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By Govind Anoop
Ninth EU-NATO progress report stresses on cooperation
On 13 June, the European Council produced the ninth progress report which looks at the implementation of the 74 common proposals put forth by EU and NATO councils in 2016. The report stressed on the need for closer co-operation due to the current challenges to international peace and stability such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The two organisations vowed to play “complementary, coherent and mutually-reinforcing roles” to ensure peace and security. The report also looked at the tangible progress between June 2023 and May 2024, which included countermeasures against hybrid threats such as critical infrastructure, civil emergencies, resilience and counter terrorism, operational cooperation on maritime issues, cybersecurity and defence capabilities and has successfully resulted in the implementation of Plan for Implementation of Parallel and Coordinated Exercises (PACE) and the Structured Dialogue on Military Mobility, which in turn focused on defence industries, research, exercise and capacity building. The report noted the commitment from both NATO and EU to strengthen relations through political dialogue and beneficial cooperation. (“EU-NATO: 9th progress report stresses the importance of ever closer cooperation at a key juncture for Euro-Atlantic security,” Council of the EU, 13 June 2024)
Turkey abandons controversial legislation
On 13 June, Murat Emir, deputy group chairperson of main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) announced the removal of the proposed legislation on “agents of influence” in the ninth judicial package being pushed by Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which includes changes to the Turkish Penal Code. According to the proposed legislation, “agents of influence” include anyone accused of spreading black propaganda against Turkey or appear to speak in favour of Turkey when they are actually speaking against it or speak in a manner that could damage the country’s social, economic or public order. The move was reminiscent of the Russian "agent law" and the recently passed law against "foreign influence" in Georgia. The AKP's decision against the legislation comes along with the ongoing efforts at establishing cordial relations between the party and the CHP, which emerged following the local elections on 31 March. The efforts are aimed at reducing political tensions and fostering dialogue between the government and opposition parties following the AKP's worst defeat since its establishment in 2002. The CHP, however, saw major improvements in its campaign by safeguarding its strongholds and even taking back some of AKP's bastions, after decades. (“Türkei vertagt Gesetz gegen „Einflussagenten,” Frankfurter Allgemeine, 13 June 2024)
New Caledonia voting reforms suspended by Macron
On 12 June, Emmanuel Macron, President of France announced the suspension of the voting reforms in New Caledonia. This comes in response to the violence that erupted on 13 May due to the proposal of the said reforms. On 15 May, France had declared a state of emergency and rushed several troop reinforcements to quell the revolt. Both the indigenous Kanaks who are demanding independence and the loyalists to France made barricades to either revolt against authorities or to protect their homes. On 12 June, the death of a 34-year-old man who had been injured in a confrontation with the police on 29 May, was confirmed by the French Justice Ministry. An autopsy and an enquiry into the actions of the gendarme have been ordered. (“Macron suspends New Caledonia voting reform after deadly unrest,” France 24, 13 June 2024)
Hungary fined for non-compliance with migration laws
On 13 June, France 24 reported on EU fining an EUR 200 million fine and an additional daily penalty of EUR one million for failing to follow the bloc’s asylum laws by illegally deporting migrants. Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary said: “The ECJ’s decision to fine Hungary with 200M euros plus 1M euros daily for defending the borders of the European Union is outrageous and unacceptable.” Despite nudges from EU and International Law, Orban has continuously opposed the entry of asylum seekers into Hungary. The EU member countries received a deadline of December to present their plans to implement the new asylum rules which are expected to be applied from 2026. The new rules will make EU's borders harder for irregular migrants, along with accelerated deportations for those found illegible for asylum. While their asylum requests are analysed, the ones seeking asylum would be held in new border centres. (“EU fines Hungary €200 million for flouting asylum laws,” France 24, 13 June 2024)
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