Photo : AP Photo/ Petr David Josek
28 November 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #686
EM in Brief
By Rishika Yadav
CZECH REPUBLIC
Unions protest over austerity measures
On 27 November, labour unions organized widespread strikes opposing the austerity measures. They demanded higher funding for education and healthcare while denouncing pension system changes. The measures included citizens facing increased taxes on alcohol, medicine, and corporate profits as part of the government’s plan to curb a growing deficit. Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister, defended the measures, emphasizing their necessity to control state indebtedness. Massive demonstrations in Prague attracted thousands, with unions vowing more protests if negotiations are not considered. Schools and companies participated in strikes, marking the largest protests since the country’s inception in 1993. The economic package, facing opposition from Andrej Babis, former Prime Minister, is aimed to slash the deficit by billions in 2024. (“Czech Republic sees 'biggest protest in its history' over austerity measures,” Euronews 27 November 2023)
FRANCE
Senate advances VAT measures for Airbnb-like platforms
On 27 November, Euronews reported on Senate’s endorsement for value-added tax (VAT) applications on platforms like Airbnb, amending the Finance Bill for 2024. The move came despite government opposition. The move targeted rental accommodations, aiming to rectify competition imbalances within the hotel industry. It challenged the exemption of furnished tourist rentals from VAT, particularly impacting Airbnb, seen as having an unfair advantage. Max Brisson, the Senator, highlighted the need for fair competition. The government can still reject the measure in the ongoing process, while theThe National Assembly is expected to review similar regulations in the coming week. (“France senate implements stricter taxation measures on Airbnb,” Euronews, 27 November 2023)
GREECE
Sunak calls off meeting over statement on Elgin Marbles
On 27 November, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece’s Prime Minister, criticized Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister, for cancelling their meeting two hours ahead of the schedule. It was seen as a reaction to Mitsotakis’ demand for the return of the Parthenon Marbles which is claimed to have originally from Greece. Talks, including recent discussions with Keir Starmer, Party leader of the Labour Party, sought a potential loan arrangement for the sculptures. Despite UK’s resistance in permanently returning the Marbles, Mitsotakis lamented the lack of progress. Greece officials affirmed efforts to address the issue with the British Museum. (Nektaria Stamouli, “Greek PM slams Sunak as row over Elgin Marbles escalates,” POLITICO, 27 November 2023)
SLOVENIA
Government announces to refund the COVID-19 fines
On 27 November, those who were subject to COVID-19 restrictions close to60,000 faced penalties. The government announced a legislation which will refund nearly EUR six million which was collected as fines from Slovenians. The move comes after formerprime minister Robert Golob pledged to refund. Critics stated the penality as unconstitutional. (Guy Delauney, “Slovenia Covid: Thousands to get lockdown fine refunds,” BBC, 27 November 2023)
SPAIN
Government commits EUR 1.4 billion to protect Donana National Park
On 27 November, Spain allocated a EUR 1.4 billion investment to safeguard the Donana national park from drying up. Teresa Ribera, Ecological Transition Minister, said that it was aimed to halt water-intensive crop cultivation by incentivizing farmers around the park. Overexploited aquifers have harmed the wetlands, prompting efforts to alleviate pressure on this unique ecosystem. Financial incentives will encourage farmers to halt cultivation or switch to dry, ecological farming. Plans to expand irrigation near Donana were cancelled to relieve aquifer stress. Donana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts vital migratory bird habitats threatened by agricultural impacts, climate change, and drought. (“Spain announces a €1.4 billion deal to help protect Doñana wetlands from drought,” Euronews 27 November 2023)
SWEDEN
Far-right leader’s Mosque comment sparks criticism
On 27 November, Ulf Kristersson, the Prime Minister, denounced the remarks made by Jimmie Akesson, leader of Sweden Democrats (SD), emphasizing freedom of religion. Tensions rose after the Quran burnings, leading to strained relations with Middle Eastern countries. Akesson, along with other party members, made controversial statements on 25 November, advocating for the demolition of mosques spreading anti-Swedish sentiments and prompting criticism. Magdalena Andersson, former Prime Minister, urged official condemnation and dismissal of party members from ministerial roles. Akesson softened his stance afterward, suggesting closure rather than demolition of extremist-preaching mosques. Akesson’s column in Aftonbladet defended actions, rejecting international criticism and emphasized the need to address extremism. Past incidents of Quran burning and disinformation campaigns already have strained Sweden’s international ties. (“Sweden’s prime minister condemns far-right call to demolish mosques,” Euronews, 27 November 2023)
Tesla wins lawsuit against Swedish transport agency over licence plate delivery dispute
On 27 November, the court ruled in favour of Tesla, mandating licence plate delivery within seven days or facing a fine. The Transport Agency is accused of impeding access due to a postal worker strike, an allegation denied by the agency. Tesla filed a lawsuit against the state over the strike hindering licence plate deliveries. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, criticized the situation as ‘insane,’ considering the impact on new car use in Sweden. The legal battle unfolded amidst Tesla’s resistance to collective wage agreements for its mechanics in Sweden, reflecting similar union concerns in Germany’s Brandenburg plant. (Pierre Emmanuel Ngendakumana, “Tesla wins court backing in suit over blocked license plates in Sweden,” POLITICO, 27 November 2023; “Tesla sues Sweden over postal strike,” Deutsche Welle, 27 November 2023)
THE UK
Rishi Sunak woos investors at Global Summit
On 27 November, Sunak at the Global Investment Summit, hailed the UK’s GBP 29.5 billion funding for innovative ventures. He showcased the country as a prime investment hub. Big commitments from firms like Microsoft, BioNTech, IFM Investors, and Iberdrola are expected to generate 12,000 new jobs countrywide. Sunak promoted the Conservative Party’s “levelling up” agenda, focusing on broadening investments across the UK. The Summit, hosting over 200 global executives, is aimed to celebrate UK innovation and attract more investment, despite the current economic challenges marked by lower growth forecasts. Sunak emphasized on tax cuts and innovation as pivotal to the UK’s appeal for investors. (“Prime Minister's keynote speech at the Global Investment Summit: 27 November 2023,” GOV.UK, 27 November 2023; “UK welcomes almost £30bn of investment ahead of Global Summit,” Euronews, 27 November 2023)
REGIONAL
EU approves unified disability card for cross-border ease
On 27 November, the EU Council agreed on a directive for a unified European disability card and parking permit, simplifying travel for persons with disabilities across member states. This card ensures equal access to privileges like reduced fees, priority access, and reserved parking during short stays. National authorities will issue physical and digital cards, recognized EU-wide as proof of disability. The directive emphasized on multilingual cards and QR codes for fraud prevention. Additionally, the parking card will replace existing permits for cross-border mobility within five years. Efforts focus on awareness, data protection, and aligning with the EU’s disability rights strategy for 2021-2030. Negotiations with the European Parliament are anticipated in early 2024. (“European disability card: travelling across the EU to become easier for persons with disabilities,” European Council, 27 November 2023)
EU Council passes Data Act for fair data access
On 27 November, the EU Council approved the Data Act, ensuring equitable access and usage of data. Jose Luis Escriva, Spain’s Minister of Digital Transformation, highlighted its potential in advancing the digital age, boosting economic growth and a unified data market across Europe. The act mandated manufacturers and service providers to grant users access to data generated by their products or services, promoting sharing with third parties. It is aimed to stimulate competition, foster innovation, and facilitate data portability for individuals and businesses. The law introduced trade secret protections, measures against unfair data-sharing contracts, and provisions for emergency data access. (“Data Act: Council adopts new law on fair access to and use of data,” European Council, 27 November 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU approves free trade deal with New Zealand
On 27 November, the European Council approved the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. It paved the way for its enactment once New Zealand completes its procedures, potentially in early 2024. Valued at nearly EUR 9.1 billion in 2022, bilateral trade is expected to surge by 30 per cent, with EU exports potentially increasing by EUR 4.5 billion annually. This deal is aimed to eliminate tariffs on key exports, broadening market access for services, and bolster investment. Additionally, it protects renowned EU products and encourages digital trade, sustainability, and gender equality. The agreement also ensures sanctions for severe violations of core labour principles of the Paris Agreement. (“EU-New Zealand: Council gives final green light to free trade agreement,” European Council, 27 November 2023)