Photo : Sputnik / Vitaly Nevar
By Shilpa Joseph
LATVIA
Eurostat records the second lowest life expectancy in the EU
On 03 May, Eurostat published preliminary 2023 data on the life expectancy at birth in the European countries. According to the report, Latvia recorded the second-lowest life expectancy in the EU at 75.9. Latvian men's shorter lifespan, averaging 70.8 years, pulls down Latvia's overall figures, contrasting with Latvian women's average of 80.8 years. While Bulgaria (75.8 years) had the lowest, Spain (84.0 years) recorded the highest. Life expectancy exceeded the EU average in fifteen countries. In 2023, life expectancy increased in 18 EU countries compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019, while it decreased in six countries and remained stable in two others. Romania (+1.0 year) is predicted to have experienced the biggest increase, and in contrast, Finland and Austria (-0.4 years each), Estonia (-0.2 years), and the Netherlands (-0.2 years), saw a decline in life expectancy. (“Latvia has EU's second-lowest life expectancy,” lsm.lv, 06 May 2024)
GERMANY
Chancellor promises support to deploy troops in Lithuania
On 05 May, Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor visited Lithuania as Germany is expected to deploy 4800 soldiers to boost security amid war in Ukraine. Being a former USSR country, Scholz promised to adhere Article 5 of the Washington Treaty which states: “An armed attack on any member will be deemed an attack against all.” This would be the first permanent stationing of German troops outside its borders after the world wars. Germany will send two main combat troop battalions from the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. The third battalion, a multinational NATO battle unit, will be a component of the alliance's Enhanced Forward Presence force. The Suwalki Gap, a section of Lithuanian land that separates the two is seen as a possible hot spot in a conflict between NATO and Russia.
(“Scholz vows Germany's 'unwavering' support for Baltics,” Deutsche Welle, 05 May 2024)
Foreign Minister warns on severe impact of Climate change is Fiji
On 06 May, during the visit to Fiji, Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister warned on extreme weather phenomena such as tropical storms, droughts, and floods affecting the islanders adversely. According to the report, the 330 South Pacific islands in Fiji were in danger of flooding due to rise in sea level from climate change. As a result, six villages had been abandoned, and 42 more were marked as high risk. Baerbock said: "The climate crisis is literally washing the ground out from under people's feet here," and she promised Germany’s role in assisting with damage repair efforts and helping promote renewable energy. In her earlier visit to Adelaide in the state of South Australia, she discussed geopolitical issues and cybersecurity. Apart from this, in her visit to New Zealand, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, to promote collaboration in South Pole scientific research, during the visit. (“German FM warns of climate threat during Fiji visit”, Deutsche Welle, 05 May 2024)
RUSSIA
Prepares for combat readiness after NATO’s threat to deploy troops in Ukraine
On 06 May, Dmitry Peskov, Russian Press Secretary commented on military drills announced by the Russian Defense Ministry. Referring to the statements by the French President, UK officials, and a representative of the US Senate, about the readiness to send armed contingents to Ukraine he announced the Russian missile exercises. The Russian armed forces are expected to prepare soon in response to the threat from the West. According to the ministry, the Russian military will practice the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons during the drills. However, Peskov called for verification of the French statements. (“Russian Missile Drills Linked to NATO Threat of Troop Deployment to Ukraine - Kremlin,” Sputnik International, 07 May 2024)
THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch national crop: Tulips face risks due to climate change
On 05 May, Deutsche Welle reported on how Tulips, as a national treasure of the Netherlands, attract tourists around the world. The Netherlands is also the world’s leading tulip exporter with around 2.5 million tulip bulbs sold every year. However, with the changes in climate and extreme heat, there are wetter winters, and more heat waves in spring and summer, posing a great threat to its growth. As the winters are so wet, the roots do not grow deep in the soil, causing it to perish during the summer, Poor harvest and rising costs make it difficult to grow the crop. In recent years, farmers had to water the crops almost every week, unlike before when three to four times in a season was adequate. Additionally, Dutch tulip growers also face trouble due to strict border controls following Brexit. As most of the harvest goes abroad, a delay in the physical checks would be catastrophic for the flowers. (“Climate change, Brexit threaten Dutch Tulips,” Deutsche Welle, 05 May 2024)
REGIONAL
Debate over blanket ban on TikTok in Europe
On 03 May, the European officials discussed on banning TikTok during an election debate. There have been continuous investigations and legislations on Chinese technology in the EU. The recent probe on the state subsidies followed the raid of Chinese EV companies. However, there is much contestation on the blanket ban on the video-sharing platform TikTok. Ursula von der Leyen, the European People's Party (EEP) lead candidate proposed for a ban, whereas her political rival, Nicolas Schmit, Luxembourgish Socialist said: “quite American." Following the Digital Services Act, the European Commission, previously took steps to suspend an app feature that rewarded interaction with the recently launched TikTok Lite app. Similar to US, concerns have emerged across Europe on TikTok being a potential Chinese spy tool and largely a national security threat. However, banning TikTok will be a challenge for the EU as it does not have jurisdiction over the national security concerns of its member states. Some EU leaders do not support the ban since it has been used as a major political campaigning tool. (Pieter Haeck, “Europe is nowhere close to banning TikTok,” Politico, 03 May 2024)
EU drops procedure to terminate Poland’s rights after six years
On 05 May, the EU dropped proceedings against Poland’s judicial reforms after the new coalition led by Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister who was elected in October 2023. The conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which had governed earlier for eight years had reformed the judiciary. This was perceived by the EU as weakening of democratic safeguards and subjecting the judiciary to political influence. In response, the EU began the ‘Article 7’ procedures which can suspend member states if found breaching the EU’s founding policies. Additionally, the European Commission withheld billions of euros in funding intended for Poland. In a statement, Polish Ministry of Justice confirmed on considering: “A number of legislative and non-legislative actions to address concerns about the independence of the judiciary." This resulted in the closure of the Article 7 procedures by the EU. (“EU to drop action against Poland on 'rule of law' concerns,” Deutsche Welle, 06 May 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese President assures to address major issues with Europe
On 06 May, Xi Jinping, Chinese President was welcomed by Emmanuel Macron, French President in Paris to discuss Russia's war and the trade practices between China and the EU to ensure durable peace. At a press conference, Macron welcomed China’s proposal to control the sale of arms to Russia. In response, Xi urged Macron to keep China out of the Ukraine crisis. Macron said that Xi had pledged to back a proposal for a ceasefire in all global conflicts during the Paris Olympics this summer and he would support an international peace conference involving Russia and Ukraine "at the right time." (“Macron and Xi discuss Russia, Ukraine and trade”, Deutsche Welle, 06 May 2024)