Photo : Johan Nilsson / TT / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP
26 October 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #656
EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
GERMANY
Terry Reintke announces candidacy for Greens’ EU election campaign
On 25 October, Member of European Parliament (MEP), Terry Reintke, announced her candidacy for leading the Greens European election campaign. She said her focus is on climate justice, fair wages, and democracy in Europe. Reintke, already a co-president of the Greens group in the Parliament, aims to bring Europeans together for these goals. The European Greens will choose two Spitzenkandidaten, at least one being a woman, in Lyon, France, in February. They argue that this process democratizes EU elections, ensuring greater transparency in selecting top positions, like the European Commission presidency. Polls suggest the Greens may not replicate their 2019 success in the upcoming elections. (Eddy Wax, “German MEP in running to lead Greens’ EU election campaign,” POLITICO, 25 October 2023)
Cabinet aims to ease deportations of unsuccessful asylum-seekers
On 25 October, the German Cabinet approved legislation aimed at streamlining the deportation process for unsuccessful asylum-seekers. If endorsed by parliament, this legislation will extend pre-deportation detention from ten to 28 days; expedite the deportation of individuals linked to criminal organizations. It will also grant authorities the power to conduct residential searches for identity verification, and, in some cases, remove the obligation for advance notice of deportations. The move comes as Germany grapples with a significant influx of refugees and asylum-seekers due to the Ukraine war and ongoing migration challenges. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need to carry out deportations on a larger scale. (“New German legislation aims to make it easier to deport asylum seekers,” Euronews, 25 October 2023)
IRELAND
Heritage Ireland 2030 Summit focuses on expertise and skills for safeguarding heritage
On 25 October, the Heritage Ireland 2030 Summit was held. The importance of enhancing expertise and skills in Ireland’s heritage sector was a central theme. Over 250 attendees, including heritage leaders, community groups, and government representatives, discussed the preservation of Ireland’s built, archaeological, and natural heritage. Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, emphasized the significance of capacity building through the Heritage Department’s grant schemes. He further added that these schemes play a crucial role in strengthening the expertise and skills of heritage and conservation practitioners, along with safeguarding historic buildings and monuments. The event also highlighted successful initiatives and recent developments in the heritage sector. (“Renewed focus on expertise and skills to safeguard Ireland’s heritage at Heritage Ireland 2030 summit,” gov.ie, 25 October 2023)
ITALY
EU sues former MEP over EUR 250,000 debt from fraud probe
On 25 October, POLITICO reported that Crescenzio Rivellini, a former European Parliament member from Italy, is refusing to repay over EUR 250,000. It is public money and he is accused of being misappropriated. An investigation by the EU’s anti-fraud office found that Rivellini funneled funds from his office budget. He sent the funds to a company owned by his former parliamentary assistant and romantic partner, which was not declared to Parliament, violating conflict-of-interest rules. Rivellini has launched a lawsuit against the Parliament to avoid repaying the money. Despite previous appeals, senior MEPs unanimously dismissed his case earlier in 2022. The Parliament has also started withholding part of his pension. (Eddy Wax and Gregorio Sorgi, “Former European parliamentarian fights to avoid paying back €250K after fraud probe,” POLITICO, 25 October 2023)
NORWAY
Ghana’s Genebank joins Svalbard Global Seed Vault as 100th depositor
On 25 October, Ghana’s Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute contributed seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, becoming the 100th depositor. The deposit included crucial food crops like maize, rice, eggplant, and cowpea, securing the country’s agricultural diversity. This initiative aids global food security, with over 1.2 million seed samples preserved in the world’s largest crop diversity collection. (“Ghana genebank becomes the 100th depositor to Svalbard Global Seed Vault,” Government.no, 25 October 2023)
POLAND
Donald Tusk aims to revive European ties and unlock COVID-19 funds
On 25 October, Donald Tusk, the opposition leader from Civic Platform (KO) party, expressed his commitment to restoring Poland’s place on the European stage. He made further commitments to access EUR 35 billion in COVID-19 recovery funds during his visit to Brussels. Tusk’s Civic Platform and opposition parties secured a majority in the recent elections, potentially making him Poland’s next prime minister. This change is expected to improve EU-Warsaw relations strained during the previous government’s rule. Tusk and Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, discussed various issues, including the Ukraine-Russia conflict, recovery funds, and democratic values. The ongoing dispute over the rule of law has hindered fund disbursement. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Donald Tusk vows to bring Poland back to the 'European stage' and unlock COVID-19 recovery funds,” Euronews, 25 October 2023)
SLOVAKIA
President appoints new coalition government led by Robert Fico
On 25 October, President Zuzana Caputova, appointed a new coalition government led by populist Robert Fico, who previously served as Prime Minister. The coalition has a slim majority of 79 seats in the 150-member parliament and includes the far-right Slovak National Party. Fico has promised to end military aid for Ukraine, but some analysts believe he would not change course immediately. Fico will attend an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, with Ukraine aid likely on the agenda. The largest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, has 32 seats and is led by Caputova. (“Slovakia forms coalition government with pro-Russia party,” Deutsche Welle, 25 October 2023)
SWEDEN
Oil spill threatens Baltic Sea after ferry runs aground
On 22 October, a passenger ferry, the Marco Polo, ran aground south of Karlshamn, causing a large oil spill in the Baltic Sea. The vessel had deviated from its usual route before grounding, leading to a slick of fuel in the sea. Sweden’s coast guard is launching a criminal investigation into the incident. The accident released a slick of fuel into the Baltic Sea, and the oil reached the coast. A preliminary investigation has been opened for violations of maritime legislation. Authorities and the ferry’s operator, TT-Line, are assessing the damage, with no risk of the ship sinking. (Rebecca Ann Hughes, “‘Two cubic metres of oil’: Swedish coastguard rushing to clean up ferry fuel leak,” Euronews, 25 October 2023)
THE UK
Spy agencies warns of political threats posed by AI Systems
On 25 October, British intelligence agencies warned that generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems could pose a significant threat to political systems, warning of manipulation and deception of populations by AI-generated content. A government paper examined the near-term risks of AI until 2025, pointing to digital risks such as cybercrime and hacking, particularly concerning AI’s potential negative impact. However, he emphasized the need to address associated risks and ensure safety while benefiting from AI’s economic growth and problem-solving capabilities. (Andrew Mcdonald, “British spy agencies warn of AI threat to democracy,” POLITICO, 25 October 2023)
REGIONAL
Amazon introduces European Sovereign Cloud for enhanced data privacy
On 25 October, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced that it is launching the AWS European Sovereign Cloud in Europe to adhere to stringent EU regulations. This separate cloud, based in Europe, ensures data sovereignty, security, and compliance with 143 standards. AWS is collaborating with European authorities to meet data residency and operational autonomy requirements. Germany will host the first AWS Region within this cloud, managed solely by EU-resident AWS employees. The move comes as companies seek to address concerns over data privacy and security in the wake of the EU’s invalidated Privacy Shield agreement. (“Amazon rolls out new independent cloud for Europe,” Euronews, 25 October 2023)