Photo : Pascal Pochard-Casabianca, Pool via AP
29 September 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #633
FINLAND
Prime Minister to discuss EU issues in Paris
On 28 September, the Government Communications Department reported on an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Petteri Orpo Emmanuel Macron, France’s President, and Élisabeth Borne, France’s Prime Minister, in Paris on 04 October. It will discuss current EU issues and bilateral concerns. Key topics include enhancing competitiveness, support for Ukraine, European defence, migration, future EU enlargement, and the new European Commission’s program. The meeting underscores Finland’s commitment to EU cooperation and its focus on competitiveness, clean energy, and European defence. It reflects broader discussions on EU priorities and challenges. (“Prime Minister Orpo to meet French President and Prime Minister,” Finnish Government, 28 September 2023)
FRANCE
President proposes Corsican autonomy within France’s state
On 28 September, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a constitutional text to grant autonomy to Corsica within the French Republic. He emphasized that it would not entail separation from the state. The proposal comes after months of discussions between the government and Corsican political leaders. Macron pledged a constitutional and organic text to be presented within six months. It will grant Corsican elected representatives the ability to define standards and transfer powers. It will be under the supervision of the Council of State and the Constitutional Council. The move aims to address Corsican demands, including legislative powers, Corsican residency status, language promotion. It also aims to recognize Corsican identity, without compromising the French Republic. (Gael Camba, “Historic move as Macron offers Corsica autonomy 'without disengagement from the state',” Euronews, 28 September 2023)
GERMANY
EU President calls for Global Financing Pact at Berlin Global Dialogue
On 28 September, Charles Michel, EU President gave an address at the Berlin Global Dialogue. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and digital transformation as fundamental challenges for the future. He highlighted the EU’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and stressed the need for legal stability, regulations, and legal certainty to attract investment. Michel called for a new global financing pact, likening it to a “new Bretton Woods moment.” He also emphasized the need for reforms to ensure inclusivity and adequate capitalization of institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. He underlined the EU’s role in promoting global cooperation and multilateralism. (“Address of President Charles Michel at the Berlin Global Dialogue,” European Council, 28 September 2023)
GREECE
Second powerful storm floods Central Greece
On 28 September, a second powerful storm, named Elias, caused extensive flooding in central Greece. It particularly affected the port city of Volos and surrounding areas. This comes just weeks after another Mediterranean storm resulted in flash floods that left 16 people dead. Additionally, it caused over EUR two billion in damage to farms and infrastructure. Achilleas Beos, Volos Mayor, described the situation as the entire city turning into a lake and called it a dire emergency. The flooding follows Greece’s hottest summer on record and devastating wildfires, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. (“Greece: Storm Elias wreaks havoc on city of Volos,” Deutsche Welle, 28 September 2023)
IRELAND
Minister for Justice discusses cooperation against organized crime with Colombia
On 28 September, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee held a bilateral meeting with Iván Velásquez Gómez, Colombia’s Minister of National Defence. McEntee emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational organized crime. She highlighted the success of Ireland’s law enforcement agency, An Garda Síochána. It helped in building international alliances to combat organized crime groups operating across borders. The ministers discussed the need for high-level political dialogue and regular meetings to implement joint declarations. It also discussed monitoring progress in addressing transnational organized crime effectively. McEntee reaffirmed the Irish government’s support for such efforts, including investment and establishing a network of Garda Liaison Officers worldwide. (“Minister McEntee attends meeting of EU Home Affairs Ministers (JHA Council) in Brussels,” gov.ie, 28 September 2023)
SWEDEN
Former Prime Minister proposes military involvement to tackle rising gang violence
On 28 September, former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson suggested deploying the military to combat the increasing gang violence in the country. In the past 24 hours, three people have died in shootings and bombings. Andersson is an opposition figure from the center-left Social Democrats. He proposed that the military could assist in surveillance tasks currently performed by the police, leveraging their technical expertise. She also mentioned the possibility of seeking additional police support from neighbouring countries such as Norway, Denmark, or Finland. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer found the idea intriguing, while Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that there were no immediate plans for military deployment. (Laura Hulsemann, “Send in troops to end violence in Sweden, ex-PM urges,” Politico, 28 September 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Tripartite dialogue on labor with China
On 28 September, Switzerland and China held their fifth tripartite labor dialogue in Bern. Boris Zürcher, Head of the Labor Directorate, hosted a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MoHRSS) along with Chinese social partners. They discussed new work forms, worker protection, and the impact of digitalization on skilled labor. Switzerland expressed concerns about labor issues in China, particularly in Xinjiang. It urges compliance with ILO Core Conventions on forced labor. Social partners in Switzerland supported these demands. (“Tripartite dialogue on labour and employment issues between Switzerland and China,” The Federal Council, 28 September 2023)
THE UK
Falling of Iconic Sycamore Tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland
On 28 September, the famous sycamore tree located along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England, known as the “Robin Hood Tree,” was found deliberately felled at its base. The tree, a popular and photographed landmark, had stood for centuries. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the tree’s destruction. The incident has sparked outrage in the community and saddened many who cherished the iconic tree. The tree also gained fame in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and the music video for Bryan Adams’ song “(Everything I do) I do it for you.” (“UK: Hadrian's Wall Sycamore Gap tree 'deliberately felled',” Deutsche Welle, 28 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
UNHCR reports over 2,500 deaths or missing migrants in the Mediterranean in 2023
On 28 September, the UNHCR revealed that more than 2,500 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach Europe in 2023. It is seen as a significant increase from the same period last year when 1,680 were reported dead or missing. The UNHCR emphasized the dire risks migrants and refugees face throughout their journeys. It includes death and human rights violations. Meanwhile, EU interior ministers met in Brussels to discuss the increasing influx of migrants crossing the Mediterranean into Europe. Negotiations on comprehensive reforms to the EU’s common asylum system remain unresolved. (“Over 2,500 migrants lost to Mediterranean in 2023: UN,” Deutsche Welle, 28 September 2023)