Human Rights

ECtHR Rules that Russia's Foreign Agents Law Violates Human Rights

June 22, 2022

Following Russia’s inplementation of a controversial foreign agents law the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the law violates the rights of the groups and individuals designated as foreign agents and has ordered Russia to issue compensation.
EU Extends Digital COVID Certificate One Year

June 15, 2022

The European Parliament has agreed to keep the EU Digital COVID Certificate framework in place for another year, until June 2023, with a planned review after six months to determine wether the pass is necessary or not.
Euractiv: European Parliament rejects consolidated text of the Digital Services Act

June 15, 2022

A majority of MEPs has pushed back against the version of the Digital Services Act (DSA) that was ‘fine-tuned’ after the informal agreement that was reached in April as representatives of the European People’s Party, Renew Europe, the Greens/EFA and the Left groups have all opposed the text that was sent from the French Presidency of the EU Council escalating an interinstitutional conflict between the EU co-legislators.
Climate Proposals Fail to Pass European Parliament

June 08, 2022

A series of pieces of the EU's climate legislation failed to pass the European Parliament following the refusal of lawmakers to adopt positions on the reform of the EU's carbon market, the introduction of a carbon border tax and the establishment of a Social Climate Fund by 340 votes against, 265 votes in favor and 34 abstentions, causing uproar in plenary.
The Guardian: EU Faces Legal Challenge from NGO's over New Gas Projects

June 08, 2022

An EU plan to fast-track funding and permits for 30 gas projects is facing a legal challenge from NGOs including ClientEarth and Friends of the Earth Europe who have requested verification that the projects do not violate environmental law.
Politico: Macron Appoints ‘woke’ Education Minister, Ignites Culture War

May 31, 2022

French President Macron, who in the past has rebuked wokism, has taken a u-turn, appointing historian Pap Ndiaye, an expert on U.S. history and minority issues who seeks to turn from France’s traditional « universalist » colorblind view.
Lafarge to be Charged for Human Rights Violations

May 23, 2022

The Paris Appeals Court will allow Lafarge, one of France’s biggest companies, to be charged with aiding and abetting crimes against humanity.
Meta Challenges Authority of German Regulator at Top EU Court

May 11, 2022

Meta has challenged in the European Court of Justice a 2019 decision by the German competition authority that found 95% of Facebook’s market share in Germany allowed the company to violate data privacy rules.
EU Commission Unveils Plans to Boost Legal Migration

May 04, 2022

In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission has proposed a new package of measures to strengthen legal migration including providing simpler pathways to enter the EU.
UK: Concerns Raised Over Chinese Surveillance Camera Firm

April 27, 2022

Following the buying of surveillance equipment from a Chinese technology company that has been implicated in human rights abuses, an independent monitor of Britain’s use of surveillance cameras has asked for the government to clarify its positions on the purchases.