Supporting OPCW’s disarmament efforts in Syria is a top priority for German foreign policy.By Ambassador Dr Christoph Israng, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the OPCW.
Although almost all countries in the world have acceded to the treaty banning chemical weapons, they still pose a threat: the international community is facing a great challenge in Syria.
The country joined the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013 and had to dismantle its chemical weapons programme. This was a great success for the international community. However, it is disappointing that even now, more than two years after Syria’s accession to the CWC, doubts remain over whether the Syrian authorities have declared all elements of their chemical weapons programme. Sadly, there is even worse: the truth is that toxic chemicals such as chlorine are being used in Syria, regularly killing and severely harming mostly civilians including children.
Disarmament and non-proliferation have always been a top foreign policy priority for the Federal Republic of Germany. Therefore, Germany actively works for the full and global implementation of the CWC as well as its universalisation. That is why Germany is actively contributing to ending the threat posed by Syrian chemical weapons, including the destruction of the declared Syrian chemical weapons outside of Syria.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier commented on this, saying: “No-one who takes their international responsibility seriously can refuse to live up to this obligation [supporting the destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons]. That also applies to our country, as we have fully developed technical facilities for destroying chemical substances. It is especially important that agreements are honoured, for we are facing the next stage in difficult negotiations and it is essential that the reliability of the international community’s pledges be beyond doubt.”
Germany, as well as our international partners, have actively supported and continue to support the efforts of the OPCW to implement the CWC in Syria, through both ad hoc support (e.g. by providing air transport for OPCW inspectors) and more complex missions.
Most of all, however, Germany contributed five million euros to the OPCW Trust Fund for the Destruction of Syrian Chemical Weapons. Moreover, we support the use of EU funds for this task. The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) provided assistance by conducting a maritime escort operation for the US vessel Cape Ray while it was executing the at sea destruction of Syrian chemical weapons. Naturally, this took place in accordance with international agreements and UN mandates.
In this maritime escort operation, German soldiers ensured that the transport and destruction of Syrian chemical warfare agents were finalised successfully and safely. The method of ‘hydrolysis’ was used, meaning that the destruction of these chemical weapons took place in a closed system and thus no substances were released into the air or sea.
About 400 tons of liquid and solid residues of mustard gas, created by this method, were transported to Germany for their complete disposal at the publicly-owned disposal company GEKA in Munster, northern Germany. These substances, known as hydrolysate, were burned in compliance with environmental regulations by April 2015. Hydrolysate and other remaining chemical agents were transported to Finland, the United States and the United Kingdom for their final destruction.
On the occasion of the finalisation of the destruction operations in Germany and Finland, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü stated: “This is yet another milestone on the path to eliminating chemical weapons stocks from Syria – one that was achieved in a safe and efficient way, thanks to the valuable support provided by the German Government and Finnish industry.”
Additionally, the German Armed Forces have run several safety training courses for OPCW inspectors. Germany has also financed two projects to improve the protection and treatment of civilian chemical weapons victims in Syria: on behalf of the German Government, GIZ (German corporation for international cooperation) provided the supply of medical equipment with a total value of more than two million euros to Syrian civil society.
Desmond Parks/U.S. Navy. Photography courtesy of www.bundeswehr-journal.de.
A third project is currently under way. The delivered equipment does not only provide urgent medical support to local hospitals and doctors in the region between Aleppo and Hama, it is also perfectly suited to the difficult situation in the area: the equipment is portable and can be relocated quickly and easily to other hospitals if necessary. Furthermore, medical staff of the German Armed Forces have contributed to an OPCW handbook on the treatment of victims of chemical weapons.
Continuing reports of the ongoing use of chemical weapons in Syria are a challenge for the entire OPCW family. Germany stands ready to continue to actively support the OPCW’s work as well as to help make the OPCW’s main objective a reality: a world free of chemical weapons.
By Jhr. mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland LL.M., Justice (Judge) in the (Dutch) Court of Appeal and honorary Special Adviser International Affairs, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of The Hague
From January 1st, 2016, The Netherlands will be presiding the EU during half a year. Although the ‘Scheepvaartmuseum’ in Amsterdam – being the formal capital of this country- will be the location of the meetings of EU ministers, the city of The Hague will play an important role as well of course.
As far as Europe is concerned, The Hague is not only the home town of the embassies of all other 27 EU countries, but that city (with some smaller towns around The Hague) is since many years also hosting many important EU organizations like the European Patent Office (EPO), the European Space Research and Technology Centre (EAS/ESTEC), Eurojust, Europol, the European Cybercrime Centre (ECC), the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE (HCNM/OSCE) and the bureaus of the representatives in the Netherlands of the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as a great number of European NGO’s.
In fact The Hague stood as early as 1948 at the cradle of what now is the EU with an European Congress in the ‘Ridderzaal’ (Hall of Knights). In 1956 the government in The Hague was one of the six Founding Fathers of the predecessor of the EU: the European Common Market.
During the Dutch presidency there will be three priorities: we want (1) an innovative EU, (2) an EU that limits itself to essentials and (3) an EU that connects. Key words will be: serve, saving expenses and economization.
Because of the upcoming Dutch presidency, the President of the European Parliament already visited The Hague in December 2015, the European Commission will follow early January 2016.
In a period of huge immigration from Syria and other countries, tensions with Russia and terrorist attacks from organizations like IS /ISIS and the necessity of an European joint approach, the Dutch Parliament will organize during the Dutch presidency interparliamentary conferences in The Hague on European affairs and on the common policy on foreign affairs and defence matters. Also two international conferences on energy and innovation, as well as on human trafficking from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Apart from that, The Hague will organize lots of other European activities during the Dutch presidency.
As you can conclude, The Hague is not only the well known worlds capital of peace and justice, but also since a long time very much an important European city with many permanently based European institutions as well as important temporary activities during the Dutch presidency of the first half of 2016.
a.beelaerts@planet.nl
By Robert Kayinamura, Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, The Hague. Strong leadership and governance are required in order to set a clear vision for a shared direction by all actors in national building. After the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over a million innocent lives in just 100 days, Rwanda was left a shell of a nation.Very few people expected the country to achieve more than high levels of sympathy. But under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda decided to start afresh; to begin a unique experiment in post-conflict nation building, which would steer it away from intractable cycles of a bad past and usher in impressive progress that was unthinkable.President Kagame believed that by uniting Rwandans behind the common cause of progress, they could construct a new national identity, Nd’umunyarwanda: a Rwandan, rather than Hutu or Tutsi. Based on this foundation, Rwandans are increasingly united. There is strong patriotism and belief in the government and trust in the leadership of their country. Rwandans can’t forget their tragic past but do not want to be defined by it. The older generation already knows all too well the cost of failure, but a majority of the population, born post-genocide, has inherited the possibility of a different future. Rwandans have chosen a different path because they found within themselves the resilience and courage necessary to rebuild from the ashes and stand as a model for other nations seeking progress and reconciliation. The progress Rwanda has achieved since its genocide may be the most significant example of human development in modern history. Rwanda has made the most progress, which is all the more impressive given that its level of development fell during the Genocide of 1994.We are talking of a country where life expectancy has more than doubled in 20 years, where a million people have been lifted out of poverty, where women are the majority of legislators, where 95 percent of the population has health insurance, and which is ranked as one of the safest places in the world to live in, according to the Gallup’s Global States of Mind poll.Under Kagame, Rwandans have become agents of their own destiny, and their narrative is one of ascent.Alongside visionary women and men, many of whom fought to stop the genocide, Kagame has led the country to the desired nation in Africa. Rwanda’s political leaders have been praised for their quality of technocratic governance and their proactive approach to creating an attractive business climate.The country aspires to become a middle class economy, through its Vision 2020 programmed since its launch in 2000. the government’s Vision 2020 puts people at the centre of our development process to become a knowledge based economy and, hence, the focus of national investments in education, health and inclusive development, among others.Per capita income has grown to USD 800 from USD 220 in 2000, which expected to push the poverty rate to less than 30% in 2020 from 60.4% in 2000, and an average life expectancy of 65 years from the 49 years in 2000.As we speak, the overall picture is quite encouraging. Rwanda’s economy is thriving and reported growth figures have been impressive, at 8% over the past ten year, and exceeding most of the Millennium Development Goals.September 2015 was the deadline for MDGs, after that, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) took center stage for the next fifteen years until 2030. This will too call for strong leadership and ownership of targets. Undoubtedly, Rwanda will not miss the goal.A country that has gained a lot from MDGs, it’s vital that its sustains its achievements to avoid back slipping and sustainable development goals are seen as the best way to achieve that.
By Fatou Bensouda, ICC Prosecutor.
As Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), my mandate is to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, where we have jurisdiction and the relevant national authorities are either unwilling or unable genuinely to do so.
I have proudly served this important institution for more than 10 years, and since June 2012, as its Prosecutor. It is a great privilege and an honour to serve in this capacity. The role carries with it immense responsibilities, and I’m most committed to continuing to fulfil my mandate in accordance with the Rome Statute without fear or favour.
Much has changed since a decade ago. While challenges remain, the Court also has significant achievements to its name. The ICC has not seen busier days.
In the context of my Office’s preliminary examination work, we’re currently analysing eight situations from around the world, including with respect to Afghanistan, Georgia, Palestine, Iraq (regarding alleged detainee abuse by UK forces), Ukraine and Colombia, to determine whether the legal criteria of the Rome Statute have been met to open an investigation.
My Office has already opened nine investigations in Uganda; the Central African Republic (two separate investigations); Sudan, Darfur; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kenya, Libya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali. More recently, I also requested authorisation from the Court’s judges to open an investigation into the situation in Georgia. That judicial determination is pending.
On the strength of the Office’s new strategic plans, we continue our work in the courtroom by bringing cases built on solid foundation, and by so doing, demonstrating the severity of Rome Statute crimes and hopefully to deter future crimes. This brings me to an important point.
As calls for the exercise of our jurisdiction grow from all four corners, my Office continues to face resource challenges. This increase in demand for justice has not been fully matched by a similar increase in resources.
Support from States Parties for adequate resources is critical to carry out quality preliminary examinations, investigations, and prosecutions. Investing in justice will pay dividends for peace, stability and economic growth, while the return on that investment in human terms is incalculable.
Similarly, strong institutional structures and policies that allow us the flexibility to adapt to these increasing demands within the strict legal confines of the Statute are fundamentally important. For this reason, I have invested specifically in the development of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for my Office as well as policies, and new strategic approaches to our work.
In June 2014, we promulgated the Office’s Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes. We are also busy working on a similar Policy Paper on Children in and affected by armed conflict. Other policies are being contemplated, including a comprehensive Office policy on protected property, including historical buildings and monuments, under the Rome Statute. All such efforts are geared towards enhancing the quality of our performance and ensuring our effectiveness.
These are not merely feel-good words or lofty goals. I have made quality performance a top priority in everything we do at my Office. We must strive to consistently generate results and achieve efficiency-gains where possible. We have already started to see the fruits of such efforts in practice.
Our work is not done in isolation. States Parties have the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute Rome Statute crimes. It is thus our hope that such policies not only contribute to strengthening our own processes, but can also be of assistance to national authorities in their efforts to root out atrocity crimes.
Only when all actors within the Rome Statute system work closely together and in full harmony, can we achieve the common goal of ending impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern.
ICC Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda.Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal CourtMrs. Fatou Bensouda is the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), having assumed office in 2012. In 2011, she was elected by consensus by the Assembly of States Parties to serve in this capacity. Mrs Bensouda was nominated and supported as the sole African candidate for election to the post by the African Union. Between 1987 and 2000, Mrs. Bensouda was successively Senior State Counsel, Principal State Counsel, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Solicitor General and Legal Secretary of the Republic, and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in which capacity she served as Chief Legal Advisor to the President and Cabinet of The Republic of The Gambia. Her international career as a non-government civil servant formally began at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, where she worked as a Legal Adviser and Trial Attorney before rising to the position of Senior Legal Advisor and Head of the Legal Advisory Unit (2002 to 2004), after which she joined the ICC as the Court’s first Deputy Prosecutor. Mrs. Bensouda has served as delegate of The Gambia to, inter alia, the meetings of the Preparatory Commission for the ICC.She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the distinguished ICJ International Jurists Award (2009), presented by the then President of India P. D. Patil; the 2011 World Peace Through Law Award presented by the Whitney Harris World Law Institute, the American Society of International Law’s Honorary Membership Award (2014), and the XXXV Peace Prize by the United Nations Association of Spain (2015). In addition to receiving several honorary doctorates, Mrs. Bensouda has been listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world (2012); by the New African magazine as one of the “Most Influential Africans;” by Foreign Policy as one of the “Leading Global Thinkers” (2013), and by Jeune Afrique as one of 50 African women who, by their actions and initiatives in their respective roles, advance the African continent (2014 & 2015).Photography by Photoline.
On the picture President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Picture courtesy of the Embassy of Kazakhstan.Kazakh-Dutch Relations – based on trust and mutual benefitshigh dynamics of political dialogue, growth of trade-economic ties. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Mr. M. Rutte paid an official visit to Kazakhstan.By H.E. Ms. Mainura Murzamadiyeva Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 multifaceted bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Netherlands has been actively developing. Interaction based on trust and mutual interests on political, trade-economic, scientific and technological as well as cultural relations enhancing.
It is a fact that relationships between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands are maintained on a high political level. This is confirmed by regular visits of high level officials of both states and good inter-parliamentary cooperation. Netherlands is a leading European investor to the economy of Kazakhstan. According to the latest official data of National Bank of Kazakhstan the inflow of direct investments from Netherlands to Kazakhstan since its independence comprised about 59 billion US dollars.
In continuation of high level political dialogue between the leaders of two states Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte arrived in Astana Dec. 2 for an official visit which was also intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between two countries.
Prime Minister Karim Massimov and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Head of the Dutch Government held meetings with Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Chairman of the Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chairman of the Mazhilis (Lower Chamber of Parliament) Kabibulla Dzhakupov. The official programme of the visit included the meeting with representatives of top business communities of both sides as well as the signing of an official agreement on the Netherlands’ participation in EXPO 2017.
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime-Minister Mark Rutte discussed the status of bilateral economic relations, issues in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, transport and space development and exchanged views on other international issues.
Bilateral meeting with President Nazarbayev.
Head of Kazakhstan noted that the Netherlands is an important partner for Kazakhstan.
“This is our fourth meeting. My visit to your country last year was very fruitful and its results were important. … The Netherlands is one of the largest investors into the economy of Kazakhstan and one of our most important trade partners. We see your visit as an indication of your will to bring our bilateral relations to a new level,” he said.
President Nazarbayev also stressed the importance of the business delegation accompanying Dutch Prime-Minister, which represented seven major Dutch companies working successfully in Kazakhstan.
In turn, Prime Minister Rutte noted the broad opportunities that exist for cooperation, in particular in light of Kazakhstan’s ongoing process of economic diversification.
Mark Rutte emphasized broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially in the framework of the 100 Concrete Steps national plan that is aimed at further diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy. “I believe that this agreement will set a completely new qualitative basis for political and economic ties between our countries,” he said.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Mr. Hans Drisser and Head of EXPO-2017 National Company.
He also highlighted the opening ceremony of Astana Square (“Astanaplein”) in Rotterdam in November as clear evidence of strengthening and friendly relations between the two countries.
During the bilateral meetings with Prime-Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov, Head of Dutch Government Mark Rutte discussed trade, economy, cooperation in the oil and gas industry, agricultural innovations and interaction within the EU.
“The agricultural sector is well developed in the Netherlands. Even though your country is 65 times smaller than Kazakhstan, it is the second largest agricultural producer in the EU. This offers a great opportunity to increase Kazakhstan’s potential productivity. Your visit will be very important and useful for future development,” – K.Massimov said.
Prime Minister Rutte noted that Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia to sign an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU (to be effected at the end of December in Astana).
Following the meeting of the nations’ leaders, Chairman of the Astana EXPO 2017 National Company Akhmetzhan Yessimov and Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Hans Driesser signed an agreement on the Netherlands’ participation in the upcoming international specialised exhibition EXPO 2017 in Astana, the Astana EXPO 2017 company website reported.
For information:http://www.kazembassy.nl/index.php/en/Photography by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
On the picture Director Pieter Bogaardt and AMADE President Caroline of Monaco – Picture by Princely Palace of Monaco.By Director Pieter Bogaardt.
A year after it’s successful launch at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, AMADE Nederland continues championing the rights of children and this year more particularly of the child refugees. AMADE Nederland is a Dutch charity organization, the latest branch of AMADE Mondiale, the largest charity organization in Monaco, chaired by HRH The Princess of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Monaco, standing up for the most vulnerable children in the world regardless nationality, origin, or religion all over world trying to improve their surroundings in terms of healthcare, education and the protection of their rights.
This year (2015) AMADE Nederland organised a beautiful soirée on the 6th of November at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, a city castle, built in the 17th century by the best architects, now transferred into a magical museum where the finest paintings from the Golden Age are exhibited.
Mr Aldo Verbruggen, president AMADE Nederland, Mr Pieter Bogaardt, Member of the Board of AMADE Mondiale and the Executive Committee and vice-president AMADE Nederland, Mrs Brig.
The group of approximately 80 distinguished guests, amongst them Mr Aldo Verbruggen, president of AMADE Nederland, Mr Pieter Bogaardt, member of the Board and of the Executive Committee of AMADE Mondiale and vice-president of AMADE Nederland, Prince Floris van Oranje-Nassau and his wife Princess Aimée, Mr Mark Vogt, Senior global PSFR officer at UNHCR. AMADE has concluded a cooperation agreement to support UNHCR’s worldwide campaign “Time to Act”.
This event in the Mauritshuis was focussed on the refugee children with the aim of preventing a lost generation and breaking the barriers of access to health care and education. Aldo Verbruggen emphasized in his welcoming speech that humanity demands sacrifice referring to his visit together with Pieter Bogaardt to the Syrian refugee camp Za’Atri in Jordan last year, which visit, as he describes himself, was “a lesson in humility”. Jordan, with only six million people, accommodates more than two million refugees.
Professor Wiep van Bunge, philosopher Erasmus University Rotterdam.
After the welcoming speech, guides accompanied the guests along the highlights of the Mauritshuis. Beautiful paintings of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Fabritius were explained in an original way and walking through the Mauritshuis the guests could enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Golden Age in a modernized setting.
In the Golden Room of the Mauritshuis, overlooking the Court Pond, Maison Van den Boer served an exquisite dinner and before the last course Professor Wiep van Bunge, a famous Dutch philosopher, associated with the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, held a most interesting exposé about the refugees through the centuries. He stated that the strong position of The Netherlands in the Golden Age was related to the refugees the Dutch society welcomed and accepted. More than 900,000 immigrants came from Germany. Most of them were very poor.
The Jews coming from Portugal were completely different due to their customs and habits. Despite the differences all contributed to the prosperity of The Netherlands. Of course there is a difference as most refugees coming to Western Europe are Muslim, but that should not be a problem. The Netherlands should accommodate 60,000 up to 80,000 refugees now. In the light of the history of Western Europe Wiep van Bunge pleaded for a generous asylum policy.
Pieter Bogaardt pointed out that children must be able to dream and have the right to accessible education and healthcare. “That’s where AMADE is standing for and the evening in the Mauritshuis contributed to. The financial support of AMADE is just a small drop in the Ocean. Let your heart speak and make children dream and play again in a save and caring environment”.
Humanity demands sacrifices.
On the picture Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Koenders convenes major counterterrorism meeting in The Hague.On Monday 11 January delegates of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the anti-ISIS coalition will be gathering in The Hague for a major international meeting on counterterrorism. This will be the first time that all countries that play a leading global role in counterterrorism efforts will sit down together for talks. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders will chair the meeting.
Mr Koenders took the initiative to set up this meeting because he believes it is important for the international coalitions to align their activities from time to time. ‘Recent terrorist attacks in France, Lebanon, Tunisia, Nigeria and Turkey demonstrate that terrorism can hold people in its grip anywhere in the world. Today’s terrorism has ramifications for all of our countries; it is agile, resourceful and international. It is like a virus that continually adapts,’ said Mr Koenders.
To defeat this virus, it is essential that countries work together more closely, Mr Koenders believes. This entails not only punitive measures but also prevention and deradicalisation. A balance must be struck between these approaches. ‘We need to share information with each other in better, faster and smarter ways. If information is put together in a timely and accurate manner, we can be more successful in preventing terrorism. This is still a major challenge for the international community.’
In addition to sharing information (‘Share’), the meeting has two key themes: ‘Stop’ and ‘Secure’. The ‘Stop’ theme includes combating foreign terrorist fighters – people who join terrorist groups abroad – while ‘Secure’ involves better protecting innocent citizens from terrorist violence and increasing resilience. ‘We need to make progress in all three of these areas. This issue is so complex that we cannot afford to miss out on opportunities,’ continued Mr Koenders.
According to the minister, it makes sense for the Netherlands to take the lead in international consultations. ‘Together with Turkey, the Netherlands is the co-chair of the GCTF and co-chair of the Foreign Terrorist Fighters working groups in both the GCTF and the anti-ISIS coalition. In addition, we are currently the EU Presidency holder. This puts us in an excellent position to set these consultations in motion.’
Representatives of governments around the world will attend the meeting, including ministers from countries hard hit by terrorism, such as Nigeria, Belgium and Tunisia. Delegates from Europol, Interpol, the United Nations and the European Union will also take part in the consultations.
For Information:https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-foreign-affairs
Eurojust President Michèle Coninsx. Photography by Eurojust.Eurojust in Greece to support fight against illegal immigrant smuggling.
During a three-day visit to Greece to discuss the current migration crisis, the President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, accompanied by the National Member for Greece at Eurojust, Mr Nikos Ornerakis, met key Greek Ministers and visited the island of Lesvos, which has been designated a migration Hotspot.
‘The best way to tackle the problem is to understand it and to see it for yourself. I am grateful to the Greek authorities for arranging this visit to the frontline of operations and I can assure Eurojust’s continued support. This migration crisis is a common challenge that requires a common multidisciplinary approach to ensure a coordinated and effective EU criminal justice response,’ said Ms Coninsx during the Hotspot visit.
The President met separately with Alternate Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, competent for Public Order, Mr Nikolaos Toskas, the Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, Mr Tzanetos Filippakos, the Minister of Defence, Mr Panos Kammenos, and Alternate Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, competent for Migration Policy, Mr Ioannis Moyzalas, and exchanged views on addressing the migration crisis.
Ms Coninsx is also the National Member for Belgium and during this visit met the Belgian Ambassador in Greece, Mr Luc Liebaut.
Ms Coninsx also visited Lesvos, where she witnessed the migration problem first-hand and met a number of representatives of the competent Greek authorities and the Frontex Director of Operations, Mr Klaus Rösler.
At the end of her visit, Ms Coninsx met with the Minister of Justice, Transparency & Human Rights, Mr Nikolaos Paraskevopoulos, and attended separate meetings with the President and Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Greece. A final meeting was held with the Minister of State, Mr Nikolaos Pappas, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
How is Eurojust supporting the Hotspots?
The organised crime groups behind the smuggling networks are targeted. Eurojust supports and strengthens the cooperation between the Member States’ judicial authorities to dismantle and prosecute the smuggling and trafficking networks. Greece has appointed two national prosecutors as Eurojust contact points to support the Hotspot locations and to channel relevant information and cases to the Eurojust National Desks for judicial follow-up and coordination at EU level. In 2015, we noted a sharp increase in the number of cases (200) registered at Eurojust by the Greek National Desk.
Eurojust, with its operational tools, responds to the challenges of the current migration crisis by organising coordination meetings, setting up coordination centres to support joint actions in real time, facilitating and accelerating the execution of MLA requests and European Arrest Warrants, as well as by detecting links with parallel investigations and advising on prevention of conflicts of jurisdiction. Joint investigation teams are another useful tool, and one which Eurojust assists financially and legally.
Hotspots
A Hotspot is a section of the EU external border or a region with extraordinary migratory pressure and mixed flows that require reinforced and concerted EU agency support to the affected Member States, implemented via the EU Regional Task Force (EURTF).
The Hotspot approach was put forth by the Commission as part of the European Agenda for Migration and was further developed during the latest JHA Council meetings. Its principal objective is to coordinate European assistance in areas of significant migratory pressure.
Italy and Greece – the two countries most affected by migratory flows in 2015 – were proposed as the first Member States in which Hotspots should be designated. Operational meetings and intensive technical discussions are being held between the Commission, Greece, Italy and the relevant EU agencies to set them up.
For information:http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/Pages/home.aspx
From the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil.On December 9th 2015, the Law 13.202 entered into force, expanding the tax relief coverage granted by the Brazilian Government through double taxation agreements, including the one with the Netherlands. In accordance with Article XI of the Law 13.202/15, “international agreements and conventions concluded by the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil to avoid double taxation of income include the CSLL”.
Therefore, the Brazilian tax authorities have recognized that, in addition to the Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ), already regulated by the double taxation agreement, the “Social Contribution on the Net Profit” (CSLL) is also covered.
CSLL is charged separately form the IRPJ. The tax basis of the CSLL is the net profit specifically calculated for its payment purposes. The Social Contribution is levied on the legal persons and entities subject to the law of income tax, and it is intended to finance the social security system.
Further questions should be forwarded to the Brazilian Tax Authority (http://idg.receita.fazenda.gov.br/)
Brazilian Embassy in The Hague: http://haia.itamaraty.gov.br/
