Photo : GETTY IMAGES/ BBC
14 December 2021, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #72
IN FOCUS
By Padmashree Anandhan
100 years of the Anglo-Irish Treaty
06 December 2021, marked 100 years of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed at 10 Downing Street. The treaty was signed after six riotous years of the 1916 Easter Rising by the British government and representatives of Sinn Fein. It led to creating an Independent Irish State with King George V as the head of state. The agreement allowed partition of the Island of Ireland and gave Northern Ireland a choice whether to remain in existence or not. This treaty stirred the breakout of civil war between the supporters and opposers. According to Cambridge University historian Dr Niamh Gallagher, “The treaty did not overturn the partition of Ireland but instead made provision for a boundary commission to review the border. In the end, the border was unchanged.”
What is the article of the Treaty?
The first clause of the treaty provides about the constitutional status Ireland would get as an Irish Free State similar to other countries in the British empire. For example, countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa were seen as dominions but were comparatively far from independence, in contrast to today.
According to the treaty, “the Free State's parliament would have powers to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Ireland and an executive responsible to that parliament.” However, northern Ireland, which came into existence in May 1921, opted out of this new state.
Under Articles 11 to 15 which cover Northern Island. The said provision was to be kept on hold for Northern Island until it joins the rest of the Free State or separates from the United Kingdom. If Northern Ireland opt not to be part of the UK means stepping in of the Boundary Commission to fix boundary, accounting, economic and geographical factors.
Lastly, articles from 16 to 18 allow for the ratification of the treaty by the UK and Irish parliaments and the administration of “Southern Ireland” until the Treaty took effect.
Impact of the Good Friday Agreement 1997
The treaty's impact continues to the present day. In the process of creating an independent island, but led to partition in the island. Competition between the two parties affected the Irish party system. Even after 100 years of the foundation of the state, the divide between the pro-treaty forces and anti-treaty forces exists. But the role of the US in bringing out the Good Friday Agreement in 1997 was seen as the biggest achievement as it brought the communal conflicts in Northern Island to an end and made the British remove its arms from the border. Thereby, it installed peace in the borders, made it safe for people to cross the border and carry out their daily activities.
Post-Brexit
The post-Brexit period resulted in destabilizing the island of Ireland. One, the consequences and relevant cost from Britain’s exit was unveiled by the EU. Two, border checks became a mandate. The checks were to be carried out either between the land area of two Irish states or between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Three, continued negotiations between the UK and the EU to strike a deal after 100 years of treaty showcases its legacy. But in terms of establishing the relations between the neighbouring islands seem uncertain.
The probable way for a united Ireland could be another Good Friday Agreement, where both the UK and the EU find a way to handle the consequences arising at the border in Ireland. With both parties open for talks, arriving at a common solution does seem plausible.
References:
Mark Simpson, “NI 100: Signing of Anglo-Irish Treaty marked 100 years on,” BBC, 06 December 2021
Luke Sproule, “NI 100: What was the Anglo-Irish Treaty?,” BBC, 06 December 2021
David Torrance, “A century since the Anglo-Irish Treaty,” House of Commons Library, 06 December 2021
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews and Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
BULGARIA
Kiril Petkov assumes position as Bulgarian Prime Minister
On 13 December, the Bulgarian parliament voted in Harvard graduate and head of the We Continue the Change (PP) party Kiril Petkov as the Prime Minister of the country. The ruling coalition headed by Petkov includes his own party along with the leftist Socialists, anti-establishment ITN party and the centre-right Democratic Bulgaria. Being the EU’s poorest country, the new government will work under the motto of “zero tolerance to corruption”. Commenting on the same, Petkov said: “I will insist that corruption from the lowest to the highest level be exposed." Petkov's newly formed government is burdened with reforming the economy and building up the health of the society. Speaking on the same, he said: "My first task will be to keep the electricity costs for consumers at bay and boost the level of vaccinations at least to the average level in the EU." (Tsvetelia Tsolova, "Harvard-educated Petkov elected as Bulgaria's prime minister," Reuters, 13 December 2021)
ITALY
Suspected gas explosion in Silicy
On 13 December, a suspected gas explosion in the Silician town of Ravanusa induced the collapse of four buildings, killing seven people. Authorities stated that the houses had immediately collapsed, with three also being damaged by the blast. A resident in the adjacent building said: "It was as if a plane had crashed into our building." Firefighters and volunteers removed rubble with their bare hands to prevent further collapses. The blast was speculated to have been caused by a gas leak, and an investigation for manslaughter is underway. Residents said there was a strong gas smell for several days, but the gas operator Italgas responded, saying they did not receive any leak reports. ("Italy: Seven dead as rescuers find bodies in Sicily blast," BBC, 13 December 2021; "Seven dead in Sicily after gas explosion causes building collapse," Euronews, 13 December 2021)
THE NETHERLANDS
Mark Rutte to get a fourth term
On 13 December, political parties agreed to form a coalition government that would give the incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte a fourth term in office. The four political parties of Rutte's centre-right VVD, the progressive D66, the centre-right CDA and the conservative ChristenUnie agreed on the deal before Parliament meeting on 15 December. Rutte remained in a caretaker capacity as the third cabinet resigned in mid-January over the scandal where thousands of parents were wrongly accused. The country has run without a government for nine months now, the lengthiest in the country's history. Rutte was dubbed the "Teflon prime minister" as he skillfully dodged the scandals. He will be the longest-serving head of a government in Europe after Hungary's Viktor Orban. ("Dutch parties seal coalition deal a record nine months after vote," France24, 13 December 2021; "Netherlands: Dutch parties to form government 9 months after vote," Deutsche Welle, 13 December 2021)
THE UNITED KINGDOM
Johnson’s Christmas quiz photo scandal
On 12 December, the Sunday Mirror newspaper published an old photo of the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson was seen hosting a Christmas quiz alongside two of his colleagues; the quiz was held at a time when the UK was under lockdown, and indoor gatherings were restricted. Johnson claims he "briefly took part virtually" in the December 2020 quiz as a gesture to the staff, but the newspaper stated that he was actively involved for about 15 minutes in the quiz. This is the second scandal relating to Johnson, as earlier last week another photo surfaced with his staff holding an illegal Christmas party on 18 December 2020. The allegations came after public anger exploded on social media, with many people not being allowed to meet their close relatives while government officials ignored the rules. The fresh allegations will add pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of a parliamentary vote next week on plan B over the spread of the new Omicron variant. ("UK: Boris Johnson under new pressure over Christmas quiz," Deutsche Welle, 12 December 2021; Sam Hancock and Emily Atkinson, "Boris Johnson news – live: PM insists he 'broke no rules' during quiz as over 70 Tories to vote against plan B," Independent, 13 December 2021)
REGIONAL
Russia-Ukraine border standoff: Wagner group targeted by EU sanctions
On 13 December, the EU targeted Russian-based private military contractor Wagner Group after condemning its activities on behalf of the Kremlin. The EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell stated: “They represent a threat and create instability in a number of countries around the world.” Along with Wagner, eight individuals and three energy companies based in Syria were also targeted as part of the sanctions which include asset bans and travel freezes. In the bloc's official journal, a statement reads: "The Wagner Group is responsible for serious human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique… (they) are involved in serious human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings, or in destabilizing activities in some of the countries they operate in.” ("EU sanctions target Russian 'Wagner' mercenary group," Deutsche Welle, 13 December 2021; "EU imposes sanctions on Russian mercenary group Wagner over human rights abuses," France24, 13 December 2021)
Putin warns Johnson over Ukraine tension
On 14 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin was said to have given a detailed picture of the situation at the borders, thus, demanding the UK to negotiate for talks with NATO to understand its ambitions for the future, particularly regarding Ukraine. He further called for talks that would assure that NATO would not advance eastwards. However, a statement from Downing Street saw Johnson warning Russia, as he “emphasised the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and warned that any destabilising action would be a strategic mistake that would have significant consequences”. Commenting on the possibility of launching nuclear missiles, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said: "Lack of progress towards a political and diplomatic solution to this problem will lead to our response being of a military and technical military nature." (Patrick Wintour and Julian Borger, "Putin tells Boris Johnson urgent talks needed over Nato’s plans for Ukraine," The Guardian, 14 December 2021; "Putin tells UK's Johnson: NATO members are threatening Russia from Ukraine," Reuters, 13 December 2021)
Macron visits Orban as part of East European leaders' summit
On 14 December, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Budapest and met with Hungarian President Viktor Orban. He was in the city for a summit for East European leaders. Setting the stage for France taking over the EU rotating presidency in January, Macron stated that despite the “well known political disagreements” with Orban, the two countries would "work together for Europe". In response, Orban stated: “Hungary’s relation towards President Macron is that of respect… France is the home of encyclopedists, they are the best when it comes to definitions, so we accept their definitions: what we heard lately from Mr President is that we are political opponents and at the same time European partners.” France and Hungary differ over their views on LGBT rights, the rule of law and democratic standards. ("Macron seeks common ground with Orban on EU security during Hungary visit," France24, 13 December 2021; Krisztina Than and Michel Rose, “France and Hungary set conciliatory tone as Macron visits Budapest,” Reuters, 13 December 2021)
VATICAN CITY
Vatican department apologizes to the Catholic LGBTQ community
On 13 December, the Vatican department of the Synod of Bishops apologized for "causing pain to the entire LGBTQ community" as they removed a website link of a webinar from the New Ways Ministry. New Ways Ministry is a US-based group that ministers to LGBTQ Catholics. The Synod Communications Manager Thierry Bonaventura took personal responsibility for removing the link and apologized, saying: "I feel that I must apologize to all LGBTQ people and to members of the New Ways Ministry for the pain caused." The apology was accepted and the gesture drew praise from the New Ways Ministry. The group's Executive Director Francis DeBernardo said that: "Vatican officials rarely apologize, and they almost certainly have never apologized to LGBTQ people or an LGBTQ Catholic ministry." The removal of the link highlighted the mixed feelings the Vatican had on the LGBTQ community. (Nicole Winfield, "Vatican official apologizes for taking down LGBTQ resource," The Washington Post, 13 December 2021; Philip Pullella, "Vatican office apologizes for hurting Catholic LGBTQ community," Reuters, 13 December 2021)