Photo : BBC
NIAS Europe Daily Brief #715 I 28 December 2023, Thursday
In Brief
By Meenakshi Ravichandran
LATVIA
Riga rolls out 35 Solaris electric buses
On 28 December, ENG.LSM.lv reported on release of 35 new electric buses in Riga. Known as "Solaris" vehicles are currently undergoing testing to replace the noisy diesel buses. With the support of the EU Cohesion Fund the city, the initiative aims towards a greener future reducing both CO2 emissions and noise pollution. Additional benefit for the passengers includes comfortable journeys, smartphone charging ports and a reduced environmental impact. ("Electric buses ready to hit the streets of Rīga," ENG.LSM.lv, 28 December 2023)
44 new species discovered in wildlife observations
On 28 December, ENG.LSM.lv reported on Latvia's natural environment observations of recording more than 281,000 diverse fauna and flora of Latvia. The figures include a total of 44 unknown species such as slime fungi and rare plants. While birds continue to dominate the list of most spotted creatures butterflies, mushrooms also add to the list. This surge in record was due to “availability of technology” easing the reporting by the individuals faster and motivating to be part of data collection process. ("Latvia recorded many wildlife observations in 2023," ENG.LSM.lv, 28 December 2023)
FRANCE
Eiffel Tower to remain closed due to worker strike
On 28 December, Deutsche Welle reported on closure of Eiffel Tower in Paris due to strike over worker contract. Marking the 100th anniversary of Gustave Eiffel's (French architect) death, the employees of the tower staged strike leaving numerous tourists to a closed entrance. Negotiations regarding the contract between the staff and the city have hit a roadblock leading to a symbolic protest. The tower remains inaccessible leaving pre-Christmas tourism and the upcoming 2024 Olympics in question. ("France: Eiffel Tower staff goes on strike," Deutsche Welle, 28 December 2023)
POLAND
Government reform to liquidate of all public media faces block from PiS
On 28 December, Deutsche Welle reported on the latest announcement by Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, Poland’s Cultural Minister on government’s decision to liquidate all public media. According to the government, the liquidation ensures the protection of jobs, prevent layoff and allows restructuring. Sienkiewicz added on revoking of lengthy liquidation processes if needed. Whereas the Law and Justice party (PiS) criticised the move calling destruction of Poland’s media. In response, Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister defended saying it was crucial for preserving a free press citing legal justification. ("Poland puts state media into liquidation amid political row," Deutsche Welle, 28 December 2023)
THE UK
Recycling: Plans for electrical goods to be included in UK collections
On 28 December, BBC News reported on UK government’s proposal to introduce kerbside collections for small electrical goods such as toasters and hair dryers from 2026. The main objective of this initiative is to improve recycling efforts and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Under this plan retailers would be responsible for collecting larger electrical items, like fridges when delivering replacements for customers. By implementing these measures, the government aims to prevent the unnecessary disposal of millions of electrical items each year and make it easier for households to recycle unwanted electronics. The Environmental Services Association has expressed its support for these proposals highlighting that they would simplify the recycling process and provide greater convenience for individuals to recycle their waste electronics at home. (Thomas Mackintosh, "Recycling electrical goods could be done at kerbside and drop-off points in shops," BBC News, 28 December 2023)
Strike by junior doctors affect appointments
On 28 December, BBC News reported on the impact on National Health Service (NHS) due to a six-day strike by junior doctors starting 03 January. This marks the longest strike in the history of the organisation cancelling close to 88,000 appointments, including crucial hospital check-ups and surgeries. There is also a possibility of disruption in emergency services as senior doctors are being called upon to fill the gaps. This recent action was a direct consequence of unsuccessful negotiations between the British Medical Association British Medical Association (BMA) and the government leaving numerous junior doctors disappointed due to years of below-inflation pay increases. The demand from the junior doctors is a raise of 35 per cent. The impact of this strike is estimated to cost more than GBP two billion to the NHS. (Nick Triggle, "Junior doctors' strike: Thousands of NHS appointments hit by walkout," BBC News, 28 December 2023)
Rural homeless crisis explodes
On 28 December, Deutsche Welle reported on increasing pressure in rural England due to 40 per cent raise in homelessness over the past five years surpassing major cities like London. In towns like Boston, the plight of rough sleepers resonates with rates exceeding those of the capital on a per capita basis. This was fuelled by soaring housing prices, stagnant wages, and a dwindling supply of affordable options, demands immediate action. The UK requires a significant boost in housing availability, a redefined concept of "affordable" aligning with local circumstances and a steadfast commitment to ensuring every individual regardless of being in bustling metropolises or tranquil villages, has a secure roof. ("Homelessness climbs sharply in rural England," Deutsche Welle, 28 December 2023)