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Navigating the Complexities of Migration Towards Europe

Introduction to European Migration Trends Migration towards Europe has been an integral part of the continent’s history, significantly shaping its demographic and socio-economic landscape. From the post-World War II labor migrations to the recent influx of refugees, the patterns and motivations behind migration to Europe have continuously evolved. Historically, European countries have served as both […]

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The Clans of Somalia: Understanding the Historical, Political and Social Dynamics

Historical context The clan system in Somalia is rooted deeply in the country’s culture and history. Predominantly pastoralist, the Somali people have organized themselves into clan families and sub-clans for centuries. These clans are not just social units and play an essential role, having a significant influence on the nation’s politics, social structure and ongoing

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Europe Day: Celebrating Peace and Unity in Europe

Europe Day, held annually on May 9, commemorates an important moment in the history of the European continent. This day marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman Declaration’ – a proposal that laid the groundwork for the modern European Union, aiming to ensure that war among Europe’s nations would become unthinkable. The Schuman Declaration and

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The Dynamics of Somalia and its Neighbors: History, Demographics and Political Cooperation

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Kenya to the southwest. This strategic location has significantly influenced its history and relationships with its neighbors. Historical Context Somalia’s history is deeply

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NATO and Russia: A History of Mistrust and False Hopes

NATO and Russia: A History of Mistrust and False Hopes In the web of international relations, the dynamic between NATO and Russia stands out for its complexity, marked by enduring mistrust and a series of unfulfilled aspirations towards cooperation. This relationship’s roots stretch deep into the annals of history, dating back to the Cold War

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Developing a Well-Defined Grand Strategy for Foreign Policy

Understanding Grand Strategy When it comes to foreign policy, having a well-defined grand strategy is crucial. Grand strategy refers to a country’s long-term plan for achieving its national interests and goals on the global stage. It involves making decisions about alliances, military deployments, economic policies, and diplomatic engagements. Identifying National Interests The first step in

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EU Court Challenges Fingerprint Mandate for ID Cards, Citing Fundamental Rights Concern

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) recently delivered a landmark decision on the legality of mandating fingerprints on national identification cards across the European Union. The court found the 2019 EU regulation, which required EU citizens to include fingerprints in their national ID cards, to be based on incorrect legal grounds, rendering the law invalid.

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Clarifying Qualifications: The European Ombudsman’s Inquiry into Selection Processes for CSDP Missions

On 15 May 2023, an inquiry team from the European Ombudsman met with the European External Action Service (EEAS) representatives to discuss the qualifications assessment for two EU civilian mission border advisor posts, under cases 90/2022/AV and 91/2022/AV. These cases were sparked by grievances regarding the EEAS’s evaluation of an applicant’s qualifications, specifically questioning the

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Untangling Accountability in EU CSDP Missions: A Path Forward

The European Ombudsman’s own-initiative inquiry (OI/12/2010/(BEH)MMN) concerning the accountability mechanisms for instances of maladministration within Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions underscores a complex landscape of administrative oversight across various EU missions. These missions, ranging from civilian to military operations in territories beyond EU borders, operate under distinct command structures and financial regimes, creating

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