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By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
GREENLAND
Prime Minister Frederiksen’s visit to Greenland
On 03 April, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visits Greenland, with the aim to build trust with the Greenland officials. As she visits Greenland for three days, she said: “USA should not take over Greenland.” On arrival, Frederiksen made it clear that she intends to support Greenland in difficult situation and said: “I will do everything I possibly can to take care of this wonderful country.” Frederiksen is meeting with the incoming Greenlandic leader, Jens Fredrik Neilsen. During her trip, she will have talks with Neilsen about the cooperation between Greenland and Denmark, also to resist any US attempt to annex the territory. (Emma De Ruiter, “Danish prime minister refutes US claim on Greenland on visit to the Arctic territory,” Euro News, 03 April 2025)
GERMANY
Interior Minister cautions on the rise of crime rates and sexual violence
On 02 April, Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, described the rise in sexual violence, and how disturbing the numbers are, as the latest crime statistics were presented. According to the charts, there has been a steep rise in the acts of violence, mostly committed by the youth, and adolescent children. According to statistics, in 2023, the number of registered crimes fell by 1.7 per cent, and currently it has risen by 1.5 per cent. Nationwide the numbers have reached 217,000. Of the total, 13,000 cases are of rape and sexual assault, which has seen an increase by 9.3 per cent. The number of child suspects in violent crimes has increased by 11.3 per cent, and among juveniles by 3.8 per cent. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office Chief Holger Münch and Nancy Faeser, the major cause of the crimes is the psychological stress caused by the pandemic. Faeser said that the new government must focus on protecting women, with more prosecutions and electronic monitoring. She said: “We need a stronger protection and support system for women, and electronic ankle monitors so that the perpetrators can no longer approach women.” She also added that some of the suspects are not German citizens, and should not only go for prosecutions, but also look at deportations. To conclude, she said: “We have tightened our laws.” and the number of deportations is 55 per cent higher in comparison to 2024. (Richard Connor, “Germany sees rise in sexual violence and youth offenses,” Deutsche Welle, 02 April 2025)
GREECE
Government to spend EUR 25 billion on defence by 2036
On 02 April, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced, the government will spend EUR 25 billion on the military by 2036. Despite Greece spending three per cent of its GDP on military, it plans to further spend on the modernization of the military. Mitsotakis calls it the most drastic measure Greece has seen throughout its modern history. The new budget, include anti-aircraft defence, drones, and satellites. The motive behind the new plan was, US pressure on Europe to spend on defence and modernize outdated infrastructure and equipment that languished during the country’s 2008-2017 financial crises. (Elizabeth Schumacher, “Greece announces 'drastic' defense overhaul,” Deutsche Welle, 02 April 2024)
Cyprus president agrees to restore cemetery; UN mediated peace talks far
On 02 April, rival leaders of divided Cyprus, made progress towards building trust between the Greek and Turkish communities. In 1974, Cyprus was invaded by Turkish forces, and occupied the northern part of the country, and later it was followed by a failed coup by the supporters of a union with Greece. Despite Cyprus becoming a part of the EU in 2004, the Greek Cypriot community enjoys the full membership benefits. In 2025, the UN hosted a meeting, Ersin Tatar, leader of the Turkish community and Niko Christodoulides, Greece and Cyprus Presidents have mutually agreed on restoring cemeteries, and set up a joint group from both sides to discuss issues relevant to them. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, has aimed to initiate the peace talks between the two, for the past eight years. Guterres will appoint an envoy tasked with getting formal peace talks restarted. (“Progress made between Greek, Turkish Cypriot leaders but peace talks still distant,” Euro News, 02 April 2025)
SLOVAKIA
Rise in the bear attacks; Environment minister approve to cull 360 bears
On 02 April, Slovakia's Environment Minister, Toma Taraba, approved the euthanization of 360 bears, as the bear attacks on humans increased. The total population of the brown bears are at 1300. A state emergency has been called and 55/72 countries approve the plan which allows the Environment Ministry to issue permission to cull all bears. Taraba said: “800 bears was a sufficient number for a small European country.” Environmental organisations have criticised the motive by saying that it violates the international obligations. They urged to follow directives given by the EU that allows the culling of bears, if damage to property or attacking people if only there is no alternate solution. Conservationists call upon preventive measures, and to educate the people on the safety measures when outdoors. (Jenipher Camino Gonzales, “Slovakia calls for culling hundreds of bears,” Deutsche Welle, 02 April 2025)
THE UK
Government urges a deal to avoid trade war with the US after tariffs
On 03 April, the UK government pushes for a deal with the US in order to avoid a trade war with the US. Trump has announced fresh tariffs on all goods coming into the US, 10 per cent from the UK and 20 per cent from the EU. The UK has spent weeks working on a trade deal, to avoid the tariff levels in Canada and China. The government remains focused on negotiating a deal with the US and that would strengthen their balance in the trade relationship. A Downing Street source told the BBC: “We don't want any tariffs at all, but a lower levy than others vindicates our approach. It matters because the difference between the 10 per cent and 20 per cent is a thousand jobs.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that as of now the UK will not get into a trade war after the response to earlier tariffs on steel and aluminum. (Sam Francis, “UK to keep pushing for deal after Trump imposes 10% tariff,” BBC, 03 April 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
US Secretary of State to meet the NATO allies in Belgium to discuss defence budget and Ukraine aid
On 03 April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joined the European allies in Brussels, to discuss the defence budgets and the aid to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump threatens to annex Greenland, possibly by force, which has made the relations between Copenhagen and Washington bitter. On the topic of discussions is the issue over Greenland. Rubio is to have a private talk with the Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen on the sidelines, and the Danish spokesperson said: “Greenland will not be on the agenda.” His warnings to not defend the NATO allies who do not spend on their militaries undermine the alliance’s defence pact. Vice President JD Vance dismisses Russia as a threat, which creates alarms among the Europeans. Trump stopping the flow of American force and attacking Ukraine President Zelenskyy in the White House, has dismayed the allies. Also reports suggest that the President wants to move his weaponry system from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region, leading the Europeans to scramble for answers. The focus of the meeting will be on Europe’s efforts to increase the defence spending and the emphasis on unity, and also to renegotiate their commitment to the Article 5 of NATO’s mutual defence clause, since the US are not abiding by it. (Nicholas Vinocur, Jacapo Barigazzi, Laura Kayali and Antoneta Roussi, “Turmoil churns below the surface as Rubio meets NATO foreign ministers,” Politico, 03 April 2025)
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