Photo : AP Photo/Jon Super
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
BELARUS
Aims for sustainable economic growth
On 09 October, Aleksandr Yegorov, the Chairman of the Development Bank, expressed confidence in Belarus’ trajectory towards long-term economic growth. This follows President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s approval of key development parameters for 2024. It includes a projected GDP growth of 3.8 per cent, driven by investments, expanded foreign market presence, and domestic demand. Exports are expected to increase by 7.6 per cent, focusing on growing foreign trade and capital expenditure. Yegorov highlighted the One District-One Project initiative and import-substitution projects as essential contributors to export growth. It particularly targets Asian, African, and Latin American markets. (“Belarus on track towards stable long-term economic growth,” Belta, 09 October 2023)
Russia appointed governor of Novosibirsk Oblast seeks closer ties with Belarus
On 09 October, Andrei Travnikov, Governor of Russia’s Novosibirsk Oblast, highlighted priority areas of cooperation with Belarus. It was during a meeting with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. The region aims to collaborate in agriculture, particularly joint agricultural machinery production, and biotechnology. It focuses on bio additives, premixes, and plant bioprotection products. Additionally, Novosibirsk is exploring new ties in the medical field, with plans for joint research and development of medical devices. It includes high-power pulse generators and catheters for complex heart rhythm disorders. A delegation comprising government and business representatives will visit Belarus’s enterprises to strengthen cooperation. (“Priority areas of cooperation between Russia's Novosibirsk Oblast, Belarus outlined,” Belta, 09 October 2023)
THE UK
Supreme Court reviews asylum deportation
On 09 October, the Supreme Court of UK reviewed the government’s appeal to overturn a law deeming the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, unlawfully. It is a policy championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to curb asylum-seeking numbers. This hearing comes as the UK prepares for upcoming elections. Government lawyers will contest the ruling over three days, while migrants from various countries will challenge the deportation scheme. The June ruling in London’s Court of Appeal stated Rwanda was not a safe third country. It highlighted the deficiencies in its asylum system and the risk of deportees facing persecution or inhumane treatment upon return to their home countries. The Conservative Party, which has made migration policy a top priority, is closely watching the outcome. Over 100,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since 2018, a pressing concern for the public and a key factor in the Brexit vote. PM Rishi Sunak’s government seeks to block asylum applications from those arriving in the UK by small boats. (“UK court to hear government appeal on Rwanda migrant plan,” Deutsche Welle, 09 October 2023)
REGIONAL
EU divided over Palestine’s aid cuts
On 09 October, Olivér Várhelyi, EU Enlargement Commissioner, announced a review of EUR 691 million in aid payments, but this move sparked concerns across the bloc. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, later clarified that payments would not be suspended to avoid punishing all Palestinians and emboldening terrorists. The EU’s united stance on Israel’s conflict with Hamas is fracturing, with internal divisions over whether to freeze aid to the Palestine’s Authority. Disagreements on the issue are expected at the EU foreign affairs ministers’ meeting, where member states are set to discuss the matter. The situation highlights long standing divisions within the EU on the Israel-Palestine conflict. (Barbara Moens and Suzanne Lynch, “EU U-turns after halting Palestinian funding following Hamas attack,” Politico, 09 October 2023)
Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania discusses oil pipeline project
On 09 October, according to Euractiv, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania are considering the oil pipeline project. It connects the Greek port of Alexandroupolis to Bulgaria’s port of Burgas. It is seen as part of their efforts to enhance energy, transport, and digital connectivity in Southeast Europe. The project, initiated in 1994 and revived by Bulgaria, is gaining traction due to concerns over Russia’s oil supplies and the impact on traffic in the Bosphorus. This development also interests Russia’s company Lukoil, which manages the Burgas refinery. The pipeline could help Lukoil export its production more easily and reduce Russia’s dependence on Turkey for oil transport. (Emiliya Milcheva and Krassen Nikolov, “Three countries support construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline,” Euractiv, 09 October 2023)
NATO contemplates expanding security relations amid growing concerns
On 09 October, Euractiv reported that NATO is considering enhancing security ties with countries in Africa and the Middle East. This move comes as China and Russia increased their influence on NATO’s southern flank. Concerns about insecurity in these regions have prompted NATO’s comprehensive reflection on threats, challenges, and engagement opportunities with partner countries and international organizations. While NATO members advocate for a broader focus beyond the eastern flank to counter Russia’s and China’s influence, building new relationships would not be straightforward. Dialogue and tangible support are suggested as initial steps, with countries like Brazil, South Africa, India, and Indonesia also seen as potential future partners. (Aurélie Pugnet, “NATO eyes firmer foothold in its Southern neighbourhood,” Euractiv, 09 October 2023)
Baltic gas pipeline shutdown; Repairs may take months
On 09 October, Finland’s gas system operator Gasgrid and its Estonia’s partner Elering, said that the Balticconnector subsea gas pipeline could take several months or more to repair. It is in case a puncture is confirmed. The pipeline connects Finland and Estonia, which was shut down due to a suspected leak. The pipeline suffered a significant pressure drop, and investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the location and cause of the outage. Repair duration depends on the extent of damage. Gasgrid has closed the pipeline valves to prevent further gas loss. Unlike the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, there were no immediate signs of seismic activity near the Balticconnector. (“Repairing Finland-Estonia gas pipeline may take months, operator says,” Reuters, 09 October 2023; “Operators to inspect Finland-Estonia gas pipeline for possible leak,” Reuters, 09 October 2023)