On July 10, EU Watch, in cooperation with Hostage Aid Worldwide brought to Brussels a delegation of over 11 former hostages and families of current EU hostages. The goal: raise awareness of the issue of hostage-taking and push the EU to step up its actions on its hostage diplomacy.
Currently, approximately 50 EU citizens are reportedly being held captive around the world, mainly in Iran, Gaza and Eritrea, although the actual numbers might be higher. Authoritarian regimes unlawfully detain EU citizens for leverage, to be used as bargaining chips to gain political and financial leverage. However, the European Union appears to be ill-prepared or cannot address this pressing issue in a more determined manner.
Alongside EU Watch, former hostages in Iran, technology expert Nizar Zakka (President of Hostage Aid Worldwide) and former American diplomat Barry Rosen (held hostage during the Iran hostage crisis 1979-1981), led the efforts of advocacy for the EU hostages during the delegations’ presence in Brussels.
The families of Ahmadreza Djalali, Cécile Kohler, Dawit Isaak, Tal Shoham, Nahid Taghavi, Nazanin-Zaghari-Ratcliffe and others, joined the delegation and emphasised the need for more action from the European Union and urged decision-makers to pursue the creation of a unified EU strategy on hostage-taking.
Our delegation entailed several meetings with senior EU officials, including Helene Le Gal (Director for the Middle East and North Africa), and Sven Koopmans, EU’s Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process. We highlighted the urgency for a coordinated EU approach to hostage diplomacy and presented actionable proposals.
The delegation also met with the Permanent Representation of Germany and France to the EU, discussing the status of hostages and unlawfully detained individuals as well as the power of each member state to contribute to a determined EU strategy. These meetings provided the delegates and EU officials with critical insights on the issue of hostage-taking from national governments and fostered productive dialogue.
In discussions with MEPs at the European Parliament, Hostage Aid Worldwide and EU Watch put forward the idea of establishing a working group on hostages. We believe that a multi-layered strategy, in which the European Parliament is actively involved, is essential to effectively prioritising the pressing issue of hostage diplomacy.
The delegation also visited the Belgian Parliament, where they had the opportunity to meet Belgian MP Darya Safai. Safai shared her insights on countering hostage diplomacy on a national level, particularly regarding Iran. The consensus was that stronger cooperation was needed between the EU and its member states.
The closing event in the European Parliament “Building a unified front: Where is the EU’s strategy against hostage-taking?”, with opening remarks from MEP Andrey Kovatchev (EPP), provided a platform for former hostages and family members to share their stories. This event was envisioned as kickstarting a broader discussion among EU decision-makers on hostage diplomacy and the EU’s role.
Hostage-taking is a severe violation of human rights and international law. The EU must remain steadfast in opposing such practices and advocating for the safe return of all hostages.
It is crucial to work towards creating mechanisms that prevent such acts and ensure accountability for those who perpetrate them. Solidarity with the families of hostages and supporting them during these difficult times is equally important. Furthermore, promoting awareness and education about the implications of hostage-taking can help build a more informed and resilient community. Together, through persistent efforts, the EU and its allies can strive to mitigate the risks of hostage-taking and hold the perpetrators accountable through various means.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all EU officials, MEPs, and organizations who met with us and listened to those most affected. Your support is crucial in our collective effort to counter hostage diplomacy. Our journey continues as we advocate for stronger EU policies to deter future hostage-taking and the unconditional return of all EU hostages.
The event in the press:
It’s time for the EU to fight united against hostage-taking [OP-ED] – Brussels Times
Hostage taking: Does the EU need a common strategy for rescuing European citizens? – Brussels Times
If you are willing to join the efforts, or you have ideas and concrete proposals for action get in touch with us at [email protected]
Read the response to our letter sent to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell regarding the EU’s Afghanistan policy and human rights issues, with a particular focus on Afghan women’s rights.
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EU Watch interviewed Austrian politician Helmut Brandstätter, who serves for the first time as a Member of the European Parliament. We discussed the issues of Ukraine’s support, EU enlargement, migration and media freedom.
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