Refugee crisis in Europe: IOM observes more voluntary returns
IOM detects an increasing number of requests for voluntary return. These requests arise from many different locations in the Netherlands, including crisis- and emergency reception locations.
IOM receives both requests for voluntary return from migrants that just arrived in the Netherlands as well as from migrants that have been staying in the Netherlands for years now. Under the current large inflow of asylum seekers there are relatively many migrants that do not await the result of their asylum request, rather they choose to voluntarily return to their home country fairly quickly after their arrival.
If a travel document is available, departure can take place within a few weeks. The exact duration depends on amongst other things on the country of destination, the(medical) situation of the migrant and his or her possible reintegration plans.
Departure can take place within a few days in urgent cases. The IOM can help to obtain travel documents if these are not available at first.
For information: http://www.iom.int/Picture by the IOM.Â
Officially, the Netherlands took over the Presidency of the European Council on January 7th as part of a six-months-rotating system amongst the EU member states. From January to June, 2016 Dutch diplomats will chair regular meetings in Brussels and in Amsterdam. Conversely, ministries, cities, companies and NGOs will organise a range of events here in the Netherlands.
During each period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work.
Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called ‘trios’. The current trio is made up of the presidencies of the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta.
This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an eighteen months period. On the basis of this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own agenda.
The presidency is responsible for driving forward the Council’s work based on EU legislation, assuring the continuity of the EU goals, with orderly legislative mechanisms and cooperation among member states. In order to achieve this task, the presidency must act as an honest and impartial broker.
Please see some images from Kim Vermaat of the memorable meeting following the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157663377564656
The Netherlandsâ first presidency took place in 1992 then after in 1997 were the country played a leading part in treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam, starting negotiations in 2004 to integrate Turkey as member state. The role of the rotating presidencies has changed remarkably, as both the European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council have now  a permanent President.
The presidency has now two main duties:
Planning and chairing meetings in the Council and its preparatory bodies
The presidency chairs meetings of the different Council configurations (with the exception of the Foreign Affairs Council) and the Council’s preparatory bodies, which include permanent committees such as the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), and working parties and committees dealing with very specific subjects.
The presidency ensures that debates are conducted accurately and that all Council’s rules of procedure and working methods are correctly applied.
It also organizes multiples formal and informal meetings in Brussels and in the country of the rotating presidency, now in Amsterdam. The Netherlands will have to deal with an ambitious reform programme for Europe and a great number of new European legislation proposals of sensitive topics.
Representing the Council in relations with the other EU institutions
The presidency represents the Council in relations with the other EU institutions, particularly with the Commission and the European Parliament. Its role is to try and reach agreement on legislative files through trilogues, informal negotiation meetings and Conciliation Committee meetings.
The presidency works in close coordination with:
The President of the European Council
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The presidency can represent the Foreign Affairs Council before the European Parliament or preside over the Foreign Affairs Council when it discusses common commercial policy issues.
The Dutch agenda focus on the essential: clear tasks division between the member states and the EU institutions, reduction of the administrative impact, support innovation and the creation of new jobs, as well as promoting a better interaction between the EU and the European population.
Information on the Netherlands EU presidency: http://english.eu2016.nl/
On the picture Herman Schaper.UPEACE Centre The Hague and the Peace Palace Library 6th Lecture on âPeacebuilding in Progressâ will take place on Wednesday 3 February 2016.
On Wednesday 3 February 2016, at the Peace Palace, Academy Building, Seminar Room
From 17.00 to 19.00 hrs Mr. Herman Schaper, former Dutch diplomat, will deliver a speech on âThe Candidature of the Netherlands for Membership of the Security Council, 2017-2018â.
Herman Schaper (1949) is a retired Dutch diplomat, who is now (part time) professor at the Campus The Hague of Leiden University, where he occupies the Kooijmans Chair on peace, law and security. Since last July he is also a member of the D66 group in the Eerste Kamer (Senate) of the States-General, the Dutch parliament.
From 2009 to 2013 he was the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations in New York. From 2005 to 2009 he was the Dutch PermRep at NATO. After his return to The Hague in the summer of 2013 he was Special Envoy for the candidacy of The Netherlands for membership of the Security Council, 2017-2018, a position he held till his retirement in 2014. He has published around two dozen articles on Dutch foreign policy, European security and transatlantic relations.
If you wish to attend the lecture, please send an e-mail to info@upeace.nl before 27 January. Costs of participation are ⏠10; for students there is a reduced fee of ⏠5. The number of seats is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.Lecture # 1 was held by Ms Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), and Member of the Council of the UN-Mandated University for Peace (Costa Rica), on “Peacebuilding: What, Why and How?”, 7 March 2014.
Lecture # 2 was held by Prof. Jan Pronk, Chair in the Theory and Practice of International Development at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam, on “Preventing Conflict Escalation. Hearts and Minds. Boots and Brainsâ, 27 May 2014.
Lecture # 3 was held by Prof. AndrĂĄs Szöllösi-Nagy, Rector of the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, on âWater: A Source of Conflict or a Potential Peace Builder?â, 3 July 2014.
Lecture # 4 was held by Sir Kenneth Keith, Judge of the International Court of Justice, on âInternational water disputes – The roles of international courts and arbitral tribunals in resolving themâ, 28 January 2015.
Lecture # 5 was held by Robert H. Serry, former UN Envoy, on: “The vanishing prospects for a two state solution”, 9 September 2015.
For information: www.upeace.nl | www.peacepalacelibrary.nl
On the picture Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom and Federica Mogherini â Picture by EU.By Mission of Ethiopia to the EU, Embassy to the Benelux countries.
12 to 13 January 2015, Brussels: the Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia H.E. Dr Tedros Adhanom was on official visit in Brussels, accompanied by a high-level delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit, H.E. Dr. Tedros held several meetings with EU officials including EU High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission, several EU Commissioners and members of the European Parliament.
The discussion between Minister Tedros and HRVP Federica Mogherini underlined that the European Union would continue its strategic engagement with Ethiopia to support reforms and the promotion of social and economic growth through its development cooperation programs. A first step for this will be the signing of a strategic partnership agreement and organizing an EU-Ethiopia Business Forum on the second quarter of this year.
The High Representative and the commissioner for Migration also discussed with the Foreign Minister the follow-up of the agreement on Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility signed in November last year on the margins of La Valletta Summit. High Representative Mogherini recognized Ethiopiaâs significant effort in hosting more than 700,000 refugees. It was agreed that the EU and Ethiopia would âwork together to tackle irregular migration, including return, and to better take advantage of the opportunities provided by well-managed migration.â
Both partners also welcomed the fact that the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa had already started financing projects in Ethiopia. During the discussion, HRVP Mogherini and Minister Tedros have raised and discussed range of issues notably the Horn of Africa peace and geopolitical situations where Ethiopia is playing a crucial role in terms of peace, security and stability and that the EU would continue to support these efforts. The Foreign Minister also updated the HRVP on the recent protest in Oromiya region to which the Minister explained the reality on the ground.
In another meeting with Dr. Tedros, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Mr. Christos Stylianides, noted that the El-Niño induced drought needed quick intervention and collaboration and expressed EUâs utmost solidarity with the people of Ethiopia, adding that the EU was looking for updated assessment on the recent drought in a bid to enhance more support.
During a discussion with Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, they underlined the importance of scaling up various areas of bilateral and regional partnerships, including Ethiopiaâs progresses, enhancing development cooperation and promoting regional integration in various economic and infrastructure frontiers. It was to the pleasure of our delegation to hear from Commissioner Mimica that depending on the effective and efficient utilization of the funds allocated to Ethiopia on the 11th EDF, there would be a possibility to get additional funds to finance projects after the mid-term review.
Owning to the fact that Ethiopiaâs strong track record of prudent use of funds only to their intended purposes, we strongly believe that Ethiopia will get additional funds. H.E. Dr. Tedros also met Mr. Gilles de Kerchove EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, who commended Ethiopiaâs unparalleled role in maintaining peace and stability as well as forging integration projects in the Horn of Africa. He expressed EUâs solidarity with Ethiopia in the fight against extremism and terrorism, and asserted that given Ethiopia is a stable country in the chaotic and an unstable region, cooperation in the intelligence areas will also be considered.
Commissioner Christos Stylianides in charge of Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management and Dr. Tedros Adhanom – Picture by European Commission.The meeting with MEP Louis Mitchel, MEP Elmar Brok and MEP Linda McAven was also a good opportunity to discuss various issues of interest to both Ethiopia and the European Union. This visit was organized as a follow up meeting to the high level visit of EU delegation led by HRVP Mogherini to Ethiopia in October 2014, during which the Ethio-EU engagement was agreed to be elevated ;to a higher level. The official relations between Ethiopia and the European Union were established 40 years ago.
Both partners successfully cooperate in areas such as development, international migrations and stability in the Horn of Africa. The continuous and increased development cooperation, the signing of Joint Declaration for a Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, the agreement to elevate the relationship to a higher level and to organize an EU-Ethiopia business form and the ever increasing mutual understanding between the two sides attest this strong relation.
For more information:
Mission of Ethiopia to the EU, Embassy to the Benelux countries:Â http://www.ethiopianembassy.be/en/
On the picture Dominican Republic dance group.
Vakantiebeurs, in Utrechtt is with more than 1.200 exhibitors one of the most important touristic consumer events in the world. Traditionally, Tuesday and Wednesday are the two trade days and Ambassadors from many countries participated to the opening activities today.
For a Kim Vermaat’s photo album, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157663329720781H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of Thailand.
For many Dutch people, going on holiday is âa part of lifeâ. A nation of curious travellers, spending a lot of time and money on holidays, recreation and relaxation. Vakantiebeurs visitors are inspired by the most beautiful destinations worldwide; besides gathering information hundreds are there also for good food and lifelike experience, for example:
wandering around on a magical ‘1001 night’ bazaar
taking the kids to the best Camping by Night: 4 seasons!
a real-life adventure in the colorful Africa! Hall
enjoying bites from all over the world during the culinary trail
finding your new traveling companion at the meeting plaza
ultimate relaxation at the wellness point
meeting locals and enjoying new cultures
H. E. Mr. Gabriel Edgardo Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of Guatemala and Claudia de LeĂłn Aguirre Trade Commissioner, Guatemala Trade & Investment Office.
The tradeshow has been divided into sections like holiday type and geographic location:
– DISCOVER Far-away destinations
– ACTIVEÂ Outdoor & Sports
– SEE Cities & culture
– TOGETHER Family & children
– SAIL Cruises & sailing
– OUTDOOR Camping
– WELLNESS
H.E. Mr. Franz Josef Kremp, Ambassador of Germany.
On 6 February of this year, the 48th Wiener Ball takes place in Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk aan Zee. This particular gala is like a time capsule, taking the guests straight back to the 19th century imperial and royal courts of Europe, when young people presented themselves to their peers by performing an elaborate formation dance. This tradition has been preserved at the Wiener Ball, open to everybody who wants to enjoy an evening of dance and/or conversation by the sea.Strolling from one ball room to another, the guests enjoy a variety of music styles and, more importantly, a unique and relaxed mix of generations, families and influencers from business, diplomatic, military and political worlds. A feast for the eyes too: the dress code ensures that the men look smashing in their uniforms and white ties and and that the ladies shine. But the real stars of the evening are the sixty-four debutants, who have undergone intensive training by the expert Austrian dance master, to open the ball with their dances. The young ladies in snow white dresses and tiaras, accompanied by their sharp looking dance partners, are eager to show the fruits of their exercise. Wiener Ball.Later that evening the debutants will engage the guests by selling tombola tickets, of which the proceeds go to SOS Kinderdorpen. The list of prizes is impressive. A professional singer will entertain the guests, taking the weight of minds and feet for a moment. And during the entertaining Midnight Quadrille, even those thinking they cannot dance find themselves on the dance floor! Tired? Want to chat? Sit at one of the small tables in the Wiener Kaffee, enjoy some typically Austrian sweet snacks. Dancing can be done to the music by the authentic Viennese orchestra or the more modern Hoytema Band. At 2.00 AM the Wiener Ball formally closes, though for those who want to dance the night away, the discothĂšque will be open until sunrise. For more information or to book a table for you and your guests, or for individual tickets, please visit www.wienerball.nl. Please check the special arrangements for dinner prior to the Wiener Ball and the option to spend the night at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. For any query, please contact the Ballbureau at welkom@wienerball.nl. Photography by the Wiener Ball NL.Â
Please see some images from Kim Vermaat of the memorable meeting following the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157663377564656
The Netherlandsâ first presidency took place in 1992 then after in 1997 were the country played a leading part in treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam, starting negotiations in 2004 to integrate Turkey as member state. The role of the rotating presidencies has changed remarkably, as both the European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council have now  a permanent President.
The presidency has now two main duties:
