IN FOCUS
By Rishika Yadav

On 08 June, the European Council agreed on regulating the asylum procedure and migration management. The purpose of these two regulations, Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR) and  Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR), is to simplify and create standardized procedures for member states during the processing of asylum applications. This is done to safeguard the rights of asylum seekers and prevent any misuse of the system. Earlier, in September 2020, the Council of Europe introduced the comprehensive New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The new regulations of June 2023, form a part of its updating the original ones. 

A brief about the 2023 regulation
The 08 June regulations introduce mandatory border procedures to assess the validity of applications at the EU's external borders. They reduce the total duration of the asylum and return border procedure to six months. The current Dublin regulation of 2013 (an EU law on the rules about which country should assess your application for international protection), which determines the member state responsible for asylum applications, will be replaced by the AMMR, simplifying the rules and shortening time limits. A new solidarity mechanism is proposed to address the disproportionate burden on certain member states, allowing for mandatory solidarity contributions, such as relocation or financial support. Measures are also included to prevent abuse by asylum seekers and discourage secondary movements. The agreement introduces charges of EUR 20,000 per head for member countries that refuse to host and accept relocated migrants, aiming to address the burden-sharing issue. 

Opposition from Hungary, Poland and other states:
Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovakia, either expressed reservations or chose to abstain from voting on the deal. This suggests that they may be opposed to certain aspects of the reforms or have concerns about them. Byron Camilleri, the Minister of Home Affairs of Malta, emphasized that Valletta has unique vulnerabilities and circumstances that differ from other member states. Some countries argue that mandatory redistribution of refugees is impractical due to migrants' preference for settling in North European countries. They fear EU quotas will encourage further migration and view the proposals as an infringement of national sovereignty. Concerns over social tensions, far-right political parties, and the difficulty of integrating migrants from Arab and Muslim countries underpin their opposition. Public opinion in the Visegrad states (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) strongly opposes both enforced quotas and receiving migrants. Poland voiced its criticism of the payments for member countries, referring to them as "fines," and expressed its unwillingness to support a deal that it perceived as "impracticable and detrimental."

Focus on excluding children and unaccompanied minors:
Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Portugal advocate EU migration laws to provide better protection for children and unaccompanied minors. The EU has established various measures and outlined crucial steps to ensure the protection of all migrant children, including those who are alone or separated from their families. Unaccompanied minors, in particular, are highly vulnerable, warranting distinct rules and regulations that differ from those applied to adult refugees or child refugees accompanied by their parents in Germany.

Calls for continued efforts to address the Mediterranean crisis:
While the 08 June agreement is seen as a significant step, there are calls to continue working to prevent tragedies in the Mediterranean, where many migrants have lost their lives attempting dangerous crossings. Moreover, on 16 June, rescue efforts in the Mediterranean dwindled, with more bodies than survivors found from a sunken fishing trawler carrying over 500 people. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the urgency to act, emphasizing the need to stabilize Tunisia's economy, manage migration, and finalize EU asylum rule reforms. The tragic incident contrasts with the response of former President José Manuel Barroso a decade ago. EU leaders will discuss von der Leyen's plans, but political obstacles persist, hindering equitable refugee sharing. The focus remains on preventing migrant entries, despite a significant increase in unauthorized attempts. Von der Leyen emphasizes limiting irregular departures, fighting smuggling, and establishing comprehensive partnerships with third countries. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is a work in progress, offering partial agreement but facing potential complications. Saving lives at sea is not a top priority, with the EU responding only to emergency distress calls.

References
“Migration policy: Council reaches agreement on key asylum and migration laws,” consilium.europa.eu, 08 June 2023
Lisa O’Carroll, “EU agrees radical reforms on migration and asylum laws,” The Guardian, 09 June 2023
Derek Gatopoulos and Nicholas Paphitis, “Greek coast guard defends actions as more than 500 migrants heading for Europe feared dead in wreck,” AP news, 16 June 2023
Lorne Cook, “New migrant tragedy at sea changes little as EU leaders forge ahead with tougher borders plans,” The Washington Post, 28 June 2023

War in Ukraine: Day 490
By Sreeja JS

War on the Ground
On 28 June, Ukrinform reported on the unannounced visit of Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda to Kyiv. According to the same,  Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the “active actions” of Ukrainian troops on the frontlines, preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, European integration and the Peace Formula summit.
 
On 28 June, Ukrinform reported on the intense fighting in Lyman, Bakhmut and Marinka. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that the Air Force launched 18 strikes against Russian missile systems while destroying six reconnaissance UAVs. According to the same report, the military overpowered a Russian command post, two Buk missile systems, and four personnel, ammunition, and military equipment.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 28 June, RT News reported on Belarus’s President Alexander Lukashenko countered the child abduction accusation in Donbas. According to him, Minsk is co-sponsoring the rehabilitation program for the minors affected by the war. According to RT News, he was referring to the humanitarian program led by Aleksey Talay, a Belarusian businessman and Paralympian who lost all his limbs during World War II.
 
On 27 June, according to meduza.io, Ukrainian authorities reported that ten people were killed and around 60 people were injured in the Russian Iskander missiles’ strike in Kramatorsk, Donetsk. The main strike hit the centre of Kramatorsk, destroying a popular restaurant, 18 high-rise buildings, 65 private homes, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping centre, and a hotel. The second strike hit a private home in Bilenke injuring five residents. Three Colombian citizens were injured in the restaurant. Zelenskyy called the missile strikes “terror” by Russian troops, says meduza.io. The Security Service of Ukraine had detained an agent of the Russian special services who coordinated the attack on the pizzeria. The search and rescue operations are underway with rescuers admitting there may be people under the rubble.

On 28 June, the tenth interregional forum of Russia and Belarus was held in Bashrika. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in his video statement highlighted the growing cooperation between Russia and Belarus and the integration processes within the Union State framework. He noted that the cooperation agreements and commercial contracts signed in the forum would accelerate the economic development and the interconnectedness of the two countries. Emphasizing the trade relations with Belarus, Putin added that the bilateral trade has increased by 12 per cent and it exceeded RUB three trillion; between January and February 2023, it added another 11 per cent. This boost occurred due to the integration processes aimed at removing trade and administrative barriers, linking the laws of two countries in the economic and social spheres and coordinating the national development tasks.

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe  
On 28 June, the UK Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update reported that on the previous strike by Ukrainian Armed Forces on the Chonhar road bridges between Crimea and Russia-occupied Kherson Oblast. These bridges were a crucial road supply route between Crimea and Kerson, connecting Russia’s Crimean logistics hub and Zaporizhzhia. 

On 28 June, Reuters reported that the US has imposed sanctions on four companies in the UAE, Central African Republic and Russia accused of having connections with the Wagner Group and its head Yevgeny Prigozhin. The US Department of Treasury added that these companies were engaged in illicit gold dealings to fund Wagner group to sustain and expand its armed forces in Ukraine and some African countries. Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence commented that the US would continue to target the revenue sources of the Wagner. The Treasury has imposed sanctions also on Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, accused of being an executive in Wagner group actively engaged in illicit activities in Mali. According to Reuters, the Wagner group did not respond to the allegations by the US. 

On 28 June, The Guardian reported on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s comments on Prigozhin’s arrival in Belarus. He was quoted saying that NATO is prepared to defend itself against any attack from “Moscow or Minsk.” Additionally, the alliance has increased its military presence in the eastern flanks and the leaders would take decisions to strengthen its collective defence capabilities in the upcoming summit in July. According to the report in the The Guardian Stoltenberg also cautioned that the West “must not underestimate Russia” and continue supporting Ukraine against the invasion.

References 
“Zelenky tells Poland, Lithuania presidents about needs of Ukrainian troops,” Ukrinform, 28 June 2023
“Zelensky meets with Presidents of Poland and Lithuania in Kyiv,” Ukrinform, 28 June 2023
“War update: Enemy focuses efforts on three directions, over 30 clashes in past day,” Ukrinform, 28 June 2023
“Death toll in Russia's attack on Kramatorsk rises to 11,” Ukrinform, 28 June 2023
“Lukashenko comments on abduction accusations,’ RT News, 28 June 2023
“Russian Iskander missile destroys pizzeria in center of Kramatorsk 11 people killed, more than 50 injured,” meduza.io, 28 June 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 28 June 2023,” Twitter, 28 June 2023
Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk, “US sanctions gold firms suspected of funding Wagner Group,” Reuters, 28 June 2023
“Nato ready to face threat from ‘Moscow or Minsk’, says alliance head after Wagner chief’s exile,” The Guardian, 28 June 2023
“Russia and Zimbabwe are ‘like-minded’ – ambassador,” RT News, 28 June 2023
“Video message at the final session of the X Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus,” kremlin.ru, 28 June 2023

In Brief
By Sneha Surendran and Prerana P

FRANCE
Unrest after a teen was shot during a traffic check
On 27 June, protests emerged in France, after the police shot a 17-year-old, during a traffic check. Thousands of security forces were alerted after protesters threw stones at the firefighters in Paris. French Preside Emmanuel Macron stated the incident to be “unforgivable.” Although the interior minister claimed the incident to be: “unacceptable and abject,” later tweeted on the incident, where he cheered the officers and has blamed the teen’s parent for not educating their son. A neighbour of the victim, stated that the country has been experiencing police shooting multiple times. Human rights organizations have urged on strengthening 2017 law, which framed on officers’ access to use firearms. The police officers stated that the teen drove the car, with an intention of hurting them. While the CCTV captured showed the police approaching the driver’s window voluntarily. President Macron has added: "We have a teenager who has been killed. It's inexplicable, unforgivable." The incident has triggered emotions in the country. The victim’s family has charged a complaint against the police officers for lying and investigation will soon be unfolded. (“France shooting: Fresh unrest over police killing of teen,” BBC, 29 June 2023)

MALTA 
New abortion law criticized by pro-choice campaigners 
On 28 June, members of the Parliament in Malta voted to ease the abortion laws under a few conditions. The original bill that was introduced earlier had given abortion access to women if the pregnancy negatively impacted the mother's life or health. According to the new amendments, a woman will now be able to access abortion only if there is a risk of death. Furthermore, this has to be attested by three specialists. Another part of the amendment said that a doctor can carry out an abortion without consultations if the mother’s life is at immediate risk. Pro-choice campaigners withdrew their support to the legislation as they questioned its effectiveness, terming it “vague, unworkable and even dangerous.” (“Malta to allow abortion but only when woman’s life is at risk,” The Guardian, 28 June 2023; Kevin Schembri Orland, “Maltese lawmakers vote to legalize abortion, but only where the mother is at risk of death,” AP, 28 June 2023)

NORWAY 
19 new oil and gas projects approved by ministry of Petroleum and energy
On 28 June, Norway approved USD 19 billion worth of oil and gas projects in the Norwegian continental shelf. There are a total of 19 projects. Norway’s minister for petroleum and energy, Terje Aasland said: “The projects are also an important contribution to Europe’s energy security…Norway was the only net exporter of oil and gas in Europe. By carrying out these projects we ensure new production from the latter half of the 2020s, so that we can maintain high Norwegian deliveries.” The projects will focus on new developments as well as updating some of the existing fields. Since the Russia-Ukraine war, Norway has been benefitting as European countries began looking for alternative energy suppliers. (“Norway approves 19 oil and gas projects, saying the resulting investments are worth over $19 billion,” AP, 28 June 2023)

SWITZERLAND 
Federal Council to support ban on commercial exploitation of international sea bed 
On 28 June, the Federal Council announced its support for a moratorium on the commercial exploitation of the international seabed area until its impact on the marine environment was studied scientifically. The decision will be relayed by Switzerland’s representatives in the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) that will be held in Jamaica in July. The Federal Council’s decision is in line with Switzerland’s Maritime Strategy for 2023-2027 which was adopted on 02 June. The ISA is the body that regulates marine resource-related activities in the international sea bed. While it has given licenses for exploration operations in the area, certain states and companies have been requesting access to commercially exploit the mineral resources. This has drawn concerns from scientists and environmental activists who are calling for a moratorium before a final decision. (“Federal Council adopts position on moratorium on commercial exploitation of international seabed area,” The Federal Council, 28 June 2023)

REGIONAL 
Hungary: Sweden’s NATO bid vote postponed 
On 28 June, Hungary’s parliament once again postponed the voting for Sweden’s NATO accession which was on the agenda for next week’s last Spring session. The vote will now be held during the autumn legislation session. Hungary and Turkey are the only two members that are yet to ratify Sweden’s accession request to NATO. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government had previously stated that the reason some of the lawmakers were hesitating on assenting to Sweden’s bid to join NATO was because of Swedish politicians spreading “blatant lies” about Hungary’s democracy. In March, the government had passed Sweden’s bid after many delays when Turkey’s President Erdogan seemed to indicate that they were going to ratify the request. However, with the latest delay, it seems that Sweden will not be a part of the NATO summit next month in Vilnius. (Justin Spike, “Hungary postpones vote on Sweden’s NATO accession bid ahead of summit,” AP, 28 June 2023)

NATO waits for an approval for Sweden’s membership amidst the regional chaos
On 28 June, French President Emmanuel Macron has called Turkey and Hungary to its quick approval of Sweden’s entry into NATO alliance. He said: “It’s now time ... to allow Sweden to attend the Vilnius summit as an ally,” as he recalled the threat faced by the continent. Hungary lawmakers has informed a longer delay until autumn legislative session on ratifying Sweden’s NATO membership. Turkey President Erdogan stated that, although the legislation claimed on its anti-terrorism law, the country still holds the Kurdish diaspore of around 1,00,000 people. NATO explained their requirement of unanimous approval from all the member countries. The fear of Russia’s invasion has steered fear in Sweden and Finland, who currently seeks protection under NATO’s security. The report was followed by a burning of Quran, by an Iraqi origin in the Stockholm’s Great Mosque. Turkey emphasized the incident as Sweden’s Islamophobic attitude. (Daniel Bellamy, “NATO Secretary- General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday he has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland for July 6th,” Euronews, 28 June 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate advisory body calls out UK government
On 28 June, the Climate Change Committee berated the UK government for its slow developments in attaining net zero greenhouse gas emissions, stating that the UK had “lost its clear global leadership position on climate action.” The climate watchdog also called out the government for not adhering to the Glasgow Climate Pact signed during the COP26 that the UK hosted in 2021. The Climate Change Committee is the government's climate advisers and monitors their decarbonization efforts. UK authorities have pledged to reduce emissions by 68 per cent by 2023. John Gummer, chairman of the Committee said: “Even in these times of extraordinary fossil fuel prices, government has been too slow to embrace cleaner, cheaper alternatives and too keen to support new production of coal, oil and gas” pointing out that the government is hesitating to commit to their promises.  (Sylvia Hui, “Climate watchdog slams UK government for backtracking on its fossil fuel pledges,” AP, 28 June 2023)

Climate engineering will soon upgrade their developments
On 28 June, European Commission has reported the risks posed by the usage of climate geo-engineering, and has urged on developing technologies which can curb the heated planet. The commission executive Vice-president mentioned on the considerable future potential Geoengineering, which can bring changes to the climate change issues. Stratospheric aerosol injection, which requires tiny particles that reflects light and Marine cloud brightening technology, which increases the relativity of clouds were the two new developments discussed during the meeting. an expert at Utrecht University along with 450 scientists, expressed their concern stating that the technology can only be understood after its been deployed on a global level. They also mentioned that the small-scare experiments cannot be judged on large scale outcomes. Further, the scientists are worried about the countries deciding on monopolistic markets indicating clear geopolitical risks. (Maria Psara, “European Commission calls for international discussions on risks of climate engineering,” Euronews, 28 June 2023)

ECONOMY
Digital euros can facilitate the economy says European Commission
On 28 June, the European Commission reported on the new proposal, which allowed people to store the digital euros up to EUR 3000. With increasing usage of daily transactions, and with the elevating popularity of crypto currencies, the digital euro would be an electronic cash in Central Bank Digital Currency. The Commission’s executive Vice-President Valdis Domdrovskis stated on an easy of digital euros in public money and its access without an internet connection. Based on the report, the Commissioner declared that over 55 per cent has given their preference over cashless payment. Although the initiative received criticism and questions regarding the safety, Valdis reminded that the digital euro can protect and stabilise the outflows from banks. (Efi Koustsokosta, “Brussels unveils plans for a digital euro promising complete privacy,” Euronews, 28 June 2023)

INTERNATIONAL
EU seeks agreement with Tunisia to control migration
On 29 June, Le Monde reported regarding the “global partnership” deal between EU and Tunisia and its dragging negotiations. The commission had announced investment of around EUR 105 million intended to curb the political, economic crisis, along with its military cooperation. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the proposal while Kais Saied disapproved stating that the country does not want to play “boarder guard” for Europe. EU hoped for swift agreement, although the country understands that the issue does not align with their political differences. Brussels reminded that the opposition from Poland and Hungary would not hinder the fostered idea of managing migration internally. Further, Frontex reported that Union borders experience over 1,02,000 irregular crossing, half of them via Mediterranean route from Tunisia and Libya would soon be curbed and managed through the agreement. ("Philippe Jacque, “EU seeks migration cooperation agreements with North African countries,” Le Monde, 29 June 2023)