Photo : MICHAL CIZEK/AFP
In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
CZECH REPUBLIC
Deadly shooting at Prague University
On 21 December, a gunman, now confirmed dead by the police, killed 14 and wounded 24 at Prague’s Charles University Faculty of Arts. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister, cancelled plans, returning to Prague amid ongoing police operations. Vit Rakusen, Interior Minister, dismissed links to terrorism. European leaders, including Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, and von der Leyen, offered condolences. The White House condemned the “senseless” violence. Police discovered several weapons at the university and confirmed the gunman’s alleged patricide. The incident, rare for the Czech Republic, prompted closures in the Old Town area. (“Czech Republic: Fatal shooting at Prague university,” Deutsche Welle, 21 December 2023)
FRANCE
Paris Olympics: Security plans for opening ceremony
On 21 December, Emmanuel Macron, President, assured readiness for potential changes in the 2024 Olympic opening due to security concerns. The ceremony, initially set along the Seine River, might relocate, considering past terror incidents. Macron outlined backup plans in case of crises, emphasising preparedness for any scenario. The unique opening, a departure from traditional stadium settings, is aimed to engage thousands along Paris’ riverbanks. Despite heightened security after recent attacks, organizers affirmed their commitment to the Seine-centric event. (“Macron says Paris ready to deal with Olympic terror threat,” Deutsche Welle, 21 December 2023)
Emmanuel Macron defends controversial immigration bill
On 20 December, in response to the immigration bill, Macron defended, calling it imperfect yet reflective of public desire. The parliament vote on 19 December marked a compromise between Macron’s centrists and conservatives, leading to the bill’s passage in the National Assembly. Critics claimed it mirrors far-right demands for “national preference,” strengthening deportation and social welfare restrictions for foreigners. Aurelien Rousseau, Health Minister, resigned in opposition. The bill, labelled a betrayal of France’s values, gained 349-186 votes. Gerald Darmanin, Interior Minister, backed the bill, citing tougher actions against foreign offenders and provisions for migrant workers. The bill awaits final enactment after Constitutional Council review. (Sylvie Corbet and Elaine Ganley, “France’s Macron defends divisive immigration bill and denies it marks tilt by government to right,” Associated Press, 21 December 2023)
POLAND
New government dismisses public media leaders
On 21 December, Euronews reported that a recent coalition government (led by the Law and Justice party) ousted public media leadership, affecting TV, radio, and news agencies. Programming ceased abruptly, with TVP stations like TVP Info halting operations. The move aimed to break the former administration’s alleged political media control, leaving employees uncertain about their future. (Magdalena Chodownik, “New Polish government sacks governing bodies of public media,” Euronews, 21 December 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Signs pioneering financial services pact with the UK
On 21 December, Jeremy Hunt, UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer hailed the unprecedented financial services agreement as a signal of openness for deals that bolster competition. This mutual recognition deal permitted UK financial firms, spanning banking and asset management sectors, to operate in Switzerland, respecting UK regulatory standards. The reciprocal applies to Switzerland entities in the UK. Hunt emphasised the agreement’s basis on the “deference principle,” bypassing the need for UK-Swiss regulatory alignment. Notably, the UK insurance firms sought to gain exclusive access to Switzerland, exempt from certain incoming regulations. The accord is aimed to instil certainty, facilitating planning and investment for both countries’ firms, potentially setting a blueprint for future mutual recognition agreements. (“UK signs first of its kind financial services agreement with Switzerland,” GOV.UK, 21 December 2023; Stefan Boscia, “UK and Switzerland strike ‘first of its kind’ financial services deal,” POLITICO, 21 December 2023)
THE UK
Eurotunnel strike resolves
On 21 December, union workers unexpectedly halted Eurotunnel traffic between France and the UK due to a wage dispute. The staff of Getlink, the company that operates the Eurotunnel connecting both countries, initiated the walkout, disrupting Eurostar, car, and freight services. The blockade affected routes to London, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Workers protested a EUR 1,000 year-end bonus, demanding triple the amount. The strike, ending in the evening after fruitful negotiations, caused travel chaos ahead of Christmas. Services resumed at night with passenger travel set on 22 December. Clement Beaune, Transport Minister, criticized the strike, urging an immediate resolution. (“Eurotunnel strike halting traffic between France, UK ends,” Deutsche Welle, 21 December 2023)
TURKEY
Airstrikes hit Kurdish militant targets in Iraq
On 20 December, Turkey’s warplanes conducted fresh airstrikes in northern Iraq against suspected PKK locations. 14 targets in Gara, Hakourk, and Qandil regions were hit, destroying caves, shelters, and warehouses allegedly used by militants. Ankara is aimed to combat the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) presence in Iraq, an issue addressed in high-level security talks between Turkey and Iraq officials in Ankara. The PKK, Baghdad, and Kurdish authorities in Iraq have not responded. The PKK, labelled a terrorist group by the US and EU, has long been a concern for Turkey. The conflict, ongoing since 1984, has claimed many lives. (“Turkey says its warplanes have hit suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq,” Associated Press, 21 December 2023)
REGIONAL
EU backs Super League, alarms football establishment
On 21 December, the EU’s Court of Justice ruled that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) violated competition laws by curbing the Super League. It signalled a potential shift in football governance. France and Italy are aiming to legislate against such projects in January. The court found UEFA’s rules on new interclub projects and player restrictions unlawful, stirring concerns over football's 70-year governance. Real Madrid and Barcelona, supported by A22 Sports, aim to reshape European football despite challenges. A22 Sports CEO welcomed the ruling, emphasising club freedom. The court highlighted flaws in UEFA’s rules but recognized subsequent amendments. UEFA defended its revised rules, while the European Club Association pledged cooperation with FIFA and UEFA. Football Supporters Europe vowed to continue opposing the Super League. (Ali Walker and Varg Folkman, “Football’s Super League gets win at EU top court,” POLITICO, 21 December 2023; Matt Ford and Andreas Sten-Ziemons, “European Super League: EU court rules UEFA ban 'unlawful',” Deutsche Welle, 21 December 2023)