Actions against an organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked hashish from Spain came to a successful end with the arrest of the leaders of the OCG and the seizure of 1 200 kilos of hashish. The drugs have a street value ranging from EUR 12 and EUR 24 million.The OCG leaders were located in Spain, and members were also present in Estonia. Drugs were stashed in specially constructed hiding places in cars, which then travelled long distances to locations in Estonia and the Russian Federation.Eurojust played a crucial role in this case. The Estonian and Spanish National Desks were available 24/7 during the six-month surveillance procedure. In addition, in 2015, Eurojust held three coordination meetings and a video conference. Eurojust’s assistance was also required to resolve language issues, provide support in the execution of four European Arrest Warrants, respond to legal questions, and assist in the agreement of next steps.One OCG member was arrested in Poland on the basis of information supplied by the Estonian and Spanish authorities, and 100 kilos of hashish were seized. Seven people were detained in Estonia, and four were charged. Five suspects were arrested in Spain and surrendered to Estonia. Twenty-seven searches of houses and cars took place in Estonia, seven took place in Spain, and two took place in Poland. EUR 18 000 cash and six cars were seized in Spain.Sentences in Estonia for leadership of an OCG range from six to twenty years, with life sentences in certain cases. OCG members can receive sentences from three to 12 years. Convicted drug traffickers can receive sentences from three to 15 years.Related links:Implementation Report of the Action Plan on Drug Trafficking, January 2015http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/doclibrary/eurojust-framework/caseworkdrugtraffickingactionplan2015/implementation%20report%20of%20the%20action%20plan%20on%20drug%20trafficking%20(january%202015)/drug-trafficking-report_2015-01-16_en.pdfEurojust strategic meeting on drug trafficking 2014http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/press/pressreleases/pages/2014/2014-09-30.aspxEurojust News issue #3 on drug traffickinghttp://www.eurojust.europa.eu/doclibrary/corporate/newsletter/Eurojust%20News%20Issue%203%20(December%202010)%20on%20the%20fight%20against%20drug%20trafficking/EurojustNews_Issue3_2010-12-EN.pdf
H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia.The European Commission presented a proposal to the European Parliament and the EU Council to lift visa requirements for Georgian citizens
On 9 March 2016, the European Commission presented a legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 to the European Parliament and the EU Council to allow short-term visawaiver for Georgian citizens within the Schengen area.
We welcome the European Commission’s initiation of the legislative process, which is yet another step towards visa liberalisation with the European Union and the clear recognition of the reforms carried out by the Government of Georgia.
The European Commission’s proposal is based on the Progress Report published on 18 December 2015, according to which Georgia met all the benchmarks set in respect of the four blocks of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP): document security; border management, migration management and asylum; public order and security; fundamental human rights.
The legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 will be submitted for consideration to the EU Council and the European Parliament. The latter has to provide its consent to the amended regulation, upon which it will be approved by the EU Council and signed by the President of the European Parliament and the Foreign Minister of the country holding the EU Council Presidency. Based on the amendment, Georgia will be listed among the third-countries whose citizens will enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area. The Regulation envisaging short-term visa-free visits to the EU countries will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The EU Council and the European Parliament are expected to complete relevant procedures in the near future allowing Georgian citizens holding biometric passports to enter the EU/Schengen area without visa for short stays (90 days in any 180-day period).
Short-term visa-free travel applies to 30 countries, of which 22 are EU/Schengen members: Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Malta; 4 EU member states — Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria are Schengen candidate countries; and 4 countries: Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are associated with the Schengen area.
The progress Georgia has achieved in the visa liberalisation process is a clear proof that the European Union acknowledges the efforts made by the Georgian Government and that the reforms it has carried out bring concrete benefits to each citizen of Georgia.
By Gilbert Monod De Froideville and Mark Verheul.An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol, Best Practices in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations
Although modern life grows increasingly casual, in many sectors, protocol still reigns supreme. An Expert’s guide to International Protocol offers an overview of its associated practice, including those found within the context of diplomatic relations and the business world.
Focusing on a wide range of countries and cultures, the book covers topics like seating arrangements, the history and use of flags, ceremonies, invitations and dress codes, and gifts and decorations.
Throughout, influential diplomatic, business, cultural, and sports figures share their own experiences with protocols around the world.
Gilbert Monod De Froideville is the former Master of Ceremonies of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and director of the consulting company Protocol International.
Mark Verheul is head of protocol of the City of The Hague.
Information and sales:http://en.aup.nl/books/9789462981058-an-expert-s-guide-to-international-protocol.htmlhttp://en.aup.nl/books/9789462981058-an-expert-s-guide-to-international-protocol.html
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Mr. Jonghyun Choe, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Netherlands hosted a farewell reception for the Korean ICTY Judge O-Gon Kwon at the Hotel Des Indes, Lange Voorhout, The Hague. The reception was held on the 4th March 2016, to celebrate Judge O-Gon Kwon’s 14,5 year service to the court.
In his address, Ambassador Jonghyun Choe recounted how while serving in New York he joined the campaign trail, canvassing to get Judge O-Gon Kwon elected to his position within the ICTY. In order to celebrate his success they went to the Korean restaurant in Manhattan, but now about 15 years later hosting a farewell reception for Judge O-Gon Kwon, to thank him for all his hard work and dedication to the ICTY.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664849401309H.E. Jonghyun Choe Ambassador of Korea together with Judge O-Gon Kwon and his wife.
Judge O-Gon Kwon is the first Korean judge to be elected into the august office of international justice. O-Gon Kwon remarked how his time has flown by but prides himself on having served at the ICTY, the exceptional experience and the contributions he had been able to make to international criminal justice court.
Furthermore the Judge expressed his liking for The Hague and what it has to offer, it has become as a second-home.
Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court.
In Korea he noted how judges are always rotating, which implies constant relocation. However in the Netherlands, during his last assignment he stayed put for almost 15 years! Judge O-Gon Kwon thanked his staff and his family for their help and support over the years and he will continue to be an advocate of International Criminal Justice.
H.E. Dr. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia.
Soprano Yun Park, who holds a masters degree from the Amsterdam Conservatory, gave a rendition of My Way. She gave Goosebumps to the audience, who spontaneously joined in at the chorus.
The atmosphere was tremendous, with a mixture of attendees with backgrounds in judiciary, diplomacy as well as other attendees including locals and Koreans. All in all an exceptional evening to say Farewell Judge O-Gon Kwon.
EU Member States are making progress in addressing imbalances in their economies.
They have also moved forward in carrying out the country-specific recommendations issued last year, although to varying degrees across countries and policy areas. These efforts are key in strengthening the European recovery and fostering convergence. They also reflect the focus of this year’s European Semester: re-launching investment, implementing structural reforms and pursuing responsible fiscal policies.
The Commission decided last November that 18 Member States merited in-depth reviews to assess whether they were experiencing economic imbalances, and if so, how serious these imbalances were. The Commission has concluded that six are not experiencing imbalances, and twelve are experiencing either imbalances or excessive imbalances.
Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for the Euro and Social Dialogue, said: “The EU economy is continuing its recovery and many Member States are making progress to address structural problems of their economies. Fewer Member States than last year are considered to have imbalances. Yet problems still persist and are a source of vulnerability for several countries. Structural reforms need to be stepped up to make our economies more competitive. Member States need to continue their efforts to reduce high public and private debt, address inefficiencies in the labour market, ensure sustainability of social systems and improve the business environment, amongst others.”Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, responsible for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, said: “Although the situation varies from country to country, Member States are making overall progress in bringing back unemployed people to the labour market, including young people. The European Semester continues to drive Member States’ reforms to help people back into jobs.”Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, responsible for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, said: “Today we can see clearly that those countries that have moved furthest and fastest in reforming their economies are reaping the rewards of those efforts. Others need to raise their game if they are to deliver more jobs and growth for their citizens. We have now put forward a detailed diagnosis of each country’s challenges and I look forward to discussing these with national authorities to support and encourage much-needed reforms.”
As anticipated in the October 2015 Communication on steps towards completing the Economic and Monetary Union, the Commission has made the implementation of the economic imbalances procedure clearer and more transparent by reducing the number of categories for imbalances from six to four.
From now on, all Member States that are found to have imbalances will be subject to specific monitoring adapted to the degree and nature of the imbalances. This will enhance the surveillance of Member States’ policy responses through an intensified dialogue with the national authorities.
Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Italy and Portugal are found to be experiencing excessive imbalances.
Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Slovenia are found to be experiencing imbalances.
Austria and Estonia, which had in-depth reviews for the first time this year, are deemed not to be experiencing imbalances. Belgium, Hungary, Romania and the United Kingdom are found not to be experiencing imbalances.
Next Steps
The Council is expected to discuss the Commission’s findings emerging from the in-depth reviews carried out for 18 Member States’ economies.
In March and April, the Commission will hold further bilateral meetings with the Member States. These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the country reports with the national authorities.
In April, Member States are expected to present their national reform programmes and their stability programmes (for euro area countries) or convergence programmes (for non-euro area countries).
Based on all these sources, the Commission will present in spring its proposals for a new set of country-specific recommendations, targeting the key challenges to be addressed. The recommendations will also include fiscal guidance and be based on the Commission Spring Forecast which will incorporate final 2015 budgetary data validated by Eurostat.
Greece and Cyprus, which are currently under stability support programmes, are not covered by today’s package.
This revision translates a commitment of the Political Guidelines for this Commission to promote the principle that the same work at the same place should be remunerated in the same manner. The aim of this proposal is to facilitate the posting of workers within a climate of fair competition and respect for their rights, who are employed in one Member State and sent to work temporarily in another by their employer. More specifically, the initiative aims at ensuring fair wage conditions and a level playing field between posting and local companies in the host country.
The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, MarianneThyssen, said: “I have said from day one of my mandate that we need to facilitate labour mobility, but that it needs to happen in a fair way. Today’s proposal will create a legal framework for posting that is clear, fair and easy to enforce.”
The targeted revision will introduce changes in three main areas: remuneration of posted workers, including in situations of subcontracting, rules on temporary agency workers, and long-term posting.
The proposal sets out that posted workers will generally benefit from the same rules governing pay and working conditions as local workers. This will be done in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity and the way these conditions are set by the public authorities and/or social partners in the Member State in question. Currently, posted workers are already subject to the same rules as host Member State employees in certain fields, such as health and safety. However, the employer is not obliged to pay a posted worker more than the minimum rate of pay set by the host country. This can create wage differences between posted and local workers and potentially lead to unfair competition between companies. This means that posted workers are often remunerated less than other workers for the same job.
From now on, all the rules on remuneration that are applied generally to local workers will also have to be granted to posted workers. Remuneration will not only include the minimum rates of pay, but also other elements such as bonuses or allowances where applicable. Member States will be required to specify in a transparent way the different elements of how remuneration is composed on their territory. Rules set by law or universally applicable collective agreements become mandatory for posted workers in all economic sectors. The proposal also gives the possibility to Member States to provide that subcontractors need to grant their workers the same pay as the main contractor. Nevertheless this can only be done in a non-discriminatory way: the same rule must apply to national and cross-border subcontractors.
The proposal will also ensure that national rules on temporary agency work apply when agencies established abroad post workers.
Finally, if the duration of posting exceeds 24 months, the labour law conditions of the host Member States will have to be applied, where this is favourable to the posted worker.
These changes will provide better protection for workers, more transparency and legal certainty and ensure a level playing field between domestic and posting firms while in full respect of Member States’ wage-bargaining systems.
On International Women’s Day, the ICC calls for greater coordination in global efforts to end sexual and gender-based crimes.This International Women’s Day, 8 March 2016, the International Criminal Court, calls for greater coordination in global efforts to end sexual and gender-based crimes. Women bear the brunt of sexual and gender-based crimes during armed conflict; the sad reality is that rape and other forms of sexual violence are still used as a systematic tool of war in many conflicts around the world. These are serious crimes under international law and must be stopped.The ICC is committed to holding perpetrators accountable and thereby helping to prevent these crimes. Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, includes sexual and gender-based crimes in the definitions of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. These include rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, forcible prostitution and gender-based persecution. To date, charges of sexual and gender-based crimes have been brought in 70 percent of the cases at the ICC.In addition, the Court offers important protections for victims and witnesses, particularly those who suffered sexual or gender violence. The Rules of Procedure and Evidence are designed to shield victims of sexual violence from irrelevant and offensive questioning and intrusive attacks during court proceedings. The Rome Statute also has a number of requirements in order to ensure fair representation of women in the Court and the appointment of individuals with specific expertise on gender and sexual violence.In 2014, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC, in line with one of its key strategic goals, issued a comprehensive Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes to ensure that charges for such crimes are systematically brought wherever there is sufficient evidence to support such charges. Investigating these crimes involve specific challenges, including the under- or non- reporting owing to societal, cultural, or religious factors; stigma for victims; limited domestic investigations, and the associated lack of readily available evidence; lack of forensic or other documentary evidence, owing, for instance, to the passage of time; and inadequate or limited support services at national level.In order to address these challenges, support from states and civil society is essential. Since the ICC complements national efforts to investigate and prosecute these crimes, increased cooperation will make efforts on both sides more efficient and effective. Strengthened coordination is also essential with civil society organizations that work with victims and document these crimes.On this International Women’s Day, the Court calls for global support for eradicating sexual and gender-based crimes. Only when we unite in this effort, can we prevent these crimes.
On the picture H. E. Habib Essid and H. E. Karim Ben Becher. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On the occasion of the visit of H.E. Mr. Habib Essid, Tunisian Head of Government, and to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize 2015, the Ambassador of the Tunisian Republic in the Netherlands H.E. Ambassador Mr. Karim Ben Becher hosted a Peace Night. The solemn ceremony took place at the Great Hall of Justice of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Mr. Essid’s high-level delegation, including a number of cabinet Ministers: Selma Elloumi Rekik, Sonia M’barek and Youssef Chahed, came to the City of Peace & Justice for a wide-ranging visit.
One part of the trip was to participate in a ceremony to pay homage to the Quartet Tunisian, lauréat du prix Nobel de la Paix, i.o.w. the Tunisian Nobel laureates. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Mr. Jozias van Aartsen, Mayor of the City of The Hague.
Tunisian Peace Night at the Peace Palace.
The program consisted of speeches and music. The opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador Karim Ben Becher.
“In a few days, on March 20, Tunisia will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its independence and recovery of national sovereignty.These 60 years of independence coincided with the celebration of 5 years of the democratic process initiated in the wake of the Revolution of 14 January 2011.Civil society and politicians in Tunisia have shown great wisdom and remarkable maturity to give this process at a crucial time in our history, a character based on consensus, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes.It is precisely to pay tribute to the resilience of Tunisian civil society and the wisdom of the political actors that the Nobel Committee decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 as the Quartet of the National Dialogue, represented tonight by prominent members.Mayor Jozias van Aartsena and H. E. Mr. Habib Essid.The presence here today of Mr.Habib Essid, Head of Government, the high-level delegation accompanying him and our distinguished guests in the Great Hall of Justice of the ICJ and the Peace Palace, shows in the best possible way Tunisia’s attachment to peace and justice. Tunisia’s invoking of an ancient legal tradition and a deep desire to guarantee rights and freedoms from the Constitution of Carthage until the adoption of the new democratic and progressive constitution in January 2014, demonstrated admirably its anchoring the rule of law, despite many challenges.Our country remains committed to these values and remains convinced that the solidarity and support of friendly nations like the Netherlands is an additional factor of optimism and hope.The pianist, composer and arranger Mr. Mohamed Ali Kammoun, and master flutist Mr. Nabil Abdmouleh.Before concluding, I would like to particularly thank our hosts. The Carnegie Foundation has welcomed us to the Peace Palace for the evening in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize 2015, and I would like to thank the International Court of Justice for hosting this ceremony in this magnificent Hall of Justice; two emblematic places of peace and justice so dear to the city of The Hague and to Tunisia.”Mrs Rym Ben Becher.The musical intermezzo was given by two noted Tunisian artists: the pianist, composer and arranger Mr. Mohamed Ali Kammoun, and Mr. Nabil Abdmouleh, a master flutist.Mr. Habib Essid availed himself of the opportunity of being in the ICJ premises to have a meeting with the President a.i of the ICJ Judge Adbulqawi Ahmed Yusuf who was accompanied by Judges Hisashi Owada and Peter Tomka, former Presidents of the Court and Mr Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the ICJ.A reception concluded the formidable Peace Night.For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157665205092061
Galerie Patries van Dorst(exhibition prolonged until March 15, 2016)
Marjolein Loppies has been photographing for more than 30 years and for the past few years she has been focussing on abandoned objects in Belgium, Italy, (Eastern) Germany and Luxembourg amongst others, so called urbex-photography (a.k.a. urban exploration). By means of digital techniques she transforms her pictures in to works of art, life after people.
Marjolein, “Taking pictures of abandoned objects is much like traveling through time. You have no idea what happened but whilst taking pictures and soaking up the relics around you, you can fantasize and make up any (hi)story you want! When you walk through the empty hallways, the echoes of the once bustling voices are no more than a very distant memory. When you close your eyes you can almost hear them. Why did people leave these magnificent places behind, why was there no one to rescue these places from falling back into the hands of nature? All the love that man once invested in each rock and piece of marble is gone with the wind.If only I had a bag full of money -and more than one life-… Wouldn’t it be amazing to bring all these places back to life?Or should we just watch and be amazed how nature takes back what was once hers to begin with…”website Marjolein Loppies:http://www.loppies.nl Here you can find an overview and details of the available photographs. You can help Marjolein to publish her book with this crowdfunding project.
Galerie Patries van Dorst http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/
Résidence de France, Belgium, Wednesday, 2 March 2016: HE AmbassadorSophie Thevenoux (née Solamito) was granted the insignia of as Grand Officer in the National Order of Merit (Grand Officier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite) by her French counterpart accredited to Belgium, HE Ambassador Claude-France Arnould surrounded by family, friends as well as prominent heads of mission in the Benelux countries such as Canadian ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, HE Denis Robert andAndorran ambassador HE Maria Ubach Font (EU and the Benelux countries).
Insignia of Grand Officier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite
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Pictures by French Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium
![da2dfc416d29d3f3e832e63f1af8017a_f1825[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/da2dfc416d29d3f3e832e63f1af8017a_f18251.jpg?fit=494%2C750&ssl=1)
Marjolein, “Taking pictures of abandoned objects is much like traveling through time.
You have no idea what happened but whilst taking pictures and soaking up the relics around you, you can fantasize and make up any (hi)story you want!
When you walk through the empty hallways, the echoes of the once bustling voices are no more than a very distant memory.
When you close your eyes you can almost hear them. Why did people leave these magnificent places behind, why was there no one to rescue these places from falling back into the hands of nature?
All the love that man once invested in each rock and piece of marble is gone with the wind.
If only I had a bag full of money -and more than one life-… Wouldn’t it be amazing to bring all these places back to life?
Or should we just watch and be amazed how nature takes back what was once hers to begin with…”
website Marjolein Loppies:http://www.loppies.nl Here you can find an overview and details of the available photographs. You can help Marjolein to publish her book with this crowdfunding project.
Galerie Patries van Dorst http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/
