News

Launched in 1999 and updated regularly, Statewatch News includes our own reporting and writing as well as articles, announcements, documents and analyses from elsewhere on civil liberties, EU policies and state practices. You can receive updates in your inbox by signing up to our mailing list, or use our RSS feed to get instant alerts.

25 March 2020

Coronavirus derogations from human rights send wrong signal, say MEPs

"At least six European countries have announced plans to derogate from the European Convention on Human Rights, (ECHR), invoking the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Critics, however, fear that this sends the wrong political signal."

25 March 2020

EU: In fight against coronavirus, governments embrace surveillance

A round-up of new surveillance technologies being considered across Europe to deal with the pandemic.

25 March 2020

Hungary: Pandemic as Constitutional Moment: Hungarian Government Seeks Unlimited Powers

A detailed analysis of the Hungarian government's proposal to rule by decree in the name of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

25 March 2020

Greece should move migrants most at risk of coronavirus out of camps, says European Commission

Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has called on Greece to move migrants most at risk of contracting coronavirus out of overcrowded and squalid camps on the Aegean islands. Rights groups warn that the pandemic opens the door to mass detention.

25 March 2020

UK: The Windrush Report: joint statement

25 organisations have issued a joint statement on the government's Windrush Lessons Learned Review, saying it "must mark a turning point" on immigration policy.

24 March 2020

Italy: Drone use authorised for monitoring quarantine rules

The Italian civil aviation authority (ENAC, Ente Nazionale Aviazione Civile) has authorised the use of drones on city streets to strengthen the capabilities of police forces and municipal councils.

24 March 2020

EU: European Commission will not introduce visas for US citizens, despite non-reciprocity

Despite a failure by the US authorities to introduce visa-free travel for all EU citizens, the European Commission is not planning to introduce visa requirements for US citizens.

24 March 2020

Senior MEP calls for EU action to stop coronavirus spreading to Greek migrant camps

It is impossible for refugees and migrants living in overcrowded Greek camps to socially distance or isolate themselves.

24 March 2020

Hungary’s state of emergency law is a ‘blank cheque’ to Orban, critics say

The Hungarian government wants the power to rule by decree. There is a danger the powers may stay in place indefinitely.

23 March 2020

Two new analyses and one new briefing: EU-Italy-Libya cooperation; Spanish migration policies

Statewatch is today publishing three new in-depth pieces, examining anti-migration cooperation between the EU, Italy and Libya; the renewal of Italy's Memorandum of Understanding with Libya and the accompanying parliamentary debate; and a briefing outlining demands for the new Spanish government to ensure that its migration policy respects human rights.

23 March 2020

UK: Anthony Grainger shooting: Six officers under investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the killing of an unarmed man by the police in Manchester.

23 March 2020

Ireland: Coronavirus legal response: Dáil passes emergency Covid-19 legislation

New powers have been granted to the Irish authorities to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

23 March 2020

UK: Hostile environment risks public health during coronavirus outbreak

A warning that the UK government's "hostile environment" for undocumented migrants needs to be abolished in order to protect public health.

23 March 2020

UK: "Two Years Is Too Long" for "Draconian" Coronavirus Bill, Warn MPs & Rights Groups

The government's proposal to introduce emergency powers for two years needs to be cut down to size, say civil liberties groups.

23 March 2020

Hungary: Orbán introduces 'Enabling Act' in the name of fighting coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have offered an opportunity to Viktor Orbán to extend his powers.

23 March 2020

European Commission: We will fight forced labour in Eritrea by financing projects that use it

"...The EU-funded project only finances the procurement and supply of material and equipment — the EU does not pay for labour...

23 March 2020

#Euroleaks: the full 2015 Eurogroup recordings now public!

The DiEM 25 political party has published recordings of the meetings of the Eurogroup in 2015, in which the Greek government clashed with other governments and ECB officials over the austerity programme being imposed upon the Mediterranean state.

23 March 2020

UK Bill a License for Military Crimes? Law Would Stymie Prosecution of Armed Forces for Abuses

A new bill seeks to introduce a "presumption against prosecution" for UK armed forces members accused of serious crimes.

 

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