In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
FRANCE
The National Assembly passes stricter migration controls
On 19 December, legislation enforcing tighter migration controls passed in the National Assembly despite opposition. The bill by Emmanuel Macron, President garnered support from conservatives after far-right backing, easing the need for their votes. Gerald Darmanin, Interior Minister, expressed relief as the majority vote ensured independence from far-right support. The bill, aimed at influencing upcoming elections, faced amendments, toughening rules and extending residency requirements. It weakened residency options, delayed benefits access, introduced quotas, and made France’s citizenship harder for immigrants’ children. (“France passes controversial immigration bill,” Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2023; Ido Vock, “French MPs pass controversial immigration reform,” BBC, 20 December 2023)
IRELAND
Commits to European Wind Charter for energy targets
On 19 December, Ireland, represented by Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, joined the European Wind Charter. The move aimed to enhance conditions for wind energy goals, both onshore and offshore. This pact has sought to cover energy plans, auctions, regulations, and equipment, aligned with the EU wind power action plan. Ireland pledged to achieve nine gigawatts onshore by 2030, supporting Ireland’s climate action plan. Ireland also backed targets for 2030 and beyond, emphasising offshore wind, aligning with the North Seas Energy Cooperation’s long-term plans. Ryan highlighted wind energy’s pivotal role in decarbonization efforts and emphasized the need for community engagement to ensure inclusive benefits from wind energy. (“Ireland signs European Wind Charter and makes pledge to deliver on wind energy targets,” gov.ie, 19 December 2023)
ITALY
Pakistani parents gets life sentence for “honour killing” of their child
On 20 December, BBC reported on Italy’s court life sentence to a couple in Pakistan for murdering, Saman Abbas, their 18-year-old daughter, who refused an arranged marriage. Abbas was found dead at a northern Italy’s farmhouse 18 months after her disappearance in November 2022. Shabbar Abbas, her father, extradited from Pakistan, maintained innocence, stating he never considered harming her. Nazia Shaheen, her mother, convicted in absence, is believed to be hiding in Pakistan. The case spotlighted “honour killings,” rooted in tribal customs. Abbas’s relationship triggered fury, leading to her murder. (Kelly Ng, “Italian court jails parents for life over 'honour killing' of Pakistani teen,” BBC, 20 December 2023)
SERBIA
Ruling party wins amid allegations of rigging
On 19 December, Euronews reported that the Progressive Party, led by Aleksandar Vucic, President, secured the parliamentary vote. However, the Belgrade local election faced allegations of theft, prompting demands for a re-vote. Protests surged as opposition members claimed irregularities and fraud, insisting on challenging the city election results. Vucic, defending the election’s fairness, urged calm. International observers noted procedural flaws despite the smooth conduct, mentioning overcrowding and voting irregularities. Vucic’s tenure, spanning a decade, faced criticism for limiting democratic freedoms, allowing corruption, and clashes with opposition accusing the EU of overlooking democratic deficits for regional stability. The ruling party clinched a substantial parliamentary majority, pending final counts. (“Serbian opposition leaders and protesters rally in Belgrade claiming election was rigged,” Euronews, 19 December 2023)
SWEDEN
Court upholds conviction of Iran’s nationals for 1988 executions
On 19 December, Svea Court of Appeals affirmed Hamid Nouri’s life sentence for “grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder.” The move is for his role in the 1988 mass execution of 5,000 political dissidents in Iran. Robert Green, a Judge, supported the prosecutor’s strong case. Nouri remained the sole defendant in the killings, maintaining his innocence despite consistent claims. The trial, under universal jurisdiction, marked hope for justice beyond borders, though it infuriates Tehran. (“Sweden upholds life sentence in Iran prison executions case,” Deutsche Welle, 19 December 2023)
THE UK
HMS Diamond joins task force safeguarding Red Sea shipping
On 19 December, Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond, a third ship of the Type-45 joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international coalition safeguarding merchant ships in the Red Sea. The move came in response to escalating Houthi attacks. Three US destroyers and a France’s warship are part of the task force, focusing on ensuring free navigation and countering threats to global trade and life. The increased Houthi assaults, including ballistic missiles, disrupted major trade routes, affecting companies like Maersk and BP. Defence Ministers globally discussed the operation’s launch, emphasizing its impact on global trade. Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary, emphasised the need for an international solution to counter these threats to global economy and security. He said: “These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to the global economy, undermining regional security and are threatening to drive up fuel prices.” (“HMS Diamond joins new international task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea,” GOV.UK, 19 December 2023; Joshua Posaner, Laura kayali, Tommaso Lecca and Caleb Larson, “European vessels to police Red Sea as part of US task force,” POLITICO, 19 December 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
US and EU agree to suspend trade war until March 2025
On 19 December, BBC reported that the US and EU have halted their trade war, suspending tariffs on steel, aluminum, and retaliatory goods until March 2025. Originally imposed during the presidency of Donald Trump, former US’ President, on national security grounds, they were paused under the administration of Joe Biden, US President. It was aimed to maintain EU relations. The deferment supports Biden’s trade stance domestically, pivotal for states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. Tariffs were a result of conflicting steel imports, with the EU-US dispute ongoing despite the WTO ruling against the measures. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions from steel production are part of ongoing negotiations for a global agreement on fair trade practices. (Jonathan Josephs, “Europe and US extend trade truce over Trump tariffs,” BBC, 19 December 2023)