Photo : AP News
25 July 2024, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #893
By Samrudhi Pathak
INTERNATIONAL
Fishing boat sinks in near the Falklands, claims at least 6 lives
On 24 July, near the much-contested Falklands islands, called Las Malvinas in Argentina, a ship sank with 27 people on board. The ship was built in 2018 and is owned by Argos Froyanes, a British-Norwegian shipbuilding and management company. People from multiple nationalities were on board, including Spanish nationals. Government of the Argentine Republic called weather conditions the primary reason behind the accident. The accident raises concerns on the efficiency of logistics and operations of the overseas territories of former colonial powers. (“Falklands Islands: At least six dead after fishing boat sinks,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
Ferrari to begin accepting cryptocurrency payments in Europe
On 24 July, Deutsche Welle reported that the Italian automobile company, Ferrari, will begin to accept cryptocurrency before the end of 2024. The company already accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as a mode of payment in the US and plans to do so in Europe as well. The company is collaborating with BitPay, an application that converts these cryptocurrencies into traditional currencies. However, the volatile nature of the cryptomarket will pose a challenge. The news brings up the possibility of cryptocurrency replacing traditional cash on an international stage. (“Ferrari to accept cryptocurrency payments in Europe,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
Chancellor Scholz attends third annual press conference
On 24 July, Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, held his annual press conference before heading towards his summer vacation. He took questions on the annual performance of his Government. He indicated his intention to run for the position of Chancellor again in the next elections. He also stated that he believes Kamala Harris might win the presidential elections in the US this time. He also stated that his government is hiking its defence expenditure to two per cent of the GDP to meet NATO standards. The US has also deployed its missiles in Germany, to which the Chancellor said that Russia needs to end the war first. When asked about his government’s position on the Israel-Hamas war, he emphasised on Israel’s right to self-defence and Germany’s support for a two-state solution. He also highlighted the increased influx of illegal immigrants and refugees, who will soon be deported to respective countries. He also promised to tackle domestic problems like climate protection, economic transformation and budget cuts. (“Scholz says ‘very possible’ Kamala Harris wins US election,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
German court asks the Federal Government to improve air quality
On 22 July, the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg ruled in favour of an environmental NGO and told the Federal Government of Germany to strengthen their National Air Quality Program in order to meet the European air quality standards. The Federal Government can, still, approach the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig to challenge the decision. (“German court orders stronger action to tackle air pollution,” Deutsche Welle, 23 July 2024)