EU law

Lies, deceit to weigh heavily on EU vote, warns parliament head

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Lies, deceit to weigh heavily on EU vote, warns parliament head

EU voters are warned about potential lies and disinformation from both inside and outside the bloc during the upcoming European Parliament election in June. The president of the assembly, Roberta Metsola, expressed concerns about the prevalence of disinformation and highlighted the arrest of an aid to an EU lawmaker on suspicion of espionage for China. Metsola emphasized the importance of countering false narratives and mentioned the need for more than just new EU laws to combat disinformation, as sources could come from Russia, China, Iran, as well as from within the EU.

Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

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Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.

Amid spat, Elam proposes to gain support to halve asylum application time

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Amid spat, Elam proposes to gain support to halve asylum application time

Far-right Elam has proposed to halve the time refugees have to file asylum applications or appeals in court, with government-supporting parties showing support for the idea.

Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

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Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

The government of Cyprus is ready to revoke the protection status of around 30 people from Syria who have traveled back to Syria via the north in the past year. These individuals will not have the right to appeal the decision.

EU will not delay deforestation law, environment chief says on Ivory Coast visit

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EU will not delay deforestation law, environment chief says on Ivory Coast visit

The European Union is not planning to delay a new law cracking down on commodities linked to deforestation, set to come into force at the end of 2024. The law will require companies to prove their goods were not grown on deforested land. Some EU countries requested a delay, but the Commissioner stated that producers and governments have had nearly two years to prepare. Ivory Coast has launched a national sustainable cocoa strategy to comply with the EU requirements, with the Commissioner stating they are well-prepared. The EU will not fully cover the costs of compliance, but has launched various support programs and a reforestation loan for Ivory Coast.