Photo : TV BRICS
09 August 2024, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #906
By Samruddhi Pathak
BULGARIA
Parliament passes law restricting LGBTQ+ “propaganda”
On 08 August, Bulgaria joined Hungary and Russia to pass legislation that prohibits “propaganda, promotion and incitement” of LGBTQ+ “views.” The bill was introduced by the far-right, pro-Russia Revival Party. Moreover, it was passed with a massive majority with 159 votes out of 240 in favour of the Bill. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and this year, it was ranked the third worst country in the EU bloc for the queer community. Forbidden Colours, an LGBTQ+ rights group based in Brussels, protested in front of the Sofia, parliamentary building of Bulgaria. The European Commission and several EU countries had filed a case against Hungary’s law on restricting LGBTQ+ rights in the European Court of Justice. Thus, it will be interesting to follow the European Commission’s reaction towards Bulgaria’s new law. Bulgaria is also heading towards its seventh national elections in the last three years since parties are failing to form a stable government. (“Rights groups slam Bulgaria for banning LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’,” Politico, 08 August 2024)
HUNGARY
Government to tighten laws against cybercrime
On 08 August, the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria announced during a press conference that a package of laws was submitted to the parliament to tackle cybercrime. The initiative was taken by the Ministry of National Economy, Ministry of Justice and the Hungarian National Bank. The law will speed up the communication between banks on the amount of money stolen through online fraud so that they can freeze it. In Particular, credit card fraud is rising in the country. Amendments in criminal proceedings of online fraud will make it effective. The courts will be able to decide sentences on general jurisdiction rather than take special expertise. Investigation authorities can obtain data from telecommunication companies without a prosecutor’s request. These laws will boost cooperation between government authorities and private actors. The Minister also said that a centralised fraud detection system will be ready by 2025. (“New Law Enters into Force Tackling Online Criminals,” Hungary Today, 08 August 2024)
AI enabled VIREO satellite completes mission; Re-enters the atmosphere
On 08 August, the Hungarian CubeSat satellite completed its mission to use artificial intelligence in space. The satellite is called VIREO, Virtual Intelligence Realisation for Earth Observation. The AI-enabled Earth Observations could assist disaster management, agriculture and energy production. Images of the Earth’s surface that the satellites provide will help researchers track changes and predict any calamity accurately. The satellite was developed and manufactured by C3S Ltd., a space company based in Budapest. The Company has also signed a deal with European Space Agency for building a DCDC convertor. Thus, even European countries are trying to enter the space race. (“Hungarian Satellite Successfully Completes Its Mission,” Hungary Today, 08 August 2024)
RUSSIA
Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) 2024 to focus on the BRICS’ role
On 08 August, Anton Kobyakov, advisor to the Russian President, held a press conference on the upcoming EEF 2024. The forum is organised by Roscongress Foundation. It aims to strengthen Russia’s international business ties. EEF 2024 will cover new routes for transport and logistics, opportunities and challenges in far eastern Russia, financial systems and robust education policies. The Forum will take place from 03 to 06 September 2024. It will also emphasise on BRICS role in international development and its potential role in building a multipolar world. Apart from BRICS, even the involvement of SCO will be discussed. BRICS members include Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Egypt. (“BRICS Role in Multipolar World to Top Eastern Economic Forum's Agenda,” Sputnik, 08 August 2024)
THE UK
Guarantees loan of EUR 249 million to Turkey along with Poland for solar project
On 08 August, the British and Polish export credit agencies guaranteed a loan of EUR 249 million arranged by Standard Chartered Bank to a renewable energy company Kalyon Enerji, based in Turkey. It is a 390-megawatt project and includes construction at seven different sites. The power plant is expected to generate solar power for 65,000 households annually. British exporters will be providing inverter stations and powerplant controllers. It will generate jobs in the UK and strengthen its role in the renewable energy supply chains. Meanwhile, Poland will be providing security systems. (“UK and Poland target green exports with €249 million financing for solar project,” Government of UK, 08 August 2024)
Environmental agency to reduce risk of flooding on the east side of Hull
On 08 August, the Environment Agency of the UK announced completion of the second phase of Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme. The Scheme is projected to save 800 households from flooding. The second phase, called Castlehill Aquagreen, started in 2022. The Scheme is also expected to improve the connectivity to the area. It is a partnership project between the Environment Agency and the Hull City Council. (“New Aquagreen reduces flood risk for hundreds east of Hull,” Government of UK, 08 August 2024)
Police deployed in huge numbers to halt the riots
On 08 August, the police and communities in some areas remained alert even after the riots had toned down. After a huge number of arrests and penalties on rioters, protests have reduced. Yet the police presence is high and are deployed in thousands. On 07 August, after the counter-protesters outnumbered protesters, riots have halted. So far, 480 arrests have been made and almost 100 police officers have been injured. The London Commissioner, on 08 August, dismissed any political involvement in the riots and said that most rioters had a political background. This was a major rioting incident after the 2011 nationwide riots where almost 4,000 people were arrested. (Sachin Ravikumar and Kylie Macllelan, “UK riots halted by police, communities but country remains on alert,” Reuters, 08 August 2024)
Increased flooding after summer rains hit
On 08 August, Reuters reported that several insurers are pulling back from offering cover to commercial properties and households due to increased flash floods in the country. The government and insurance providers formed a joint initiative ‘Britain’s Flood Re’ which claimed that almost one-third of all claimants since 2016 came in 2023-2024, the number is when it does not cover properties built after 2009. So far in 2024, Howden, a UK insurance broker, claimed that the number of claimants for insurance coverage is already three times the last years.’ (Carolyn Cohn, “UK insurers rein in cover as rising flood threat causes headache for landlords,” Reuters, 08 August 2024)