MEP Hilde Vautmans actively supports the recognition Sikhs in Belgium
By Newsdesk
Discover the need for Belgium and the EU to recognize Sikhism as a religion with full rights. Explore the challenges faced by Sikhs in Europe. #Sikhism #ReligiousFreedom
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/mep-hilde-vautmans-recognition-sikhs/

Russia, TV Channel of an Orthodox Oligarch Under EU Sanctions
By Willy Fautre
On 18 December 2023, the Council of the European Union imposed restrictive measures on Tsargrad TV Channel (Царьград ТВ) belonging to and financed by the so-called “Orthodox oligarch” Konstantin Malofeev, as part of the 12th Package of Sanctions targeting an additional group of 61 individuals and 86 entities in Russia responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. On that occasion, the SPAS TV Channel of the Russian Orthodox Church was also put under EU sanctions. Tsargrad TV Channel Tsargrad TV Channel was created in 2015. In the fall of 2017, Malofeev created the “Two-Headed Eagle,” which he defined as the
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/russia-tv-channel-of-an-orthodox-oligarch-under-eu-sanctions/

Senegal February 2024, When a statesman steps down in Africa
By Willy Fautre
The presidential election in Senegal is already noteworthy before it even happens on 25 February 2024. This is because President Macky Sall told the world last summer that he would be stepping down and would not run in the election, thereby fully respecting the end of his constitutional term. As he put it, he has great faith in the country and its people to continue after his presidency. His stance is in striking contrast to the current trend on the continent for military coups and presidents clinging on to power long after their constitutional terms have ended. In an interview
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/senegal-february-2024-africa/

Revealing the Invisible Plot: Social Action of Minority Religious Denominations in Spain
By Newsdesk
In a comprehensive analysis of the social action of minority religious denominations in Spain, academics Sebastián Mora Rosado, Guillermo Fernández Maillo, José Antonio López-Ruiz and Agustín Blanco Martín, publish their revealing findings in volume 3, number 2 of “Cuestiones de Pluralismo” for the second half of 2023. The article highlights that European society has undergone a profound transformation in its religious experience, despite the predictions of the sociologies of secularisation that predicted its demise. In this context, Spain faces unique challenges, marked by a persistent tendency to make religious diversity invisible. According to Díez de Velasco (2013), there is a
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/revealing-the-invisible-plot-social-action-of-minority-religious-denominations-in-spain/

Seamless Sojourns in Europe, Unlocking the Secrets of the Schengen Area
By Newsdesk
In the web of integration, the Schengen zone shines as a symbol of liberty and solidarity dismantling borders and granting European Union (EU) citizens the precious privilege of travelling without passports. Since its inception, in 1995 this borderless territory has become one of the achievements of the European project empowering individuals to live, study, work and explore freely within its boundaries. As we embark on an exploration of the intricacies of the Schengen area let us delve into the elements that make it a cornerstone of coexistence in Europe. A Symphony of Nations; Understanding Schengen At its essence, the Schengen
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/seamless-sojourns-in-europe-unlocking-the-secrets-of-the-schengen-area/

A Breakthrough for Inclusivity, the EU Disability Card
By Newsdesk
In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has unanimously adopted a proposal for an EU Disability Card, aiming to facilitate the free movement of persons with disabilities within the European Union. The initiative also seeks to revamp the European Parking Card for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal rights and conditions for cardholders when traveling or visiting other EU countries. Persons with disabilities often face barriers when crossing borders within the EU due to varying recognition of their disability status. The proposed directive aims to streamline this process by introducing a standardized
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/a-breakthrough-for-inclusivity-the-eu-disability-card/

Scientology Celebrated a Decade of Awarding Those Defending Religious Freedom
By Newsdesk
Church of Scientology’s Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society in Spain held the 10th annual Religious Freedom Awards ceremony MADRID, SPAIN, January 5, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — On December 15th, 2023, the Church of Scientology’s Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society (Fundación MEJORA) held the 10th annual Religious Freedom Awards ceremony. The event brought together authorities, academics, diplomats Czech Republic and Bosni-Herzegovina, and civil society representatives to honour three experts for their “outstanding contribution to the study, analysis and understanding of the legal and social aspects of religious freedom,” said Mercedes Murillo, Deputy Director General for Religious
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/scientology-celebrated-a-decade-of-awarding-those-defending-religious-freedom/

Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban's Secretive Negotiations on EU Aid for Ukraine
By Newsdesk
According to an article by Bloomberg, there have been reports of secretive negotiations between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. It is said that Meloni has urged Orban to remove his opposition to the European Union’s aid for Ukraine. This political strategy follows Orban’s decision in December 2023 to veto a significant €50 billion aid package intended for Ukraine, a country currently embroiled in conflict. As a result of this blockage, EU leaders are now calling for an emergency summit on February 1st to address the issue and explore solutions that could work around Hungary’s
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/giorgia-meloni-viktor-orbans-ukraine/

European Commission's Commitment to Youth Engagement and Policy Influence in the European Union
By Newsdesk
Following the European Year of Youth in 2022 the European Commission is actively working to ensure that young people have a say in the decision-making processes of the European Union. Today’s announcement is a step forward in prioritizing the perspectives and issues that matter to young Europeans in EU policymaking. With the 2024 European Parliament elections these efforts aim to engage and empower youth giving them influence that goes beyond casting their votes. Taking on Board the Youth Perspective One of the groundbreaking initiatives being introduced is called the “youth check.” This mechanism has been designed to consider how EU
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/european-commissions-commitment-to-youth-engagement-and-policy-influence-in-the-european-union/

Concerns Raised by Former Polish Prime Minister about Detention of Politicians and Threats to Democracy in Poland
By Newsdesk
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has raised concerns about the recent detention of politicians from the Law and Justice party, Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, labelling them as “victims of political revenge” and stating that “we have political prisoners in Poland since yesterday”. Morawiecki emphasized that the detention of individuals for political reasons was previously considered “impossible” since the fall of communism and compared the current situation to the communist regime. Morawiecki accused Donald Tusk, a prominent political figure in Poland, of “beginning to dismantle democracy” and highlighted issues such as the lack of freedom of expression, the monopolization
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/concerns-raised-by-former-polish-prime-minister-about-detention-of-politicians-and-threats-to-democracy-in-poland/

Farmers displaced and farmlands seized as Iran’s government intensifies Baha’i religious persecution
By Newsdesk
GENEVA—4 January 2024— Farmlands, rice paddies and walnut orchards belonging to Baha’i families in the village of Ahmadabad, a lush and fertile agricultural community in Mazandaran province, were forcibly seized this week by Iranian officials who claimed the lands on behalf of the Iranian government. No compensation or official documents justifying the seizures were provided by the agents who conducted the raid. The raid is the latest incident in a rising pattern of persecution against the Baha’is across Iran—and the third recent example of religiously-motivated property seizures against Baha’i farmers in Mazandaran province. Baha’is are Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority and are systematically persecuted—including through economic
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/farmers-displaced-and-farmlands-seized-as-irans-government-intensifies-bahai-religious-persecution/

Renew Europe Hosts Pivotal Forum on Global Crises at European Parliament Today
By Newsdesk
Today at the Hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels on January 9 2024 the influential Renew Europe Group is organizing a forum called “Global Europe in the Face of Multiple International Crises.” Running from 3;00 PM to 6;00 PM this event is set to be a platform for discussions and strategic planning concerning the European Unions role in an ever changing global landscape. Led by Stéphane Séjourné, President of Renew Europe this forum will bring together a group of notable individuals. Among them are Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Margrethe
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/renew-europe-hosts-pivotal-forum-on-global-crises-at-european-parliament-today/

Nicola Beer appointed new Vice Presidentat the European Investment Bank
By Newsdesk
Serving as the Vice President of the European Parliament for the Renew group until last December 31st, Nicola Beer brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has played a part in committees focusing on economics and monetary affairs foreign affairs and industry and science. One notable achievement includes her role as rapporteur for the Critical Raw Materials Act, which was successfully passed in the European Parliament on December 12th. Nicola Beers political journey began in 1991 when she became a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Over time she has held positions such as State Secretary
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/nicola-beer-appointed-new-vice-presidentat-the-european-investment-bank/

EU Embraces Appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as UN Personal Envoy on Cyprus
By Newsdesk
The European Union has expressed its support for the recent appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, the former Foreign Minister of Colombia, as the new Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus. This move is seen as a pivotal step in revitalizing the stalled peace negotiations in the region and is a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. A New Chapter in Cypriot Peace Talks The appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar comes at a crucial time when the last formal negotiations in Crans Montana in 2017 have yet to
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/eu-embraces-appointment-of-maria-angela-holguin-cuellar-as-un-personal-envoy-on-cyprus/

Camels, Crowns, and a Cosmic GPS... 3 wise kings
By Newsdesk
Once upon a time in a land not far from our wildest imaginations there existed an annual celebration of immense magnificence involving not just one or two but three esteemed kings. This was no royal procession with regal figures waving from their carriages. It is the tale of the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, who embarked on an extraordinary journey across vast deserts and realms guided solely by a celestial beacon that outshone any contemporary GPS system. As January 6th approaches, while some are recuperating from their New Years Eve festivities others are eagerly preparing for a
https://europeantimes.news/2024/01/camels-crowns-and-a-cosmic-gps-3-wise-kings/

EU's Big Move for a Cleaner Future: €2 Billion for Green Energy
By Charlie W. Grease
Exciting news from the European Union! They’ve recently invested a €2 billion in some fantastic projects to promote cleaner energy and make our planet greener. Can you believe it? €2 billion! It’s like hitting the jackpot and deciding to contribute it all towards efforts. Amazing don’t you think? So what’s the scoop? The EU has this initiative called the Modernisation Fund, which acts as a funding source for countries that require assistance in upgrading their power systems and reducing pollution levels. This time they’re providing financial support to nine countries to enhance their energy capabilities. What does this entail? Picture
https://bit.ly/48oYnmt

Understanding Greenhouse Gases in Europe
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Have you ever pondered why some days feel hotter than the ones your grandparents reminisce about?. Why weather patterns seem to be in disarray? Well the explanation may lie above us unseen but impactful; greenhouse gases. In Europe like in parts of the world these gases have become a pressing concern. Lets delve into the reasons behind their significance. What are greenhouse gases? Imagine your car parked under the scorching sun with all its windows tightly shut. The temperature inside rises higher than outside right? That’s because the suns warmth becomes trapped within. On a scale greenhouse gases function similarly.
https://bit.ly/48DcfZW

Decision of the International Mock Trial on defendant Ernst Rüdin
By Newsdesk
The United Nations Headquarters in New York hosted the International Mock Trial on Human Rights as part of the 2023 Holocaust Remembrance under the UN Outreach Programme on the Holocaust. In an imagined courtroom, 32 students between 15 and 22 years old, from ten countries, interrogate the so-called father of Nazi Racial Hygiene, ardent Nazi Ernst Rüdin (his person was presented by an actor). A psychiatrist, geneticist, and eugenicist, Rüdin was responsible for untold suffering and death during the 1930s and 40s. On trial was the right for those most vulnerable to be protected from harm; the responsibility of leadership;
https://bit.ly/4aLnHEY

In Russia, Jehovah’s Witnesses are the most persecuted religion, 127 prisoners as of 1 January 2024
By Willy Fautre
As of 1 January 2023, 127 Jehovah’s Witnesses were in prison in Russia for practising their faith in private homes, according to the last update of the database of religious prisoners of Human Rights Without Frontiers. Some statistics since the ban of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2017 Some statistics in 2023 Last sentences in 2023: from 6 1/2 to 7 ½ years in prison On 22 December 2023, the judge of the Cheremushkinsky District Court respectively sentenced Aleksandr Rumyantsev, Sean Pike and Eduard Sviridov to 7.5 years, 7 years and 6.5 years for singing religious songs and prayers. At the end
https://bit.ly/3TNs77Z

Shaping the Future, Belgium's Agenda for the EU Presidency
By Newsdesk
Let’s provide an overview of the key policy areas and responsibilities of the Belgian presidency of the European Union, highlighting its focus on various thematic areas such as enlargement, foreign affairs, economic governance, migration, health, social policy, green and digital transition, research and innovation, energy, environment, education, and culture. Belgium’s Presidency of the European Union Overview of the Presidency’s Agenda Belgium’s presidency of the European Union will prioritize key thematic areas such as enlargement, cohesion policy, and preparation for the next institutional cycle. Additionally, it will focus on multilateral cooperation, peace, security, and development in foreign affairs. The presidency also
https://bit.ly/4aJsiaw

Exploring the Best E-Banks in Europe: A Comprehensive Comparison
By Newsdesk
An overview of the most well-known e-banks in Europe, including N26, Revolut, Wise, and others, along with a comparison of their services, fees, and customer satisfaction, as well as tips for choosing the right e-bank for online banking needs. Overview of Top European E-Banks The top e-banks in Europe have revolutionized the banking landscape with their innovative services and features. N26, for instance, stands out by offering insurtech benefits and a free basic current account and debit card, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking convenient and flexible banking solutions . On the other hand, Revolut has made a
https://bit.ly/3tMXoNM

10 Highly Paid Professions of 2023 in Europe
By Charlie W. Grease
In the job market of Europe, certain occupations have emerged as highly rewarding. As we move forward in 2023 it is clear that having a skillset in technology, finance, healthcare and strategic business positions can result in some of the highest salaries across the continent. Let’s delve into an analysis of the top ten most well-compensated professions, in Europe for last year, according to some reports. 1. Investment Banker Investment bankers play a role in the corporate realm using their financial expertise to guide mergers and acquisitions capital raising and the intricacies of initial public offerings (IPOs). Due to the
https://bit.ly/47eijat

The Financial Labyrinth of MEPs, A Closer Look Beyond the Numbers
By Charlie W. Grease
As Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) navigate the complexities of legislating for the European Union, scrutinizing the financial aspects of their compensation becomes imperative. This critical analysis not only dissects the structure of their remuneration but also exposes instances of misuse and the apparent lack of transparency surrounding the actual figures involved. Dissection of the salary/funds received by MEPs MEPs receive a basic salary subject to taxation, aiming to establish parity among member states. As of 01/07/2023, the monthly pre-tax salary of MEPs under the single statute is €10.075,18. After the deduction of EU taxes and insurance contributions, the
https://bit.ly/41G8kt4

Unveiling the Democratic Dance of the European Parliament Elections 2024
By Newsdesk
Electrifying Europe: Unveiling the Democratic Dance of the European Parliament Elections 2024
https://bit.ly/48DhLfq

A unanimous commitment to freedom of belief "Respect to be respected"
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Freedom of belief – The Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad (Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society) gathered once again this year in Madrid to present the Religious Freedom Awards, awards that for the past decade have sought to recognise the enormous work of individuals and institutions in defence of freedom of belief and the fundamental human right to freedom of religion, thought and conscience. The general secretary of the organising foundation, Isabel Ayuso Puente, opened the ceremony by giving an emotional welcome to the authorities and national and international representatives
https://bit.ly/4aBVLmJ