Photo : EU/Euronews
By Ken B Varghese
GERMANY
Population records lesser than predicted
On 24 June, Germany’s population Census was published German Population with 1.4 million fewer residents than the predicted 82.7 million. The country’s Federal Statistical Office announced the shortfall was particularly marked when it came to the foreign population. The figure reveals that the population was estimated around 2.5 million between the 2011 census and the 2022 census which was less than it had expected. According to the 2022 census, there has been an increase in the women population than men living in Germany. While the Census has suggested that 43.1 million apartments are available to people with an average of 94.4 Square metres. And the basic rent is roughly EUR 7.28 per square metre. The statistics also estimated that 71.8 million citizens were German citizens and 10.9 million were foreigners. The foreign population was lesser than previously reported. The new date for the next census would be shortly after Russia's attack on Ukraine, which triggered large Refugee movements. (“Germany finds population less than previously thought,” Deutsche Welle, 25 June 2024)
Annual discrimination report finds 22 per cent increase in complaints
On 25 June, Germany saw a hike in the annual discrimination report by 22 per cent. The largest share of complaints in the total report is based on racist discrimination, followed by discrimination against disabilities and chronic illnesses. Discrimination against gender identity was closely behind with just 2000 complaints from the year. The agency also logged an increase in complaints based on ageism, religion or worldview, and sexual orientation. A quarter of the cases are from workplaces and the rest are from restaurants, supermarkets or public transport, and around 1146 complaints have been lodged against the public and government agencies. Ferda Ataman has appealed to the government to finalise the reform to Germany’s General law on treating people also known as AGG to do it fast. According to Ataman: "The reform of the AGG must now have the highest priority." (“Germany: Annual discrimination report logs 22% rise in cases, Deutsche Welle news, 25 June 2024)
POLAND
Abortion norm to be eased under Tusk administration
On 25 June, Poland is looking to ease abortion rules, after the parliamentary commission recommended decriminalising the practice within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The previous government had tightened Poland’s abortion rule to a near-total ban in 2020 - only allowing abortion in the cases of rape or incest, or it would risk the woman's life. While the new government led by Donald Tusk, has been trying to make the country’s law more liberal, but disagreements within the coalition have slowed down the process. The Polish parliament will now consider this proposal later this year. (Claudia Chippa, “Poland moves closer to easing abortion laws,” POLITICO, 25 June 2024)
UKRAINE
Diplomatic influence to Counter Russia’s influence in Africa
On 25 June, Ukraine began using diplomatic and strategic initiatives to reduce Russia’s influence in Africa. The main goal is to reduce Russia’s propaganda and military engagements. Most of the African nations have a strong relationship with Russia which dates to the Soviet Union which has also supported them during their independence struggles. Allies with Russia are widely recognised in terms of economic and diplomatic terms. As for Ukraine, it has near zero diplomatic history with Africa. This was made clear by the limited support shown by African nations for Ukraine at various UN General Assembly votes since the war started in February 2022. Ovigwe Eguegu said: “Ukraine realised that Africa is very, very important when it comes to building a strong position in the United Nations, in particular the General Assembly because Africa presents the largest voting bloc of any continent." Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine Foreign Minister also made several trips to a dozen African nations in 2022 and 2023, as well as the African Union. Another way Ukraine can gain influence is through food diplomacy. Ukraine was the second-largest supplier of maize and the third-largest supplier of wheat before the war. Though some countries such as Kenya and Ghana have openly voiced their support for Ukraine, there are two reasons why African nations are hesitant to support Ukraine. He said: "And secondly, “African countries have — and some to quite a large degree — tried to maintain a certain degree of non-alignment, such as South Africa. They regarded it as a European war." (Kate Hairsine, “How Ukraine is combating Russia's influence in Africa,” Deutsche Welle news, 25 June 2024)
REGIONAL
Von Der Leyen, Costa, Kallas chosen for the next top EU position
On 25 June, six EU leaders chose Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen, Portugal’s Antonio Cots and Estonia’s Kaja Kallas would hold EU’s senior position at the European Commission, Council and the foreign policy service. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister and Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister (for the European People’s Party), Pedro Sánchez, Spanish Prime Minister and Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor (for the Socialists), and Emmanuel Macron, French President and Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister (for the liberals) were the six leaders. The next meeting will be among the EU leaders where these three names will be presented to the heads of the states for their approval. Georgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister was not part of the discussion as a condition set out by the Liberals and centre-left groups, who assured that they would not back Von der Leyen if she struck deal with the Italian leader. (Barabra Moens, Jakob Hanke Vela and Paul Dallison, Von der Leyen, Costa, Kallas approved for EU top jobs by negotiators,” 25 June 2024)
Former EIB employee suspected on charge of corruption
On 25 June, the police suspected former EIB employee Henry von Blumenthal of being involved in the European Investment Bank Corruption. This is investigated by the EU prosecutor as a part of an inquiry into allegations of corruption and abuse of influence, and the alleged misappropriation of EU funds. Frank Rollinger, a Luxembourg-based lawyer for von Blumenthal said: “Yes, there have been searches, but we have no precise idea of what my client is accused of, apart from the fact that we understand it relates to his departure from the bank.” (Elisa Braun, “Second suspect identified in European Investment Bank corruption probe,” POLITICO, 25 June 2024)
France aims to increase defence cooperation ahead of the snap election
On 24 June, France, Germany and Poland agreed to increase defence cooperation ahead of the snap election. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu shared the stage with his German and Polish counterparts, Boris Pistorius and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who have announced joint exercise, military mobility and industrial cooperation. This was the first meeting of the three countries' defence ministers since 2015, showing the revival of the so-called Weimar triangle format after it was paused for eight years when Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party was in power. According to Lecornue's announcement, France will be joining in a so-called military Schengen agreement already signed by Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. Belgium and Luxembourg are observer members. This deal aims to ease the movement of troops and military equipment through the bloc. The Polish defence minister added that France, Germany and Poland will conduct joint military exercises in Poland next year. (Laura Kayali, “France deepens military ties with Germany, Poland ahead of risky snap election,” POLITICO, 24 June 2024)