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The High Court in London on Monday upheld the policy for deportations of asylum seekers to Rwanda sought by the British government. The court, however, also said that each individual case must be carefully examined. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the government would now move to implement the asylum policy as quickly as possible. The press reacts ambivalently.

After a long struggle, the EU member states have agreed on a gas price cap of 180 euros per megawatt that would apply under certain circumstances. The move is intended to protect customers from soaring energy costs as of mid-February 2023. The cap can be suspended in the event of shortages. Commentators are dubious.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenka in Minsk. Russian and Belarusian forces were taking part in joint military manoeuvres at the same time. Since Putin's foreign visits have become very rare in recent months, commentators speculate on whether and, if so, how he wants to involve Lukashenka in the war against Ukraine.

Das Fliegermuseum Dübendorf hat sich mit der Armee einigen können. Es wird auch im neuen Jahr erhalten bleiben. Wegen neuer Vorgaben war der Betrieb akut gefährdet.

While Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment keeps growing across the EU, lawmakers have called on the European Commission to quickly appoint the EU coordinator to fight anti-Muslim hatred and step up efforts to tackle discrimination across the Union.

In this special report, EURACTIV dives deeper into anti-Muslim sentiment in France and Germany, the two EU countries hosting the majority of European Muslims, and looks at the measures the EU is preparing or has already put in place to tackle islamophobia.

VIENNA/SKOPJE, 1 January 2023 — Today, North Macedonia takes over the OSCE Chair with a main focus on the needs of the people.

“It is a great responsibility and honour to assume the Chairpersonship of the OSCE for 2023. Our goal will be to focus on the very principles of the Helsinki Final Act, in the interest of and for the needs of the people,” said Bujar Osmani, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and the new OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

Osmani highlighted the Chair’s overarching priority to reinforce a focus on the ground and its critical importance to supporting and empowering people, which he described as “the final beneficiaries of OSCE output”.

“Our plan is to reach out and lend a hand to conflict-affected populations, but also to others in need,” he said. “We see the OSCE as a perpetual provider in mitigating crisis and supporting peace and thus we must take appropriate action to enable the OSCE to provide space for its versatile toolbox.”

Turning to ongoing conflicts in the OSCE area, Osmani said Ukraine will remain a central priority and a key security issue. “The unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has undermined the European security architecture and threatens the peace and stability of the continent and beyond,” he said.

“The Chairpersonship will also maintain the essential functions and operations of the Organization, ensuring that it is able to support areas affected by conflicts across the OSCE region. Regional instability and the potential for new crises require continued attention.”

In these critical times for European security and stability, North Macedonia’s activities as Chair will be guided by strict observance of OSCE principles and commitments, said Osmani. “Safeguarding OSCE values and respect for international law must be a shared priority. This is of utmost importance. Rebuilding trust and engaging in meaningful dialogue presupposes full compliance with the agreed OSCE commitments and principles. We all have to be accountable for our actions. This is the formula for the way forward.”   

The OSCE Chair of North Macedonia will also focus on supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental co-operation, which are essential for human security and vital in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for people in the OSCE region. It will uphold human rights and promote tolerance and non-discrimination as prerequisites for comprehensive security. Reviewing the implementation of human dimension principles, the Chair will engage with youth and civil society as driving forces for building vibrant and resilient democracies.   

“The OSCE has proved that it is a relevant and important part of regional and global efforts through its unique, holistic approach to security,” said Osmani. “North Macedonia will work to ensure that the OSCE remains a vital part of effective, security-related multilateral efforts.”   

Minister Osmani will officially inaugurate North Macedonia’s Chairpersonship and outline its priorities at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on 12 January 2023.

Ungarn fürchtet um seine Versorgung mit russischem Öl über die Druschba-Pipeline. Budapest drängt daher seinen Nachbarn Kroatien sowie die EU, günstigere Transitgebühren für den Transport von Öl durch die Janaf-Pipeline festzulegen.