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By Advik S Mohan and Samruddhi Pathak
THE EU
EV leasing firms in Europe at crossroads
On 13 August, Reuters reported that low resale values of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Europe have caused leasing firms to double prices. Industry executives say that cuts in subsidies for new EVs are negatively impacting sales. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of EVs in Europe are leased, and the market is dominated by corporate and commercial entities who buy up to 60 per cent of new EVs in countries like Germany and Spain. The lease price is calculated based on estimated resale prices for a vehicle. However, leasing firms suffer financial losses if second-hand prices are lower than expected. Second-hand EV prices in Europe have been declining, owing to external factors like Tesla’s price cuts and the influx of cheaper Chinese EVs into the market. Tim Albertsen, the CEO of Ayvens a car leasing company, said that his company was leasing EVs once or twice more at affordable rates. Leasing firms are also concerned by the risk of a potential European Commission diktat on mandatory EV sale targets. This could increase prices further. (Nick Carey, “Leasing model behind Europe’s EV drive at risk of breakdown,” Reuters, 13 August 2024)
EU to wait and watch on Slovakia agency restructuring
On 12 August, the European Commission said it was monitoring the dismantling of Slovakia’s two key criminal agencies. The National Criminal Agency of Slovakia (NAKA) is being restructured presently by the government of Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia. It is planned to be replaced with three new specialized police units, which separately deal with corruption, drugs-related criminality, and terrorism. Regular police units will also take over several of NAKA’s former responsibilities, and investigators may be transferred to lower-level police units. Additionally, the government also plans to abolish the National Central Unit for Special Types of Crimes (NCODK) which deals with environmental or cybercrimes. Slovakia has promised to train personnel from both agencies, as a part of its restructuring, However, taken in line with other actions by the Slovakian government, for instance changing the Criminal Codes; the actions may come in conflict with the Rule of Law published by the EU executive. Several former NAKA investigators are also facing charges. However, for now, the European Commission has decided against immediate actions. (Charles Szumski and Zuzana Gabrizova, “Brussels waits till dust settles on anti-corruption overhaul in Slovakia,” Euractive, 12 August 2024)
BULGARIA
Bulgaria urged to scrap controversial LGBTQ ban
On 12 August, Bulgaria was asked to withdraw its LGBTQ promotion ban by the Council of Europe. Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, tweeted on the social media platform X that he was “deeply concerned by the recent law passed by Bulgaria’s Parliament to ban so-called LGBTI ‘propaganda’ in schools.” O’Flaherty urged Rumen Radev, President of Bulgaria to not sign the law, and said authorities must take steps to tackle discrimination and rhetoric against the community. The law bans teaching in schools ideas about sexual orientation and gender identity, apart from the ‘biological one.’ It sparked protests in the Bulgarian capital, with demonstrators chanting “Shame on you.” (“Council of Europe urges Bulgaria to scrap LGBTQ ‘promotion’ ban,” Euractiv, 13 August 2024)
GREECE
Massive wildfire sparks panic in Athens
On 11 August, a rapidly moving wildfire outside Athens forced residents to leave their homes. The wildfire burnt trees, houses and cars and created smoke clouds around Athens. Over 400 firefighters were sent to battle the wildfire which erupted on 11 August and quickly spread to the village of Varnavas to the north of Athens. The government sent evacuation alerts to nine areas near Varnavas and other regions of Greece witnessed fire alerts for Sunday and Monday. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection invoked emergency measures including calling the army to deal with the fires. Kikilias said, “Extremely high temperatures and dangerous weather conditions will prevail. Half of Greece will be in the red.” The wildfire is the latest adverse impact of climate change being felt by Greece. The country experienced its warmest winter yet in 2023 and is expected to witness its warmest summer in 2024. (“People flee wildfire near Athens as it spreads ‘like lightning’,” Euractiv, 12 August 2024)
RUSSIA
Google to remove AdSense program from Russia
On 12 August, Google announced that it would deactivate Russia-based AdSense accounts. A Google spokesperson stated the decision was taken since the company would no longer be able to make payments to Russia-based AdSense accounts, which have been monetising traffic across Russia. While Google did not cite a reason for its decision, it has been observed that YouTube was subject to slower speeds in recent weeks. Google has also faced criticism from the Russian government, for not taking down content the government considers illegal. Google stopped advertising to Russian users after the invasion of Ukraine and stopped monetising content supporting the Russian war. (“Google says it is deactivating Russia- based AdSense accounts,” Reuters, 12 August 2024)
SWEDEN
Government faces criticism for ‘snitch law’ from the right-wing
On 12 August, the Swedish parliament passed the ‘snitch law’ under its 2022 agreement among right-wing parties. This agreement brought the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party into the coalition government. The SD party has a rigid anti-immigrant stance and the ‘snitch law’ is a part of the broader agenda. The new law can compel educators and healthcare professionals to report undocumented people. The platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants called the law ‘inhumane.’ This would lead immigrants to not avail basic services like education and health. Similar legislation was passed in Finland and Germany which led to discrimination among undocumented individuals. (“Sweden’s ‘snitch law’ immigration plan prompts alarm across society,” The Guardian, 12 August 2024)
Witness boost in high-tech start-ups
On 13 August, The New York Times reported that despite facing economic challenges like the rest of Europe, Swedish entrepreneurs are giving tough competition to global tech companies. Famous startups like Spotify and Skype are as known as YouTube or Google. Therefore, Sweden can become a case study for other European countries to boost tech-based startups. According to the report: “Europe has been a bystander rather than an innovator in the tech field.” The economic impact of not housing startups is substantial, moreover long-term effect of relying on foreign companies for social media and communications. This dependence might lead to privacy complications in the future. (“Can This Country Show Europe How to Compete Again?” The New York Times, 13 August 2024)
REGIONAL
Diplomatic tensions between Hungary and Poland
On 13 August, Hungary today reported the friction between Hungary and Poland and described it as a ‘dramatic shift.’ The two countries have shared cordial relations in the past. However, their relations are strained due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. The new government of Poland under Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland. Hungary’s stance on the conflict has drifted the countries apart. Hungary Today calls this hypocrisy on the part of Poland as it continues to engage with Russia while criticising Hungary for doing so. However, the report recalls a long history of shared interests and mutual cooperation. (“Diplomatic Tensions and Historical Frictions in the Hungarian-Polish Relations,” Hungary Today, 13 August 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Kazakhstan President calls Central Asia to act as link between Asia and Europe
On 13 August, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan urged Central Asia to position itself as a link between Asia and Europe. In an opinion piece titled “The Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Prosperity,” Tokayev stated that the Central Asian countries had defied expectations that they would become “failed states.” He highlighted the growing political prominence of the region in global politics, such as the popularity of the “CA Plus” format. Tokayev also emphasized the “Central Asian Five” countries following pragmatic foreign policies wherein they promote their ideas and cooperate in fields such as energy, industry and agriculture to mutually trade with each other. Tokayev also advises building comprehensive strategies to deal with security threats and ensuring stability for prosperity. His next points are developing transportation logistics and transit hubs to make Central Asia a global centre of transportation; alongside inter-university cooperation and transitioning to a green economy. Tokayev concludes by saying that Kazakhstan is ready to help in integration processes. He says that a successful Central Asia is a successful Kazakhstan. (Xhoi Zajmi, “Kazakhstan president calls for Central Asia renaissance as an Asia- EU bridge,” Euractiv, 13 August 2024)
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