CETA versus European status quo - Part I: Barriers to regulation Opponents of CETA argue that it limits the ability of states to regulate important subjects like consumer health. However, the EU has always limited this to some extent. Does CETA limit the freedom to regulate even more? Lennart van Laake • November 08, 2016
Deprivation as a punishment for non-cooperative migrants Two of the highest courts in the Netherlands ruled that the government can legally require irregular migrants to cooperate before granting them social support. This blog discusses the dangerous premise that withdrawing social support is permissible. Lennart van Laake • December 17, 2015
Refugees: From Problem to Crisis Recently the media have stopped reporting on the refugee ‘problem’ and started providing daily updates on the developing refugee ‘crisis’. This blog examines the positive and negative aspects of this shift in rhetoric and suggests how to limit its risks. Lennart van Laake • October 06, 2015
The moral dilemma of medical refugees It seems that there are only two types of migrants crossing into Europe: those fleeing war and oppression and those seeking work. I want to focus on one group that does not fit either category: those entering Europe illegally to obtain medical treatment. Lennart van Laake • August 14, 2015
Anti-refugee rhetoric as discrimination The suggestion of the Dutch VVD to stop admitting any refugees was widely condemned for its detrimental consequences and incompatibility with international law. How such measures relate to discrimination has not been discussed widely. Lennart van Laake • April 11, 2015
Is there refuge if you are a not a refugee? The approach in the Mukarubega judgement raises interesting questions on the interaction between refugee law and human rights. Lennart van Laake • December 04, 2014