President Xi Jinping calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world

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President Xi Jinping calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Union leaders during their visit to Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday. CGTN published an article exploring China-EU relations in two-way trade and investment, emphasizing the need for both sides to embrace multilateralism, openness and cooperation to bring greater stability and certainty to the world.

BEIJING, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fifty years ago, China-Europe trade was a trickle. Now, as the two sides mark half a century of ties, a single day’s trade equals what they exchanged in the entire year when relations were first established.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history.

There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, Xi told European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

“The current challenges facing the EU do not come from China,” he said, adding that the fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant.

Xi put forward three proposals for the future of China-EU relations: both sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of their relations as partnership, embrace openness and cooperation while properly managing differences and frictions, and practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order.

Trade and investment

At Thursday’s meeting, the Chinese president said the China-EU economic and trade relationship is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial and can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development.

China’s high-quality development and opening up will provide new opportunities and potentials for China-EU cooperation, Xi noted, calling on both sides to strengthen green and digital partnership and boost mutual investment and cooperation.

In 2024, trade between China and the EU soared to $785.8 billion, an increase of over 300 times compared to when diplomatic relations began in 1975, according to China’s customs authorities.

Two-way investment flows have also shown sustained growth in recent years, indicating a positive trend. Chinese battery manufacturer CALB, for instance, is building a $2.2-billion plant in Sines, Portugal, expected to create 1,800 jobs.

Xi expressed hope that the EU can remain open in the trade and investment market, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and foster a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the EU.

At the 25th China-EU summit on Thursday, both sides agreed to forge an “upgraded version” of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism, have timely communication on each other’s concerns and jointly keep the industrial and supply chains between China and Europe stable and unimpeded.

Multilateralism

Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world and consistently supported European integration and the strategic autonomy of the EU.

China-EU relations are not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party, he said, calling on both sides to deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and foster a correct perception of each other.

Pascal Lamy, the former European commissioner for trade, told CGTN that despite differences, China and the EU share crucial common ground in defending multilateralism and cooperating on global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and ocean protection.

Among the outcomes of Thursday’s summit, leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing green development.

Xi underscored the importance of China and the EU as constructive forces for multilateralism, openness and cooperation, and called on both sides to provide more stability and certainty to the world.

Published by China Global Television Network

Danish King and Queen Board Royal Yacht Dannebrog

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Danish King and Queen Board Royal Yacht Dannebrog

Marking the Start of the 2025 Summer Cruise

On 7 May 2025, Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary officially boarded the royal yacht Dannebrog at Nordre Toldbod, Copenhagen, marking the formal commencement of the 2025 sailing season.

A parading roll by the ship’s crew welcomed them aboard. The ceremony included a 27-gun salute fired from Battery Sixtus, followed by a reception in Helsingør, where the royal couple were greeted by local dignitaries and residents.

This annual boarding tradition dates back to the reign of King Christian IX in the late 1800s and has been upheld by successive monarchs, including King Frederik IX and Queen Margrethe II.

Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary.! Foto Hasse Ferrold.

The royal yacht Dannebrog (A540), launched in 1931 and commissioned in 1932, serves both as the official and private residence of the Danish monarch and royal family during summer cruises and state visits. In addition, it supports the Royal Danish Navy in duties such as surveillance, rescue operations, and the training of conscripts—having covered over 800,000 nauticalmiles and trained more than 3,400 conscripts over its decades of service.

What is…: “RESILIENCE”?

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What is…: “RESILIENCE”?

A brief guide for Diplomats (and non-diplomats)

By Eelco H. Dykstra, M.D.

You may have noticed that in the last few years, the use of the term “Resilience” has skyrocketed and now has become a buzzword. This was also noticeable during the recent NATO Summit in The Hague. In and by itself, this shouldn’t surprise us since many of us feel the world we live in has become increasingly ‘Vulnerable, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous’ – or “VUCA,” as it is known.

The term ‘Resilience’ however, has been around for a long time, something that those who use the word may not always be aware of. Time therefore to take a brief dip – with a Thought and a Smile… – into understanding the origin, meaning, use and limitations of ‘Resilience.’

So, here’s a brief guide, for diplomats as well as non-diplomats.

Origin and development of ‘Resilience’

Fingers are pointed here to an obscure branch of science called ‘Materials Technology’ where the word was used to describe the (cap)ability of matter to return to its original form after deformation.

In the latter part of 20th century its use expanded to other scientific domains such as (small island) ecology and (mental) health. During the 1980’s it developed into a hot topic in the private sector (business continuity) and public administration (“COOP”: Continuity of Operations).

Resilience nowadays is something that links negativity (‘jeopardy’) with positivity (‘opportunity’), thus functioning as a bridge between ‘Risk’ (= problems) and ‘Resilience’ (= solutions).

Intermezzo…

Let’s use an example from the world of sports to clarify this essential point.

  • Most coaches, teams, clubs, and fans continuously ask: “How can we score goals?” (= opportunity).
  • Smart(er) coaches, teams, clubs, and fans, however, also ask this question: “What prevents us from scoring goals?” (= jeopardy)
  • The most successful of coaches, teams, clubs, and fans ask and answer both questions simultaneously. Like a bridge. Like Resilience. Transitioning from ‘Risk’ to ‘Resilience.’


How do we define ‘Resilience’?

The most practical definition is this one: 

                                   CAPACITY

Resilience =     —————–

                              VULNERABILITY

Please note that when we talk about CAPACITY, there is a distinction between Coping capacity (for rapid-onset problems) and Adaptive capacity (for more gradually developing problems).

Confirmed during the NATO Summit but also on a more regular basis at local, national, and international levels (such as other The Hague-based entities like OPCW), one can strengthen resilience by increasing capacity, by reducing vulnerability or, preferably, by doing both.

Lastly, a note of warning. When defining ‘Resilience,’ be aware of differences in semantics, terminology, and connotation. In the Netherlands for instance, the Dutch government considers the term ‘weerbaarheid’ as synonymous with ‘resilience.’ When we translate ‘weerbaarheid’ however, we end up with ‘the ability to resist’ and the underlying suggestion is that there is an external enemy.

Resilience of ‘what’?

This question can be rephrased as: “What should we be afraid off?” Well, the answer to that one is not too difficult: a disruption of essential services.

For what the ‘Top-4-Essential-Services’ looks like for all things alive, [= Oxygen, Water, Calories, Shelter], you can also visit my previous column “Biology 101 for Diplomats”.

One could also rephrase this question as: “What makes a person or organization ‘resilient’?”

Aside from increasing capacity and decreasing vulnerability (see above), Diane Coutu researched for years what the personal and institutional characteristics were that would favour Resilience. She shared her findings in the Harvard Business Review in 2002.

She concluded that there were three essential ingredients needed to be(come) resilient:

  1. SEE THINGS FOR WHAT THEY ARE

[= and not what you want them to be – or are afraid they might be…]

  • GIVE MEANING TO HARDSHIP

[= don’t sit in a corner crying and wait for help but get up and do something…]

  • HAVE AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO IMPROVISE

[= this includes the option to throw out all pre-existing plans, procedures, and protocols…]

Amanda Ripley confirmed that these three elements indeed needed to be present at the same time (!) in her book “The Unthinkable” (2008).

So yes, Resilience is a good thing.

Do you want a few more things to mull over?

  • From a philosophical perspective, one might say that the only entity that is truly resilient by design (and not by retrofit) is ‘Nature.’
  • From an operational perspective, yes, reducing vulnerability and increasing the capacity to cope or adapt, is highly advisable.
  • Finally, remember that being resilient is not so much a status or a box-to-be-ticked, but a mindset, a mentality.

Which leaves all of us to ponder the following question, with a thought and a smile:

So, how ‘resilient’ are we, really?

About the author:

Eelco H. Dykstra. Photography by Tom Manning

Once dubbed a ‘Global Nomad’ in East Africa, Eelco H. Dykstra is a seasoned international crisis and emergency expert. As a true ‘Prac-Ademic’, he blends – also in his column “A Thought and a Smile” – his innate optimism with knowledge from his practical experience and rigorous fact-finding. 

Aside from being founder/chair of the Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) network and a visiting professor in South Africa, he initiated the ’20/20 Vision’ program for the dual purpose of strengthening value-based resilience and overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of implementing lessons (to  be) learned. Eelco has been a correspondent, written multiple books and articles and continues to work extensively with media, government, business, NGO’s and community-based initiatives. In short, Eelco is a transdisciplinary and trans-cultural multi-tasker – just like diplomats are.

Among his hobbies are cooking and playing the cello – see picture, taken by Tom Manning, during an impromptu performance with the Soweto Youth Orchestra.

Eelco H. Dykstra Professor (visiting), Adaptation and Resilience, University of South-Africa, UNISA. Chair, ’20/20 Vision’ Program: How do we go from ‘Risk’ to ‘Resilience”? Founder, Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) Network 
www.diem.nu  www.20outof20.vision / eelco.dykstra@diem.nu

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Opening Thailand Grand Festival Edition 2025

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Opening Thailand Grand Festival Edition 2025

By Roy Lie Atjam

The opening of the Thailand Grand Festival 2025, organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague. This is the largest festival in the Netherlands that showcases the very best of Thailand.

Lange Voorhout, The Hague,Saturday 12th July 2025.  The annual Thailand Grand Festival has triumphantly outdone last year’s attendance, marking an extraordinary celebration of Thai culture.

The beautiful weather played a vital role in inviting crowds to join in this joyous celebration. This year’s carefully crafted program highlighted the richness of Thai traditions, from enticing cuisine to the exhilarating Songkran Thai New Year celebration, reminding us all of the vibrant spirit of togetherness and heritage.

Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Asi Mamanee.

“We’ve brought together the mouthwatering street food, refreshing drinks, authentic Thai products, dazzling performances from all regions of Thailand  presented to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand and the prestigious “Banditpatanasilpa” Institute of Fine Arts under our Ministry of Culture.

This year, we are especially proud to highlight Songkran, the Thai New Year, as part of our show. Songkran is one of our most beloved traditions — a time of renewal, family, respect, and joy.

Through this celebration of Thai cultural heritage, we hope to deepen the bond of friendship between Thailand and the Netherlands  and between our two peoples which has lasted over four centuries.

I hope you will enjoy the spectacular performances, and feel the spirit of our friendship throughout this festival. But this is just the appetizer — so stay tuned for more showstoppers, including our much-anticipated raffles and competitions!

This year’s raffle prizes include a return air ticket from Amsterdam to Bangkok on EVA Air, luxury hotel stays in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai and many more surprises. Who knows — you could already be on your way to Bangkok and  beautiful islands in Thailand after this event! So please try your luck at the raffles, which will be drawn at 7 PM today.

We hope this festival rekindles your passion for Thailand and look forward to welcoming you to Thailand very soon. We invite you to help us spread the joy of today event— by sharing your pictures on Facebook and tagging us.

Last but not least, I  wish to sincerely thank our wonderful partners: Thai Beverage, Carabao Group, PTT GC, TIPCO Asphalt, EVA Air, บริษัท ท่าทราย รุ่งอรุณ, บริษัท ทวีภัณฑ์ ภูเก็ต บริษัท Artra Lux, บริษัท Crown Aviation, ECCO Group and Tourism Authority of Thailand and all othres generous sponsors for making today possible.

My heartfelt appreciation also goes to all the vendors showcasing the very best of Thailand.Mr Van Zanen, Mayor of the Hague also addressed the crowd.”

Another Thailand Grand Festival 2025, what an extraordinary day it has been.

Photography Courtesy Embassy of Thailand

Combating Hate Speech: The True Beginning of Peace and Human Dignity

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Combating Hate Speech: The True Beginning of Peace and Human Dignity

“Peace is built in the heart.” Pope Leo XIV

“War begins with words.” Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah

By Jan Figel and Sheikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah

In an age marked by overlapping crises – from armed conflicts and ideological extremism to ethical breakdowns in public discourse – a need to return to the essence of words and their meaning is more urgent than ever. Words are not mere tools of expression; they are often sparks that ignite or extinguish fires. This is precisely what Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, President of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, warns of in his profound message: “War begins with words.”

With this statement he encapsulates an entire philosophy: that every physical war is preceded by a war of words, and every act of violence is rooted in a prior act of verbal aggression. Unless speech is restrained, purified of hatred, and founded on mutual respect, the path to peace will never begin.

Words: Instruments that Build or Weapons that Destroy

Human history is filled with examples of how words have sparked long and bloody conflicts. From hate-filled speeches that paved the way for the Holocaust to media propaganda that fueled ethnic violence in Rwanda or Bosnia – these tragedies prove that words are not neutral. Words can amplify fear, distort perceptions, and turn ordinary people into enemies.

But on the other hand, words can also heal, reconcile, and build bridges between hearts. Therefore, impactful peace building emphasizes that the real struggle is not only against weapons, but against the discourse that justifies their use.

Hate Speech: A Global and Local Threat

Hate speech is no longer confined to fringe groups or isolated contexts. It has become a global phenomenon – amplified by digital platforms and nourished by misinformation, religious fanaticism, and xenophobia. Even worse, some forms of hate speech are cloaked under the guise of “freedom of expression”, undermining the ethical principles that should govern that very freedom.

The recent surge in hate-driven attacks on churches, mosques, synagogues – and even schools and markets – reminds us that behind each act of violence was a flood of words, posts, videos, slogans, and speeches that legitimized hatred.

Vision: From Awareness to Protection

For true healing we need not only correct diagnostics – but also clear vision and deeply prescriptive effort. Religion cannot be seen as a problem, but as an essential part of the solution. Each freedom is a call for responsibility. This is a key with religions as well. Leaders and faith-based communities must nurture and share their religious social responsibility. One strand is a call to promote human dignity through religious discourse and education. Education on equal dignity is a source of peaceful coexistence and moral fortification against hate.

At the Ministerial Conference to Advance Religious Freedom (Washington DC, 2019), Sheikh bin Bayyah has urged political and religious leaders to “reengineer concepts”- such as loyalty, jihad, and the “other” – to align with the higher objectives of faith and the universal values of human rights. Human dignity is indivisible, and peace cannot be established in a climate poisoned by divisive speech. Real peace is achieved when people are seen, heard, and respected – regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background.

Hatred, intolerance, violence and war are ugly faces of evil. And every evil is strong because it has many influential allies. The most significant are three siblings: indifference, ignorance and fear. When we do not care about the others´ because it is not our problem, it is far away, it is complicated issue. When we do not know, nor understand what is going on locally or globally. And when we are afraid to raise our voice on behalf of the defenseless or voiceless people.

The best antidotes against these allies of evil are engagement for common good, education and learning the truth, and courage to stand up for justice and equal dignity of all people.

Responsibility: From Words to Deeds and Action

Combating hate speech is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is a shared duty that involves religious leaders, educators, media professionals, legislators, and even social media users. Every word we write, share, or amplify can either contribute to healing – or to harm.

The fight against hate speech must begin in education, be embedded in law, and reinforced through responsible media. Platforms must be held accountable, and clear legislation must be enacted to criminalize incitement while safeguarding freedom of speech within ethical bounds. Education is not mere preparation for life. It is a life itself. Lifelong we need to adapt, to learn how to live together in dialogue, cooperation and shared neighborhoods. To live means more than to exist only.

Above all, we must revive the power of truth and kind speech. Truth sets us free and shows that we are diverse siblings in one universal human family. Discourse is the key to understanding and peace in and among our communities.

Let Words Be Bridges, Not Barriers

Pope Leo XIV was elected at the 80th anniversary of V-Day in Europe, May 8, 2025. He often emphasizes that peace is built in the heart and through active participation, requiring the uprooting of pride and resentment, careful communication, and building relationships of unity and fraternity, even in difficult times. He frequently links the concept of peace to the heart, advocating for a deeper, more personal and relational approach to peacebuilding. 

Peace begins not at the signing of treaties, nor with the silencing of weapons. It begins in human hearts and with words. It begins when we choose to speak with others rather than about them, when we engage in dialogue instead of demonization, and when we listen rather than judge.

Nurturing ethics and cultures grounded in human dignity and wise restraint – is the only real path to a world of greater peace and justice. Because indeed, war begins with words. So, let our words always begin with peace.

About the authors:

Jan Figel, is the president of FOREF Europe, Slovakia. He was EU Commissioner for Education (2004-2009) and former EU Special Envoy of Freedom of Religion or Belief (2016-2019).                                

Sheikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayy, is the Secretary General of The Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, UAE                                     

Mapping Asia’s Financial Future: Regionalization in an Era of Deglobalization

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Mapping Asia’s Financial Future: Regionalization in an Era of Deglobalization

By Zhijiang Zhao

In recent years, the global landscape has shifted from a focus on globalization and integration toward a new phase characterized by fragmentation and deglobalization. Persistent geopolitical tensions and structural pressures have increasingly pushed countries toward regionalism, leading to a fundamental transformation in the financial sector. One clear trend is emerging: the global financial industry is becoming more regionally driven. Among global regions, Asia, with its vast scale, diverse economies, and complex institutional ecosystems, now stands at the forefront of this transformation.

As a whole, Asia can be divided into four main regions for analytical purposes: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia. This categorization excludes areas such as the Middle East and Russia’s Far East, which fall outside the traditional geographic and economic scope of Asia. Each of these regions should be studied systematically to evaluate their financial potential and competitiveness.

Recent data and trends suggest that Asia’s financial landscape is taking on a distinct regional structure. East Asia is emerging as the leading financial center, followed by Southeast Asia and South Asia as secondary hubs. Central Asia is increasingly playing a bridging role. This new configuration reflects differences in financial development, regulatory maturity, and institutional innovation. It also offers valuable insights for China’s evolving strategy on regional financial cooperation.

East Asia: The Core of Asian Finance

East Asia has the most developed capital markets and regulatory systems in Asia. As of 2024, nearly 29,000 companies were listed in Asian markets, accounting for 27 percent of global market capitalization, with approximately 60 percent of them based in East Asia. The region leads in both financial technology and green finance. For example, China’s Cross Border Interbank Payment System now extends settlement services to 187 countries and regions, with more than 4,900 participating banks. In green finance, China issued over 681 billion yuan in green bonds in 2024 alone. At the same time, new standards such as the Specifications for Green Bond Environmental Benefit Information Disclosure Indicators are helping to shape international rules and bolster China’s influence in the global financial system.

Japan and South Korea remain highly competitive players despite demographic challenges. Both countries have made significant progress in retirement finance. Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund and South Korea’s National Pension Service have adopted professional investment strategies and are leading the way in the digitalization of retirement systems. Their pension funds also serve broader functions, including roles in domestic monetary stability.

Southeast Asia: A Rising Sub Center

Southeast Asia is emerging as a regional hub for capital flows and institutional development. Singapore has positioned itself as a neutral platform among dollar, yuan, and euro assets. With its advanced financial infrastructure and regulatory environment, it continues to attract global capital and serve as a base for multinational operations. At the same time, countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand are seeing growing domestic demand for financing, driven by manufacturing realignments and expanding middle-class populations. These shifts are prompting the evolution of local financial ecosystems.

Nevertheless, major challenges remain. Institutional differences and uneven macroeconomic stability hinder deeper regional integration. Moreover, telecom fraud has become a significant risk, affecting financial stability and undermining regional credibility.

One promising area is digital finance. Stablecoins are gaining traction across the region, particularly in remittance services and e-wallet platforms. A successful case is Coins.ph in the Philippines, which highlights the potential of digital tools to expand financial access and reduce transaction costs. As legal frameworks improve and digital infrastructure develops, Southeast Asia may become a global leader in digital financial services.

South Asia: A Digital Finance Powerhouse

South Asia’s financial momentum is primarily driven by India. As one of the fastest-growing large economies, India has made significant advances in financial technology, digital identity, and payment systems. Its Unified Payments Interface now handles tens of billions of transactions each month and serves over 400 million users. The Aadhaar system provides digital identification for 1.2 billion citizens, making it the largest digital identity program in the world. These systems form a robust digital finance infrastructure, which India is increasingly looking to extend to neighboring countries.

Other South Asian nations are exploring their own financial development models. Bangladesh is using green bonds to deepen its capital markets. Sri Lanka, recovering from a severe debt crisis, is working with the International Monetary Fund to build a more modern financial governance system. Pakistan has made notable progress in promoting mobile payments and issuing digital banking licenses. Its youthful population creates a favorable environment for fintech development. Still, these countries face structural challenges, such as smaller markets and weaker institutional frameworks, that limit their growth relative to India.

Central Asia: The Strategic Bridge

Central Asia, comprising five nations, holds strategic value as a corridor for financial and economic exchange between Asia and Europe. This role is not just geographic but also institutional. Kazakhstan’s Astana International Financial Centre, for instance, has adopted a common law-based legal system, enabling smoother cooperation with both Eastern and Western investors.

Central Asia is also exploring new avenues such as green finance. While the region has a relatively small market size and still struggles with institutional stability, its significance is growing. As China’s Belt and Road Initiative advances, Central Asia is becoming more closely integrated into the regional financial framework. This development has strategic importance for China’s western provinces, which stand to benefit from stronger cross-border financial links and enhanced access to global value chains.

Toward a New Regional Financial Order

Asia’s regional financial architecture reflects the natural evolution of distinct institutional models and development trajectories. In an era increasingly shaped by deglobalization and regionalism, future financial leadership will depend on three key factors: the ability to establish dominant institutional frameworks, the capacity to control capital pricing mechanisms, and the influence to shape cross-border financial rules.

A clear regional structure is already taking shape. East Asia stands as the core, while Southeast Asia and South Asia are growing as influential sub-centers, and Central Asia is emerging as a vital strategic bridge. Understanding and adapting to this new structure will be critical for countries seeking to play a leading role in the next stage of global financial competition.

About the author: Zhijiang Zhao, Research Fellow for Geopolitical Strategy programme at ANBOUND.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s challenge to French democracy runs deeper than the current political jockeying

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The Muslim Brotherhood’s challenge to French democracy runs deeper than the current political jockeying

HRWF (26.07.2025) – Observing France from Brussels, it would be easy to dismiss the summer flurry of activity around the Muslim Brotherhood as mere jostling by the political elite for electoral advantage by seeing who can appear the toughest. There may indeed be some politicking going on here, but the threat of Muslim Brotherhood “entryism” is real enough, both in France and beyond.

President Emmanuel Macron wants new laws drafted by the end of the summer to tackle the Muslim Brotherhood. Gabriel Attal wants to ban the veil for under-15s. Marine Le Pen demands the “searching for, denouncing, flushing out, cutting funding, and banning publications” of this “totalitarian ideology”. Certainly there is a turf war over who will best defend French values and the Republic against the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood. And for sure, the French electorate welcomes a tough approach; nearly nine out of ten citoyens are in favour of banning the Muslim Brotherhood, according to a CSA poll for CNews, Europe 1, and the JDD.

However, just because there is political advantage to play for does not mean that the threat is not serious and action justified. The recent French government report identified 139 places of worship affiliated with the Musulmans de France Federation (formerly UOIF), considered the French branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Another 68 that are close to it—in effect, 7% of France’s 2,800 mosques, with an estimated 91,000 worshippers among France’s 7.5 million-strong Muslim population.

Small numbers, perhaps, but numbers are not the point. As the European Centre for Law and Justice reports, “the core concern lies in the Brotherhood’s proselytizing efforts and its growing influence.” Or, as the French government report describes it, Muslim Brotherhood ideology is “a threat that spreads insidiously and progressively” and which undermines national cohesion through a discreet and methodical strategy of entryism. This government report identifies 280 associations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, and active across many sectors of Muslim daily life in France. 

This is particularly evident in education and sports. Twenty-one schools with a total of 4,200 students are identified as connected to the Brotherhood. Questioned about such affiliations, Amar Lasfar, president of Musulmans de France and founder of the Averroès High School in Lille, said in 2017: “We are not part of the Muslim Brotherhood. However, we align with their school of thought.”  In 2020, 127 sports associations were identified as having ties to separatist movements—18 Salafist and five Brotherhood-affiliated—representing more than 65,000 members, whose coaches and directors emphasise Arab-Muslim identity and promote religious practices.

Foreign funding is a critical enabler of the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities in France. Foreign money has flowed indirectly into mosques, educational centres, and religious institute – in particular the Institut Européen des Sciences Humaines (IESH). These funds promote an international strategy that includes religious training, lobbying efforts, and the development of parallel financial and educational networks. The transactions may technically be legal, but what about the long-term ideological influence and institution-building? The concern is less about the legality of funding than about its ideological alignment. 

Here in Brussels, there is additional insight to be had into the Muslim Brotherhood’s long-term strategy of influence and entryism. The Council of European Muslims (CEM), based in Brussels since 2007, manages the Brotherhood’s influence strategy across European countries and institutions. Another of its key instruments is the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), which is actually registered in the EU’s Transparency Register. In other words, they are operating in plain sight, here at the heart of Europe, but without adequate challenge or scrutiny.

Around Europe, security services are deeply concerned about the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence, as detailed in a report from George Washington University’s Program on Extremism. Belgian authorities are scrutinising several associations over suspected links to the Muslim Brotherhood. A confidential intelligence report dated late April and cited by La Dernière Heure (DH) on Wednesday, July 9, describes the Collective for Inclusion and Against Islamophobia in Belgium (CIIB) as a “pressure group with Brotherhood tendencies”. A 2015 UK report on the Muslim Brotherhood, led by Sir John Jenkins, found that its ideology and tactics contradicted UK values and national interests, and enjoyed an influence in the UK that was disproportionate to its size. The UK government committed to continued monitoring of the Brotherhood’s activities and statements, as well as increased scrutiny of its fundraising efforts in the UK. 

As Youssef Ayed wrote for the European Centre for Law and Justice, “this is not about banning Islam, but about resisting the political instrumentalization of the Muslim faith, which poses a direct threat to the foundations of our democracy”. In short, France must tackle this threat, to protect the vast majority of its 7.5 million Muslims, and the ideals of the French Republic itself.

(*) This article was first published in French by the author in Atlantico. Also published by Human Rights Without Frontiers HRWF

DRC journalist Sadam Kapanda receives death threats for coverage of Kasaï province conflict

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DRC journalist Sadam Kapanda receives death threats for coverage of Kasaï province conflict

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must ensure the safety of journalist Sadam Kapanda wa Kapanda, who has received death threats from at least two local officials and two unidentified callers for his reporting, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.

Committee to Protect Journalists (23.07.2025) — Kapanda, a reporter with the privately owned broadcaster Notre Chaîne de Radio and the Identitenews site, told CPJ that the death threats related to his coverage of the National Fund for the Repair of Victims of Sexual Violence and Crimes against Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV).

Established by the government in 2022, the fund has worked in response to the Kamuina Nsapu rebellion that erupted in August 2016 in Kasaï province, which killed thousands and displaced millions. Kapanda’s reporting has alleged fraud, manipulation, and nepotism by FONAREV Regional Coordinator Myrhant Mulumba, as Kapanda uncovered the identities of victims of the Kamuina Nsapu militias.

“Journalists in the DRC too regularly face threats and intimidation from public officials. Authorities must investigate the death threats against journalist Sadam Kapanda wa Kapanda and ensure his safety,” said CPJ Regional Director Angela Quintal. “Reporting on matters of public interest, especially amid conflict, is essential for those with power to be held accountable and for the public to be informed about issues and actors that affect their lives.”

In separate calls and messages on July 2, 2025, Mulumba and Kasaï provincial Minister of the Interior Peter Tshisuaka threatened to kill Kapanda if he did not halt his critical coverage of the fund, according to the journalist and messages reviewed by CPJ. Kapanda said that Mulumba also offered him a job with the fund if he agreed to stop criticizing their operations, which Kapanda refused. 

Tshisuaka responded to CPJ’s request for comment by messaging app saying that, “The journalist does his job, and I do my job too, Kapanda should look for work elsewhere.”

A third, unknown caller on July 2 threatened to have Kapanda killed, Kapanda told CPJ. On July 9, Kapanda said he received an additional death threat from an unidentified caller.

Around 2 a.m. on July 15, two unidentified, armed men arrived at Kapanda’s home and sought to enter, but fled when his neighbors began shouting, the journalist told CPJ. On July 16 and 17, Kapanda received further death threats via phone calls and messages, copies of which CPJ reviewed.

Kapanda told CPJ that he was unaware of police having opened an investigation into the threats.

CPJ’s calls and messages to Mulumba went unanswered.

Published by HRWF

Peru Marks 204 Years of Independence and 200 Years of Ties with the Netherlands

Diplomat Magazine
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Peru Marks 204 Years of Independence and 200 Years of Ties with the Netherlands

By Pietro Proglio

Peru Celebrates its 204th Independence Day and the 200th Anniversary of the Establishment of Bilateral Relations with the Kingdom Netherlands.

On the occasion of Peru’s Fiestas Patrias, H.E. Ambassador Franca Lorella Deza Ferreccio hosted a diplomatic reception in the splendid gardens of the Peruvian Residence in The Hague, where guests were welcomed to an elegant garden party. The celebration marked the two significant events.

The celebration brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, heads of international organisations, academia, members of the Peruvian diaspora and Dutch officials. Among the notable attendees were the Honourable Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, and Mrs. Marjan Kamstra, Director of the Western Hemisphere Directorate at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW; H.E. Mr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and H.E. Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza. Also present were ambassadors from across the world, former Dutch Ambassadors to Peru H.E. Paul Schellekens, H.E. Johan van der Werff and H.E. Arjam Hamburguer, as well as the Honourable Robert Ten Zijthoff, former Dutch diplomat to Peru. Representatives from SAIL Amsterdam also attended.

Peruvian residence during the celebration of 204th Anniversary of the Independence and 200th Anniversary of bilateral relations with the Netherlands.

The evening began by the traditional singing of the National Anthems, followed by speeches by H.E. Ambassador Deza Ferreccio, Mrs. Kamstra, and by Mr. van Zanen. In her address, Ambassador Deza Ferreccio reflected on the 200 years of partnership between Peru and the Netherlands.

Ambassador Deza Ferreccio stressed that the two centuries of diplomatic relations stand as testimony to the unvarying friendship between Peru and the Netherlands. H.E. highlighted that the link continues to grow to this day, thanks to technological and economic exchange. The Ambassador highlighted the dynamic and enduring relationship between Peru and the Netherlands, rooted in mutual respect and growing cooperation.

Her Excellency stated:

“Two hundred years ago, in 1825, our nations began a path of friendship, cooperation and respect that has endured through time,”
 and
 “Today, we pay tribute to our relationship […] which is a testimony to the long and rich history that unites our countries, marked by deepening mutual understanding, and expanding technical cooperation, sustainable trade, and productive investments.”

“Two hundred years of friendship between nations that – despite their geographical distance – have long shared essential values: respect for knowledge, openness to intercultural dialogue, and a deep commitment to human development through education, science, and innovation.”

H.E. Ambassador Deza Ferreccio, Ambassador of Peru.

The Ambassador then addressed her fellow Peruvian compatriots

“And this celebration would not be complete without  mention to our Peruvian diaspore, also present with us today, because you are Peru’s daily ambassadors  when you share our culture, when you pass on our traditions to your children, when you proudly prepare a ceviche or pachamanca, when you work with dignity and dedication, when you show the best of Peru to Dutch society.

You are present in art, music, gastronomy, science, business, education, and healthcare. Your contributions have enriched not only this country, but also Peru itself because the strongest bridge between two nations is its people.”

She concluded wishing “these 200 years be just the beginning of a new chapter of even deeper, more innovative, and with more human cooperation because when two countries believe in dialogue,  mutual respect, and in building together the friendship, the results are lasting and transformative.”

The Ambassador’s remarks were followed by a speech by Mrs. Marjan Kamstra, Director of the Western Hemisphere Directorate at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Kamstra stressed that the Netherlands and Peru stand shoulder by shoulder on a variety of global issues, including the respect for international law, the condemnation of the sanctions on ICC officials, a shared commitment to human rights, and the pursuit of inclusive development.

She also noted the challenges both countries face regarding organised crime and international drug trafficking and welcomed their growing cooperation in this area. She praised the continued momentum in bilateral relations, reflected in high-level meetings and recent visits, including the June visit of a Dutch Ministry of Justice delegation to Peru.

The Honorable Jan van Zamen.

Mrs. Kamstra stated:

“Our countries are close allies when it comes to the promotion of democracy and the rules-based international order.”

And

“Building relationships is the work of human hands: this is why we work together on projects to improve the quality of life”.

The Hon. Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, addressed the guests in Spanish. He fondly recalled his travels to Lima in the early 2000s and emphasised his connection to Peru. He mentioned with pride the Exhibition Touched by Nature by The Amazonian School of Arts, exhibited at the Municipality Atrium in 2022, among other anecdotes.

The Hon. Mr. Jan van Zanen stated:

“My personal relationship with Peru dates much further, almost 25 years ago. In November 2005, I visited Villa El Salvador, near the capital Lima, and in 2007 and 2012 I was there again”.

The evening concluded with warm exchanges between diplomats, Dutch officials, and members of the Peruvian community in the Netherlands. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy several Peruvian delicacies.

The event featured a remarkable culinary display showcasing the richness and diversity of Peruvian gastronomy, with numerous service stations offering traditional delicacies from across the country’s coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions. Guests enjoyed classic dishes such as papa a la huancaína, ají de gallina, ceviche, lomo saltado, causa rellena, toasted corn, flan de lúcuma, and suspiro a la limeña, among others.

From the moment of arrival, attendees were greeted with Peru’s iconic pisco sour, setting the tone for an evening that masterfully blended cultural heritage, hospitality, and diplomacy. Moreover. Guests had the opportunity to watch videos of former Dutch Ambassadors to Peru, as well as prominent members of the Peruvian community in the Netherlands, talking about the deep links between the two countries. The celebration also featured an exhibition which displayed, among others, the commemorative stamp issued by Peru to mark the significant occasion.

Peruvian hospitality, as always, was on full display throughout the celebration.

The 15th Anniversary of the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo

Diplomat Magazine
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The 15th Anniversary of the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, July 3, 2025 – The Embassy of Kosovo, in partnership with the Asser Institute (Centre for International & European Law), proudly convened an engaging academic conference to celebrate the momentous 15th anniversary of the International Court of Justice’s pivotal advisory opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

The panel discussion explored the legal reasoning behind the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion and its meaning for international law, the Opinion’s impact on contemporary international relations and state building, and it contributed to unfolding the role of international legal mechanisms in the resolution of disputes.

The conference was followed by a reception, offering a valuable opportunity for networking and further discussions.

The programme included welcoming remarks by Ambassador Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and a panel discussion moderated by Dr Machiko Kanetake, Academic Director of the Asser Institute, featuring the expertise of the following guest speakers:

  • H. E. Pieter Faith, former Dutch diplomat serving as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) and as the International Civilian Representative in Kosovo;
  • Sir Michael Wood, Barrister at Twenty Essex, London and Honorary Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge;
  • Dr. Daniel Muller, Founding partner of FAR Avocats;
  • Dr. Vjosa Musliu, Associate Professor of International Relations at the VUB;
  • Prof. Dr. Jure Vidmar, Chair of Public International Law at Maastricht University;
  • Prof. Dr. Qerim Qerimi, Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Pristina in Kosovo and Vice Rector of the University.
Moderator Dr Machiko Kanetake, Academic Director of the Asser Institute, Sir Michael Wood, Barrister at Twenty Essex, London and Honorary Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge during his speech and Dr. Vjosa Musliu, Associate Professor of International Relations at the VUB.

Final remarks were given by Dr Kushtrim Istrefi, Associate Professor of Human Rights Law and Public International Law at Utrecht University and substitute member of the Venice Commission.

The conference successfully united members of the diplomatic community, academics, international law experts, and emerging researchers.

Reception celebrating 15th anniversary of the International Court of Justice’s crucial advisory opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

 It culminated in an engaging networking reception that invited participants to delve deeper into the profound insights and themes illuminated during the panel discussions, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring dialogue.

15th anniversary of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
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