Photo : Kremli.ru
25 May 2024, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #843
By Neha Tresa George and Shilpa Joseph
Putin in Belarus
On 24 May, in a press release by Kremlin published the exchange between the leaders of Russia and Belarus. Lukashenko Alexander Grigorievich, President of the Republic of Belarus discussed security and defence issues and expressed similar approaches to contemporary security issues with Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President. They also focussed on economic cooperation, beginning with the development of the nuclear industry with the help of Russian technology and other areas with an eye for import independence and technological sovereignty. Further investments were called for and eradication of protections and restrictions were also advocated.
Putin noted that counter-trade was growing between the two countries and that it was a good sign of mutual trade and investment. He also mentioned their cooperation in the agriculture industry. Russian supply of oil and gas to Belarus in favourable terms, increasing transit of Belarusian goods through Russian territory, and the recent construction of a Belarusian nuclear power plant were proof of strong economic ties. On the defence front, issues of forming a single defence space were discussed in detail. Putin announced that on the Belarusian territory, a combined regional force had been deployed. Russian tactical nuclear weapons and cutting-edge defence systems guarded their western borders as well as the Collective Security Treaty Organization. He emphasised Russia’s contribution in making Belarus the 10th member country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in July at the SCO summit in Astana.
When enquired about the need for the exercises with the non-strategic nuclear weapons, Lukashenko stated that it was their third training since the deployment of nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, and the efforts were taken to be ready to defend the country from any attack. Putin agreed that the exercises were conducted since Belarus was a strategic ally to Russia. The two countries claimed to have done nothing more to escalate the situation than what the NATO forces were doing. During the press conference, Putin stated that Russia was ready for negotiations, but the Ukrainian side, with the influence of their Western allies, stopped the negotiation process. He commented on the question of the legitimacy of the President of Ukraine saying that to sign legally binding documents, Ukraine needs to decide on a legitimate authority as the head of the state. He said that: “I think that one of the goals of the conference in Switzerland, is precisely for the Western community, the sponsors of the current Kyiv regime, to confirm the legitimacy of the current head of state or the no longer current one.” He further added that the Ukrainian political and legal system must look into the matter based on the Constitution of Ukraine.
FRANCE
Government support the ICC’s arrest warrants
On 21 May, France backed the arrest warrants issued by the prosecutor Karim Khan of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Binyamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister Yoav Gallant, Defence Minister and three other Hamas leaders. With all the members of the EU put in a diplomatically difficult position, France supported the ICC, its independence, and its “fight against impunity in all situations.” France took a stand condemning both the antisemitic massacres of 07 October and the possible violations of international humanitarian law by Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. The country supported the court’s independence by claiming it was up to the court’s pretrial chamber to decide whether those warrants should be issued. On 21 May, the ICC prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants against the leaders on account of "wilful killing," "extermination or murder," and "starvation" during the war in Gaza. According to him, Israel had committed "crimes against humanity," and accused it "of a widespread and systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population." He also said the Hamas leaders "bear criminal responsibility" for actions committed during the 07 October attack. He added that international law and laws of armed conflict apply to all without any exception. (“France backs ICC after it seeks arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders,” FRANCE 24, 21 May 2024)
In New Caledonia, police kills a Kanak protestor
On 24 May, a policeman killed a man aged 48 in New Caledonia making it the seventh death amid the ongoing protests against the voting amendment bill. New Caledonia’s prosecutor Yves Dupas said that the incident occurred when the officer was attacked by about 15 people. The officer in custody now is undergoing investigation. Macron flew to the islands to ease the tensions and asked for the removal of roadblocks to lift the state of emergency. On 24 May, the police dismantled about 100 roadblocks. Kanak leaders pushing for independence have taken a stance that the new voting amendment bill would marginalise their culture and dilute their voting power. The voting rules would add about 25,000 people to the electoral roll, including people who have been residents of the archipelago for at least 10 years. Christian Tein, of the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT), organised the protests vowed to push for the electoral changes along with independence of the territory. He said: “We maintain the resistance in our neighborhoods in a structured, organized way.” (“New Caledonia police kill Kanak protester,” Deutsche Welle, 24 May 2024)
Special investment summit attracts EUR four billion in data storage and AI
On 24 May, Deutsche Welle reported on how France has become an attractive foreign investment for data centres and AI technology from the special investment summit. The US software giant Microsoft announced additional investments of EUR four billion in data centres and the AI sector in France by 2027. This will be Europe’s biggest thus helping it to be one of the data storage and AI leaders. The Paris startup Mistral AI joined the League of AI Champions in December and became a so-called unicorn in the sector. According to Noah Greene from the AI Safety and Stability Project at the Washington-based think tank, making the ambition of France to reality might be a struggle. With the US and China moving ahead of the EU in the technology and AI market, the investors prefer to put their money there as the infrastructure and talent already exists. He added on France’s "complex labour code and large US tech firms like Google have struggled at times to get past these laws.” Veronique Ventos who is the co-founder of Paris-based startup NukkAI, says that she never considered French labour laws a hurdle and that the country has excellent AI researchers. Additional supercomputers will be inaugurated in 2024 which will be the first in Europe to exceed a capacity of one exaflop per second, which is one quintillion operations. According to the experts, France should focus on its strengths such as technologies that combine AI with robotics. (Lisa Louis, “France is reaching for the stars in AI technology,” Deutsche Welle, 24 May 2024)
GEORGIA
US imposes sanctions over the ‘foreign agent bill’
On 24 May, the US said that it was imposing visa restrictions on Georgia after the parliament had passed a controversial bill that branded the media organisations and NGOs as foreign agents if they got more than 20 per cent of funding from abroad. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State announced on Washington’s launch of "A comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia." According to the statements of Blinken, the visa would apply to individuals who were responsible for undermining the democracy in Georgia as well as their family members. As the US is reviewing its relationship with Georgia, it will take into account the latter’s action in deciding its own. Along with the US, the EU has also sharply criticised the law. (“US issues sanctions over Georgia's 'foreign agent' bill,” Deutsche Welle, 24 May 2024)
RUSSIA
Foreign Ministry officially ends the 1993 nuclear treaty with Japan
On 24 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement that it officially ended a disarmament agreement with Japan on 21 May. The scrapping of the treaty commenced six months ago which the Russian officials point to what they call as Japan’s “unfriendly” policies. The agreement signed in 1993 required Japan to help Russia dismantle a large portion of the Soviet atomic arsenal and help address resulting environmental problems. According to Russian government, it was impossible to continue relations with an unfriendly state as it affected its national security “in the context of the openly anti-Russian policy of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government.” With the six-month disengagement process, Mikhail Mishustin, Russia’s Prime Minister announced the plans to withdraw from the treaty in November 2023. Japan has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has joined the US and the EU in sanctioning Russia. Japan also questioned the legitimacy of the four former Ukrainian regions that joined Russia in 2022 and demanded the return of four of the Kuril Islands. Both countries have yet to conclude the peace treaty to end the Second World War with the peace talks being called off in March 2022 after Japan sanctioned Russia. (“Russia terminates nuclear deal with Japan,” RT, 24 May 2024)
SPAIN
Arrival of 30,000 migrants trigger worst migrant crisis in Canary Islands
On 24 May, France 24 reported on Canary Islands' worst migrant crisis since 2006. The archipelago, off the coast of Morocco saw the arrival of 30,000 migrants in one year. Even the smallest island of El Hierro saw an influx of 4000 people in January. Although several locals and NGOs have helped to ease the situation, the island is still flooded with people. The migrants after their journey suffered from dehydration and infection. According to the officials, they had to make extra arrangements such as toilets and tents to accommodate the migrants as the situation was very unorganised. The island has a reception centre built on a hill where 500 adult migrants could be accommodated. The underage migrants were looked after in an old school. There are also classes organised for them. The island can accommodate only 50 to 70 people and there are not enough schools or hospitals. Many of the migrants had infected hands and legs which had to be amputated when they were admitted in the hospitals of the Island. The region with only 10,000 residents would have to face overpopulation if the inflow of migrants continues. (Sarah Morris, Clara Le Nagard, Armelle Exposito, “Spain’s Canary Islands overwhelmed by migrant arrivals,” France24, 24 May 2024)
SWITZERLAND
Day tripper Tax to be introduced to reduce tourist overcrowding
On 24 May, Euronews reported that the Swiss mountain village of Lauterbrunnen is getting overcrowded with tourists due to its scenic beauty and Instagram aesthetics. The visitors have started coming in their cars and the residents are struggling to cope. The local authorities announced that they were considering introducing a Venice-style tax on day trippers to reduce overtourism. As a victim of social media, the village is overwhelmed with people who rush to get their content, especially the Staubbach Falls. With the car parks and the public transport getting overcrowded and the roads filled with rubbish, the landlords are also taking advantage of the rising rent prices due to the increase in demand. The local authorities have set up a working group to find measures to manage the situation. One proposal is to follow Venice and charge day trippers entry fee which would apply only to tourists with a car. Visitors who arrive by public transport and the ones who stay overnight are exempted from it. Critics have warned of the little change this measure offers as Venice’s day tripper tax in force under a trial period has not reduced the influx of tourists. (Rebecca Ann Hughes, “Overcrowded Swiss village considers Venice-style entry fee for visitors who arrive by car,” euronews.travel, 24 May 2024)