Another execution has taken place in Belarus: that of Siarhei Vostrykau. The European Union again reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The continued application of the death penalty goes counter to Belarus’ stated willingness to engage with the international community, including the European Union, on the matter and to consider the introduction of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

The European Union urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to commute the remaining death sentences and to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.
 

Another execution has taken place in Belarus: that of Siarhei Vostrykau. The European Union again reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The continued application of the death penalty goes counter to Belarus’ stated willingness to engage with the international community, including the European Union, on the matter and to consider the introduction of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

The European Union urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to commute the remaining death sentences and to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.
 

he High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini spoke today with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al Serraj and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, to discuss the recent political developments concerning Libya.  The HRVP expressed her appreciation and support for the meetings between Prime Minister Serraj and General Khalifa Haftar that took place in the United Arab Emirates. The European Union, Mogherini stressed, will continue to encourage and accompany the political process in Libya with all means at its disposal so that all Libyans can unite for a secure, peaceful and prosperous country. This can be achieved only through the positive engagement and contribution of all parties.
 

The prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Li Heping was convicted of charges of ‘subversion of state power’ last week, almost two years after his arrest.

Mr Li’s rights under China’s Criminal Procedure Code and international law obligations, to a fair trial, proper defence and access to a lawyer of his own choice, were not respected. He is also being deprived of his right to appeal the conviction in the timeframe allowed under Chinese law. The European Union calls for him to be set free.

The Chinese authorities are expected to abide by China’s international law obligations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and respect the rights of all citizens as recognised by China’s Constitution, as well as to drop all pending charges against the human rights lawyers and defenders detained in connection with the 9 July 2015 crackdown, including Jiang Tianyong, Wang Quanzhang, Xie Yang and Wu Gan, and ensure their release.

Europeans increasingly realise the need for common solutions to the most pressing problems, yet question whether politics will be able to deliver, according to a new survey. The Eurobarometer survey, carried out in March, was commissioned by the European Parliament to get an idea of what people want. Check out our infographic to see in which areas people expect more from the European Union and read on for an overview of the survey’s main findings.

Europeans demand solutions from the EU
 
Most respondents think that Europe should do more to tackle a wide range of issues, from security, to migration and unemployment. Compared to last year, fewer Europeans think the EU is not doing enough regarding key areas such as terrorism, security, migration, tax fraud and unemployment, which could be because of the measures taken at EU level since then. Check out the infographic for details and a breakdown by member state.
 
Support for the EU is increasing
 
In general Europeans are more positive about the EU, with 56% of respondents saying that EU membership is a good thing, up four percentage points from September 2016. However, opinions vary widely between countries:  only about a third of Czechs, Greeks, Italians and Croats share this opinion.
 
In addition 56% of respondents across the EU they have feel an attachment to the EU, up five percentage points from November. However, more people feel an attachment to their city (87%), region (87%), or country (91%).
 
More people interested in EU politics
 
More people are paying attention to EU politics, with 57% expressinginterest in EU affairs, compared to 54% in September 2015. Now 43% of respondents are saying that they feel their voice counts in Europe, up six percentage points from last September. Yet even more people (53%) say they don’t feel heard at the EU level. At national level, things look better: 63% agree that their voice counts in their own country, and only 35% disagree.
 
Dissatisfaction with democracy
 
Figures reveal dissatisfaction with how democracy works in the EU, with only 43% of respondents saying they are satisfied and 47% saying they are not. Results vary per country, with only 20% of Greeks expressing satisfaction. Europeans are also concerned about social inequalities.
 
Overall, many people (50%) think the EU is heading in the wrong direction, but less than before (last September 54% of respondents still felt this way).
 
 More support for a multi-speed Europe
 
In the debate on the future of Europe, the idea that some countries should be allowed to pull ahead of others is gaining popularity. Some 49% of respondents support such an approach, up from 41% in September 2015. The share of people saying all countries should move forward with the same speed is down to 41% from 48% in September 2015. Opinions differ significantly from one member state to another, so the debate seems far from settled.

The survey was conducted though face-to-face interviews with 27,901 Europeans on 18-27 March 2017.