NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Agenzia Nova
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
REGIONAL
EU, UK and African Union meet approve EUR 650 million aid marking two years of civil war in Sudan
On 15 April, leaders from the EU, the UK, France met in London marking the second anniversary of Sudan's civil war. The EU and the UK pledged significant financial aid to address the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis. The EU committed EUR 522 million (EUR 590 million) for 2025, while the UK announced GBP 120 million (EUR 141 million) to support food distribution for 650,000 people. However, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that humanitarian aid alone won't end the conflict, with Lammy noting the lack of political will as a major barrier to peace. Meanwhile, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared the formation of a rival government, further complicating the situation. The civil war, fuelled by a power struggle between Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has led to widespread suffering, with millions displaced, tens of thousands dead, and millions facing famine. Despite international aid efforts, the war has escalated into what many consider the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with little progress toward a ceasefire or peace. (Rana Taha, “Sudan: EU and UK pledge millions in aid at London conference,” Deutsche Welle, 15 April 2025)
FRANCE
President Macron calls Israel Prime Minister to end the civilian deaths in Gaza
On 15 April, in a call France’s President Emmanuel Macron urged to end the suffering of the civilians in Gaza with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said: “The ordeal that the people are going through must end, and for all humanitarian aid to go through Gaza.” Macron confirmed that France was committed to the release of all Israeli and Palestinian hostages, and the demilitarization of Hamas. Macron looks forward to a permanent ceasefire, and progress towards a political two-state solution. He added: “ceasefire is the only solution for the liberation of hostages.” On 14 April, both Israel and Hamas proposed a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the hostages. The decision to a ceasefire came only after the statement made by Macron recognizing Palestine as an official state in June, in which Israel commented it was premature. Macron further argued that the French recognition would encourage the other nations to do the same and coerce the other states to also change their stance. As a response, a statement was issued by PM Netanyahu to the French President stating, “his strong opposition to the establishment of a Palestine state would be a huge reward for terrorism.” (Richard Connor, “France's Macron tells Israel's Netanyahu to end Gaza plight,” Deutsche Welle, 15 April 2025)
GERMANY
Chancellor to visit Poland despite differences over migration, Ukraine and reparations to improve ties
On 15 April, Euronews reported on Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Discussions are expected to focus on European policy, security, and defence. The relationship between Scholz and Tusk is strained, and unlike other leaders, Scholz has avoided visiting Poland, fuelling speculation about their tensions. Germany and Poland have clashed over issues like migration, support for Ukraine, and WWII reparations, with Scholz offering limited compensation for Nazi victims, which was criticized by Poland. However, Scholz's visit could signal a shift toward improving relations, especially as Germany, France, and Poland explore deeper European cooperation. The visit also comes amid concerns over the US reducing its role in Europe, prompting these countries to strengthen their defence capabilities within NATO and the EU. Meanwhile, Poland's nationalist Law and Justice Party has used the visit to criticize Tusk’s loyalty to Poland, citing historical ties to Germany, though the visit could still mark a step toward closer cooperation between the two nations as they confront shared security challenges. (Liv Stroud and Angelina Laskowska, “Frosty ties: What to expect from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Poland,” Euronews, 15 April 2025)
Unusual dry weather in Germany affecting the lakes and rivers says opinion in DW
On 10 April, Deutesche Welle reported that Germany is facing an unusual dry weather, which is affecting the lakes and the water resources in Germany. The water level at Lake Constance, Germany’s largest water body, has been in its lowest since the past three decades. Apart from Lake Constance, the Rhine river, flowing from the Alps, is also at its lowest in the water level. Transport ships have to carry less load when the water levels are low, which force the companies to travel more and charge higher costs. European shipping industry faces a lot of challenges from low water levels in the Rhine. A prolonged drought in 2022, disrupted the supply chains in Europe. In the previous week, the Rhine River water level measured as low as 96 centimetres. Germany is to expect rains in the coming days. In March, the rainfall, measured to below 70 per cent compared to the previous years, making it one of the driest on record. Consequent dry weathers could lead to forest fires, crop losses, and reduction in the animal population. With the no positive visibility of rainfall, snow melt in the Alps, changes in the climate is visible. Steffi Lemke, Environment Minister has called upon changes for better water management systems and improvements in the ecosystems. (Chiara Bachels, “Germany: Unusually dry spring affecting lakes and rivers,” Deutsche Welle, 10 April 2025)
ITALY
Violence in the Studio Olimpico injure 24 police officers
On 15 April, clashes in the football derby between football fans and the authorities resulted in 24 police officers injured. A match between Roma and Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico, witnessed supporters attacking the police in riot gear resulting in damage to property worth EUR 40,000. The chaos began when the Roma football fans confronted the misconduct by the Lazio football fans which is otherwise referred to as the Lazio’s ultras close at the Stadio Olimpico. The Lazio fans pushed through restricted areas and launched fireworks and other objects at the authorities, and the police responded with tear gas and water cannons. (Kieran Guilbert, “'Urban warfare': Rome derby violence leaves 24 police officers injured,” Euronews, 15 April 2025)
LATVIA
Extreme weather patterns in the Baltic Sea cause coastal erosion
On 14 April, Bernati, west of Latvia is facing coastal erosion. During the Soviet Union, the coastline was filled with gardens, consisting of vegetables and fruits planted by the people which have been washed away by the Baltic Sea, along with the homes. Changes in the storms and sea currents carry tonnes of sand from the coast every year, and the major cause was the construction of the Liepaja port. The construction of the port led to changes in the entire coastline. The port was constructed more than 100 years ago, with massive breakwaters being installed, and has led to huge amounts of sand being deposited further into the sea, altering the natural underwater movement of sand, and causing erosion. Apart from the port construction, the cause of erosion is climate change. Extreme weather patterns in the Baltic Sea cause erosion on the coast. According to Geologist Liga Brunina: “Storms are occurring frequently and it could wash off the shore, which can cause frequent floods to occur from the sea.” The extreme changes in the Baltic Sea, creates an uncertainty on the future of the region. (Juri Rescheto, “Coastal erosion in western Latvia poses long-term challenge,” Deutsche Welle, 14 April 2025)
SWEDEN
Investigation reveals no evidence on China damaging the undersea cables in Baltic
On 15 April, Sweden’s investigations into the damage of the two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea in 2024, by a Chinese-flagged carrier, have found no incriminating evidence, that the damage was intentional. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) remains on high alert for possible sabotage due to the Russia-Ukraine War, and a series of accidents that have occurred after the damage to the undersea cables. According to their reports, the Chinese vessel, Yi Peng 3 severed two telecommunication cables with its anchor, that was dragged for at least 333 kms off Sweden’s southern coast. The accident occurred in November, and the SHK was not allowed to examine the ship and question the crew members beyond a month, nevertheless, China provided the information and documents necessary for the investigation of the cutting of cables in December.(Timothy Jones, “Sweden says no proof Chinese ship meant to damage cables,” Deutsche Welle, 15 April 2025)