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NL In conversation with Tineke Strik on European 'cash for migrant control' deals
Photo: Tineke Strik at a European Parliament debate - X Migration remains a hot topic in political debate - both during the recent parliamentary elections and now, ahead of the European Parliament elections on 6 June. The call for control over immigration and borders is central to this. The European Union then [...]
Opinion: Exporting arms? Don't become complicit in the war in Yemen
Photo: victim of Yemen attack, 20-04-2018 - Flickr This opinion piece originally appeared in the Trouw edition of 14 May We are about to sign a treaty whereby we can no longer stop arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia, among others. Why does it remain so quiet on this, master's student in international law Maurits van Es asks [...].
After 50 years of commitment to a better world, Jan Pronk may say "Don't look away"
In journalist Ellen Mangnus' new book, she talks to Jan Pronk about politics with vision and looking through the eyes of the other. A fascinating book unfolds that is at the same time light-hearted, writes Bram van Leeuwen in this review. How do you read the title "Don't look away"? If [...]
Review of our political café on our role in European democracy & rule of law
Photo: (from left to right) Iris Vrolijks, Pieter de Wilde, Thijs Reuten, Elene Amiranashvili (FMS) On Wednesday 17 April, politically interested people gathered in Groningen for an enriching evening of debate and reflection on our role in European democracy and the rule of law. The political café provided a stage for lively discussions and deep insights, with [...]
FMS president Bert Koenders visits Prague to commemorate Van der Stoel
Exactly a week ago, the historic meeting between Max van der Stoel (1924-2011) and philosopher Jan Patočka was commemorated in Prague. During the Cold War, Van der Stoel, as Dutch foreign minister, stuck his neck out to support human rights defenders like Patočka. Our president and former foreign minister, Bert Koenders, was [...]
The ongoing struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan
Photo: Afghan women speak at the UN: "Give us a seat at the table." - Flickr Today, 8 March, we celebrate International Women's Day: a day when we honour the contributions and achievements of women, highlight their right to gender equality and reflect on the challenges they face. As the world reflects on the progress made and [...]
Marriage equality in Greece: what does it mean for the Balkans?
On 16 February, Greece made history by becoming the first Orthodox country to open marriage to same-sex couples. What is the impact of this groundbreaking move on the Balkans? We interviewed Christos Papagiannis - director of the Social Change Institute Eteron - and Dajana Bakić - president of Rainbow Rose and part [...]
Regional powers renew ties: Erdoğan's visit to Cairo
Photo: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan - Flickr Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo on 14 February. The visit marks a new era of cooperation between the two countries, which had been tense for years following the ousting of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, an ally [...]
War in Gaza: how does the region now view the West?
Photo: People with Palestinian flags protest on the streets in Rabat, Morocco - Pexels As the war in Gaza unfolds and human suffering increases, there is still no unequivocal call from the international community for a ceasefire. The Middle East is observing this development with increasing amazement. It is easy to get lost in the [...]
Israel-Lebanon: a second front?
Photo: Meeting during Hezbollah leader Nasrallah's speech in November - Wikimedia Commons Hamas' attack on Israel, on 7 October, has caused increasing tensions and risk of escalation in the region, including in the Israel-Lebanon border region. (Air) attacks back and forth are claiming lives of soldiers and innocent civilians. Hezbollah [...]