January
EU: Outsourcing borders and migration control: no parliamentary scrutiny in sight
EU member states are looking for ways to “improve” the outsourcing of border and migration controls to non-EU countries. This entails more funding for authoritarian regimes, and more violence and abuse against migrants and refugees. A document obtained by Statewatch outlines the key topics of interest to the EU’s secretive “operational coordination mechanism.” Transparency and democratic scrutiny are not on the list.
Why Statewatch is leaving X
Today, Statewatch officially bids a not-so-fond farewell to X (formerly known as Twitter). After over a decade of sharing research, exposing abuses of power, and engaging in critical conversations on the platform, we’ve decided it’s time to take our leave.
EU police cooperation with Egypt sacrifices "people's rights and freedoms" for security
An open letter to EU officials raises serious concerns over a planned agreement between Europol (the EU police agency) and Egyptian law enforcement authorities. The letter opposes the agreement due to Egypt’s “abysmal human rights record.” It condemns the plan as part of a regional strategy that "places security interests above any consideration of justice, democracy and people’s rights and freedoms." The letter has been signed by over 40 organisations and individuals, including Statewatch.
EU: Human rights must be “central guiding basis” for new AI guidelines
The EU is preparing guidance on the definitions and prohibitions contained in the AI Act, which was agreed last year. A statement signed by more two dozen organisations and individuals, including Statewatch¸ says the guidance must be centred on upholding fundamental rights.
Deportations: New role for Frontex as EU pushes for more “voluntary” returns
A special report by Hope Barker and Anas Ambri: The EU has been funding new accelerated asylum and deportation procedures in Bulgaria, including a new "assisted voluntary return" project. Increasing "voluntary" returns is a key part of the plan to increase deportations from the EU, with Frontex playing an increasing role. The project targets individuals in detention. Experts question whether such procedures can ever be truly voluntary.
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