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 […]
NATO and Russia: A History of Mistrust and False Hopes Read More »
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
Developing a Well-Defined Grand Strategy for Foreign Policy Read More »
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.
EU Court Challenges Fingerprint Mandate for ID Cards, Citing Fundamental Rights Concern Read More »
In late July 2023, Niger was thrust into the international spotlight following a coup d’état led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani and the Presidential Guard. This bold move ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and led to the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. This article delves into the details of the coup,
The Crisis in Niger and its Implications Read More »
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
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
Untangling Accountability in EU CSDP Missions: A Path Forward Read More »
In a definitive ruling, the Romanian national court has meticulously outlined the boundaries of administrative authority within European Union (EU) civilian missions, offering significant clarity on the legal status of decisions made by mission heads. This judgment originates from a contentious issue regarding the administrative character of a specific decision issued by the leader of
Clarifying Jurisdiction: The Limits of Administrative Authority in EU Civilian Missions Read More »
In the academic article Contracted EU civil servants in EU common security and defence policy missions:Procedural routes to judicial remedies, Graham Butler, a Full Professor of Law at the University of Southern Denmark, delves into the complex world of judicial remedies available to EU civil servants, particularly those contracted under the EU’s Common Security and
Bridging the Judicial Gap: The Case for Specific Staff Regulations in EU CSDP Missions Read More »
In a shocking escalation of violence, gangs rampaged through the upmarket neighborhoods in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, leaving at least a dozen people dead and forcing residents to flee their homes. Early this week, gunmen looted homes and sowed chaos, prompting desperate pleas from residents for police intervention. The attacks come despite Prime Minister
Escalating Gang Violence in Port-au-Prince: A City in Crisis Read More »
The European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) represents a cornerstone of the EU’s approach to managing external security and defence. It facilitates the deployment of military and civilian missions to manage crises, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security. However, as the global landscape becomes increasingly unstable, characterized by rapid geopolitical shifts, emerging security
The Challenges Facing the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Read More »