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statewatch.bsky.social
Statewatch
@statewatch.bsky.social
2.5K followers 150 following 210 posts
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
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statewatch.bsky.social
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
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
On one half of the common ‘woman yelling at cat’ meme, a long haired woman is being held back while yelling and pointing at to the right. In this version, a flag of the European Union covers her face. Above the image is the text: “The EU’s increasing datafication”. On the other half, an angry cat sits at a table of food. This is labelled as “lawyers using data protection law”. Below the meme, in large letters are the words “protect our rights and lives. get the handbook now.” Next to these is an image of Statewatch’s Data Protection Handbook.
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
Romain Lanneau, a white man with chin-length hair, is pictured in a button-up shirt next to a quote of him saying "Technologies are becoming an essential part of the migration and asylum systems. In fact, some of the most intrusive and biased tools have been tested around Europe. No matter what these tools are for or how they are used, they are all reliant to some degree on personal data. This is why knowledge of data protection law is so vital for immigration and asylum practitioners.” The photo is grainy, in black and white, and behind it are lots of squiggly marks in black marker.
November 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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.”
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
1/ We have a right to privacy — but the definition of privacy varies worldwide. So, how do we understand it in Europe?
yellow and black zine-style imagery of a pointing hand and squiggles alongside text from the caption
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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.
On a bright yellow background, a new guide is announced, with an image of the cover displayed. On it, a fist in black and white halftone punches the air, behind the title: Data Protection Handbook on Asylum and Migration in Europe. It is written by Romain Lanneau and produced by Statewatch in October 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
Close-up of a suit and tie with a Europol pin above a header that says "analysis: Europol and private companies." Below is an explanation of the increasing role of private companies, with the example of Microsoft employees having a desk at Europol's office. The same summary text listed in the description is next to an image of Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel.
October 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
statewatch.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
White text on a black background with a red gradient radiating from the bottom right corner. In the same corner, a white dashed line trace the shape of a border. The top right corner says "issue 10". In the centre, a version of the text from the caption describes the content of the bulletin, "Outsourcing borders: monitoring EU externalisation policy." It says: The latest issue is out now. It covers: 1. EU plans for the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Balkan migration routes; 2. New proposals for Frontex projects in Egypt and Morocco; 3. Potential deportations from EU states to Côte D’Ivoire. 4. It also makes 14 documents from EU institutions public.
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
All-caps text describes that the EU’s new anti-money laundering rules will mean more profiling and more surveillance. Below the text, black and white image of euros float over cut-out images of the inside of washing machines, which give the impression of eyes. This represents the increased surveillance that will come along with the regulations against money-laundering.
October 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
White text on black says "Learning from the Bosnian genocide" is in front of a field of white headstones at the Srebrenica-Potočari memorial and cemetery. It is surrounded by mountains and a cloudy sky. In front of mountain, a quote says "“The international community could have and should have prevented the war” -Elmina Kulasić. The same image continues onto the next page, with "1992" in large letters appearing behind the mountain. Another quote below it says “I was seven years old when my hometown was demolished”. A black text box below says: Kozarac was attacked in May 1992. A town of only 4,000, it was targetted for its largely Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) population. It began just two days after Bosnia was admitted as a member of the United Nations and just weeks after declaring independence from Yugoslavia. Soldiers blared orders from loudspeakers, demanding the surrender of the town’s residents and promising them safety. But when civilians complied, the shelling continued and killed over 1,000 people. The description continues, covering 1993 to 1995. In 1993, Srebrenica was declared a "safe area" under UN protection. But international protection failed. By the end of the war in 1995, around 100,000 people had been killed in Bosnia—most of them Bosniak civilians. That July, Serb forces overran Srebrenica, killing over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in 72 hours. Elmina Kulasić stands smiling, with dark, curly hair and glasses. Text around her says "Today. Asked whether Bosnia has developed a sense of collective guilt and responsibility comparable to post-Holocaust Germany, Elmina Kulasić shakes her head. “We never had a process of acknowledgement that the crimes actually took place.” Today, Elmina works to educate others about the nature of genocide, and supports organisations like Mothers of Srebrenica, founded in 2002. "We know that a society that has gone through a genocide is more prone to it happening again."
October 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
Text says "the EU’s latest idea is to deport people to countries they have zero connection to." Around the text are faded and noisy images. One is of a table full of conversing people who appear to be light-skinned and wearing formal attire. A lightbulb floats above them. Black text on a paper background says "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. This is despite the fact that some of the countries considered “safe” include Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco—places with ‘well-documented rights abuses and limited protections for both their own citizens and migrants’ according to EuroMedRights." faded and noisy green scissors are about to cut a ribbon, above text that says "this change would mean reducing or deleting the current "connection criteria" which limits where states deport people to. Apparently, member states consider the problem of where to send people to be the biggest administrative hurdle to deporting them. They do not, however, seem to see it as a moral issue, as many others might. " Text states "13 member states want to delete the 'connection criteria' altogether. A map of Europe indicates the countries that want to delete it, with their borders filled in with green, contrasting the lighter shade of others. This includes: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia.
September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
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 comms@statewatch.org.
Large text on black paper background, which says "help us expose power & inform dissent! Apply now to be our new Director and carry us into our 35th year."
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
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
Big text on white background with green highlighting encouraging potential applicants to attend and information session on Statewatch's Executive Director vacancy.
September 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
Frontex pays out hundreds of millions of euros every year to EU and Schengen member states.

We have visualised the data to show the scale and scope of the funding: more than €2 billion between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2024.

Read it here:
buff.ly/Tto3m1L
Vague and pixelated, Frontex trucks with officers standing around float behind the text: "Frontex funding for Fortress Europe", referring to Europe's highly militarised borders and policy of exclusion. Around the image and text are the words "where, why, and how much". Text starts it off, "2008-2024: 2 billion euros spent." Then, a diagram indicates the various amounts that member states have received. Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal are among those who received the most. You can find more data and visualisations at the link above.
September 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
1/ Are you passionate about human rights? Have experience fostering a collaborative and effective team? Have expertise in journalism, law, or policy-making?

Then you might be the next Executive Director of Statewatch!
Job ad featuring high-level information about the executive director role. This information includes: the work location (London or remote), the work hours (flexible 4-day work week), the annual salary (40,180 pounds), and holidays (22.4, plus public holidays).
September 10, 2025 at 9:01 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
The 9th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• The extensive operations across Africa;
• Plans to use development aid as leverage for deportations;
• Budget proposals with more external control and less democratic scrutiny;
And much more.

Read here: buff.ly/K5esfCb
September 9, 2025 at 10:38 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
We are hiring a new Executive Director! Could it be you?

If so, please apply by 6 October! If not, please share widely.

Role description and application portal here:
buff.ly/Slyukaw
Statewatch is recruiting a new director! Could it be you? In the background are green halftone images of people holding placards that say "resist" and "people over power". swipe or click right for information about the role About the role: Statewatch is looking for someone to build on our nearly 35-year legacy of exposing state power and informing dissent. In this role, you would lead a small staff, coordinate with a wide network of contributors, serve as a public face of our work, and ensure we remain bold, effective, and relevant. Working hours: 4 days per week Location: London or remote Annual salary: £40,180 Holidays: 22.4 days, plus public holidays. Swipe or click right for core tasks of this role core tasks of the role: Day-to-day management of Statewatch. Maintaining and developing relationships with new and existing funders. Strategic monitoring, evaluation, planning and implementation of our work. Representing Statewatch in public forums. Identifying and initiating opportunities for cooperation with relevant entities or individuals. Supervising and advising staff and volunteers, and occasionally writing and editing to support their work. Recruiting new staff and volunteers. Maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures. Reporting to and supporting the Board of Trustees. Swipe or click right for information about you, if you are the right candidate About you. We are looking for someone who brings ideas, experience, and a commitment to justice. We don’t expect that you have done this exact job before, and we welcome transferable skills. In this role, you will take on the responsibility of maintaining a small organisation; prioritising flexible working, clear expectations, collaborative decision-making and a friendly environment. Swipe or click right for what qualities we are looking for.
September 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
Last week, the EU-funded Libyan ‘coast guard’ shot at a humanitarian search and rescue ship for twenty minutes.

This was not an isolated incident—and yet, the EU and its member states have continued to fund, equip, and coordinate with them.

Read the full analysis by Daniel Watt: buff.ly/68Hrrck
An image shows a shooter on a so-called Libyan coast guard vessel, which was donated by the Italian Government in 2023, above text that explains "EU-funded Libyan ‘coast guard’ shot at a humanitarian search and rescue ship for twenty minutes. And despite reaching out to European and international authorities, no help came. This is the result of years of EU funding, coordination and policy empowering violent actors in an attempt to seal its borders from refugees." Above a hand holding bullets from those found across the ship, more text reiterates that this attack was not an isolated incident. After this, a list identifies the many ways in which EU policies fuel impunity, such as through vessel transfers, financial support and training for Libyan authorities. Final text reiterates the message: This attack was the clearest example of a system that prioritises control over care and deterrence over dignity. But there are too many examples already. If it continues, it risks further eroding the international protections designed to safeguard life at sea and humanitarians.
September 1, 2025 at 1:37 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
1/ A new EU plan could expand access to personal data for US immigration and law enforcement.

This proposal document (see article) was released without a press announcement or much mention at all, yet it contains alarming plans.
A person with eyes censored stands with a placard, "HTTP410 privacy gone". Next to this, text reads "New EU plan could expand access to your personal data for US law enforcement." A section of the proposal document provides background on the Visa Waiver Program and outlines that the proposal for data sharing would concern information including biometric data stored in the national databases of Member States. News headline clippings point to growing concern about US privacy, personal data and limits of redress. Text explains that the US has set a deadline of next December 2026 to reach an agreement, and calls for action to stop it.
August 29, 2025 at 11:33 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
Detailed accounts of violent 'pushbacks' by the Greek Coast Guard demonstrate the lengths to which the EU will go to evade its obligations to offer asylum.

Read more in the special report by Eliana Nunes:
buff.ly/OeYVdLv
Spray paint on a building reads "Greek coast guard are murderers! Don't let them do". Below the image, large text says "Greek authorities use deadly violence to evade asylum responsibilities". Quotes from Ella Dodd, of the organisation I Have Rights, and Mohamed, a Sudanese man who rightfully obtained asylum, describe the violent pushbacks. They list intense violence, torture, sexual violence, rape, people being stripped, theft, beatings while people are naked, drownings, people dying, people having miscarriages. A haunting depiction of a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel looms behind the text.
August 27, 2025 at 3:39 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
1/ As the EU pushes its borders further outside its territory, they call it "innovative". It's not.

Our recent analysis challenges the assumptions that many externalisation researchers and journalists may hold about externalisation.
August 26, 2025 at 11:12 AM
statewatch.bsky.social
We’re joining the global economic strike for Palestine.
What does this mean?

Every Thursday, including today, we will:
1. Avoid all financial transactions.
2. Avoid all forms of paid transport.
3. Continue our work to expose state power and injustice.
August 21, 2025 at 1:45 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
While UK police arrested 532 people for opposing genocide, the justice secretary also announced new measures against migrants.

This included changing the law so that foreign nationals handed down prison sentences will be deported immediately.

Read more on our website: buff.ly/5enn6q8
Images of signs saying "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" next to large all-caps text "What happened in the UK last Saturday?". Text describes that 532 people were arrested and a new law targeting migrants was announced. An explanation of the new law (using the same text from the caption) Text says this decision comes as "insidious currents of racism rise", explaining the increase in far-right violence and the open letter signed by Statewatch that asks the government to change course.
August 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
1/The EU’s Horizon programme gave more than €1.2 billion to Israeli institutions between 2014 and 2020 — including companies involved in surveillance, drone tech, and military research.

Now, the EU Commission is proposing a partial suspension of funding — but many say it’s too little, too late.
Green and black graphic announces "EU money helped build Israel’s war machine. And it hasn't stopped". An Israeli flag stands between two European Union flags on the EU Parliament, emphasising the partnership between the EU and Israel. Above, a drone looms, representing the EU's funding of Israeli drones used in Gaza.
August 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
statewatch.bsky.social
EU governments are embedding artificial intelligence into migration, policing and criminal justice systems — claiming it will improve “efficiency” and “fairness”.

But AI trained on injustice only replicates injustice.

Read the full report: buff.ly/TBVzOl6
Black and purple graphic reads: “The EU’s Security AI is automating injustice.”
July 31, 2025 at 11:19 AM