Brussels: Europe and Arabs

After announcing the cancellation of a gay festival in the Serbian capital Belgrade, a European statement issued by the spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy department said, "The European Union encourages the Serbian authorities to continue their contacts with the organizers to find a solution to host the festival bearing the name EuroPride while providing conditions of peace and security. We Looking forward to a final positive decision. According to the statement, the European Union attaches great importance to this festival, while ensuring that it takes place in peaceful conditions and the safety of the participants. The European Union supports equality and rejects all forms of discrimination. EuroPride was first held in 1992 and advocates for equal rights for gay, bisexual and transgender people across Europe, to give a voice to those who face discrimination, violence or hatred for no other reason than sex or sexuality. The statement concluded by saying that we expect our closest partners to be committed to protecting and promoting human rights. This includes upholding the rights of “LGBTIQ+” people including their right to freedom of assembly and expression in accordance with their constitution and international human rights obligations