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CWA # 1734
The World This Week
The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
The World This Week #317 Vol 7, No 26, 29 June 2025

  GP Team
29 June 2025

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
Padmashree Anandhan

What happened?
During 24 and 25 June, the NATO summit in e Hague concluded with the participation of the 32-member alliance. NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, focused on reinforcing deterrence amid renewed concerns over Russia. He declared: “It is simply unthinkable that Russia, with an economy 25 times smaller than NATO’s, should outproduce us. We must win this new war of production.”

Ahead of the summit, US President Donald Trump raised doubts over ambiguity around Article 5. He said: “Depends on your definition,” but added, “I’m committed to being their friends.” 

The three major commitments from the Hague Declaration were increasing the defence spending to five per cent. 3.5 per cent on “core defence requirements and 1.5 per cent towards “critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure our civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defence industrial base.” Second, the commitment to defence and deterrence. The NATO alliance recognises the hybrid threats like cyberattacks and assured that the increased defence investment will help NATO to strengthen its capabilities on land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. Lastly, on Ukraine, the alliance has resolved to commit  EUR 35 billion additional security aid and stresses on ensuring Ukraine’s long-term defence and boosting its capacity to prevent future aggression. The UK announced GBP 70 million in air defence aid to Ukraine, while Germany announced plans to add 10,000 troops by 2025 and double its defence budget by 2029.

What is the background?
First, regional challenge. The summit took place against the backdrop of four years of continued Russian aggression and Ukraine’s prolonged demands for military aid. This comes as Russian forces have been able to maintain pressure on the ground and negotiating table. NATO claims to share 99 per cent of all the military aid received by Ukraine till now.  The war has made Europe realise the shortages in defence and major gaps in defence investments, yet a united stance to increase defence spending remains fragmented. This can be viewed in the cases of Poland, the Baltic states, and the UK, which vouch for NATO enlargement, while Hungary, Slovakia and Germany take cautious steps with fears of escalation.
 
Second, the threat from Trump. Continued criticism of European allies by Trump before the 2024 elections and a warning to withdraw support for Ukraine has affected the confidence of NATO members. Especially the recent warning to impose tariffs on those NATO countries that avoid increasing their defence spending makes it even more challenging for European countries in NATO to function as a transatlantic group. 

Third, Article 5 and the EU’s concerns. Article 5 of the NATO Treaty is the core principle of collective defence. It states, an armed attack on one member will be considered as an attack on all. This becomes critical if triggered, mandating the allies to support the attacked member with armed force and help restore security. Since Trump’s presidency, Article 5 has become a stressful factor after his warning to withdraw support if the defence spending target is unmet by all allies. This has triggered concerns across the EU to reduce dependence on US’s defence support and heightened awareness to boost defence investments.
 
Fourth, reluctance over defence spending. As of 2024 NATO defence expenditure report, the US remains one of the major contributors with EUR 800 billion out of EUR 1,173 billion in total. During 2006 and 2014, only Norway, Poland, Estonia and Albania maintained the GDP share of defence spending, while several declined their shares until the war in Ukraine. Germany and Finland have assured to boost their military expenditure; however, a large uncertainty remains if they will all meet the five per cent threshold.

What does this mean?
First, an ambitious shift to boost European defence responsibility. Considering the NATO expenditure reports and the pace of increase in defence spending by the NATO allies, the five per cent target by 2035 does seem ambitious. Trump’s push factor may help to increase the EU’s defence share in the alliance and help lay a path for the EU towards its “strategic autonomy.” However, bringing all the EU countries into NATO as a united military buildup while economic and political differences would be a big challenge.

Second, Trump making Europe great again. The NATO summit and the higher defence target are the result of Trump’s warnings. The goal was to showcase unity while meeting Trump’s demands, which led to criticism of Rutte for “praising” Donald Trump. While the internal differences continue, Europe’s realisation to step up its defence and efforts to become independent of the US is the first step toward a strategic autonomy. How far it will be able to pursue this across the member states and how long the intensity will persist remains unknown.

Russia and Mali bilateral agreements: 
The growing presence of Russia in Mali
Santhiya M 

What happened? 
On 22 June, Mali's President Assimi Goïta reached Moscow upon an official invitation from Russia's President Vladimir Putin. This five-day official visit aimed at reinforcing better bilateral ties.

On 23 June, three agreements were signed in the presence of the presidents of both countries. Both the countries decided to establish an Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and enhance cooperation on the peaceful use of atomic energy. President Putin stated that bilateral relations have a "good upward trend," although bilateral trade is currently "modest." Further, he stated that geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics and humanitarian fields would be potential areas of future cooperation. 

What is the background?
First, a brief history of Mali. In 2021, former Vice President and now interim President Assimi Goïta overthrew the then government and arrested former transitional President Bah N’daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. As a result of it, tensions in the northern part of the country escalated  and people demanded  the former president Bah N’daw to step down. It is also claimed that the coup took place because the president and the prime minister were planning to reshuffle the portfolios of the government without contacting the then Vice President, Assimi Goita. Mali is endowed with the wealth of natural resources like gold, uranium, diamonds, copper, iron ore and more.

Second, relations between Russia and Mali. In 1960, Russia recognized the independence of Mali  which led to the establishment of diplomatic relations began. In 1961, both countries signed trade and cultural agreements. Russia has supported Mali in terms of arming and training of the security force. Mali is now constructing a gold refinery in partnership with Russia's Yadran Group and a Swiss investment company. President Goïta has stated that Mali would refine gold domestically as it has been exporting gold for refining and sale to other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Switzerland since 1980. It is expected to increase the annual gold production four times. Both countries are also looking construct  a low-power nuclear power plant which would be designed by Russia..

Third, Russia’s role in internal security of Mali.coup. During the coup of 2021, Mali’s coup leaders sought assistance from Russia. The Wagner Group began its operations in Mali to assist the Mali's army in controlling the violence. On 6 June, Wagner Group declared its withdrawal from Mali and claimed that it brought all regional capital under Mali's government, eliminated key perpetrators of violence and killed militants. It announced the "completion of its main mission" in Mali. But, the withdrawal does not mean Mali would not have Russian mercenaries. Africa Corps, a paramilitary force backed by the Kremlin, is going to operate in Mali with Russian fighters. It has announced that it will be operating at a more "fundamental level." The country is facing violence allegedly perpetrated by the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

What does it mean?
First, Russia’s benefits from the recently signed agreements. The agreements signed would possibly lead to enhancement of economic ties between Russia and  Mali especially in areas of geological exploration and natural resource development as the latter is rich in minerals. Relationship with Mali also helps Russia in expanding its interaction with other African countries.
 
Second,Mali’s benefits from the recently signed agreements.. The agreements would increase the inflow of foreign investments in Mali especially after it left ECOWAS and western powers are withdrawing from the country. The agreements would help in utilising of Mali’s natural resources like gold for economic development. The cooperation on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes would bring in sustainability in Mali.

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Lekshmi M.K, M. Kejia Reddy, Aparna A Nair, Santhiya. M, Chittrothu Vaihali, and Swati Sood. 

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Unveils its first highly parallel optical computing integrated chip, “Meteor 1”
On 24 June, SCMP reported on China’s first parallel optical computing integrated Chip, Meteor-1. Meteor-1, developed by Shanghai Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Nanyang Technological University, can execute over 2,560 tera operations per second at %)GHz optical frequency. Unlike the traditional optical chips, Meteor-1 has a self-developed architecture that includes a light source chip and a modulation matrix driver board. It can reduce size, energy use, and cost due to its micro cavity optical frequency comb, supporting over 200 wavelengths. The chip can act as a scalable solution for AI and data centre demands as it can run over 100 tasks simultaneously.
 
China: Singapore and China call for a new chapter of high-quality cooperation
On 24 June, China’s President Xi Jinping and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met in Beijing. As this marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, both sides called for a new chapter of high-quality cooperation. Xi stated that bilateral cooperation yielded substantial outcomes, such as the Suzhou Industrial Park, and it contributed to each country's modernisation efforts. It also set a benchmark for cooperation among regional countries. He further stated that the two sides have consistently upheld mutual understanding and respect, which provided a solid foundation for the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties. He welcomed Singapore for deep integration to deepen Belt and Road Cooperation and create achievements in the digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence (AI). Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s adherence to the one-China policy and opposed “Taiwan independence.” He further stated his willingness to leverage the opportunities brought by China’s prosperity and development.

China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi and NSA Doval underscore the need to promote the overall development of India-China bilateral relations
On 23 June, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said: “On 23 June 2025, Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser met with Wang Yi, Member, Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. NSA Doval is visiting China to attend the 20th Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries.” It added that both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China bilateral relations and underscored the need to promote the overall development of India-China bilateral relations, including by fostering greater people-to-people ties. Doval underlined the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region.

China: Expresses readiness to strike win-win deals with Mozambique
On 25 June, CGTN reported that China and Mozambique are celebrating its 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mozambique’s Foreign Minister Maria Manuela congratulated each other on the occasion. China’s foreign minister Wang highlighted both the countries friendship and mutual support over five decades in myriad areas like agriculture, infrastructure, energy and global governance. China extended its readiness to cooperate in striking win-win deals between the two countries. The Mozambique foreign minister also praised China and the bilateral relationship rooted in mutual respect and equality. She also expressed her firm support for China’s One-China policy and emphasized the country’s interest to learn from China’s sustainable development experience. Both countries have committed to enhancing their strategic cooperation as they mark this diplomatic milestone.

China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlines a three-point proposal to enhance EU-China relations
On 26 June, CGTN reported that China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met envoys from EU on 25 June to mark 50 year of EU – China diplomatic ties. Wang in his speech addressed the importance of mutual trust and cooperation and outlined a three-point proposal to enhance EU-China relations where he demanded EU’s support to One-China policy, Economic partnership without rivalry and joint promotion of multilateralism and global peace and affirmed China’s global commitment to initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative. The envoys from the EU highlighted the importance of China as a key economic partner and expressed the willingness of the EU to work collaboratively to address global challenges and to uphold a rules-based international order. Both sides emphasized stable and constructive EU-China ties.

China: Shenzhou-20 crew completes second Extra-Vehicular activity
On 27 June, CGTN reported that according to the China Manned Space Agency, the Shenzhou 20 mission completed its second extra-vehicular activity (EVA). With the support of an astronaut, ground teams, and space stations, crew members carried out a 6.5-hour spacewalk. They installed a debris protection device and performed inspection and maintenance tasks on external equipment. They also installed an interface adapter to the extravehicular platform, and it is expected to reduce the duration of future spacewalks by 40 minutes. The crew is expected to focus on research areas like space life lessons, microgravity physics, material science, space medicine, and advanced aerospace technology. This event marks a significant milestone in China’s orbital capabilities.

China: US trade deal to expedite rare earth exports amid trade tensions, reports Reuters
On 26 June, Reuters reported that, the US and China have reached an agreement to expedite rare earth shipments to the US. The deal follows ongoing arrangements to de-escalate trade tensions between the countries. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick affirmed that once China resumes its shipments of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, and defence, the US would roll back its countermeasures. The move marks an improvement in resolving trade disputes between the two global powers.

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC THIS WEEK
South Korea: President promises compensation for veterans 
On 27 June, President Lee Jae Myung emphasised the importance of national security and promised compensation and honor for those who sacrificed themselves to protect the nation and its people. Lee Jae Myung made remarks with veterans, held after the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War. "Protecting the national community is the most important task for the nation. We refer to it as national security," Lee said during the event held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae. 

Japan: Supreme court ruling over welfare benefits; declared them as unlawful
On 27 June, Jiji Press reported on Japan's Supreme Court declaration regarding the government's cuts in welfare benefits in 2013-2015 as unlawful. The Supreme court’s Third Petty Bench that was presided by Justice Katsuya Uga, rescinded the welfare cuts but dismissed plaintiffs' damages claims. The decision was the majority opinion of four out of the five justices on the bench. Justice Katsuya Uga argued that damages claims should also be recognized. It was the first time that the Supreme Court found it illegal to lower the levels of welfare benefits that guarantee minimum standards of living. Lawsuits against the welfare benefit reductions have been filed in 31 district courts in 29 prefectures around Japan. The latest Supreme Court decision is expected to influence similar cases nationwide, likely resulting in rulings in favour of plaintiffs.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
ASEAN: Secretary General Hourn aims to deepen the cooperation between ASEAN and Morocco
On 24 June, the Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, visited Morocco. The visit aimed to deepen the cooperation between ASEAN and Morocco, since the development of the ASEAN-Morocco Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 2023. In Rabat, Hourn met with various ministers of the government, where they discussed deepening partnerships in various sectors, such as the economy, trade, agriculture, defence, and investments. The meetings also emphasized the importance of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region.

Bangladesh: Interim government declares August 5 as ‘July Mass Uprising Day’
On 25 June, the Interim government declared August 5 as “July Mass Uprising Day.’ The government also declared August 8 as ‘New Bangladesh Day’ to mark the formation of the interim government under Chief Adviser Dr. Mohammed Yunus, and July 16 as ‘Shaheed Abu Sayed Day’ in memory of the student Abu Sayed, who lost his life due to police gunfire during the mass movement. A 36-member national committee has also been formed to celebrate the July uprisings. Chief Adviser Dr. Mohammed Yunus will serve as the Chairman of this committee.

Bangladesh: Interim government forms committee to investigate electoral malpractices
On 26 June, the Interim government formed a committee to investigate allegations of corruption, irregularities, and criminal activities. The committee would also recommend steps to ensure free and fair elections in the future. The committee has been asked to submit a report by 30 September. The committee will analyze reports by election observers, scrutinize the roles of former election commissioners, and make recommendations on changes to be made to relevant laws.

Bhutan: Climate action critical to de-risk Bhutan’s economy, says World Bank report
On 24th June, the World Bank group released the Bhutan Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), in which it was stated that Bhutan could face severe economic losses by 2050 if it fails to adapt to a warmer climate. However, the report estimates that early investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, social protection systems, and economic diversification could minimize economic losses by 40%.

Nepal: Janata Samajwadi Party withdraws support to PM Oli’s government
On 26 June, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), a key Madhesi party in Nepal, withdrew from Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s ruling coalition, reducing it to a minority in the National Assembly. JSP Vice-President, Shiva Lal Thapa, said that “We had extended support to the government on these four agendas. However, now, after a year, we don’t see that the government is concerned about these issues. Therefore, we decided to withdraw support for the Oli-led government.” However, this decision by the JSP will not immediately affect the coalition as the government has sufficient strength in the House of Representatives. 

Nepal: Government establishes committee to investigate visit visa scam
On 24 June, the government constituted a committee to investigate the visit visa scam, whereby various officials have been accused of facilitating illegal trafficking from Tribhuvan airport. Maoist Centre backs the decision, but Rashtriya Swatantra Party and Rashtriya Prajatantra Party say that the formation of this committee is a cover-up to protect the home minister, Ramesh Lekhak. 

Nepal: Nepal’s parliament passes NPR 1.96 trillion for the FY2025-26 
On 24th June, the House of Representatives passed the NPR 1.96 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The budget was approved by a majority vote. An important highlight was the withdrawal of the provision that stated that Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for run-of-the-river (RoR) projects developed by the private sector would be made only under the “take and pay” mechanism.

Nepal: FDI drops over 70 per cent in six years, reflecting broader regional trend
On 19 June, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released the 'World Investment Report 2025: International Investment in the Digital Economy.’ This report revealed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nepal has declined by nearly 70 per cent over the past 6 years, from USD 185 million in 2019 to USD 57 million in 2024. This decline reflects a broader regional trend. South Asia’s total FDI shrank from USD 58 billion in 2019 to USD 34.56 billion in 2024. India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives reported a decline, while Afghanistan received zero inflows. However, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka saw an increase.

Pakistan: Death toll rises to 10 in Swat flash floods
On 27 June, due to two days of massive rains in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the water level in the Swat River abnormally surged, which led to flash floods. The flash floods resulted in the death of 10 people. As per The Express Tribune, the surge in the water levels of the Swat River swept 19 tourists. Out of the 19, three were saved by the concerned authorities. The dead bodies of 10 individuals were later retrieved.  Many others continue to “remain missing.” As per the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the flood levels could be categorized as “very high.” According to the PDMA officials, many civilians remain stuck. According to a communique from the Chief Secretary of Peshawar Shehab Ali Shah, close to 75 people were stuck at various places, out of which the concerned authorities managed to rescue 58. Seeing the alarming situation, the district administration has enforced an emergency and instructed people not to go close to the Swat River. The National Emergencies Operation Centre has informed of further intense rains in various places in KP. Also, NEOC has predicted heavy monsoon rains in various places in Punjab and Sindh in the next two days.

Pakistan: National Assembly approves finance bill, PKR 17.6 trillion allocated for FY 2025-26
On 26 June, the National Assembly approved the Finance Bill and allocated PKR 17.57 trillion for the fiscal year 2025-26.  It is anticipated that Pakistan’s economy will grow by 4.2 per cent in the next fiscal year. The budget has earmarked PKR 2.5 trillion for defence, PKR 1.06 trillion for pensions, and PKR 1.19 trillion for government subsidies. Furthermore, salaried individuals would see a 10 per cent increase in their salaries. Opposition parties have continued to raise concerns regarding the budget proposition not being in public. The amendments suggested by the opposition parties have also been dismissed.

Pakistan: Second phone call between PM Sharif and Secretary Rubio: PM praises US for the ceasefire between Iran and Israel
On 26 June, PM Sharif spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the telephone. As per a communique released by the PM's Office, PM Sharif praised President Trump for his efforts in bringing hostilities between Israel and Iran to an end. Further, he also thanked President Trump for pushing India and Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire. As per the communique, PM Sharif and Secretary Rubio delved into the emerging circumstances in the Middle East region. PM Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to engage in a “constructive role” for ensuring regional peace. Marco Rubio assured PM Sharif of the US’s readiness to enhance engagements with Pakistan. As per Tammy Bruce, who is the spokesperson of the US State Department, Marco Rubio stressed on how Iran cannot be allowed to have “nuclear weapons” in his call with PM Sharif.

Separately, US consulates in Pakistan have asked Pakistani citizens who wish to travel to the US on F, M, and J visas to make their “social media” profiles “public” for inspection. The decision followed after the Trump administration instructed the reopening of “student visa appointment” facility. Earlier, the US had halted the granting of student visas as it intended to come up with changes in the process.

Pakistan: Pakistan agrees to increase imports and expand “investment opportunities” for US companies
On 24 June, the Ministry of Finance informed that the trade negotiations with the US would be finalized in the coming week. The statements from the ministry came after Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The talks between Pakistan and the US particularly addressed the issue of the US’s reciprocal tariffs. The US had imposed 29 per cent tariff duties on imports from Pakistan as part of its reciprocal tariffs agenda. Reportedly, Pakistan has agreed to increase its imports from the US, which includes crude oil and to enhance “investment opportunities” by giving special privileges to US companies who are looking to invest in the mining sector of Pakistan.

Iran: Iran attacks Al Udeid Air base in Qatar
On 23 June, Iran attacked the US’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to the latter’s earlier attack on former’s three nuclear facilities, namely Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. In a statement following the attack, the Iranian IRGC described it as a “powerful and devastating missile attack” in retaliation to the “blatant military aggression” by the US. The rationale for attacking the base was that it “serves as the command centre of the US Air Force and is the largest strategic asset of the American terrorist army in West Asia.” Iran also emphasized that it was careful enough to avoid targeting residential areas and its attack “does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people.” In response, Qatar condemned the attack but revealed that all missiles were successfully intercepted and that the base had been evacuated earlier due to information provided by Iran.

Iran: Iran breaks-off cooperation with the IAEA
On 26 June, the Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s Guardian Council has approved a legislation to “suspend cooperation” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This follows its brief confrontation with Israel and the US’s attack on its nuclear facilities. Guardian Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif told an Iranian news outlet that this move is to ensure “full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The bill now awaits Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s final approval. Nazif also said that the bill will allow Iran “to benefit from all the entitlements specified under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, especially with regard to uranium enrichment.” The IAEA has, however, not received any official notification from Tehran on the same.    

AFRICA THIS WEEK
Somalia: Launches Centennial Vision 2060 as a roadmap for peace, prosperity and progress.
On 23 June, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched Somalia's Centennial Vision 2060 in Mogadishu. This framework aims to promote the economic and institutional development of East African countries, enabling them to become stable middle-income countries within the next 35 years. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Africa's Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, appreciated Somalia for its roadmap for peace, prosperity, and progress in the face of adversity. He reaffirmed his commitment to support Somalia in implementing this framework. Somalia suffers from fragility and insecurity in certain areas, poor infrastructure, environmental degradation, food insecurity, unemployment, displacement, outward migration, and poor economic and social indicators. 

Kenya: Three police officers charged over the custodial death of a blogger.
On 23 June, three police officers were charged with the custodial death of Kenya's blogger, Albert Ojwang, who was arrested for allegedly accusing Kenya's Deputy Police Chief, Eliud Lagat, of corruption on social media. Initially, it was reported that he died from self-inflicted injuries. However, this contradicted the autopsy report which indicated assault. This led to countrywide protests calling for the scrutiny of police brutality. Lagat has stepped down from his position for now. Activists are planning a countrywide shutdown on 25 June to express dissent against police brutality. This day would also mark the anniversary of the anti-tax demonstrations that took place in 2024. 

Mozambique: Al Shabab abducted 120 children in northern Mozambique, says Human Rights Watch report
On 24 June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that at least 120 children were kidnapped in northern Mozambique by Al Shabab group. The children were allegedly used to smuggle stolen goods, forced labour, act as child soldiers or forced into marriage. The government has been trying to control the insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017, with the support of Rwanda, South Africa, and other regional countries. In 2020, the violence arose when insurgents beheaded dozens of people, including children. Witnesses state that children who were abducted were seen as fighters in the attacks. HRW called Mozambique's government to find the children and prevent abductions, as attacks and child kidnappings have increased.

EUROPE THIS WEEK
Greece: Witnesses heatwaves and wildfires, 40 people evacuated
On 26 June, Deutsche Welle reported that Greece was experiencing its first heatwaves and wildfires that affected Athens. The wildfire led to evacuations all over the city. The firefighters dealt with burning holiday homes and fires in the countryside near the Coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, 40 km south of Athens. The cause of the Wildfire was not yet discovered, but the spokesman of the fire department, Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, said 12 water-dropping planes and 12 helicopters were providing air support to 80 fire engines and 130 firefighters, backed up by volunteer firefighters. 40 residents were evacuated with early notice, and two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby near the sea in case evacuation by sea was necessary. 

Spain: Constitutional court backs amnesty for Catalan separatists
On 26 June, Deutsche Welle reported that Spain's Constitutional Court upheld the main provisions of the amnesty for Catalan separatists; under the law, 300 were pardoned. In 2024, this bill was approved, but the opposition deemed it to be unconstitutional. The Constitutional Court stated that it does not directly benefit Former Catalan Separatist, Carles Puigdemont, who was sued for an embezzlement case. The court stated that the amnesty does not apply to him. He, however, has appealed against the decision, saying that the funds earmarked for the referendum were not for his gain. 

About the Authors
Santhiya. M is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. Padmashree Anandhan is a Project Associate at NIAS. Femy Francis is Project Associates at NIAS. Rohini Reenum is a Doctoral Student at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph is Project Associates at NIAS. Fleur Elizabeth Philip is a Research Assistant at NIAS. Aparna A Nair, M Kejia, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Santhiya. M, Swati Sood, Lekshmi M.K, and Chittrothu Vaihali are Research interns at NIAS. 

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