By Alka Bala
CYPRUS
New wave of migrants enter through southeastern coast
On 01 April, Xinhua reported on the problem faced by Cyprus over the wave if immigrants from Syria. In the last 24 hours, close to seven small boats were reportedly transported 500 Syrian immigrants crossing into Cyprus’s southeastern coast. Rescue operations were triggered amid the concern of overcrowded vessels. The migrants are expected to originate from Lebanon which is 200 kilometres from Cyprus and becomes the second occurrence since 13 January. Konstantinos Ioannou, Cyprus Interior Minister highlighted the increasing concern over influx of Syrian due to high number of hostilities in Gaza. He urged the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the Frontex to intervene to help control the migrant boat entry. (“Fresh surge of Syrian immigrants hits Cyprus,” Xinhua, 02 April 2024)
GERMANY
Government moves ahead to legalise recreational cannabis
On 01 April, according to Times Malta, Germany became the largest EU country to legalise recreational cannabis, allowing adults, over 18 to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and grow up to three marijuana plants at home. The law became effective on 01 April, and from 01 July, it would be allowed for people to legally purchase weed through “cannabis clubs” in the country. Although the government believes that the new law would help curb and contain the black market for cannabis, the decision has drawn flak from health specialists. Cannabis use among young adults, who are more susceptible to health risks, also increases the risks of damage to the central nervous system, and risks of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. Karl Lauterbach, German Health Minister indicated that cannabis consumption could be “dangerous”, especially for young people. The government had stated that cannabis would be banned within 100 meters of schools, kindergartens and playgrounds. Friedrich Merz, Conservative opposition leader stated his intention to “immediately” repeal the law if his party won the elections in 2025. (“Germany gives controversial green light to cannabis,” Times Malta, 01 April 2024)
German soccer federation recalls jerseys numbered 44, over Nazi symbolism
On 01 April, according to Le Monde, the German soccer federation and Addidas recall the sale of jerseys numbered 44 due to its resemblance with the Nazi Party’s SS paramilitary unit’s logo. The federation expressed that “None of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism in the development process of the jersey design,” and it is now working with its partner 11teamsports to develop an alternative design for the number four. Nazi Party’s Schutzstaffel group, which used the symbol SS was involved in carrying out mass killings in the concentration camps during World War II. Oliver Brüggen, Addidas spokesperson stated that the company stood for “…diversity and inclusion, and as a company, we actively campaign against xenophobia, antisemitism, violence and hatred in all forms.” Germany is scheduled to host the European Championship from 14 June to July 14. (“Germany recalls soccer jerseys with number 44 due to associations with Nazi symbols, Le Monde, 01 April 2024)
IRELAND
Restoring duty on fuel would push more ‘fuel tourism’ in Northern Ireland
On 01 April, the BBC reported that according to the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), the restoration of excise duty on fuel would push for greater movement to Northern Ireland to purchase petrol and diesel. On Monday, the price of petrol and diesel increased by four per cent per litre and three per cent per litre respectively. Ger Hyland, President of IRHA stated that “fuel tourism” would have an impact on the Irish economy. He indicated the rise in fuel prices would prove difficult for Irish industries to compete with other companies in mainland Europe. He also stated that since hauliers operated in a “low margin” industry, there would be a rise in price for the consumers. The decision to restore excise duty was made in October 2022. (“'Fuel tourism' to NI could follow Irish duty move, BBC, 01 April 2024)
LATVIA
Eurostat reveals Latvia among the lowest hourly labour costs
On 31 March, Eng.lsm.lv reported on the 2023 data revealed by Eurostat which indicated hourly labour costs in the EU at EUR 31.8 and EUR 35.6 in the euro area. However, despite such high numbers, hourly labour costs in Bulgaria and Latvia range from EUR 9.3 to EUR 13.5 respectively. In Luxembourg, the hourly wages were reported to be as high as 53.9 per cent. These varying figures reflect the income gaps within the EU member states. (“Latvia's labor costs lowest among Baltic states,” Eng.lsm.lv, 31 March 2024)
TURKEY
Opposition Mayor Imamgolu secures elections in Istanbul and Ankara
On 01 April, according to Deutsche Welle, Mayor Ekrem Imamgolu of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) won the Municipal elections against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). According to Anadolu, the state news agency, CHP secured victory in the capital city of Ankara and other major cities such as Izmir and Antalya. According to Berk Esen, a political scientist at Sabanci University remarked this election was “The biggest election defeat of Erdogan's career.” According to the preliminary election results, the CHP was reported to be ahead of its rival AKP in 36 provinces out of 81. CHP accumulated 37.32 per cent of the votes whereas AKP had 35.78 per cent. Post elections defeat, Erdogan remarked: “We will honestly assess the results of the elections ... and courageously exercise self-criticism.” Earlier, 70-year-old Erdogan had stated that this election would be his last. Erdogan has been the Prime Minister since 2003 and held the Presidential post in 2014. (“Turkish opposition surges in local polls blow to Erdogan,” Deutsche Welle, 01 April 2024)