Photo : Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
By Alka Bala and Rosemary Kurian
FRANCE
Macron visits Brazil to boost business
On 25 March, according to Politico, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, travelled to Brazil to convince Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian President, to strengthen ties between both countries through increased investments. An official in Elysée noted that Macron wanted to make up for a “four-year eclipse and a virtual freeze in political relations” during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, in his first official visit to South America. To boost investments in Brazil, especially to promote the green sector, Macron is joined by around 120 French business representatives. He will meet Lula in the tropical metropolis of Belém, which Lula aims to transform into the capital of green transition and host the COP 30 climate conference there. Macron had earlier criticised Brazilian beef exports and a trade deal between the EU and the Mercosur bloc of which Brazil is the largest member, to appease French farmers. Lula had responded by criticising Macron’s protectionist policy. The controversy is set to remain the “elephant in the room” during the bilateral visit. Macron and Lula have differing views on the war in Ukraine, with the former a staunch supporter of Ukraine and the latter continuing his “neutral” position. However, Macron is expected to find common ground, including the reform of the IMF and World Bank where Brazil is underrepresented, as well as taxing the richest, in an attempt to take steps “towards each other.” (Giorgio Leali, “Macron bets on investments and fraternité to charm Lula in first visit to Brazil,” Politico, 25 March 2024)
GERMANY
Government closes seven coal-powered plants after waning energy crisis
On 26 March, according to Euractiv, Germany will shut down seven of its lignite-fired power plants by the end of the month, after their decommissioning was earlier postponed in view of the energy crisis faced in 2022. The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has however ensured that the energy security of Germany would not be impacted. After limited supply of Russian gas and faltering of French nuclear energy supply, Germany postponed its decision by another winter in October 2023. COP28 in December urged countries to phase down the use of coal, the most polluting means to generate electricity. Germany has powered down the use of coal to generate electricity, from 33 per cent in 2022 to 26 per cent in 2023. Western Germany claims that it is prepared to achieve its carbon goals in 2030, but experts claim that lack of funding for accessing additional gas for power plants could cause difficulty in achieving the goal. (Nikolaus J Kurmayer, “Germany shutters seven coal power plants as energy crises eases,” Euractiv, 26 March 2024)
ITALY
Officials report increasing security alert level post-Moscow terror attacks
On 25 March, according to Deutsche Welle, Italy follows France in increasing its security alert level through surveillance and checks ahead of the Easter holidays. As discussed in the National Security Council meeting in Rome, increased security is planned owing to the events planned for Easter at the Vatican. The increased security efforts are following the deadly terror attacks carried out by ISIS-K at a concert hall in Moscow. Matteo Piantedosi, Italian Interior Minister stated “Both surveillance and checks will be increased, paying the most attention to the places of greatest aggregation and transit of people, as well as sensitive targets.” (“Moscow attack: Italy joins France in raising security level,” Deutsche Welle, 25 March 2024)
SLOVAKIA
Subsidy payments to Slovak farmers delayed by state
On 26 March, according to Euractiv, the Slovak Paying Agency (PPA) delayed the payments of EU farm subsidies as direct payments to eligible farmers, with the EU claiming that the situation is out of its hands. Slovakia has paid less than one-third of a total of EUR 336 million received under EU agricultural subsidies to farmers that applied. The PPA is responsible “to pay 100 per cent of direct payments until 30 June 2024”, according to Olof Gill, the European Commission spokesperson. Gill explained that while the system is set up by the EU, the member countries “are responsible for setting up a management and control system for payments that comply with EU regulations”. Several farmers are facing debt with no salaries, forced to sell off their assets due to the delay in accessing subsidies, a situation described as “catastrophic” by Emil Macho, president of the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food (SPPK). The SPPK earlier blamed the EU’s “green fanaticism” for the farmers’ plight, but now expresses its discontent for the Slovak government. (Maroš Koreň and Natália Silenská, “Slovakia delays payments to farmers, EU can’t intervene,” Euractiv, 26 March 2024)
SWITZERLAND
FSO data reveals the highest life satisfaction for Swiss citizens
On 26 March, Swissinfo reported on data revealed by Switzerland’s Federal Statistics Office (FSO) indicating Swiss citizens enjoy the highest level of life satisfaction in the entire Europe in 2022. According to the data, Switzerland reached the highest life satisfaction score of 8 out of 10, compared to other European countries, Austria (7.9), Italy (7.2), France (7) and Germany (6.5). Despite the high general satisfaction level in Switzerland, one in ten people face financial difficulty and one-fourth of the deprived people expressed that they are depressed or discouraged. The poverty rate in Switzerland was 8.2 per cent which accounts for 702,000 people and comprises mostly foreign nationals, single-parent households, and households with no education and employment. Whereas the poverty rate among the working population was 3.8 per cent accounting for 144,000 people. (“Swiss life satisfaction ‘the highest in Europe,” Swissinfo.ch, Deutsche Welle
REGIONAL
EU directs big techs to secure the EU elections through new tech law
On 26 March, according to Politico, the European Union ordered major tech firms including Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok to aid it in securing its elections in June amid concerns over disinformation and online threats. The EU introduced the Digital Services Act (DSA), their new content moderation law, to help the bloc in fighting disinformation. New guidelines were introduced to prevent the circulation of false content, Russian bot campaigns and deepfakes, with firms failing to comply facing up to six per cent of their annual global revenue. Thierry Breton, the Internal Market Commissioner, stated that the EU expected “hybrid attacks or foreign interferences” which need more than “half-baked measures.” Big Tech firms have been asked to label AI deepfakes and political advertisements, with specialised teams asked to monitor potential threats in the 27 member countries. The online platforms are also expected to have algorithms that entertain diverse content without excessive polarisation, as was the case witnessed during Finland’s elections. (Clothilde Goujard, “Europe wields new tech law to protect EU election,” Politico, 26 March 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s top diplomat arrives in Egypt to ease humanitarian situation in Gaza
On 25 March, Deutsche Welle reported on Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister’s meeting with Sameh Shoukry, the Egyptian Foreign Minister to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian scenario in Gaza. She urged Israel and Hamas to undertake concessions in the negotiations in Qatar. Baerbock gave the following statement before her visit, “Only an immediate humanitarian cease-fire that leads to a permanent cease-fire will keep the hope for peace alive — for Palestinians and Israelis alike.” She is scheduled for her sixth visit to Israel to meet Israel Katz, Israeli Foreign Minister. Expressing concerns about Israel’s offensive into Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, she highlighted the actions of the Israeli military and their consequences on the civilians. (“Germany's Baerbock in Egypt for Gaza crisis talks,” Deutsche Welle, 25 March 2024)
US and UK accuse Chinese hacking group of “malicious” cyber campaigns
On 26 March, according to Deutsche Welle, US and UK officials accused the Chinese hacking group APT31 which stands for - “advanced persistent threat” for their involvement in malicious cyber campaigns. Oliver Dowden, UK’s Deputy Prime Minister stated that attacks by the hacking group had been compromised by the electoral commission and UK parliamentary accounts however email accounts of UK lawmakers were not compromised. GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence agency confirmed involvement of the group in compromising UK Electoral Commission systems between 2021 and 2022. US Treasury Department reported sanctioning Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd accusing their involvement in “multiple malicious cyber operations,” targeting US sectors such as defence, aerospace and energy. Dowden stated the UK’s sanctions on an entity affiliated with APT31. Lisa Monaco, US Deputy Attorney General stated that these hackers aimed to “repress critics of the Chinese regime, compromise government institutions, and steal trade secrets.” ( “US, UK accuse China-linked hackers of spy campaign,” Deutsche Welle, 26 March 2024)
UK High Court delays ruling on Julian Assange’s extradition to the US
On 26 March, Deutsche Welle reported on the delayed ruling by UK High Court judges on Julian Assange’s extradition to the US and requested assurance that he would not be subjected to the death penalty in the US if extradited. Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, and whistleblower leaked some of the most classified documents regarding operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and NATO presence in these countries. The US government believes that his actions were beyond journalism and had risked innocent lives by publishing classified information. Out of nine issues appealed, the judges only recognised three issues; freedom of speech, concern regarding the disadvantages as he is not a US Citizen and the risk of the death penalty. Assange faces 17 espionage charges, one charge regarding computer misuse and would be sentenced to a jail term of up to 175 years if convicted. Australian politicians have appealed for Assange, who is an Australian citizen to be returned there. UK High Court judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson have adjourned the case until May 20. (“Julian Assange can appeal extradition, UK High Court rules,” Deutsche Welle, 26 March 2024)
Violent farmers protest in Brussels
On 26 March, according to Politico, a farmers’ protest with 250 tractors in Brussels turned violent with protestors using firebombs and throwing debris at law enforcement officials. Several tractors encircled the Place du Luxembourg outside the European Parliament, demonstrating their dissatisfaction with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that they claim was destroying their business. Others halted the traffic along one of the busiest routes in Brussels– Rue de la Roi– and set piles of hay and tires on fire in addition to throwing eggs and burnt debris at police officers. Leonardo van den Berg, a board member of European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC), noted that the “farmers are desperate”. Police employed the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. One person was arrested for throwing molotov cocktails at law enforcement and two police officers were reported injured. Annelies Verlinden, the Belgian Interior Minister, condemned the protests, calling “violence, arson and destruction” “unacceptable”. (Claudia Chiappa, Bartosz Brzezinski, Paula Andrés, Denis Leven and Ali Walker, “Farmers’ protest: Police use tear gas and water cannons to quell violent Brussels demo, Politico, 26 March 2024)