Photo : Rainer Droese/Localpic/IMAGO
Europe in Brief
By Meenakshi R, Alka Bala and Rosemary Kurian
AUSTRIA
Authorities release warrant for suspect in Cologne Cathedral attack
On 08 January, Deutsche Welle reported on Austria’s recent arrest warrant of a suspect assumed to be involved in the attack in Germany. The individual, a 30-year-old Tajik, is believed to be connected to IS-Khorasan and is suspected of planning an attack on Cologne Cathedral during Christmas. Currently held under a European arrest warrant for additional interrogation, both Cologne Cathedral and Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral is under increased security protection. The authorities maintain a cautious approach and continue to investigate to find broader network. ("Cologne Cathedral attack: Austria issues warrant for suspect," Deutsche Welle, 08 January 2024)
GERMANY
Heavy rains risk flooding and disrupt routine
On 06 January, Deutsche Welle reported on severe flooding in Germany caused by incessant rains, leading to disrupted transportation, shutting schools and crop failures. Several states in northern Germany were severely flooded, with dykes at the verge of collapse. The German Weather Service (DWD) announced a halt in rains and the arrival of frost, which could aid the dykes in holding back water. However, farmers find that flooding prevents the frost from reaching the soil. The leading cause of severe flooding in Lower Saxony and other northern parts is the disappearance of almost 70 per cent of wetlands, disrupting the normal course of water flow. The recent cutting of funding by the German coalition government for climate change events, which could affect any attempts at environmental protection and adaptation. (Alex Berry, “Germany's flooded farmers brace for winter frost,” Deutsche Welle, 06 January, 2024)
Tragic death in Mulheim migrant fatality occurs following altercation with police
On 08 January, Deutsche Welle reported on the unfolding of a tragic event in Germany that resulted in the loss of life of a 26-year-old Guinean man following a confrontation with police at an asylum centre. The man allegedly assaulted staff members and subsequently engaged in a scuffle with officers. Despite the use of a taser to calm, the man tragically lost consciousness and passed away in the hospital. The police who are currently investigating stated their attempt to use tasers twice without success. Two officers sustained injuries during the incident while the man's death has prompted concerns and demands for a thorough investigation from the Social Democrats. While the investigation progresses remain unanswered. ("Germany: Migrant dies in Mülheim after police scuffle," Deutsche Welle, 08 January 2024)
GREECE
Church opposes government-backed same-sex marriage bill
On 06 January, ekathimerini reported the government’s failed efforts to reconcile with the Church of Greece on same-sex marriage and parenthood, leading clerics to urge lawmakers against supporting the impending bill in Parliament. The Holy Synod's Christmas circular opposing the legislation is believed to be linked to the government's inclination to expedite the bill rather than delay it until after the European elections. The government advised a cautious approach, emphasizing its commitment to institutionalize same-sex marriage while attempting to minimize opposition. (“Tug-of-war with Church over same-sex marriage,” ekathimerini.com, 06 January 2024)
Rescue operation initiated for 21 migrants trapped near Rhodes
On 06 January, a shipwreck of a migrant boat carrying 21 individuals in the coast of Rhodes in Turkish waters was reported. Although the Turkish Coast Guard managed to rescue 18 people from the wreckage, an intense search operation was launched to locate the remaining three individuals. Greek patrol boats, a Super Puma helicopter, and a nearby vessel surveyed the northeastern waters. This shipwreck off Rhodes serves as a reminder of the ongoing migrant crisis. ("Shipwreck with 21 migrants off Rhodes, rescue operation under way," ekathimerini.com, 08 January 2024)
Green energy sector employment surges by 90 per cent in a decade
On 06 January, ekathimerini.com reported on the research conducted by Piraeus University Yannis Maniatis, a former Environment and Energy Minister and socialist MP revealed a shift in focus towards sustainable practices in the past decade from 2012-2022 and reflected growth in green energy sectors as photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydropower, wind energy. The findings by the World Economic Forum highlighted the positive impact of green transition and climate change adaptation with the rise in green energy professions. (“Green energy employment soars, research shows,” ekathimerini.com, 06 January 2023)
ROMANIA
The need for better education for the Roma people
On 07 January, Deutsche Welle in an opinion highlighted the importance of better educational opportunities to integrate the Roma people into the general population. Romania, as the country with the largest Roma population, has failed, much like an EU public policy, in enabling the inclusion of the Roma people. The cause is noted as systemic violence and racism, which fail to enable equal and efficient education opportunities to the minority community. Schools for the Roma people have less facilities, inexperienced teaching staff and low budgets compared to other schools, which, together with existing social and economic constraints, prevent any growth or “integration” within the community. Having observed the failure of state policy, the Roma Education Fund (REF), an NGO, has enacted a process aimed at counteracting the failures of existing policies towards the community in order to better integrate them into the mainstream. (Ciprian Necula, “My Europe: The Roma need genuine educational opportunities,” Deutsche Welle, 07 January, 2024)
SLOVENIA
Five trapped in a biodiversity hotspot due to high water levels
On 08 January, the Associated Press reported on strangling of a family of three along their two guides in Slovenia's Krizna Jama cave, a biodiversity hotspot after heavy flood of eight kilometres. The rescue effort involving over 35 specialised personnel were deployed while the subterranean waters are expected to reduce which can take more days. This incident highlights the risks inherent in guided cave tours. ("5 people are trapped in a cave in Slovenia after heavy rainfall causes water levels to rise," Associated Press, 08 January 2024)
SWITZERLAND
Exploring the potential uncovering a new energy source in the Swiss Moors
On 08 January, Swissinfo reported on Switzerland's energy narrative over peat. It is derived from marshlands such as the "Great Marsh," flourished during the 19th century during industrialization and with the rise of steam power. Bern (a committee known as the ‘Holzkammer’ assumed responsibility for peat instead of wood in 1737) initiated a movement to supply hospitals and to vessels in Lake Thun vessels with the first batch of cuts of peat (underground wood). However, with high usage of coal, peat gained prominence leading to extractions from the moors. As a result, by the 20th century, peat consumption and land reclamation severely depleted the moors. This was stopped after adoption of the "Rothenturm initiative" in 1987 safeguarded the remaining 10 per cent of original moorland. This compelled Switzerland into seeking alternative sources of sustainable energy. ("The energy source from the Swiss moors," Swissinfo.ch, 08 January 2024)
THE UK
British Library to deplete 40 per cent reserves to recover from cyber attack
On 06 January, according to The Financial Times, the British Library plans to utilize 40 per cent of its reserves, approximately GBP 6-7 million, to recover from a crippling ransomware attack that left most of its services inaccessible and released 573 gigabytes of sensitive files, customer and personal data as the library refused to pay a GBP 600,000 ransom. Rhysida hacking group, tied to the Russian-affiliated Vice Society as per the US government, may keep the British Library's services offline for over a year, highlighting the need to defend critical national infrastructure. Despite ongoing communication with the government, the library has not formally requested funds from its sponsor Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and aims to use its funds to recover. (Rafe Uddin and Daniel Thomas, “British Library to burn through reserves to recover from cyber attack,” The Financial Times, 06 January 2024)
Sunak contemplates remedial action to support victims of post office scandal
On 08 January, the BBC reported on the government of UK proposal to exonerate postmasters convicted for faulty accounting, theft and fraud due to the faulty software. It proposed measures involve removing the Post Office's power for appeal. The Metropolitan Police which is currently investigating the “potential offenses” against the court of Justice announced 50 new victims. The government, police, and public inquiry are all committed to achieving closure and justice in this ongoing scandal. ("Post Office scandal: Rishi Sunak considers measures to clear all victims," BBC, 08 January 2024)
Sunak defends Rwanda bill
On 07 January, the BBC reported on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denying doubting if the deterrence motive would work in the government’s Rwanda policy as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sunak told BBC that scrutinising the policy was his occupation which didn’t amount to lack of belief in the effectiveness of the policy. The Rwanda policy aims at asylum seekers to the UK to be sent to Rwanda for processing and resettlement, which the government argues would deter people from entering the UK on small boats. The scheme, which was first announced during the leadership of Boris Johnson, was allegedly faced with a difference of opinion by then Chancellor Sunak. Sunak is currently pushing the Safety of Rwanda Bill to be passed in the UK, and refuses to be influenced by any order from the European Court of Human Rights blocking such deportation. (Kate Whannel and Laura Kuenssberg, “Rishi Sunak denies doubting Rwanda plan when chancellor,” BBC, 07 January 2024)
TURKEY
Government undertakes trial procedures against alleged spies for Israel
On 06 January, Le Monde reported on several detainees in Turkey awaiting trial for crimes of “political and military espionage” on behalf of Israel. Yilmaz Tunc, the Justice Minister, announced on social media that 26 individuals would be referred to court, 11 released under judicial control conditions and eight were to be deported. Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad had vowed to destroy Hamas officials outside of Palestinian territories, which was met with a serious warning from Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President. Relations between Israel and Turkey soured again since the war in Gaza as Erdogan asked for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be tried for “war crimes,” while Israel hunts for Hamas officials in Turkey, known to historically be a safe harbour for them. (“Turkish court jails 15 suspects ahead of trial for spying for Israel,” Le Monde, 06 January, 2024)
REGIONAL
Kosovo to allow Serbian license plates without covering national symbols
On 05 January, Daily Sabah reported Kosovo leadership’s decision “to remove the paper stickers or stickers regime for cars with Serbian license plates.” The move was described as "an expression of positive neighbourly relations" and was made following Serbia's complete acknowledgement of license plates from the Republic of Kosovo, according to an official statement. Petar Petkovic, the head of Serbia's office for Kosovo, stated that this initiative by Belgrade would grant "unrestricted movement for all vehicles" from Kosovo. The implementation of this decision was set to commence on 01 January. Although Serbia does not acknowledge Kosovo's independence, it has made multiple concessions, within the EU-led dialogue, to ease the lives of people travelling or residing at the borders. (AFP & Pristina,
“Kosovo follows Serbia's footsteps to end license plate issue,” Daily Sabah, 05 January 2024)
German-French energy cost cuts raise unequal competition concerns
On 04 January, Politico reported concerns from smaller EU member states as they find themselves unable to compete with Germany’s tax breaks and subsidies and French pricing mechanisms in the energy industry. Their attempts to artificially cut domestic power prices independently, risk criticism from other nations that lack resources to support their industries which highlights potential harm to the single market and Europe's competitiveness against global rivals. Although Paris and Berlin assert compliance with EU rules in their bid to cut energy costs, their measures undermine the competitiveness of the EU’s single market as these measures also act as a large subsidy splurge, constituting 46 per cent of the total EU spending on energy price relief. (Victor Jack, Varg Folkman and Giovanna Coi, “Franco-German energy cash splash strains EU single market,” Politico, 04 January 2024)
Council Prez Michel to run in EU Parliament Elections, foresees leadership changes
On 07 January, Deutsche Welle reported on Charles Michel, European Council President declaration of his candidacy for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June. He indicated to step down from his current role if elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). This move comes amid transformative times for the EU, marked by Russia's war on Ukraine. As Michel campaigns at the forefront of the liberal Belgian Reformist Movement (MR) party, his potential victory may lead to the search for new leaders in both the European Commission and the European Council, adding complexity to the process of succession and compromise among the EU leaders. (“EU's Charles Michel to quit Council presidency, run as MEP,” Deutsche Welle, 07 January 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Blinken visit to Turkey and Greece in attempt for regional de-escalation
On 06 January, Deutsche Welle reported on Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State week-long tour to the Middle East, in an attempt to prevent a regional escalation of the war in Gaza. Blinken met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President to discuss de-escalation, Israel’s aggression, establishment of the Palestinian state and uninterrupted delivery of aid into Gaza. They separately discussed Turkish approval of Sweden’s membership in NATO. Blinken later met Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece’s Prime Minister to reiterate their alliance in containing the conflict. (“Blinken meets with Turkish, Greek leaders amid Gaza war,” Deutsche Welle, 06 January, 2024)