Metsola: If we are not to stagnate, we cannot be afraid of change
By Newsdesk
In her speech, President Metsola said: In this crucial moment of relaunching, reforming and reimagining Europe, the values of peace, justice, freedom and human dignity would remain firmly positioned at the bedrock of everything that we have built and everything that we will continue to do. This is what distinguishes us as Europeans To forge a genuinely equitable and fair path forward, much more effort needs to be made to transform these values into concrete benefits for our people. Whether that is in the green transition or in the digital transition, our job is to ensure that our policies are
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/metsola-if-we-are-not-to-stagnate-we-cannot-be-afraid-of-change/

MEP Maxette Pirbakas calls for the immediate reinstatement of Barbara Olivier-Zandronis
By Gaston de Persigny
MEP Maxette Pirbakas condemns the treatment of a journalist by RCI Guadeloupe, calling it a "brutal act" that defies press freedom. Full statement here.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/mep-maxette-pirbakas-calls-for-the-immediate-reinstatement-of-barbara-olivier-zandronis/

Elections in Bangladesh, Massive arrests of opposition activists
By Willy Fautre
The upcoming general elections in Bangladesh are marred by claims of repression, arrests, and violence against the opposition. The UN and the US have raised concerns about human rights violations, while the EU highlights extrajudicial killings.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/elections-bangladesh-arrests-opposition/

Historic Visit, European Sikh Organization Gains Support for Recognition within the European Union
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In a groundbreaking event on December 6, history was made as a Sikh delegation, accompanied by members of the European Sikh Organization, was extended a warm welcome at the European Parliament. This significant development marked the first time Sikhs were officially invited to the European Parliament, where promises of support for the recognition of Sikhs within the European Union were made. The Sikh delegation, with its registered office in Vilvoorde, was acknowledged by some members of the European Parliament as exemplary residents and citizens of Europe. This recognition, in part, can be attributed to the efforts of EU Member of
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/historic-visit-european-sikh-organization-gains-support-for-recognition-within-the-european-union/

Human Rigths Day, Do not forget the thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped and deported by Russia
By Willy Fautre
On UN Human Rights Day, 10 December, thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped and deported by Russia, whose parents are desperately searching for a way to get them home should not be forgotten by the international community, said the Brussels-based NGO, Human Rights Without Frontiers, in a press release issued today. On 6 December, President Zelensky announced in his daily address that 6 children deported to Russia from Ukraine’s Occupied Territories had been released with the mediation of Qatar. All in all, less than 400 Ukrainian minors have been rescued in various separate and individually designed special operations, according to The
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/human-rigths-day-do-not-forget-the-thousands-of-ukrainian-children-kidnapped-and-deported-by-russia/

Embracing change, the demand for tailored education in the Netherlands
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Discover how the education system in the Netherlands is advocating for personalized learning models to enhance student success and revolutionize education.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/embracing-change-the-demand-for-tailored-education-in-the-netherlands/

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