Photo : BBC
13 October 2023, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #645
EM In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
FRANCE
Government announces ban against pro-Palestinian protests
On 12 October, important cities in France, Paris, Lille, Bordeaux, and other cities witnessed protests in support of Palestine. In response, Gerald Darmanin, France’s Interior Minister announced a ban on demonstrations and those resisting to be arrested. On the same Emmanuel Macron, France’s President asked people to not cause divide and said: “The shield of unity will protect us from hatred and excesses.” The ban on protests comes after concerns among the Europeans arise due to “antisemitism” triggered from the war in Israel. After the ban, the Pro-Palestinian groups said the ban endangered their “freedom of expression,” and stressed to continue the protests. (Ido Vock and Laurence Peter, “French police break up pro-Palestinian demo after ban,” BBC, 13 October 2023)
GERMANY
Defence minister announced military contribution to NATO
On 12 October, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister announced its decision to provide 35,000 troops to NATO as of 2025. The move comes after NATO proposed its plan to protect few critical locations in Europe. Till now 300,000 NATO troops have been allotted for quick deployment in any other NATO country. Along with the troops, Germany will also produce 200 aircrafts and key assets for faster deployment. According to Pistorius, close to 4,000 will be deployed standardly in Lithuania. (“Germany to provide NATO with 35,000 troops from 2025,” Deutsche Welle, 12 October 2023)
New migration bill proposed to allow more authority for deportation
On 11 October, Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Interior Minister revealed a migration bill to restructure deportation. The bill would grant more powers to German authorities to carry out deportation of migrants of dangerous nature such as criminals, and smugglers. The measures include an extension in the “period of detention” from 10 to 28 days as a preparation time for the authorities to deport. A spokesperson from the Social Democratic Party stated that the discussion on the proposal was underway with the local and state authorities. Next step will be to reach consensus among the coalition parties to make possible adjustments to avoid repatriations. For the same, Olaf Scholz German Chancellor called the opposition party lead Fridrich Merz from Christian Democratic Union for a meeting on 13 October to gather consensus for the migration policy. (“Germany moves to streamline migrant deportations,” Deutsche Welle, 11 October 2023)
HUNGARY
Government signs agreement with Georgia on cooperation in advanced technologies
Between 11-12 October, Marton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister of Economic Development held meeting with Levan Davitashvili, Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia in the Georgian-Hungarian government meeting. The discussion focused on cooperation in future technologies, AI, and industry 4.0 solution. In the outcome, the ministers signed an agreement to promote industrial cooperation in digital transformation, advanced technologies, skilled workforce, production of transport vehicles and medical equipment. Till now the trade between the two countries comes to USD 90 million. (“Agreement to Deepen Industrial Cooperation with Georgia,” Hungary Today, 13 October 2023)
THE UK
Government to deploy surveillance ships to trace regional threats
On 13 October, BBC reported on UK’s decision to send two Royal Navy ships and surveillance aircraft to boost security in the eastern Mediterranean. The move comes after violence lasting six days in Israel. Sent aircraft will patrol from 13 October to trace weapon transfers or threats that might hamper regional stability. Along with this, three Merlin helicopters and Royal Marines will also be sent in support. The government assured that it will “stand side by side with Israel in fighting terror.” UKs Defence Secretary stated that the sent ships will help hospital facilities and deter external influence. (Aoife Walsh, “UK to deploy Royal Navy ships to Middle East to 'bolster security',” BBC, 13 October 2023)