Photo : Christopher F. Schuetze
25 October 2023, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #655
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
GERMANY
Cargo ships collide off coast
On 24 October, a collision between two cargo ships off the North Sea coast left one dead and four missing. The UK-flagged Verity, carrying steel from Germany to the UK, collided with the Bahamian Polesie. Two of Verity’s crew members were rescued, but the ship sank. Search efforts, including divers, are ongoing. The cause of the collision is unclear. None of the 22 crew members on Polesie were injured. Rescue crews are working under challenging conditions with limited visibility and strong currents. A cruise ship also assisted in the search. (“One dead after ships collide in North Sea,” BBC, 24 October 2023; Christopher F. Schuetze, “British Freighter Sinks in Fatal North Sea Collision,” The New York Times, 24 October 2023)
POLAND
Opposition seeks to form new government
On 24 October, Poland’s three major opposition parties united to create a coalition and replace the current Law and Justice (PiS) government. The names of these three opposition parties are: Third Way, The Left and Civic Coalition. They have requested President Andrzej Duda’s permission to form a new government. The coalition, led by former PM Donald Tusk, holds 248 seats in the 460-member lower house. Despite PiS winning the largest share of seats in the October election, it may struggle to secure the needed majority. The opposition urged Duda to expedite the process and highlighted their readiness to govern. Duda will start meetings with political parties, potentially affecting the government formation timeline. (Wojciech Kosc, “Poland’s opposition proposes forming new government,” POLITICO, 24 October 2023)
RUSSIA
Expands railroads to China as trade grows
On 24 October, RT reported that Russia is investing in railway corridors from Kemerovo and Krasnoyarsk to strengthen economic ties with China. The North-Siberian railway will link Europe and Asia, while a second route through the Republic of Tyva will provide direct access to Beijing and Tianjin. Feasibility studies and investment assessments are expected by 2025. The move comes as Russia and China see surging trade flows, deepening economic ties, and growing cargo flows between the two countries. (“Russia planning two new railroads to China,” RT, 24 October 2023)
SLOVAKIA
Robert Fico to resume office as Prime Minister
On 24 October, POLITICO reported Zuzana Caputova, President decision to appoint Robert Fico as the new prime minister, marking his fourth term. He resigned in 2018 due to mass protests related to the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. Fico’s return comes after a political shakeup involving climate-change denier Rudolf Huliak. The Party of European Socialists suspended Fico’s Smer party over this move. Despite controversy, the government is set to address issues at the European Council meeting in Brussels. (Ketrin Jochecova, “Robert Fico to become Slovakia’s new prime minister,” POLITICO, 24 October 2023)
SPAIN
Socialists and far-left Sumar coalition forms government pact
On 24 October, Socialist Party, led by Pedro Sanchez, signed an agreement with the far-left Sumar coalition to establish a coalition government. The pact outlined social measures, such as job cut regulations, minimum wage increases, and reduced working hours without salary reductions. Sanchez still needs the support of smaller regional parties for a parliamentary majority, particularly the Catalan separatist Junts group and the Republican Left of Catalonia. Failure to secure this by 27 November could trigger new elections on 14 January, 2024. (Nicolas Camut, “Spanish socialists strike coalition deal with far-left Sumar alliance,” POLITICO, 24 October 2023)
REGIONAL
EU council signs agreement to limit Baltic Sea catch for 2024
On 24 October, fisheries ministers from the EU reached a political agreement on catch limits (TACs) and quotas for the most commercially significant Baltic Sea fish stocks in 2024. The agreement aligned with scientific advice and Common Fisheries Policy objectives. It reduced TACs for Western herring, Eastern cod, and Western cod due to low biomass. It decreased TACs for herring in the Gulf of Bothnia and Central herring to support stock recovery, and increased TAC for salmon in the Gulf of Finland. It has continued to have fishing opportunities for plaice while accounting for cod by-catch and it lowered TACs for Riga herring, main basin salmon, and sprat due to stock conditions. The decision will be formally adopted soon. (“Baltic Sea: Council agrees catch limits for 2024,” European Council, 24 October 2023)
EU urged to accelerate emission reductions in agriculture
On 24 October, Wopke Hoekstra, the EU’s climate commissioner, called for increased efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in agriculture. The EU made a three per cent reduction in emissions in 2022, totaling a 32.5 per cent reduction from 1990 levels. The 2030 target is 55 per cent. Hoekstra emphasized the need for substantial progress in cutting agricultural emissions, acknowledging its sensitivity but stating it is essential for achieving climate targets. He also highlighted the slow progress in the building and transport sectors and urged the expansion of natural carbon sinks like forests. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies was recommended for a cleaner energy transition. (Zia Weise, “Step up emissions cuts in agriculture, says EU climate chief,” POLITICO, 24 October 2023)