Photo : Associated Press
28 September 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #632
EM In Brief
Rishika Yadav
GERMANY
Border controls amid rising political pressure
On 27 September, Germany announced the strengthening of border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic. It is due to increased pressure to address rising numbers of people crossing into the country’s eastern regions. The move comes ahead of important state elections. Immigration has become a major political issue in Germany. The mainstream parties acknowledge the need to address the growing number of asylum seekers. The government’s willingness to implement border checks reflects a shift from previous policies under Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is also seen as a response to the rise of right-wing populism. (Graham Bowley, “Germany Puts in Place Tougher Checks to Control Migration,” The New York Times, 27 September 2023)
Ban on Artgemeinschaft for spreading Nazi ideology
On 27 September, according to BBC, Germany has banned the far-right sect “Artgemeinschaft” for disseminating Nazi ideology to children and young people. The group, described as “deeply racist and antisemitic” by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, promoted racial preservation. The group used Nazi-era literature, and organized cultural events to spread its ideology. Police have conducted raids across 12 German states linked to the group. This move follows the recent outlawing of the neo-Nazi group “Hammerskins.” Faeser emphasized the diverse nature of right-wing extremism and the ongoing challenge it poses. An estimated 38,800 individuals are active in the country’s right-wing extremist scene. (Michael Ertl, “Germany cracks down on neo-Nazi sect Artgemeinschaft for targeting children,” BBC, 27 September 2023)
PORTUGAL
Young Portuguese sue European countries over climate change inaction
On 27 September, six young Portuguese individuals, aged 11 to 24, filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). They allege that 32 countries, including EU member states and others, have failed to adequately address climate change. Their complaint is based on the impact of wildfires in Portugal in 2017. It is also based on the ongoing consequences of climate change on their lives and health. The claimants argue that the inaction violates their rights under the ECHR and seek to compel national courts to reduce carbon emissions. This case highlights the growing use of legal avenues by young activists to hold governments accountable for climate change inaction. It could set a precedent for climate-related human rights cases. (“Climate change: Young people sue 32 European nations,” Deutsche Welle, 27 September 2023)
SPAIN
Popular party leader falls short in Prime Minister bid
On 27 September, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of Spain’s Popular Party, failed to secure the 176 votes required to become prime minister in a parliamentary vote. His party won the most seats in the July 2023 general election. However, Feijoo struggled to form a coalition government due to his opposition to concessions for separatist parties. If he fails in a second vote, Pedro Sanchez, acting Prime Minister, may have a chance to stay in office. He has received support from regionalist parties, including Catalan separatists. (“Spain: Conservative leader Feijoo loses first bid for PM,” Deutsche Welle, 27 September 2023)
THE UK
Trade deal with India to exclude labour and environmental commitments
On 27 September, according to Politico, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s trade agreement with India will not include legally binding commitments on labor rights or environmental standards. It is raising concerns among British businesses and unions. The finalized labour and environment chapters of the deal lack enforceable dispute resolution powers. It will potentially undermine UK workers’ rights and climate efforts. Critics argue that the deal could disadvantage British firms as India’s counterparts adhere to less stringent labour and environmental standards. Additionally, the absence of binding commitments has drawn criticism for sidelining stakeholders and unions from trade talks. The omission of these provisions highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between trade liberalization and regulatory standards in international agreements. (Graham Lanktree, “Rishi Sunak to sign UK-India trade deal without binding worker or environment pledges,” Politico, 27 September 2023)
Oil and gas exploration approved in North Sea’s rosebank field
On 27 September, North Sea Transition Authority announced that the UK granted development and production consent for oil and gas exploration. It is in the North Sea’s Rosebank field to Equinor and Ithaca Energy. This move aims to enhance energy security and stabilize prices amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Production is expected to commence in 2026, potentially yielding 300 million barrels of oil. Critics argue that this decision contradicts climate goals and risks missing emissions targets. The UK’s approval of North Sea oil and gas exploration is drawing criticism from environmentalists and opposition. It comes due to particularly given recent climate policy adjustments. (“UK approves controversial North Sea oil and gas production,” Deutsche Welle, 27 September 2023; Lottie Limb, “UK’s new Rosebank oil field won’t make a ‘scrap of difference’ to energy bills, critics say,” Euronews, 27 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU and US leaders to meet in Washington on 20 October
On 27 September, according to Politico, a significant meeting was scheduled for 20 October in Washington. It will involve Joe Biden, the US President, Charles Michel, European Council President, and Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President. This gathering marks a crucial event, with the last official EU-US summit occurring in June 2021. While Brussels and Washington have been collaborating closely, differences remain. It is particularly on trade policy and disputes over steel and aluminium tariffs. Failure to resolve these issues by 31 October could lead to the reimposition of trade tariffs. Additionally, the timing of this meeting affects the China-EU summit. The European Commission insisted it must follow the transatlantic meeting. The outcome will likely have ripple effects on global trade dynamics and diplomatic engagements with China. (Barbara Moens, Jonathan Lemire, Suzanne Lynch and Jacopo Barigazzi, “EU and US leaders set for October 20 summit,” Politico, 27 September 2023)