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About Nikolaj Nielsen

Nikolaj Nielsen is an independent journalist and editor based in Brussels.

www.nikolajnielsen.com

Articles by Nikolaj Nielsen

Thursday 15th December

The freedom fighters of Belarus

Nikolaj Nielsen, 15 December 2011

Next Monday marks the anniversary of Belarus' disgraceful 2010 elections, which led to a brutal campaign of intimidation, imprisonment, violence and torture against opponents of the regime. Last month, Nikolaj Nielsen travelled to Minsk — still pincered between paranoia and fear — to talk to the brave men and women fighting for their country's freedom.

Wednesday 4th May

Nikolaj Nielsen

Nikolaj Nielsen, 4 May 2011

Nikolaj Nielsen

By 2050, a global system that guarantees the equitable distribution of resources - of water, of land, of energy, and of food. But first, all risk-aversion schemes that underpin our fears and spin off so many absurdities have been binned. No more military, no more securities markets, or insurance plans meant to keep us safe and in constant fear. With the removal of corporate and state centric interests – genuine democracy could finally have the space to prevail.

Wednesday 6th April

Migrants in Brussels – against the odds

Nikolaj Nielsen, 6 April 2011

Migrant women especially face extreme discrimination in Brussels. But they don’t necessarily see it that way.

Tuesday 22nd February

One asylum seeker in Belgium: Part Three

Nikolaj Nielsen, 22 February 2011

In March 2010, over 400 Macedonian asylum seekers arrived in Belgium. Many have since returned to Macedonia. Most are now considerably worse off. Parts One and Two.

Thursday 17th February

Belgium’s asylum seeker fiasco

Nikolaj Nielsen, 17 February 2011

People in Brussels are led to believe that there is a huge influx of asylum-seekers. Yes and no. The truth is much harder to tell. Many have ended up in the street and some have even taken the Belgian state to court. Part Two

The asylum seeker village – from Macedonia to Belgium: Part One

Nikolaj Nielsen, 17 February 2011

We begin a three-part account of the experiences of ethnic Albanians seeking asylum. Part One begins in Macedonia, which recently lifted visa restrictions towards Europe

Monday 7th February

Tirana: calm before a storm?

Nikolaj Nielsen, 7 February 2011

On 21 January, three people died when the Republican Guard opened fire on protesters in front of the Prime Minister’s office. This is taking place in Europe

Friday 17th December

On the frontline - Western Sahara

Nikolaj Nielsen, 17 December 2010

The recent European Parliament resolution on Western Sahara did not cite Moroccan repression and the need to liberate Sahrawi political prisoners. Nor did it call upon MEPs to send a contingent to investigate. Just as well. The Moroccan authorities would have stopped them at the border – again.

Sunday 7th November

Road trip with Roma - from Brussels to Bulgaria; life at both ends

Nikolaj Nielsen, 7 November 2010

Almost all the Roma in Brussels come from the Razgrad region in northern Bulgaria and most have no bank account. Travel by plane is generally not an option. Slavtho charges €80 a head from Brussels; €120 return. “Soon Bulgaria will become a full member of the EU. Bulgaria vacation; Brussels work,” he says.

Tuesday 8th July