Photo : WWF Water Risk Filter
Photo : WWF Water Risk Filter
By Samruddhi Pathak
REGIONAL
Report on Europe’s upcoming challenges to address water insecurity
On 15 October, the European Environment Agency published a report on Europe’s water resilience. The report suggested that Europe’s water availability is under pressure and sustainable freshwater supplies need to be built. The water planning policy in Europe will affect at least 30 per cent of the population and 20 per cent of European territory. The deadline set by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) for European rivers, lakes, transitional, coastal and groundwaters to meet ‘good status’ was 2015. It is far from being met. Only 37 per cent of Europe’s surface water has reached the ‘good status’ while only 29 per cent achieved a ‘good chemical status.’ Europe’s water continues to be impacted by chemicals. In September, the Oder river in Poland suffered major pollution resulting in the death of several aquatic animals. Groundwater makes up to two thirds of the EU's drinking water. The EU Member States report that 77 per cent of groundwater body area is in good chemical status. Meanwhile, surface water is widely affected by mercury. The report concludes that urgent policy action is required to keep the supply of drinking water going in Europe. (“Europe's state of water 2024: the need for improved water resilience,” European Environment Agency, 15 October 2024)
Georgia Dream party’s pro-Russia stance can jeopardise its EU membership
On 14 October, the European Union warned the government of Georgia before its national elections over the pro-Russia stance that the ruling party is taking. The government introduced ‘anti-LGBTQ+’ propaganda laws which align with Russian laws. Georgia was granted the EU membership candidate status in December 2023. The EU leaders have prepared a draft for the summit scheduled on 17 and 18 October. The draft also mentions, “the bloc "reaffirms the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path" but also "reiterates its serious concern regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian authorities." The national elections in Georgia are due on 26 October. The country is divided between pro-West and pro-Russian parties. The EU draft also stated that it expects the Georgian national elections to be free and fair. (“EU leaders set to tell Georgia its EU path is at risk as election looms,” Reuters, 14 October 2024)
EU warns the government against suspending right to asylum
On 14 October, the European Union told the Polish government that suspending the right to asylum would go against the EU provision and the international law on right to asylum. On 12 October, Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, informed the press that he will unveil the new regulations for the right to asylum on 15 October. The government justified the new regulations as the influx of migrants from Belarus has exponentially increased and it is necessary to combat it. Right to asylum has been recognised under the 1951 Refugee Convention. It is also included in the EU Charter for Fundamental Rights which is legally binding for all EU members. The right does not guarantee provision of asylum. However, it requires that the government to evaluate the application and reject or accept it on credible reasons. Under the principle of non-refoulement in the international law, countries cannot deport an individual to a place where they are prone to persecution and torture. During his press conference, Tusk said, “We will not implement European ideas if we are sure that they threaten our security,” indicating an anti-EU stance. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Suspending the right to asylum goes against EU law, Brussels tells Warsaw,” Euronews, 14 October 2024)
BOSNIA
Floods claim 26 lives
On 14 October, the death toll rose to 26 due to heavy flooding in central and southern Bosnia. Heavy rains hit the four municipalities on 04 October. This led to several bridges and roads being destroyed and most of the population being deprived of basic facilities like drinking water and electricity. On 13 October, residents reported that they heard a loud thunder in the middle of the night and witnessed heavy flooding that swept away the debris created by the previous floods. Rescue teams are being deployed in heavy numbers. Apart from 26 citizens being reported dead, one individual is also being reported as missing by the local authorities. Flooding and landslides have clogged the River Neretva which is causing further flooding. (“Death toll in Bosnia’s floods reaches 26, with at least 1 person still missing 10 days after storm,” The Associated Press, 14 October 2024)
FRANCE
Government caught between the EU and farmers’ demands
On 14 October, Politico reported on the dilemma the French government is facing over the EU- South America trade deal. The deal involves importing beef and other agricultural products from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. Bolivia has recently joined the Mercosur bloc. The imports will harm the agricultural industry of France. This problem becomes political because French farmers have the most politically powerful groups in France. This can change the discourse of national politics in the French republic. Before the national and EU elections of 2024, the French government had the power to veto certain bills in the EU parliament. However, Emmanuel Macron’s party lost the national elections as well as the EU elections which made his hold weaker. Now, other EU countries have power to outnumber France. Many surveys have suggested that the French public is not onboard for free trade and is extremely protective of its agricultural industry. The chief negotiators of the EU and Mersocur bloc met in Brazil from 07 to 09 October. French diplomats have also informed that France is isolated in the EU parliament on this issue. The deal is expected to be sealed by January 2025. The negotiations have been going on since 2019. However, the EU going ahead with the deal reflects reduced French influence in the EU. (Camilla Gus and Clea Caulcutt, “Isolated’ France faces political storm over EU-South American trade deal,” Politico, 14 October 2024)
Far-right leader Le Pen’s EU embezzlement trial begins
On 14 October, Marine le Penn, the leader of the far-right National Rally, appeared before the court over charges of using European Parliament money to pay French staff who were working for their party when the National Rally was called National Front. The trial started on 13 October and will last for nine weeks. Le Penn is a strong contender for the presidential elections due in 2027. Meanwhile, Le Penn denies these allegations. The European Parliament has estimated a damage of EUR 3.5 million due to the alleged fake jobs created by Le Penn. Le Penn, in her defence, has said that her rallies as an MEP to support her party also comes under her duties as an MEP. If found guilty, Marine le Penn could face up to ten years of prison, a fine of EUR one million and severely sabotage her political career. The National Rally party still struggles to emerge clean from its earlier image of being racist and anti-Semitic. (“French far right’s Marine Le Pen denies wrongdoing at EU embezzlement trial,” France24, 14 October 2024; “Le Pen claims innocence in fake EU jobs trial,” Le Monde, 15 October 2024)
FINLAND
Building natural sinks backfire as they emit greenhouse gases
On 14 October, the Guardian reported the experiences of households in Lapland during the summer season in 2024. Finland’s policy has been centred around reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building natural carbon sinks to absorb them. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and it started implementing certain laws two years ago to achieve that goal. Initially, nobody questioned the plans since more than half of the country’s land is covered with forest area. However, in 2022, scientists discovered that the forest sink has reduced by 90 per cent from 2007 to 2022. Counter-intiutively, in 2021-22, Finland’s land sector was a net contributor to global heating. Despite cutting emissions by 43 per cent across all other sectors, net emissions in Finland are about the same level as they were in the early 1990s. The research has taken aback the international community since 118 countries were relying on building carbon sinks to combat climate change. The number of dying trees also increased in recent years as forests are suffering drought and high temperatures. In south-east Finland, the number of dying trees has risen rapidly, increasing by 788 per cent in just six years between 2017 and 2023, and the amount of standing decaying trees is up by about 900 per cent. Meanwhile, Finland also has a strong lobby of timber companies which support planting of trees. The spokesperson of Metsä Group, a union of more than 90,000 forest owners, said that whenever a forest is harvested and new trees are planted, it implies that carbon absorption can be increased. (“What happens to the world if forests stop absorbing carbon? Ask Finland,” The Guardian, 15 October 2024)
SPAIN
Protests against housing crisis
On 14 October, more than 1,50,000 Spaniards organised a march in Madrid demanding better housing facilities. The number of protestors remains mooted as the government claims that 22,000 participated in the protest while public present said there were 1,50,000. Core issues were affordability as AirBnb and Booking.com dominate the short-term rental market. This increases the rental cost for all real estate properties. People marched shouting slogans, “Housing is a right, not business.” In July, the government of Spain announced launching investigations against short-term rental homes without a licence. Spanish citizens have been protesting against rising tourism for a few months now. Landlords are gradually shifting towards providing rental homes to tourists since it is more lucrative. Residents of Barcelona also protested against rising tourism. Residents of the Canary Islands and Malaga have also participated in several protests against rising rents demanding more regulation in the real estate market. (“Spain: Thousands protest for affordable housing,” Euronews, 14 October 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
First 400 migrants destined for Italy arrive in Albania
On 14 October, the first batch of migrants arrived in Albania. There are a total of 400 migrants and all of them are males. Recently, both countries announced that two migration centres are operational under the deal signed between Italy and Albania. Under the deal, migrants without a visa will be held in migration centres in Albania until their visa is being processed. Based on the results of the visa application, they will either be taken to Italy or be deported back to their home countries. The centres will be run and administered by Italian authorities however, the external security will be provided by Albanian security forces. All costs of running the migration centres will be met by Italy. Albania’s desire to join the EU has been used as a bargaining chip by Italy. Italy has promised to support Albania’s membership in the EU in return. Only men will be brought to these centres while their families will remain in Italy during that time. On 14 October, a refugee boat arrived on the Italian coast. The boat had 16 men onboard, out of them 10 were Bangladeshis and six were Egyptians. (Angela Giuffrida, “Italy sends first asylum seekers to Albania under controversial pact,” The Guardian, 14 October 2024)