Relocation and Resettlement: EU Member States urgently need to deliver
In 2015, for the first time in the history of European migration policy, the European Commission proposed to relocate 160,000 people in clear need of international protection from Member States under extreme pressure to other Member States of the European Union. At the same time, the Commission recommended an EU resettlement scheme for 20,000 people in need of international protection.
The Commission is reporting today on the implementation of the temporary emergency relocation schemes and the European resettlement scheme. The report summarises the challenges and proposes recommendations.
Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “EU Member States have made a legal commitment to relocate 160,000 people in clear need of international protection – a commitment they have reaffirmed on several occasions. With the humanitarian situation in Greece getting more acute every day, Member States urgently need to deliver on their commitments and prevent a further deterioration of the situation for refugees in Greece. We need to see a substantial increase in relocations in the coming days and weeks. Member States also need to provide alternative safe and legal routes to Europe for people in need of international protection and to show solidarity with third countries affected by the refugee crisis through a significant increase in EU resettlement efforts.”
Relocation: time for real commitments
With 937 asylum applicants relocated from Greece and Italy as of 15 March, the pace of transfers is unsatisfactory – although there are now the first signs of a more positive trend. The experience of the first weeks of March, where 287 people were relocated swiftly (including 241 from Greece) shows that relocation can work faster if Member States are truly committed. The lack of political will among Member States has been the most important factor in slowing down the process. This has meant a limited number of relocation pledges or lengthy response times – undermining the ability of the programme to become an alternative to dangerous and irregular routes.
Determined action by Member States is urgently needed. Currently, the total number of persons ready to be relocated exceeds the pledges made by Member States. In order to meet the commitments made so far under the relocation scheme, around 5,600 relocations per month should be achieved as a minimum. This implies a relocation procedure of a maximum period of two weeks. Based on this assessment, the European Commission calls for at least 6,000 relocations to be completed by the time of the next monthly report. In view of the emergency situation on the ground, it then calls for a stepping up of the rate so that by the time of the third monthly report in May, at least 20,000 relocations should have been completed.
In today’s report, the Commission makes several specific recommendations to the Member States of relocation, asking them to increase their pledges and shorten the time needed to process applications. The European Commission also calls on Member States to limit additional security checks to justified cases only, to provide pre-departure information packs and to respond as soon as possible to the European Asylum Support Office’s calls for experts. Member States should only indicate selection preferences to improve the matching process for better integration, not as grounds for rejecting relocation requests.
Greece and Italy are called upon to step up efforts from their side to ensure a speedy and efficient functioning of the scheme, particularly regarding systematic security checks and the quality of the information sent to Member States of relocation. The two countries should also improve their coordination capacity, enhance their reception capacity, avoid the risks of candidates absconding and improve the procedures for unaccompanied minors.
Resettlement: a coordinated approach at EU level
Member States have to urgently step up the ongoing resettlement efforts to ensure an orderly, well managed and safe arrival and admission of persons in need of international protection to Europe from third countries.
4,555 displaced people in need of protection were resettled as of 15 March to 11 countries. Most of the participating countries have resettled Syrians staying in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. In addition to this framework, some countries are also running their own separate resettlement schemes.
The main challenges identified by today’s report are linked to the differences in selection criteria, length of procedures, integration tools or number of places available between Member States. Problems also arise from the lack of reception capacity, and from the delays caused by exit clearances in third countries.
The Commission is calling for the exchange of best practices and experiences among the resettling countries to be stepped up, in particular for those countries engaging in resettlement for the first time.
In addition, Member States should continue work on the voluntary humanitarian admission scheme for Syrian Refugees in Turkey, proposed by the Commission on 15 December 2015. Concrete political commitments are needed on the start date of the scheme, its scale and the distribution model from the Member States and Dublin Associated States interested in taking part in the scheme. In the meantime, Standard Operating Procedures for the scheme are being finalised to ensure swift implementation following a political agreement.
Embracing change at the first Maker faire Ruhr in: DASA
Collective Paper Aesthetics were invited by City2Science to create a public activity for the first “Maker Faire Ruhr”. A Maker Faire is a whole family platform for scientists, designers, educators and everyone who is enthusiastic about learning new skills through participating in hands-on activities.
The first “Maker Faire Ruhr” was hosted by: DASA Working World Exhibition space in the city of Dortmund on 12 + 13 March: DASA is a family-friendly museum for interactive exhibits on the world of work past, present & future. Among old electric control panel to a flight simulator one could experience and reflect upon the work of more than 60 makers from Europe.
Collective Paper Aesthetics activity was designed to offer a participatory low-tech relief for the visitors; a moment where a whole family can ease and create a hands-on popup space together. No need in special tools or prior knowledge.
Reusing the molecular modular system designed for Polytechnic Museum in Moscow in 2015 with a customised new graphic created a site specific visual effect as a Field Of Blooming Lupine inside the energy hall at: DASA Dortmund.
For more information: www.city2science.de www.makerfaire-ruhr.com and www.dasa-dortmund.de
Photography by www.jensnieth.de
Collective Paper Aesthetics is a cultural entrepreneurship and design studio based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In collaboration with museums, science centres, cultural and educational organizations the studio is developing educational toys, hands-on furnishing and participatory pop-up spaces.
Reusing the molecular modular system designed for Polytechnic Museum in Moscow in 2015 with a customised new graphic created a site specific visual effect as a Field Of Blooming Lupine inside the energy hall at: DASA Dortmund.
For more information: www.city2science.de www.makerfaire-ruhr.com and www.dasa-dortmund.de
Photography by www.jensnieth.de
Collective Paper Aesthetics is a cultural entrepreneurship and design studio based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In collaboration with museums, science centres, cultural and educational organizations the studio is developing educational toys, hands-on furnishing and participatory pop-up spaces.
The Jubilee of Mercy
The religious meaning and the tourism business opportunity of Jubilee of Mercy 2016
As declared by Pope Francis, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy officially opened on 8 December 2015 and it will conclude on 20 November 2016. During this time, thousands of people from all over the word will visit Rome, the Vatican and closest Italian marvels.
What is the historical meaning of the Jubilee? How this special event offers a great tourism business opportunity for everybody with entrepreneurial spirit? To understand all about that two experts will deliver a unique conference on Saturday March 19.
In an exceptional occasion H. E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli Apostolic Nuncio to The Hague will host this sole event to discover the religious and historical meaning of this Extraordinary Jubilee together with the Archeologist, Tourism Business manager Agostina Appetecchia who will explain the touristic interest of the occasion.
This event is organized by the Italian Professionals Netherlands (IPN) a professional oriented networking group based in The Hague with members from all around The Netherlands. For more information write to: mail@italianprofessionals.net
For registration send an email to ipn.eventi@gmail.com Event is free of charge. Limited to 100 seats, subject to confirmation.
Andorran Foreign Minister holds conferences in Belgium
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Htin Kyaw elected as the new President of Myanmar
President Htin Kyaw.
By Jurej Kralj.
15 March 2016, Naypyidaw: In a historic parliamentary election, bringing an end to decades military rule, the Hluttaw (Parliament) elected Htin Kyaw as the new (and most importantly first civilian since 1962) President of Myanmar. The election was the first consultation of the will of the voters since a poll organised in 1990, which was subsequently annulled and its presumed winners placed under arrest by the military junta.
Amongst the people arrested at the time was the National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, barred from being a candidate for the position of president due to a constitutional provision many believe was put in place specifically to prevent her accession to office. The new president is expected to act as her proxy, since The Lady, as she’s referred to in Myanmar, has clearly affirmed that she will be above the president.
U Htin Kyaw is deemed as a confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi.
For more information:
President of Myanmar: www.president-office.gov.mm
Htin Kyaw: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Htin_Kyaw
Mission of Myanmar to the Benelux countries and the EU (HE Ambassador Paw Lwin Sein):
http://www.embassyofmyanmar.be
Picture by Reuters.
Tackling fake foodstuff, beverages and agricultural products
Foodstuff and beverages are among the main categories of products seized by EU customs, reaching over 2 million of articles seized according to the latest EU customs report released in October 2015. Products for daily use and products that would be potentially dangerous to the health and safety of people, such as fake food and beverages, accounted for a total of 28,6% of the total amount of detained articles in 2014.
Fighting intellectual property (IP) crime and ensuring effective enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) are key challenges in safeguarding European population against dangerous and substandard products, while tackling the low risk/high revenue illegal activities of criminal organizations.
In that perspective, Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), through the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, Europol and Eurojust, gathered investigators from customs and police, public prosecutors, private sector – and policy makers, to exchange experiences and best practices in relation to intellectual property crime in the sector of foodstuff, beverages and agricultural products.
An interdisciplinary event among those institutions, part of a series of similar actions organised since 2013, is being co-hosted by these three EU bodies in Alicante, from 16 to 18 March, providing an opportunity to reinforce operational ties between enforcement authorities and businesses and identify new challenges in the fight against counterfeiting in these sectors.
These discussions built upon the expertise of the EU network of IP prosecutors, composed now of some 60 prosecutors from 20 Member States and 7 non EU Member States who met on 14 and 15 March to discuss the challenges to prosecute those facilitating or financing IPR offences online. The objective of this network is to share knowledge and leverage expertise in order to better fight cross-border violations of IPR.
Oath-taking ceremony of Hungary’s consuls
Oath-taking ceremony of Hungary’s new honorary consuls in The Hague.
The solemn oath-taking of Hungary’s newly appointed honorary consuls in the Netherlands, Mr Dirk Beljaarts, Mr Alfred Evers and Mr Seerp Leistra took place on 10 March 2016, in the framework of the National Day reception organised by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.
The consular commissions of the three honorary consuls residing in Amsterdam, Sittard and Groningen respectively were handed over by Mr Zoltán Lékó, chargé d’affaires in the presence of numerous guests, among them prominent representatives of the Hungarian community in the Netherlands. The appointments were signed by Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.
The predecessors of the new honorary consuls retired last year, receiving a high-level state decoration from the President of the Republic of Hungary. Being well established members of the Dutch society and having excellent reputation in their consular districts, the honorary consuls will work to strengthen Dutch-Hungarian economic and cultural relations and to further bilateral cooperation.
Mr Dirk Beljaarts, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland has built a successful career in the tourism and hotel industry. Mr Beljaarts is the general manager of the renowned Novotel Amsterdam City.
With his decades long diplomatic experience, Mr Alfred Evers, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland is leading an independent consultancy, having set up a wide professional network in Hungary.
Mr Seerp Leistra, honorary consul of Hungary with jurisdiction over the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe has not only received appreciation in the field of financial and business consultancy, as a talented musician he has also fervently supported the cause of Hungarian music and culture.
Photography by George Pathó.
The predecessors of the new honorary consuls retired last year, receiving a high-level state decoration from the President of the Republic of Hungary. Being well established members of the Dutch society and having excellent reputation in their consular districts, the honorary consuls will work to strengthen Dutch-Hungarian economic and cultural relations and to further bilateral cooperation.
Mr Dirk Beljaarts, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland has built a successful career in the tourism and hotel industry. Mr Beljaarts is the general manager of the renowned Novotel Amsterdam City.
With his decades long diplomatic experience, Mr Alfred Evers, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland is leading an independent consultancy, having set up a wide professional network in Hungary.
Mr Seerp Leistra, honorary consul of Hungary with jurisdiction over the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe has not only received appreciation in the field of financial and business consultancy, as a talented musician he has also fervently supported the cause of Hungarian music and culture.
Photography by George Pathó. Malbec World Day 2016 – Celebrating a classic!
Argentina, Salud!
On the occasion of the Malbec World Day 2016 H. E. Horacio Salvador Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in the Netherlands is organising its 6th edition of Malbec World Day in the Netherlands, focused on high quality wines from Argentina epitomized by the Malbec grape, Argentina’s flagship variety.
In the year of the Bicentennial of Argentina’s Independence, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic expects to bring more than 100 different types of high quality Malbec labels made available by over 15 Dutch and Argentinean importers.
‘’For this year’s celebration, we would like to emphasize how Malbec has become a classic, the paradigm of Argentine wine, our flagship variety’’, said H.E. Horacio Salvador.
‘’A classic varietal is one that is enjoyed again and again, through which new expressions of terroir and new layers of aromas and flavours are discovered. A classic wine is one that is appreciated by those who try it for the first time and those who drink it regularly. A classic gives so much pleasure that it invites us to explore deeper. A classic becomes a model and an influence’’.
The adventure begins on April 17th, 1853, the famous statesman and writer, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento officially accomplished his mission of transforming Argentina’s wine industry. He gave Michel Aimé Pouget, a French soil expert, the task of bringing over new vines and creating the first Quinta Agronómica (School of Agronomy), a space for education and research. Amongst his selection was Malbec, a grape of untold promise.
Sarmiento eventually became President of the Argentine Republic. In the late XIXth century with the help of Italian and French immigrants, the wine industry grew exponentially and with it, Malbec, which quickly adapted to the various different terroirs, and developed with far better results than in its region of origin. Thus, over time and with a lot of hard work, it emerged as the flagship grape of Argentina.
The pioneering work of Pouget and Sarmiento at the “Quinta Normal de Mendoza” was a crucial part of this process. The date of 17th of April represents not only a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry, but also the starting point for the development of this strain, an emblem of Argentina worldwide.
Malbec has since become Argentina´s undefeated champion, climbing the rankings and winning the hearts and minds of wine connoisseurs everywhere.
The rise to the top the Malbec grape was uprooted from its native French soil, mainly from the south of France, and transplanted to the very different dry and mountainous landscape of western Argentina nearly 160 years ago. Since then, it has come of age. After decades of hard work, determination and agricultural and viticultural know-how, Malbec has achieved worldwide recognition.
Grapes are being grown in the country, regularly experimenting with new techniques and a variety of different climates. Today you can find thriving, hardy Malbecs all over Argentina, each with its own distinct personality and charm.
A great glass of Malbec
The wine’s core traits are unmistakable. It is juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body. Sweet tannins tone down its power and the velvety texture makes for a smooth, satisfying finish. Although Malbecs are characterized by a well rounded body, Argentina’s varied climatic conditions allow for subtle but marked variations.
In the North of Argentina, you’ll find grapes with a balanced structure and good aging potential, creating well-expressed, full bodied wines that emanate spices and dark berries.
In the central region of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine powerhouse, Malbecs are more spirited; they are energized by lighter tannins and strawberry and yoghurt notes.
Finally, in the South, where the 40 degree centigrade daytime temperature can plunge to a chilly 8 degrees at night, the grapes develop differently, typically featuring strong structures, thanks in part to greater rainfall and water soils. This creates complex, fruity Malbecs with mineral textures that complement with delicate floral notes.
The event will take place on Thursday April 14th 2016, at the Gauchos Grill Restaurant at Weissenbruchlaan 149, 3054 LM in Rotterdam, a traditional restaurant and bar located in a wonderful setting.
The Malbec World Day 2016 will be celebrated in more than 70 cities across 54 countries Please confirm your attendance at : rsvp_epbaj@mrecic.gov.ar
The pioneering work of Pouget and Sarmiento at the “Quinta Normal de Mendoza” was a crucial part of this process. The date of 17th of April represents not only a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry, but also the starting point for the development of this strain, an emblem of Argentina worldwide.
Malbec has since become Argentina´s undefeated champion, climbing the rankings and winning the hearts and minds of wine connoisseurs everywhere.
The rise to the top the Malbec grape was uprooted from its native French soil, mainly from the south of France, and transplanted to the very different dry and mountainous landscape of western Argentina nearly 160 years ago. Since then, it has come of age. After decades of hard work, determination and agricultural and viticultural know-how, Malbec has achieved worldwide recognition.
Grapes are being grown in the country, regularly experimenting with new techniques and a variety of different climates. Today you can find thriving, hardy Malbecs all over Argentina, each with its own distinct personality and charm.
A great glass of Malbec
The wine’s core traits are unmistakable. It is juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body. Sweet tannins tone down its power and the velvety texture makes for a smooth, satisfying finish. Although Malbecs are characterized by a well rounded body, Argentina’s varied climatic conditions allow for subtle but marked variations.
In the North of Argentina, you’ll find grapes with a balanced structure and good aging potential, creating well-expressed, full bodied wines that emanate spices and dark berries.
In the central region of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine powerhouse, Malbecs are more spirited; they are energized by lighter tannins and strawberry and yoghurt notes.
Finally, in the South, where the 40 degree centigrade daytime temperature can plunge to a chilly 8 degrees at night, the grapes develop differently, typically featuring strong structures, thanks in part to greater rainfall and water soils. This creates complex, fruity Malbecs with mineral textures that complement with delicate floral notes.
The event will take place on Thursday April 14th 2016, at the Gauchos Grill Restaurant at Weissenbruchlaan 149, 3054 LM in Rotterdam, a traditional restaurant and bar located in a wonderful setting.
The Malbec World Day 2016 will be celebrated in more than 70 cities across 54 countries Please confirm your attendance at : rsvp_epbaj@mrecic.gov.ar
Judgment in Bemba case
Judgment in Bemba case to be delivered on 21 March 2016
On Monday, 21 March 2016, at 14:00 (The Hague local time), Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver the judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo. The Chamber is composed of Judges Sylvia Steiner (Brazil), presiding, Joyce Aluoch (Kenya) and Kuniko Ozaki (Japan).
A summary of the judgment will be read during a public Court hearing by the Presiding Judge, in the presence of the accused and his Defence team led by Peter Haynes QC, the Office of ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, and Legal Representative of Victims Marie-Edith Douzima-Lawson.
Jean-Pïerre Bemba Gombo is allegedly criminally responsible for two counts of crimes against humanity (murder and rape) and three counts of war crimes (murder, rape and pillaging) allegedly committed in the context of the situation in Central African Republic in 2002-2003.
The trial in the Bemba case started on 22 November 2010 and the submission of evidence in the case was closed on 7 April 2014. On 2 October 2014, upon the Defence’s request, the Chamber reopened the evidentiary hearing, for purposes of hearing further testimony. This further testimony concluded on 24 October 2014. The Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of Victims made their closing oral statements on 12 and 13 November 2014.
For additional information:
ICC https://www.icc-cpi.int/EN
Cuba and EU sign political and economical deal
Federica Mogherini and President Castro in Cuba.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Neven Mimica in charge of International Cooperation and Development, paid a two-days official visit to Cuba on 10 and 11 March 2016. They were joined by staff of the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “Environmental Foundations for Local Food Sustainability” (BASAL), co-funded by the EU and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
H. R. Mogherini co-chaired the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla during which they discussed a whole range of areas of common interest.
The High Representative & Vice-President likewise held multilateral meetings with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla well as Vice-president of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Economy and Planning, Marino Murillo. A deal was then inked guaranteeing further 50 million Euros from the EU for the islands’ development (period 2014-2020), thereby ending about 20 years of icy relations Cuba-EU. This announcement came also before the programmed visit of US President Barack Obama to the Republic of Cuba on 20/21 March 2016.
This visit took place one year after HR/VP Mogherini first visited to the country, and follows up on the political dialogue which took place in April 2015 at Brussels.
For more information:
EU relations with Cuba: http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2016/110316_hrvp-in-cuba_en.htm
Mission of Cuba to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, H. E. Ambassador Norma Goicochea Estenoz: www.embacuba.be
Embassy of Cuba to The Netherlands, Mission to the OPCW, H. E. Ambassador Fermín Quiñones Sánchez: www.cubadiplomatica.cu/holanda/EN/Mission/Embassy.aspx
Photography by EEAS.