Children in Armed Conflicts, the UN and the EU
By Willy Fautre
In 2022, a total of 2,496 children, some as young as 8-years-old, were verified by the United Nations as detained for their actual or alleged association with armed groups, including groups designated as terrorists by the U.N. The highest numbers were recorded in Iraq, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Syrian Arab Republic. These figures were highlighted by Anne Schintgen at the European Parliament during a conference titled “Children Deprived of Liberty in World” organised on 28 November by MEP Soraya Rodriguez Ramos (Political Group Renew Europe). A number of high-level experts had been invited
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/children-in-armed-conflicts-the-un-and-the-eu/

Antidepressants and brain stroke
By Gabriel Carrion Lopez
It’s cold, Paris at this time of the year is a chilly 83 per cent humidity, and the temperature is a mere three degrees. Fortunately, my usual café au lait and toast with butter and jam allow me to put the computer on the table to get closer to a story that once again takes us into the devastating world of death and the medical establishment. In a newspaper, on 22 September 2001, many years ago, I came across a small blurb, you know, those short news items that appear in column form and which are used by newspaper editors
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/antidepressants-and-brain-stroke/

Rights of Religious Minorities in Europe, a Delicate Balance says MEP Maxette Pirbakas
By Juan Sanchez Gil
MEP Maxette Pirbakas, at the European Parliemant, emphasizes the importance of religious tolerance and freedom in Europe, highlighting the need for dialogue and respect for minority rights.
https://bit.ly/414Ihf2

Spaces of Respect, Bridge-Builder Promotes Religious Minorities Dialogue at European Parliament
By Charlie W. Grease
Brussels, Belgium – “Hence the need today for this kind of debate, which enables a religious minority to find a clean, respectful space in which to express their religion responsibly and transparently, within a democratic framework,” affirmed Lahcen Hammouch in an address last week to the European Parliament. The journalist and living together in peace activist gave remarks on November 30th as part of a conference on safeguarding the rights of spiritual minorities. Organized by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas, the working meeting convened diverse religious groups to discuss experiences in Europe. In his speech, Hammouch, CEO of the Brussels-based outlet
https://bit.ly/4151HAk

United Against Discrimination, Scientologist Calls Out Germany at European Parliament
By Newsdesk
Speaking passionately last week at the European Parliament, Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to European institutions, condemned worsening religious discrimination targeting his faith community specifically in Germany. He spoke at a conference bringing together Protestant, Muslim, Sikh, Baha’is, Hindus and other minority faith leaders to discuss protecting their rights. The event, titled “Fundamental Rights of Religious and Spiritual Minorities in the EU,” was hosted by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas and it convened leaders of diverse belief groups to share perspectives on challenges facing their communities across Europe. In his hard-hitting remarks, Arjona revealed that in Germany, “to access a public job,
https://bit.ly/413Lv2a

Jewish Leader Condemns Religious Hate Crimes, Calls for Respect of Minority Faiths in Europe
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Speaking passionately at the European Parliament last week, Rabbi Avi Tawil drew urgent attention to the long history of anti-Semitic hate crimes targeting visibly Jewish children across the continent. He traced Judaism’s deep roots in Europe spanning millennia and appealed for unity and understanding between different religions to realize the promise of an inclusive European society. “Today, especially after 7th October, but already for many, many, many years. Children in the streets of Europe if they choose, or their parents allow them, or just that they work with keeping the streets or they come out of a Jewish school. And
https://bit.ly/3T8N7WC

Religious Freedom Under Fire: Media Complicity in the Persecution of Minority Faiths
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In a speech at the European Parliament, Willy Fautré accuses European media of fostering religious intolerance and calls for ethical journalism standards in covering minority faiths. Find out more about the impact of sensationalism and biased labeling on religious groups in Europe.
https://bit.ly/3Nf0iS3

EU Rule of Law Health Check-In by MEPs
By Newsdesk
Brussels – On Monday, members of the European Parliament will convene counterparts from EU member states to review rule of law safeguards across the bloc. The gathering occurs as concerns mount over democratic backsliding in certain European countries. It will “discuss the state of the rule of law in the EU,” according to the parliament’s civil liberties committee, which is organizing the meeting. Included on the agenda are presentations from Belgian, Danish, German, Greek, Irish, and Spanish lawmakers. European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders will also provide remarks via video message. “The first session will focus on the Commission’s annual
https://bit.ly/3RnCOwC

EU Sanctions Enforcement Talks Stall, Draw Parliament Ire
By Newsdesk
Brussels – Negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states on enhancing sanctions enforcement broke down Thursday evening without agreement. Parliament lawmakers expressed frustration, arguing quicker progress is needed to close loopholes aiding Russia. “The effectiveness of the EU sanctions regime is severely undermined by the patchwork of national legal systems, and by uneven and weak enforcement,” said the parliament negotiating team in a statement. They contend that sanctioned Russian individuals and entities are still able to travel and do business in parts of the EU. Funds also continue flowing to Russia due to uneven enforcement. The disputed legislation
https://bit.ly/3T79jk0

EU Reaches Deal to Boost Cybersecurity of Digital Products
By Newsdesk
Brussels – European Union lawmakers made progress this week towards mandating stronger cybersecurity measures for internet-connected devices used by millions of Europeans daily. On Thursday evening, the European Parliament and European Council struck an informal agreement on the Cyber Resilience Act, proposed legislation that aims to secure digital products against cyberattacks. The bill would require makers of products with digital features to ensure they are resilient against hackers, provide transparency around their security, and issue regular software updates. “The Cyber Resilience Act will strengthen the cybersecurity of connected products, tackling vulnerabilities in hardware and software alike, making the EU a
https://bit.ly/4a0fTPf

The European Union and the Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict: Between Mediations and Obstacles
By Guest Author
The establishment of territorial sovereignty for each State in the world is a necessity, it is in this regard that Azerbaijan, by regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September after a lightning offensive, can argue that it was seeking to restore its territorial sovereignty lost during the previous conflict. The reconquest could be seen as a legitimate response to the unacceptable status quo situation that had prevailed in the region for many years, and as a manifestation of the international right of each country to guarantee its territorial integrity. Regional stabilization is an essential element for Azerbaijan. The reconquest of Nagorno-Karabakh
https://bit.ly/3N9ge8B