NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : commonspace.eu
By Vaihali Chittrothu
REGIONAL
Denmark takes over EU Council Presidency; To prioritise security and competitiveness
On 01 July, Denmark took over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council, with two overarching priorities: security and competitiveness and more daunting because of the uncertainty and volatility that the EU faces today. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: "Europe is at a defining moment in time…The world that secured our freedom and made us prosper can no longer be taken for granted." For Denmark, it will be the eighth time to assume the rotating chairmanship. Their reputation in Brussels as pragmatic, efficient, and cool-headed operators bodes well for navigating the sharp, often intractable divisions between capitals. The focus of Denmark’s Presidency in US-EU trade relations would be on strengthening EU defence infrastructure, dealing with the complex relationship between the US and Russia, especially discussing Greenland and the decision to commit EUR 8.60 billion in military aid for Ukraine. Denmark strongly supports the Green Deal, believing in a green transition for firms, and urged Poland, Germany, and France not to repeal certain environmental laws. One of the most pressing issues for Denmark would be controlling irregular migration. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Denmark takes over EU presidency in stormy times. Here's what to expect,” Euronews, 01 July 2025)
‘No objective reasons' to block Ukraine's EU accession says European Commission
On 01 July, the European Commission said that there were no "no objective reasons" to prevent Ukraine from launching the first phase of its accession process. On 01 June, the Commission highlighted Ukraine's readiness to open the first cluster of negotiations known as "Fundamentals,” which covers democracy, human rights, security, the judicial system and public procurement in it. Orbán's veto on Ukraine's accession was made clear in their presidency that Kyiv would not open a single cluster for the duration of the rotation. Denmark described enlargement as a "geopolitical necessity" and expressed eagerness to break the deadlock. The EU wants to join Ukraine but was waiting for 27 member states approval but if the EU breaks its promise, then it would have a big impact of Ukrainians. (Jorge Liboreiro, “'No objective reasons' to block Ukraine's EU accession, Brussels tells Orbán,” Euronews, 01 July 2025)
Two deaths reported due to the heatwave
On 30 June, one person drowned after the Frejus river in Italy's north flooded, while a 47-year-old working on a construction site near Bologna died during a concrete pour. The two deaths occurred as an African anticyclone continued to spread across the European continent, hitting Spain, Portugal, France, and even the UK and sparking a major heatwave. Authorities urged residents and holidaymakers to stay inside and away from the banks of the Frejus. As the scorching heat continues, authorities placed several regions in northern Italy under a yellow weather alert, while 17 cities scattered across the country, including Florence, Bologna, and Turin, were either under yellow alert or placed on an even higher red alert. This measure has been implemented in regions including Lazio, home to Italy's capital, Rome Basilicata, Sicily, Apulia, Umbria, Tuscany, Liguria, Campania and Calabria. Meanwhile, in the northern region of Lombardy, work in construction areas, quarries, farms and floricultural businesses will be halted on days when there is a particularly "high" risk. Temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius in France and Italy on Monday, while they exceeded 43 degrees in Spain and Portugal. (Michela Morsa, “Floods and heatwave in Italy lead to two deaths amid extreme weather,” 30 June 2025)
Prime Minister Donald Tusk assures to control the flow of migrants in Polish-German border
On 01 July, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that the measures were "necessary to reduce the uncontrolled flows of migrants across the Polish-German border." Donald Tusk said that the country would temporarily introduce border controls with Germany and Lithuania due to concerns over irregular migration. Tusk's government was pressured by nationalist opposition parties over irregular migrants being returned to Poland from Germany. Recently, the Polish far-right were organising patrols in the border with Germany to protest such returns. Tusk said: "We consider the temporary reintroduction of controls necessary to reduce the uncontrolled flows of migrants across the Polish-German border to a minimum," The measures are now into force and will be implemented in a way that causes minimal disruption for Polish citizens. (Weronika Wakulska, “Poland to start temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania, Tusk says” Euronews, 01 July 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
US absence in the UN meeting held in Spain to raise funds to combat poverty
On 01 June, the countries gathered in Spain, with the notable exception of the United States, to discuss the growing gap between rich and poor nations and try to drum up trillions of dollars needed to close its escalating of debt burdens, declining investments, decreasing international aid and growing trade barriers. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that financing was sputtering in his opening comments. Amid the global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, they hope to ensure all people have access to food, healthcare, education and water. The UN said more than 70 world leaders, along with representatives of international financial institutions, development banks, philanthropic organisations, the private sector and civil society, attended. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told the delegates that the summit is an opportunity "for us to raise our voice in the face of those who seek to convince us that rivalry and competition will set the tone for humanity and for its future The US was the world’s largest single founder of foreign aid before the Trump administration dismantled its main aid agency, the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It drastically slashed foreign assistance funding, calling it wasteful and contrary to the Republican president’s agenda. Other Western donors have also cut back international aid. (Gavin Blackburn, “US skips global UN meeting in Spain aimed at raising trillions to combat poverty,” Euronews, 01 July 2025)
GERMANY
Social Democrats urge ban on far-right AfD party
On 30 June, Deutsche Welle reported that the Social Democratic Party petitioned to ban the Alternative for Germany (AfD). They declared the party unconstitutional. Conservative lawmakers called for a cautious approach to the idea of banning the AfD. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a member of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), have previously said they are skeptical of banning the AfD, which is known for its nationalist, anti-immigration, anti-Muslim and Eurosceptic policies. Chancellery head Thorsten Frei, from Merz's CDU said "there are many good reasons for one" and "That is why I urge caution. The AfD must be fought with political means.” (Timothy Jones, “Germany: Social Democrats urge ban on far-right AfD party,” Deutsche Welle, 30 June 2025)
POLAND
Government to reduce working hours for employees by replacing with technology in July
On 01 July, the Polish government decided to reduce working time in July. Employees were grieving that they were overburdened, lacking time for their private life, health, and family. Statistics from Poland reiterate this narrative, saying the country is one of the busiest nations in the European Union. In Iceland, Belgium, Spain and even Japan, various models of a shorter working week have already been tested or introduced. It resulted in higher productivity, reduced sick leave, and improved working atmospheres. Today's labour market is vastly different from that seen a century ago, with the introduction of technology, automation and societal changes mean that many jobs can be done faster and more efficiently and prefer quality to work rather than quantity of time spent in office. There were diverse opinions among employers when it came to the topic of the four-day working week. Large creative and technology industries were looking at the idea with interest, some introducing flexible working hours or testing shorter weeks. Studies in other countries show an increase in efficiency, reduced resource use, fewer errors and increased team creativity. Whereas some economists warn that there could be an increase in companies' operating costs and, consequently, a decrease in competitiveness or a stifling of GDP growth. To tackle these risks, the pilot project aims to rely on data rather than guesswork. The pilot in Poland could be the first step towards systemic change, which many are already waiting for. (Berenika Sorokowska, “Poland trials a four-day working week: A step towards the future?,” Euronews, 01 July, 2025)