Photo : Spanish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu
24 July 2024, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #893
FINLAND
Government introduces law to deport asylum seekers
On 22 July, Finland introduced a controversial law that allows the country to return asylum seekers and refugees on its border with Russia. Finland has accused Russia of using migration to push a huge number of asylum seekers inside its territory. However, the law has been criticised by few human rights groups and faces push backs calling it illegal under the European Convention of Human Rights and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. However, the EU Migration Pact, would also enter into force from 2026, paving a way for EU member states to deport asylum seekers from the global south. (“Finland’s deportation law puts EU’s migration norms to the test,” Politico, 22 July 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
EU introduces measures in North-East Atlantic to protect aqua life
On 22 July, the European Council introduced new regulations in the NEAFC (A regional fisheries management organisation for managing the fisheries resources) area, the organisation responsible for regional fisheries management. The objective is preservation of aqua life and improving shipment operations of fisheries. Under the new regulation, camera and sensor technologies will be installed to monitor landings and processing facilities. 22 species have been added to the list for which fishing is prohibited, including cod. The council has banned bottom fishing in certain areas until 2027. (“Council adopts updated fisheries measures in the North-east Atlantic,” European Council, 22 July 2024)
EU and US plan to lend USD 50 billion to Ukraine
On 22 July, Politico reported that the EU and the US are close to approving a loan of USD 50 billion to Ukraine to fight the war. However, the US Government might have to involve the Congress given the risk of taxpayers’ money. Therefore, the US has asked the EU to ensure that Russian assets are kept frozen until the loan is repaid. In June 2024, the G7 countries had agreed on providing a loan of USD 50 billion to Ukraine. G7 plans the repayment of loan through seizing Russia’s immovable assets in the West. The EU wanted to translate this deal into an EU law but the countries could find a common ground on exact contributions. (“EU, US near deal on USD 50 billion loan on Ukraine,” Politico, 22 July 2024)
European Commission warns EU Governments against spyware use
On 22 July, the European Commission told the EU Governments to not compromise their citizens’ privacy under the banner of national security but ultimately aim to suppress anti-establishment voices. Some EU Governments have decided to use NGO’s Pegasus spyware for surveillance. There have been reports of the Government in the Kingdom of Spain breaching the privacy of at least 65 Catalan people through a spyware. Similarly, the Government in Greece had admitted to an opposition leader’s phone and such incidents were also reported in Poland and Hungary. (“Curb your snooping, the EU tells governments,” Politico, 22 July 2024)
Russia jails a US-Russian journalist
On 22 July, Russia jailed an US-Russian journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, for six and a half years in a secret trial. Alsu, who is based in Prague and she resides there with her family, was accused of spreading false information about the Russian army. Earlier, Russia had sentenced another journalist, Evan Gershkovich, for 16 years on the accusations of espionage. Senior journalists have called this incident a mockery of justice since many journalists have been targeted by security services since the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. (“Russia jails US-Russian journalist Kurmasheva,” Deutsche Welle, 22 July 2024)