Photo : Joseph Wilson/Associated Press
EM in Brief
By Rishika Yadav
AUSTRIA
Sky Shield initiative to strengthens security
On 15 November, Bundeskanzleramt Germany’s Federal Chancellery reported on Austria’s top diplomats' comments on the European Sky Shield initiative. This initiative supported by Germany aims to boost Austria’s security structure through missiles protection and air space security. Karl Nehammer, Austria’s Chancellor hailed it as pivotal for Austria’s security, emphasizing its innovation and role in defending. The initiative, aims to address short- and long-range missile threats including drones. Nehammer clarified the defensive nature, highlighting the country’s autonomy in deciding targets. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler stressed how Austria who add value to European cooperation’s in creating a common defence field with cost-effectiveness. Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized Sky Shield’s historic significance as fortifying Austria’s airspace security against aerial threats. (“Chancellor Nehammer: Sky Shield is a milestone for Austrian security policy,” Bundeskanzleramt, 15 November 2023)
FRANCE
Judges' issues warrant for Syria President over war crimes
On 15 November, The New York Times reported on issue of international arrest warrant by investigative judges of France for Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s President. They accused him of “complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity” for using of chemical weapon on civilians. The warrant was issued to Assad’s brother and two other Syrian senior officials. Earlier, efforts to bring Assad to the International Criminal Court have been obstructed. This move marked a significant step by a national court against a sitting president for suspected war crimes. (Marlise Simons, “French Judges Issue Warrant for Assad in Syria War Crimes Case,” The New York Times, 15 November 2023; “France issues arrest warrant for Syria's Assad — reports,” Deutsche Welle, 15 November 2023)
ICELAND
Reykjavik Global Forum fosters gender equality discussion
On 15 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on the Reykjavik Global Forum drew 500 and more participants from 80 countries held during13-14 November. The forum serves as a crucial platform for gender equality discussions. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir emphasized sustained efforts for gender parity, citing recent women’s strikes as evidence of ongoing challenges in pay equity and addressing gender-based violence. Bjarni Benediktsson, foreign minister stressed on men’s pivotal role in advancing equality. (“Reykjavík Global Forum,” Government of Iceland, 15 November 2023)
ITALY
Ambiguity persists over EU law in Asylum Protocol with Albania
On 15 November, Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner, mentioned that the deal between Italy and Albania for handling asylum requests wass not under EU law. Under the deal, Italy plans to process up to 36,000 asylum applications annually in Albania for migrants rescued at sea. This has raised concerns about whether EU laws will apply in these centres outside Italy, and if any legal actions can be taken if rules are violated there. There were also questions about transferring migrants from Italy’s waters and if the deal aligns with EU regulations. Amnesty International warned over prolonged detention and issues for asylum seekers outside Italy’s legal oversight. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Italy-Albania migration deal falls 'outside' EU law, says Commissioner Ylva Johansson,” Euronews, 15 November 2023)
SLOVAKIA
New Government faces policy and legal controversies
On 14 November, Robert Fico, Slovakia’s Prime Minister proposed a tax plan aimed at aiding pensioners and low-income groups while nominations to the government hinted a different agenda. It raised concerns about shielding allies from legal issues. Fico’s cabinet include politicians who were previously charged, sparked debates about political motivations and revenge. Ongoing court cases from the past government’s term involved alleged ties to organized crime. Fico’s return after being ousted in 2018 due to protests over a journalist’s murder prompts scrutiny, the cabinet reshuffle, legal battles against oligarchs, and swift personnel changes indicate possibilities for clashes within the ruling coalition. (Tom Nicholson and Ketrin Jochecova, “New Slovak coalition embraces revenge, radicalism,” POLITICO, 15 November 2023)
SPAIN
Prime Minister defends Amnesty for Catalan separatists
On 15 November, Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s acting prime minister defended the amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists in parliament. Street protests emerged in Madrid and Barcelona against the move. This move comes ahead of seeking endorsement for a new government. Sanchez secured smaller parties’ support to reestablish his minority coalition. The amnesty is aimed to pardon Catalan separatists involved in the region’s 2017 illegal secession bid, triggering controversy. Sanchez emphasized unity while facing criticism from the opposition, was accused of betraying the country followed by concerns raised by the judges and the EU on the legality of the amnesty. The separatists are expected to demand for an authorized independence referendum for Catalonia, signalling a challenge ahead. (“Spain's leader defends amnesty deal for Catalan separatists ahead of vote on new government,” Euronews, 15 November 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Strengthen ties with France
On 15 November, during the state visit, Emmanuel Macron, France’s President affirming France’s commitment to deepen bilateral relations with Switzerland. Signing two memorandums of understanding, both leaders discussed on European policy, cooperation agreements, and energy supply collaboration. Both sides addressed global challenges, highlighting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and promoting dialogue through the European Political Community forum. Plans for the visit’s second day included engagements in Lausanne and Geneva, focusing on European unification archives. They emphasized on the agenda to visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), highlighting robust research cooperation. (“Switzerland and France reaffirm and deepen relations during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit,” The Federal Council, 15 November 2023)