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.
Tighter laws continue to hit migrants across the EU - EU asylum applications fall to below half crisis peak - EP civil liberties committee against proposal to give Frontex powers to assist non-EU states with deportations
A comprehensive report on the implementation of the EU's Internal Security Strategy gives an overview of the 'state of play' with regard to potential new data retention measures, cooperation between EU agencies and institutions and third countries in the field of internal security, measures to strengthen the EU's external borders, and much more.
"Today, the European Commission recommends engaging in two international negotiations on cross-border rules to obtain electronic evidence."
The UK's new Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act introduces an array of new offences and powers that could put freedom of expression at risk, according to Index on Censorship.
"Young people in Northern Ireland will be "groomed into violent activity" if a hard Border emerges after Brexit, a stark new report has warned."
"Elin Ersson prevented a plane from taking off that had an Afghan man aboard who was supposed to be deported back to his country. A Swedish court ruled that she will not have to spend time in jail, but ordered her to pay a fine."
"The Italian minister of the interior, Matteo Salvini, is currently under investigation for abuse of power and the kidnapping of 177 migrants. These migrants were, on Salvini’s orders, confined to the coast guard vessel Diciotti for more than one week in late August last year."
"Stricter migration laws and policies continue to take their toll on migrants’ fundamental rights, finds the agency’s latest report on migration-related fundamental rights concerns. It highlights the hardening political stance in Member States, difficulties in claiming asylum, and poor reception conditions during the cold winter months."
"A cardiac specialist, who was locked up in Bulgaria for six weeks because he has no nationality, has called on the government to stop treating stateless people like criminals."
"217 people died in the Mediterranean this year. Among those who lost their lives while dreaming about freedom and dignified life, was were four girls - one was 9 years old, the two 16 and one 17 years."
"...regulating the way platforms deal with online illegal content touches upon the freedom of expression and therefore requires high standards of fundamental rights protections in democratic societies.(...)"
"Italy’s public prosecutor is investigating the death of 117 people, who lost their lives on 19th January, after more than 8 hours stranded at sea, because of Libya not responding to Rome’s MRCC calls."
Spotted an error? If you've spotted a problem with this page, just click once to let us know.