Photo : Valerio Rosati/Zoonar/picture alliance
12 March 2024, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #779
By Padmashree Anandhan
HUNGARY
Orban says Trump would not “give a penny” to Ukraine
On 11 March, Victor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister following his meeting with Donald Trump, former US President stated that the Trump would not “give a penny” for war in Ukraine. He disclosed his full support to Trump for the 2024 elections. Tagging to Trump’s statement Orban stated that without the US and Europe support, the war will come to an end. He also added that Trump had clear plans on ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting with Trump has gained criticism from the EU leaders once again on Orban. (“Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine - Hungary PM Orban,” The BBC, 11 March 2024)
RUSSIA
South Korean national arrested under suspect of espionage
On 12 March, Russia’s news agency TASS reported on arresting of a South Korean under suspicion of espionage. According to the South Korean media, the suspect had supported North Korean laborers in Russia’s far east. Under Russian law, 20 years would be the minimum jail term for espionage. In contrast, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry claimed on the person being assisted by the consulate since the announcement. It stated on conducting investigation but denied to give further report. (“Russia arrests South Korean over alleged spying,” Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2024)
Putin signs two laws on fishery and use of digital financial assets
On 11 March, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President signed a law withdrawing the 1956 agreement which allowed the UK sailors to fish in Russia’s sea zone of Barents Sea. In line with UK’s decision on 15 March 2022 to end bilateral trade with Russia, the decision was taken. In 1956, the USSR and the UK signed an agreement as a step to build diplomatic relations and the Barents Sea forms part of Russia’s Exclusive Economic Zone fostered economic cooperation. On the same day, Putin also signed law approving use of digital financial assets and digital utility rights to include into international payments. (“Putin Signs Law Ending 1956 Fishing Treaty With UK in Russia's Barents Sea Zone,” Sputnik, 11 March 2024; “Putin Signs Law Allowing Use of Digital Financial Assets in International Payments,” Sputnik, 11 March 2024)
REGIONAL
EEA warns climate extremities due to rise in temperature twice the global rate
On 11 March, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) warned over “catastrophic” consequences of climate change if no urgent action taken. EEA published it’s first Europe-wide analysis listing 36 threats relating to climate in Europe. Out of this, 21 were marked under immediate action and eight as “particularly urgent.” These include “fires, water shortages and its impact on agricultural production.” Apart from this the coastal areas were warned of experiencing “flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion.” Europe as a fast-warming continent is currently reported to be heating up double the global rate which is a major concern however northern Europe is excluded from the extremity. (“Climate risks could be 'catastrophic' in Europe, EU warns,” Deutsche Welle, 11 March 2024)
European Council to begin accession talks soon for Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 12 March, Ursula Von Der Leyen, European Commission President is expected to recommend the European Council to begin the accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is one among the six which is held in between towards EU accession stages. Von Der Leyen said: “Bosnia is now fully aligned with our foreign and security policy, which is crucial in these times of geopolitical turmoil.” Although Bosnia applied to join the EU in 2016 the talks are yet to start to progress approval from rest of the EU member states. (“EU to recommend membership talks with Bosnia: von der Leyen,” Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2024)
EU considers setting regulation to include Uber workers as employees
On 11 March, the EU member states labour and social ministers agreed on regulations to classify worker in Uber and Deliveroo as employees. This means, the Platform Work Directive would mention workers under the “gig-economy” as employees in particular cases. Workers can qualify when they are assessed electronically which mediates payment and working hours. Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian labour minister said: “This is the first-ever piece of EU legislation to regulate algorithmic management in the workplace and to set EU minimum standards to improve working conditions for millions of platform workers across the EU.” On approval of the regulation, algorithms engaging in human resources will be made to be open along with granting workers right to “contest automated decisions.” Although the regulation is yet to be passed in the European Parliament, Uber was reported to be lobbied against the original draft where the Commission would set the threshold to qualify a worker as employee. (Richard Connor, “EU states agree to regulate Deliveroo, Uber workers' rights,” Deutsche Welle, 11 March 2024)