Photo : Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters
30 September 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #634
FINLAND
Kaja Kallas discuss on security and EU issues with Petteri Orpo
On 29 September, Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s Prime Minister visited Finland on an invitation from Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister. They discussed topics such as border security, the Baltic Sea region’s security situation, and support for Ukraine. Their meeting is particularly significant given both countries’ NATO membership. They also addressed current EU matters before the informal European Council meeting in Granada, Spain, next week. (“Estonian Prime Minister Kallas to visit Finland,” Finnish Government, 29 September 2023)
IRELAND
Government seizes largest cocaine haul
On 29 September, Ireland’s authorities intercepted a cargo ship off the Cork coast, seizing over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine valued at EUR 157 million. It marked the country’s largest drug seizure. Two men, one from the UK and the other from Ukraine, have been charged with conspiracy to import drugs. The men were rescued after their fishing boat ran aground on a sandbank off Ireland’s southeast coast while attempting to recover cargo from the Panama-registered freighter “MV Matthew.” This year has witnessed several significant drug busts in Europe, including a record seizure of eight tonnes of cocaine in the Netherlands and a nine-tonne haul in Spain. (“Two charged after record €150m cocaine seizure off Irish coast,” Euronews, 29 September 2023)
MALTA
Mediterranean countries leaders discuss migration amid EU deadlock
On 29 September, leaders from nine Mediterranean and southern European countries gathered in Malta to address the ongoing migration crisis. The EU’s failure to agree on changes to migration laws has heightened political pressure on countries like Italy, Greece, and Malta, which are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Disagreements persist among the nine countries on how to handle the situation. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, held separate talks with Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister, and Emmanuel Macron, French President. They explored options like expanding naval missions in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, UNICEF reported a threefold increase in deaths on the central Mediterranean route. The migration issue remains a significant challenge for the EU, with member states divided on how to address it effectively. (“EU's Mediterranean leaders meet as migrant numbers rise,” Deutsche Welle, 29 September 2023)
PORTUGAL
Government plans to sell majority stake in Transports Aereos Portugueses (TAP)
On 29 September, Finance Minister Fernando Medina announced that Portugal plans to privatize at least 51 per cent of state-owned airline TAP. It is aiming to bolster the national aviation sector. Major European airline groups, including Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and Iberia owner IAG, have expressed interest in the privatization. These airlines see opportunities for TAP’s network, particularly its routes to and from South America, where the market is expected to grow significantly. TAP, which recently returned to profitability, is being restructured under an approved bailout, and the exact stake to be retained by the state is yet to be determined. The privatization process is expected to conclude by mid-2024. (Verónica Romano, “Portugal puts national airline TAP up for sale,” Euronews, 29 September 2023)
SERBIA
White house calls for Serbia’s military drawdown amid Kosovo tensions
On 29 September, the White House urged Serbia to withdraw its military forces from the Kosovo border. It comes following an attack on a Serbia’s Orthodox monastery in northern Kosovo. The incident has heightened tensions in the longstanding territorial conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. Western officials fear that the situation could escalate into a military conflict. The US has called for both governments to engage in diplomatic dialogue. It is to prevent further conflict and has increased the presence of NATO troops in the area to maintain stability. (Katie Rogers, “White House Warns Serbian Military to Leave Kosovo Border,” The New York Times, 29 September 2023)
SPAIN
Centre-right leader Feijoo fails in second attempt to form government
On 29 September, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Spain’s centre-right Popular Party (PP), fell short in his second attempt to secure parliament’s backing to form a government. The vote resulted in 177 lawmakers against and 172 in favour, with one invalid vote. Feijoo had aimed to establish a government led by his PP with support from the right-wing Vox party, but they lacked a majority. Spain’s fragmented political landscape, with 11 different parties holding seats, makes it challenging to secure majority backing, and new elections may become increasingly likely as a result. (“Spain's Feijoo fails in last bid to form government,” Deutsche Welle, 29 September 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Federal Council adopts sanctions against Iran
On 29 September, the Federal Council of Switzerland adopted further sanctions against Iran. It is due to its continued military support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the use of Iranian drones by Russia. These sanctions align Switzerland with the EU, which implemented similar measures earlier. The sanctions prohibit the sale, supply, export, and transit of components used in the production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It includes financial and travel sanctions against entities connected to Iran’s UAV program. (“Ukraine: Switzerland tightens sanctions in connection with the supply of Iranian drones to Russia,” The Federal Council, 29 September 2023)
REGIONAL
Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic forms task force to combat human smuggling
On 29 September, Germany, in collaboration with Poland and the Czech Republic, created a joint task force. It is aimed at combating inhumane human smuggling and illegal immigration. Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Interior Minister, stated that they intend to disrupt smuggling operations profiting from people’s suffering by increasing police patrols on their borders. The task force, led by Europol’s EMPACT program, will involve German, Czech, and Polish police working together across borders. It is to identify smuggling routes and curb illegal immigration. This move comes amid shifting migration policies in Germany and the upcoming elections in the state of Hesse. (Laura Hulsemann, “Germany, Poland, Czech Republic start task force on illegal immigration,” Politico, 29 September 2023)