Photo : Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo
06 October 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #639
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
FRANCE
EU leaders reiterate support for Armenia’s sovereignty and peace in region
On 05 October, President Emmanuel Macron, Charles Michel, President of the European Council and Olaf Scholz, Germany's Chancellor, reaffirmed their strong backing for Armenia’s independence, territorial integrity, and border inviolability. They emphasized the need to enhance EU-Armenia relations and provide humanitarian aid following the displacement of Karabakh Armenians. The leaders stressed the refugees’ right to return home with international monitoring and respect for their culture. They remain committed to normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations based on mutual recognition, territorial integrity, and non-use of force. They called for border delimitation, reopening of borders, regional cooperation, detainee release, addressing missing persons, and demining efforts. (“Statement by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, President Michel of the European Council, President Macron of France and Chancellor Scholz of Germany,” Elysee, 05 October 2023)
HUNGARY
Mission in Chad to prevent humanitarian disaster
On 05 October, Secretary of State Azbej Tristan joined a humanitarian mission to Chad as part of the Hungary Helps program. The mission seeks to provide aid and stability to Chad, the last stable country in the Central African region, where many people are seeking refuge. Chad faces healthcare challenges, with infant mortality rates 22 times higher than in Europe. Approximately one-third of the population requires immediate humanitarian assistance. By preventing a humanitarian disaster in Chad, Hungary aims to avoid a potential refugee crisis in Europe and contribute to regional stability and development. (“Humanitarian Disaster in Chad Could Result in a Flood of Refugees,” Hungary Today, 05 October 2023)
TURKEY
US F-16 shoots Turkey’s drone in Syria
On 05 October, the US F-16 fighter jet shot down a Turkey’s drone that approached American forces in northeast Syria. The incident escalated tensions between the two NATO allies, who have been at odds over various security issues. US officials clarified they had no reason to believe the Turkey’s drone targeted American forces but noted it was armed and disregarded warnings. The US aims to maintain cooperation with Turkey for matters like Sweden’s NATO entry and addressing security threats. Turkey has voiced concerns about US support for Syrian Kurds, viewing them as a threat. The dispute intensified following a recent bombing attack in Ankara. (Lara Seligman, “U.S. F-16 shoots down Turkish drone flying over American troops in Syria,” Politico, 05 October 2023; Michael R. Gordon, Nancy A. Youssef and Jared Malsin, “U.S. Jet Shoots Down Turkish Drone Over Syria,” The Wall Street Journal, 05 October 2023)
REGIONAL
EU reaches agreement to phase down fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances
On 05 October, negotiators from the Council and the Parliament of the EU reached a provisional political agreement. It aimed at phasing down substances responsible for global warming and ozone layer depletion. The agreement finalized negotiations on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and it followed an informal agreement in June regarding ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). It strengthened existing EU legislation. F-gases, used in products like fridges and air conditioning systems, have a much stronger warming impact than CO2. The new rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. (“Fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances: Council and Parliament reach agreement,” European Council, 05 October 2023)
September 2023 records highest global temperatures
On 05 October, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that September 2023 was the warmest on record globally. It reported that the month was warm with an average surface air temperature of 16.38 degree celsius, exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 0.93 degree celsius. It marked the most anomalous warm month in the dataset. The month was around 1.75 degree celsius warmer than the September average for 1850-1900. Globally, temperatures for January-September 2023 were 0.52 degree celsius above average. Europe experienced its warmest September, at 2.51 degree celsius above the 1991-2020 average. Sea surface temperatures over 60 degrees South–60 degrees North reached 20.92 degree celsius, a September record. Antarctic sea ice remained at a record low, while Arctic sea ice ranked fifth lowest. Wetter conditions occurred in parts of Europe, with drier regions in the southeastern USA, Mexico, and Australia. (“Copernicus: September 2023 – unprecedented temperature anomalies; 2023 on track to be the warmest year on record,” Copernicus, 05 October 2023)