Statewatch
@statewatch.bsky.social
We are activists, researchers, lawyers and journalists exposing state power across Europe and its borders.
Our work has supported debates, movements and campaigns since 1991.
Access our latest articles: https://linktr.ee/statewatch
Our work has supported debates, movements and campaigns since 1991.
Access our latest articles: https://linktr.ee/statewatch
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1/ NEW GUIDE: We’ve just published a new Data Protection Handbook on Asylum and Migration in Europe. ⚠️
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
In October 2024 the EU announced it would provide €30 million from its aid budget to Senegal.
Ultimately, the plans can be seen as contributing to a new era of carceral EU migration “management” in West Africa.
Read more in the latest article by Leonie Jegen:
buff.ly/ImferiV
Ultimately, the plans can be seen as contributing to a new era of carceral EU migration “management” in West Africa.
Read more in the latest article by Leonie Jegen:
buff.ly/ImferiV
November 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
In October 2024 the EU announced it would provide €30 million from its aid budget to Senegal.
Ultimately, the plans can be seen as contributing to a new era of carceral EU migration “management” in West Africa.
Read more in the latest article by Leonie Jegen:
buff.ly/ImferiV
Ultimately, the plans can be seen as contributing to a new era of carceral EU migration “management” in West Africa.
Read more in the latest article by Leonie Jegen:
buff.ly/ImferiV
According to a document we obtained, EU member states seem ready to give US law enforcement authorities direct access to European police and immigration databases.
While some member states have concerns over specifics, none question the need for such an agreement.
Read more: buff.ly/qGEDeGK
While some member states have concerns over specifics, none question the need for such an agreement.
Read more: buff.ly/qGEDeGK
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 AM
According to a document we obtained, EU member states seem ready to give US law enforcement authorities direct access to European police and immigration databases.
While some member states have concerns over specifics, none question the need for such an agreement.
Read more: buff.ly/qGEDeGK
While some member states have concerns over specifics, none question the need for such an agreement.
Read more: buff.ly/qGEDeGK
Data protection law is a crucial tool for immigration and asylum practitioners up against the EU's increasing ‘datafication’. Its avenues for redress offer alternative paths to justice for those who might otherwise be without options.
Want to learn more? Get the handbook here: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
Want to learn more? Get the handbook here: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Data protection law is a crucial tool for immigration and asylum practitioners up against the EU's increasing ‘datafication’. Its avenues for redress offer alternative paths to justice for those who might otherwise be without options.
Want to learn more? Get the handbook here: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
Want to learn more? Get the handbook here: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
Reposted by Statewatch
Gran trabajo de @statewatch.bsky.social editando esta guía sobre privacidad y protección de datos para los profesionales de #inmigración y #asilo: Extralimitaciones tecnológicas contra las personas migrantes. Te lo cuento en @publico.es
#ProtecciónInternacional
www.publico.es/opinion/colu...
#ProtecciónInternacional
www.publico.es/opinion/colu...
Extralimitaciones tecnológicas contra las personas migrantes
Las tecnologías de control fronterizo, bajo el pretexto de la seguridad nacional, priman el beneficio de las autoridades estatales, opacando el de la persona migrante...
www.publico.es
November 9, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Gran trabajo de @statewatch.bsky.social editando esta guía sobre privacidad y protección de datos para los profesionales de #inmigración y #asilo: Extralimitaciones tecnológicas contra las personas migrantes. Te lo cuento en @publico.es
#ProtecciónInternacional
www.publico.es/opinion/colu...
#ProtecciónInternacional
www.publico.es/opinion/colu...
Why should you care about data protection law? Because as the EU increases its datafication, we need to equip ourselves to protect our data.
Get the handbook now: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
Get the handbook now: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
November 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Why should you care about data protection law? Because as the EU increases its datafication, we need to equip ourselves to protect our data.
Get the handbook now: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
Get the handbook now: buff.ly/b3jc3Oj
5. New agreements:
The EU signs a new partnership with Uzbekistan including provisions on deportation and border control.
Read the full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, for more: buff.ly/aMhNtOj
Sign up to get the next issue in your inbox: buff.ly/zaOtWYX
The EU signs a new partnership with Uzbekistan including provisions on deportation and border control.
Read the full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, for more: buff.ly/aMhNtOj
Sign up to get the next issue in your inbox: buff.ly/zaOtWYX
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
5. New agreements:
The EU signs a new partnership with Uzbekistan including provisions on deportation and border control.
Read the full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, for more: buff.ly/aMhNtOj
Sign up to get the next issue in your inbox: buff.ly/zaOtWYX
The EU signs a new partnership with Uzbekistan including provisions on deportation and border control.
Read the full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, for more: buff.ly/aMhNtOj
Sign up to get the next issue in your inbox: buff.ly/zaOtWYX
4. Turkey and Libya cooperation:
The Danish Presidency praises the €12.5 billion EU–Turkey deal as a “success” and seeks to restart deportations. Meanwhile, the Council claims to apply “human rights-based approaches” even as reports emerge of attacks by the Libyan Coast Guard on rescue vessels.
The Danish Presidency praises the €12.5 billion EU–Turkey deal as a “success” and seeks to restart deportations. Meanwhile, the Council claims to apply “human rights-based approaches” even as reports emerge of attacks by the Libyan Coast Guard on rescue vessels.
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
4. Turkey and Libya cooperation:
The Danish Presidency praises the €12.5 billion EU–Turkey deal as a “success” and seeks to restart deportations. Meanwhile, the Council claims to apply “human rights-based approaches” even as reports emerge of attacks by the Libyan Coast Guard on rescue vessels.
The Danish Presidency praises the €12.5 billion EU–Turkey deal as a “success” and seeks to restart deportations. Meanwhile, the Council claims to apply “human rights-based approaches” even as reports emerge of attacks by the Libyan Coast Guard on rescue vessels.
2. Visa leverage for deportations:
New strategy outlines how visa regimes can be used to pressure countries into accepting deportations.
3. Deportations Regulation:
The latest draft further reduces safeguards, allowing longer detention & deportations to in countries with known human rights issues.
New strategy outlines how visa regimes can be used to pressure countries into accepting deportations.
3. Deportations Regulation:
The latest draft further reduces safeguards, allowing longer detention & deportations to in countries with known human rights issues.
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
2. Visa leverage for deportations:
New strategy outlines how visa regimes can be used to pressure countries into accepting deportations.
3. Deportations Regulation:
The latest draft further reduces safeguards, allowing longer detention & deportations to in countries with known human rights issues.
New strategy outlines how visa regimes can be used to pressure countries into accepting deportations.
3. Deportations Regulation:
The latest draft further reduces safeguards, allowing longer detention & deportations to in countries with known human rights issues.
The 11th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is here.
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The 11th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is here.
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
5/ Why it matters:
Accessing these rights remains critically important, especially in asylum and migration cases.
If you want to learn about data protection and privacy laws, read our handbook! ⚠️
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Accessing these rights remains critically important, especially in asylum and migration cases.
If you want to learn about data protection and privacy laws, read our handbook! ⚠️
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
5/ Why it matters:
Accessing these rights remains critically important, especially in asylum and migration cases.
If you want to learn about data protection and privacy laws, read our handbook! ⚠️
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Accessing these rights remains critically important, especially in asylum and migration cases.
If you want to learn about data protection and privacy laws, read our handbook! ⚠️
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
4/ The ruling:
The court’s decision recognised that an interference with someone’s privacy happens when a state authority collects data about them. It ruled that the person should be able to understand how and when their data might be accessed and used.
The court’s decision recognised that an interference with someone’s privacy happens when a state authority collects data about them. It ruled that the person should be able to understand how and when their data might be accessed and used.
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
4/ The ruling:
The court’s decision recognised that an interference with someone’s privacy happens when a state authority collects data about them. It ruled that the person should be able to understand how and when their data might be accessed and used.
The court’s decision recognised that an interference with someone’s privacy happens when a state authority collects data about them. It ruled that the person should be able to understand how and when their data might be accessed and used.
3/ What Leander v. Sweden was about:
The case was brought against the Swedish state for a secret file on a person suspected of being a “risk to national security.”
This was found to be an inaccurate flag, but only after costing the individual their job.
The case was brought against the Swedish state for a secret file on a person suspected of being a “risk to national security.”
This was found to be an inaccurate flag, but only after costing the individual their job.
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
3/ What Leander v. Sweden was about:
The case was brought against the Swedish state for a secret file on a person suspected of being a “risk to national security.”
This was found to be an inaccurate flag, but only after costing the individual their job.
The case was brought against the Swedish state for a secret file on a person suspected of being a “risk to national security.”
This was found to be an inaccurate flag, but only after costing the individual their job.
2/ The history:
It wasn’t until 1981 that the first legally binding international instrument on data protection & privacy was adopted. Then, in 1987, the European Court of Human Rights decision in Leander v. Sweden became a cornerstone case law on the processing of information about individuals.
It wasn’t until 1981 that the first legally binding international instrument on data protection & privacy was adopted. Then, in 1987, the European Court of Human Rights decision in Leander v. Sweden became a cornerstone case law on the processing of information about individuals.
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
2/ The history:
It wasn’t until 1981 that the first legally binding international instrument on data protection & privacy was adopted. Then, in 1987, the European Court of Human Rights decision in Leander v. Sweden became a cornerstone case law on the processing of information about individuals.
It wasn’t until 1981 that the first legally binding international instrument on data protection & privacy was adopted. Then, in 1987, the European Court of Human Rights decision in Leander v. Sweden became a cornerstone case law on the processing of information about individuals.
1/ We have a right to privacy — but the definition of privacy varies worldwide. So, how do we understand it in Europe?
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
1/ We have a right to privacy — but the definition of privacy varies worldwide. So, how do we understand it in Europe?
Reposted by Statewatch
It's a dense week ahead for Europol and with @statewatch.bsky.social we decided to publish the results of a long research into the agency's largely secretive links with the tech industry, moving on from its recently-launched Research and Industry Days. www.statewatch.org/analyses/202... -->
Statewatch | Behind closed doors: Europol’s opaque relations with AI companies
As part of its research into the expanding—and largely unchecked—use of AI by EU security agencies, Statewatch delves into largely uncharted territory: Europol’s links with the private sector. A surve...
www.statewatch.org
November 2, 2025 at 3:32 PM
It's a dense week ahead for Europol and with @statewatch.bsky.social we decided to publish the results of a long research into the agency's largely secretive links with the tech industry, moving on from its recently-launched Research and Industry Days. www.statewatch.org/analyses/202... -->
👀
@algorithmwatch.org @awo.agency @ecchr.bsky.social @theecre.bsky.social @franceterreasile.bsky.social @freiheitsrechte.org @centreiridia.bsky.social @iccl.bsky.social @lacimade.org @legalcentrelesvos.bsky.social @migreurop.bsky.social @odysseusnetwork.bsky.social @picumofficial.bsky.social
@algorithmwatch.org @awo.agency @ecchr.bsky.social @theecre.bsky.social @franceterreasile.bsky.social @freiheitsrechte.org @centreiridia.bsky.social @iccl.bsky.social @lacimade.org @legalcentrelesvos.bsky.social @migreurop.bsky.social @odysseusnetwork.bsky.social @picumofficial.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
4/ Read our handbook, share it with your colleagues (or tag people who may be interested!), and reach out if you need more information.
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Credits:
Written by: Romain Lanneau
Edited by: Chris Jones
With special thanks to:
Lori Roussey
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Credits:
Written by: Romain Lanneau
Edited by: Chris Jones
With special thanks to:
Lori Roussey
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
4/ Read our handbook, share it with your colleagues (or tag people who may be interested!), and reach out if you need more information.
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Credits:
Written by: Romain Lanneau
Edited by: Chris Jones
With special thanks to:
Lori Roussey
🟨 Find it here: buff.ly/ucYYara
Credits:
Written by: Romain Lanneau
Edited by: Chris Jones
With special thanks to:
Lori Roussey
3/ Why it matters:
The datafication is only set to get worse. As governments share more and more personal data across borders and begin using AI for decision-making, we need to build our collective understanding of data protection rights so we can support each other in the years to come.
The datafication is only set to get worse. As governments share more and more personal data across borders and begin using AI for decision-making, we need to build our collective understanding of data protection rights so we can support each other in the years to come.
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
3/ Why it matters:
The datafication is only set to get worse. As governments share more and more personal data across borders and begin using AI for decision-making, we need to build our collective understanding of data protection rights so we can support each other in the years to come.
The datafication is only set to get worse. As governments share more and more personal data across borders and begin using AI for decision-making, we need to build our collective understanding of data protection rights so we can support each other in the years to come.
2/ What it covers:
The increasing use of digital technologies for the enforcement of immigration and asylum law has made things more complex and led to detrimental decisions with little to no avenue for redress.
But by applying data protection law, we can open up new pathways to justice.
The increasing use of digital technologies for the enforcement of immigration and asylum law has made things more complex and led to detrimental decisions with little to no avenue for redress.
But by applying data protection law, we can open up new pathways to justice.
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
2/ What it covers:
The increasing use of digital technologies for the enforcement of immigration and asylum law has made things more complex and led to detrimental decisions with little to no avenue for redress.
But by applying data protection law, we can open up new pathways to justice.
The increasing use of digital technologies for the enforcement of immigration and asylum law has made things more complex and led to detrimental decisions with little to no avenue for redress.
But by applying data protection law, we can open up new pathways to justice.
1/ NEW GUIDE: We’ve just published a new Data Protection Handbook on Asylum and Migration in Europe. ⚠️
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
1/ NEW GUIDE: We’ve just published a new Data Protection Handbook on Asylum and Migration in Europe. ⚠️
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
Who it is for:
This handbook is for anyone who works in immigration, in asylum, or who advocates for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
2/ Using obtained documents, open-source material and interviews, we mapped out:
• the private actors promoting intrusive data extraction and analysis tools;
• Europol’s expanding partnerships;
• the limited oversight of these relationships; &
• Europol’s growing role.
buff.ly/UbFWyMU
• the private actors promoting intrusive data extraction and analysis tools;
• Europol’s expanding partnerships;
• the limited oversight of these relationships; &
• Europol’s growing role.
buff.ly/UbFWyMU
October 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
2/ Using obtained documents, open-source material and interviews, we mapped out:
• the private actors promoting intrusive data extraction and analysis tools;
• Europol’s expanding partnerships;
• the limited oversight of these relationships; &
• Europol’s growing role.
buff.ly/UbFWyMU
• the private actors promoting intrusive data extraction and analysis tools;
• Europol’s expanding partnerships;
• the limited oversight of these relationships; &
• Europol’s growing role.
buff.ly/UbFWyMU
1/ What does the increasing relationship between Europol and private companies mean for our rights and democratic process?
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
1/ What does the increasing relationship between Europol and private companies mean for our rights and democratic process?
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
"The only safe route is one that respects, without compromise, the dignity and fundamental rights of all.
The right to asylum is inalienable: it must be guaranteed, not negotiated."
The right to asylum is inalienable: it must be guaranteed, not negotiated."
Statewatch | Franco-British "one in, one out" deal condemned as absurd and dangerous
British and French organisations, including Statewatch, have denounced the "one in, one out" deal between the French and British governments, ostensibly aimed at limiting unauthorised migration…
buff.ly
October 10, 2025 at 8:01 AM
"The only safe route is one that respects, without compromise, the dignity and fundamental rights of all.
The right to asylum is inalienable: it must be guaranteed, not negotiated."
The right to asylum is inalienable: it must be guaranteed, not negotiated."
The Slovenian government is calling for an EU Response to US government sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Statewatch | Slovenia calls on EU to "protect the international rule of law and justice system"
The Slovenian government wants EU justice and interior ministers to discuss "how to protect the international rule of law and justice system" in the face of "continued targeting of international…
buff.ly
October 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Slovenian government is calling for an EU Response to US government sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV