to the United States; and following Brexit, the first head of the future EU delegation to the UK.Professor Carlos Lopes, Honorary Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance Faculty of Commerce at the University of Cape TownSuzanne Lynch, journalist and author of POLITICO's Global PlaybookRelated resources: Where next for feminist foreign policy on funding feminist movements?Supporting Ukraine is costly – but Europe should be clear on the risks of letting Russia winCan the Displaced Talent for Europe pilot address green skills shortages in Europe?Can ‘the West' be trusted? The future of European humanitarian aid

The EP Elections came and went, now it's up to Arianna and Federico to pick up the rubble and make sense of the 27 simultaneous elections held across the Member States. Let's recap what happened to voter turnout, what where the biggest surprises, and most importantly what happens next in this last bonus episode before the summer break. NB: The opinions presented in this show are of the authors themselves and don't represent the position of EU&U Music Credit: Gleb Raglevich

PREVIEW: #EU: #VOTE: #UKRAINE: Conversation with colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie in Berlin re the rising EU far-right parties in member states andBrussels support for Ukraine war-fighting and rebuilding.  More detail tonight. undated Brussels

Saving Our Next Generation- If you're concerned about government indoctrination of your kids and grandkids in the public schools and want to find out what you can do to stop it, this episode is for you.  Discover what you need to know about homeschooling, as we interview Hollywood actress, international model, filmmaker and homeschooling advocate Sam Sorbo https://www.samsorbo.com/ about steps you can take to make your children flourish and reach their full potential, out of the reach of the public school system.  Also, ... Who's WHO- Wendy Patrick & co-host Larry Dershem interview World Health Organization expert James Roguski http://www.jamesroguski.com/ about the WHO's latest attempt to override the national sovereignty of its 194 Member States when it comes to governing the world's response to pandemics.  Find out the latest results of the 77th World Health Assembly that just concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, and the status of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and International Health Regulations amendments, and what you can do to stop them from stealing American sovereignty when it comes to healthcare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of voters across the EU's 27 member states are heading to the polls to elect a new parliament. The ballot will return 720 MEPs who could have a major effect on the bloc's political direction. Joe Biden accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of purposefully prolonging the war in Gaza. Plus: this year's new Serpentine Pavilion is unveiled and Egypt bids to be the first African nation to host the Olympics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: 1.     His Holiness the Dalai Lama Returns to Dharamshala from Bodh Gaya 2.     The UN China Review Finds Unprecedented Support for Tibetan Rights by Member States, While Beijing Shuts Down Criticism 3.     12th Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace Declares His Holiness the Dalai Lama “Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World” 4.     Sikyong Penpa Tsering Embarks on Official Visit to European Countries and South India 5.     Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso Participates in Symposium on “Non-Violent Resistance, High-Tech Totalitarianism and China's Future” 6.     Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Attends Forum to Discuss Current Status and Future Prospects of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan 7.     Tibet House Brasil Hosts a Talk Session with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Originally from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, Scott Shelley is a Physics Laboratory Instructor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He moved to the US in 1997.  Scott has spent the last thirty years attempting to systematically visit every country in the world, while simultaneously minimizing the cost of flights. He believes that planning trips is half the fun. To date, he has visited 192 of the 193 United Nations Member States. He lives in an old house with his extremely patient and understanding wife Julie (who quietly worries but never objects when he chooses a dangerous location to visit) and their three cats: Kit, Glow, and Noodle. Apart from planning his global journeys, Scott enjoys seeing live music and collecting music memorabilia. On this episode of the show, Scott shares his one way ticket to, in his words “rainy, kind of dank, Manchester England in the early 1980s” to enjoy the music scene then and there. During the course of the conversation, Scott also shares: How and why he got started on his path to visit every country The best time to book air tickets How he leverages credit cards to fund his travels (he has no sponsors!) and to keep costs down The often times byzantine world of obrtaining visas The beauty of travel for travel's sake The sentimental item he never leaves home without Why Namibia is worth visiting twice His 193rd and last country he has left to visit. -        

Late last month, Hungarian national Dániel Karsai, who has a progressive neurodegenerative condition, challenged  Hungary's ban on assisted suicide before the European Court of Human Rights. Alliance Defending Freedom International has intervened in the case, standing up against the so-called “right to die.”   In a recent press release, they described the current European landscape when it comes to assisted death:  Of the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe, only six have legalized assisted suicide. The practice has been rejected by legislators in the vast majority of countries. …Countries that have legalized euthanasia now allow the intentional killing of children, those who are physically healthy, and those who have not given their consent.  Historically, the “right to die” quickly devolves into a “duty to die” and compromises the conscience rights of physicians and caretakers. Christians must stand for life whenever and however we can. We must always be those who work to heal and never to harm. 

Europe just took a major step towards totally removing your privacy. The European Parliament and Member States just reached an agreement on introducing the Digital Identity, #eID. Which includes a digital wallet. This move would give government unfettered access to everything you do. 

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Dr. Etta D. Jackson was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the USA as a student in 1965. For twenty-five years she worked in education and retired in 1994 to travel. She has authored four books: Understanding Your Choice Unveiling the Secrets of the Feminine Principle The Role of Consciousness in Governance The Idea That Is the United States of America-Its Occult Foundation She founded an international NGO non-profit organization, The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC) in 2007 to assist the United Nations and Member States in eradicating extreme poverty through development. ICGC is in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Etta holds a BA in Biology, MS degrees in Guidance and Counseling and in Administrative Leadership and Supervision. Etta holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. She has one daughter and one grandson. Website Mentioned during the interview: Builders of the Adytum Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded July 8, 2023 Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.