Photo : Daniel Leal/AFP
05 January 2024, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #722
In Brief
By Meenakshi R, Alka Bala and Rosemary Kurian
HUNGARY
Hungarian Defence forces to lead mission to support Bosnian police
On 04 January, Hungary Today reported on the decision of EU Political and Security Committee to make Hungarian Defence Forces lead EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a year. The commander of the mission, Major General László Sticz, emphasised on the potential use of new equipment like helicopters post 2018 military reform. The EUFOR ALTHEA mission will support local authorities, prioritise Bosnian police assistance. Sticz underscored the importance of an impartial and credible international military force with deterrent capabilities. (“Hungarian Defense Forces Lead EU Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia,” Hungary Today, 04 January 2024)
ITALY
Former Italian prime minister suggests reforms to the EU single market
On 04 January, Politico reported on Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister’s plan to propose changes to the policies guiding the EU single market and national subsidy systems. In his role as the reviewer of the state of the single market, Letta found consistent ‘brain drain’ from certain EU economies to more opportune ones, leaving countries like Romania, Poland, Italy and Portugal at a major skills-based disadvantage. He noted that the freedom of movement must entail the freedom to stay. Further, his report will also include major changes to policies on state subsidies that benefit some industries over others, instead proposing a European industrial policy over “a national fragmentation.” (Jacopo Barigazzi And Giovanna Faggionato, “EU single market czar outlines key reforms,” Politico, 04 January 2024)
SWEDEN
Lowest temperatures reported by Swedish Meteorological Institute
On 03 January, Deutsche Welle reported on the continuing record cold temperature in Sweden. According to the report, the temperatures hit low to minus 40 degrees Celsius. The same was reported by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute ranging between minus 40 C and 30 C at Kvikkjokk-Årrenjarka, a Lapland mountain in the northernmost, Nikkaluokta in north Sweden, and city of Umea. In response to the cold weather condition, trains were suspended till 04 January. Comparing the temperatures of February 2001, Sweden has witnessed the coldest temperature of minus 44 degrees Celsius. (“Extreme cold: Temperatures drop below minus 40 C in Sweden,” Deutsche Welle, 03 January 2024)
THE UK
Sunak proposes to postpone Spring elections
On 05 January, Politico reported Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister recent hint to hold the vote of spring elections in the latter half of 2024. While Sunak's Conservative Party currently trails in the polls, the timing decision lies within his control. This delay comes despite pressure from Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is observed to capitalize on economic concerns and challenge the Tories'. With the spring budget, tax cuts, and local elections already in play, the stage is set for a potentially pivotal showdown later 2024. ("Rishi Sunak appears to rule out spring UK election," Politico, 05 January 2024)
Storm Henk hampers travel and power supply
On 03 January, Le Monde reported on Environment Agency’s warning over flood as Storm Henk hit parts of England, with strongest gusts reaching 151 kilometres per hour hitting Isle of Wight. Residents near Northampton, were evacuated due to rising River Nene waters, leading to eight flood warnings in Wales, including a severe one. Additionally, 10,000 customers faced power outages, major roads were closed, and train services disrupted due to fallen trees from high winds. (“Storm Henk causes flooding and travel disruption in UK,” Le Monde, 03 January 2024)
England: Junior doctors initiate a six-day strike demanding pay rise
On 03 January, Deutsche Welle reported on six-day strike staged by thousands of junior doctors in England. In the 75-year history of the National Health Service (NHS) the strike is considered the longest. The reason behind the strike is due to the long-running demand of the doctors for pay rise. Since the offer by British Medical Association (BMA) for a rise of eight to 10 per cent failed due to the counter offer of 35 per cent by the junior doctors, the strikes reemerged. According to the junior doctors union: “Add to this years of pay erosion, and it's no wonder that morale on the frontline has never been lower.” Due to the strike, the NHS reported on severe impact on “All routine care.” (“England doctors stage longest-ever strike over pay,” Deutsche Welle, 05 January 2024)
REGIONAL
EU announces restrictive measures against crimes involves in Myanmar
On 03 January, the European Council released a statement announcing the alignment of some EU-allied countries to its restrictive measures against crimes involved in Myanmar. The candidate countries of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, members of the European Economic Area, Armenia, along with the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, agreed to implement the Council’s decision. The Council added four individuals and two entities against whom restrictive measures will be implemented, which will be implemented by aligned countries nationally. Restrictive measures include asset freezes, funding to aligned parties to the Tatmadaw, travel ban into EU territory, along with funding blocks and embargoes, in order to pressure Myanmar against human rights violations. (“Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma,” European Council, 03 January 2024)