Slovenia between Brussels and Budapest

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Slovenia between Brussels and Budapest

In Slovenia, the year of 2022 has been dubbed “super election year” because parliamentary, local and presidential elections will be held in it. 

Ninth parliamentary elections since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Slovenia will he held on 24 April 2022. The elections will be organized according to the proportional electoral system in eight constituencies, comprising of 11 election districts. The total number of eligible votes if 1,699,433. 

Each constituency is assigned 11 representative mandates (one per district), which will subsequently be divided at the level of the constituency and the state level among political parties proportionally to the share of votes won. In addition to 88 representatives, separate elections are organized for two representatives of ethnic communities (Italian and Hungarian), which will be elected according to the majority system in two separate electoral units (so called ethnic community electoral units). Hence, members of ethnic communities will vote two times at the elections for the Slovenian parliament, which amounts to positive discrimination. The election threshold is 4%.

All political parties whose lists get supported with signatures of three representatives or 100 voters at the state level and 50 at the constituency level, can run at the elections. The requirement for nonpartisan election lists is 1000 signatures of voters in each of the 8 constituencies. 

The following political parties, coalitions and lists will participate in the parliamentary elections: ● DeSUS – Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia  /Demokratična stranka upokojencev Slovenije/ ● Homeland League /Domovinska liga – Dom/ ● Resni.ca Movement /Gibanje Resni.ca/ ● Freedom Movement /Gibanje svoboda/ ● The Left /Levica/ ● Boris Popovič’s List – /Digitalizirajmo Slovenijo/ ● Marjan Šarec’s List – LMŠ /Lista Marjana Šarca/ ● Dr. Aleksandra Pivec’s Party – Our Country /Naša dežela/ ● Our Future and Good State /Naša prihodnost in Dobra država/ ● Nonpartisan People’s List Movement for a Sound Society / Nestrankarska ljudska lista Gibanja zdrava družba/ ● New Slovenia- Christian Democrats /Nova Slovenija – krščanski demokrati/ ● Pirate Party of Slovenia /Piratska stranka Slovenije/ ● Let’s Unite Slovenia /Povežimo Slovenijo/ (Concretely /Konkretno/, Green /Zeleni/, SLS, NLS, NS) ● Slovenian Democratic Party  / Slovenska demokratska stranka (SDS)/ ● Slovenian National Party /Slovenska nacionalna stranka (SNS)/ ● Social Democrats – SD /Socialnidemokrati/ ● Alenka Bratušek’s Party – SAB /Stranka Alenke Bratušek/● Vesna – Green Party /Zelena stranka/ ● For People of Slovenia /Za ljudstvo Slovenije (ZLS)/ ● Alliance “Lets Liberate Slovenia /Zavezništvo osvobodimo Slovenijo – ZOS/United Slovenia Movement/Gibanje zedinjena Slovenija (ZSI)/ and Party of Slovenian People /Stranka slovenskega naroda (SSN)/.

Complicated situation on Slovenian political scene 

After the 2018 parliamentary elections, a minority government headed by Marjan Šarec (LMŠ) was established. Šarec made a strategic mistake when on 27 January 2020 he stepped down from the position of the president of the government. He calculated that his resignation could lead to early parliamentary elections, after which he would once again come to the position of the president of the government. Such a reckless move enabled Janez Janša (SDS) to come to power and form a right-center government, together with the Modern Centre Party /Stranka modernega centra/ (now Concretely /Konkretno/), New Slovenia /Nova Slovenija/ (NSi) and Party of Pensioners /Stranka upokojencev DeSUS/.

At the very beginning of the mandate, Janša’s government faced the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and attributed its unreadiness to cope with the pandemic the government to Šarec’s government. Slovenia undertook rigorous measures in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. However, majority of the measures proved to be excessive, some even unnecessary, while many were illegal and unconstitutional. Furthermore, questionable and dubious spending, that is misuse of public money was also recorded during the pandemic. 

Despite the promises made that the government would unify the citizens and the announcements that the coalition parties will act as a corrective to the government headed by Janez Janša and his Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), the practice was completely different. Janez Janša is regarded as an ally and satellite of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Fidesz), who is Putin’s key satellite in the European Union and NATO. This connection quickly became evident on the Slovenian political scene, particularly through the actions undertaken by Janša’s government and creation of an atmosphere in the society that had earlier also been typical of Janša’s rule. Analysts believe that this needs to be understood in the context of the fact that Budapest had become a center of “The Internationale of Crime”, while key actors in these financial (Russian) transactions have been identified as “Putinians”.

A step further was made. A period of divisions and radicalization of the Slovenian society, establishment of Orban’s model of rule and introduction of some different and alleged European values into the Slovenian social space begun. The suitable and obedient, but inexperienced, got appointed to positions. Pressure was put on the judiciary, while appointment of EU-delegated prosecutors was avoided. Pressuring and subordination of the media also became evident (most prominent cases include the RTV Slovenia broadcaster and the Slovenian News Agency – STA), as well sa untransparent use of budget funds and creation of a new social elite on the basis of personal criteria and preference of Janez Janša. In fact, Janša introduced in Slovenia an autocratic, chancellor-model of government in which all decisions are made by one single person – Janez Janša. The abuse of the repressive police apparatus and security-intelligence services, which keeps surveillance on opposition politicians, reporters and civil society, has also become evident. On many occasions Slovenian and foreign organizations dealing with human rights and status of democracy warned about the developments in the Slovenian society. Drops in ratings of Slovenia were also recorded in a number of areas. At the same time, during the rule of Janez Janša, the speaker of the parliament, who is a member of an opposition party, served a major part of his mandate. This indicates that there is no clear parliamentary majority. 

Slovenia between Brussels and Budapest

The close connection between the current Janez Janša’s government and the Visegrad group of states (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia), particularly Hungary and its Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is of no surprise. The credit for this connection can be attributed to the former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski (VMRO-DPMNE), to whom Viktor Orban has been providing refuge in Hungary for several years already, despite the international arrest warrant. What is typical for the Visegrad Group is that all member states are net receivers of European funds and, generally, as a rule, oppose the official Brussels on important issues, where it is necessary to demonstrate unity within the EU and adopt decisions on the future of the EU. The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party, who had already left the largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP), are the most prominent actors in such activities.

Viktor Orban is known as the main man of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and NATO-u. Early last year, the so-called “non-papers” attributable to the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša were leaked to the public, which further deteriorated the very tense situation in the Western Balkans. The existence of the “non-paper” was confirmed also by the President of the European Council Charles Michel. Subsequent developments and tensions in the Western Balkans were in line with the contents of the respective “non-papers.” It is also worth noting that Slovenia, together with Hungary and Croatia, blocked the decision on EU sanctions to Milorad Dodik (SNSD), Member of the BiH Presidency, who is also known as Putin’s satellite in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hence, it is obvious that Putin had launched his satellites into the orbit of European and Balkan politics. 

All the activities clearly show that the Slovenian foreign policy has directly or indirectly been in the function of Putin’s policy within the EU and on the West Balkans, which is aimed at destruction of the unity within the EU and destabilization. Hence, it has been successful in completing the task so far. Therefore, the recent “excursion” of the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša to Kyiv is regarded in international circles with caution and suspicions. As a result of such a policy, Slovenia has lost the position it had enjoyed in the West Balkans, and due to the close connections with Victor Orban, as Putin’s satellite, international circles regard Slovenia with major reservations and utmost caution. In this context, it is important to understand that Janša’s engagement in Ukraine and the attempt to include Ukraine in the Slovenian election campaign is an experiment of improvision and unseriousness. It is crystal clear that a country of the size and stature in international relations, such as Slovenia, currently cannot resolve the burning global problem – as is the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Furthermore, several years ago Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša “slipped” and insulted the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as US President Joseph Biden.

Janša’s adventurism in foreign policy reflected also on his relations with China because of his solo stances on Taiwan, which triggered strong response by the Chinese authorities. Nevertheless, in such circumstances Janša nominated Slovenia for the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 period, which is an act of foreign-policy amateurism. One should also not neglect the fact that in the past Slovenia had already unsuccessfully applied for the position of a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2012-2013 period.

A state that is a full-fledged member of the EU and NATO, as well as aspires to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council should pursue a more appropriate foreign policy engagement. 

Analysts believe that at the upcoming parliamentary elections the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia will decide on the future of their country. Specifically, will the future of their country be directed towards the very core of the EU and cooperation within EU institutions or towards Budapest and Victor Orban.

Change of mindset of Slovenians 

The revision of Slovenian history by the current Slovenian government is aimed to present the defeated forces from World War II as the winners. This is a twisted act. Awakening of the defeated fascist ideologies has become a constant of the current government and it triggers strong reactions at social and political level. Slovenians as a nation are profound antifascists and very sensitive when it comes to falsification of history. 

Features of the autocratization process[2] are also apparent through the intensive attacks on the civil society, attacks on the reporters and censorship in the media. According to the report on the status of democracy by the University in Gothenborg, the states[3] with increased media censorship by the government are Mauritius, Poland and Slovenia. The countries that are most rapidly plunging into autocracy include Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Myanmar and Slovenia. According to the global Human Freedom Index, Slovenia has dropped to the 36th position, which indicates a descending trend. Furthermore, according to Gallup, Slovenia is among the top ten countries when it comes to anti-American sentiments. 

Analysts believe that just as he himself had announced, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša needs five years for the experiment of “liberation” of Slovenia. In this context, he naturally plans to change the mindset of Slovenians as a profoundly antifascist nation into something diametrically opposite. Slovenians need a vision for the future, not falsification of history. 

Slovenian mistrust in established political parties

In Slovenia, in the fourth election cycle the voters showed mistrust in established political parties. This is a consequence of their actions so far, because they did not offer innovative political programs, new faces and a more certain future to the citizens. It needs to be emphasized that while in 2004, when it became an EU member, Slovenia was the leading country in the group of 10 newly integrated countries by all indicators, it is now in the middle of the rankings. As a politician and president of a political party, Janez Janša is the only one in the EU with an almost 30-year mandate, which is a novum in democratic societies. This is an indicator of incapacitated democracy and leads to autocracy. 

Analysts believe that Slovenia is faced with a serious crisis of political elites, which commenced with the departure of prime minister and president of many years, Janez Drnovšek, from the political scene. As a result of such a situation, in each election cycle the voters seek new trustworthy individuals. At the current elections, they see Robert Golob as such an individual and his recently established Freedom Movement is the favorite in the parliamentary elections.

Slovenia to face political changes

The data presented by the Chair of the Commission for Prevention of Corruption (KPK) Robert Šumi[4] , according to which Slovenia is at major loss because of corruption and loses up to 3.5 billion Euros per year (which practically is the entire budget of the Republic of North Macedonia) offers an illustration of the situation in Slovenia. 

Public opinion polls indicate that the Freedom Movement has a lead, and is followed by the Slovenian Democratic Party. Namely, the parliamentary elections will factually be a contest between two main political contestants. Specifically, Golob’s Freedom Movement and Janša’s SDS, which diminishes the chances of smaller parties to pass the election threshold.

Analysts believe that Slovenia needs competent politicians with democratic capacity to achieve the much needed social consensus on the future. Slovenia needs a higher level of political culture, as in the current mandate of Janša’s government it had reached the lowest level since it gained independence. After the elections, Slovenia will need a “conclave” of key actors of the Slovenian state and society to decide on how is Slovenia to stop its further regression and ensure its future. The announced political changes in Slovenia also open the possibility of repetition of “Trump’s syndrome” in the transfer of authority. It is possible that the current government will not recognize the results of the elections and bring into question the legality and legitimacy of the election process and in such a way try to justify the defeat at the elections to its voters. Parliamentary elections will also have a direct impact on the local and presidential elections scheduled to take place in the second half of 2022. 

Published by IFIMES – The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyzes developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. In the eve of the regular parliamentary elections, scheduled to take on 24 April 2022 in the Republic of Slovenia, IFIMES made an analysis of the pre-election situation in the country.        

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)/UN since 2018.
[2] Interview with Prime Minister Janez Janša: Slovenia will be liberated in five years!, link: https://nova24tv.si/slovenija/intervju-s-predsednikom-vlade-janezom-janso-slovenija-bo-cez-pet-let-osvobojena/
[3] Democracy report 2022 Autocratization Changing Nature?, link: https://v-dem.net/media/publications/dr_2022.pdf
[4] Šumi: Due to corruption we are at a major loss of up to 3.5 billion Euros per year link: https://www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/sumi-zaradi-korupcije-izgubljamo-veliko-morda-3-5-milijarde-evrov-letno/604017

Venezuela request to defer ICC Prosecutor Investigation

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Venezuela request to defer ICC Prosecutor Investigation

ICC Prosecutor, Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC, notifies Pre-Trial Chamber I of a request from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to defer his investigation under article 18(2) of the Rome Statute and confirms intention to apply for authority to resume investigations


On 16 April 2022, I received a request from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (“Venezuela”) to defer my Office’s investigations with respect to the Situation in Venezuela I, in favour of the actions carried out by the national authorities of Venezuela. Specifically, Venezuela has triggered the procedure under article 18 of the Rome Statute whereby a State may inform the Court that it is investigating or has investigated its nationals or others within its jurisdiction with respect to criminal acts which may constitute crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court, and may formally request that the ICC Prosecutor defer to the State’s investigation of those persons. The Statute requires that I either accept the deferral request or that I make an application to the Pre-Trial Chamber requesting authorisation to resume my own investigations.  

I have yesterday notified Venezuela’s deferral request to the Pre-Trial Chamber, as well as my intention to apply, as soon as possible, for authority to resume my investigations. In my notification I communicated this determination because, having reviewed the basis of the deferral request, I have concluded that no new information had been submitted that would warrant a revision of my earlier complementarity assessment that relevant potential cases that would arise from an investigation into the situation would be admissible.   

It will be for the Pre-Trial Chamber to decide on the procedure to be followed once I have submitted my application to proceed with the investigation, including any responses from Venezuela, as well as relevant observations by victims, their legal representatives, and other interested parties.  

Pending a ruling from the Pre-Trial Chamber on my application, my Office may also seek authority to execute specific investigative measures pursuant to article 18(6), where necessary.

I wish to recall that the effective implementation of the Rome Statute is a responsibility shared between the ICC and State Parties to the Rome Statute, such as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  Since taking office, I have been clear that the meaningful realisation of the vision set out in the Statute can only be achieved by deepening cooperation and by finding common ground wherever possible, even in complex and challenging circumstances. Reflecting that view, during my engagement with the Venezuelan authorities I have demonstrated  my willingness to cooperate with the national authorities in their efforts to seek justice, while also making it clear that I will not hesitate to move forward when I believe the provisions of the Rome Statute are satisfied.  It is on the basis of this two-track approach that I announced the opening of my investigation during my first visit to Caracas in 3 November 2021 while simultaneously concluding a Memorandum of understanding with Venezuela regarding the promotion of cooperation and complementarity.

While the Venezuelan authorities did not agree with my decision to open an investigation, I considered it to their credit that they nevertheless sought to engage with my Office so as to develop stronger cooperation and to identify ways in which we may be able to support domestic accountability processes.  In this respect, I welcome the willingness of Venezuela to continue cooperating with the OTP notwithstanding its request that I defer my investigation.  In the same spirit, I will also continue working with Venezuela in order to advance implementation of all aspects of the Memorandum of Understanding while clearly meeting the statutory obligations of my Office with respect to our independent investigations.

Migrant smuggling network in Moldova and Romania dismantled

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Migrant smuggling network in Moldova and Romania dismantled

The Hague, 20 April 2022

Eurojust has assisted the Moldovan and Romanian authorities in dismantling an organised crime group (OCG) that was involved in migrant smuggling. During an action day, nine suspects were detained and 66 locations were searched in the Republic of Moldova. Eurojust provided financial support and assisted the authorities in setting up a joint investigation team (JIT).

It is suspected that a cross-border OCG set up in the Republic of Moldova had been illegally transferring migrants, mainly of Asian origin, to Austria and Germany via the Republic of Moldova and Romania since the summer of 2021.

The OCG was organised in clusters, part of which was assigned to Turkey where its members identified and recruited most of the migrants destined for Western Europe. After being provided with transport to the Republic of Moldova, the migrants were brought into the country by other members of the OCG, who subsequently ensured their fraudulent border crossing into Romanian territory and finally into Austria or Germany.

The migrants were transported in small groups of six to ten people in modified vans with hidden compartments specially arranged for their concealment. The criminal group often used additional automobiles as forerunners, to prevent the transports from being discovered.

The price paid by migrants for the trafficking activity varied between EUR 5 000 and EUR 8 000 per person, depending on the distance and the nature of the transport offered.

The proceeds from this activity were invested by the members of the OCG in luxury items, cars and real estate.

During an action day carried out in the Republic of Moldova on 19 April, nine suspects were detained. A total of 66 search warrants for homes and cars used by members of the OGG were executed in Chisinau and in the southern part of the country.

In addition to supporting the establishment of the JIT and providing it with funding, Eurojust actively facilitated the cross-border judicial cooperation between the national authorities involved and organised a coordination meeting to agree upon the best way forward in the national cases.

Europol provided additional analytical support to the investigation, facilitated the exchange of information and supported the law enforcement authorities.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Romania: Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism – Galati Territorial Service, Police Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime, Galati Police Brigade of Countering Organized Crime
  • Republic of Moldova: Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases

Call Centres Involved in Online Investment Fraud

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Call Centres Involved in Online Investment Fraud

Takedown of infrastructure of call centres involved in online investment fraud responsible for losses of at least EUR 20 million

The Hague, 21 April 2022

At the request of the Estonian authorities, Eurojust and Europol have assisted the takedown of an online investment fraud scheme, which defrauded victims of at least EUR 20 million. Authorities in Finland, the Netherlands, Latvia, France, Germany and Ukraine supported the operation, taking place today, during which more than fifty servers and services were seized in six countries.

The perpetrators allegedly belong to an internationally organised crime group (OCG) that contacted victims by telephone and via the internet. They presented themselves as brokers of online trading platforms dealing in cryptocurrencies, to convince victims to make investments. In addition to the fraudulent offers, the perpetrators installed remote access programmes that allowed them to illegally access the victims’ computers and steal their banking credentials (bank card data, cryptocurrency wallet access information).

Once the victims joined the platform and made a payment, they were unable to withdraw any money. The web pages were eventually taken offline, or additional payments were requested in order to retrieve the original investment.

It is believed that more than 30 000 people from at least 71 different countries – at least 522 victims are registered in Estonia alone – have fallen victim to the criminal network.

The OCG used a large-scale IT infrastructure that included tens of virtual servers. The members of the network used computers in call centres to connect to the servers. Additionally, the OCG used several sophisticated, self-developed databases that included the overall digital footprint of the victims and anonymising services. This was necessary for the upkeep of the large-scale criminal activities and for hiding the criminal business model from law enforcement.

Eurojust facilitated judicial cooperation in this case by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT). Two coordination meetings were organised to coordinate the national investigations and prepare for the action day. Europol provided analytical support to the investigations.

To support the action day on 21 April 2022, Eurojust set up a coordination centre to enable rapid cooperation between the involved judicial authorities. The purpose of the operation was to disrupt and paralyse the criminal activities of the OCG.

As a result, more than 50 servers were seized (taken down and data copied), in Finland, the Netherlands, Latvia, France and Germany.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Estonia: North District Prosecutors’ Office and North Prefecture of the Police and Border Guard Board.
  • Finland: National Bureau of Investigation
  • The Netherlands: National Police Unit The Hague
  • Latvia: International Cooperation Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police of Latvia
  • France: Investigative judge from JIRS Lille (Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction); LION (Operational Investigative Laboratory for cybercrime) of the National Police DZPJ
  • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center –, State Criminal Police Office Hessen
  • Ukraine: National Police of Ukraine and Prosecutor General’s Office.

ICC President visits Guinea-Bissau to encourage ratification of the Rome Statute

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ICC President visits Guinea-Bissau to encourage ratification of the Rome Statute

On 19 and 20 April 2022, the President of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”), Judge Piotr Hofmański, visited Guinea-Bissau where he met with the country’s highest authorities to encourage ratification of the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty.

President Hofmański held productive discussions with H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau; H.E. Cipriano Cassamá, President of the National Assembly; H.E. José Pedro Sambú, President of the Supreme Court of Justice; H.E. Soares Sambú, Deputy Prime Minister; H.E. Suzi Barbosa, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Teresa Alexandrina da Silva, Minister of Justice; and leaders of parliamentary groups.

In his conversations with the national authorities, President Hofmański emphasised that by ratifying the Rome Statute, countries show their commitment to the rule of law, peace and security. He underlined that joining the ICC is crucial for the prevention of the most serious crimes under international law – genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. He further stressed that by joining the ICC, Guinea Bissau would contribute to making the system of international criminal justice more universal and thereby strengthen the fight against impunity and victims’ access to justice on every continent of the world.

During his visit, President Hofmański also met with H.E. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guinea-Bissau; H.E. Sónia Neto, Head of the European Union delegation in Guinea-Bissau; as well as other members of the diplomatic corps based in Bissau.  

The Rome Statute, ICC’s founding treaty of the ICC, was adopted on 17 July 1998 and entered into force on 1 July 2002. 123 States are parties to the Statute. Guinea-Bissau signed the Statute on 12 September 2000 but has not ratified it. 


The visit was financially supported by the European Commission.

Sexual exploitation of Romanian victims in Netherlands

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Sexual exploitation of Romanian victims in Netherlands

Eurojust has supported the Romanian and Dutch authorities in an action against sexual exploitation of young female victims in the Netherlands and other European countries. During an action day, five suspects were identified by the Romanian authorities for involvement in an organised crime group (OCG), trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, pimping, organised property crime and money laundering. A total of eight places were searched in both countries and a further thirty individuals were heard as part of the case.

The suspects used the so-called ‘loverboy’ method, approaching young female victims from disadvantaged backgrounds, promising them good job prospects in the Netherlands and other EU countries. In reality, the victims had their identity documents taken away and were forced into prostitution. This method of trafficking in human beings is a phenomenon used by similar OCGs operating from Romania.

The suspects had no other main forms of income and transferred their illegal profits to Romania via money transfers, before spending it on luxury cars, drugs and gambling. During the action day, luxury vehicles, phones, bikes, weapons and money were seized. The identified suspects have been placed under preventive measures in Romania.

Eurojust supported the national authorities involved, including by setting up a coordination centre for the action day, and assisted in the preparations by organising seven coordination meetings. The Agency also assisted with the transmission and execution of European Investigation Orders.

Investigations into the OCG were led by the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), of the Galati Territorial Office. The Directorate is a specialised structure established in 2004 within the Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice of Romania for combating and investigating organised crime and terrorism and other serious offences.

A total of 24 police officers from the Brigade for Combating Organized Crime of Galati were deployed in Romania, with support from the  Galati County Police Inspectorate, the County Inspectorate of the Gendarmerie and the Department for Special Operations. In the Netherlands, the operation was carried out by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of The Hague and the National Police.

Dutch Premiere – Austrian film

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Dutch Premiere – Austrian film

At Filmhuis Den Haag / with filmmaker ARASH T. RIAHI

On Saturday 23 April at 1 pm, the Dutch premiere of the film “OSKAR AND LILLI: WHERE NO ONE KNOWS US” (Ein bisschen bleiben wir noch) will take place.

The film by the well-known Austrian filmmaker/director Arash T. Riahi, based on a novel by Monika Helfer, is screened as part of the Eastern Neighbours Film Festival at Filmhuis Den Haag. The director Arash T. Riahi will be present and have a chat with the audience after the film.

“OSKAR AND LILLI: WHERE NO ONE KNOWS US” (Ein bisschen bleiben wir noch) is the moving story of two Chechen children who, after their mother collapses, are placed in different families. But their close bond and mutual love are so strong that they come up with various bright, often funny solutions and defy all bureaucratic obstacles with passion, imagination and humour. The face of Europe is reflected in this strong film.

An audience favourite in many countries, winner of the FIFEM Montreal Grand Prix, awarded the prestigious Max Ophüls Prize in Germany, and many other awards from professional, teen and children’s juries, this uniquely human, political, warm and charming story proves to touch the hearts of young people and adults alike.

The film will be screened again on Sunday 24 April at 3 pm. The film is suitable for young people aged 8 and up.

More information and ticket sales can be found here.

Connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands in One Business Platform

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Connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands in One Business Platform

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 8 April 2022. The Malietoren served as a backdrop for Connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands in one business platform conference. Organizers, the Embassy of Vietnam, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam(DBAV) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce(NVCC)

The collaboration enables DBAV/NVCC  to offer a single Dutch-Vietnamese business platform to businesses professionals in both countries. Thanks to the members and databases, an effective network has been created.

H.E. Ambassador Pham Viet Anh was the guest of honour at the conference. Guests were welcomed by Mr. Koos van Eijk in the name of DBAV, NVCC, NL in Business and NL Works.

The first speaker Mr. Joost Vrancken Peeters chairman of NVCC recounts how the cooperation came about.  Next was a recorded message by Mr. Guido van Rooy, Executive Director for DBAV in Ho Chi Minh City.

Connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands in One Business Platform

Other speakers are the host, Ms. Lise Hordijk, International Business Manager NL in Business. NL in Business is the driving force behind DBAV. Mr Koos van Eijk introduced the keynote speaker, H.E.Mr Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

“It’s my great pleasure to join you in this significant event, when DBAV stands with NVCC after 2 tough years of Covid pandemic. And I see it’s also the very first event organized by 2 associations after the official announcement of the collaboration in one platform to enhance our trade and investment relations.

I have followed your footsteps.

DBAV is so active in Viet Nam with lots of supportive activities for your members and really a voice of Dutch businesses in Viet Nam and I could see that clearly through the pandemic time. Despites many difficulties and impacts on many businesses, DBAV and their members were always besides us with big contribution in many kinds to the government, to the local authorities and to businesses as well.

And for NVCC, I have witnessed your supports extended to our activities in the past few years, especially when we had high level delegates to the Netherlands. NVCC is the platform helping Dutch and Dutch Vietnamese businesses to exchange their interests in trading and investment in Viet Nam. But, I see NVCC looking for Vietnamese enterprises willing focus to Netherlands market. And I’m happy whith that.

Dear friends, what you did has been admirable. Not because of the size, scope, but because of the practical meaning of your actions to Dutch and Vietnamese businesses in Vietnam, energizing all to overcome challenges of the pandemic and develop. You have stayed in Vietnam, trusted Vietnam, and determined to develop the Dutch business community in Vietnam. Your commitment has been a source of encouragement for us.

On this opportunity, we are also deeply thankful to Dutch businesses for their precious support of medical equipment to Vietnam. We, Vietnamese have a proverb meaning “a corner of bread when hungry is more precious than the banquet when full”. For these reasons, once again, I would like to convey to you our grattitude and appreciation.

Back to our even, firstly, I would like to congratulate DBAV and NVCC for creating a platform to effectively implement your tasks. The linkage of DBAV and NVCC gave me one more illustration of the Dutch key to success: unity makes strength, as you have done to build up the Netherlands, rising from the lowlands and expanding trade to foreign markets.

Secondly, I would like to take this opportunity to suggest two associations, to further spread the spirit of this platform of  DBAV and NVCC, to connect more widely, and to share your methodology and technology with Vietnamese businesses, especially in the sectors that Viet Nam really need, such as: circular economy, water treatment, agriculture …We would like to become a country of production and not only a country of raw materials.

Last, but not least, I would like to wish the collaboration between 2 associations will be successful to bring benefits to both Dutch and Vietnamese businesses and effectively contribute to enhance the bilateral trade and investment. The Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands, as well as the Dutch Embassy in Hanoi and the Dutch Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (and I’m sur) are always your trustful companions and ready to help. Wish you all health and success!”

Mr Koos van Eijk introduces the last speaker, a new member, Mr Laurens Maartenns Business Manager at Netherlands Global Payment StoneX.  Maartens is an experienced banker. Was director at UBS, Rabobank, and StoneX Bank, held various other positions in the financial world.

Connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands in One Business Platform.

A Q&A  session followed.

The Vietnam – Netherlands promotional afternoon brilliantly concluded with the shooting of a family portrait and a subsequent reception.

Fifty years Independence of Bangladesh and Bangladesh – Netherlands Diplomatic relations

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Fifty years Independence of Bangladesh and Bangladesh – Netherlands Diplomatic relations

By Roy Lie Atjam

Celebration of fifty years (Golden Jubilee) of the Independence of Bangladesh and also Bangladesh – Netherlands diplomatic relations on the 28th  March 2022. An evening of Bangladesh – the Netherlands celebration, at the heart of The Hague.

H.E. Ambassador Riaz Hamidullah hosted a reception at the phenomenal Grote Kerk. Diplomats, dignitaries, international judges, public servants, distinguished Dutch friends, and Bangladeshi diaspora responded to the cordial invitation and attended the marvellous reception.

H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah and his spouse Sazia Ahmed.
Bangladesh Golden Jubilee Celebration

The guests enjoyed typical Bangladeshi hospitality, music, a video screening and an authentic Bangladeshi buffet topped off with a speech by Ambassador Riaz Hamidullah.

Here follows an extract of a  statement issued by the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands ” it’s a modest opportunity to convey our gratitude for recognizing the ‘idea of Bangladesh’ within 2 month’s of her emergence out of a brutal War and Genocide. For standing thick and thin with a people five decades on – in rain, sun, storms.

To everyone from the Netherlands who joined us (and even who couldn’t), my gratitude.

The Ambassador of Bangladesh, Drs. Paul Huijts, and spouse.

It’s not just an evening to celebrate the journey in past five decades e.g. story of 70,000 Dutch tulips blossoming in Bangladesh soil thru ordinary farmers; 20 frames on display (out of the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands Deltares collaborative Photo Contest); crafts on display; AVs on screen; Journey of Amit Biswas (for his phenomenal Logo Land) or young Saraf N. (as President of Technische Universiteit Delft students body) illustrate a new level of friendship n collaboration.

All spoke of a people connecting with values-aspirations-resilience in Dutch people, irrespective of endowments or capacity.

Prof.Dr Jan Pronk



Prof. Dr Jan Pronk‘s recollection of conversation with 🇧🇩 Father of Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, quote from a Bangladesh poet laureate, recollection of 1971 War-Genocide, portrayal of the vision (Sonar Bangla) in continuum – all portrayed of a treasured Dutch view of Bangladesh as our walk began.


Humbled to hear perspectives from Drs. Paul Huijts, Permanent-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as he shared of Dutch approach/engagements with Bangladesh – at bilateral as well as global levels.

Celebration in Bangladesh is incomplete without music: so we presented 4 notable musicians and also a Dutch – all the way from Bangladesh. Through 2 Dutch songs + 1 Friesian + 4 melodies from Bangladesh we tried to pay tribute to all women-men and enterprises/entities for their friendship, collaboration, and support.

Let the sounds travel beyond walls, in tested and trusted ties between the two peoples. In celebrating empathy, harmony, inclusion for all people”.

Long live Bangladesh-the Netherlands friendship!

Joy Bangla!

The Embassy of Rwanda Commemorated the Genocide against the Tutsi

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The Embassy of Rwanda Commemorated the Genocide against the Tutsi

28th Commemoration of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

On April 7th 2022, Rwanda and the world marked the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The commemoration period, commonly referred to as Kwibuka (the Kinyarwanda word for remembrance), is an opportunity to pay homage to the victims as well as reflect on the transformational journey that Rwanda has been on for the last 28 years.

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands started the 28th commemoration program on the 7th of April in The Hague. H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe hosted the official Kwibuka28 commemoration at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague.

H.E. Mr. Andrei Yeudachenka, Ambassador of Belarus and H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe of Rwanda.

Themed “Remember – Unite – Renew”, the commemoration was an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than million innocent lives lost.

H.E. Ms.Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama and the Ambassador of Rwanda.

Program:

  • Introduction by Mr. Pascal Murasira, Master of Ceremony
  • Lighting of Urumuri Rutazima, the never-ending light of hope (by the four speakers)
  • Minute of silence
  • Welcome remarks by Mrs. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague
  • Remarks by Mrs. Christine Safari, Chairperson of IBUKA-Netherlands
  • Video of the testimony by Mrs. Immaculée Mukamuhirwa, Genocide survivor
  • Remarks by Mrs. Kitty van der Heijden, Director General for International Cooperation in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Musical interlude
  • Keynote address by Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala signing the special Kwibuka 28th commemoration book.

Mrs. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague:

“We will never be able to rid ourselves of the memories of the horrific events in 1994. Luckily, they have been a source of inspiration for many to do good. So that we never forget what happened then, and to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.”

Mrs. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague.

“See the creation of the International Criminal Court by national governments in 1998. Or the hundreds of NGOs around the world who are active in the fight against impunity. Seeking to promote accountability for past atrocities in places emerging from a violent past. I am proud that many of them are based here in The Hague.”

Mrs. Christine Safari, Chairperson of IBUKA-Netherlands

Mrs. Christine Safari, Chairperson of IBUKA-Netherlands:

“After more than two decades since the Genocide happened, we pay homage and magnify ours who were massacred because they were born Tutsis. We must console and comfort those who have lost loved ones, orphans, widowers and those without family so that they are not overwhelmed with grief because they need reassurance to give them courage and the confidence to continue to resist this hypocritical, unjust, unstable and insatiable mode.”

“In this long journey, we must also reflect on the path already traveled in the reconstruction of Rwanda, to restore the dignity of Rwandans, to ensure our development while consolidating the achievements of our progress.”

Mrs. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague.

Mrs. Kitty van der Heijden, Director General for International Cooperation in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

“Since 1994, Rwanda’s government and people have done a tremendous job of rebuilding their country. I’m proud that the Dutch government has assisted Rwanda in that process. Immediately after the genocide, Rwanda and the Netherlands became development partners. The Netherlands was a major donor supporting the rebuilding of Rwanda’s justice sector. We took on this role because we believe there can be no lasting peace without justice, and respect for human rights.”

“Our countries’ bilateral development cooperation will come to a close at the end of this year. It’s impressive that Rwanda has set itself the goal of becoming independent of foreign aid. Looking ahead, we will focus on stepping up mutual trade and investment. Of course, our future relationship will continue to involve a frank and constructive dialogue about justice and human rights. In fact, trade and investment will prosper only if the principles of the rule of law are adhered to, and human rights are respected. I look towards our common future with hope and confidence.”

H.E. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda.

H.E. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

“The Government of Rwanda renews its gratitude to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its unwavering support since 1994. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and in the aftermath of the genocide, the Government of the Netherlands was at the forefront in supporting Rwanda in one the most critical areas after such tragedy: the justice sector. It is precisely when victims were crying out for accountability that most professionals of justice had been killed or had fled the country and that most infrastructures of justice and their equipment were destroyed or stolen.”

“The Dutch cooperation in that regard was quite comprehensive and decisive. Courtrooms and correctional services were rebuilt, equipped and modernized; judges, prosecutors and lawyers were trained, including here in the Netherlands, and a number of genocide suspects who had fled to this country were investigated, arrested, prosecuted or extradited. I can confidently say that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the countries in Europe that have done the most in holding genocide suspects accountable. As we celebrated, last year in June 2021, the 25th anniversary of the Dutch-Rwandan cooperation in the justice sector, allow me to once again convey our satisfaction for the achievements registered in that regard.”

“My only hope is that the remaining genocide fugitives who still live and are currently investigated in the Netherlands will soon be brought to book. This is critical because most genocide suspects who fled abroad, including in this country, are fuelling genocide ideology with impunity since 1994 and are even engaging in subversive activities, supporting armed groups operating in the neighbouring countries, with a view to “finishing the job”, as they once claimed.”

“On Rwanda’s side, as a lesson learned from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, our country became committed to peacekeeping and to the protection of civilians around the world. In that regard, our country is regularly ranked among the top five UN troops and police contributing countries globally, not to mention that our forces are also deployed in Mozambique and Central African Republic on a bilateral basis to fight terrorism and armed groups.”

“I wish to call on all of us to remember, unite and renew, but most of all to continue reflecting on lessons learned from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, especially in this troubled world of armed conflicts and related mass atrocities. As we are gathered here in The Hague, “The City of Peace and Justice”, we should speak up and act, as diplomats, government’s officials and citizens of the world, against hate, xenophobia, racism, antisemitism and all other evils that could lead to genocide.”

Kwibuka 28th
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