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
We've just published a document that details the EU's disturbing plans to expand cross-border travel surveillance.
The changes include using travel data for new purposes, such as immigration control, and bypassing important safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/N8iffJW
The changes include using travel data for new purposes, such as immigration control, and bypassing important safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/N8iffJW
January 15, 2026 at 2:50 PM
We've just published a document that details the EU's disturbing plans to expand cross-border travel surveillance.
The changes include using travel data for new purposes, such as immigration control, and bypassing important safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/N8iffJW
The changes include using travel data for new purposes, such as immigration control, and bypassing important safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/N8iffJW
Are the EU's border policy plans similar to the US?
Listen in as Statewatch journalist Frey Lindsay shares the answer on Lagos Talks radio.
Want to help change the direction? Follow our bulletin, Outsourcing borders, here: buff.ly/8qfXgJa
Speaker: @freylindsay.bsky.social
Listen in as Statewatch journalist Frey Lindsay shares the answer on Lagos Talks radio.
Want to help change the direction? Follow our bulletin, Outsourcing borders, here: buff.ly/8qfXgJa
Speaker: @freylindsay.bsky.social
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Are the EU's border policy plans similar to the US?
Listen in as Statewatch journalist Frey Lindsay shares the answer on Lagos Talks radio.
Want to help change the direction? Follow our bulletin, Outsourcing borders, here: buff.ly/8qfXgJa
Speaker: @freylindsay.bsky.social
Listen in as Statewatch journalist Frey Lindsay shares the answer on Lagos Talks radio.
Want to help change the direction? Follow our bulletin, Outsourcing borders, here: buff.ly/8qfXgJa
Speaker: @freylindsay.bsky.social
UK: A recent court case has exposed Nick Gratwick as a private spy hired by UK police.
The Undercover Research Group (URG) has been investigating Nick for many years, and now their new report details his activities throughout the late 1990s - early 2000s.
Read it here: buff.ly/kVFwYza
The Undercover Research Group (URG) has been investigating Nick for many years, and now their new report details his activities throughout the late 1990s - early 2000s.
Read it here: buff.ly/kVFwYza
December 18, 2025 at 4:39 PM
UK: A recent court case has exposed Nick Gratwick as a private spy hired by UK police.
The Undercover Research Group (URG) has been investigating Nick for many years, and now their new report details his activities throughout the late 1990s - early 2000s.
Read it here: buff.ly/kVFwYza
The Undercover Research Group (URG) has been investigating Nick for many years, and now their new report details his activities throughout the late 1990s - early 2000s.
Read it here: buff.ly/kVFwYza
As state powers of repression are globalised, so too must our resistance, advocacy and collaboration.
We released our research, Networks of [in]security (NOIS), as a living resource to help us do that.
Read more and get in contact: buff.ly/MbWx0na
We released our research, Networks of [in]security (NOIS), as a living resource to help us do that.
Read more and get in contact: buff.ly/MbWx0na
December 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
As state powers of repression are globalised, so too must our resistance, advocacy and collaboration.
We released our research, Networks of [in]security (NOIS), as a living resource to help us do that.
Read more and get in contact: buff.ly/MbWx0na
We released our research, Networks of [in]security (NOIS), as a living resource to help us do that.
Read more and get in contact: buff.ly/MbWx0na
3/ With more states being connected to watchlisting systems, new information-sharing networks being put in place, and more governments with an authoritarian bent coming to power, transnational repression seems likely to continue.
Unless we work together to oppose it.
Read more: nois.statewatch.org
Unless we work together to oppose it.
Read more: nois.statewatch.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
3/ With more states being connected to watchlisting systems, new information-sharing networks being put in place, and more governments with an authoritarian bent coming to power, transnational repression seems likely to continue.
Unless we work together to oppose it.
Read more: nois.statewatch.org
Unless we work together to oppose it.
Read more: nois.statewatch.org
2/ It is typically less-than-liberal and authoritarian regimes behind this behaviour—but they are far from being the only culprits.
For example, no one would be surprised to hear that EU states have used regional watchlisting systems to bar pro-Palestine activists from entering their territory.
For example, no one would be surprised to hear that EU states have used regional watchlisting systems to bar pro-Palestine activists from entering their territory.
December 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
2/ It is typically less-than-liberal and authoritarian regimes behind this behaviour—but they are far from being the only culprits.
For example, no one would be surprised to hear that EU states have used regional watchlisting systems to bar pro-Palestine activists from entering their territory.
For example, no one would be surprised to hear that EU states have used regional watchlisting systems to bar pro-Palestine activists from entering their territory.
1/ Governments are increasingly engaging in transnational repression: reaching across borders to silence dissent from afar.
This can include assassinations, illegal deportations, abductions, digital threats, Interpol abuse, and family intimidation.
This can include assassinations, illegal deportations, abductions, digital threats, Interpol abuse, and family intimidation.
December 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
1/ Governments are increasingly engaging in transnational repression: reaching across borders to silence dissent from afar.
This can include assassinations, illegal deportations, abductions, digital threats, Interpol abuse, and family intimidation.
This can include assassinations, illegal deportations, abductions, digital threats, Interpol abuse, and family intimidation.
According Info Park, an organisation in Belgrade, Serbia, people on the move along the Western Balkan route face a cycle of of detention, transfers, and endless reattempts.
The EU's new pact on migration will only worsen these brutal realities.
The EU's new pact on migration will only worsen these brutal realities.
December 4, 2025 at 10:38 AM
According Info Park, an organisation in Belgrade, Serbia, people on the move along the Western Balkan route face a cycle of of detention, transfers, and endless reattempts.
The EU's new pact on migration will only worsen these brutal realities.
The EU's new pact on migration will only worsen these brutal realities.
The 12th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
This edition covers:
• Efforts to expand Frontex’s mandate
• Growing concerns over the EU’s digital border systems
• Threats to undermine EU's new migration "solidarity" system
And more, here: buff.ly/GK3RMMW
This edition covers:
• Efforts to expand Frontex’s mandate
• Growing concerns over the EU’s digital border systems
• Threats to undermine EU's new migration "solidarity" system
And more, here: buff.ly/GK3RMMW
December 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The 12th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
This edition covers:
• Efforts to expand Frontex’s mandate
• Growing concerns over the EU’s digital border systems
• Threats to undermine EU's new migration "solidarity" system
And more, here: buff.ly/GK3RMMW
This edition covers:
• Efforts to expand Frontex’s mandate
• Growing concerns over the EU’s digital border systems
• Threats to undermine EU's new migration "solidarity" system
And more, here: buff.ly/GK3RMMW
The “war on terror” might have left the headlines—but states are still using and abusing ‘counterterrorism’ powers to exert control.
And for the past two years, we have been gathering evidence to show exactly how they do it.
Swipe to read some of our key findings, or go to nois.statewatch.org
And for the past two years, we have been gathering evidence to show exactly how they do it.
Swipe to read some of our key findings, or go to nois.statewatch.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The “war on terror” might have left the headlines—but states are still using and abusing ‘counterterrorism’ powers to exert control.
And for the past two years, we have been gathering evidence to show exactly how they do it.
Swipe to read some of our key findings, or go to nois.statewatch.org
And for the past two years, we have been gathering evidence to show exactly how they do it.
Swipe to read some of our key findings, or go to nois.statewatch.org
1/ We’ve just launched a new in-depth resource that examines global counter-terrorism and security networks.
It provides an evidence base for how these security norms are implemented, their effects on human rights and how we can push for change.
It provides an evidence base for how these security norms are implemented, their effects on human rights and how we can push for change.
November 27, 2025 at 9:01 AM
1/ We’ve just launched a new in-depth resource that examines global counter-terrorism and security networks.
It provides an evidence base for how these security norms are implemented, their effects on human rights and how we can push for change.
It provides an evidence base for how these security norms are implemented, their effects on human rights and how we can push for change.
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
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
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.”
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?
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.
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 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
Last year, the EU adopted new rules against money laundering and terrorist financing—and the organisation Privacy First is urging the Dutch government to ensure the protection of rights, privacy and safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/gFBW86q
Read more: buff.ly/gFBW86q
October 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Last year, the EU adopted new rules against money laundering and terrorist financing—and the organisation Privacy First is urging the Dutch government to ensure the protection of rights, privacy and safeguards.
Read more: buff.ly/gFBW86q
Read more: buff.ly/gFBW86q
The Srebrenica massacre remains the only event on European soil since the Holocaust to be formally recognised as genocide.
In a tale all too familiar, it unfolded as Europe looked on.
Read more in the article by Eliana Nunes: buff.ly/xnolx7p
In a tale all too familiar, it unfolded as Europe looked on.
Read more in the article by Eliana Nunes: buff.ly/xnolx7p
October 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Srebrenica massacre remains the only event on European soil since the Holocaust to be formally recognised as genocide.
In a tale all too familiar, it unfolded as Europe looked on.
Read more in the article by Eliana Nunes: buff.ly/xnolx7p
In a tale all too familiar, it unfolded as Europe looked on.
Read more in the article by Eliana Nunes: buff.ly/xnolx7p
The EU’s latest idea is to deport people to countries they have zero connection to.
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The EU’s latest idea is to deport people to countries they have zero connection to.
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
We are hiring a new Executive Director! This is a chance to build on our nearly 35-year legacy of work.
Apply by 6 October 2025 at: buff.ly/TbcOn7s
Have questions?
We recorded an information session with prospective applicants, which you can view by emailing [email protected].
Apply by 6 October 2025 at: buff.ly/TbcOn7s
Have questions?
We recorded an information session with prospective applicants, which you can view by emailing [email protected].
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
We are hiring a new Executive Director! This is a chance to build on our nearly 35-year legacy of work.
Apply by 6 October 2025 at: buff.ly/TbcOn7s
Have questions?
We recorded an information session with prospective applicants, which you can view by emailing [email protected].
Apply by 6 October 2025 at: buff.ly/TbcOn7s
Have questions?
We recorded an information session with prospective applicants, which you can view by emailing [email protected].
Don't miss out! We're hiring for a new Director, and tomorrow we'll hold an info session for potential applicants. It'll be a chance to ask questions about the role, requirements, application process, and more.
Friday, 18 September at 11:00 AM BST / 12:00 PM CEST
Register here: buff.ly/uWeECph
Friday, 18 September at 11:00 AM BST / 12:00 PM CEST
Register here: buff.ly/uWeECph
September 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Don't miss out! We're hiring for a new Director, and tomorrow we'll hold an info session for potential applicants. It'll be a chance to ask questions about the role, requirements, application process, and more.
Friday, 18 September at 11:00 AM BST / 12:00 PM CEST
Register here: buff.ly/uWeECph
Friday, 18 September at 11:00 AM BST / 12:00 PM CEST
Register here: buff.ly/uWeECph