Photo : EPA/ Politico
10 August 2024, Saturday
By Samruddhi Pathak
THE EU
China appeals in WTO against European tariffs on EVs
On 09 August, China filed an appeal to the World Trade Organisation against the extra duties that the European Union has applied on Chinese manufactured electric vehicles and the accusations it has made that China is flooding the EV market. Spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Industry said that the EU’s ruling lacks factual and legal basis and it undermines global cooperation on climate change. The appeal comes after the EU increased tariffs on Chinese EVs to 38 per cent. The EU argued that since the PRC government provided subsidies to Chinese EV makers, they sell it for cheaper price and it does not give a level playing field for EU EV makers. China is giving subsidies to companies in green technology and therefore the EU has been cautious of importing solar panels from China as well. This reflects the politics of green technology that are in play on a global level. (“China appeals to WTO over European tariffs on electric cars,” Deutsche Welle, 09 August 2024)
Chinese EV makers to pay accumulated duties
On 08 August, Politico reported on the anxieties Chinese EV makers are facing. The European Commission announced higher duties on EVs in June, after which the Chinese automakers flooded the European EV market, the number of new registered was 2,02,000 compared to 1,44,000 in the previous two months and the market share of Chinese EV vehicles was 12.4 per cent. However, they did not expect the tariffs to be applied to earlier exports as well. Originally the tariff on EVs was 10 per cent but the Commission has increased it to 37 per cent in the new revisions and some Chinese manufacturers might also face tariffs up to 48 per cent. The Chinese Commerce Industry has also appealed to the WTO to argue against the unreasonable tariffs. (“Chinese electric vehicles face possible extra EU tariff hit,” Politico, 08 August 2024)
SPAIN
Supreme Court questions Barcelona Police
On 09 August, Pablo Llarena, a judge of Spain’s Supreme Court, said that he wanted an explanation from Barcelona police over Carles Puigdemont’s speech on 08 August. Puigdemont, a leader of the Junts Party that organised the illegal independence referendum in Catalonia in 2018, entered Spain despite court orders to arrest him. Later, he gave a speech in Barcelona and vanished into the crowd and escaped out of the country. The police have arrested two policemen for allegedly assisting Puigdemont’s escape. His lawyer said that Puigdemont completed some political work that was due and left for his home, however, his residence outside Spain was not mentioned. Secretary General of the Junts party has said that he left for Waterloo. In his speech, he said that the right to self-determination belonged to the Catalan people. (“Spain demands answers after Puigdemont escape,” Deutsche Welle, 09 August 2024)
RUSSIA
"Putin's control over the judiciary is one of the factors to power" says an opinion in Deutsche Welle
On 09 August, Vladimir Putin, Russia's President, completed 25 years of remaining in power either as the Prime Minister or President. Putin was appointed as the Prime Minister by Russian President Boris Yeltsin on 09 August 1999. Deutsche Welle has explained how Putin has managed to remain in power. Apart from eliminating opponents, there were other factors to Putin’s hold on power, according to Deutsche Welle, which is his control over the judiciary. Justices, loyal to the authorities were given more power over their colleagues. Thus, the judiciary is no longer independent. Another factor is the “collective manipulation of historical memory.” The report cites Russian sociologist Alexander Bibkov stating that Putin will remain in office for a long time. (“25 years of Vladimir Putin at Russia's helm,” Deutsche Welle, 10 August 2024)
THE UK
Government seeks strong ties with France
On 09 August, Politico wrote on Keir Starmer, UK’s Prime Minister, willingness to strengthen ties with France. The bilateral ties were strained after Brexit. Even in former PM Rishi Sunak’s cabinet, there were ministers who had supported Brexit. In July, Starmer had also said that he wants to “reenergize the relations” and that the UK and France should deepen their security cooperation. Emmanuel Macron has reciprocated likewise, he had congratulated Starmer, even before he was officially appointed as the Prime Minister, a breach of the protocol. Thus, the two leaders share a good interpersonal relationship. France’s Foreign Secretary also called Starmer a “Francophile.” Although their ties will be tested on issues like the fishing issue on the English Channel. (“Keir Starmer is a sensation with the French,” Politico, 10 August 2024)
Government assures to stay on alert despite slowdown in protests
On 08 August, the UK police were deployed heavily following high security, massive arrests and protests across the UK. The heavy deployment helped to prevent the riots from spreading and engaging racist attacks against Muslims and migrants. Due to this, the far-right immigration protests did not occur while thousands of anti-racism protestors demonstrated. Despite the slowdown among the far-right, the government stressed to remain cautious and the police reported an additional 20 gatherings and three counter-gatherings to have taken place. Yvette Cooper, Interior Minister said: “We're going to continue the strong policing response, making sure that there are additional police officers ready to respond.” (Sachin Ravikumar and Kylie Maclellan “UK riots halted by police, communities but country remains on alert,” Reuters, 08 August 2024)