Photo : Hungary Today
14 February 2024, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #756
In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
GERMANY
German Chancellor and Poland Prime Minister aim for joint defence support to boost Europe’s security
On 12 February, Olaf Scholz German Chancellor criticised Donald Trump former US President for his claim on “withholding security” from NATO alliance for not spending sufficient budget on defence. Scholz said: “Let me clearly say due to recent developments that any relativizing of NATO's collective defense guarantee is irresponsible and dangerous and is only in Russia's interests.” Trump’s statement also triggered shock for Poland, prompting Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister to call for joint defence support with Germany to boost Europe’s security. Tusk said: “There is no reason for the EU to be weaker than Russia.” As per NATO’s spending guideline of meeting two per cent of GDP, many NATO members have not met, whereas Germany is expected to meet the limit by 2024 by spending out of the main budget. (“Scholz says Trump NATO remarks 'irresponsible and dangerous',” Deutsche Welle, 12 February 2024)
HUNGARY
Farmers association organise protest against EU rules
On 12 February, Hungary Today reported on the protests held by Hungarian farmers’ association MAGOSZ and the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) combined with farmer with tractors, harvesters and trucks. This resulted in blocking of passenger and freight traffic. The protestors carried banner and Hungarian flags for five kilometres blaming the European Commission and in support of Hungarian agriculture. István Jakab, president of MAGOSZ on behalf of the farmers called for the application of the EU rules to other European countries that are applied to Hungary especially denoting to Ukraine. (“Hungarian Farmers Protest against the Extension of Unlimited Ukrainian Imports,” Hungary Today, 12 February 2024)
THE UK
Inflation rate maintains at four per cent
On 14 February, Euronews reported on continuing stable rate of UKs inflation till January. According to the report, UK’s inflation rate stayed to four per cent following reduction in prices of furniture, household goods, food and non-alcoholic beverages. Earlier, experts had predicted a slight increase of 0.2 per cent but the inflation maintained due to reduction of prices of certain goods. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell said: “But the best news for all households came from falling food inflation, with prices actually coming down on a month-by-month basis for the first time in more than two years, a factor which helped offset other cost pressures.” (James Thomas, “UK inflation remains steady at 4% as food prices fall, beating expectations,” Euronews, 14 February 2024)
TURKEY
Nine trapped underground after landslide in a gold mine
On 13 February, after a landslide nine workers were trapped in a gold mine in eastern Turkey near Erzincan province. According to Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s Interior Minister there was no further report on the state of the workers but confirmed the ongoing rescue operation. He said: “We installed our [rescue] vehicles, our generators, and our night lighting equipment.” The difficulty in rescue operation arose due to the presence of mass amount of cyanide-laced soil in the mine. On the same the mining company Anagold Mining issued a statement: “…most important priority in this difficult process … is the health and safety of our employees and contractors.” (“Turkey: Several trapped after landslide hits gold mine,” Deutsche Welle, 13 February 2024)
REGIONAL
European Parliament approves uniform payment system across the EU
On 14 February, the European Parliament approved a draft of EU regulations on payment services. This means cheaper transactions with safety and uniform across the EU. The regulation aims to inform user on the cash machine fees and ensure social media companies handle impersonation scams. Marek Belka, a MEP in the European Parliament said that the objective was to make the system more “user friendly.” Belka added: “If the Facebooks of the world make money on posting ads ... they should take responsibility if those ad accounts are fraudulent.” The plan was approved with 39 votes in favour and one against, it also allows EUR 100 cashback as an offer without registering as payment provider. (Jack Schickler, “EU Policy. MEPs approve measures to tackle impersonation scams,” Euronews, 14 February 2024)
Spain and Ireland urge for review of the EU-Israel agreement
On 14 February, Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister and Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Prime Minister jointly called the European Commission to review the EU-Israel agreement on emergency basis following the worsening humanitarian crisis. In a joint letter they raised concerns over Israel’s military campaign and violation of human rights and internation law. They highlighted their findings on Israel actions to be in violation of the Genocide Convention. In Europe, Spain, Ireland, and Belgium considered the most critical against Israel. In the joint statement they said: “We ask that the Commission undertake an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its obligations, including under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship.” (Jorge Liboreiro, “Spain and Ireland call for 'urgent review' of EU-Israel agreement over war in Gaza,” Euronews, 14 February 2024)