Photo : Juanjo Guillen, AFP
04 October 2023, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #637
In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
GERMANY
European Parliament approves Claudia Buch as EU’s chief banking supervisor
On 03 October, the European Parliament voted in favour of Claudia Buch of Germany to become the next chief banking supervisor of the EU. It resulted in overcoming a standoff with the European Central Bank (ECB). The vote, with 357 in favour, 195 against, and 42 abstentions, paves the way for Nadia Calvino, Spain’s Finance Minister, to lead the European Investment Bank (EIB). Buch had faced competition from Margarita Delgado Tejero, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Spain, but was ultimately chosen to avoid two Spain’s leaders in top finance roles. Now approval from EU governments to formally assume her position is awaited, succeeding Italy’s Andrea Enria. (Hannah Brenton, “Parliament votes through Buch as EU banking cop,” Politico, 03 October 2023)
GREENLAND
Indigenous women seek compensation for forced intrauterine devices insertions
On 02 October, dozens of indigenous women and girls in Greenland lodged a complaint with Denmark’s government. They alleged that they had intrauterine devices (IUDs) implanted without their consent during the 1960s and 1970s. They claimed that it was a part of a government campaign to control the indigenous population’s growth. They have termed the procedure a violation of their human rights, causing lasting physical and psychological harm. The women are demanding DKK 300,000 each in compensation. The complaint cites an investigation estimating that around 4,500 IUDs were inserted without consent during that period. Denmark and Greenland have committed to investigating the matter. (Isabella Kwai, “They Were Given IUDs as Children Without Their Consent. Now, They Want Compensation,” The New York Times, 03 September 2023)
ITALY
Tremors in volcanic area near Naples trigger mass evacuation plans
On 02 October, a series of small tremors rattled the Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields) region west of Naples, Italy. It prompted the government to revise mass evacuation plans. The area, home to a large caldera, last erupted in 1538. A new eruption could endanger around half a million residents. While experts have noted that seismic activity may intensify, they do not see an imminent eruption risk. Naples, surrounded by volcanoes, faces the challenge of emergency evacuations. Drafting exodus plans for the most dangerous areas is underway, but updating these plans and improving infrastructure remain complex tasks. (Giada Zampano, “A string of volcanic tremors raises fears of mass evacuations in Italy,” Associated Press, 03 September 2023)
POLAND
EU official calls to clarify visa allegations
On 03 October, Margaritis Schinas, European Commission Vice-President, called on Poland to clarify allegations. The allegations are that its consulates in Africa and Asia sold temporary work visas to migrants at high prices. This scheme could undermine the Schengen area’s free travel zone, which relies on trust between its member states. Schinas expressed concern about the alleged cases of fraud and corruption in Poland’s visa system, which could violate EU law, and urged full clarity to restore trust. Poland’s ruling party, facing elections, has denied any scandal but has faced criticism for allegedly admitting large numbers of foreign workers while maintaining anti-migrant rhetoric. (Lorne Cook, “EU demands answers from Poland about visa fraud allegations,” Associated Press, 03 October 2023)
SLOVAKIA
Pressure mounts from European socialists to expel Robert Fico
On 03 October, according to Politico, Europe’s Socialists faced calls to expel Robert Fico, leader of Smer party. He won recent elections on an anti-Ukraine platform. Fico, in line to form a coalition government, advocates ending military support to Ukraine and criticizes EU sanctions on Russia. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, linked Fico to Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, and urged the Socialists to clarify their stance. Fico, however, accused the Party of European Socialists (PES) of blackmail. While some Socialist MEPs criticized Smer’s campaign rhetoric, others argue for patience and calm, emphasizing the party’s pro-European stance. (Eddy Wax, “EU Socialists urged to kick out Slovakia’s pro-Russian election winner Robert Fico,” Politico, 03 October 2023)
SPAIN
King Felipe VI asks Pedro Sanchez to form government
On 03 October, according to the BBC, King Felipe VI tasked caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez with forming a government. It comes after his conservative rival, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, failed to do so. Sanchez, the Socialist leader, aims to create a progressive coalition government, which would require support from Catalan nationalist parties. Without their backing, he would fall short of the majority needed, leading to a repeat election. Feijoo’s conservative Popular Party could not secure enough votes in parliament. Sanchez’s potential coalition faces demands for amnesty from Catalan pro-independence groups, a contentious issue with constitutional implications. If unsuccessful, Spain may hold elections in January. (Guy Hedgecoe and Paul Kirby, “Spain's Sánchez pins hopes of becoming PM on Catalan amnesty,” BBC, 03 October 2023)
THE UK
Aims for “foundational” trade deal before 2024 elections with US
On 03 October, according to Politico, Joe Biden, US President, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are planning a “foundational” trade agreement. It is aimed to be concluded before both face re-election in 2024. Negotiations are set to commence this month, with initial chapters to be completed by spring 2024. It is not viewed as a formal free trade agreement by the WTO. However, the proposed deal would address a range of issues including agriculture, labor rights, the environment, supply chains, regulation of services, and digital trade. Concessions on agriculture are a sticking point, with the US seeking changes in farming practices such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-injected beef. (Graham Lanktree and Gavin Bade, “Revealed: Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak seek UK/US trade pact before 2024 elections,” Politico, 03 October 2023)
Suella Braverman advocates hard-line immigration policies
On 03 October, Home Secretary Suella Braverman used her keynote speech at the Conservative Party’s annual conference to promote tough immigration policies. She referred to migration as a “hurricane” that could bring “millions more immigrants to these shores, uncontrolled and unmanageable.” Braverman also criticized human rights laws and “woke” critics, vowing to strengthen borders. Her speech focused on immigration and law and order issues as she attempts to position herself as a leader within the party’s authoritarian wing. Some fear her stance could harm the party’s image, but she contends she tells the “blunt unvarnished truth.” (Jill Lawless, “UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman wows some Conservatives and alarms others with hard-line stance,” Associated Press, 03 October 2023)
TURKEY
Arrests 55 suspected members of Kurdistan Workers’ Party
On 03 October, according to Politico, Turkey’s authorities arrested 55 individuals. It comes in response to a suicide bombing outside Ankara’s interior ministry by a member, Hasan Oguz, of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He was suspected of having links to the group after carrying out raids in 16 provinces. Turkey’s air strikes were also conducted in northern Iraq, targeting 20 PKK sites. It led to condemnation from Abdul Latif Rashid, Iraq’s President, who expressed concern over civilian casualties. He called for a joint security agreement with Turkey. (Laura Hulsemann, “Turkey arrests dozens of suspected Kurdish militants after Ankara suicide bombing,” Politico, 03 October 2023)
REGIONAL
Czech Republic and Austria reinstate border checks
On 03 October, the Czech Republic and Austria temporarily reintroduced border checks with Slovakia to combat migrant flows. These measures will last for ten days initially and aim to prevent smugglers from using alternative routes. The move comes after Germany announced increased police patrols on its border with Poland and the Czech Republic to prevent further migration into the country. Many migrants' transit through both countries' territory on their way to western Europe. (“Austrians and Czechs reintroduce controls on the border with Slovakia to curb migration,” Associated Press, 03 October 2023)