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By Neha Tresa George and Padmashree Anandhan
CROATIA
Left-leaning president Zoran Milanović not predicted to be re-elected
On 27 December, Euronews reported on the criticism faced by Croatia’s left-leaning president, Zoran Milanović ahead of the presidential election. According to the report, he is a critic of Western military support to Ukraine, who is aiming to get re-elected in the upcoming election. However, he is not expected to get a clear victory. The elections are scheduled for 29 December and if the eight candidates win more than 50 per cent of vote in the first round, a runoff would be scheduled on 12 January. Milanović has also been a critic of centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Prime Minister Andrej Plenković which have led to clashes on deciding the political future of Croatia. Although the presidential position is seen as ceremonial having control of political and military. HDZ has expressed its support for university professor Dragan Primorac who has vouched for the country’s western alignment, but this also goes over the party’s largest corruption scandal. According to one of the political expert, Milanović’s re-election is seen as an advantage to balance the ruling party’s dominance. (Oman Al Yahyai, “Croatian presidential election: Milanović faces tough battle for second term,” Euronews, 27 December 2024)
DENMARK
Copenhagen becomes a preferred destination for marriages finds France24
On 27 December, France24 reported that Copenhagen was one of the most preferred wedding destinations among couples. One of the main reasons was the smooth and cheap procedure. Filing a marriage application with the Family Law Agency would cost around EUR 250. On top of that, some of the agencies have started clubbing trips along with administrative management as part of their packages. The Copenhagen marriages would then be conducted in the city hall with a traditional touch. Another striking feature of the destination is the efficient and digitalised administrative system which delivers fast services. According to a couple, it was simple and fast to get married, divorced and get a new passport in Denmark. It is also one of the destinations where same-sex couples can legally marry. However, there was the question of marriage being recognised as some European countries do not validate marriages conducted in other countries. (“How Copenhagen became the global hotspot for fast and easy weddings,” France24, 27 December 2024)
FRANCE
Handovers the first military base to Chad following the withdrawal of forces
On 26 December, France24 reported on the handover of France’s first military base in Faya-Largeau to Chad, following the withdrawal of French forces. This was after Chad terminated its military cooperation with France in November. According to Chad’s military chief, the public would be informed about the French withdrawal from bases in the eastern city of Abeche and the capital N'Djamena. Meanwhile, the French military chief said: “The handover took place in accordance with the calendar and the conditions agreed with Chad.” The withdrawal was happening amidst parliamentary elections in Chad where France hosted around 1000 personnel. France further said that military vehicles would leave the country by January through the Cameroonian port of Douala. (France hands over first military base amid withdrawal from Chad, France24, 26 December 2024)
GERMANY
President Steinmeier announces the dates for general elections
On 28 December, Deutsche Welle reported on the announcement of general elections in Germany. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made the announcement after Olaf Scholz lost the confidence vote as the Chancellor. Steinmeier said: “I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag to fix the date for an early election for February 23.” He added that “political stability” was a precious asset for Germany. The leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had agreed on the date earlier. According to recent opinion polls, the presidential candidate of CDU, Friedrich Merz will lead the polls with the SPD candidate Scholz running behind. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was also expected to perform strongly with Alice Wiedel as its candidate. However, no party has agreed to work with them so far. Steinmeier said that hatred and violence must be avoided in the election campaigns. He further told the political parties and the voters that the upcoming government would be made to face an economically unstable Germany, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, immigration and climate change. (“Germany braces for elections as parliament dissolved,” Deutsche Welle, 28 December 2024)
RUSSIA
Transport Minister points out “external interference” leading to plane crash
On 28 October, BBC reported on the response from Azerbaijan over the plane that crashed during its attempt to land in Russia’s southern republic of Chechnya. According to Azerbaijan's transport minister Rashad Nabiyev, the Azerbaijani plane underwent “external interference” before it crashed. He said: “All the survivors without exception stated they heard three blast sounds when the aircraft was above Grozny.” He added that further inquiry would focus on the kind of weapon or rocket used. The airlines of the country cited a preliminary inquiry and highlighted both “physical and technical external interference.” Russian air defence systems are speculated to have fired at the plane, diverting it across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan and leading to the loss of 38 lives. Meanwhile, experts from Azerbaijan argue that the plane’s GPS was affected by electronic jamming which was then destroyed by shrapnel from missile or other air defence systems of Russia. Moreover, one of the MPs of Azerbaijan is also upholding the possibility of Russian interference. The Kremlin hasn’t made any comments on the increasing reports of Russia’s role in the plane crash. Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would not respond unless conclusions are made after proper investigation. While Russia and Kazakhstan suggested a committee from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for investigation, Azerbaijan insisted on an international inquiry. (Paul Kirby & Konul Khalilova, “Azerbaijan says plane hit by 'external interference' over Russia before crash,” BBC, 28 October 2024)
SERBIA
Students organise protests and traffic blockades against the construction collapse
On 27 December, Euronews reported on the widespread protests in several cities of Serbia against the collapse of concrete construction at a train station in Novi Sad in November. The incident led to the death of dozens of people and the severe injury of two more. The university students along with citizens and high school students organised protests across the cities, demanding accountability for the incident. They left piles of old school books in front of the Education Ministry as part of their daily protests. In addition, there were scattered traffic blocks in various places in Serbia at 11:52 am, the exact time of the collapse. These blockades have been organised every Friday since the incident which would last 15 minutes for the 15 victims. Majority of the citizens of the country blame corruption and inadequate works done in the railway station for the tragic incident. (“15 minutes for 15 lives: Students in Serbia demand accountability for Novi Sad tragedy,” Euronews, 27 December 2024)
REGIONAL
Estonia begins protection patrol; NATO assures to enhance security in the Baltic Sea
On 27 December, France24 reported on the statements of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the undersea cable sabotage in the Baltic Sea. Rutte said that NATO would increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea following the severance of the EstLink 2 submarine cable, carrying electricity from Finland to Estonia. Rutte informed that he spoke to Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and expressed his complete support and solidarity to Estonia and Finland. After speaking to Kallas, he also condemned these attacks against critical infrastructure in the Sea. On the same say, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced on beginning naval patrols to guard the power cable in the Baltic Sea linked from Finland. He said: “If there is a threat to the critical undersea infrastructure in our region, there will also be a response.” This is because there is more frequent damage to the “subsea installations.” Finland authorities have also expressed seizing oil tanker under suspicion of engaging in cutting of the cables. (“NATO to enhance presence in Baltic Sea after suspected undersea cable sabotage,” France24, 27 December 2024; “Estonia starts naval patrols to protect undersea cables,” Deutsche Welle, 27 December 2024)
EU Foreign policy chief Kallas imposes restrictions on Russia’s vessels following the investigation of sabotage
On 27 December, RT reported on the statements of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Russia’s alleged involvement in the undersea sabotage connecting Finland and Estonia (EstLink2). She said that the EU was planning to impose sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers. This statement followed the detainment of a Russian oil tanker Eagle S by Finnish authorities as part of the investigation linked to EstLink 2 power cable. According to Kallas, this alleged vessel was part of Russia’s shadow fleet which evades Western sanctions and endangers the environment and security. Kallas referred to the sabotage as the “deliberate destruction of Europe’s critical infrastructure.” With the imposition of sanctions, she directly blamed Russia for the incident. She added that additional restrictions would be imposed targeting this particular fleet. There were attempts to strengthen and protect these undersea cables following the incident. Estonia has stationed naval patrols to protect the EestLInk1 power cable as they are crucial for the transfer of electricity from Finland to Estonia. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia would respond in case of any threats to undersea infrastructure in their region. He added that these damages were becoming more frequent recently. (“EU threatens Russia after latest cable incident,” RT, 27 December 2024, “Estonia starts naval patrols to protect undersea cables,” Deutsche Welle, 27 December 2024)
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