New NATO boss backs Ukraine’s plea for deep strikes into Russia
Kyiv’s right to self-defense “does not end at the border,” Mark Rutte says during first trip to Ukraine.
international law
Italy prepares new crackdown on migrant rescue efforts
New legislation targets planes working with NGO vessels.
Romania scrambles fighter jets after Russian drones approach border
The drones were targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure close to Romania’s border, according to authorities in Bucharest.
The EU far right wants to give Elon Musk a free speech award
If shortlisted, Musk will be invited to the European Parliament to defend his views on free speech.
‘All must be beheaded’: Revelations of atrocities at French energy giant’s African stronghold
Mozambican soldiers operating out of TotalEnergies’ natural gas plant abducted, raped and killed dozens of civilians.
Hold China responsible for helping Russia, Danish PM says
Moscow could not sustain a full-scale invasion of Ukraine for this long “without help from China,” Mette Frederiksen says.
UK tells Putin: You’re a slave-owning mafia boss
British foreign secretary invokes legacy of slavery as he attacks “imperialism” of Russian leader.
UK’s Starmer hits back at Netanyahu over Israel arms embargo
Starmer rejects claim UK has undermined Israel’s fight against Hamas.
US builds up naval, troop presence near Alaska amid Russian activity
The actions follow a series of Russian air operations that skirted Alaskan airspace and as Russian and Chinese warships conducted joint exercises across the Pacific.
‘That’s not manly’: Chechen warlord claims Elon Musk disabled his Tesla
“How could you do that, Elon?” asks Ramzan Kadyrov, saying the tech billionaire remotely bricked his new favorite toy.
Let Ukraine strike into the heart of Russia, MEPs urge EU countries
European Parliament puts pressure on national governments with large vote in favor of letting Kyiv hit strategic Russian territory.
Cops infiltrate ‘Ghost’ encryption app used by drug lords, mafia
International bust is the latest win for law enforcement over criminals seeking to hide their tracks.
Germany’s defense minister on Putin’s war threat: Yawn
Berlin hasn’t provided Ukraine with long-range missiles, citing the risk of war, but suggested it would be fine for the U.S. and U.K. to do so.
PMQs scorecard: Sunak punches Starmer over pensioners and Israel
The PM was probed on issues where he faces rumbling discontent from his backbenchers.
Netanyahu blasts ‘shameful’ UK ban on Israel arms exports
Israeli PM vows: “With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.”
Boris Johnson accuses UK Labour of ‘abandoning Israel’
Former prime minister asks if the British government “want Hamas to win” after it partially suspends arms sales to Israel.
Putin not arrested by ICC member Mongolia, which could now face prosecution
Human rights campaigners say Mongolia will become an “accomplice” if it fails to arrest Putin, who is wanted for war crimes.
Borrell asks EU to consider sanctions on two Israeli ministers
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday (29 August) he has asked the bloc’s members to consider imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers for “hate messages” against Palestinians, messages that he said broke international law.
Hungary-EU blowup overshadows key meeting on Ukraine
Top Brussels diplomat Josep Borrell’s comments on Ukraine and the Middle East anger Budapest.
Zelenskyy urges Modi to back Ukraine’s ‘just peace’ push after Putin hug
Indian PM comes to Kyiv to demonstrate he stands for peace, while signing pharma and agri deals.
Russia was going to take Kyiv in 3 days. Now it’s installing concrete shelters at home.
Ukraine’s offensive leaves Vladimir Putin’s henchmen reeling.
Ukraine war briefing: Long-range strikes a must against Russian aggression, says EU’s Borrell
EU’s top diplomat says long-range weapons would boost Ukrainian self defence; Scholz says Kursk operation was secretive by necessity. What we know on day 911See all our Ukraine war coverageWestern suppliers should let Ukraine fire their powerful long-r…
EU top diplomat calls for lifting restrictions on weapons to Ukraine
Kyiv wants donors to lift restrictions on using long-range weapons to hit targets inside Russia, which they’ve imposed to lessen the threat of the war escalating.
As Kyiv makes gains in Kursk, Russia strikes back in Donetsk
Ukraine captured a record 102 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region in one day on Wednesday.
Iran dismisses European calls for restraint amid fears of escalation with Israel
Iran’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that calls for restraint regarding Israel from France, Germany and Britain “lack political logic and contradict principles of international law”.
Fears grow of Iranian attack on Israel, as Tehran laughs off West’s plea to keep cool
International leaders launch joint diplomatic push to calm tensions.
Whale protection: ‘The United Nations must intercede with Japan to obtain Paul Watson’s release’
A group of journalists, activists, and human rights specialists, including Marie Toussaint and Olivier de Schutter, are calling for the ‘unconditional and immediate’ release of whale conservationist Paul Watson, who was arrested in Denmark at Japan’s b…
Kyiv’s offensive gets a greenish light from its allies
Germany and other Ukraine allies have been reluctant to allow Ukraine to hit Russia, but the latest offensive may be shifting policy.
Macron triggers tensions with Algeria in supporting Morocco’s Western Sahara plan
The president said Paris’ support for plans for an autonomous region under Moroccan control is “clear and unwavering.”
Does Finland’s new migration bill break international law? | Radio Schuman
The Finnish government has approved a migration law which enables border guards to block migrants from entering the country. A move seen by many civil society organisations as legalisation of so-called ‘pushbacks’.
Trio of Russian athletes competing in Paris 2024 despite supporting war in Ukraine
Ukraine had lobbied to exclude Russian war supporters.
UK drops objection to ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Labour U-turns on the previous government’s opposition to the warrant, arguing for judicial independence and everyone being subject to international law.
Fincantieri CEO on Trump, defense spending and consolidation
SNEAK PEEK — Fincantieri boss Pierroberto Folgiero is looking to the Middle East and Southeast Asia for growth, he told Jacopo. — The U.K.’s new government is under pressure to halt arms sales to Israel. — F-35s, Eurofighters and GCAP: Morning Defense brings you the latest news on fighter jets. Good morning, and welcome to […]
US sees new Chinese, Russian military cooperation on eve of visit to region
An unprecedented exercise by Chinese and Russian bombers forced the U.S. and Canada to scramble fighter planes along the Alaskan coast.
Finland’s deportation law puts EU’s migration norms to the test
Human rights organizations sound the alarm over the controversial measure.
Israeli military strikes Houthi targets in Yemen in response to Tel Aviv attack
The Israeli attack appeared to be the first on Yemeni soil since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron: New allies heading in different directions
A U.K. Foreign Office aide said the French president was pleased by how the Brits handled his brainchild summit.
Britain’s Keir Starmer vows: I’ll never leave ECHR
The European Political Community is gathering in Blenheim, Oxfordshire.
MH17 victims honoured at Ukraine crash site memorial 10 years on as Moscow denies responsibility
More legal action is underway to hold Russia accountable under international law for the attack that killed all 298 on board.
Ukraine seizes cargo ship, alleging grain shipments via Crimea
The vessel under flag of Cameroon is suspected of visiting Sevastopol in November 2023 and May of this year.
Olympics chiefs face fury over Putin allies in top jobs
Kremlin cronies holding senior Olympic positions “is an official recognition of Russia’s triumph against international law,” Lithuanian PM told POLITICO.
France: Emmanuel Macron asks Gabriel Attal to stay on as PM for time being amid political deadlock – as it happened
This live blog is closed.Analysis: Political paralysis looms in France“Deadlock” is the most likely outcome of the elections, with no “quick solution” likely in the coming days, according to economist and international law professor Armin Steinbach of …
Labour’s top policy priorities
A deep dive into what Keir Starmer’s government will tackle in their first 100 days and then in their first year.
Civil servants obliged to carry out Tory Rwanda deportations, court rules
Union for civil servants claimed Home Office staff could be open to prosecution if Strasbourg rulings on Rwanda ignored• General election 2024: live newsGuidance drawn up by Conservative ministers which told civil servants to ignore Strasbourg rulings …
UN panel finds Russia arbitrarily detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich
A UN panel found Russia violated international law by jailing American reporter Evan Gershkovich and should release him “immediately”.
500 medical workers killed during Israel’s military assault on Gaza, UN says
“This equates to an average of two health care workers killed every day,” British charity warns.
Centrists from US to Germany move right on immigration
As elections loom in the U.S., the U.K. and France, the fraught politics of migration are a key issue animating voters on both sides of the Atlantic.
Recent asylum case law of the CJEU: Distinction, Integration or Extension from ‘Mainstream’ EU law?
Professor Steve Peers, Royal Holloway University of
London
Photo credit: Luxofluxo, via Wikimedia Commons
Introduction
While attention has been focussed
on the overhaul of EU law on asylum – which I have analysed in an upcoming
article…
French far right pulls manifesto that included controversial Russia, NATO plans
The now-deleted documents proposed a closer “alliance” with Russia and exiting NATO.
Russia’s ghost loomed over Ukraine peace summit
More than 80 out of 101 participants supported the final statement backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but some key countries balked.
Russia-Ukraine war: Saudi Arabia, India and South Africa among countries opting out of Ukraine declaration – as it happened
Nations also including Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates did not sign final communique at summit on peace, says Swiss governmentUkraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy has thanked leaders and officials for attending this weekend’s p…
‘Ultimatums don’t work with Ukraine’ — Zelenskyy’s chief of staff responds to Putin’s peace proposal
Kyiv plans to work on a joint proposal with allies on how to bring Zelenskyy’s peace formula to life.
A Further Step to Gender-Sensitive EU Asylum Law: The Case of ‘Westernised Women’
Türkan Ertuna Lagrand, Assistant Professor, and Salvo Nicolosi, Senior Assistant
Professor, University of Utrecht
Photo credit: Mystslav Chernov, via Wikimedia
Commons
Gender-based asylum
claims have been gaining momentum in EU law. O…
Macron-Biden presser: ‘Solidarity’ with Ukraine against Russian aggression
One of the main takeaways from French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden’s joint press conference on Saturday at the Elysée Palace was “solidarity between the United States and France and the rest of Europe face to face with the aggr…
Ukraine can strike Russian targets with Dutch F-16s
The Dutch position contrasts with Belgian policy, under which donated F-16s cannot be used by Kyiv to hit targets inside Russia.
Legal landmine: the risky proposition of extending the application of the EU Temporary Protection Directive beyond March 2025
Dr Meltem
Ineli-Ciger, Associate
Professor, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Law; Migration Policy
Centre Associate, European University Institute
Photo credit: Falin, on Wikimedia
Commons
What should follow
once t…
Germany allows Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with German weapons
Berlin’s announcement follows a similar move by the Biden administration.
Britain’s Greens want to make life hard for Labour over Gaza
The Greens have pivoted to talking about the Middle East conflict as they try to peel off Labour votes on the left.
Kyiv’s dilemma: Gaza overshadows Ukraine for non-NATO countries
Kyiv already struggled to convince countries not in NATO to back its cause. The war in the Middle East has made that even harder.
Labour’s election policy positions, tracked
Absolutely everything you need to know about what the opposition party is promising ahead of the July 4 election.
Finland opposes calls for EU trade sanctions on Israel
Trade ministers are discussing the EU’s trade deal with Israel.
EU keen to deepen ties with a Labour PM but will not offer radical concessions
UK relationship ‘isn’t taking up as much of our mental space as it was a few years ago’, says EU diplomatSince 2016, Britain’s Conservatives have compared the European Union to Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, described a senior EU official’s remarks as…
Norway’s PM: Why we recognized the state of Palestine
Only a two-state solution can provide security, prosperity and hope for the people of both Israel and Palestine.
Germany tiptoes toward allowing Ukraine to hit Russia with Western weapons
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office now says Ukraine can hit “the territory of the aggressor.”
Gaza: The rest of the world sees hypocrisy written into the West’s response
Our human response to the Oct. 7 massacre has shackled us to an Israeli prime minister who’s serving his personal interests and those of the fringe groups in his coalition government.
EU’s Charles Michel backs recognition of Palestinian statehood
Meanwhile, the Belgian presidency of the Council of EU is trying to find a common position among the 27 member countries of the bloc.
Netanyahu calls Rafah strike ‘tragic mistake’ amid global outcry
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Sunday night’s strike killed at least 45 Palestinians and wounded almost 200 others taking shelter in tents for displaced people in Rafah.
‘No longer justifiable’: European leaders condemn Israel’s strike on refugee camp
Israel’s actions are “incompatible with international law,” German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said.
Europe is watching UK’s election battle over deporting migrants to Rwanda
EU governments used to castigate Rishi Sunak’s flagship Rwanda scheme: not any more.
EU’s top diplomat slams ‘Israeli occupation authorities’
Josep Borrell’s home country, Spain, is taking the lead in the latest push to support Palestinian statehood, a step so far not backed by most EU countries.
Israel’s actions are ‘incompatible with international law,’ says Germany’s Habeck
Habeck’s remarks represent a shift in rhetoric by senior German officials, who have been reluctant to make such direct accusations.
Israel must halt Rafah offensive, orders UN top court
ICJ cites “immediate risk” to Palestinians.
Netanyahu case will make or break the ICC
The Hague court is coming in for scrutiny over Israel-Hamas moves.
Yellen urges ‘more ambitious’ G7 plans for Russian assets
Stresa, Italy, May 23, 2024 (AFP) – US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday urged G7 ministers meeting in Italy to work on “more ambitious options” to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.The ministers and central bankers from the Group of …
UN Srebrenica resolution will cause further division in the Balkans
Reaching a consensus on memorializing the past in a way that doesn’t sow division is the best way to ensure it does not — and cannot — happen again.
EU-Beitritt von Ukraine und Moldau wird konkreter
Das Briefing dazu, wie sich Entscheidungen in Brüssel auf Sie auswirken. Mit dem Wissen des größten Newsrooms der europäischen Hauptstadt. Im Browser anzeigen oder hier anhören von JÜRGEN KLÖCKNER Mit LAURA HÜLSEMANN und JULIUS BRINKMANN DIE TOP-THEMEN — Gute Nachrichten für Kyjiw: Die EU will am 25. Juni formelle Beitrittsgespräche mit der Ukraine und Moldau […]
US embassy owes London £14.6M in unpaid traffic charges
Transport for London says a ‘stubborn minority’ of embassies refuse to pay the congestion charge — as U.S. argues it’s exempt from the ‘tax.’
European leaders divided on ICC arrest warrant bid for Netanyahu
Reactions ranged from welcoming the International Criminal Court’s decision to slamming it as “appalling” and “non comprehensible.”
Blinken orders crackdown on Israel-Hamas leaks
The secretary’s message has been delivered to every corner of the State Department.
We’re all trying to find the Guy who did this … The Disapplication of the Illegal Migration Act in Northern Ireland
Professor Colin Murray,
Newcastle Law School
Photo credit: Wknight94,
via Wikimedia
Commons
Introduction
The courtroom was anything but
packed on a grey Monday morning in Belfast. There were no camera crews outside.
And yet, for a smal…
PMQs scorecard: No Tory defection — but Labour MPs are living their best life
Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clashed over prisons and defense — but no MP crossed the Commons floor.
The UN Srebrenica resolution is vital for peace
Ending genocide denial is more relevant than ever, however, the opportunity is being squandered as politicians fail to confront and process the past in a responsible way.
Blinken reiterates human rights findings on Israel
A report released Friday found that Israeli forces may have violated international humanitarian law, though it did not formally find that they had done so.
Israel orders further evacuations in Rafah and Jabalia
The Israeli army plans to “work with great force” against Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Biden admin punts on declaring Israel violated international law
A new State Department report, criticized as inconclusive, drew immediate fire from both progressive Democrats and Republicans.
US says Israel’s use of weapons may have violated international law
The Biden administration on Friday (10 May) said Israel’s use of US-supplied weapons may have violated international humanitarian law during its military operation in Gaza, in its strongest criticism to date of Israel.
Macron’s cognac — the only thing that went down smoothly with Xi
Xi Jinping handed Emmanuel Macron some wins during his state visit, but offered few meaningful concessions on trade and Ukraine
Macron, Xi call for worldwide ‘Olympic truce’ during Paris Games
Xi Jinping called for a global truce, despite Russia showing no signs of halting its offensive against Ukraine.
Lessons on combating genocide: Never give up
This year, we should remember Benjamin Berell Ferencz who led the Nuremberg prosecution of two dozen SS commanders, and his legacy: Law, not war.
High Trust Arrangements in a Low Trust Context: The Rwanda Policy’s impact on the Common Travel Area
Professor Colin Murray,
University of Newcastle, and Professor Steve Peers, Royal Holloway
University of London Photo credit: Zairon, via Wikimedia CommonsIntroduction
The latest spat between the UK
and Ireland over the knock-on conse…
Top UN court rejects bid to force Germany to stop arming Israel
Nicaragua had accused Germany of “facilitating genocide” by supplying Israel; diplomats suspect Moscow was behind the suit.
Von der Leyen: ‘Completely unacceptable’ for Israel to attack Rafah
Commission chief said she had visited Rafah and found the situation “unbearable” and “unacceptable.”
Norway foreign minister accuses west of double standards on Gaza at World Economic Forum – video
Norway’s foreign minister has criticised some western countries for their inconsistent responses to violations of international law in Gaza and Ukraine. Speaking on the second day of the World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Esp…
The new EU asylum laws, part 8: the ‘crisis’ Regulation – and conclusions
Professor Steve Peers,
Royal Holloway, University of LondonPhoto credit: Sam Zidovetski, via Wikimedia Commons(Last amended June 18 2024: amendments marked by asterisks)
Just before Christmas, the
European Parliament and the Council (the EU body…
Some US officials believe Israel may be violating international law in Gaza: memo
Senior US officials have advised Secretary of State Antony Blinken that they do not find “credible or reliable” Israel’s assurances that it is using US-supplied weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to an internal memo..
Ukraine war briefing: Russian airstrikes pound central and western Ukrainian power facilities
Volodymyr Zelenskiy repeats pleas for more defensive missiles after fourth large-scale aerial assault on energy system in five weeks. What we know on day 795See all our Russia-Ukraine war coverageRussian missiles have hammered power facilities in centr…
Belgian agency aid worker killed in Gaza
The Belgian foreign minister summoned Israel’s ambassador in response to the death of the agency employee.
Moscow pressured Nicaragua to file genocide case against Germany, intel sources say
The Kremlin may have been trying to undermine the ICJ’s authority by making it a venue for specious legal arguments, say authorities.
UK accused by Amnesty of ‘deliberately destabilising’ human rights globally
Rights chief also warns Britain will be ‘judged harshly by history for its failure to help prevent civilian slaughter in Gaza’The UK has been accused by Amnesty International of “deliberately destabilising” human rights on the global stage for its own …
Greek government picks EU election wild card — from an Albanian jail
In Athens, many see ethnic Greek mayor-elect Fredi Beleri as a victim of political charges. In Albania, he is viewed as a more sinister figure.