Photo : Reuters
04 May 2024, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #825
By Shilpa Joseph
ARIZONA
Governor signs a bill repealing ban on abortion
On 02 May, Arizona's Democratic governor signed a bill overturning an 1864 law banning abortion. On 09 April, the Arizona Supreme Court decided that the state could uphold its long-dormant statute that outlaws abortions in all circumstances save those in which a mother's life is in danger. In 1973, the landmark Roe v Wade had already guaranteed a national right to abortion, yet, the Republicans in Arizona sided for the 19th century ban. However, in previous week the state House of Representatives finally succeeded when three moderate Republicans crossed party lines, eventually leading to the repeal of the bill. This is expected to be decisive in Presidential politics for the return Democratic Party candidates to office.
FRANCE
Sciences Po University closes down due to pro-palestine protests
On 03 May, France's prestigious Sciences Po university would be closed due to the occupation of students protesting "in solidarity with Palestinian victims" in Gaza. This comes as a part of a series of protests in many top US universities over the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, France is home to the world's largest Jewish population after Israel and Valerie Pecresse, the right-wing head of the Paris regional authority, condemned what she called "a minority of radicalized people calling for anti-Semitic hatred" and temporarily suspended funding to Sciences Po earlier this week in response to the protests.
Experts recommend cutting screen time for children
On 01 may, an expert panel commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that screen time for children under three years old be nil and up to age six to be “strongly limited.” The report elaborated on the negative effects of social media including risks for depression and anxiety. The report also criticised “predatory practices” by tech companies such as “infinite scrolling or automatic video launch." It comes after a bill that would have increased screen time training for childcare providers and increased regulations on screen use in elementary and preschool settings was introduced by members of Macron's Renaissance party in 2023.
GEORGIA
EU and US condemns the Foreign Agents Bill
On 03 May, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in a conservation with European Council President Charles Michel expressed that there were no counterarguments against the proposed legislation. However, Michel said in support of the protests by the Georgians: “Georgia's future belongs with the EU. Don't miss this historic chance." Thousands of people marched to protest against the bill outside the Georgian Dream party's headquarters in Tbilisi. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili showed her dissent and assured that she would veto the bill. Georgia has received advice from the US and the EU to repeal the law or risk jeopardizing its chances of becoming a member of the EU and of a wider Euro-Atlantic future.
TURKEY
Turkey blocks export and import with Israel over the Gaza conflict
On 02 May, Turkey’s trade ministry said in a statement: "…Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products" until Israel allowed "…an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza." The Israeli foreign minister accused the measure of breaking agreements as a dictatorial behaviour. The announcement comes after Turkey imposed restrictions on a range of its exports to Israel in April. Earlier, Turkey claimed that Israel had blocked an effort by its air force to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Turkey has become one of the harshest critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza.
REGIONAL
Three Chinese EV makers warned for not cooperating with EU
On 03 May, the European commission warned three Chinese electric car makers for tougher EU fines because they didn't provide enough information over state subsidies. A letter was sent to EV makers BYD, SAIC and Geely on April 23 as a part of the trade investigation, launched by the European Commission last year for allegedly receiving distorting subsidies to produce electric vehicles, potentially creating an unfair advantage on the EU market compared to European car makers. The trio showed lack of cooperation and failed to provide necessary information despite granting deadline extensions, thereby reverting to the concept of ‘facts available’ to charge higher duties on Chinese imports. However, Rhodium Group analysts report Chinese EV makers remain profitable despite potential 15-30 per cent EU import tariffs, highlighting their competitiveness.
EU provides aid package to Lebanon to counter refugee influx to Cyprus
On 02 May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a multi-year economic aid package worth EUR 1 billion (USD 1.07 billion) for Lebanon to adopt reforms and shore up basic services such as education and health care, however with a concern about the increased Syrian refugee migration. Lebanon hosts some 805,000 UN-registered Syrian refugees, of which 90 per cent live in poverty. Cyprus has urged the bloc since the number of migrants was no longer sustainable, and it has suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrian nationals. This move also came about since Lebanese officials had lately threatened to stop intercepting migrant boats destined for Europe unless Beirut receives more economic support.
INTERNATIONAL
Burkina Faso blocks many international media outlets
On 29 April, Burkina Faso’s regulatory authority suspended several international media outlets for covering allegations of mass killings by the military. Among the number of media agencies to be suspended were the Le Monde, The Guardian and the Deutsche Welle (DW). This action was taken after the DW’s digital news team covered the Human Rights Watch report about a military junta in Burkina Faso massacre on 25 February that killed at least 223 civilians, including 50 children. Burkina Faso's Conseil Superieur de la Communication (CSC) said in a statement that the media platforms had published content it said "constituted disinformation."