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NL 'Lobby & Advocacy' intern: Jarne
My name is Jarne van der Poel, and I am a 22-year-old master's student in Utrecht. While studying History of Politics and Society, I study the historical roots of today's political and social issues. The answer to those challenges is international solidarity and sustainable development - an answer we do not always see in current Dutch politics.
'Communications & Research' intern: Tirza
My name is Tirza van Willigenburg, I am 23 years old and am currently doing an internship at the FMS as a communications & research intern. I am in the final year of my European Studies study at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, which happens to be next door to the FMS office. European Studies is a broad study in which international cooperation is an important topic. As soon as I saw the internship at the FMS come along, I thought it would be a good opportunity to further develop my interest in international cooperation and gain more experience.
'Democracy' intern: Max
My name is Max Landheer and I am a 22-year-old master's student at Utrecht University. Before starting my master's in International Relations in Historical Perspectives, I studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the Free University. During my bachelor's and master's, I was much engaged in European integration. Specifically, I also find European enlargement, democratisation and the influence of economic interests within international politics particularly interesting topics. This is why I have enjoyed working as a 'Democracy' intern for the Max van der Stoel Foundation (FMS) over the past few months.
New government squabbles, results stall
Progressive Romanians had hoped some things would change after the December 2020 elections. Less nepotism and empty promises, more follow-through. Those hopes have so far proved vain.
#Unlockourcountry: Kenya
In Kenya, the first anniversary of the COVID-19 virus was "celebrated" with the entry of a new lockdown. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a new lockdown on 26 March 2021 as the number of infections and deaths due to the virus was rising rapidly. This new lockdown generated huge reactions both offline and online.
Political paralysis in Tunisia
It is not the first time, and probably not the last. Tunisia is politically paralysed. The current stalemate between the president and the prime minister continues without an independent referee to give a decisive answer. Meanwhile, a fragmented and politicised parliament is causing confidence in politics to fall, young people in particular are turning away and voters are flocking to the flanks. What will it take to move the country forward again?
Romania: Sluggish start to new government
While corona vaccinations in Romania are running smoother than expected, ambitious plans by the government are lagging behind. A lot of European money needs to be spent in the coming budget period, but it is uncertain whether there is the administrative capacity to do so. And then Romania is also still struggling with corruption.
Genocide against the Uighurs: where are the sanctions?
Between one and three million Uighurs are currently detained in Chinese concentration camps in appalling conditions. They undergo torture that cannot bear the light of day. The millions of Uighurs outside the camps are also severely repressed and in constant danger. And it doesn't stop at China's borders, as the Uyghur diaspora is under constant surveillance beyond, including in the Netherlands. While this crime against humanity has been going on for years, hardly any countries have introduced sanctions against the Chinese government. Even the Netherlands has not taken any action so far.
Western Sahara victim of US-Morocco horse-trading
President Trump has made a deal with Morocco that will recognise Israel. In return, Morocco will get $3 billion in investment and US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This is a rare form of horse-trading that the EU cannot simply ignore.
The TLPF and the battle of Mekele
The Ethiopian army has just won the battle for Mekele, the capital of Ethiopia's rebellious Tigray region: The dust clouds are still descending. Wrenched from the hands of the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF), Mekele has been brought back under the control of the central Ethiopian state. 20 years after the end of the civil war, there is a new civil war. Here, is a brave fighting minority being enslaved by a brutally oppressive central state? What does the TPLF actually stand for? How did it get to this point?
