Photo : The Moscow Times
08 February 2024, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #751
In Brief
By Alka Bala
FRANCE
Macron addresses a ceremony for French victims of October attacks
On 07 February, the BBC reported on the ceremony held in remembrance of the French victims of Hamas attacks in Israel. Emmanuel Macron, France’s President paid tribute to 42 French who were killed, six injured and three were believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. Macron called the 07 October attacks as “the largest antisemitic attack of our century,” and drew parallels between the 2015-2018 jihadist attacks in Paris, Nice and Strasbourg and the former. The presence of deputies of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) at the ceremony drew criticism from the victims as the former has not labelled Hamas as a “terrorist” group and instead refers to it as “an armed offensive of Palestinian forces.” France has the largest Jewish community in Europe with almost 500,000 people. (Laura Gozzi, “Macron leads ceremony for French victims of Hamas attacks,” BBC, 07 February 2024)
RUSSIA
Yandex, ‘Russia’s Google’ pulls out of the country at a loss
On 06 February, the BBC reported Yandex, selling its operations in Russia for RUB 475 billion, to Russia. The handover of the Dutch-based parent company took place in a USD 5.2 billion deal, which was far less than its estimated value of USD 30 billion in 2021. Yandex, often known as ‘Russia’s Google’ is now a fully owned Russian entity, and was termed as “an asset to the entire Russian society,” by Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the Russian parliament's committee on information policy. Arkady Volozh, co-founder of Yandex had Publicly spoken out against Russia’s Ukraine invasion, however had to face sanctions from the EU as Yandex faced allegations of “promoting state media and narratives, and removing of critical content against Kremlin.” Earlier in 2022, Yandex had sold some of its online resources to state-controlled media VK, to comply with government demands. (Mariko Oi, “Yandex: Owner of 'Russia's Google' pulls out of home country,” BBC, 06 February 2024)
SWEDEN
Government drops probe over Nord Strem explosions, cites lack of jurisdiction
On 07 February, according to Deutsche Welle, Sweden dropped its investigation against the explosions on Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. The unexplained explosions took place in the Baltic Sea in 2022 on the gas pipelines that transport natural gas from Russia to Germany. Mats Ljungqvist, Sweden’s Public Prosecutor’s investigation reported that since Swedish interests and its citizens were not targeted hence Sweden lacks the jurisdiction to undertake the investigation. Sweden would be handing over its evidence to Denmark and Germany as they are still examining the blasts. Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary for Russia President Vladimir Putin remarked on the dropping of the investigation as a “remarkable decision.” (“Sweden drops Nord Stream explosions investigation,” Deutsche Welle, 07 February 2024)
REGIONAL
French right-wing joins Italian and Polish conservative groups in EU Parliament
On 07 February, Politico reported on Marion Maréchal, leader of a right-wing fringe party, who announced that Nicholas Bay, its member of the EU Parliament will now join the Euroskeptics, joining forces with Italy’s Brothers of Italy and Polish Nationalist Law and Justice. Maréchal remarked that joining the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) groups would allow them to “reduce the centrist influence in the European Parliament.” The move of one MEP also may seem not highly significant, but it is indicative of the larger shift towards the right wing within the EU parliament as the June elections approach. ECR is currently composed of far-right parties from Spain’s Vox and Finlands, The Finns and also of moderate conservatives, Flemish nationalists NVA, and the Czech Civic Democratic party. (Eddy Wax, “France’s right-wing star joins forces with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni in EU Parliament,” Politico, 07 February 2024)
Michel highlights increased investments in economy and defence at EIB Forum
On 07 February, Charles Michel, President of the European Council congratulated Nadia Calvino, the newly appointed Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) at the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg. In his keynote address, Michel emphasised the importance of improving the European economic base through investment, innovation and technology and focus on security and defence. He highlighted the significance of the EU single market. The importance of data sharing between nations was also considered as vital as it will lead to the provision of better care. Most importantly, Michel highlighted the joint orders and cooperation in military arms production. While mentioning the eight per cent increase in defence budgets of the European allies, he called for an investment of EUR 600 billion in the next ten years. Ultimately he also outlined the necessity for greater job creation and making the economies innovative and competitive. (“Keynote speech by President Charles Michel at the European Investment Bank Group Forum 2024,” Council of the European Union, 07 February 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
900 civil servants from the US, UK and EU dissent over Israel Policy
On 07 February 2024, Deutsche Welle reported on the anonymous letter with 900 signatories consisting of civil servants from the US, UK and the EU expressing their discontent with the actions taken by their respective national governments. EU and the US have not backed the idea of a ceasefire, even as deaths in Gaza crossed 27,500. The US continues to provide financial military support to Israel, whereas the EU has called for “humanitarian doors and pauses,” in Gaza. These civil servants highlighted the “silencing culture” in the government, and have asked the governments to rethink their Israel policy that supports the nation “without real conditions and accountability.” Israeli officials have rejected the accusations carried out in the letter and referred to such an act as an attempt to ruin Israel’s good relations with other countries. German Foreign Ministry mentioned that it “takes note” of the letter, whereas the European Commission said that it was “looking into” the statement. ( Rosie Birchard and Ella Joyner, “Gaza war exposes dissent on EU Israel policy,” Deutsche Welle, 07 February 2024)
Germany and Mongolia upgrades relations to a strategic partnership
On 07 February, according to a German press release, Mongolia and the Federal Republic of Germany upgraded their bilateral ties and cooperation to the level of a Strategic Partnership after the Mongolian visit by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German President from 07 to 08 February. Based on the partnership, Mongolia has promised to support Germany’s permanent seat at the UN Security Council and engage in collaborations in the UN peacekeeping operations. Commitments to the expansion of trade, economic collaborations, and greater investments as part of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 were made, whereas cooperation in education, health, science, culture, sports and gender-inclusive healthcare were highlighted. A joint agreement on cooperation in archaeology and mining would ensure collaboration in natural resources, industry and technology. The countries plan to combat the climate crisis through the deployment of green hydrogen technology and renewable energy. Germany also supported the national Billion Trees movement initiated by Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Mongolian President. (“Joint Declaration regarding the Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and the Federal Republic of Germany,” Federal Foreign Office, 07 February 2024)
Framing of Swiss-Chinese relations during geopolitical uncertainties
On 06 February, Swissinfor.ch reported on the framing of Swiss-Chinese relations as the Swiss Foreign Ministry formulates a new strategy for China relations for 2025. China is Switzerland’s third-largest trading partner and Swiss authorities had been cautious to not jeopardise its economic ties, even as the EU, US, UK and Canada imposed sanctions on China in 2021, for its human rights violations against the Uighurs. Swiss welcomed the Chinese Premier Li Qiang in January 2024, resulting in the updating of the existing Free Trade Agreement between them. However, this does not cover the export of all Swiss goods, and exporters will still have to pay around USD 200 as Chinese customs duty. Switzerland hopes to restart its dialogue with China on human rights and ensure more transparency this time. However Swiss policy on China would remain pragmatic and neutral even as other countries and the EU are focusing on “de-risking,” and reducing its dependencies on China. (Geraldine Wong Sak Hoi, “How Swiss-Chinese relations are weathering geopolitical storms,” Swissinfor.ch, 06 February 2024)