Photo : Government.no
23 September 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #628
EM In Brief
Rishika Yadav
FRANCE
Paris prosecutor requests trial for Marine Le Pen on embezzlement charges
On 22 September, the Paris prosecutor’s office requested a trial for far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Additionally, trial over 20 other members of her National Rally party on charges of embezzling funds from the European Parliament between 2004 and 2016, is requested. The case revolves around allegations that party members misused parliamentary funds for non-parliamentary purposes. While the prosecutor’s request does not guarantee a trial, it carries significant penalties. It included a possible ten year prison sentence, a EUR one million fine, and a ten year ban from public office for Le Pen. The decision comes amid preparations for the next French presidential election and European Parliament elections. (Roger Cohen, “French Far-Right Leader May Face Trial on Embezzlement Charges,” The New York Times, 22 September 2023)
NORWAY
Launches Global Ocean Surveillance Program to combat fisheries crime
On 22 September, the Government of Norway reported that it is initiating a worldwide ocean surveillance program to combat fisheries crime. It will provide over a third of coastal countries access to Norway’s satellite data and expertise for monitoring their waters and detecting illegal fishing activities. The program aims to tackle transnational organized financial crime that depletes ocean resources worth billions of Norwegian Krone (NOK). These crimes threaten maritime ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities. Norway will share AIS data from its satellites with countries in the Blue Justice Community. It will offer the information free of charge to help them identify and combat fisheries crime, with support from Norway's tracking centre. (“Norwegian satellites to detect illegal fishing,” Government.no, 22 September 2023)
POLAND
Environment agency grants permit for first nuclear power plant
On 22 September, Climate Minister Anna Moskwa announced that Poland issued an environmental permit for its inaugural nuclear power facility. It marks a significant milestone for the country’s energy security. The project, planned for the Baltic coast, aims to commence construction in 2026 and become operational by 2040. The move is part of Poland’s effort to reduce its heavy reliance on coal, which currently supplies 69 per cent of its energy. Poland's Nuclear Power Programme envisions the development of up to six reactors across two or three sites. It generates six to nine gigawatts of energy. The US is also assisting Poland in adopting new nuclear technology to transition from coal. (“'This is a milestone': Poland’s environment agency greenlights country’s first nuclear power plant,” Euronews, 22 September 2023)
SPAIN
EU delays decision on official status for Catalan, Galician, and Basque languages
On 22 September, according to Euronews, EU ministers postponed a decision on granting official EU language status to Catalan, Galician, and Basque. They cited the need for more legal, financial, and administrative details. Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez requested the inclusion of these languages among the 24 official EU languages. However, other EU governments expressed concerns over the potential translation and interpretation costs. (Stefan Grobe, “State of the Union: Spain puts regional languages on the agenda as migration returns,” Euronews, 22 September 2023)
National football team removes “Women’s” label in bid for equality
On 22 September, according to Euronews, the Spanish Football Federation eliminated the term “women’s football” from its national team’s name. It signals a shift towards gender equality in the sport. The move comes after a dispute between the federation and its women’s World Cup-winning team. It was triggered by the former president’s inappropriate behavior towards a player during a trophy ceremony. The men’s and women’s teams will now be known as “Selección Española de fútbol” or “Spain’s national football team.” This change aims to represent a conceptual shift, emphasizing that football is universal, regardless of gender. Other countries like England and the US have already adopted gender-neutral naming conventions. (“Spanish football drops the word 'women' from the national team's title,” Euronews, 22 September 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Supports Kosovo-Serbia normalisation process
On 22 September, President Alain Berset held discussions with Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s Prime Minister, emphasizing the country’s support for the EU-led normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia. They called for the implementation of agreements reached in Brussels and Ohrid this year, stressing the need for credible steps and pragmatism from both sides. Switzerland backs Kosovo’s desire to join the Council of Europe to ensure access to the European Court of Human Rights for all inhabitants. Switzerland, the second-largest source of foreign investment in Kosovo, seeks to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in economic cooperation, benefiting from close ties to the Kosovo diaspora in Switzerland. (“President Alain Berset receives Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti,” The Federal Council, 22 September 2023)
THE UK
Regulators signals approval for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
On 22 September, according to Euronews, Microsoft's USD 69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a video game giant, is nearing approval. It will be approved by UK competition regulators following a restructured deal. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stated that the revised proposal addresses previous concerns regarding competition in the cloud gaming sector. However, some concerns still linger, and Microsoft has presented remedies to address them. The CMA is currently seeking feedback on these solutions before making a final decision. This development signifies progress in reversing the earlier decision to block the acquisition and removes one of the final hurdles for the historic tech transaction. (Daniel Harper, “Call of Duty: UK regulators close in on Microsoft-Activision deal,” Euronews, 22 September 2023)
REGIONAL
France and Germany accelerate next-Generation battle tank project
On 21 September, France and Germany pledged to advance their joint Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a next-generation battle tank project, by the end of 2023. The project has experienced delays but is gaining momentum. Both countries will define key aspects and leading roles and aim to sign contracts by the end of 2023, opening the door for other countries to join. The MGCS, launched in 2017, aims to replace the Leclerc and Leopard 2 tanks with a versatile system. It includes manned and unmanned modules, laser technology, drones, AI, and cybersecurity measures. Italy and the Netherlands have expressed interest in participating. (Laura Kayali and Caleb Larson, “France and Germany give new push to joint next-generation battle tank,” Politico, 22 September 2023)
EU reimposes fine on Intel for antitrust violations
On 22 September, according to Euronews, the European Commission reinstated a fine of approximately EUR 376.36 million on Intel. It is for breaching antitrust rules in the computer chips market. The fine pertains to Intel’s practices concerning its dominant position in x86 central processing units (CPUs). The EU alleges it excluded competitors from the relevant market. While the European Court of Justice overruled a 2009 Commission decision on Intel’s rebate practices in 2022. It reaffirmed that Intel’s practices of paying manufacturers to halt the release of products containing rival x86 CPUs constituted an abuse of dominant market position under EU rules. Intel has not appealed this part of the 2022 ruling. (Aisling Ní Chúláin, “EU fines Intel €376.36 million for breaching antitrust rules in computer chip market,” Euronews, 22 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU unlocks funding for Tunisia amid controversial migrant deal
On 22 September, the European Commission announced that it will provide EUR 127 million to Tunisia. This comes despite criticism surrounding its migrant deal with Kais Saied, Tunisia’s President. Critics, including Josep Borrell, EU diplomat, and the German government, have raised concerns about human rights and the lack of EU country involvement in the deal. Most of the funds originate from existing programs predating the pact. The EU aims to allocate EUR 60 million in budgetary support, EUR 42 million to refit rescue vessels and support the Tunisian coast guard. It will allocate EUR 105 million for border control to prevent the flow of migrants to Italy. (GREGORIO SORGI Gregorio Sorgi, “Tunisia finally sees some migration money from EU despite backlash,” Politico, 22 September 2023)