Photo : Ursula von der Leyen / X/ europeanconservative
REGIONAL
Ursula announces action plan to combat migration overcrowding in Lampedusa
On 17 September, Georgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission’s President visited Italy’s island of Lampedusa. The island located between Italy, and Malta, 7000 migrants entered in last one week from Tunisia. A migrant reception in the Island with only 400 migrants, due to the sudden influx, declared “state of emergency,” as challenges arose in supply of food and water. On arriving at the Island, Meloni affirmed to address the situation at “pan-European level.” Von der Leyen announced the 10-point action plan and said: “Migration is a European challenge and will receive a European solution.” Under the plan, EU’s asylum agencies the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) and the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) will be deployed to handle the crowd and find ways to manage migration and returns. Till now EU and Tunisia has a deal in place to stop the migration from North Africa and as part of the deal EUR 100 million is yet to paid. (Priyanka Shankar, “Migrants on Lampedusa: Italy, EU announce action plan,” Deutsche Welle, 17 September 2023)
Erdogan warns of withdrawing membership bid from the EU
On 16 September, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey’s President said that Turkey can end its membership bid to join the EU. He said: “The European Union is trying to break away from Turkey..we will make our own evaluation of these developments, and if necessary we could part ways with the European Union.” The statement comes after the European Parliament released a report earlier on its inability to continue Turkey’s accession process due to current situation. Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the move and criticized the EU for taking “a shallow and non-visionary,” viewpoint. The EU-Turkey accession talks which began in 2005 was frozen due to EUs concerns over rule of law and state of human rights in Turkey. Since Erdogan’s win in May elections, the stress on accession has increased. (“Erdogan: Turkey can part ways with European Union,” Deutsche Welle, 16 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Wang Yi to head to Russia for bilateral talks
On 18 September, Deutsche Welle reported on the upcoming four day-visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Russia. According to the report, the meeting comes as a preparatory for Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing in October for third Belt and Road Forum. The visit in aimed at promoting bilateral relations, hold in-depth talks over strategic interest of China and Russia. (“China top diplomat heads to Russia for 4-day talks,” Deutsche Welle, 18 September 2023)
Iran criticized by the EU for removal of accreditation
On 17 September, the EU criticized Iran for its decision to pull out from many UN “nuclear inspectors.” According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), some of its member do not have access to inspect Iran’s nuclear arsenal. The EU which has been the coordinator for 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the international, removal of the accreditation by Iran triggered concerns. EUs spokesperson said: “Particularly worrying is the direct and severe impact of this decision on the agency's ability to conduct its verification activities..” Rafael Grossi, IAEA’s Director General criticized Iran for removal of one-third of the core group of IAEA inspectors. (“EU calls on Iran for immediate return of nuclear inspectors,” Deutsche Welle, 17 September 2023)