Photo : Denis Balibouse/Reuters
23 October 2023, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #653
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
BELGIUM
Implements new security measures and appoints new Justice Chief after Brussels attack
On 22 October, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced that Belgium is introducing five short-term security measures to enhance its response to potential threats. The move is followed by the recent attack in Brussels. Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne resigned. He took responsibility for the failure to act on Tunisia’s extradition request for the attacker, Abdesalam Lassoued. Lassoued was a Tunisia’s national and a rejected asylum seeker, identified as an “Islamic State” group member. He shot two Swedish soccer fans and wounded another before being killed by police. The failure to deport him despite a deportation order and his illegal residence raised questions about Belgium’s handling of radicalized individuals and administrative errors. Paul Van Tigchelt, the former head of the threat analysis coordinating body, has been appointed as the new justice minister. The measures include additional magistrates in Brussels, resolving a Dutch-speaking public prosecutor appointment issue, reinforcing the federal judicial police, and bolstering railway police. Committees will review security procedures, and information exchange among immigration, police, and the judiciary will be improved. (Bartosz Brezezinski, “Belgium unveils new security measures, justice chief after Brussels attack,” POLITICO, 22 October 2023)
ICELAND
Foreign Minister meets NATO Military Committee Chair
On 21 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bjarni Benediktsson met with Admiral Rob Bauer, NATO Military Committee Chair. They discussed NATO’s deterrence and defence, the Ukraine war, and North Atlantic and Arctic security. It was Admiral Bauer’s third visit to Iceland in this capacity, where he also addressed the Arctic Circle Assembly. (“Foreign Minister meets with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee,” Government of Iceland, 21 October 2023)
NORWAY
Foreign Minister urges urgent aid and peace in Gaza, at Cairo Summit
On 21 October, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza at the Cairo summit. He also stressed on preventing further escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He emphasized compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and infrastructure. Eide called for a humanitarian pause in the fighting to allow aid delivery and urged the release of Israel’s hostages. About 200 Norway’s nationals, including children, remain in Gaza, raising concerns for their safety. Norway reiterated support for a two-state solution and announced a NOK 60 million contribution to UNRWA, bringing their total humanitarian support to NOK 200 million. (“Foreign Minister at Gaza summit in Cairo: ‘Urgent help needed in Gaza’,” Government.no, 21 October 2023)
SLOVENIA
Reinstates border checks amid security concerns
On 21 October, several European countries, including Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary, reintroduced border checks within the Schengen Area. The move came due to rising security concerns related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The move reflected increased worries about public safety and the impact of the conflict on the 27 countries bloc. The EU is considering the challenges posed by internal border controls and their impact on free movement within the Schengen Area. Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and France are among the countries implementing such measures to address migration and security threats. (“Slovenia introduces border checks with Hungary and Croatia,” Euronews, 22 October 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Right-wing populists gain ground in election
On 22 October, right-wing populist party, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), appeared to have increased its share to 29 per cent of the vote in the general election. Concerns about immigration, climate change, and health insurance fees drove voters’ decisions. The SVP faced criticism for its “xenophobic” ad campaign highlighting crimes by foreigners. The Social Democrats (SP) are projected to secure around 18 per cent of the vote. The Greens and Green Liberals, who saw substantial gains four years ago, are expected to lose support. New parliament members will appoint the federal government in December. (“Populist right grows as counting underway for Swiss election,” Deutsche Welle, 22 October 2023)
THE UK
Defence Secretary visits US for urgent talks
On 22 October, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps traveled to Washington D.C. for urgent discussions with Austin III and Congressional members. The discussions focused on global stability during the Gaza-Israel crisis. The UK has deployed military assets to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent escalation and provided humanitarian aid. This visit followed the recent meeting between UK and US defence secretaries at NATO HQ in Brussels. The UK and US are committed to upholding international law and protecting civilian lives. (“Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visits US for urgent talks in support of global stability amid Gaza-Israel crisis,” GOV.UK, 22 October 2023)
REGIONAL
EU at Cairo Peace Summit: Strong support for peace
On 21 October, addressing the Cairo Peace Summit, President Charles Michel expressed the EU’s commitment to peace, citing the Treaty establishing the EU’s principles. He condemned Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel and called for the release of hostages. The EU emphasized civilian protection and Israel’s right to self-defence within international law. Key points included humanitarian access, preventing regional escalation, and pursuing a lasting solution based on the two-state principle. Michel highlighted the ‘Peace Day Effort’ process and support for the Palestinian Authority. (“Address of President Charles Michel at the Cairo Peace Summit,” European Council, 21 October 2023)
EU and US envoys push for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue amid escalating tensions
On 21 October, EU and US envoys along with diplomats from Germany, France, and Italy, called on Kosovo and Serbia to restart talks to de-escalate the rising tensions. It involved Miroslav Lajcak, EU’s Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and Gabriel Escobar, US’ Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs. Their visit followed a recent violent incident between Serb gunmen and Kosovo police. The envoys emphasized the urgency of de-escalation and normalization. They highlighted the need to implement a ten point plan for resolving political crises. The creation of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities is a key point of contention, with the EU and US urging Kosovo to establish it. Kosovo wants Europe to sanction Serbia for the September attack. (“Serbia and Kosovo leaders urged to resume dialogue to diffuse escalating tension,” Euronews, 21 October 2023)