Photo : EU/Lukasz Kobus
NIAS Europe Daily Brief #699 | 11 December 2023, Monday
In Brief
Rishika Yadav
BULGARIA
Diversifies gas supply pipeline with Serbia
On 10 December, Serbia opened a pipeline to Bulgaria, reducing reliance on Russia’s gas. The link has offered access to Azerbaijan’s gas, aiming to bolster energy security. Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia’s President, Rumen Radev, Bulgaria’s President, and Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s President, attended the opening ceremony. The pipeline has sought to connect Novi Iskar in Bulgaria to Nis in Serbia, providing access to Azerbaijan’s gas and Greece’s LNG terminal. A recent deal with Azerbaijan secured 400 million cubic metres annually from 2024. The EU supported the project financially. Previously reliant on Russia’s gas, Serbia’s move marked a shift amid EU efforts to reduce dependency on Russia’s energy sources. (“Serbia opens pipeline to Bulgaria to diversify gas supplies,” Deutsche Welle, 10 December 2023)
FRANCE
Macron criticized for religious gesture in Elysee Palace
On 09 December, BBC reported that Emmanuel Macron, France’s President, faced backlash for participating in a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony inside the Elysee Palace. It violated the country’s secular principles. The event, attended by Haim Korsia, Chief Rabbi, marked the start of Hanukkah and Macron’s receipt of an anti-Semitism award. The move drew criticism from various political factions, considering it a breach of secularism. Macron defended the gesture, asserting it was in the “spirit of the Republic and of concord.” Critics view it as part of Macron’s inconsistent stance on the Gaza conflict, attempting to balance relations with Israel and Arab countries within France’s diverse population. (Hugh Schofield, “France’s Emmanuel Macron buffeted from all sides in row over secularism,” BBC, 09 December 2023)
IRELAND
Minister for Agriculture spotlights methane mitigation efforts at COP28
On 10 December, Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, highlighted methane reduction strategies at COP28’s US Chamber of Commerce event in Dubai. Addressing Ireland’s emission targets, he stressed the need to curtail methane and nitrous oxide from agriculture. His panel participation featured Ireland’s advancements in genetically selecting low methane-emitting cattle, constituting 73 per cent of the country’s agricultural emissions. McConalogue showcased Ireland’s robust investment in climate research, notably in feed additives to reduce methane. He underscored collaborations with New Zealand and global initiatives like “AIM for Climate.” Ireland’s sustainable food systems were also showcased as a global model, emphasizing science and innovation for future food security and environmental preservation. (“Minister McConalogue focuses on Methane Mitigation at COP 28,” gov.ie, 10 December 2023)
GEORGIA
President rallies for EU membership ahead of crucial decision
On 09 December, Salome Zourabichivili, Georgia’s President, joined the Tbilisi march as the EU prepared to decide on Georgia’s candidacy status. Hundreds gathered, drumming and waving flags along Rustaveli Avenue. Rally organizers stressed unity in Georgia’s path to the EU. Zourabichivili hailed the event as a manifestation of the people’s desire for Europe. The EU’s impending decision on 15 December follows Georgia’s application post-Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion. EU membership could fortify Georgia’s defence, especially after the 2008 conflict with Russia. Despite popular support, the ruling party’s remarks align with the stance of Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, though they claim commitment to EU and NATO aspirations. (“Georgia rallies for EU membership ahead of key decision,” Deutsche Welle, 09 December 2023)
REGIONAL
EU concludes agreement on dependable AI regulation with the Artificial Intelligence Act
On 09 December, Members of the European Parliament finalized a landmark deal with the European Council, achieving a consensus on the Artificial Intelligence Act. This legislation is aimed to ensure AI in Europe complies with fundamental rights, bolsters innovation, and protects democracy. The Act has sought to ban harmful AI applications like social scoring and manipulative systems, implementing strict rules for high-risk AI. Safeguards for law enforcement use of biometric identification systems were also agreed upon. Businesses failing to comply may face fines up to seven per cent of their global turnover. Co-rapporteurs highlighted the Act’s significance in upholding rights while supporting innovation, with next steps involving formal adoption by Parliament and Council. (“Artificial Intelligence Act: deal on comprehensive rules for trustworthy AI,” European Parliament, 09 December 2023; “AI: EU agrees landmark deal on regulation of artificial intelligence,” BBC, 09 November 2023)
Global poll shows decline in democracy perception
On 11 December, POLITICO reported that a cross-country poll, spanning seven Western countries, noted a decline in democratic satisfaction over the past five years. Majority opinion across the US, France, and the UK reflected concerns about worsening democracy, echoed in Croatia, Italy, Poland, and Sweden. Dissatisfaction prevailed, with many perceiving the system as biased toward the affluent and urging “radical change.” EU sentiment varied: while support existed, dissatisfaction lingered regarding EU-level democracy, lacking perceived influence over decisions. The survey highlighted challenges for EU leaders ahead of the European Parliament elections, emphasizing the need to align public sentiment with EU institutional processes for the forthcoming polls. (Nicholas Vinocur, “Western democracies face crisis of confidence ahead of big votes, poll shows,” POLITICO, 11 December 2023)