Photo : AP/Michel Euler, Pool
27 September 2023, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #631
FRANCE
President announces climate plan to reduce emissions
On 25 September, President Emmanuel Macron revealed a new climate plan. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate commitments within seven years. Macron stated that France’s goal to reduce emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels is attainable. However, it requires a significant acceleration of efforts, targeting a five per cent annual reduction. The plan includes shutting down the country’s remaining coal-burning plants and converting them to biomass energy by 2027. Macron also aims to promote electric vehicle use, offering affordable leases and supporting domestic production. Critics argue that the plan lacks ambition in addressing the climate emergency. (“Cheap EV leasing and lower energy bills: Macron unveils plan to meet France’s 2030 green goals,” Euronews, 26 September 2023)
SWEDEN
Explosions took place in Central Sweden amid gang feud
On 26 September, two powerful explosions, believed to be connected to a feud between criminal gangs, occurred in central Sweden. The blasts in Hasselby and Linkoping are part of a growing problem in Sweden, with increasing gang violence, shootings, and bombings. The Swedish government plans to hold a meeting to address the issue and identify quick measures to combat gang violence. So far this year, Sweden has seen 261 shootings, resulting in 36 deaths and 73 injuries. The government aims to curtail criminals’ access to explosive materials as part of its efforts to address the problem. (“Two explosions rip through residential buildings in Sweden reportedly linked to a gang feud,” Euronews, 26 September 2023)
THE UK
UNHCR rebukes Home Secretary’s claims on human rights laws
On 26 September, the UN’s refugee agency criticized Home Secretary Suella Braverman. She suggested that global leaders have failed to reform human rights laws due to fear of being labelled as “racist or illiberal.” Braverman also questioned the criteria for granting refugee status, claiming that facing discrimination alone should not be enough. The UNHCR issued a statement defending the 1951 refugee convention and highlighted the UK’s asylum claim backlog. The Refugee Council disputed Braverman’s claim of lowering the asylum threshold based on discrimination and called her statements unsupported by evidence. (Rajeev Syal and Ben Quinn, “UN rebukes Suella Braverman over her attack on refugee convention,” The Guardian, 26 September 2023)
TURKEY
President links Sweden’s NATO bid to US F-16 sale
On 26 September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey would approve Sweden’s NATO membership. He demanded the US to proceed with the sale of F-16 fighter jets and related technology to Turkey. Erdogan's recent comments explicitly link Sweden’s NATO bid to the US F-16 sale, despite previous efforts to separate the issues. Sweden’s NATO membership requires approval from all alliance members. (Ben Hubbard, “Erdogan says Turkey’s parliament will ratify Sweden’s entry into NATO if the U.S. sells Turkey fighter jets,” The New York Times, 26 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
UEFA allows Russia back in U17 competitions
On 26 September, according to the BBC, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), decided to allow Russia to participate in U17 competitions. UEFA is European football’s governing body. The move aims to avoid punishing young athletes for the actions of adults. The Football Association (FA) of England, however, disagrees with Uefa’s decision. It stated that England teams will not play against Russia. (“Uefa allows Russian U17 teams to compete in Europe despite Ukraine war,” BBC, 26 September 2023)