Photo : Reuters
04 April 2024, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #799
Europe In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
RUSSIA
Putin calls for countering illegal immigration
On 02 April, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President demanded the law enforcement agencies to counter illegal immigration and organised crime. He pointed to the increasing unauthorised migration leading to extremism and criminality especially operating in the borders. He said: “I ask you to pay special attention to such priorities as ensuring public order, combating extremism, and suppressing illegal migration.” Since the attack in the Crocus concert hall, Russia’s security agency has been tasked to trace the responsible parties behind the attack. (“Putin orders crackdown on illegal immigration,” RT, 02 April 2024)
SLOVAKIA
Environment Ministry proposes law to shoot brown bear within 500 metres
On 03 April, Environment Ministry of Slovakia announced on a draft constitutional law to be soon presented in the parliament to allow shooting of bears which pose danger. The law will grant permit for hunters to shoot down bears nearing the human settlements. Under the current rules, bears can be killed only if “driven away” from the area or into the forest, but as per new norm, it can be shot within 500 metres of the village. This comes after a woman was killed in March after being chased by a bear. Tomáš Taraba, Environment Minister from the far-right Slovak National Party pushed forth the draft at the national and regional levels to reduce the protection status of the brown bear. (Louise Guillot And Karl Mathiesen, “Slovakia proposes law allowing bears to be shot near villages,” Politico, 03 April 2024)
THE UK
Supreme Court justices call ban on weapon sale to Israel
On 04 April, the BBC reported on three former Supreme Court justices move to join with 600 legal experts to demand the UK government to end the sale of weapons to Israel. According to the report, the UK sales is lower compared to Germany, Italy and the US but the justices argue that a ban would add diplomatic and political pressure on Israel. This is mainly due to the conflict in Gaza is under international scrutiny. Since 2008, the UK has licenced arms to Israel for GBP 574 million but such export licences cannot be granted if the weapons were used in violation of international humanitarian law. (Emily Atkinson & Adam Durbin, “Arms sales to Israel: Top judges urge UK to halt weapons trade,” BBC, 04 April 2024)
REGIONAL
NATO Secretary General proposed a EUR 100 billion military aid to Ukraine
On 03 April, in the meeting with the NATO foreign ministers, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General proposed for a new approach toward aiding Ukraine. He pitched an idea of funding EUR 100 billion as military aid to Ukraine over five year period to shift more responsibility on NATO to gather support. He said: “We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul…so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.” The statement comes as the US delays over the USD 60 billion military aid to Ukraine and Stoltenberg mentioned the delay in decision to result in consequences on the ground. On the same, ministers from Poland and Germany expressed support to the long-term support and the proposal. (Stuart Lau And Aitor Hernández-Morales, “NATO ministers’ doubts, fears and eye-rolls over €100B Ukraine plan,” Politico, 03 April 2024)
European Commission to investigate solar panel manufactures of China in Romania
On 03 April, the European Commission launched an investigation into China’s solar panel manufacturers who are suspected of “undercutting local suppliers.” A 110-megawatt solar farm in Romania called Enevo Group which comes under the EU modernization fund is on suspect of receiving subsidies from China, breaching EU’s policy of fair competition. According to Thierry Breton, EUs Internal Market Commissioner, the investigation aims to secure Europe’s economic security and competitiveness by making companies follow the single market regulations in a competitive and fair manner. Along with the Romanian farm, Longi Green Energy Technology owned by China and subsidised by Germany has also come under enquiry. In the investigation, the Commission will examine the economic operators to find if there was any benefit drawn to attain the public contracts in the EU. The market regulations of the EU mandate the companies to notify the Commission if their tender value goes up more than EUR 250 million and had also received foreign contribution close to EUR four million in last three years. (“EU investigates Chinese solar firms over unfair subsidies,” Deutsche Welle, 04 March 2024)
Eurozone inflation rates increase slower than expected
On 03 April, the annual rate of inflation of countries using Euro decreased in faster rate than predicted in March. According to the report in Deutsche Welle the Eurozone consumer prices increased by only 2.4 per cent less than 2.6 per cent in February. Germany recorded an annual rate of inflation in March of 2.2 per cent reduced from 2.7 per cent in February. Experts from the European Central Bank stated that despite the fluctuations in the inflation rate, they do not expect the interest rate to fall. However, increasing the interest can slow down the economic growth which makes the government to expect the ECB to declare the win over inflation soon. (“Eurozone inflation drops faster than predicted in March,” Deutsche Welle, 03 April 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
China invested company raises security concerns in Poland’s port
On 03 April, Politico reported on increased security concerns over a Hong Kong based company in Poland’s Gdynia port. The concerns come as its located close to a dock which was earlier involved in loading and unloading the US and NATO military aid for Ukraine. According to the Polish authorities, the Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT) has been under surveillance while it faces pressure to declare it as critical infrastructure. The GCT known for full-service and heavy-lift handling expands to 20 hectares with 600 metres in the Baltic Sea port. Therefore, the concerns are not only limited to proximity of NATO but also Polish military assets. Marek Biernacki, an MP with the Third Way party said: “The committee has prepared an opinion to the prime minister indicating that there is a lack of a legal environment for large investments that should be protected as part of critical infrastructure.” If declared so, the Chinese investment company would have to report to the government on its security operations. (Jeremy Van Der Haegen And Wojciech Kość, “Chinese presence in a Polish port triggers security fears,” Politico, 03 April 2024)