Quaker Council for European Affairs

📍 Welcome to our new followers! Since we’ve recently gained many wonderful followers, we’d like to take a moment to briefly introduce ourselves and share what we do! We are the Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA), a non-profit dedicated to promoting just, peaceful, and humane solutions to challenges facing Europe. Our advocacy focuses on: ▶️ Climate Justice ▶️ Migration & Peace ▶️ Dialogues for Transformation How can you stay involved? This September, we launched a series of (in person) events to bring Quaker expertise to new members of the European Parliament. If you’re in Brussels, join us to explore non-violent communication and advocacy! More info here 👉https://lnkd.in/e4-SZbA2 #Quakers #Peacebuilding #Advocacy #NGO #Justice #HumanRights #Brussels #HumanRights The Good Lobby European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) Quakers in Britain Pax Christi International

📍 Your update on EU policy is here! In Around Europe, we provide timely analysis of the most pressing issues in EU policy. 📜 In this issue, we tackle the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and how it can impact key issues like peace, migration and climate change. 💡It’s a lot to take in, so we’ve broken it down into bite-sized content - perfect for a quick read during your coffee break or on your commute. Swipe to get a sneak peek at our work.  ↪️ Discover the full issue 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUZzRz7S ---- #EUPolicy #Advocacy #MFF #EUBudget #Peace

What are the real costs of EU rearmament? 🛡️ 📜 The EU's recent 'Joint White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030' calls for a massive increase in defence spending. It justifies this as a necessary response to contemporary crises. However, the consequences are far more complex. 📍Transferring funds into weaponry means less money for climate crisis mitigation, housing and social care. What is needed instead? ▶️ A thorough consultation on how defence measures impact the environment, social welfare and housing. ▶️A study on the long-term effects (both inside and outside the EU) of a more militarised approach. ▶️Investment in addressing the root causes of war and fostering global peace. Read more in our latest blog post. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eCapcwdH ---- Photo of the European Commission: ©EmDee #EUDefense #EUAdvocacy #Peace

Today, we had a highly fruitful exchange with the Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediators, co-organized with CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and Conciliation Resources, both members of EPLO’s network. 🗣️💬At a time when the space for women mediators continues to shrink, this discussion was essential to highlight their strategic role in peacebuilding and explore how stronger collaboration with the EU can enhance their impact. ✨A big thank you to all participants for their insights and contributions!

📍Did you know that the EU regularly meets with faith-based organizations like QCEA to listen to their perspectives? 🇪🇺 According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the Union should engage in transparent dialogue with churches, religious organizations, and philosophical groups. 🏛️ 🗨️ Last week, we participated in such an informal dialogue alongside other faith-based organizations with Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament. We spoke about the need to invest in peace, the importance of climate justice and safe migration pathways. As an organization that believes in the vital role of dialogue in shaping EU policies, we are grateful for this opportunity. 🤝 📸 18 March 2025, European Parliament ---- #EU #Advocacy #Quakers #EUParliment #peace

📍 The number of border walls worldwide has increased in recent decades, with internal EU/Schengen borders rising from zero to 19. You’ve probably heard the official reasons: addressing territorial disputes, tackling terrorism and preventing trafficking. 🔎However, research shows that these walls are costly, disrupt local cooperation and lead to human rights violations. A 2022 study from the Migration Policy Institute highlights that walls may even fuel organized crime. ⚖️ Instead, improving legal migration opportunities is a more effective solution. Stay tuned for our upcoming Migration Moving with Dignity handbook, where we'll dive deeper into this issue! ----- 💡 Follow Quaker Council for European Affairs for updates. #advocacy #migration #EU #MovingWithDignity

📍 You may picture a migrant as a person running away from war or seeking employment. However, this is not that simple. 💭Research has indicated that the process leading to this decision is complex and motivations diverse. ➡️ Although war and unemployment are often cited in the media as the main reasons for migration, research highlights other important factors, such as corruption, lack of trust in institutions, and inadequate public services. In our new handbook, Moving with Dignity, we will explore the reasons why people migrate and explain how adapting a positive peace approach will make this process safer and more dignified. 📓 --- 💡 Follow Quaker Council for European Affairs to get updated on our project. 📜 During the period between the announcement and the launch of the publication, we will post inspiring quotes and stories from our upcoming handbook. #advocacy #migration #EU #FIGHTracism

Imagine this: You’re a 17-year-old boy. You study, make plans, dream and plan your future. 💫 However, your name has already been flagged in the system. You are now subject to military registration.📲 🔎 They know everything about you: even your academic performance, hobbies, and sports achievements. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? Sadly, this is the reality for young men in Belarus. 📌 From the age of 17, every Belarusian young man is automatically placed in the military registry. From this point on, they are no longer considered a free person – but a military resource. Learn more about this in the article by Our House (a Belarusian NGO) 👉 https://news.house/64110 💡 At QCEA, we have been long-standing supporters of individuals exercising their human rights to conscientious objection. We highlight cases like this one to raise awareness on these issues in the EU. #HumanRights #Peace #Advocacy #Belarus

📢 Important Announcement! We’ll soon be publishing a milestone publication: 'Moving with Dignity: A positive peace approach to migration'. 📍 Migration has always been a part of human existence. Ensuring safety and dignity for people on the move should be too. → How can global migration policies be reshaped for a more just and humane future? 💡 In our upcoming publication, we explore this question. Drawing on extensive research and the Quaker peace testimony, we advocate for a compassionate, rights-based approach to migration. 👉 Be part of our advocacy! Join our campaign #MovingWithDignity and stay updated. #Migration #Advocacy #EU

“We know that peace is not an end but a practice. It is the practice of peace that prevents war.” - Tracey Martin 📍 At Pax Christi International’s 80th Anniversary, our Director shared reflections on the role of faith organizations in building a just peace. 💡 She spoke about interfaith dialogue, building trust between communities, and supporting peacebuilders- all necessary components of building just and peaceful societies. What does practicing peace look like in your work or community? Let us know in the comments. 💬 #JustPeace #PaxChristi80 #Peace