Photo : Roni Rekomaa/Bloomberg
29 January 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #742
In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Parliament approves stricter rule amending gun law
On 26 January, the lower house of the parliament approved amendment to the gun laws which tightens the rule over owing the weapon for more than a month. The move follows after the mass shooting at the Charles University which led to the death of 14 people. The suspect who killed was a licenced gun user with eight legally owned weapons, this became the symbol of the attack as there was question over the purchases of the weapons nor the suspect had criminal record. The amendment is yet to pass through senate and needs signature of president and will come into force not until 2026. It mandates an online register of guns and its owners and demands gun shops to disclose report if any purchase seemed suspicious. Further police officers will also have power to seize the weapon under precaution. (Rob Cameron, “Czech Republic MPs vote to tighten gun laws,” BBC, 27 January 2024)
FINLAND
Alexander and Pekka head to runoff election after the first round
On 28 January, in the held first round of presidential elections in Finland, Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister emerged as the winner with 27.1 per cent votes. Whereas the runner up position was secured by Pekka Haavisto, former Foreign Minister with 25.8 per cent votes. As per the polls, 74.9 per cent was the voter turnout with major parties vouching to take a strong stance against Russia. Stubb said: “You know what, we made it to the final, but the competition will only begin now.” On the same day, Haavisto said: “This is a splendid result from the first round and a very big gap to those behind us.” (“Finland: Ex-PM Stubb wins first round of presidential vote,” Deutsche Welle, 28 January 2024)
FRANCE
Farmers' continue to protest in Paris despite pledges from Attal
On 28 January, Gerald Darmanin, France’s Interior Minister ordered deployment of massive police to prevent the protests by farmers' affecting the market. Farmer union from the Lot-et Garon area initially announced to cutdown Rungis International Market that supplies fresh produce across Paris and attempt to block the traffic. On 29 January, the government and the farmers' are scheduled to meet to discuss on the agricultural policy and Emmanuel Macron, France’s President pledged to keep farmers' from causing any disruptions. The key concerns of the farmers' remain to be the fuel tax subsidies, environmental regulation, and impact of cheap imports due to EU competition practices. To address this, Gabriel Attal, France’s Prime Minister vowed to remove the fuel tax and “simplify” paperwork, but despite such promises farmers' continue to stage protest across France. (“France: farmers and police set to face off in Paris,” Deutsche Welle, 28 January 2024)
ITALY
Summit in Rome commences with the Africa Union
On 28 January, Italy-Africa summit began in Rome under the Mattei Plan. The aim of the summit is to present African countries vision for the development of Africa. 25 African leaders along with representatives from the EU took part to discuss on strategic partnership, causes of irregular migration, counter smuggling gangs. It is also aimed at making Italy as energy hub to facilitate supplies from Africa and help Europe. In a press conference, Georgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister said: “Everything that happens in Africa concerns us, from migration to security and supply chains. For us, the proper development of the African continent is fundamental.” She also highlighted Italy’s approach towards Tunisia in addressing the migrant and refugees entry and indications in reduction in the numbers. On the same the European Commission issued a statement calling the Mattei Plan of strategic partnership to be fitting well with its “joint vision of 2030 between the EU and Africa Union.” The Mattei Plan discussion will also include talks over agriculture, and environment where Italy and Africa can work together. (“Italy summit to present vision for African development – PM,” Ansa English, 28 January 2024; EU gives blessing to Mattei Plan, says 'fits our vision',” Ansa English, 28 January 2024)
SPAIN
Government plan to pass amnesty bill triggers protests
On 28 January, thousands of people in Madrid gathered to protest the amnesty given for Catalan separatists on the failed secession bid in 2017. The protest was organised by the conservative opposition party “Partido Popular” (PP), and was attended by Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the party leader, Mariano Rajoy, former prime minister and Diaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid area. According to reports from the police, 45,000 had taken part in the protest holding placards with the sign “No to amnesty.” Feijoo said: “..nobody will force a country on us that we have not voted for.” For Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s Prime Minister the decision is important as the support from the Catalan parties are important to hold the government. The Amnesty bill is scheduled to be voted in the lower house of the Parliament and if passed, would remove the legal charges on the Catalan activist who played important role in the 2017 secession attempt. (“Spain: Mass rally in Madrid against Catalan amnesty bill,” Deutsche Welle, 28 January 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Burkina Faso receives tonnes of wheat as gift from Russia
On 26 January, Nandy Some Diallo, Burkina Faso’s Minister for solidarity and humanitarian action expressed gratitude for the grain delivery of 25,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia. Ties between Moscow and Burkina Faso which was closed since the fall of USSR gained back after Russia opened its embassy again in December 2023. The country which is currently witnessing acute food shortage and quarter of all children under age five experience stunted growth. This is due to severe security crisis and the failure of the military junta to counter Islamist militants. Russia being one of the largest producers of wheat is predicted to supply 45 million tonnes of wheat by 2024. (Natasha Booty, “Burkina Faso thanks Russia for 'priceless gift' of wheat,” BBC, 28 January 2024)
The US grants sale of F-16 jets to Turkey
On 27 January, the US government approved sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey worth USD 23 billion following Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession bill. As per the deal, 40 F-16 fighter jets will be sent to Turkey along with modernisation kits. The US will also be sending 40 F-35 fighter jets to Greece worth USD 8.6 billion. Sale of fighter jets to Turkey was withheld in the congress earlier due to its delay in approving Sweden’s entry into the NATO, Turkey’s human rights record and also its act to hold Russia accountable for the war in Ukraine. (“US approves F-16 fighter jet sale to Turkey worth $23bn,” BBC, 26 January 2024)