Photo : Susana Vera/Reuters
By Shilpa Joseph and Ken B Varghese
SPAIN
Parliament approves the Catalan amnesty bill
On 30 May, Spain approved the controversial amnesty bill for Catalan separatists involved in the unsuccessful 2017 secession bid. The Spanish parliamentarians voted in a ratio of 177-172 with a small margin to finally approve amnesty for many separatists who took part in the illegal and unsuccessful bid for the independence of Catalonia from Spain. This means that Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan regional President, can return to Spain without being subject to punishment. The amnesty law was approved by Spain's left-wing coalition government under Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister. He agreed to Amnesty when he received the support from the separatist lawmakers in Madrid to form a new national Government in November 2023. This act was strongly contested by the conservative Popular party and far-right Vox, who voted against the bill on 30 May. According to critics, the law could face legal issues from the higher courts. Experts believe that this law is unconstitutional because it would favour some of the Spanish citizens over there. However it has been vouched by the Council of Europe and Sanchez. However, the Catalan separatist parties continue their campaign for the independence referendum. Miriam Nogueras of the Junts party said: Today truly is a historic day. Today there is no forgiveness. Today a battle has been won in the conflict that existed for centuries between two nations.” (“Spain gives final approval to Catalan amnesty bill,” Deutsche Welle, 30 May 2024)
REGIONAL
EU proceeds with an economic partnership with Kenya
On 30 May, a press release from the Council of the European Union stated that it would start implementing the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This includes binding provisions on sustainable development, trade, and labour rights and a transparent dispute resolution mechanism. The agreement aims to improve trade in goods and economic opportunities for growth in Kenya. It will provide duty-free and quota-free EU market access to all exports from Kenya, except that of arms and allow the gradual opening of Kenyan market to imports from the EU. In 2014, The East African Community (EAC) and the EU drafted the EPA. In 2016, Kenya and the EU member states ratified and signed the agreement. Since, all the EAC’s partner countries are yet to ratify and sign the EPA, the implementation was not possible. Discussions on the bilateral implementation with sustainability provisions began in May 2021 and concluded on 19 June 2023 after a request from Kenya. The EU is Kenya's first export destination and in 2022, trade increased by 27 per cent, totalling EUR 3.3 billion. (“EU-Kenya: Council takes final step to allow the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement,” The Council of the European Union, 30 May 2024)
EU and Euratom withdraws from Energy Charter Treaty for modernisation
On 30 May, a press release from the Council of the European Union announced the withdrawal of the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). This decision came after the European Parliament approved it during its last session in April 2024. The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is a multilateral agreement that came into effect in 1998 and covers trade and investment protection in the energy sector. In 2018, a modernization process was started because this treaty was no longer in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the EU's aspirations concerning the energy transition. According to the decisions to be adopted, in the next the Energy Charter Conference, which is scheduled for the end of 2024, member states that want to stay contracting parties will have the opportunity to cast their votes in favor of or against the adoption of a modernized agreement. Moreover, this was claimed to be in line with the Belgian Roadmap for modernisation. (“Energy Charter Treaty: Council gives final green light to EU’s withdrawal,” The Council of the European Union, 30 May 2024)
Pharmacists hold protest over drug shortages
On 30 May, France 24 reported on French pharmacists' walkout protesting over drug shortages and pharmacy closures. The protests emerge as medications were increasingly sold online and for a higher pay. The pharmacists warned the public ahead of the closure by campaigning via posters and emails. Therefore, local authorities demanded some pharmacies to ensure legally-required minimum coverage of medications. Trade bodies and unions say that France saw 2,000 pharmacies closing in 10 years, leaving around 20,000 in operation. Ahead of negotiations with France's national health insurance authority next week, unions are demanding increased pay starting in the following year as inflation is driving up their expenses. While there are apprehensions of the government trying to make online sales easier, Marc Feracci, an MP for the Renaissance party assured that the government would not endanger pharmacists' drug monopoly. (“French pharmacists strike over drug shortages and pay, closing shops nationwide,” France 24, 30 May 2024)
Norway advocates for a Palestinian state as a solution for the war in Gaza
On 30 May, in Politico, Jonas Gahr Støre, the Prime Minister of Norway comment on recognising the state of Palestine. He expressed Norway’s position on the conflict throughout the years beginning with the Oslo Accords, 30 years ago. Norway condemned the attack on 07 October 2023 and stated that Israel had the right to defend itself within the framework of international law. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and injuries, threatening the security of Israelis and Palestinians, and posing a significant threat to the Middle East's stability. He stated that we cannot wait for a peace agreement since the situation is only worsening. Gahr Støre said: “The recognition of Palestine as a state can help strengthen the moderate forces on the Palestinian side.” He argued that the establishment of Palestinian state and cooperative ties between Arab countries and Israel were the major goals of the Arab Peace Plan. He added that Norway along with the European support was working closely with Saudi Arabia on achieving the same. Acknowledging that the international political voice for the Palestinian people were being strengthened by 143 countries voting for a resolution supporting UN membership for Palestine at the UN General Assembly on 10 May, he affirmed his position on Palestinian statehood along with a cease-fire in Gaza, full access to humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of hostages. (Jonas Gahr Støre, “Norway’s PM: Why we recognized the state of Palestine,” Politico, 30 May 2024)
EU turns focus on the next green fuel
On 27 May, Euronews reported on the European Commission’s plan to boost EU clean energy technology by approving state subsidies for a range of projects that aim at using hydrogen to replace fossil fuels for transportation. BMW and Airbus are among the 11 companies that are set to receive millions in public subsidies to develop low-carbon hydrogen technology after EU competition officials approved a package of state aid for an “important project of common European interest” (IPCEI). HY2Move project is intended to develop transport fuels combined by Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain who have requested an exemption from the single market rules which normally won't allow national subsidies. The state was expected to provide aid for EUR 3.3 billion to the private sector investment to develop fuel cells sufficient enough to power the ships and trains and lightweight hydrogen tanks that could safely store the gas to be used as aviation fuel. Hy2Move would be the fourth green hydrogen-related IPECEI to be approved after the projects related to technology development and real-world applications and infrastructure and be able to bring state-approved subsidies to EUR 18.9 billion. Vice President Margrethe Vestager, European Commission said that hydrogen could help bring down the carbon-producing vehicles but a direct investment could be risky. She also stated that based on the calls for an agreement should be a sign of state concern not an expression of hope. The increased awareness on hydrogen has led to an upsurge in discussion of potential solutions for decarbonising transport and heavy industry even the Commission officials have expressed doubts about meeting the 2030 annual production target of 10 million green hydrogen. Under the recently adopted package of gas market rules, the European Commission is yet to adopt legal criteria for low-carbon hydrogen,’ which the NGO warned saying it must be robust enough to ensure ‘blue’ hydrogen is made from natural gas and climate-friendly and as a replacement for the fossil fuel. (Robert Hodgson, “EU Policy. Brussels green lights €1.4bn in state subsidy for hydrogen projects,” Euronews, 28 May 2024)
Germany and France agree Ukraine to strike targets in Russia
On 28 May, Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor and Emmanuel Macron, French President expressed their consent in allowing Ukraine to use the Western weapon to attack Russian positions inside Russia. Macron said: “We think that we should allow them to neutralise military sites where missiles are fired, from where Ukraine is attacked.” At the same time he added that “…we should not allow them to touch other targets in Russia and civilians.” Scholz said that he had no legal objections to Macron’s approach, more or less he said that he respects Ukraine for keeping up international law and the conditions of countries supplying the weapon, it was “allowed to defend itself.” while many countries including Germany have made a transfer of weapons on strict condition. Scholz also stressed the fact that Germany would be sending long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, Russian President warned that if western countries supply any long-range weapons to Ukraine then they would face serious consequences. Macron said in his acceptance speech said: “Receiving a peace prize in the time of war appeared to me be a paradox.” Macron stressed on: “We have to start Europe's next stage. We need to build up our European defence and become independent of our US partners." (“Macron, Scholz: Ukraine can strike some targets in Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 28 May 2024)
Brussels police raid European Parliament offices to investigate Russian influence
On 29 May, police searched European Parliament offices under suspect of Russian interference in promoting Russian propaganda. The search was carried out by the Belgium Federal Prosecutor office and found that “members of the European Parliament were approached and paid to promote Russian propaganda via the news site Voice of Europe.” They found “…evidence suggesting that European Parliament staffer has played a huge role in this case” In April, Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium hinted on Russian interference in the upcoming EU election. Many Dutch and French news agencies have also reported on identifying the suspect as a member of the far-right Dutch party Forum for Democracy. The voice of Europe is at the centre of the allegation as it was found to be funded by the pro-Russian tycoon Viktor Medvechuk. Earlier this month the EU suspended many Russian-funded or pro-Russian media houses such as Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti and other Russian state news channels from the 27-nation Bloc. (“Police search European Parliament offices in Russia probe,” Deutsche Welle, 29 May 2024)
EU and Serbia agree on Frontex cooperation agreement
On 30 May, the European Council announced the EU plan to sign a pact with the Republic of Serbia on operational activities carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This will allow Serbia and the EU to conduct a joint operation which involves Frontex and the Serbia border guards. Frontex would be able to help Serbia manage migrant flow counter illegal immigration and be able to reduce cross-border crime. This agreement would replace the current status of the EU and Serbia. The current agreement is based on the old Frontex regulation that only allows joint operations at Serbia’s border with the EU. According to the new regulation of 2019, Frontex can assist countries it signs agreements with throughout their area and exercise powers such as border checks and registration of persons. Frontex also has border management agreements such as Moldova (2022), North Macedonia (2023), Montenegro (2023) and Albani (2024). After the agreement signed it would be sent for approval process involving the European Parliament and the council to finalise the agreement. (Serbia: Council gives green light to signing of Frontex cooperation agreement”)