Photo : HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
19 October 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #650
EM In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
GEORGIA
President surpasses impeachment vote
On 18 October, Salome Zurabishvili Georgia’s President was saved from an impeachment vote. In a voting held in the parliament 86 out of 150 voted in favour of impeachment where two-third majority was required and the opposition abstained from voting. It was targeted against Zurabishvili’s attempt to secure membership support for Georgia with EU leader through a meeting. Georgia’s constitutional court declared it as a violation of the constitution. In response she said: “No-one could impede me on the road leading to the sole goal I have today: to get EU candidate status for Georgia by the end of the year.” Previously Georgia’s EU membership status was held under conditions of implementing “judicial, electoral, press freedom and cutdown in the power of oligarchs.” Zurabishvili has been subject to criticism on failure of implementing those conditions. (“Georgia: Pro-EU president survives impeachment vote,” Deutsche Welle, 18 October 2023)
SWEDEN
Thunberg arrested in protest held in London
On 17 October, Sweden’s young climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by the UK police on gathering protestors outside an oil and gas conference. In the protest, Thunberg along with hundreds of people from Fossil Free London and Greenpeace groups demonstrated saying “Oily Money Out.” She said: “Behind these closed doors, spineless politicians are making deals and compromises with lobbyists from [the] destructive fossil fuel industry.” The protests were targeted against the fossil fuel companies which seem to drag in the energy transition and shift into renewables to make profits. According to the Thunberg, the consequence of using of fossil fuels is clear and argues that despite the awareness the industries continue to do “nothing.” (“Greta Thunberg detained at London climate protest,” Deutsche Welle, 17 October 2023)
REGIONAL
ECB announces preparatory phase to switch Euro to digital currency
On 18 October, Europe’s Central Bank (ECB) announced the launch of digital version of the Euro. According the governing council, a two-year “preparation phase” will begin from 01 November to set the rules and select private-sector partners. This phase will also assess the benefit and risk related to common digital currency. The final decision to launch it remains to be finalised but it would ease the use of Euro in digital format from central bank money. According to ECB president: “We need to prepare our currency for the future… coexist alongside physical cash, while leaving no one behind.” In its statement, the central bank highlighted that the move would boost the monetary sovereignty and invoke competition in the “European payment sector.” At the global level, China and Japan are equally in the experimental mode on digital currencies whereas the US, England and Canada till opt a cautious approach. (“European Central Bank moves 'digital euro' to next phase,” Deutsche Welle, 18 October 2023)
European Parliament award Mahsa Amini the prize of Freedom of thought
On 19 October, Roberta Metsola, President of European Parliament awarded Jina Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life and Freedom Movement in Iran European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. She highlighted the brutal murder of Amini as a spark point to provoke the women-led movement. The prize is given as a tribute for brave women, men and young people of Iran for leading the movement despite pressure. The award is one of the highest tribute to human rights fighters and provides award of EUR 50,000. (“Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life and Freedom Movement in Iran awarded top EU human rights prize,” Euronews, 19 October 2023)