Photo : Reuters/The Financial Times
30 December 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #717
In Brief
By Meenakshi Ravichandran
BULGARIA
Lawsuits challenge COVID-19 handling of the government
On 30 December, Euractiv reported on Three lawsuits that criticise Bulgaria's pandemic response specifically, the poorly executed vaccination rollout and dubious school closures have put the country in the sights of legal action. The government is accused of neglecting vaccination public education, closing schools unnecessarily and failing to prioritise disadvantaged populations in the accusations which are being led by the Helsinki Committee and the Bulgarian Open Society Office. They contend that Bulgaria has the second-highest COVID-19 fatality rate in the world which is a tragic result of these purported failings. The lawsuits highlight a case of improper vaccination administration for children and call for prompt action to safeguard vulnerable lives and end prejudice. They also aim to bring attention to the disorganised vaccination process. ("Bulgaria is facing lawsuits because of the pandemic," Euractiv, 30 December 2023)
ITALY
Government speeds up recovery with EUR 16.5 billion EU funds
On 30 December, ANSA English reported on the fourth iteration of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) released by the European Commission. It provided a significant impetus for Italy's post-pandemic recovery. This substantial EUR 16.5 billion award was obtained following Italy's successful completion of 28 major benchmarks indicating advancement in critical domains such as public procurement social inclusion, public administration modernization, and justice reform. This will be deployed to support investments in the space sector, green hydrogen technologies, transportation infrastructure, research, education, and social policies, as well as to drive improvements in digitization, namely cloud migration for local public administrations. With this large payment, Italy has already secured approximately EUR 102 billion in NRRP resources, demonstrating its commitment to and advancement towards the plan's goals.Working together with the European Commission, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister has reaffirmed her government's commitment to the prompt and comprehensive implementation of the amended NRRP. ("'Fourth NRRP installment paid today' - premier's office," ANSA English, 30 December 2023)
RUSSIA
Foreign Ministry demands for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
On 30 December, Sputnik reported on Russia's Foreign Ministry has been vocally supporting a quick truce in the Gaza conflict in recent days, condemning terrorism and collective punishment and highlighting how urgent it is to put an end to the ongoing carnage. In addition to this diplomatic posture, the Russian Defence Ministry demonstrated the remarkable powers of the Kh-101 cruise missile which was created by the Raduga Design Bureau and has a 5,500-kilometer range and large payloads.Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia brought attention to Ukraine's resource shortages in the midst of the conflict before the UN Security Council saying that his nation does not have the resources to advance or sustain the status quo on the contact line. Nebenzia called on the Security Council to take action against Ukraine for placing anti-air defence systems in residential areas, which is regarded as a violation of international humanitarian law. ("Russia Calls for an Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza," Sputnik, 30 December 2023)
SWEDEN
Initiative to use drones to deliver defibrillators for cardiac arrest cases
On 30 December, Euractiv reported on the skies over Sweden becoming battlefields against cardiac arrest as a life saving transformation takes place. According to a groundbreaking study in 67 per cent of cases drones fitted with defibrillators reach patients up to three times faster than ambulances. Though obstacles like weather and limitations still exist these self sufficient life savers provide vital equipment to patients within 15 metres. Researchers envision countless applications such as applying wound bandages for mishaps or administering adrenaline for allergies. This pioneering European initiative sets the stage for broader adoption and might save countless lives throughout the continent where 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals every year. While researchers are planning to link the defibrillator system with volunteer networks. Sweden's drone fleet takes off, providing hope and a glimpse into a future when emergency response reaches new heights. ("Sweden uses drones to fight cardiac arrest," Euractiv, 30 December 2023)
THE UK
Tony Chung activist from Hong Kong seeks asylum
On 30 December, the BBC reported on Tony Chung, a well known pro democracy activist bravely fled Hong Kong to seek refuge in the UK out of fear of ongoing surveillance and harassment from the government. After being found guilty of encouraging secession Chung was released from prison in June and entered what he calls "an even bigger and more dangerous prison." Chung felt stuck in a situation, forced to report on fellow activists faced with regular police meetings and even offered money to become an informant. He took the decision to leave his native country and seek refuge overseas all the while appearing to be on a sanctioned trip to Japan. Chung is now in the UK and intends to recover, and go back to school and keep fighting for a more independent Hong Kong. ("Tony Chung: Student activist flees Hong Kong to seek asylum in UK," BBC, 30 December 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
75th anniversary of BRI offers opportunities to improve Hungary-china relations
On 30 December, Hungary Today reported on two significant events the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China. Hungary's EU Presidency is predicted to have a significant impact on 2024. It is even possible that in 2024 Chinese President Xi Jinping would pay a visit to Hungary. Since the Belt and Road project was announced in 2013 Hungary's relations with China have grown stronger and in 2015 Hungary joined the Chinese project. Hungarian government policy has placed an increasing amount of emphasis on the country's relationship with China. For example, the government declared significant Chinese investments this year, and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his delegation travelled to China in October. ("Significant Year to Come in Hungarian-Chinese Relations," Hungary Today,30 December 2023)
Venezuela Condemns UK Warship Deployment Near Guyana
On 30 December, Politico reported on the UK dispatch of the cruiser HMS Trent to Guyana, despite the long-simmering border conflict between Venezuela and Guyana. Nicolás Maduro declares it is a "hostile provocation" and launched military drills in Venezuela in retaliation. The flames were fueled by the oil-rich Essequibo, which Venezuela claims but Guyana controls. The recent vote called by Maduro to garner support from the populace for the region further fueled the flames. The action taken by the UK is a possible deterrent against Venezuelan aggression as well as a show of support for Guyana. The international world is closely monitoring the situation and is pushing for negotiation and a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice, which Venezuela now rejects. De-escalation depends on the future actions and rhetoric from both sides. ("Venezuela’s Maduro blasts ‘provocation’ as UK sends warship to Guyana," Politico, 30 December 2023)
A look at EU Southeast Asia relations in 2024
On 30 December, Deutsche Welle Reported on A significant shift in the EU Southeast Asian relationship is anticipated in 2024 characterised by important elections simmering trade tensions and readjusting alliances. Economic relations are clouded by new EU restrictions pertaining to palm oil which may put strain on relationships with significant Southeast Asian exporters like Indonesia and Malaysia. The region's Muslim-majority countries are adamantly opposed to what they see as EU hypocrisy over the Israel-Gaza conflict. As China's close ally Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship worries over Beijing's sway on regional agendas intensify. As ethnic armed factions hold tentative discussions with the junta speculation about possible realignments within the country is rife. This is contributing to the ongoing uncertainty in Myanmar. The February EU-ASEAN Ministerial Summit presents a critical chance to fortify the cooperation and advance multilateralism in the face of growing international uncertainty. The EU and Southeast Asia will shape the future of their long-standing partnership as 2024 progresses by managing these changing tides and striking a balance between conflicting interests. ("What's in store for EU-Southeast Asia ties in 2024?," Deutsche Welle, 30 December 2023)