Malbec World Day 2016 – Celebrating a classic!

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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. Uvas 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.Vignes Argen tina 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

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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

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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.    

Huge action against hashish traffickers

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Huge action against hashish traffickers
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 2015 http://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.pdf Eurojust strategic meeting on drug trafficking 2014 http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/press/pressreleases/pages/2014/2014-09-30.aspx Eurojust News issue #3 on drug trafficking http://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    

EU to lift visa requirements to Georgians

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EU to lift visa requirements to Georgians
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.  

An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol

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An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol
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

Farewell reception for ICTY Judge O-Gon Kwon

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Farewell reception for ICTY Judge O-Gon Kwon
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/72157664849401309
Receptie Judge O-Gon-Kwon (1a van 15)
H.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.
Receptie Judge O-Gon-Kwon.JPG (8 van 15)
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.
Receptie Judge O-Gon-Kwon.JPG (9 van 15)
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 Members work to balance economies

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EU Members work to balance economies
  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.  

European Commission presented revision of the workers posting’s rules

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European Commission presented revision of the workers posting’s rules
Marianne Thyssen, theparliamentmagazine.eu  
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, Marianne Thyssen, 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.

ICC on the International Women’s Day

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ICC on the International Women’s Day
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.    
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