Photo : SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP
In Brief
By Alka Bala
FRANCE
Farmers unions to suspend the roadblocks
On 01 February, according to Deutsche Welle, Arnuad Gaillit of Young Farmers (JA) one of the biggest farmers unions called an end to the roadblocks as the government announced financial assistance and measures to address their problems. Additionally, he also asked the farmers to “move to a new form of mobilisation.” Gabriel Attal, French Prime minister promised cash payments, ease of rules and protections against cheaper foreign goods leading to a diffusing of tensions after two weeks of protests. However, protests continued at Brussels, as grievances at the EU level, such as rules that force farmers to leave part of their land as fallow and its increased import of Ukrainian agricultural products since its invasion in 2022. (“France: Farmers unions call for end to roadblock,” Deutsche Welle, 01 February 2024)
GERMANY
Olaf urges for joint opposition against AfD
On 31 January, Deutsche Welle reported on Olaf Scholz German Chancellor’s statements in Bundestag general debate, where he urged for a joint opposition against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Scholz addressed the Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition and stated that “we should stand together as democrats,” while also voicing his support of the protests against AfD’s discussions on “remigration.” Merz joined in denouncing AfD where he stated that AfD would cause the final downfall for Germany. Rise of support for the far-right parties become evident as latest polls indicated them as second in position at 23 per cent. (“Germany: Scholz calls for joint opposition against far-right,” Deutsche Welle, 31 January 2024)
NORWAY
Authorities give warnings over powerful storms since 1992
On 31 January, ABC News reported on Norwegian meteorologists warning over the storm “Ingunn” which is expected to hit Central Norway. As per the authorities this storm might be the most powerful one since 1992, with gusts that could go up to 126 to 180 kilometres per hour. There have been reports of precautionary measures taken as ferry lines connecting Norwegian Islands temporarily stop their services. Closing of schools, tunnels and bridges indicate the seriousness of red hazard warnings. As of 31 January morning, no flights were cancelled. (“Norway prepares for biggest storm in 30 years,” ABC News, 31 January 2024)
SPAIN
Catalonia to face water restrictions due to drought emergency
On 01 February, Deutsche Welle reported on the announcement of a drought emergency in Catalonia as reservoirs in Mediterranean region reported a drop in reserves, 16 per cent below of capacity. Pere Aragones, head of the regional government termed this as “worst drought in the last century.” Owing to the emergency rules, residents will reduce five per cent of their domestic water consumption from 210 litres to 200 litres per day, whereas for farmers the rules require to reduce 80 per cent of their water usage. Officials are considering the option of brining water to Catalonia by ships. (“Spain: Catalonia declares drought emergency for Barcelona,” Deutsche Welle, 01 February 2024)
REGIONAL
Russia- Belarus plan to implement nine scientific union state programs
On 01 February, Belta reported Russia and Belarus’ plans to implement nine scientific and technical Union State programs in 2024. Aleksei Kubrin, Deputy Secretary of the Belarus-Russia Union State stated that their set goals have been met on each stage and these programmes and revised as part of regular monitoring. He also mentioned a 38 per cent increase in funding, with the amount exceeding RUB six billion, compared to RUB five billion of the last year. In 2024, plans are also in place to implement six programs of last year concerning with national security, whereas three high tech programs will be implemented this year, for the first time. (“Belarus, Russia to implement nine sci-tech Union State programs in 2024,” BelTA, 01 February 2024)
Eurozone inflation drops marginally by 0.1 per cent reports Eurostat Office
On 01 February, Deutsche Welle reported on the announcement of Eurostat Statistics Office regarding the slight drop-in inflation rates in Eurozone. The rates fell in January, by 0.1 per cent compared to December, from 2.9 per cent to 2.8 per cent. Although the expectations were at a drop of 2.7 per cent, nevertheless European Central Bank remains satisfied with the slight progress and its positive of reaching its target of bringing inflation down to two per cent soon. Price of food and semi-luxury goods increased by 5.6 per cent however, still less from the rise of 6.1 per cent seen in December. Additionally, drop in energy prices have been evident but slower. (“Eurozone: inflation sinks slightly to 2.8%,” Deutsche Welle, 01 February 2024)
The EU passes Ukraine aid overcoming Orban’s resistance
On 02 February, Deutsche Welle reported on the unanimous approval for the EUR 50 billion aid package for Ukraine after meeting with resistance from Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister. After an hour-long meeting, the 27 EU leaders came to an agreement to pass a fund consisting of both grants and loans from the EU budget. Orban has consistently blocked EU decisions and expressed his friendly relations with Russia, leading to delayed EU policies, exasperating the EU. Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister, expressed his anger with the “Orban fatigue” across the EU. The decision to pass the aid package was previously stalled by Hungary, prompting a second dedicated summit. A point of contention among EU members is the annual “debate” over the review of the aid package, which officials say is “toothless.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President embraced EU’s decision and stated that it “proves strong EU unity.” (Ella Joyner, “EU overcomes 'Orban fatigue,' passes €50 billion Ukraine aid,” Deutsche Welle, 02 February 2024)