Photo : NATO/The Guardian
08 March 2024, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #776
Europe In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
FRANCE
Macron insists on including abortion rights into EU ‘s Charter
On 08 March, Emmanuel Macron, France’s President following the vote for abortion rights in France vouched for extending the same into EU’s basic law. Indicating how the societal norms are no longer etched in stone, called for guaranteeing of freedom to allow abortion and inclusion in EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. The statements come as France imprinted the amendment into its 1958 constitution in a special public ceremony. (“Macron says he wants abortion added to EU rights charter,” Le Monde, 08 March 2024)
IRELAND
Double referendum to be held to make amendments to family and care
On 08 March, Government of Ireland started the voting process for a double referendum for making amendments to the constitution on “make-up of a family” and “Women’s life within the home.” All political parties are expected to vote in favour. The two proposals will change the “family amendment and care amendment” to the Article 41 of Ireland’s Constitution created in 1937. First amendment mandates the citizens to widen the definition of family from “those found on marriage” to add “durable relationships.” Whereas the second one proposed for replacement of traditional langue on “mother’s duties” at home with including the care given by other family members. The significance of the vote is to ware away the influence of catholic voters. (“Ireland holds referendums to update Constitution on women, family,” Le Monde, 08 March 2024)
SWEDEN
Receives accession invite from NATO
On 07 March, the White House and Sweden government confirmed the membership into NATO
as the 32nd member. Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s Prime Minister stated the invite received from the NATO for accession on acceptance from NATO member states. Joe Biden, US President said: “Nato stands more united, determined, and dynamic.” Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General added on the benefit of Sweden joining: “Capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry.” Sweden’s membership journey towards NATO breaking from neutrality began under prime ministership of Magdalena Andersson in 2022. 29 NATO member approved Sweden while Turkey and Hungary placed the roadblocks against few conditions. One being Sweden home to the Kurdistan Worker’s party (PKK) and Hungary demand for Swedish fighter jets deal, both overcome by Sweden gained the vote approval to accede into NATO after two years. Meanwhile, NATO in no time laid its agenda in utilising Sweden once the membership procedure was complete. First being the military training exercise part of the Nordic Response involving 20,000 soldiers of Sweden and Finland. (Miranda Bryant, “Sweden finally joins Nato after nearly two-year wait,” The Guardian, 07 March 2024)
REGIONAL
European Commission warns of future conflict due to water scarcity
On 06 March, Politico reported on the EU warning over risk of water conflict as temperature increase. The European Commission has issued a warning to pace up to tackle climate change. The warning comes as it found water shortages at critical with high risk to key aspects of life from food, drinking water, infrastructure for power and transport, economic activity and human health. According to the draft issued by the Commission: “These risks can manifest in multiple forms, some of which include … increased competition over water resources across sectors and uses, including potential risk of conflicts…” This can be understood from the earlier examples of Spain and France which experienced severe drought and clash over water reservoir. The Commission warns that extreme water conditions such as floods and droughts are only one category of risk while 36 more remain with catastrophic levels for Europe. (Zia Weise, “Brussels warns of water conflict danger in EU,” Politico, 06 March 2024)
Commission President announces maritime corridor to supply aid to Gaza
On 08 March, Ursula Von Der Leyen, European Commission President announced the possibility of starting a maritime corridor to Gaza. The move comes after the US announcement on setting a temporary port. On the same, the UN called for aid as it found quarter of Gaza population to be on the edge of famine. Israel appreciated the maritime corridor initiative and stressed on other countries to join. In a press conference in Cyprus, Von Der Leyen stated that at the situation of “humanitarian catastrophe,” a maritime corridor was pertinent to deliver aid in mass. Joe Biden, the US President commented that aid to Gaza would make “massive difference” for humanitarian worker. He added: “Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip.” (Tom Spender, “Maritime corridor to Gaza to begin at weekend - Von der Leyen,” BBC, 08 March 2024)