EM In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
AUSTRALIA
Urges EU trade deal at G7 meeting
On 26 October, POLITICO reported on Australia push for a trade deal with the EU. It a meeting between Don Farrell, Australian Trade Minister and Valdis Dombrovskis, EU’s trade chief in Japan, they agreed to resolve remaining differences during the G7 trade ministers’ gathering in Osaka. Australia seeks European concessions on agriculture, warning that failure to secure a deal which could result in years of delay due to upcoming European elections. A deal is crucial for Australia’s agricultural sector since it offers a counterbalance to China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. For the EU, it means diversifying trade partners and securing access to Australia’s critical minerals. Key hurdles include pricing of raw materials and geographical indications protection. (Camille Gijs and Sarah Anne Aarup, “Australia pushes for EU deal at upcoming trade meeting,” POLITICO, 26 October 2023)
BELGIUM
Tunisia’s man linked to Brussels attack arrested
On 26 October, Belgium authorities detained a 44-year-old Tunisia’s man in connection with the shooting of two Sweden’s soccer fans during a football match in Brussels. The arrest seeks to establish a potential link to the weapon used in the terrorist attack. The suspect faces charges of terrorist murder, attempted terrorist murder, and involvement in a terrorist organization. The shooter, who identified with the Islamic State, was killed by the police. Vincent Van Quickenborne, Belgian Justice Minister, resigned after revealing authorities failed to deport the suspect despite Tunisia’s extradition request in August 2022. (“Belgium charges suspect in connection with Brussels attack,” Deutsche Welle, 26 October 2023)
LITHUANIA
Government moves to revise controversial “Gay Propaganda” law amid EU pressure
On 26 October, Euronews reported that Lithuania’s government has taken steps to amend a contentious law known as the “gay propaganda” law. Critics argue that it restricts information about same-sex marriage and LGBTQI issues, particularly for minors. The law, established in 2009, has sparked debates over its impact on freedom and equality. While it does not explicitly mention the LGBTQ+ community, it has been criticized as homophobic and limiting free expression. The move to amend the law comes after a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found that it violated the right to free expression. The law was previously used to censor a children’s book featuring same-sex relationships. Despite legal and social discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Lithuania, this proposed change has the potential to impact the country’s political landscape. (Joshua Askew, “Lithuania moves to ditch controversial Russian-style 'anti-gay propaganda' law,” Euronews, 26 October 2023)
THE UK
Trevelyan addresses affirms commitment to security at South China Sea conference
On 25 October, Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan delivered a keynote speech at the South China Sea conference in Vietnam. She emphasized the global significance of the region. She marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam and reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security. The speech highlighted the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific, stability, climate change collaboration, and open communication to prevent escalation. The UK supports the UNCLOS and opposes actions undermining it. The UK pledged to work with ASEAN and offered assistance in areas such as environmental preservation, energy transition, and maritime cooperation. (“Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan gave a keynote speech to South China Sea conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,” GOV.UK, 26 October 2023)
Defence Secretary in Middle East to bolster regional security
On 26 October, in an effort to maintain regional stability and protect civilians, Grant Shapps, UK Defence Secretary, embarked on a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Shapps met with leaders in both countries, collaborating with over 40 countries to ease tensions and prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of working together to prevent suffering and protect innocent families. Discussions in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi centered on deterring escalation and promoting mediation. The UK also delivered 21 tonnes of aid to Palestine’s civilians in Gaza, part of a GBP 30 million humanitarian support package. (“Defence Secretary travels to Middle East on regional security mission,” GOV.UK, 26 October 2023)
Pro-Palestinian protesters block UK arms factory linked to Israelt
On 26 October, amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, over 100 protestors, including teachers, academics, and doctors, blockaded an arms factory in the UK. The factory is connected to Israel’s weaponry supply. The protestors denounced the alleged use of the UK’s arms by Israel. The factory, owned by Instro Precision, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, specializes in military-grade electro-optical equipment. The demonstrators called for an end to complicity in Israel’s actions, highlighting the UK’s significant role as a weapons supplier. Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) estimated these sales at GBP 336 million since 2016, expressing concerns about transparency. Meanwhile, vocal support to Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister, for Israel in its conflict with Hamas faced criticism from the protesters. (Joshua Askew, “Pro-Palestinian protesters blockade Israel-linked arms factory in UK,” Deutsche Welle, 26 October 2023)