Photo : AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov
GEORGIA
Parliament passes the media bill in the first reading
On 17 April, large number of protestors gathered in Tbilisi after the lawmakers passed a bill considered controversial imposing control on media and non-commercial organisations. The bill mandates such organisations which receive more than 20 per cent of funding from foreign entity to register and therefore categorised as “foreign agents.” In the parliament, the bill was passed in the first reading with 83 in favour from the member of Georgian Dream party while opposition parliamentarians refrained from voting. The protests and objection from the opposition come as they consider the bill to limit freedom and functioning of civil society and media organisations and create a block towards the country entry into the EU. Josep Borell, EU foreign policy representative warned: “The final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path.” (“Georgia: Lawmakers pass 'foreign agent' law in first reading,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2024)
POLAND
President Duda meets Trump to discuss on Ukraine and NATO defence budget
On 17 April, Andrzej Duda, Poland’s President held a meeting with Donald Trump, former US President on the NATO spending and global issues. In the meeting, Duda suggested on raising the defence expenditure threshold from two to three per cent of GDP, as this would align with Trump’s earlier accusation on European members not meeting the contribution limit. They also discussed on the conflict in Ukraine, Israel and on topics in achieving world peace. For Trump, this will be a second meeting after hosting Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister in March. After the meeting, Trump said: “He's done a fantastic job and he's my friend…We're behind Poland all the way.” (“Poland's Duda meets 'friend' Donald Trump in New York,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2024)
SWEDEN
Parliament formulates age limit from 18 to 16 for changing gender legally
On 18 April, Sweden’s parliament passed a law reducing the age limit for people to change their legal gender from 18 to 16. The law was favoured with 234 votes and 94 against. Sweden became the first country to legalise gender transition in 1972. The recent move sparked debate but critics call for more research. At present Sweden needs doctor’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria to permit change their gender legally. Under the latest norm, coming into force from 2025 would ease the process through short consultation along with approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare. While the new law is a boon, it mandates those under 18 to acquire approval from parents or guardian before changing their gender legally. Johan Hultberg of the ruling Moderate Party said: “The great majority of Swedes will never notice that the law has changed, but for a number of transgender people the new law makes a large and important difference.” (Francesca Gillett, “Sweden passes law lowering age to change legal gender from 18 to 16,” BBC, 18 April 2024)
REGIONAL
European Commission proposes free movement deal to the UK
On 18 April, the European Commission proposed a free movement deal to the UK to make it easy for younger people between 18 and 30 aged. The UK which already holds few schemes with non-EU countries for such movement for two-years span but it has also expressed openness to extend into other EU member countries over an EU-wide scheme. In response, the UK government stated its readiness for a country-to-country deal applied across the EU bloc while the opposition group Labour party stated that it had no plans for a “youth mobility scheme.” The deal was proposed to especially reduce immigration control imposed on younger one moving between the UK and the EU. Immigration between the two decreased after the freedom of movement rules came to an end in 2021 resulting in EU citizens to apply for visa to study or work in the UK. (Paul Seddon, “EU proposes some free movement for UK young people,” BBC, 18 April 2024)
Debate over abortion laws spark between Spain and Italy leaders
On 18 April, the BBC reported on emergence of a clash between Spain and Italy over Italy’s right-wing coalition permitting anti-abortion groups into abortion clinics. According to the report, the lower house of the parliament is expected to pass the bill. Ana Redondo, Spain’s Equality Minister sparked a debate with Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister. Redondo argued on allowing “organised harassment” in abortion clinics as “undermining a right recognised by the law.” While Meloni countered saying: “Several times I've listened to foreign ministers talk about internal Italian matters without knowing the full facts.” In Italy, abortion was legalised since 1978 carried out in the first 90 days of pregnancy. This is also known as Law 194. However, access to abortion has been challenging as high number of medical professional close to 63 per cent fall under “conscientious objectors,” refusing to perform the operation. (Laura Gozzi, “Spain and Italy clash over abortion laws,” BBC, 18 April 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Burkina Faso expels three French diplomats
On 18 April, Burkina Faso Foreign Ministry announced on expelling three French diplomats under subversive activities. The three expelled were declared “persona non grata” and asked to exit in 48 hours. According to the French government there were no evidence to expel and allegations were observed to be “unfounded.” Earlier, on 01 December, four French officials were detailed, charged and imprisoned under the charge of being intelligence agents. Since September 2022 coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, the country has distanced from France. (“Burkina Faso expels three French diplomats for 'subversive activities',” Le Monde, 18 April 2024)