Photo : AFP/CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU
14 October 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #646
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
FRANCE
Marine Le Pen convicted of defamation against migrant NGO Cimade
On 13 October, according to Euronews, Marine Le Pen, former leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, was convicted of defamation. She was convicted against the NGO Cimade, which supports migrants and refugees. She accused Cimade of being “accomplices of smugglers” involved in illegal immigration from the Comoros to Mayotte, a French overseas department. The court found her guilty and ordered her to pay a suspended fine of EUR 500 to Cimade, along with EUR 2,000 in court costs and EUR one in damages. Le Pen’s remarks were deemed to have exceeded the limits of free speech, marking a legal victory for the NGO. (“Marine Le Pen found guilty of defamation after accusing French NGO of smuggling migrants in Mayotte,” Euronews, 13 October 2023)
Attack at school triggers heightened security alert
On 13 October, France elevated its security alert to the highest level after a knife-wielding attacker fatally stabbed a teacher outside a school in Arras, northeastern France. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Russia’s national Mohammed Mogouchkov, shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. Two others were seriously injured. The raised alert level permits increased police and military deployments. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the act of “Islamic terrorism” and urged unity. The attack occurred nearly three years after the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty, raising concerns in the context of heightened Middle East tensions and France’s diverse population. (“France raises alert level after teacher stabbing,” Euronews, 13 October 2023)
RUSSIA
Euractiv reports on continuing oil exports of Russia above sanction cap
On 13 October, Euractiv reported that loopholes have enabled Russia’s crude oil producers to continue selling to China and India at higher prices. The loopholes in sanctions are meant to cap the price of Russia’s oil at USD 60 per barrel. The US has imposed sanctions on owners of tankers transporting Russia’s oil above the cap. However, the arrival of new shippers beyond the reach of Western sanctions has allowed Russia to earn more revenue. Freight rates have dropped significantly, offering Russia’s producers even higher revenues. This situation comes as Russia exported nearly five million barrels per day of crude oil in 2023. Its oil and fuel exports increased to 7.6 million barrels per day in September. (“Growing tanker fleet, cheaper freight challenge Russian oil price cap,” Euractiv, 13 October 2023)
THE UK
Celebrates 200 years of relations in trade dialogue with Peru
On 13 October, Nigel Huddleston Minister for International Trade, and HE Juan Carlos Mathews, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, convened in Lima. It was for the second UK-Peru Trade Dialogue. Celebrating two centuries of diplomatic relations, they lauded the strengthening of bilateral trade and cooperation. It was facilitated by the existing trade agreement and the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP). Both ministers affirmed their commitment to enhancing public and business understanding of these agreements and nurturing growth, particularly among small and medium enterprises. They also discussed key sectors, double taxation agreements, and measures to improve market access. (“UK-Peru trade dialogue: Building for the future,” GOV.UK, 13 October 2023)
REGIONAL
Council of Europe recognizes Ukraine’s Holodomor as genocide
On 12 October, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has voted to recognize the Holodomor, a 1930s famine in Soviet Ukraine, as a “genocide.” The famine, caused by forced collectivization of farmers under Stalin, resulted in millions of deaths. Kyiv has labelled it a deliberate act of genocide since 2006, while Moscow disputes this characterization. The Council’s decision aligns with similar recognition by the European Parliament and countries like Germany. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical injustices. (“Council of Europe votes to recognize Holodomor as 'genocide',” Deutsche Welle, 13 October 2023)