Photo : Irish Foreign Ministry
24 October 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #654
EM In Brief
FINLAND
China’s ship under scrutiny in Baltic Sea cable damage investigation
On 23 October, Euronews reported that China has been cautioned by Finland and Estonia as an investigation into sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea is ongoing. A Hong Kong-registered vessel, the Newnew Polar Bear, was in the vicinity of damaged pipelines and cables. Authorities have described the damage as caused by “external mechanical force,” not an explosion. China has called for an “objective, fair, and professional” investigation, while Moscow denies involvement. Sweden also reported damage to an undersea telecommunications cable in the same area. (“China cautions Finland and Estonia over pipeline 'sabotage' investigation,” Euronews, 23 October 2023)
FRANCE
Government sends weapons to Armenia amid concerns of Azerbaijan conflict
On 23 October, France provided military equipment, including air defence systems to Armenia. The move came amid fears that Azerbaijan might launch further attacks after its victory in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia is looking to reduce its reliance on Russia for protection. The Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed France’s commitment to Armenia’s defence. Armenia has also signed contracts with Thales and Safran for defence equipment and expressed its gratitude for France’s support. Tensions persist, as Azerbaijan conducts military exercises near the Iran’s border. Russia, Turkey, and Iran held talks with Armenia and Azerbaijan to prevent outside interference in the region. (Laura Kayali and Gabriel Gavin, “France sends weapons to Armenia amid fears of new conflict with Azerbaijan,” POLITICO, 23 October 2023)
GERMANY
Sahra Wagenknecht launches new left-wing party
On 23 October, Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent leftist politician, has announced plans to establish a new political party. The move came to potentially draw votes away from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The “Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - for Reason and Fairness” combines left-wing economic policies. It also maintains a restrictive stance on migration and opposes current climate change measures, sanctions against Russia, and German arms supplies to Ukraine. The new party aims to be launched by January, with Wagenknecht’s positions appealing to voters disillusioned with mainstream parties. Her move could endanger the existing Left Party, with which she has severed ties. (“New left-wing German political party headed by Sahra Wagenknecht could draw votes from far-right AfD,” Euronews, 23 October 2023)
ICELAND
Women stage protest for gender pay gap
On 23 October, BBC reported that Iceland’s women, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, are staging a women’s day off in protest of the gender pay gap and gender-based violence on 24 October. The strike will impact fields where women constitute the majority, such as healthcare and education. It is Iceland’s first full-day women’s strike since 1975 when around 90 per cent of the female workforce participating, leading to the passage of equal pay legislation. While Iceland is recognized as one of the world’s most gender-equal countries, this strike highlights ongoing issues. Jakobsdottir’s government is exploring how to value female-dominated professions compared to male-dominated ones. (Ido Vock, “Iceland's PM strikes over gender pay gap,” BBC, 23 October 2023)
IRELAND
2023 Global Ireland Summit to strengthen global presence
On 23 October, Department of Foreign Affairs reported that the 2023 Global Ireland Summit will be hosted in Dublin Castle on 24 October. The annual event will bring together leaders from various sectors, focusing on Ireland’s Global Ireland strategy to enhance its global impact by 2025. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin will host and present the keynote address. Diverse speakers include Environment Minister Eamon Ryan and European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly. The Summit will span for four days, featuring discussions on topics such as climate, technology, and Ireland’s global voice. It aims to bolster Ireland’s presence, engage in economic, political, and environmental issues, and strengthen connections with its diaspora. (“2023 Global Ireland Summit,” gov.ie, 23 October 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU and Central Asia affirm partnership in ministerial meeting
On 23 October, the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting held in Luxembourg. Ministers from the EU and five Central Asian countries reiterated their commitment to a strategic partnership based on shared values and interests. They emphasized peace, security, and sustainable development, supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency and praising regional cooperation efforts. A Joint Roadmap for deeper collaboration was endorsed, spanning political dialogue, trade, energy, security, and more. Climate change and biodiversity were key concerns, and the ministers' expressed worries about the situation in Afghanistan. The first EU-Central Asia Summit is set for 2024, hosted by Uzbekistan. (“Joint Communiqué of the 19th European Union-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, Luxembourg,” European Council, 23 October 2023)