Photo : Minister of Finance Mihály Varga of Hungary. Szilárd Koszticsák/MTI
01 January 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #718
In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
ALBANIA
Court places Sali Berisha under house arrest amid corruption probe
On 31 December 2023, Politico reported that Sali Berisha, former Prime Minister, now opposition leader, faced house arrest amid a corruption probe. He was accused of favouring his son-in-law in land privatisation, he denies charges, citing political bias by Edi Rama, Prime Minister. Berisha planned to appeal the verdict that limits his movement and communication, calling it baseless and blaming Rama for stifling opposition. Prosecutors have not pressed charges but claim Berisha breached prior legal mandates. The parliament revoked his immunity, and he faced travel bans in the UK and the US over alleged corruption. Rama refrained from viewing Berisha’s house arrest as a win. (Victor Jack, “Former Albania PM put under house arrest amid corruption probe,” Politico, 31 December 2023)
ESTONIA
Boosts defence amid Russia’s threat
On 31 December 2023, ERR News reported that Estonia significantly upgraded its defence capabilities in 2023. It reported that it is in response to NATO’s reevaluation of its eastern flank following Russia’s invasion on Ukraine. Despite record defence spending, preparations continue for new weapons and strategic manoeuvres. The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) established a division to coordinate and direct joint military actions with allied units. Over EUR 500 million worth of deliveries, including weaponry and equipment, marked the third consecutive record year. The contracts with Germany for air defence systems are aimed to bolster Estonia’s air threat neutralisation by 2025. NATO’s strategic defence plans are underway, ensuring Estonia’s fortified stance amidst perceived Russia’s aggression. (Joakim Klementi, “Estonia's defense capabilities dramatically improved on year,” ERR News, 31 December 2023)
HUNGARY
Receives HUF 300 billion from EU’s RePowerEU plan
On 29 December 2023, HUNGARY today reported that Mihály Varga, Finance Minister, confirmed the arrival of HUF 300 billion in EU funds. The move followed the approval of the amended recovery plan by EU finance ministers on 08 December. The RePowerEU funds, totaling EUR 779.5 million, were transferred to Hungary. Varga highlighted the addition of a EUR 3.9 billion loan tranche and a EUR 0.7 billion non-reimbursable fund to the recovery plan. He emphasised a focus on green transition investments, constituting 67.1 per cent of the total program. The initiative responded to the energy crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to boost renewables, diversify energy supply, and enhance energy efficiency. (“Nearly 780 Million Euros in EU Funding Arrives,” Hungary today, 29 December 2023)
ITALY
Venice implements stricter tourist rules
On 30 December 2023, Venice’s city council restricted tourist groups to under 25 people and prohibited loudspeakers on tours, effective from 01 June 2024. The move is aimed at curbing mass tourism’s disruption; these rules cover the city centre and adjacent islands. The move seeked to safeguard residents from noise, disturbance and to foster more sustainable tourism. (“Italy: Venice bans large tourist groups and loudspeakers,” Deutsche Welle, 30 December 2023)
ROMANIA
EU agrees to lift air and maritime border controls with Bulgaria
On 30 December 2023, EU countries unanimously decided to remove air and maritime internal border checks with Bulgaria and Romania. The border checks would be removed by 31 March 2024, ending 12 years of negotiations. Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, Spain’s Minister for the Interior, hailed this as a significant step toward strengthening the Schengen area. Talks are sought to continue regarding the lifting of internal land border controls. Discussions are aimed for the full inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen zone. Ursula von der Leyen, EU’s President, termed the decision historic, signalling a positive stride for both countries and the Schengen area. Negotiations, driven by Spain’s Presidency, sealed the agreement just before the transition to Belgium’s leadership. (“Schengen area: Council agrees to lift air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania,” European Council, 30 December 2023; Jones Hayden, “Bulgaria, Romania get official green light for partial entry into Schengen,” Politico, 31 December 2023)
THE UK
Eurostar resumes services after tunnel flooding disruption
On 30 December 2023, Eurostar, an international rail service, cancelled 41 trains due to tunnel flooding in England. The move affected travel between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Floods disrupted routes near Kent’s Ebbsfleet station. The company apologised and confirmed a return to normal service on 31 December. Thousands faced travel challenges before new year. Eurostar attributed the issue to “unprecedented” flooding. Weather warnings by the Met Office remained effective, with speed restrictions anticipated despite one tunnel’s reopening. HS1, managing London-to-channel tunnel routes, assured the line’s morning operation after resolving the Thames Tunnel flooding. The cause of the initial leak remains undisclosed. (“Eurostar resumes rail services after flood disruptions,” Deutsche Welle, 31 December 2023; Saskia O'Donoghue, “Eurostar services resume following travel chaos,” Euronews, 31 December 2023)
TURKEY
Police arrests 189 ISIS members
On 30 December 2023, 189 individuals linked to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) was apprehended in widespread raids across 37 cities. Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s Interior Minister, emphasised zero tolerance for terrorism, revealing the arrests made in cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Gaziantep. The operation followed previous arrests connected to a embassy attack plot. (“Turkey arrests 189 Islamic State suspects,” Deutsche Welle, 30 December 2023)