Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Two activists face up to 20 years in prison for reporting on distress cases and arrivals of people to Greece. The case also targets two Cameroonian asylum seekers after they arrived by boat on the island of Kos. Read more in the article by Melissa Pawson: buff.ly/DQzIuOI 032
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Join us on 13 October in Brussels for #PrivacyCamp26! Romain Lanneau (representing Statewatch and Front-LEX) will be on the panel: “Resisting Europol and the new age of digital policing in Europe.” Register by Tuesday, 5 October at 23:59 buff.ly/ShG53sy 010
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 27/08/2026The EU has blocked the release of files which may outline plans to pressure countries into migration deals by withholding aid. Last summer, the Commission proposed new ways to divide funding for non-EU countries. 11213
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026Spanish agents went undercover to spy on activists. The Catalan newspaper La Directa exposed them. Now, the Spanish Data Protection Agency has demanded La Directa remove the information and pay a fine of up to €7,000. Read more: buff.ly/utCJMpY Support La Directa: buff.ly/qNjqSw4 053
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026Within two years of October 2023, the number of contracts between Israeli companies and public institutions in the EU grew to 112. The total value in that period is estimated at nearly €1.6 billion. 103
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 05/08/20261/ A recent academic project, Probable Futures, mapped 70 uses of AI in the criminal justice system. These range from emergency call handling and evidence assessment to crime ‘prediction’ and automated analysis of video footage. 131
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Public institutions in the EU hold hundreds of contracts with Israeli companies worth almost €2.7 billion. Trade sanctions or boycotts could have a profound impact on Israel’s economy and its ability to wage war. Yet, the EU has taken no meaningful action. 183
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Police in England and Wales are using live facial recognition to scan millions of faces. A law governing its use is on the way, but campaigners warn it won't be enough. Read more about the government's plans: buff.ly/iGEZnld Take action: buff.ly/lf0fSgT 040
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 10/06/2026The 17th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now. This bulletin includes details on: • The EU Border Mission in Libya; • The Frontex RECAPP app; • Disinformation campaigns around West Africa and more. It also makes 22 documents public. Read the issue: buff.ly/GPZsE2S 013
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 01/06/2026We're excited to announce that we've just launched our new website. Here's a quick rundown of the biggest changes 🧵 184
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Just leaked: New agreement between EU naval mission and Libya’s eastern forces (link below) We've obtained and published a ‘technical arrangement’ between the EU’s naval mission Operation Irini and the ‘eastern forces’ of Libya under General Khalifa Haftar. Read and share: buff.ly/A7Q2sdj 21911
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Just leaked: We've obtained one of the latest working documents of the deportation regulation (a.k.a. "returns regulation”), by the EU Parliament, the EU Council, and the EU Commission. From what we can tell so far, no improvements have been made, despite relentless campaigning. 31516
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 04/05/2026We've just published the Commission's proposal for EU-US data exchange. What they suggest would violate EU law. Access the document and read the full analysis by Romain Lanneau: buff.ly/8HLpLfT 03130
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Europol is hiring a new director to replace Catherine de Bolle. At the same time, Frontex's former director faces a French court for complicity in crimes against humanity. 130
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 09/04/2026€27.1 million in hidden funds by the EU. Does that sound right to you? Read more about IrpiMedia's investigation and find the full report, "Financing the Violence", produced in collaboration with SOS Méditerranée, here: buff.ly/d6RXTHY 0105
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 08/04/2026The UK Labour Party came to power in July 2024 promising change and an end to 14 years of the right-wing rule seen under the Tories. Instead, it has since entrenched some of the Tories’ worst overreaches—and added some more of its own. Read more and view the timeline here: buff.ly/bwvxM5p 032
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 07/04/20261/ The 15th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now. This month's bulletin includes a document that is almost laughably horrific. In it, the Council Presidency implores the EU’s main border externalisation committee to *mention* human rights more when dealing with non-EU partner countries. 123
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 04/03/2026The 14th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now. This month’s bulletin contains details about the EU's newest plan for 'degressive’ reintegration support, other means of ‘incentivising’ self-deportations, and twenty newly-obtained Council documents. Find the issue here: buff.ly/dmMS8AK 054
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 17/02/2026We joined 87 other organisations in a statement condemning the EU's proposed Deportation ("Return") Regulation, because increasing surveillance, policing, and racial profiling will only fuel racism and a far-right agenda. The statement: buff.ly/FbcfD1I The @theguardian.com article: buff.ly/Xu3a1sd 052
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 16/02/2026Unsurprisingly, the EU's supposedly “new and innovative solution” to migration is a re-packaged and previously rejected one. Read more in the article by @freylindsay.bsky.social: buff.ly/yGtueHB 033
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Register now for the upcoming event, AI in the Field of Asylum and Immigration Law, to hear more from Statewatch researcher Romain Lanneau. Host: ERA Academy of European Law Dates: 9-10 March 2026 Location: Online More details and registration info: buff.ly/Tjoqhkx 021
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 15/01/2026We'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 0114
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 08/01/2026Are 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 045
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 18/12/2025UK: 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 020
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 12/12/2025As 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 081
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 05/12/20253/ 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 000
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 05/12/20252/ 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. 100
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 05/12/20251/ 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. 244
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 04/12/2025According 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. 133
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 02/12/2025The 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 153
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 02/12/2025The “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 063
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 27/11/20251/ 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. 164
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 20/11/2025In 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 098
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 17/11/2025According 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 31519
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Data 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 0910
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 07/11/2025Why 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 000
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 05/11/2025The 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.” 183
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 04/11/20251/ We have a right to privacy — but the definition of privacy varies worldwide. So, how do we understand it in Europe? 100
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 31/10/20251/ 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. 11813
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 30/10/20251/ 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 1124
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 09/10/2025The 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 043
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 06/10/2025Last 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 011
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2025The 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 030
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 26/09/2025The 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 11011
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 24/09/2025We 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. 077
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 18/09/2025Don'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 013
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 12/09/2025Frontex 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 087
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 10/09/20251/ 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! 179
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2025The 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 155
Statewatch @statewatch.bsky.social · 08/09/2025We 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 076