By Neha Tresa George and Padmashree Anandhan
RUSSIA
President of Russia and China issue joint statement
On 16 May, Kremlin.ru reported on the official meeting held between the Vladimir Putin, Russian President and Xi Jinping, Chinese President. Both discussed on bilateral cooperation, international and regional issues. Following the meeting, a joint statement was released on the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Following the meeting, Xi said: “China and Russia have shown others an example of building a new type of interstate relations and relations between major neighbors. All this was made possible because both parties were committed to the following five principles.” Such as “mutual respect, win-win cooperation, adhere to centuries-old friendship, spirit of strategic engagement and Promote political settlement of hot spot issues for the sake of truth and justice.” After Xi, Putin made a statement: “The negotiations just held showed the great importance that both Moscow and Beijing attach to the development and strengthening of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.”
The joint statement began with both being the first to recognise the country’s after the fall of the Soviet Union and signing of Treaty of Good Neighbourliness in July 2001. This served as the base to evolve into comprehensive partnership relations and strategic interaction with advanced interstate and military-political alliances. Under this, the cooperation focus would remain on “law enforcement and security, are interested in consolidating efforts to counter terrorism, separatism, extremism and transnational organized crime.” In the statement, China acknowledged Russia’s presidential lections and condemned all the perpetrators to “act committed on 22 March 2024” indicating the attacks on civilians. It said: “…supports the decisive actions of the Russian side aimed at combating terrorist and extremist forces, maintaining peace and stability in the country.”
The leaders also vowed to fasten the approval of Russian-Chinese Investment Cooperation Plan by 2024 to help practical implementation and boost bilateral cooperation. Sectors such as energy, financial intelligence, transport, environment protection.
In education and culture, China appreciated Russia’s hosting of first International Multi-Sports Tournament "Games of the Future" in 2024, BRICS Sports Games, youth cooperation and increased exchanges of specialists, professional dialogue and global events.
They also assured to continue to further their interactions through Eurasian, Economic Union (EAEU), Greater Eurasian Partnership, One Belt, One Road initiative, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and a trilateral cooperation with Mongolia through an economic corridor for medium term. Both leaders reaffirmed to work towards sustainable multipolar world order, mutual commitment for bilateral cooperation in the UN and committed to cooperate on public health and develop transparent, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. They also discussed on the nuclear and their interest in preserving Arctic as a place for peace with low-military and political tension along with scope to create dialogue and mutual cooperation.
FRANCE
Government accuses Azerbaijan for influencing the riots in New Caledonia
On 16 May 2024, France insisted on Azerbaijan’s interference in the clashes of French-controlled New Caledonia which the country has denied. The protestors are demanding the independence of the Pacific Ocean archipelago following the French MPs' backing of the changes in the Caledonian constitution that allowed any citizens who had lived there for at least 10 years, the right to vote. The Kanaks who are the indigenous people perceived it as a move to sideline them. Since the French government’s occupation of the region, there have been charges that Kanaks have faced ‘systemic discrimination’ and chronic underdevelopment. France has banned TikTok and also imposed an emergency in the hope of curbing the protests. The French-Azerbaijan relation has hit a rock bottom with repeated allegations that the latter is supporting pro-independence protestors in New Caledonia. The tension has increased in recent years due to France’s military and political support to Armenia which is Azerbaijan’s historical rival. While Azerbaijan has founded the Baku Initiative Group which aims to bring together 14 political movements across former French colonies in the name of decolonisation, it has also supported the independence movements against France. (Gabriel Gavin, Océane Herrero, and Victor Goury-Laffont, “France accuses Azerbaijan of fomenting deadly riots in overseas territory New Caledonia,” Politico, 16 May 2024)
NETHERLANDS
New coalition policies aim for stricter asylum norms
On 16 May 2024, the newly agreed upon coalition laid down their government policies in a proposal that will aim for the “strictest-ever asylum regime” with stronger border controls and rigorous rules for asylum seekers. The coalition has decided to opt out of the “European asylum and migration policies.” The parties also want to decrease labour migration and the intake of foreign students. Apart from these, they also aim to expand natural gas production along with nuclear power reactors. It has also eased the environmental rules for farmers. The country would continue to maintain political and military support for Ukraine and will make it legally binding to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence. The parties have also considered the idea of moving the Dutch embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (“Netherlands: New coalition pitches 'strictest' asylum policy,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2024)
SLOVAKIA
Prime Minister condition remains critical
On 16 May 2024, Slovakia’s President-elect Peter Pellegrini visited Robert Fico, Prime Minister who was shot five times in an assassination attempt in front of the House of Culture in Handlova. The attack happened after he came outside to shake hands with people after a cabinet meeting. According to the statements of Pellegrini, Fico was unable to speak properly and was tired. His condition continues to remain critical due to the complicated nature of wounds although the doctors are managing to stabilize it. The 71-year-old man who was the suspected shooter was found to be a ‘lone wolf’ with no membership in any radical or militant group. According to the authorities, the attack had a clear political motive. The former Prime Minister, Eduard Heger who is also the political rival of Fico had condemned the attack warning against polarization that is becoming a “battle of people” across the world. (“Slovakia: PM Fico able to speak, 'lone wolf' suspect charged,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2024)
THE UK
Discussion take place on defining EU-UK relationship
On 16 May 2024, the discussion conducted in Brussels over the post-Brexit border and transit arrangements for Gibraltar failed to reach an agreement. Gibraltar which is a self-governing British overseas territory was excluded from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement after Brexit which defined the post-Brexit EU-UK relationship. The meeting was a second of its kind this month and as EU hopes to strike a deal that would tie up the last loose end of Brexit just in time for the elections. According to the officials, the meeting took “place in a constructive atmosphere” which will contribute to an overall EU-UK agreement along with a commitment to bring “confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the lives and livelihoods of people of the campo de Gibraltar”. Since the region is a subject of friction between the UK and Spain with their claims over the territory, the deal is significant as it will define the relationship between the region and the countries. (Mared Gwyn Jones, “EU and UK 'getting closer' to clinching post-Brexit border and transit deal for Gibraltar,” Euronews, 16 May 2024)
TURKEY
Pro-Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas prisoned for engaging in 2014 riots
On 16 May 2024, a Turkish court sentenced the former leader of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas to 42 years in prison for allegedly inciting the deadly protests in Kobani in 2014. Another pro-Kurdish politician Figen Yuksekdag was also sentenced to 30 years along with many other HDP figures. They were charged with 29 offenses, including murder and harming Turkish unity and integrity. The protests were the result of pro-Kurdish leaders getting triggered by what they saw as Turkish support towards the Islamic militants who were attacking the town of Kobani. The three-day clash resulted in widespread casualties with 37 deaths and hundreds of injuries. In 2023, Demirtas termed the case a “revenge trial” proclaiming that there was no evidence against him. The HDP is accused of having ties to the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which Turkey listed as a terrorist organization. (“Turkey: Pro-Kurdish leader Demirtas gets 42 years in prison,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2024)
REGIONAL
European Commission to investigate Meta over DSA compliance
On 16 May 2024, the European Commission opened an investigation into the parent company of Facebook and Instagram over the safety concerns of children. The Commission believed that both platforms may "exploit the weaknesses and inexperience of minors and cause addictive behaviour” with their access to inappropriate content. It also expressed its concerns over the “rabbit hole” effect which shall “draw one into more and more disturbing content,” Since Facebook and Instagram are designated as very large online platforms (VLOPs), they should follow the most rigorous DSA rules or sanctions which were implemented last year. If Meta could face fines of up to 6 per cent of its global revenues if found to have broken the rules. It is already under investigation for deceptive advertising and political content. (“EU probes Meta over child protection concerns,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2024)
15 EU countries issue a joint call for the outsourcing of migration and asylum policy
On 16 May 2024, a group of 15 countries led by Denmark pushed for a call to develop the outsourcing of migration and asylum policy to enhance the contribution towards an equal, constructive, and broad partnership among the countries to manage irregular migration in Europe. Apart from Denmark, the signatories are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Romania, and Finland. The statement comes after the bloc had committed to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The countries have also suggested complementary efforts to combat the issue. The letter that they issued was addressed to the high-ranking officials in the European Commission. They have followed the examples of the border deals between the EU and the countries of Turkey, Tunisia, and Egypt but it differs greatly as the latter does not include provisions to transfer asylum seekers from one country to another. Even though this is considered to be controversial, the signatories think it to be the right way to explore solutions to rescue migrants. They have also pushed for more stringent rules against the instrumentalisation of migrants, human trafficking and smuggling which have already been covered under the New Pact. Altogether, the letter indicates that there is much to look into other than the policies under the New Pact. (Jorge Liboreiro, “15 EU countries call for the outsourcing of migration and asylum policy,” Euronews, 16 May)
