This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. Over the past half-century, the China-EU relationship has weathered storms and overcome challenges, growing increasingly mature and stable. It has become one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world. Our fruitful exchanges and cooperation have delivered tangible benefits to nearly 2 billion people, set an example of mutually beneficial collaboration in an era of economic globalization, and made significant contributions to global peace and development.
China and the EU have not only achieved mutual success but also benefited the whole world.
At present, China-EU relations are at a crucial juncture—building on past achievements and paving the way for the future. A key lesson from our experience is the importance of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, openness and cooperation, and win-win outcomes.
On July 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit. The more complex and severe the international situation becomes, the more China and the EU must enhance communication, build mutual trust, and deepen cooperation.Both sides are constructive forces advocating multilateralism and open cooperation. As two major forces for multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two great civilizations upholding diversity, the timing of this summit is of great significance.
China remains the only major country to have established a comprehensive cooperation framework with the EU, led by summit-level engagement and supported by high-level dialogues in strategic, economic and trade, environment and climate, digital, and people-to-people areas. China has always viewed and developed its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective, seeing Europe as a key pole in a multipolar world, and consistently supporting European integration and the EU’s strategic autonomy. The challenges facing Europe today do not stem from China. There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical rivalry between China and the EU. Cooperation outweighs competition, and consensus outweighs differences—this fundamental tone has not changed.
China and the EU are the world’s second- and third-largest economies, accounting for over one-third of global GDP and more than one-quarter of global trade. Our economic and trade relations are inherently complementary and mutually beneficial. History and reality prove that interdependence is not a risk, and intertwined interests are not a threat. Competitiveness should not be built by erecting walls or barriers. Decoupling and supply chains disruption will only lead to self-isolation, and “de-risking” must not mean reducing cooperation.
China’s high-quality development and high-level opening-up will bring new opportunities and space for China-EU cooperation.
Facing major choices between war and peace, competition and cooperation, isolation and openness, the right answer lies in multilateralism and solidarity. China’s policy in international affairs is based on facts and principles. We advocate for peaceful resolution of disputes through political means and dialogue. China and the EU should jointly support political solutions to international crises and promote both short- and long-term approaches to maintain the international order and rules established after World War II. Together, we should work toward a more just and equitable global governance system and address global challenges such as climate change, keeping the torch of multilateralism lit for the progress of humanity.
China is a peace-loving nation that values harmony, inclusiveness, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. Judging China from western perspectives could mislead. While China and the EU differ in history, culture, systems, and stages of development, these differences have not hindered the establishment and growth of our relations, nor should they become obstacles in the future. We hope the EU will respect the development path and system chosen by the Chinese people, respect China’s core interests and major concerns. China-EU relations are not targeted at, dependent on, or controlled by any third party. The two sides should deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and trust, and foster accurate mutual perceptions.
As a founding member and key pillar of the European Union, the Netherlands has long been a strong advocate for an “open Europe” and a vital gateway for China-Europe cooperation. While China and the Netherlands differ in political systems and cultural traditions, both peoples share a spirit of innovation, perseverance, and the courage to forge ahead.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and the Netherlands have consistently upheld the principles of openness and pragmatism. The two countries have long stood at the forefront of China-EU cooperation. For several consecutive years, bilateral trade has surpassed 100 billion U.S. dollars, making the Netherlands China’s second-largest trading partner within the EU. Likewise, China is the Netherlands’ second-largest trading partner outside the EU. The Netherlands is also China’s top investment destination in the EU and the second-largest EU source of investment in China. Bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water management, green energy, and digital economy has achieved fruitful outcomes, fully demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China-Netherlands relations.
In 2014, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to the Netherlands, during which the two countries established an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to grow. Today, unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are posing serious challenges to the international trading system and eroding the multilateral institutional framework. The Netherlands has long been a staunch supporter of free trade and a firm advocate of multilateralism on the global stage. China stands ready to strengthen communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and expand multilateral collaboration with the Netherlands. Together, the two countries can further unlock the potential of their open and pragmatic comprehensive partnership—delivering greater benefits to both peoples and contributing to the broader advancement of China-Europe relations.
Looking back and looking ahead, in the face of a fast-changing world shaped by profound transformation and uncertainty, China and the EU should remain committed to their comprehensive strategic partnership, uphold the correct direction of development, and make strategic decisions that meet the expectations of their people and stand the test of history. Together, let us bring the world greater stability and certainty, and open a new era of more resilient, autonomous, mature, and forward-looking relations over the next 50 years.
The Hague, 24 July 2025 — The Trial Chamber V of the International Criminal Court delivered its judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona. The Chamber found both Mr Yekatom and Mr Ngaïssona guilty beyond reasonable doubt of multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Bangui and western regions of the Central African Republic between September 2013 and at least February 2014.
The Chamber—composed of Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt, Judge Péter Kovács, Judge Chang-ho Chung, and Alternate Judge Beti Hohler—sentenced Mr Yekatom to 15 years of imprisonment and Mr. Ngaïssona to 12 years. Time already spent in detention will be deducted from their sentences.
The crimes occurred in the context of an internal conflict in the CAR between the Seleka and the Anti-Balaka groups. The Seleka, formed around August 2012 and composed primarily, though not exclusively, of Muslims—including elements from Chad and Sudan—opposed then-President François Bozizé. On 24 March 2013, they seized control of Bangui, with Seleka leader Michel Djotodia declaring himself president. The Seleka committed widespread violence and abuses across the country, particularly targeting those associated with Bozizé and non-Muslim populations.
In response, Mr Ngaïssona was involved in efforts to organize resistance to the Seleka and facilitate Bozizé’s return to power. Concurrently, Mr Yekatom began forming an armed group with Freddy Ouandjio (alias “Coeur de Lion”) and Habib Beina. These and other initially independent groups eventually coalesced into a single movement known as the Anti-Balaka, united in their opposition to the Seleka.
The Chamber found that Mr Ngaïssona played a central role in formalizing the Anti-Balaka’s structure and provided financial support. Mr Yekatom maintained full control over his group, which was recognized as part of the broader Anti-Balaka movement. Both men were aware that the Anti-Balaka viewed the Muslim civilian population as collectively responsible for the Seleka’s abuses, leading to widespread and targeted attacks between September 2013 and February 2014—including coordinated assaults on Bangui and Bossangoa on 5 December 2013.
While the charges in this case relate specifically to crimes against Muslim civilians or individuals perceived as such, the Chamber underscored that the conflict was not religious in origin. Testimony from Muslim and non-Muslim witnesses revealed that communities had coexisted peacefully before the conflict. However, religious identities were later instrumentalised by leaders for political and economic purposes.
Individual Responsibility and Convictions
Mr Alfred Yekatom was found guilty of crimes committed during the Bangui attack, events at Yamwara, and along the PK9–Mbaïki axis. These include:
Attacks against the civilian population
Murder
Forcible transfer, displacement, and deportation
Directing attacks against religious buildings
Torture and cruel treatment
Other inhumane acts
Imprisonment and severe deprivation of liberty
Persecution
Mr Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona was found guilty for aiding, abetting, or otherwise assisting in crimes committed in the same regions and time period, including:
Attacks against the civilian population
Murder
Forcible transfer, displacement, and deportation
Directing attacks against religious buildings
Torture and cruel treatment
Other inhumane acts
Imprisonment and severe deprivation of liberty
Destruction of property
Persecution
These findings were by majority, with Judge Péter Kovács dissenting in relation to the war crime of torture and the war crime and crime against humanity of murder concerning the killing of a victim identified as Saint Cyr.
The Chamber did not uphold certain charges against Mr Ngaïssona, including:
The war crime of pillaging
Directing an attack against a religious building in Bossangoa
Responsibility for rape committed in Bossangoa
In Mr Yekatom’s case, the Chamber—by majority, with Judge Chang-ho Chung dissenting—did not uphold the charge of conscripting, enlisting, or using children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities.
Following a successful major operation in November 2024 to uncover fake paintings, Eurojust has supported the Italian authorities with a new action to retrieve over one hundred false artworks worldwide. In this recent operation, 104 forged paintings of Picasso, Edvard Munch and Paul Klee were seized and brought to Italy. Eurojust assisted with the execution of European Investigation Orders to Germany and Spain, in order to retrieve the fake artworks and prevent them from being sold in auctions.
In 2022, the Italian Carabinieri’s specialised Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage started investigations into a specific group of forgers, who counterfeited works of the three painters. The Italian-based culprits used a special graphic design program to print images of the originals on matrices. These were then printed on paper with falsified watermarks and copied signatures of the painters.
To give the fakes a semblance of authenticity, the paper for the prints underwent artificial ageing treatments through coffee or tea baths. Accompanied by forged certificates of free circulation, in order to circumvent authenticity controls by experts, the counterfeited artworks were sent to auction houses outside Italy.
The investigations by the Carabinieri Command prevented certain fakes from being sold in Germany and Spain, through auction houses. Without this intervention and the support of Eurojust, the forgers would have gained at least EUR 1 million. The Italian authorities requested the support of Eurojust last year, following the successful previous operation to uncover an estimated 2 000 fake paintings.
The operations were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:
Italy: Carabinieri – Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart
Spain: Investigative Court no. 9 of Barcelona; Mossos d’Esquadra – Central Brigade for Cultural Heritage
As every year, the Embassy commemorated Algeria’s Independence and Youth Day on July 5th
Marking the 63rd anniversary, special emphasis was placed, this year 2025, on highlighting culture and history, with the aim of preserving national identity, safeguarding collective memory, and promoting the humanistic values awakened by Algeria struggle for independence.
Algeria Independence and Youth Day 2025
As part of the celebrations, the Embassy in presence of H.E Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, participated in the Antiques and Art Festival at Lange Voorhout in The Hague. From the early hours of July 5th, the Algerian pavilion, decorated with national flags, showcased traditional crafts, fine porcelain, jewellery, and Algerian outfits, reflecting the richness of Algeria’s cultural heritage.
Live performance of the Algerian national anthem.
The pavilion attracted numerous visitors, including members of the Algerian community, Dutch nationals, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. A memorable highlight was a live saxophone performance of the Algerian national anthem, evoking emotion and pride.
Among the many diplomats visiting Algeria’s pavilion, pictured here are the Ambassador of Ivory Coast, H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak and the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero.
The exhibition lasted two days, during which the Algerian exhibitors greatly appreciated the warmth, curiosity, and easy-going spirit of the Dutch visitors, who came in large numbers despite the rain of the second day.
Algeria’s art and craft at Lange Voorhout in The Hague.
On the evening of July 5, Ambassador Salima Abdelhak participated in a commemorative event at the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam, organized by the Africadelic Foundation. The event featured a documentary screening on Frantz Fanon and was held in the presence of Dr. Glenn Helberg, a Dutch psychiatrist deeply inspired by Fanon’s work. It marked both the centenary of Fanon’s birth and the 63rd anniversary of Algeria’s independence.
During her opening remarks, she paid a powerful tribute to Algeria’s struggle for independence, highlighting the pain and honour through which freedom was achieved, thanks to the determination and sacrifice of the Algerian people and the solidarity of international supporters.
She emphasized the historic impact of the liberation movement, not only within Algeria but across Africa, where it inspired other liberation movements. She also recalled that Algeria’s resistance was a model both militarily and diplomatically, noting that its revolutionary diplomacy helped gather global solidarity and contributed to the adoption of UN Resolution 1514, affirming the right to self-determination.
Screening on Frantz Fanon’s documentary at Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak highlighted Frantz Fanon’s lasting legacy and his deep ties to Algeria, honouring him as a key supporter of its independence and a humanist thinker whose ideas remain highly relevant in today world that needs more than ever justice, humanity and dignity.
Dr. Glenn Helberg followed with a reflection on Fanon’s intellectual and psychological contributions, emphasizing the enduring impact of his work in addressing the trauma of colonialism and discrimination and advancing the global struggle for equality and decolonization.
Interview with ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger Highlighting ICMP’s human rights-centered mission to account for the missing
With more than three decades of experience at the forefront of post-conflict recovery, Director-General Kathryne Bomberger leads the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) — the only international organization exclusively dedicated to addressing the issue of missing persons through a rule-of-law-based approach. Headquartered in The Hague since its establishment as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization in 2015, ICMP is playing a crucial role in some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and justice-related crises — from Ukraine and Syria to the Western Balkans, Vietnam, and Iraq.
In this exclusive interview, Director-General Bomberger discusses how ICMP’s advanced forensic capabilities, its upgraded DNA laboratories, and its integrated data systems are transforming the global response to enforced disappearances, war crimes, migration crises, and climate-driven disasters. She also reflects on ICMP’s post-conflict efforts in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, and outlines her vision for building a truly global standing capacity to respond to mass disappearances — one rooted in international cooperation, justice, and the rights of families.
As the world marks 30 years since the Srebrenica Genocide and faces the highest number of conflicts since 1946, ICMP’s work is more vital than ever. In December 2024, the Conference of States Parties to the ICMP Treaty convened at the Peace Palace in The Hague to adopt key amendments, reinforcing ICMP’s global mandate and strengthening mechanisms for states to join its mission. The path forward is clear: no one should remain missing — and no family should be left without answers.
Global Mission and Priorities
ICMP’s mandate is unique in the international system. What are the organization’s current global priorities, and how are you addressing today’s most urgent missing persons cases?
ICMP’s mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons from conflict, human rights abuses, manmade and natural disasters, organized crime, irregular migration and other causes where persons go missing for involuntary reasons and to assist them in doing so.
This means we are helping governments to meet their obligations under international and domestic law to locate missing persons and investigate their disappearances, so that the rights of families of the missing, including the right to the truth, the right to justice and the right to reparations, are secured.
The priority is to help states build institutional, legal and technical frameworks to find large numbers of missing persons. This must be done in a manner that adheres to the rule of law, and in ICMP’s decades of experience in different parts of the world, it will only be done successfully if families of the missing are front and center of the process.
Today, ICMP has programs in several regions where the scale and complexity of missing persons cases require immediate and coordinated responses.
In Ukraine, we are supporting the national authorities by deploying forensic experts, conducting DNA identifications at our laboratories in The Hague, and facilitating data coordination through ICMP’s Integrated Data Management System (iDMS). ICMP has signed agreements with responsible ministries and state institutions and with CSOs, and has developed a five-year strategy to help the authorities develop an effective, long-term missing persons process. Since the end of 2022 it has been delivering training and providing equipment to forensic bureaus in the country and working with CSOs and family associations to help them develop an effective voice and play a central role in the process.
Since 2017, ICMP has been working to lay the groundwork for a missing persons process in Syria, collaborating with Syrian families of the missing, civil society organizations and international partners. This includes collecting data from Syrian families inside and outside Syria, and developing legislative proposals that can be implemented following the collapse of the Assad Regime. Following the fall of Damascus on 8 December 2024, ICMP is now working in Syria to help the country build its capacity to find hundreds of thousands of missing persons.
In collaboration with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and other institutions in Vietnam, ICMP is helping to develop advanced DNA identification techniques, as well as expanding domestic forensic capacity, establishing centralized data systems, and delivering specialized training.
In Iraq, ICMP is working closely with the authorities and families of the missing to develop effective strategies to locate all missing persons, regardless of the time period or the circumstances in which they went missing, as well as supporting legislative and institutional initiatives and delivering specialized training.
ICMP has helped the countries in the Western Balkans to account for more than 75 percent of the 40,000 people who went missing in the conflicts of the 1990s. This month’s 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide is a significant reminder of the importance of this work, which has underpinned efforts to secure justice and support reconciliation in the region.
ICMP is also monitoring emerging crises, in places such as Sudan and Gaza, where it can help account for the huge number of people who have disappeared.
Technology, Innovation, and Expanded Capacity
ICMP is recognized for its cutting-edge DNA technology and forensic capabilities. With the recent renovation and expansion of your headquarters and DNA labs in The Hague, how has your operational capacity improved, and how do you see technological innovation shaping your future work?
We’re incredibly proud of our recently upgraded state-of-the-art DNA laboratories in The Hague. The laboratories are accredited under ISO 17025. Using advanced technologies such as Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), ICMP scientists can recover DNA from even the most compromised post-mortem samples.
To date, ICMP has processed more than 77,000 post‑mortem samples, delivering more than 43,000 DNA matches. Thanks to our fully integrated operational structure, we maintain a standing forensic capacity that can be rapidly deployed in response to crises anywhere in the world.
In Vietnam, where ICMP is implementing a two-year ODA project with the Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), ICMP and IBT scientists have developed advanced DNA extraction and NGS capabilities for identifying human remains from the Vietnam-American War, which ended 50 years ago this year. This project will help Vietnam to account for very large numbers of missing persons, in some cases making identifications based on DNA profiles separated by as many as four generations.
ICMP’s forensic archaeology and anthropology work has a comprehensive portfolio of specialized operations that support investigations into missing persons cases, including conducting desk-based analyses and evaluating data, analyzing aerial imagery, conducting on-site landscape assessments, undertaking site investigations, undertaking excavation, recovery, and documentation, processing, examining and analyzing human remains, conducting mortuary assessments, including cause and manner of death, reviewing complex cases by combining DNA matches with anthropological re-examination, integrating analytical results and findings to support investigations, and developing and delivering practical and classroom-based training programs.
ICMP’s Data Systems and Data Coordination program develops and operates global missing persons data processing systems that optimize the availability and quality of data and ensure effective processing of large quantities of data and maintenance of chain of evidence.
ICMP’s Wim Kok Center for Excellence and Learning, supports knowledge sharing with partners – from families of the missing to forensic experts to government officials.
Kathryne Bomberger, ICMP Director-General
Rule of Law and Justice
How does ICMP ensure that efforts to locate the missing are not only humanitarian but also contribute to justice, accountability, and the rule of law?
It is important to clarify that missing persons is fundamentally a human rights issue. The obligation to conduct comprehensive and effective investigations of human rights abuses lies with the State, regardless of who committed the violations and abuses (State or non-State actors). Failure to investigate the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in an effective way, including the circumstances of their disappearance, can constitute a continuing breach of fundamental human rights of both the missing persons and their family members. ICMP’s mandate is anchored in advancing justice and strengthening the rule of law.
We collaborate with governments to develop and enhance legal frameworks that uphold the rights of families. For example, in Ukraine, the Unified Register of Persons Missing in Special Circumstances now has information on more than 70,000 missing individuals. The introduction of the iDMS, provided by ICMP, is expected to facilitate efficient data sharing, which in turn will increase the number of identifications and support investigations into the causes of disappearance. This will help the Ukrainian authorities to meet their legal obligations to families of the missing.
In Armenia and Azerbaijan, ICMP is helping the authorities to enhance technical and operational provisions to account for missing persons. Our hope is to help the two countries replicate the Missing Persons Group mechanism created by the countries in the former Yugoslavia in 2018, whereby Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia cooperate in locating missing persons, including through a shared regional database of active cases.
ICMP’s DNA laboratories provide scientifically validated evidence that is admissible in courts. ICMP forensic analysis has been presented in international and domestic war crimes trials, including cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.
In 2016, ICMP and the International Criminal Court (ICC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in locating and identifying missing persons, ensuring that efforts are aligned with international legal standards and contribute to the broader goals of justice and accountability.
ICMP empowers civil society organizations (CSOs) and family associations to seek justice, by providing training and grants. Its holistic approach ensures that efforts to locate and identify missing persons uphold human rights and serve as a crucial component of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
Partnerships and Capacity Building
ICMP works closely with governments, international courts, and civil society. Could you elaborate on how these partnerships strengthen your mission in regions like the Western Balkans, MENA, and Latin America?
Addressing the issue of missing persons requires a collaborative approach. Our partnerships with governments, international organizations, CSOs and judicial bodies facilitate ICMP’s capacity to implement its rights-based mandate. In 2016, ICMP launched the Interagency Committee on Missing Persons (IAC) at the UN Security Council in New York. The IAC brings together international and other organizations to discuss data-sharing modalities, in particular concerning cases of unidentified human remains and missing persons reports by families, in order to develop interagency solutions. Participating organizations include the European Commission, EUROJUST, EUROPOL, the International Criminal Court, the International Committee of the Red Cross, INTERPOL, the International Organization for Migration, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the UN Children’s Fund.
In the Western Balkans, ICMP actively supports regional cooperation through the Missing Persons Group (MPG), which brings together domestic institutions and family associations to foster dialogue and collaboration.
In Iraq, for example, ICMP’s collaboration with the Martyrs’ Foundation and the Ministry of Justice led to the establishment of a National Committee on Missing Persons and the creation of a National Central Record in 2024, while ICMP’s support for CSOs has raised awareness and increased the capacity of families to play a leading role in the process.
ICMP has worked with governments and CSOs in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, providing technical assistance in DNA identification and data management, and supporting the role of families of the missing.
Syria Program – Post-Conflict Opportunities
ICMP has worked for years with Syrian families of the missing. In light of possible political changes or even regime collapse, how is ICMP preparing to expand its efforts in Syria and ensure justice and identification for thousands of disappeared persons?
The issue of the missing in Syria is a profound human rights crisis that demands urgent attention. More than 150,000 people may have disappeared during decades of repression and conflict due to enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and other human rights violations.
Since 2016, ICMP has been developing the groundwork for a comprehensive and sustainable missing persons process that can now be implemented. Our Syria program focuses on data collection and coordination, capacity building, and fostering international cooperation.
ICMP has facilitated discussions among Syrian families of the missing, CSOs, and international agencies to develop a safe and functional system. ICMP’s iDMS holds data from almost 80,000 relatives who have reported almost 30,000 people missing from Syria. Data, including genetic reference samples, has been collected from the Syrian Diaspora and from those areas of Syria that were not under the control of the Assad Regime. Additionally, ICMP has received reports concerning the location of 71 potential mass graves sites and two detention sites, which are crucial for forensic investigations and legal proceedings.
Recognizing the key role of Syrian families of the missing and CSOs, ICMP has conducted numerous seminars and training sessions. In 2023 alone, 253 outreach seminars were organized for more than 4,200 family members. As a majority of those who are missing are male, a focus has been on helping to empower female survivors, especially through participation in data collection processes, and using ICMP’s Online Inquiry Center (OIC) and iDMS.
Starting this year, following the fall of Damascus, ICMP began working in Syria. In May 2025, the Syrian government established the National Commission for the Missing, a significant step towards addressing the fate of missing persons. ICMP is recommending that the National Commission, together with Syrian families of the missing, CSOs, and international organizations, including the UN Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP), ICMP, the ICRC and others, develop a strategy for the missing persons process in Syria that includes how data concerning missing persons will be collected and what a future central record or shared data system will look like.
ICMP stands ready to provide technical and advisory assistance to support the National Commission’s efforts in investigating cases of enforced disappearances and establishing a national database.
ICMP is collaborating with all stakeholders, including the newly formed transitional bodies, to establish a credible and impartial process for locating and identifying missing persons in Syria.
Challenges and Future Outlook
What are the biggest challenges facing ICMP today? And what is your vision for the organization in the next five to ten years?
The biggest challenges to addressing this issue include political obstacles, a lack of global understanding about the nature and importance of the missing persons issue, and – as a consequence of this – difficulties in securing adequate funding for programs to account for the missing. These challenges are compounded by the erosion of confidence in – and commitment to uphold – the rules-based international order.
The challenges have increased at the same time that the number of missing persons around the world has increased. Political instability and conflict, climate change, and organized crime are among the causes of a global rise in the number of people going missing. The Norwegian Peace Research Council reports that the figures are higher today than at any time since 1946.
A vision for the next five to ten years is to ensure that the world is prepared to take on the challenge it faces. We are all affected by the issue. Each calamity is an international one. ICMP’s mandate is to ensure the cooperation of governments, so more governments need to cooperate – and that is one reason we are encouraging more governments to accede to the ICMP Treaty and become States Parties. Our global membership needs to increase.
Over the next decade, we will seek to expand our global footprint, reaching more countries and regions affected by the issue of missing persons. We will strengthen cooperation with governments, with civil society, and with other international organizations to help them create and sustain effective missing persons programs.
Technological and scientific progress will continue to lead ICMP’s efforts. We are investing in cutting-edge DNA technology, advanced data management systems such as the iDMS, and forensic innovation: by doing this we can increase the scale, speed, and accuracy of identifications.
ICMP is proposing to establish a Crisis Response Platform (CRP), which will enable an increasing number of developed and developing countries to strengthen and expand their capacity to respond to large-scale missing persons scenarios. It will endeavor to do this through the rational and collective allocation of funds to establish the ICMP Crisis Response Platform and make it a global resource on which countries can draw when the need arises.
Ultimately, we are working toward a world where the right to truth, justice, and accountability for missing persons is universally upheld.
In 2025, China and the European Union mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. According to public information, the EU-China Summit is scheduled to take place in Beijing in late July. Whether the summit can yield substantive outcomes is a matter of great interest to the international community.
The relationship between the United States, the European Union, and China is one of the most important international relationships of the 21st century; any direct conflict among the three would severely disrupt global stability.
On June 6, 2024, former U.S. Ambassador to China R. Nicholas Burns stated clearly in a speech on “U.S.-China Relations” at the Asia Society that “the future of Europe is a core interest of the United States”. The security of Europe has always been closely linked to the dynamics of U.S.-China relations. On the issue of Ukraine, the U.S. government has consistently been dissatisfied with China’s stance, yet it still sees the need to strengthen dialogue and communication with China and adopt a flexible diplomatic approach. Last week, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, told the media: “we’re two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on. I think there’s some areas of potential cooperation”.
On July 8, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a speech at the European Parliament on the future of EU-China relations, stating that the EU is seeking a “more balanced and a more stable” relationship with China. The EU has long expressed strong concerns over issues such as China’s industrial overcapacity, state subsidies to enterprises, bilateral trade frictions, and China’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, concerns that have been repeatedly emphasized in various forums in recent years. In light of the war in Ukraine, addressing vulnerabilities in supply chains has become an urgent priority for EU member states. However, EU leaders reaffirmed that while they are discussing strategies related to “de-risking”, they have no intention of decoupling or isolating themselves.
The EU-China Summit comes at a time when the United States has set August 1 as the deadline for negotiations on “reciprocal tariffs”, prompting all parties to safeguard their respective interests. In key areas such as electric vehicles, rare earths, and medical equipment procurement, significant differences remain between China and the EU, with limited progress in negotiations. Consequently, tensions between Brussels and Beijing appear to be rising.
Do both China and the EU have the will to improve relations? The answer is undoubtedly yes.
There are differences between Europe and the United States in their strategies toward China, and the independence of European diplomacy has become increasingly evident. Since 2023, both the EU and the UK have stepped up engagement and mutual visits with China, clearly expressing the possibility of strengthening cooperation, trade, and investment partnerships, while seeking to strike a balance between national security and economic interests.
In response to the tariff war initiated by the Trump administration, the EU has sought to enhance mutual understanding through high-level policy dialogues with China. As early as April 8, during a phone call between President Ursula von der Leyen and Premier Li Qiang, von der Leyen emphasized that China plays a key role in addressing potential trade diversion caused by U.S. tariff increases，especially in industries already affected by global overcapacity. Premier Li called for the EU and China to “strengthen communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, jointly uphold free and open trade and investment, and maintain the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains, injecting greater stability and certainty into both sides and the global economy“. The two sides also discussed the establishment of a mechanism to monitor potential trade diversion and ensure that related issues are properly addressed.
In early May, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, following mutual agreement, China and the European Parliament had decided to fully and simultaneously lift restrictions on mutual exchanges. The resumption of engagement between legislative bodies indicates that EU-China relations are moving toward a path of continued stability.
Cognitive Bias Behind the Differences
Europe’s greatest current dilemma is how to engage with China. On one hand, elections across European countries are reshaping political forces, leading to internal power struggles and diverging interests within the EU. Newly appointed policymakers in Germany, France, and other EU member states will need to clarify the ultimate goal of Europe’s China policy and the costs of adopting a tougher stance toward China. On the other hand, Europe has begun to recognize the complexity of China’s domestic realities. However, its perspective has not kept pace with China’s rapid development and transformation. Europe lacks sufficient expertise in understanding China’s development goals, industrial policies, new investment trends, changes in local government roles, and its growing participation in global affairs. There is also a shortage of a new generation of professionals who genuinely understand China. This knowledge gap weakens the effectiveness of Europe’s China policy and hampers the development of innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Against this backdrop, it is necessary for China to strengthen its “strategic thinking” and take a more proactive approach in proposing feasible solutions to the EU. A deep understanding of the broader changes taking place in Europe is essential, and when addressing EU-China differences, it is important to avoid narrowly focusing on individual issues in isolation. For the EU, the key lies in looking toward the future: in which areas can China and Europe expand cooperation, and through what models can bilateral relations be deepened? Only with clarity on these questions can the next steps in policy-making be effectively formulated.
Options in the Relations
Achieving broader “reciprocal market openness” is at the core of advancing EU-China relations. In areas such as green industries, climate change, technological innovation, digital transformation, and standard-setting, both sides have opportunities to identify new, mutually beneficial pathways. The following are several specific recommendations.
China should focus on the core concerns of the EU and, aligned with its strategy of high-level opening-up, promote change across various sectors. By inviting European companies to invest in China, the Chinese side must clearly communicate its policies while also strengthening their implementation. Effective follow-through is essential to demonstrate that China’s vast market can continue to drive global economic growth.
The core issue in current EU-China trade tensions centers on the electric vehicle (EV) sector. There is still room for negotiation in this area. The key lies in managing the competitive dynamics between Chinese and non-Chinese companies. Under fair conditions, both EU and Chinese enterprises can enhance their capabilities. For example, Chinese automotive companies are actively aligning with the EU’s supply chain traceability standards. On the EU side, starting with new energy batteries, cooperation with China on carbon footprint calculations and alignment of battery passport data standards is already underway. Both sides have been attempting to address these issues, and greater encouragement should be given to joint China-EU efforts in research and development, investment, and the co-development of relevant standards and regulations.
The global surge in electronic waste (e-waste) has become a major challenge, and most countries currently lack effective solutions, making it an area where China and the EU could strengthen technical cooperation and share experiences. Since the 1990s, the rise of the internet has driven the growth of the digital economy, leading to an exponential increase in electronic devices. Now, the emergence of artificial intelligence is further accelerating large-scale equipment upgrades. The market potential for efficient e-waste recycling remains largely untapped. By jointly leading technological innovation in this field, Chinese and European companies can grow together.
As the United States becomes less proactive on climate issues, the European Union and China have an opportunity to take on greater leadership in driving global carbon emissions reductions. For example, in the area of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), China and the EU can strengthen policy coordination. If the EU and China can reach a joint climate commitment ahead of the UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil this November, it could inject a degree of optimism into an otherwise subdued global climate dialogue.
In global trade and investment activities, cross-border data flows are crucial and present significant challenges to corporate management, especially in industries such as finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese and EU institutions could collaborate to establish pilot zones for data cooperation, explore mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration on trusted data spaces, and jointly develop an EU-China mutual recognition framework for data compliance. Such efforts could contribute to overcoming trade barriers.
The advances and retreats in EU-China relations are not only a matter of balancing strength, but also of mastering strategic posture. As Aristotle noted in Nicomachean Ethics, “temperance and courage, then, are destroyed by excess and defect, and preserved by the mean”. The significance of the EU-China Summit may lie in finding the right way to engage with one another, as both sides seek to be better understood, respected, and trusted.
EU Ministers of the areas of research, internal market and industry meet from 16 to 18 July 2025 in Copenhagen.
The meetings on Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to research are chaired by Christina EGELUND, Minister for Higher Education and Science of Denmark, and the meetings on Thursday and Friday dedicated to internal market and industry are chaired by Morten BØDSKOV, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark.
Ministers gather to discuss the contribution of research and innovation to European competitiveness, including the importance of critical technologies, and to address issues such as developing Europe’s industrial base, promoting critical technologies and accelerating innovation.
On the occasion of Egypt’s National Day, H.E. Ambassador Emad Magdy Hanna Kamel and Mrs. Kamel graciously hosted a diplomatic reception at the residence of the Arab Republic of Egypt in The Hague. The celebration marked the 73rd anniversary of the July 23rd Revolution, ushering in a new era for modern Egypt.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, heads of international organizations, and Dutch officials. Among the notable attendees were the Honorable Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague; H.E. Mr. Maarten Boef, Foreign Policy & Defense Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and H.E. Ambassador Guusje Altes, Director of the North Africa and Middle East Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Kamel and wife together with the Mayor of The Hague, Mr Jan van Zanen and the Egyptian Military Attache and his wife.
In his address, Ambassador Kamel reflected on Egypt’s journey and its vision for the future:
“Egypt today is a nation of resilience and ambition, rooted in a rich heritage … and committed to a future of inclusive development. From leading climate diplomacy in COP27, to advancing infrastructure and regional integration, to preserving cultural heritage by presenting to the world its new GEM, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt remains at the forefront of regional transformation.”
The Ambassador highlighted the dynamic and enduring relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands, anchored in mutual respect and growing cooperation. He pointed to longstanding collaborations in water, energy, and food security as successful examples of bilateral synergy:
“Next year, we shall celebrate 50 years of cooperation in the field of water management between our two countries. In addition, a Partnership for International Business collaboration has been established, reflecting the significant opportunities for joint work in the horticulture sector. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Port of Rotterdam, marking the beginning of an intensive collaboration in the energy sector, with a particular focus on green hydrogen.”
Ambassador Kamel with religious and military representatives.
Ambassador Kamel also noted Egypt’s strong engagement in international climate diplomacy:
“Egypt participated with a high-level delegation in Rotterdam’s World Hydrogen Summit in May 2025, and organized a well-attended and highly engaging roundtable on waste management with significant Dutch participation, on its sideline.”
He praised the continued momentum in bilateral relations, reflected in high-level visits and meetings, culminating in several recent phone calls between President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Schoof. These were preceded by the visit of Mr. Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, to Egypt in November 2024, and followed by other ministerial visits.
“Moreover, there has also been reciprocal visits during the past months, notably the valuable participation of the Mayor of The Hague in the World Urban Forum, held in Cairo in November 2024, as well as political consultations at the level of Assistant Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which were held in June 2025 in The Hague, followed by a bilateral migration dialogue last week in Cairo. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, the Embassy continues to prioritize the enhancement of cooperation between the legislative bodies of Egypt and the Netherlands. We are committed to fostering deeper engagement between the two parliaments, encouraging dialogue, mutual understanding, and parliamentary diplomacy.”
On the regional front, the Ambassador addressed Egypt’s commitment to peace and humanitarian support in the Middle East:
“Egypt remains deeply concerned by the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The war has brought unimaginable suffering to the Palestinian people. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost, families displaced, and an entire population pushed to the brink of starvation and despair.”
“Egypt spared no effort in supporting the Palestinian people during the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Through the Rafah crossing, Egypt has facilitated the delivery of essential humanitarian aid and medical supplies, while also receiving and treating injured Palestinians in Egyptian hospitals. Firm in its principles, Egypt has consistently rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land or diminish the scope of their just cause.”
He emphasized Egypt’s leadership at the March 2025 Arab Summit in Cairo, where Egypt reaffirmed its support for Palestinian ownership and sustainable humanitarian solutions:
“In collaboration with regional and international partners, Egypt continues its tireless efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and pave the way for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict, through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Winning a ticket to Egypt at the Egyptian National Day reception.
Then the Ambassador addressed his fellow compatriots. The evening concluded with warm exchanges between Egyptian diplomats, Dutch officials, and members of the international community. Guests were treated to a variety of traditional Egyptian delicacies, including beloved sweets like baklava.
As always, Egypt charmed with its unique blend of timeless cultural heritage and modernity.
On 17 July 2025, to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark, China Eastern Airlines inaugurated its new Shanghai–Copenhagen route with a grand ceremony at Copenhagen Airport. The launch includes three weekly flights—set to expand to four—and features a full-service experience aboard the Airbus A330-200, symbolizing a significant new “air bridge” between the two countries.
Flight MU707 received a festive welcome with a traditional water salute upon arrival at 19:00 local time. The exclusive inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Xuefeng, who emphasized the flight’s role in enhancing cooperation, friendship, and commercial exchange. The route is expected to strengthen ties in business, tourism, culture, and trade.
H.E. Wang Xuefeng and wife with the Captain and flight Crew of MU 707. Photo Hasse Ferrold
This new connection complements broader diplomatic celebrations, reinforcing the enduring partnership between China and Denmark on this historic anniversary.
Some people choose cooking for the flavours. Others for the art.I chose it for something simple: the joy of giving. The joy of watching people feel at home, cared for, understood – through a plate of food.
I never planned to cook for presidents, ambassadors, and heads of state. But life, as it often does, had better plans. Today, I believe that food is not only nourishment, but a powerful and silent language – one that transcends borders, beliefs, and politics.
More Than Catering: The Craft of Diplomatic Cuisine
Cooking for diplomats is not the same as cooking in a regular restaurant. It’s not only about taste – it’s about respect, understanding, timing, and culture.
Every dish must be technically perfect, but also reflect sensitivity to religious, political, and personal preferences. No pork here, no garlic there; one guest is vegan, another allergic to shellfish; a third grew up with a specific spice blend that evokes memories of home.
In this world, there is no room for improvisation – but neither is there room for artificiality. The dishes must speak honestly, elegantly, and clearly. In simplicity, I’ve often found the greatest elegance.
A Quiet Role in High-Level Conversations
During official dinners, no one looks at the chef. And that’s okay. But I know that a warm, comforting dish can ease tension faster than a formal speech. A single, memorable flavour can soften the tone of a meeting or help seal an agreement.
I’ve witnessed how good food – humble but heartfelt – can shift the atmosphere in a room full of decision-makers.
I once cooked for a delicate and confidential gathering between Indian and Pakistani delegates in a European embassy. I served a simple vegetarian samosa, filled with smoked Polish cheese and spiced potatoes. After the meal, both sides came into the kitchen – smiling, saying it tasted like home. That moment, though modest, reminded me why I love what I do.
Challenges of the Craft
There’s no space for mistakes when cooking for people who represent nations and worldviews. Every detail matters – from the first amuse-bouche to the final note of dessert.
Beyond culinary skill, this work requires emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and immense humility. And let’s not forget the team. No service would be complete without the waiters, the assistants – all of whom help deliver not just plates, but peace and presence. We work in silence, but we are part of the dialogue.
From Polish Kitchens to European Embassies
I started with nothing – no connections, no roadmap. Just passion and the willingness to work hard. I washed floors, flipped pancakes, watched, listened, learned. I worked with butchers and bakers, noted techniques and habits, accepted praise, and embraced criticism.
Eventually, I earned my chef diploma, worked abroad, and slowly built my own business.
Today, my company Restaurant at Home caters for embassies and institutions across Europe. I’ve had the honour of receiving a national distinction from the President of Poland for my work abroad.
But the greatest reward? Being able to tell stories of my homeland through food – with Polish geese from Leszno, cabbage from Sieradz, wild mushrooms from near Zielona Góra… It’s all still there, on every plate.
The Table as a Bridge
In a world too often divided by politics, food remains one of the last true connectors. One plate can say more than a hundred speeches. One warm meal can turn strangers into neighbours. That’s the kind of diplomacy I believe in – and the kind of world I want to help build. One dish at a time…..
P.S. Please forgive any linguistic imperfections – I am not a writer, but a chef. I do my best with words, but my true language is food. Thank you for your understanding and kindness. 🙂
