Photo : picture alliance/dpa | Boris Roessler
Europe In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
GERMANY
DLR on alert over impact of space debris on earth’s surface
On 08 March, Deutsche Welle reported on Germany’s latest concerns over increasing space junk and debris from International Space Station (ISS). According to the report, debris including battery pack from the ISS three years before weighing 2.6 tonnes is reported to settle down over North American atmosphere. Found by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the debris is expected to burn when reaching the earth surface with high possibility to merge into ocean. Although the risk is marked “unlikely” for Germany, the German Economic Affairs and Climate Ministry (BMWK) is reported to closely monitor the effect of the debris to implement crisis measures. (“ISS space junk: Germany on alert for debris, risk minimal,” Deutsche Welle, 08 March 2024)
Rail and airline staff stage dual strike for hike in pay
On 07 March, Germany witnessed dual strike of worker staff from Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa demanding increase in wages. The strike is expected to impact rail and air traffic till 09 March with only 10-20 per cent to operate on schedule. One of the operator spokesperson said: “The completely unnecessary GDL strike affects the plans of millions of travelers.” Apart from the wages, the staff also demand for reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 with no change in payment. Whereas those from Lufthansa, the Verdi union demanded for 12.5 per cent raise of EUR 500 more per month along with an inflation compensation bonus of EUR 3000. Earlier, the airline company announced doubling of profits and recovery from the Pandemic. (“Germany: Dual rail and air strikes affect 'millions',” Deutsche Welle, 07 March 2024)
POLAND
Government in dilemma between raging farmers and ending trade with Ukraine
On 07 March, an opinion in Deutsche Welle explores the pressure on Poland’s government from the farmer protests and how EU can intervene. Poland has witnessed massive protests in Warsaw resulting in block of roads for several hours. Gathered by NSZZ Solidarnosc union linked to the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has further challenged the latest government led by Donald Tusk. Farmers along with livestock breeders, foresters, beekeepers, transport employees and miner raged against EU’s green deal, reforms against climate neutral 2050 and mainly close of border with Ukraine. In response, Tusk has approached the EU to impose a full ban on grain imports from Russia and Belarus and also to bring back tariffs on Ukraine. To address the issue, the EU is ready to grant concessions on Poland’s demand but Poland stands on thin ice situation as closing of border with Ukraine or tariff imposition would mean end of trade surplus with Ukraine which accounts for EUR seven billion as of 2023. (“Clashes in Poland as farmers' protests get more political,” Deutsche Welle, 07 March 2024)
PORTUGAL
Election campaign ends with polls showing PSD on lead
On 08 March, marked the last day of campaigning for Portugal’s legislative elections. The far-right Chega (Enough) party was under spotlight as it could be a major players in domestic affairs with third largest majority in parliament. André Ventura, who heads the party was elected in 2019 in the parliament proved to be a performer in policy shifts in popularising the Chega. The BBC reported on his campaign topics which focused on “chemical castration” for rapists, promises better pay for police officers and vouches reform in education, health and higher pensions. The snap elections being scheduled for 10 March, polls ahead show PSD-dominated Democratic Alliance (AD) to be on narrow lead ahead of Socialist Party (PS) while Chega’s support increased to 16 per cent from seven per cent in 2022 elections. (Alison Roberts, “Portugal elections: André Ventura, ex-football pundit, shakes up vote,” BBC, 08 March 2024
INTERNATIONAL
Biden speech starts steady on Ukraine but lacks assurance
On 08 March, Politico reported on Joe Biden, the US President State of the Union speech and how it shows tough stance on Ukraine. In his speech, he began with Russia’s war in Ukraine, criticised Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President and urged the Congress to approve military aid for Ukraine. Praising the NATO and inclusion of Sweden, showed sternness in addressing Ukraine’s issue. Although this showed relief for Europe, Biden highlighted the World War II and expressed sharing of the European concerns in war in Ukraine. Although Ukraine was a good theme to start the speech, according to the report it was “a clear-cut case of good vs. evil.” (Nahal Toosi, “Biden’s Speech Thrills Ukraine Watchers. Others, Not So Much,” The Politico, 08 March 2024)