Brussels International Center - BIC

11/06/2026

⚠️ The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz goes well "beyond the battlefield". The consequences are being felt thousands of kilometers away, threatening food security and access to essential medical care in low- and middle-income countries.

We are proud to announce a new side event in the margins of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council , organized by the Brussels International Center (BIC). A crucial opportunity to discuss the human rights implications of this global crisis and identify concrete protection measures.

🗓️ When? 19 June 2026 �
📍 Where? Palais des Nations, Room IX, Geneva
�🗣️The speakers will be announced shortly!

Stay tuned for further updates 🌐

Venue: Palais des Nations, Room [IX]The speakers will be announced shortly!Background and rationaleSince late February 2026, the armed conflict involving Iran has reshaped the maritime arteries that connect global production to the populations that depend on it. The Strait of Hormuz – through whic...

11/06/2026

How do football institutions and major sporting events shape geopolitical dynamics? ⚽🌍

The Brussels International Center (BIC) is pleased to launch our newest research initiative examining the intersection of global football, human rights, and political influence.

Building on our expertise in tracking geopolitical strategies, BIC is developing a dedicated reference framework and research index. This evidence-based tool will measure human rights compliance, institutional transparency, and the risks of political instrumentalization (sport-washing) within the global sports ecosystem.

Our goal is to provide independent, data-driven analysis to policymakers, sports governing bodies, and journalists to ensure that football’s global influence comes with corresponding accountability.

👉 Are you interested in our research or looking to collaborate? Read the full announcement on our website: https://www.bic-rhr.com/news/human-rights-governance-and-political-influence-in-global-football-a-new-bic-research-initiative-rm3z1

09/06/2026

🌍 The consequences of a conflict extend far beyond the front line.

Join us for the event "Beyond the Battlefield", an important debate dedicated to the humanitarian toll of the Strait of Hormuz crisis on food security and health in lower-income countries.

This event, organized in the margins of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council by the Brussels International Center (BIC) , will bring together experts and field operators to identify concrete protection and mitigation measures.

📅 Date: Friday, 19 June 2026
⏰ Time: From 12:00 to 13:00
📍 Venue: Geneva, Palais des Nations, Room IX

03/06/2026

The European Union has just changed its rules on migrant returns. But what does this mean exactly? 🇪🇺👇

After nearly 20 years, the European Parliament and Council of Europe have reached an agreement to update a system that was struggling to function due to slow bureaucracy and poor cooperation between countries.

👉 Swipe through the carousel to discover the main updates and understand how Europe intends to balance security, efficiency, and the respect of fundamental rights.

02/06/2026

🚨 Lebanon faces a deepening humanitarian emergency.

Despite recent nominal ceasefire extensions, the situation has escalated dramatically.

🔹 Over 1 million civilians have been internally displaced.
🔹 3,412 lives lost and over 10,000 injured since March.
🔹 1.24 million people — nearly a quarter of the country — are facing severe food insecurity as market operations collapse and prices soar.

The United Nations and humanitarian partners remain on the ground delivering food, cash assistance, and medical support, but critical access constraints and risks continue to hamper the response.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be a target. A diplomatic solution is urgently needed to end this devastating cycle of violence.

01/06/2026

🌍 Europe is stepping up for those who protect our planet. 🛡️

Did you know that Council of Europe is hosting its FIRST-EVER Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders? 🌱

As the fight against climate change and environmental degradation intensifies, the frontline heroes defending our ecosystems are facing unprecedented challenges and risks.

This groundbreaking forum is a major step forward. It aims to shed light on the crucial work of eco-activists, build stronger protection mechanisms, and ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels of European policy. 🗣️⚖️

28/05/2026

Has football become a political tool? ⚽️🏛️

Find out at our upcoming event: "Football and Political Influence: The EU's Role in Regulating Global Tournaments"

📅 Date: June 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 16:30
📍 Location: European Parliament, Brussels

Reserve your seat here! 👇
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_cwf9VEgzMaedawHfJKLqLAw9zqaF3kOpeVTjRQkmljSKnw/viewform?usp=header

27/05/2026

⚽ Join us for the conference "Football and Political Influence: The EU’s Role in Regulating Global Tournaments", organized by the Brussels International Center, at the European Parliament !

The discussion will explore the use of major sporting events as a tool for "sport-washing" and the crucial role Europe can play in promoting responsible governance, democratic values, and ethical standards in the global game.

📅 Date: June 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 16:30
📍 Location: European Parliament, Brussels

👇 Capacity is limited! Secure your spot by filling out the registration form at this link: 🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_cwf9VEgzMaedawHfJKLqLAw9zqaF3kOpeVTjRQkmljSKnw/viewform?usp=header

Independent think-and-do tank developing solutions to address insecurity, economic fragility, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa.

26/05/2026

⚽️ Football is no longer just a game, it has become a powerful global political stage. But how do we protect the integrity of the sport against "sport-washing"?

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the intersection of major sporting events and geopolitics is more critical than ever. As the heart of the football economy, the EU has a unique responsibility to champion human rights, democracy, and ethical standards in global tournaments.

Join us at the European Parliament for an exclusive institutional dialogue: "Football and Political Influence: The EU’s Role in Regulating Global Tournaments"

🎙 Our Expert Panel:

🔵 Bogdan Zdrojewski | Hosting MEP, CULT Vice-Chair
🔵 Hannes Heide | MEP, S&D Group
🔵 Jérôme Champagne | Former FIFA Secretary-General
🔵 Sebastian Sons | Senior Researcher at BIC and CARPO

🎤 Moderated by: Yasmine Akrimi | Research and Project Lead at BIC

📅 Date: June 10th, 2026
📍 Location: European Parliament, Brussels
⏳ Duration: 1h 30m

22/05/2026

🇪🇺 The European Parliament speaks out on human rights.

During the recent plenary session, MEPs took a firm stance against the severe and ongoing violations of fundamental rights in Iran, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.

👉 Human rights are not negotiable.