Photo : Antonia Sehlstedt/AP
30 November 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #688
EM in Brief
By Rishika Yadav
SPAIN
Member of European Parliament threatens to withdraw support to Sanchez
On 29 November, Carles Puigdemont, Member of European Parliament warned to withdraw his party support from Pedro Sanchez government, if negotiations with Catalan independence lack progress. Instead, Junts Party would collaborate with the Popular Party (PP). This implies Sanchez would the support to hold the coalition government. Puigdemont stated considering a no-confidence vote if an agreement with PP on a pro-independence Prime Minister is reached. However, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of PP, the opposition rejected the alliance, citing illegality and constitutional issues. (Jakob Hanke Vela, “Puigdemont warns he’s willing to topple Spanish PM Sánchez,” POLITICO, 29 November 2023)
SWEDEN
Parliament approves new nuclear power legislation
On 29 November, the Riksdag endorsed the government’s proposal for additional nuclear power in Sweden. The new legislative changes allowed the construction of reactors in locations beyond Forsmark, Ringhals, and Oskarshamn. Furthermore, the law permitted more than ten reactors to operate simultaneously. The Riksdag agreed with the government’s assessment that nuclear energy, offering fossil-free electricity, remains pivotal in Sweden’s energy mix. The move comes in response to an increasing electricity demand and the imperative to phase out fossil fuels, especially for climate reasons. These amendments will take effect on 01 January 2024. (“New nuclear power in Sweden,” SVERIGES RIKSDAG, 29 November 2023)
Turkey pledges swift NATO ratification
On 29 November, Tobias Billstrom, Foreign Minister of Sweden assured Turkey’s decision to ratify its bid to Sweden’s membership to NATO sooner. It was followed by discussions with Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister. Billstrom emphasized the expectation for the process to conclude, expressing eagerness for its completion without presumptions. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey postponed voting on Sweden’s accession bid. This delay occurred without any new conditions being presented, as confirmed by Billstrom, who reiterated Sweden’s completion of the necessary requirements for NATO membership. Hungary is also expected to ratifiy Sweden’s alliance membership. (Stuart Lau, “Sweden says Turkey pledges to ratify its NATO bid ‘within weeks’,” POLITICO, 29 November 2023)
THE UK
Ursula von der Leyen urges young britons to reverse Brexit
On 29 November, Ursula von der Leyen, EU President, urged for a return of the UK back to the EU, highlighting that young people must rectify the Brexit error. She appreciated the Windsor Agreement’s positive impact on Northern Ireland, a deal between the UK and the EU, addressing post-Brexit trade and border issues, especially concerning Northern Ireland. The agreement sought to facilitate trade while preventing a hard border with Ireland. A spokesperson for Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister, rejected the notion of Brexit needing fixing, emphasizing Sunak’s commitment to its benefits. Although polling revealed public support for rejoining the EU, Westminster (Parliament) remains cautious. The Labour Party, in the lead for the next government, has sought close EU ties but firmly opposes rejoining the single market or restoring freedom of movement. (Jamil Anderlini and Jon Stone, “EU’s von der Leyen urges youth to reverse Brexit,” POLITICO, 29 November 2023)
Joint Expeditionary Force reacts to rising tensions in Baltic Sea
On 29 November, Euronews reported on ten Northern European countries decision to form the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on adopting of a “defence clause.” The countries include, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. This enables reinforcement of maritime and air capabilities to safeguard vital underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The move comes due to several attacks observed lately. They seeked to bolster security in response to escalating incidents, including recent disruptions to crucial infrastructure. According to Pal Jonson, Sweden’s defence minister: “Around twenty warships will be deployed in the Baltic Sea but also in areas of the North Atlantic to take into account the security situation and better protect crucial underwater infrastructure.” (“Ten European countries bolster military presence in Baltic Sea,” Euronews, 29 November 2023)
REGIONAL
European Parliament faces far-right risk amid migration crisis
On 29 November, Manfred Weber, head of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), cautioned for a shift in Europe to far-right if the present government fail to manage migration influx. He stressed the need to reduce irregular arrivals, with over 331,000 incidents in 2023, predominantly in the Central Mediterranean route. The Dutch elections reflected a shift towards far-right views, raising concerns for the upcoming European polls. Weber urged swift conclusion of the new pact on Migration and Asylum, emphasizing its critical role in appeasing skeptical voters. The pact, striving for a balanced EU-wide policy, has sought to undergo final negotiations. Weber also highlighted tensions within the EPP concerning its hardened stance on migration’s “external dimension,” especially its cooperation with countries like Tunisia, while affirming its necessity in curbing illegal migration. (Jorge Liboreiro, “EU countries need to curb irregular migration to prevent far-right surge, says Manfred Weber,” Euronews, 29 November 2023)
Europe’s inflation decline: Impact on consumers and businesses
On 29 November, Euronews reported that after enduring high inflation for two years, Europe observed a potential downward trajectory in consumer price pressures. Despite this, the economic growth appeared sluggish, as noted in the European Commission’s Autumn Forecast, signaling growth rates below three per cent. In Belgium, while energy prices stabilized, food costs continued rising, affecting customers and businesses adversely. Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner, predicted that increased wages will offset inflation, fostering consumption and potentially boosting growth in 2024. However, concerns have persisted about energy costs for companies like Etex, spurring investments in efficient technologies amid rising expenses and decreased construction demand. The evolving energy situation remained uncertain due to geopolitical conflicts and inflation’s intricate balance, risking stagflation. (Fanny Gauret, “Eurozone inflation drops to two-year low, but Europeans are still feeling the pinch,” Euronews, 29 November 2023)