GP Explained: The Nature Restoration Law
By Sneha Surendran 

On 12 July, the European Parliament approved the contested Nature Restoration Law. The law was passed by a narrow margin of 336 against 300 votes, with 30 absentations. The European Commission’s Green Deal chief Frans Timmermans said: “My mission in the next couple of months is to convince also many of those who today voted against that this is a law that really would help European nature recover.” Earlier, 

What is the new Nature Restoration Law?
In June 2022, the European Commission released its first communication regarding the proposed Nature Restoration Law. 

The Nature Restoration Law is an initiative under the European Green Deal. It is EU’s first legislation specifically targeting the restoration of Europe’s deteriorating ecosystems, and mitigating the worsening impacts of climate change. The law aims to bring back 80 per cent of damaged European habitats, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and rivers by 2050. In the short-term, it aims to restore at least 20 per cent of these regions by 2030. 

What is the background?
A 2021 assessment by the European Commission of the Ecosystems of the European Union found that all ecosystem types in the region require significant measures of restoration to check biodiversity loss and protect ecosystem services availed for the people’s wellbeing. It said: “More efforts are needed to bend the curve of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and to put ecosystems on a recovery path.” 

Over the years, climate change had a detrimental impact on Europe’s climate. The summer of 2022 was the hottest summer recorded in Europe; it also witnessed thousands of deaths due to the searing heat. Currently, Europe is also the fastest-warming continent. The 2022 State of the Climate in Europe showed that warming extensively impacted the continent's ecosystems. The North Atlantic region has been recording the warmest average sea surface temperatures, while marine heat waves have intensified. Land-based disasters like droughts and wildfires have risen over the past few years. Meanwhile, during 1997-2022, almost 880 cubic km of ice melted from the European glaciers, with the Alps being the worst affected. 

How did the EU vote on the legislation? And Why?
Ever since the Nature Restoration Law has been proposed, it has received varied responses from lawmakers and other quarters within the EU. The same continued on the days leading up to the voting of the law in the European Parliament. 
The center-right European People’s Party (EPP) along with other right-wing groups voted against the law. The EPP has long contended that the restoration of land in certain ecosystem regions will deplete agricultural cover, ultimately affecting farmers' production and exacerbating the food insecurity issues already continuing due to the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. A member of Identity and Democracy said: “Less land for farmers, less sea for fishermen, less activity for businesses, and fewer European products and jobs for our citizens…a regulation permeated with ideology and counterproductive for nature itself.” The EPP has also stated that the new law will be a tool for climate activists and NGOs to pursue legal action against governments, further interfering with economic activities.

Farmers in the EU have long voiced their opposition to the legislation, as it calls for 30 per cent of former peatlands currently in use for agriculture to be restored and redirected for other purposes. The probable loss of vast expanses of agricultural land in the name of restoration has also concerned farmers. On 11 July, a day before the law went for the vote, farmers arrived with tractors to protest outside the European Parliament. They also urged lawmakers to vote against the bill. In a counter-protest to the farmer's demonstrations, climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, gathered to show their support for the bill. 

Amongst those who voted favourably for the Nature Restoration Law, there were 21 EPP lawmakers who also voted their assent, contesting the party’s stance. Meanwhile, Frans Timmersmans, Vice-President of the European Commission welcomed the voting results and stated that he was willing to work with the opposing EPP members to find common ground on the implementation of the law. Lead negotiator for the law, Cesar Luena, expressed gratitude to colleagues and scientists, saying: “We have won. It is a social victory: for scientists, for young people, for a lot of companies and businesses, for the agricultural sector.”  
Meanwhile, scientists called out the opposition for their disinformation campaigns against the new law, stating that ecosystem restoration will only improve food security and generate jobs. An open letter signed by nearly 6000 scientists berated the opposition for basing their arguments on unsound science and even contradicting scientific facts. A conservation biologist at the Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Guy Pe’er said: “Lobby organizations can generate as much misinformation as they want. But when policymakers are going against the science, we need to step in.”

What are the challenges ahead?
First, a limited focus on agricultural land restoration. Although the law was adopted, Members of the European Parliament had to cut back on critical articles that were proposed in the original draft of the bill owing to the heavy opposition. For instance, the article on the restoration of agricultural lands had to be nullified. With its removal, the objective of targeting intensive agriculture.

Second, clash over drafting new laws due to existing complexities in present provisions. The decrease in forest cover has faced a setback. Moreover, the restoration of depleting forest covers would have aided in the sequestering of carbon, which prevents the emissions from warming the surroundings. Furthermore, the Parliament said that the implementation of the law would begin only after the European Commission assessed the existing laws on food security as well as quantified the data outlining the necessary conditions to guarantee food security. This was in response to the EPP’s concerns. The Parliament further said that there could be a postponement of the targets in the law in case of “exceptional socioeconomic consequences.” Some of the lawmakers who voted for the bill, as well as climate activists, expressed dissatisfaction over the weakened version of the law. 

References:
Ajit Niranjan, “EU passes nature restoration law in knife-edge vote,” The Guardian, 12 July 2023
“Nature restoration law: MEPs adopt position for negotiations with Council,” European Parliament, 12 July 2023
“Climate change impacts scar Europe, but increase in renewables signals hope for future,” World Meteorological Organization, 19 June 2023
“EU Ecosystem Assessment,” European Commission, 19 May 2021
Louise Guillot, “Parliament backs new EU nature law in blow to conservatives,” Politico, 12 July 2023
“Green Deal: pioneering proposals to restore Europe's nature by 2050 and halve pesticide use by 2030,” European Commission, 22 June 2022
Kate Abnett, Marine Strauss, “EU Parliament passes nature law after political backlash,” Reuters, 12 July 2023

War in Ukraine: Day 509
By Rishika Yadav 

War on the Ground
On 18 July, Ukrinform reported Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President meeting on grain sea exports and port security. During the meeting, logistics and coastal protection updates were presented by the infrastructure minister and Navy Commander. Countering Russian UAVs and intelligence reports were also discussed. The battlefield situation was briefed by military officials. Projectile supply dynamics were shared by the defence minister and logistics forces commander.

On 18 July, Ukrinform reported on an important agricultural development where Ukraine has successfully exported over 33 million tonnes of grain to 45 nations during a year-long grain deal operation. Zelenskyy has reached out to the President of Turkey and the UN Secretary General, urging them to support the continuation of the grain initiative. Zelenskyy now proposes a unilateral format without Russia's involvement to ensure global food security.

On 18 July, Deutsche Welle reported Ukraine activating Odesa's aerial defenses. The move was in response to Russia's missile and drone strikes overnight, causing damage to the Black Sea port city's infrastructure. The strikes followed an explosion on the bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Moscow's refusal to extend the grain export agreement that utilized Odesa's maritime terminals also contributed to the tension. 

On 18 July, The Kyiv Independent gave an update on Ukrainian forces advances in the southern front. It reported that Ukrainian forces have made advancements, particularly in the Mala Tokmachka-Novopokrovka and Velyka Novosilka-Urozhaine directions, with troops consolidating their positions. Concerns arise as Russia deploys reserves in the Bakhmut direction and concentrates significant military assets in the Kupiansk direction.

The Moscow View 
Claims by Russia
On 18 July, Meduza reported that Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian President comments on Odesa strikes. He stated that the strikes on Odesa's port infrastructure were retaliatory actions for the Crimean Bridge incident. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that the attack targeted facilities involved in preparing attacks against Russia, including unmanned boat usage and manufacturing near Odesa. On 18 July, six Caliber missiles and 36 Shahed kamikaze drones were launched, with some debris causing damage in Odesa, injuring one person.

On 18 July, TASS reported on the update by Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov, Defence Ministry Spokesman of Russia, on the advances in Ukraine. He informed that Russian air defence forces reportedly destroyed 43 Ukrainian drones and intercepted three rockets from a US made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. In the south Donetsk and Zaporozhye (areas, Russian forces repulsed multiple attacks and destroyed over 200 Ukrainian troops and military assets.

On 18 July, TASS reported on the statement about Black Sea grain deal by Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson of Russia. Zakharova, stated that Russia no longer trusts promises from western countries and the UN regarding the deal. Zakharova emphasized that Russia had taken steps to help needy countries access food products through the deal, but the West's actions have been questionable.

The West View 
Responses from the US and Europe  
On 18 July, Reuters reported on the US decision to give new military package. The US will provide USD 1.3 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine to aid its conflict with Russia. Notably, the package encompasses counter-air defenses like the VAMPIRE system from L3 Harris Technologies and two types of loitering munitions, Phoenix Ghost drone from AVEVEX, and Switchblade from AeroVironment Inc.
 
On 18 July, Reuters reported that the EU's plan to boost Ukraine's grain export. It aims to increase the transportation of Ukrainian grains through road and rail to offset Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea exports deal. On 18 July, Russia targeted Ukrainian grain ports after pulling out of the deal. Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland, stated that the EU would expand land export routes for Ukrainian grains through solidarity lanes passing from neighboring countries like Romania and Poland.

On 18 July, USAID reported that USAID Administrator Samantha Power criticism on Russia. It criticized Russia for suspending the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Odesa. The US is providing an additional USD 250 million through AGRI-Ukraine to support the agriculture sector amid Russia's aggression, bringing the total US investment to USD 350 million.

On 18 July, the press release of the Government of UK reported on the UK's Armed Forces plan to enhance warfighting readiness. It announced to invest GBP 2.5 billion in stockpiles and a Global Response Force. The plan includes an additional GBP 2.5 billion investment in stockpiles and munitions, a UK Global Response Force for swift deployment, and a focus on becoming a science and technology superpower with advancements in robotics, directed energy weapons, and more. 

References
“Sea export of grain, port security: Zelensky holds meeting of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff,” Ukrinform, 18 July, 2023
“Shmyhal: Ukraine exported more than 33M tonnes of grain to 45 countries over year of grain deal,” Ukrinform, 18 July 2023
“Ukraine activates Odesa air defenses,” Deutsche Welle, 18 July 2023
Martin Fornusek, “General Staff: Ukraine advances in two southern directions,” The Kyiv Independent, 18 July 2023
“Yermak: Russian drones still have Western-made parts, new sanctions needed,” The Kyiv Independent, 18 July 2023
“The Kremlin called the attack on Odessa "retaliation strikes for the Crimean bridge",” Meduza, 18 July 2023
“Russian air defenses destroy 43 Ukrainian military drones over past day,” TASS, 18 July 2023
“Western, UN assurances no longer enough for Russia’s grain deal return — Foreign Ministry,” TASS, 18 July 2023
Mike Stone, “U.S. to announce $1.3 bln in military aid for Ukraine -sources,” Reuters, 18 July 2023
Gabriela Baczynska, “EU seeks more land exports of Ukraine grain after Russia drops Black Sea deal,” Reuters, 18 July 2023
“The United States Provides Additional $250 Million to Help Ukraine Continue Feeding the World,” usaid.gov, 18 July 2023
“Refreshed Defence Command Paper sets out future for Armed Forces,” gov.uk, 18 July 2023

IN BRIEF
By Sneha Surendran, and Genesy Balasingam

FRANCE 
Report based on Uber files reveals lack of strict transparency rules  
On 18 July, a 500-page report by the French Parliament Commission on the Uber Files called out “gaping loopholes” in transparency rules in France. The report also focussed on President Emmanuel Macron’s relations with the ride-hailing app when he had been the economy minister, stating: “The intensity of the contacts between Uber, Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet testifies to an opaque but privileged relationship and reveals the inability of our system to measure and prevent the influence of private interests on public decision-making.” The report follows the Guardian’s 2022 publication of the Uber Files. The Uber Files had shown that the company had launched an illegal new feature between 2014-2015, stating: “It consisted in aggressively and disruptively multiplying fronts to force the state to modify its regulations so that they became favourable to Uber’s interests.” The investigation also found that the company had avoided paying corporation taxes. Meanwhile, the commission has given recommendations including tightening regulations around political lobbying. (Lisa O'Carroll, “French Uber inquiry finds ‘gaping loopholes’ remain in lobbying rules,” The Guardian, 18 July 2023) 
 
RUSSIA
Pro-Russian militia from Luhansk and Donetsk accused for human rights abuse in Ukraine
On 18 July, The Guardian reported that an investigation by the Centre for Information Resilience into the human rights abuses in Ukraine’s Izium city has named four Russian militia units as the perpetrators. The incidents happened when Russian forces occupied the city from April 2022 for six months. Following its liberation by Ukrainian troops, a mass grave with 447 bodies, and torture rooms were discovered. According to the report, the militia units were stationed in schools and kindergartens. A survivor account said: “They drank a lot and swapped humanitarian aid for homemade vodka.” Other survivor accounts have revealed that the troops physically and mentally tortured civilians, including shooting young children. The grave also had the bodies of 12 Ukrainian soldiers. The pro-Russian troops were reportedly battalions from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.  (Nick Hopkins, Jamie Wilson, Luke Harding, “Militia units commanded by Russia named in Izium abuse investigation,” The Guardian, 18 July 2023)

THE UK
Government passes migration bill
On 18 July, the government's controversial migration bill was passed amidst strong resistance. The barge Bibby Stockholm can accommodate 500 asylum seekers and it is set to board migrants this month. The bill and the vessel is a strategy to curb illegal migration. It is intended to deter migrants from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive illegally and will be banned from ever re-entering the UK. The UNHCR chiefs stated that the bill will have “profound consequences” for people seeking protection. This move by the government would also deny protection for those who have survived human trafficking. (Brian Melley, “ vessel to accommodate asylum-seekers docks in UK as Parliament passes controversial migration bill”, Associated Press, 18 July 2023)
 
REGIONAL
EU MEPs condemn European Commission-Tunisia deal
On 18 July, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) criticized the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Tunisia. On 16 July, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed a deal with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied. The deal will allocate almost EURO 700 million for economic, environmental, and migration issues. The criticism by the MEPs pointed to Tunisia’s deteriorating democratic values. Saied has long been accused of being racist towards black migrants. A Dutch MEP said: “President Saied is an authoritarian ruler, he's not a good partner, (he's) a dictator who's actually boosted the number of departures.” European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson defended the deal, stating: “It's very important that our main objective always must be to save lives, to prevent people from going on these journeys that too often end by ending their lives, this is a priority.” (orge Liboreiro, “MEPs blast European Commission for signing deal with Tunisia's 'cruel dictator',” Euronews, 18 July 2023) 

CLIMATE CHANGE
High temperatures lead to surge in hospital emergencies
On 18 July, Italy experienced an upsurge in the number of people seeking emergency care as the heatwave continued to intensify. 23 cities including Rome which set a record for highest temperature have been placed on “red alert.” The ministry has urged people to dress in linen and to avoid venturing outside during the day to combat heat. Heat codes have been set up in emergency units to prioritise care to the most vulnerable. the hottest place on Earth - California’s Death Valley hit a  53.3 Celcius on Sunday nearly setting a world record. (“Italian hospitals report sharp rise in emergency cases as Rome hits 41.8C,” The Guardian, 18 July 2023)

ENVIRONMENT
Rise in death of cats due to feline coronavirus in Cyprus 
On 18 July, The Guardian reported that cats in Cyprus are increasingly dying owing to feline coronavirus. Experts say a virulent strain of the disease is behind the deaths. The news has raised concerns about people catching the disease, especially cat owners. However, feline coronavirus is not connected to COVID-19 and does not impact humans. The virus causes a stomach upset in cats but prolonged presence in the body can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) whose complications can turn fatal to the animal. Scientists have speculated that the increase in deaths due to feline coronavirus was due to the virus having evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since cats are also susceptible to COVID-19, the feline coronavirus might have mutated as cats developed new antibodies. In other news, Poland is investigating the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in cats that has caused around 25 deaths. (Hannah Devlin, Linda Geddes, “Experts warn about feline coronavirus after ‘thousands’ of cat deaths in Cyprus,” The Guardian, 18 July 2023) 
 
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
France adopted bill to allow tapping phones of criminals 
On 18 July, members of parliament passed a bill that will enable law enforcement authorities to access the camera or location of suspected criminals by tapping their phones and internet devices. The bill states that this can be done “without the knowledge or consent of its owner or possessor.” However, only people connected to terrorism, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities that warrant more than five years of imprisonment will be subjected to the provision. Furthermore, before tapping the devices, the investigating judge has to consent to the act. The bill is aimed at strengthening the justice system. However, left-wing lawmakers and digital rights activists have condemned the bill for infringing on privacy rights. A Socialist lawmaker termed it as “liberticide,” while concerns have also been raised about the possible misuse of the provision by the French police. (Youcef Bounab. “Lawmakers approve bill allowing French police to locate suspects by tapping their devices,” Associated Press, 18 July 2023) 
  
INTERNATIONAL
EU-CELAC summit to further ties despite unanimity to condemn Russia
On 18 July, The Guardian reported that Nicaragua refused to agree to a paragraph condemning Russia for the Ukraine war at the end of the two-day EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit. President of CELAC, Ralph Gonsalves said: “The concern for us with Ukraine, among other things, would be the terrible suffering that is taking place among peoples who are directly involved in the conflict but also because of increasing prices, shortages of commodities, increasing immiseration of people.” Meanwhile, the EU pledged to allocate EURO 45 billion to strengthen the ties between the two blocs and also decided to open a new raw materials supply chain with Chile. The two-day summit in Brussels was the first in eight years and aimed to reaffirm relations between Latin America and the Caribbean with the EU. (Lisa O'Carroll, “Nicaragua fails to back censure of Russia at end of EU-Latin America summit,” The Guardian, 18 July 2023)