Photo : Dario Pignatelli/
Photo : Dario Pignatelli/
By Shilpa Joseph
REGIONAL
European Council President gives address marking 20 years of the 2004 EU enlargement
On 29 April, Charles Michel, European Council President delivered a speech for the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement. The fall of the Iron Curtain led to the enlargement of the European Union, bringing ten new member states in 2004 marking the reunification of Europe. He mentioned how the EU faces new “shocks” in climate, technology and geopolitical transition. He further said that enlargement reflected a desire for freedom and prosperity among new members and fulfils the EU's moral and strategic obligations. It enhances the EU's global influence and economic strength. Enlargement is a cornerstone of EU sovereignty, demanding reforms and preparations on both sides for a stronger, more integrated Union by 2030. During the speech he also talked about a strategy to meet these challenges through strategy of the EU enlargement remains vital for sovereignty and stability. This will be based on three pillars, democratic values, competitive economy and defence readiness. (“Enlargement then and now: A geopolitical investment in peace and security - Speech by President Charles Michel for the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement,” European Council, 29 April 2024)
European Council adopts a protocol for cross border data flows with Japan
On 29 April, the European Council adopted the decision on the conclusion of a protocol to include provisions on cross-border data flows in the agreement between the EU and Japan for an Economic Partnership. The protocol ensures smooth data flow between the EU and Japan, preventing data localization barriers. It streamlines data handling for companies, offering a predictable legal framework and efficient operations. The protocol ensures that the rules on the protection of personal data and privacy of both the EU and Japan, which contribute to trust in the digital economy, will be fully respected. (“EU-Japan: the Council approves a protocol to facilitate free flow of data,” European Council, 29 April 2024)
FRANCE
Police break up pro-Palestinian protest at Sorbonne university
On 29 April, the French police evacuated a pro-Palestinian student protest at Sorbonne university. The students demonstrated by setting up dozens of tents in the courtyard and hallways causing exams to be cancelled. Following similar pro-Palestinian sit-ins in the US and several such demonstrations at Sciences Po Paris, the students of Sorbonne University called for support for Gaza holding a Palestinian flag. (“Police break up pro-Palestinian protest at Sorbonne university,” Le Monde, 29 April 2024)
ITALY
G7 group gather at Turin in effort to mitigate climate change
On 28 April, hundreds of protestors demonstrated in Turin to pressurize the G7 leaders. The G7 meeting hosted in Turin by Italy which holds the rotating presidency for 2024 stresses the need to diversify sources of critical materials key to renewable energy systems, as well as minerals reuse, in a bid to stop over reliance on China, which dominates in green technologies. This is in the light of the recent report by a global climate institute shows the G7 is falling far short of its targets. G7 countries contribute 21 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. "Biodiversity, ecosystems, warming seas" are top priorities for Italy, a hotspot for climate change that is susceptible to wildfires, droughts, and glacier retreat, said Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Environment and Energy Security Minister. The Turin summit aims to be a strategic link between COP 27 in Dubai and COP 29 that will happen in Azerbaijan. Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister has vowed repeatedly to transform Italy into a gas hub for Europe. (“G7 ministers gather in Italy for 'strategic' talks on climate change,” France 24, 29 April 2024)
European Council approves Gigabit Infrastructure Act
On 29 April, by replacing the 2014 broadband cost reduction directive (BCRD), the Council adopted the gigabit infrastructure act to ensure faster deployment of digital network infrastructure across Europe. The new legislation will include deployment of fibre and 5G with an objective to provide more transparency and ensure efficient planning. This will serve as a mandatory conciliation mechanism between public sector bodies and telecom operators cuts down on the long procedures. The move comes after Thierry Breton, commissioner for internal market submitted the proposal in February 2023 detailing digital targets and investment gap. (“Gigabit infrastructure act: Council gives final green light to faster deployment of high-speed networks in the EU,” European Council, 29 April 2024)
GEORGIA
Foreign Influence Bill provokes widespread protests across Georgia
On 28 April, close to 20,000 people gathered at Tbilisi's central Republic Square protesting against the controversial “Foreign influence” bill. The earlier soviet backed Georgian state, now a member of the EU since 2023, has adopted Foreign Influence Bill, which is aimed at destroying the media and civil society. The ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced the bill this month facing strong criticisms for a perceived democratic backsliding. The bill is observed to be "not consistent" with Georgia's application for EU membership, according to European Council President, Charles Michel. He claimed it: "…will bring Georgia closer to the EU, not further away." While Salome Zurabishvili, President of Georgia, threatened to veto the bill and is at odds with the ruling party. However, Georg has a strong majority in the legislature, which enables it to enact legislation and override a veto from the president without the backing of any opposition lawmakers. (“In Georgia, a 'March for Europe' to protest against controversial 'foreign influence' bill,” Le Monde, 29 April 2024)