Photo : AP/Darko Bandic
03 October 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #636
In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
FINLAND
Government faces protests over welfare cuts
On 02 October, Euronews reported on the increasing pressure on Finland’s right-wing government (National Coalition Party) from trade unions and students. The move comes due to government regulations to cut down on “social welfare, employment rights, job security and restrictions on international students.” Trade unions criticized the government’s actions for favoring the rich with tax cuts while cutting benefits for the poor. It dubbed it a “reverse Robin Hood administration.” Student protests have spread across universities, with demands to remove cuts which increases their financial burdens. Additionally, the government is proposing labor market reforms, which experts argue are overdue but face reluctance from the public. They believe these measures will stimulate economic growth and competitiveness. Despite protests and opposition, the government appears determined to proceed with its policy agenda. Some politicians from the ruling National Coalition Party have framed the student protests as unreasonable demands for more grants and allowances from the state. Sandra Bergqvist, Finland’s Minister for Youth, acknowledges the concerns of the students but emphasized that the government provides students with various forms of support. It includes education grants, housing benefits, subsidized meals, and a student loan guarantee scheme. Trade unions have announced targeted strike actions in response. (David Mac Dougall, “Finland faces autumn of discontent with strikes and protests over government's austerity budget,” Euronews, 02 October 2023)
FRANCE
Southern EU states addresses regional and global challenges in summit
On 02 October, leaders from nine southern EU countries convened in Valletta for the tenth Southern EU Summit. They expressed solidarity with regions affected by recent natural disasters and committed to supporting affected areas. The summit focused on strengthening EU relations with southern Mediterranean partners and addressing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Leaders called for the renewal of EU partnerships in the southern neighbourhood, emphasizing cooperation, diversity acknowledgment, and governance enhancement. The leaders are prioritizing a comprehensive approach to migration by advocating for rapid responses to Mediterranean arrivals. They are negotiating on the pact on migration and asylum, and for stronger external migration efforts. They aim to bolster Euro-Africa cooperation on peace and security, adopting a broader approach encompassing the entire Africa's continent. On climate change, the group emphasizes the urgent need for climate action, focusing on analyzing climate impacts on various sectors and strengthening adaptation efforts, disaster management, and a just transition to address climate challenges and leverage them as growth opportunities. They also condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine and called for its withdrawal. Discussions also included security, irregular migration, climate change, economic governance, single market completion, and trade policy. (“Declaration of the 10th Summit of the southern countries of the European Union,” Elysee.fr, 02 October 2023)
POLAND
Opposition holds massive rally ahead of election
On 01 October, Poland’s opposition, Civic Coalition led by Donald Tusk, a former prime minister, organized a massive rally in Warsaw. The rally called “Million Hearts march” claimed over a million participants. Despite the show of support, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party maintains a significant lead in polls, with PiS at 38 per cent and Civic Coalition at 30 per cent. Tusk aimed to boost opposition morale, but many attendees expressed skepticism about changing the election’s outcome. PiS leaders, meanwhile, warned of dire consequences if the opposition wins. The election on 15 October could see PiS continue its rule or require coalition-building for a third term. (Jan Cienski, “Huge but glum: Poland’s opposition puts a million people on the streets,” Politico, 02 September 2023)
SLOVAKIA
Pro-Russian populist wins parliamentary elections
On 01 October, former Prime Minister Robert Fico and his leftist Smer party emerged victorious in early parliamentary elections in Slovakia. With 22.9 per cent of the votes, Smer secured 42 seats in the 150-seat Parliament. Fico campaigned on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform and may become prime minister again. He has vowed to withdraw Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine in Russia’s war, a move that could strain EU and NATO unity. The election was seen as a test of Slovakia’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Fico’s critics fear his return to power could align Slovakia with Hungary and Poland in their sceptical stance towards the EU and NATO. (Daniel Bellamy, “Pro-Russian party wins Slovakia's election, but not outright,” Euronews, 01 September 2023)
SPAIN
Minister meet ahead of COP28
On 02 October, Energy Minister Teresa Ribera cautioned that COP28 talks would pose challenges. She emphasized the need for a global response to climate issues at a conference in Madrid. The conference was attended by climate and energy ministers ahead of the Dubai conference. Spain, holding the EU Council’s rotating presidency, advocates for an international coalition to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels. The COP28, is scheduled for 30 November to 12 December in Dubai. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), it faces demands for tripling global investments in renewables, doubling energy efficiency improvements, and supporting clean energy financing in emerging countries. Meanwhile, the EU is striving to devise a plan for phasing out fossil fuels by mid-month. Sultan al-Jaber, COP28’s President-Designate, defended hosting the talks in Abu Dhabi and called for a phasedown of fossil fuels as part of a comprehensive energy transition. (“COP28: Climate leaders meet in Madrid ahead of summit,” Deutsche Welle, 02 September 2023)
Sanchez next in line after Feijoo's shortfall to form government
On 02 October, political party leaders met with King Felipe VI ahead of new government formation attempts. It is following July’s election, which resulted in a fragmented parliament. Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the conservative People’s Party narrowly led in the election, but his coalition bid was rejected. His bid was unsuccessful as he could not garner enough support in the Spanish parliament, needing 176 out of 350 lawmakers’ votes for an absolute majority. Despite the backing of the far-right Vox party and some smaller parties, Feijoo fell short with only 172 votes, leaving the Spanish Socialist Workers’ party (PSOE), led by Pedro Sanchez, in a better position to potentially form a government. Caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose PSOE party won 122 seats, was asked by the king to form a government. Sanchez needs support from Catalan parties, including the left-wing ERC (Republican Left of Catalonia) and conservative Junts. They have demanded a referendum on self-determination and amnesty for 2017 secession push participants. He faces a 27 November deadline to form a coalition or hold fresh elections. (“Spain: Pedro Sanchez next in line to try to form government,” Deutsche Welle, 02 September 2023)
THE NETHERLANDS
Wopke Hoekstra faces MEP scrutiny for EU climate role
On 02 September, Dutch Commissioner-designate for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, pledged to slash EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 per cent by 2040. During his confirmation hearing before the European Parliament, he vowed to introduce measures to curb climate change. It includes a tax on aviation fuel. Hoekstra faced criticism from environmental groups and some MEPs who questioned his track record and environmental credentials. This criticism stemmed from his past associations with the oil industry and his handling of state aid to the airline KLM, which lacked environmental conditions. Fifty climate action groups expressed their concerns in a letter to the European Parliament, contending that Hoekstra was ill-suited for the role due to his perceived lack of expertise in climate issues and his close alignment with fossil fuel interests. During his confirmation hearing in front of the European Parliament, Hoekstra faced rigorous questioning about his previous employment with energy giant Shell and his economic policies as the former Dutch finance minister. The left-wing Socialists and Democrats group within the EU parliament pledged to subject Hoekstra to a challenging confirmation process. However, he insisted he was committed to the EU’s climate targets and promised to conclude pending climate legislation before the 2024 European elections. (“Hearing of Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra,” European Parliament, 02 September 2023; Mared Gwyn Jones, “EU climate chief nominee Wopke Hoekstra vows more ambition in European Parliament hearing,” Euronews, 02 September 2023)
THE UK
Enhances strategic partnership with Kazakhstan
On 02 October, the Minister for Central Asia, Leo Docherty, and Roman Vassilenko, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister met in Astana. The meet was for the Seventh UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue. Discussions centered on bolstering bilateral ties, with a focus on trade diversification in critical minerals, hydrogen technology, and beef. The UK expressed support for Kazakhstan’s domestic reforms and highlighted its role in tackling economic and security challenges. Both are set to sign a bilateral Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation, further elevating their partnership. Kazakhstan is a significant partner for the UK in regional dialogue and energy cooperation with Europe. (Madina Usmanova, “Kazakhstan, UK to sign agreement on strategic partnership, cooperation,” Trend News Agency, 02 October 2023; “7th UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue,” Gov.uk, 02 October 2023)
Defence minister signs GBP four billion contract for AUKUS submarine
On 01 October, Defence Minister Grant Shapps announced a GBP four billion contract with BAE Systems for a nuclear-powered AUKUS attack submarine. The AUKUS partnership, involving Australia, the UK, and the US, aims to counter China’s military expansion. BAE Systems will begin work on the submarine, which will be produced in the UK before shifting to Australia, late this decade. The contract ensures funding until 2028, bolstering the UK’s national security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. (“UK: €4.6 billion AUKUS nuclear sub contract to counter China,” Deutsche Welle, 02 September 2023)
TURKEY
Airstrikes target Kurdish rebels
On 01 October, Turkey conducted airstrikes on Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq after a suicide blast hit Ankara’s interior ministry. The government claimed to have destroyed 20 targets and “neutralized” many militants from the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebel group. However, the PKK said the bombing in Ankara was carried out by one of its affiliated groups. Air strikes targeted PKK positions in Mount Qandil near Iran’s border. The explosion in Ankara occurred just hours before parliament was due to reconvene after a summer break. The attack was described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “the final flutters of terrorism.” The PKK has been engaged in a long-running conflict with Turkey, with over 40,000 deaths since 1984. (Alex Binley, “Turkey strikes Kurdish rebels after Ankara blast,” BBC, 02 October 2023)