Photo : Reuters/ DW
12 August 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #910
By Samruddhi Pathak and Advik S Mohan
LATVIA
Government to construct barriers against Russia
On 06 August, the government announced the building of concrete figures known as “Lego blocks.” Latvia is building its defence line along its border with Russia and Belarus. It is to prevent hostile action from Russia. It is a part of the Baltic Defence Line that was announced in January by Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. It was proposed in NATO Madrid Summer Summit 2023. The Defence Line will not include coastal defence but only land-based bunkers and also make use of natural barriers like trees and mountainous terrain. Its purpose is to prevent Russian intrusion. (“Baltic Defence Line in Latvia gets its 'dragon's teeth',” Euronews, 06 August 2024)
GREECE
Wildfires in Greece
On 11 August, citizens of Athens were warned of severe air quality due to the smoke caused by wildfires. This year, Greece recorded the hottest months of June and July. It faced numerous wildfires. A major fire arose near Athens where 250 firefighters were deployed and many citizens were evacuated. Almost half of the municipalities in Greece are on red alert due to wildfires. The country also faced drought this year. The conditions are worsened due to climate change imposed by fires and high temperatures. (“Half of Greece on red alert as wildfires rage near Athens,” Deutsche Welle, 11 August 2024)
SPAIN
Anti-tourism protests continue against high housing cost
On 11 August, people gathered in Mallorca, on the Balearic Islands, to protest against mass tourism in the city. A few days ago, similar protests were seen in Barcelona. Citizens complain that mass tourism has led to overcrowding in the city, housing crisis and pressure on health and water facilities and disappearance of local culture. Demonstrators laid their towels on a beach and took a dip in the sea to protest symbolically. The government has taken measures to curb illegal accommodations for tourists by imposing a fine of EUR 80,000. (“Demonstrators in Mallorca protest high costs of housing and saturated public services,” Euronews, 11 August 2024)
SERBIA
Protest emerge after Rio Tinto resumes mining project
On 11 August, streets of Belgrade were filled with protesters shouting slogans like “You will not dig.” People are protesting against the lithium mining project that has resumed in the western region of the country. People said that lithium mining affects irrigation in agricultural lands and drinking water facilities. Serbia has signed an agreement with the EU under which Rio Tinto, a British-Austrian mining company, can resume its project. The company will provide lithium to EV makers in Europe. Jadar mine in Serbia can cover 90 per cent of the EU's lithium demand. However, Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia, has alleged the protest is a political foul play to topple him. (“Serbia: Protests over vast Rio Tinto lithium mining project,” Deutsche Welle, 11 August 2024)
THE UK
Big Tech companies accused of complicity in spreading of riots
On 10 August, as the UK recovers from deadly riots, the role of big tech social media companies in aiding the spread of misinformation has come under heavy scrutiny. Prominent tech companies including the likes of Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have made no statement on the violence, while X (formerly Twitter) has been a source of conspiracy theories being spread. Elon Musk, owner of X has been at the forefront during the riots, tweeting “civil war is inevitable” and spreading conspiracy theories about the building of detention camps in the Falklands for rioters. Musk has also reduced content moderation on X and ended the platform ban on Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist. In an interview with BBC News, social media expert Matt Navarra said that tech companies are more concerned with maintaining their user base, rather than taking political stances. Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister has stated that the role of social media will be looked at more, and the Online Safety Act set to be implemented next year will provide the government with more power to regulate social media. (Graham Fraser, “ A week of unrest- and a week of silence from big tech,’’ BBC News, 10 August 2024)
King Charles appeals for calm and peace after week of violence
On 10 August, Charles III, King of the United Kingdom offered his thanks to police and emergency services trying to restore order in violence-affected areas in phone conversations with Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, and police chiefs, according to Buckingham Palace. King Charles also hoped that “shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.” The King acknowledged the resilient community spirit and compassion that had been displayed during these riots and is believed to have been involved in initiatives to bring together violence-affected communities. Visits to the affected areas will be undertaken by the King after the violence is over, keeping in line with his role as a politically neutral head of state. (Sean Coughlan, “ King in call for unity after ‘aggression’ of riots,’’ BBC News, 10 August 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
MMO offers opportunity for protecting inshore fisheries
The Marine Management Organization (MMO) is on the lookout for General Members to the Inshore Fisheries and Conservatories Authority (IFCA) Committees who can utilize their knowledge and experience towards the sustainable management of the inshore marine area of their respective IFCA district. These appointees are legally required to consider all the local fishing and marine conservation interests in their area, not prioritizing only one area. The appointees will also be responsible for driving the growth of sustainable inshore fisheries in their region and protecting the marine resources from exploitation. The objective is to strike a fine balance between the usage of sea resources and protecting it from exploitation. The MMO is carrying out a rolling campaign which means applications for all regional IFCAs will be accepted throughout the year. Applications will also be accepted from current and former IFCA members nearing the end of their term alongside those who have already served their term for the designated ten-year period, with a selection process carried out based on merit. (“ A chance to manage and conserve inshore fisheries,” Gov.UK, 09 August 2024)
AUKUS shows a glimpse into technological future with AI trials
On 09 August, AUKUS, the internal security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US took a significant leap in terms of merging artificial intelligence (AI) with its military functions. This was by deploying AI-enabled unscrewed aerial vehicles which means a human operator locates, disables, and destroys targets on the ground. This was a part of the AUKUS Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies (RAAIT) trials with the annual US-hosted multinational Project Convergence exercise. AUKUS alongside experts from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) utilized autonomy and AI sensing systems in a military environment. This was done to ensure less time is taken to destroy enemy targets with little risk to life, as a part of the larger goal of developing safe and responsible AI technologies. Drones from the three nations operated in the same airspace and were multiplied by an AUKUS AI team. The trial was a showcase of the rapid development of the technology which will be put on a national level soon, allowing the military to respond faster to crises. AUKUS is also testing new capabilities for protection such as protecting armoured vehicles from electronic warfare, which will allow the militaries to collaborate seamlessly together and access AI technologies. (“ AUKUS takes another step forward with real-time AI trials,’’ Gov.UK, 09 August 2024)
UK Armed Forces conduct exercises to boost Indo-Pacific security
On 09 August, personnel from the United Kingdom Armed Forces have been sent to participate in multinational exercises across air, sea, and land in the Indo-Pacific region. Royal Air Force jets have flown for training exercises in Australia called Exercise Pitch Black alongside over 140 aircraft from more than 20 countries. The British and French military forces carried out the journey to Australia called Griffin Strike together, showcasing the strong defence ties between the nations. Exercise Pitch Black involved potential offensive and defensive combat operations in the air being practiced through the scenarios of air-to-air combat engagements and intercept scenarios. Another exercise carried out was Exercise Predators Run wherein the Royal Marine Commandos practiced moving into military positions from small boats in a land assault, through amphibious warfighting exercises with Australia, the Philippines and the United States. British aircraft also took part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises for their longest-range exercise ever. These military exercises are a part of the UK government’s resolve to ensure the economically valuable Indo-Pacific region remains stable, for the benefit of the UK’s security, including the national defence industry which supports more than 200,000 jobs. Additionally, it is an opportunity for the British armed forces to collaborate effectively with their allies. John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defence showcased this commitment saying, “Euro-Atlantic security is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines strengthen our bonds and interoperability with our important partners.” ( The Rt Hon John Healey MP, “ UK shows commitment to Indo-Pacific following major exercises, ’’ Gov.UK, 09 August 2024)