Photo : X/Turkish Minute
By Padmashree Anandhan
THE EU
Heatwaves risk pushes for EU protection mechanism
On 02 August, an opinion in Euronews indicated the increased heatwaves and how EU’s emergency mechanism address. According to the report, the EU would activate its “emergency mechanism” for on-ground assistance against increasing heatwaves and risk of fires. The heatwaves were observed to be spread across Europe increasing the risk of wildfires. The flames were seen across Croatia, Italy, Greece and other countries. To counter, the EU uses the EU Civil Protection Mechanism formed in 2001. It consists of three branches with a fleet of 28 water bomber planes and four helicopters from its EU member states. It has allotted EUR 600 million to acquire 12 water bombers which is expected to be functional by the end of 2030 and distributed among the six member states. Balazs Ujvari, spokesperson for the European Commission said: “More than 500 firefighters are pre-positioned in four southern EU Member States—France, Portugal, Spain, and Greece—and can be called upon to assist local teams if needed.” (Gregoire Lory, “How does the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism combat wildfires?,” Euronews, 02 August 2024)
GERMANY
Sports Minister signs a deal proposing to host 2040 Olympics
On 02 August, Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Sports Minister signed an agreement to conduct the 2040 Olympic Games. This would be on the same day of Germany’s reunification in 1990. In a news conference, Faeser said: “The government stands united behind a new German bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games… We want to utilize the great opportunities that the Olympic Games offer for our cohesion, our economy, and sport.” She emphasised the 2040 bid as a “strong symbol” and a sign of democracy to coincide with German unification. While DOSB President Thomas Weikert who has been trying to win government’s support for 2040 said: “The clear, cross-party commitment of the federal government and [Chancellor Olaf Scholz] to a bid is an important and motivating signal both internally and externally.” In Germany, Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Hamburg and the Rhine-Ruhr region. (“German minister signs deal to bid for 2040 Olympics,” Deutsche Welle, 02 July 2024)
Joins UNC as 18th member to monitor DMZ between North Koreas and South Korea
On 02 August, Germany became the 18th member of the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea. The UNC, known as a multinational military force, monitors the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South and North Korea. The DMZ was formed in 1950 and acts as an armistice to restore peace while also helping in communication with North Korea. The UNC inspects the border and commits to aid the South in the emergence of a conflict. Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister said: “We need to stand firm against those who want to undermine peace and stability, against those who attack our common order.” Whereas Army General Paul LaCamera, Army General Paul LaCamera stated that Germany's joining of forces would help expand perspectives and resources and improve collective capabilities. Since 2013, Germany would be the first to be added to UNC after Italy. Pistorius called the German presence in the South China Sea as a “strong signal” to track the situation. (“Germany joins multinational force monitoring Korean border,” Deutsche Welle, 02 August 2024)
Police control the climate protestors at Hanburg
On 02 August, Germany’s police in Hamburg city stated that they barred climate activists from preventing Hamburg airport operations. According to the police: “The officers found equipment in the suspects' bags that "suggested an intended blockade action at the airport." The equipment includes cutters, vests, posters and a sand-resin mixture. The temporarily detained suspects had fled and in response several police were deployed to protect the runway and there were no impacts recorded. After a six-month pause, climate protests were brought back in July at many German airports. Earlier, the German government approved legislation to tighten the penalties on those who disobeyed the perimeters while the protestors have stressed on phasing out from fossil fuel. (“Germany: Police stop climate protesters at Hamburg Airport,” Deutsche Welle, 02 August 2024)
ITALY
Industrial production sees 13 per cent decline on yearly basis
On 02 August, in an opinion in Euronews reported on how Italy’s production had stabilised despite its year-on-year data stagnates. According to the report, production increased by 0.5 per cent on a month-on-month basis in June. A similar rate of expansion was observed in May but with a positive sign after a year of negative readings. The data, month-on-month indicated a rebound in capital goods where consumer goods and energy products reduced by 0.3 and 1.4 per cent. Yearly, production was reduced by 2.6 per cent which was the 17th record of the negative figure, whereas there was a 13 per cent decline. Paolo Pizzoli, senior economist for Italy and Greece said: “…data seems to be pointing to a stabilisation rather than a full rebound for Italian industrial production..For a more noticeable improvement we might have to wait for the end of 2024, provided the demand angle improves.” (Eleanor Butler, “Italy's industrial production creeps up while growth remains tepid,” Euronews, 02 August 2024)
TURKEY
Turkey builds new anti-submarine warship for Ukraine
On 02 August, a new anti-submarine warship built for Ukraine was launched in Istanbul in the presence of Rustem Umerov, Ukrainian defence minister and Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska. This would be the second warship built by Turkey for Ukraine since February 2022. The latest warship is expected to improve the capabilities of Ukraine’s Navy against Russia’s advanced weapons. It is equipped with cutting-edge weapons aimed to give Ukraine a breakthrough against Russian fleet. Zelenska said: “We understand the importance of security better than anyone. This corvette will ensure the safety of our shared region, the common sea of our countries.” Although the construction of the warship comes under the bilateral agreement of 2020, it is still unclear if it will be delivered to Ukraine as the Montreux convention bars warring parties' battleships from entering the Black Sea controlled by Turkey.
Signs free trade agreement with Ukraine
On 02 August, Ukrinform reported on Turkey ratifying a free trade agreement (FTA) with Ukraine. According to the report, the bilateral trade stood at USD 7.3 billion and is expected to increase to USD 10 billion. Under the FTA, Ukraine and Turkey plans to cancel import duties by Turkey for 93.4 per cent of Industrial goods and 7.6 per cent of agricultural goods. After the transition, both expect to remove import duties for 1.5 per cent of industrial goods and 28.5 per cent of agricultural goods. In exchange, Ukraine will cancel import duties for 56 per cent of industrial goods and 11.5 per cent of agricultural goods.