On this International Refugee Day, the Brussels International Center (BIC) critically examines the current state of the EU's migration policies in light of the newly proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum. The political shift towards far-right and centrist parties adopting a fear-based discourse on migration raises significant concerns about the future of refugee protection in Europe.

The Brussels International Center (BIC) acknowledges and welcomes  the European Council's recent initiative calling for a humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza as a step in the right direction. However, this action, while commendable for its intentions, significantly falls short of what is immediately necessary to bring about a real and lasting peace in the region. The call comes across as belated, barely scratching the surface of the deeper, more systemic changes required to address the ongoing crisis.

The launch of the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) marks a pivotal moment in the EU's journey towards strategic autonomy, underlining a significant shift in how Europe perceives and approaches its defence capabilities and industrial base.

The Brussels International Center (BIC) expresses its profound concern over the escalating violence in Rafah, Gaza’s south, where Israel's intensifying military operations have led to significant civilian casualties and widespread panic. The recent Israeli strikes have tragically led to the loss of civilian lives, and left dozens injured, as reported by Dr. Marwan al-Hams from the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital.