Photo : Javad Parsa/NTB Scanpix via AP
12 October 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #644
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
FRANCE
Court rejects class action alleging police racial profiling
On 11 October, the highest administrative court (Conseil d'État) rejected a class action lawsuit against the state. It asserted that it is not within the judiciary’s purview to redefine public policy. While recognizing the issue of discrimination in policing, particularly against young Arab and Black men, the court did not label it as “systemic.” This case, brought by six human rights organizations, is seen as a missed opportunity by advocates for concrete reforms. The lawsuit’s scope and political nature may not align with the French judicial approach, according to legal experts. It is the first ruling on a class action lawsuit against the state in France. It could influence future legal actions in the country. (“Top French court rejects lawsuit contending 'systemic' racial profiling by police,” France24, 11 October 2023)
NORWAY
Sami activists protest demanding removal of wind farms Fosen district
On 11 October, Sami activists held protests outside Norway’s parliament to voice concerns over a wind farm they argue threatens their way of life. Protesters blocked a major Oslo Road, demanding the dismantling of the turbines and the restoration of the land. The dispute centres on Europe’s largest onshore wind farm with 151 turbines in central Norway’s Fosen district. The protests were held in Oslo on the second anniversary of a court ruling that deemed wind farms in western Norway illegal on land traditionally used by Sami reindeer herders. Activists assert that the transition to green energy should not infringe on the rights of Indigenous people. They have been protesting the wind farm’s continued operation despite a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that found the turbines’ construction violated the Sami’s rights. The 151 turbines in question remain operational despite the court’s verdict. While the ruling invalidated permits for turbine construction, it did not provide guidance on their fate. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store admitted “ongoing human rights violations,” and activists demand the removal of windmills from Sami land. (“Norway activists renew protest against wind farm on land used by herders,” Associated Press, 11 October 2023; “Sami Activists Protest Illegal Wind Turbines In Norway,” Barron's, 11 October 2023)
POLAND
Poles abroad registers to vote in election
On 11 October, Euronews reported that over half a million members of Poland’s diaspora have registered for the upcoming parliamentary election. It comes with their votes potentially influencing the outcome. The ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) seeks a third term, but the opposition led by Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition party (KO) is a strong contender. Polls indicate a possible coalition government as neither PiS nor KO appears likely to secure a majority. Concerns exist about the handling of overseas votes due to new electoral rules. (Giulia Carbonaro & Magdalena Chodownik, “More than half a million Poles abroad register to vote in Sunday's close-call election,” Euronews, 11 October 2023)
SLOVAKIA
Smer, Hlas, and SNS form new coalition government
On 11 October, the Hlas party, finishing third in the 30 September election, chose to enter a coalition with the Smer party, which won the election, and the Slovak National Party (SNS). Together, these parties have 79 seats in Slovakia’s parliament. The incoming government faces fiscal and geopolitical challenges but claims prior experience makes them well-prepared. The coalition agreement allocates ministries with Smer taking six, Hlas receiving seven, and SNS three. The new government’s campaign pledges include ending military support for Ukraine and resisting sanctions on Russia, sparking concerns in Brussels. (Tom Nicholson and Laura Hulsemann, “New government emerges in Slovakia, with Robert Fico as prime minister,” Politico, 11 October 2023)
REGIONAL
Gaia Space Mission unveils hidden stars in Milky Way clusters
On 11 October, Deutsche Welle reported that the Gaia mission discovered half a million new stars within the Omega Centauri globular cluster. It unveiled the most densely packed region observed. Gaia is a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), aimed at creating a 3D map of the galaxy. These globular clusters, some of the universe’s oldest objects, helped determine the sun’s position in the Milky Way. Gaia’s advanced observations allowed scientists to overcome the challenges of studying these clusters, which can distort light through gravitational lensing. The mission’s findings provide crucial insights into the distribution of stars in the Milky Way. Further, it aims to confirm the galaxy’s age and the universe itself in future data releases. (Sushmitha Ramakrishnan, “Gaia space observatory finds half a million new stars,” Deutsche Welle, 11 October 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Tunisia returns EU funds amid migrant deal dispute
On 11 October, according to Politico, tensions between Tunisia and the EU escalated as Tunisia returned EUR 60 million of EU budget support. It was delivered in September, in response to growing dissatisfaction with the migrant deal signed in July. Tunisia accuses the EU of withholding more promised funds and claims the EUR 60 million was already part of a pre-existing agreement. Nabil Ammar, Tunisia’s Foreign Minister, criticized the EU and officially returned the funds on 09 October. While relations have soured, the EU maintains that the Tunisia deal sets a precedent for future agreements with North African nations, with a similar deal proposed for Egypt. (Gregorio Sorgi, “Tunisia hands back €60M of EU funding as migrant deal tensions soar,” Politico, 11 October 2023)
EU and US plan joint tariff zone on steel and aluminum imports
On 11 October, according to Politico, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a joint EU-US tariff zone. It targets steel and aluminum imports from non-market economies, particularly China, with a 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum. This initiative seeks to unite like-minded economies in imposing tariffs on countries accused of subsidizing sectors like steel and clean technology. The proposal is intended to enhance the transatlantic alliance against China, with a focus on sustainable steel and reducing subsidies. EU member states have granted the Commission authority to negotiate with the US, though some feel underrepresented. Steel-producing countries may challenge the concept at the WTO, while negotiations between the EU and US continue with challenges in reaching a consensus. (Camille Gijs and Sarah Anne Aarup, “It’s the EU and US against the rest of the world in new steel club,” Politico, 11 October, 2023)