Photo : Cyprus Mail
By Ken B Varghese and Govind Anoop
GERMANY
Mediterranean claims lives of 10 migrants; 51 rescued
On 17 June, ResQship, a German migrant rescue charity reported that 10 migrants were found dead on a wooden boat in the Mediterranean. The rescuers managed to save 51 people in the wooden vessel which had sent out a distress signal but 10 were found dead in the flooded lower deck of the boat. In a separate incident, the Italian Coastguard reported that a search for over 60 people was being conducted after a shipwreck of a boat presumed to have departed from Turkey was found. Out of the 12 rescued, one died after disembarking. The incidents mark the phenomenon of asylum seekers undertaking dangerous attempts to cross the Mediterranean to find a better life, often done in unsafe and fragile boats. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has deemed the Mediterranean as the world’s deadliest route for migrants due to the latter having claimed over 20,000 lives since 2014. (German rescue group: 10 migrants found dead in Mediterranean, Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2024)
HUNGARY
Government offers to mediate between Russia and Ukraine
On 16 June, Peter Szijjarto Hungarian foreign minister offered to be the mediator between Ukraine and Russia, he added that What is needed is to prevent family separations and protect young people, given the large Hungarian population of at least 150,000 in western Ukraine. Budapest is willing to convey messages to Moscow to ease tensions. While Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine from 15-16 June around 92 countries have been invited except Russia and in that 55 countries have confirmed that they would attend it. (“Hungarian Foreign Minister Proposes Mediation Role Between Russia, EU on Ukraine,” Sputnik News, 16 June 2024)
RUSSIA
BRICS Scientist to discuss over Joint Oceanic and Polar Research at Murmansk
On 13 June, the regional ministry of information policy announced on meeting held between the BRICS Scientists on “Ocean and Polar Science and Technology” in Murmansk, Russia. Where more than 50 scientists are expected to join from seven countries in person for this event. The scientist will show the latest scientific and technological achievements in the field of oceanological and polar research and discuss the agenda of joint activities within the framework of Russia's chairmanship of BRICS. The mission of the working group is to promote cooperation among the members in Ocean Science and Polar research through activities of the government, research institutions and other industries. (“BRICS Scientists Discussing Joint Oceanic, Polar Research at Meeting in Russia's Murmansk,” Sputnik News, 13 June 2024)
Russia surpasses 25 per cent of the Global Wheat Export in 2024
On 24 May, Russian wheat exports surpassed 25 per cent in 2024, The International Grain Council (IGC) forecasted that Russian wheat exports would increase by 1 million tons to record 53.1 million. This would allow Russia to occupy almost 26 per cent of the market which would be the first time in history. This is the highest export volume in modern history and is almost 10 per cent more than in 2023. In 2024 global wheat exports is expected to reach 205 million tonnes, compared to 207 million in 2023 which is a huge increase of 5.9 million for Russia. (“Russia’s Share in Global Wheat Export to Surpass 25% in 2024,” Sputnik News, 24 May 2024)
REGIONAL
Law that sets targets for Nature Restoration passed by EU
On 17 June, the Nature Restoration Law was approved by 20 European Union Environmental ministers in a meeting in Luxembourg. The law aims at the restoration of habitats to their natural condition by regrowing forests, hydrating moors and allowing rivers to return to their free-flowing state. Lenore Gewessler, Austria’s climate minister faced allegations of “unlawful actions” and charges of abuse of office for going against her Conservative coalition partners and backing the policy, thus giving the law the majority it needed to pass. Gewessler stated, “I know I will face opposition in Austria on this, but I am convinced that this is the time to adopt this law.” Countries that voted against the law include Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland and Sweden. Belgium, which was responsible for chairing the talks, abstained. The law sets several targets for the EU, the most important of which are a 20 per cent restoration of EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and the restoration of all ecosystems that require it by 2050. This comes after the decline of Europe’s natural habitat, out of which 81 per cent is in poor health. The targets set for the latter are 30 per cent by 2030, 60 per cent by 2040 and 90 per cent by 2050. (EU ministers approve contested Nature Restoration Law, Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2024)
Commission jobs debated by EU leaders in post-election meeting
On 17 June, the leaders of the EU came together in Brussels to discuss their choices of people to take up key positions in the bloc. Three positions that remain vacant are President of the EU, President of the European Council and that of foreign policy chief or “high representative.” The dinner debate comes about at a time when the far right has made major gains in the recent European Parliament elections which has caused unease in the bloc, to the point that it triggered snap elections in a key EU member, France. While a conclusion had not been reached, Council President Charles Michel said that he was confident that they would do so by the end of June. The post of European Commission President seemed to have an “increasing amount of consensus,” according to Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Current EU President Ursula von der Leyen is the favourite to return to the post, having seen her chances boosted by the success of her European People’s Party (EPP) in the recent European Elections. To clinch the job, she will have to gain the support of over 65 per cent of the bloc, that is 15 out of the 27 countries. However, Socialists and Democrats (S&D) of Germany will be hoping for Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal to take the position instead. Kaja Kallas, the premier of Estonia is the front runner for the job of foreign policy chief. This comes after her outspoken criticism of Moscow’s invasion and is set to serve as a sign of the EU’s support for East Europe. (“EU leaders discuss Commission jobs in post-election summit,” Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2024)
Immigration to become critical as working population shrinks in Europe
On 16 June, Europe faces a major threat in decline of the working age group and increase in old age. Europe defines the age group of 16-65 to be part of the working population of the country. According to the report, reduction in this population would cause a major economic problem in the nation. In reality, the EU population has fallen from 66 per cent in 2013 to 63.3 per cent in 2023 and if this continues with an assumption of zero immigration then the working population is expected to decline by 20 per cent according to the report by Allianz Research entitled “European labour Markets: Migration matters." Major problem of this is that it would cause a decline in the labour market and would cause a fall in the GDP in the longer run. Due to this European growth would also be hindered. Another aspect is that a EU member state would get lesser tax revenue and will have to increase spending on health care, pensions and subsidies in case of the larger older population. A few ways to counter these issues is to increase the working age thereby allowing the older generation to work longer to fill in the gap, as early retirement is a loss for the government and would have to remove the mandatory retirement age thereby allowing them to be a productivity to the society. According to the report, immigration has become a politically charged issue with discussion ahead of the European parliamentary election being hijacked by populists, nationalists and “great replacement theorists.” The latter claiming that “liberal elites” are promoting non-white immigration from outside Europe to undermine ethnic and cultural homogeneity. (Shrinking European working age population: immigration matters,” Cyprus Mail, 16 June 2024)