Archive
European support for Egypt: billions of euros for a dictatorial “partner” in migration control
A year ago, the EU and Egypt announced the launch of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership.” This comes with a €7.4 billion aid and investment package from the EU to Egypt. This article analyses this development in the context of regional changes, the ineffectiveness of “external solutions” to migration, and the impact of EU-Egyptian cooperation on human rights in Egypt. It argues that European support for Egypt underpins human rights abuses. Those abuses are then ignored or sidelined so that the EU can claim Egypt is a safe and reliable “partner” for managing migration. Read More
Serbia: Mass protests continue despite government repression
Almost 140 organisations from across Europe and beyond have expressed their solidarity with people in Serbia protesting against the government. An open letter condemns the Serbian government’s “effort to silence critical voices and suppress fundamental freedoms,” in response to nationwide protests sparked by the collapse of a train station. Statewatch has signed the letter. Read More
“Größte Bedrohung”: EU-Ratsspitze will anonyme SIM-Karten EU-weit verbieten
Heise, 24 March 2025. Read More
EU officials discuss banning anonymous use of mobile phones
The Polish government has suggested new EU rules to ban the anonymous purchase of prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones.“The main threat associated with prepaid SIM cards is anonymity,” says a document obtained by Statewatch. Extensive research has found no evidence that bans on anonymous purchases of SIM cards contribute to reducing crime. Read More
Call to reject new EU laws that “criminalise migrants and human rights defenders”
An open letter to the EU demands action to end the criminalisation of migrants and those who stand in solidarity with them. More than 100 signatories, including Statewatch, condemn proposed reforms to EU laws on migrant smuggling and call for an urgent change of approach. Read More
Italy: The end of the systematic denial of data protection rights?
Italy has been systematically denying people access to data about them stored in Europe’s largest policing and immigration database, statistics obtained by Statewatch show. Much of the data in question concerns entry bans and deportations orders. Knowing what information is stored is vital for peoples’ livelihoods and even their survival. EU institutions have known for years that mechanisms for the protection of individual rights were lacking. Now, victory in a long legal struggle may force the Italian state to comply with its obligations. Read More