Photo : Aurore Martignoni/CCE/Euronews
By Samruddhi Pathak
THE EU
Europe Central Bank calls for boost in investments
On 08 September, a report was published by the European Central Bank. The report was compiled by former chief of the Central Bank, Mario Draghi. It emphasised joint borrowing by EU countries. It suggested that investment of EUR 750-800 million, annually, can boost European economies. It said that this amount of investment can keep European economies at par with other economies in the world. According to Draghi, Europe needs a radical change in investments. During a press conference in Brussels, Draghi said: “we must genuinely fear for our self-preservation.” During the conference, he also introduced his blueprint for the “new industrial strategy” for Europe. He said the European governments have ignored the slowing down of their economies. The report also pointed out Europe’s weakness in emerging technologies. However, regional ministers of Germany and the Netherlands have spoken against the suggestions made by the report. Christian Linder, Finance Minister of Germany, said that joint borrowing will solve structural problems. (“Europe needs ‘massive’ investment drive to catch global competitors: Report,” Al Jazeera, 09 September 2024)
FRANCE
Ifop polls show 52 per cent satisfied with Prime Minister
On 09 September, Ifop published a poll in the Journal du Dimanche suggesting that 52 per cent of people in France are satisfied with Macron’s choice of Prime Minister. The poll comes a day after huge protests were organised across France by the far-left alliance New Popular Front where more than 1,00,000 people took part. Micheal Barnier is the oldest Prime Minister in the history of modern France which became a critical factor when the left targeted his conservative views on homosexuality. Nonetheless, the polls also suggest that 74 per cent of people do not believe that Barnier till the left prepares to table a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister. The poll was conducted online with 950 participants. The error margin is up to three points. However, there are many variables to consider in the poll i.e., the political views of the audience and if the conclusion of the polls could be generalised for the entire French population. (“Poll finds 52% fare satisfied with Macron's choice of Barnier as French PM,” France24, 09 September 2024)
GERMANY
BBC reports continuing Far-right continue to find space in German politics
On 10 September, BBC published a report on the rise of far-right parties like Alternative for Germany (AfD) in eastern Germany. After the election in Thuringia and Saxony, AfD has proven its public appeal. Polls suggest that in the upcoming elections in Brandenburg, AfD will emerge as a strong party. BBC interviewed Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a center-left party, voters and concluded that people had complaints regarding education services, flatlining economy and rising immigration. Leaders like the former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Markel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, come from CDU. Therefore, AfD and Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht’s (BSW), a far-left party, demand for ending the supply of weapons to Ukraine is resonating closely with people. BSW had advocated left-wing economic policies and a conservative approach towards immigration. According to the opinion poll conducted by ARD, a state-owned broadcast service, found that almost 27 per cent of votes will go to AfD and Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olaf Scholz’s party belonging to the centre-left, will emerge as the second largest party with 23 per cent of votes. BSW is predicted to win 15 per cent of votes, as per the ARD polls. However, AfD is less likely to be in power because other parties have refused to form a coalition with it. (Jessica Parker, “Rise of far right in Germany’s east isn’t over yet,” BBC, 10 September 2024)
GREENLAND
Maelstrom in glaciers pose risk to scientific expeditions
On 08 September, the Guardian reported about stadium-sized ice blocks crashing against each other during underwater currents. This is causing a maelstrom in the glaciers. Despite this, Celtic Explorer, a multi-purpose research vessel operated by Marine Institute, Galway, Ireland is being sent on an exploration mission. Scientists regard this as a “high-risk, high rewards mission.” The aim of the mission to understand surging sea-levels. Glaciers in Greenlands are disintegrating and it will certainly have a causal impact on coastal cities’ sea levels. Prof Ginny Catania, chief scientist, from the University of Texas (UT) said that the team will be collecting data that has never been collected before. The team will collect core samples of sedimentation at the glaciers’ foot. However, the challenge is zero visibility underwater due to the maelstrom. This will also aim to predict the future of Greenland. There are warnings of the collapse of the ice sheet in Greenland which might lead to a seven metres rise in sea levels. According to Prof John Jaeger, from the University of Florida, Florida is already seeing frequent high tides due to rise in sea levels. The focus of the expedition is the Kangerlussuup glacier in Greenland which is 50 kilometres wide and 300 metres tall. (“‘Oh my God, what is that?’: how the maelstrom under Greenland’s glaciers could slow future sea level rise,” Guardian, 06 September 2024)
SWEDEN
Government announces plans to scrap tax on air tickets from 2025
On 06 September, Sweden’s government announced its plans to scrap the tax it imposes on flight booking. The decision is being praised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as more people will be opting for flight booking as an option while environmental groups are protesting against the announcement. A Member of Parliament from the right-wing party, Sweden Democrats Party, said that the decision will make air travel more affordable for the middle class. The tax was originally introduced in 2018. However, environmentalists claim that the government’s goal to reach zero emissions by 2050 will not be achieved by cutting taxes on air tickets. The Greens party has opposed the bill. The spokesperson of the Greens party has said, “This is another example of this government's irresponsible climate policy.” (“The country that invented ‘flight shame’ is scrapping their tax on flights,” Euronews, 06 September 2024)
THE UK
Government to cooperate with Europe on boat smugglers
On 06 September, Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary of the UK, said that the UK government will work with the European police to tackle human trafficking that takes place through the English Channel and is assisted by boat smuggler gangs. The crisis surfaced after 12 people, including a pregnant woman, passed away while trying to cross the English Channel. James Cleverly, the shadow Home Secretary, said, “It is not enough to talk about 'smashing the gangs' when the real-life consequences are so serious.” The UK government is targeting human traffickers operating through the northern French coast of the English Channel. The new UK government has pledged to stop the crossing of smaller boats towards British territory. Cooper said that the government has increased returns of failed asylum seekers and has shut costly hotels housing them. (“UK working with European police to tackle boat gangs,” BBC, 06 September 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Russia and China to hold joint military exercise in the Sea of Japan
On 09 September, China’s Defence Minister announced organising the Sino-Russian naval and air force exercises called “Northern/Interaction-2024.” The exercise aims to “deepen the level of strategic coordination between the Chinese and Russian militaries, and enhance their ability to jointly respond to security threats.” The Ministry also announced “Ocean-2024”, which is Russia’s strategic naval exercise in the Pacific and China will be a part of it. This will be the second edition of the Northern/Interaction exercise. In the 2023 edition, China had sent five warships and four ship-borne helicopters. (“Chinese, Russian navy, air forces to hold joint drills again in Sea of Japan,” South China Morning Post, 09 September 2024)
Russia’s rising influence in Africa
On 09 September, the BBC reported on the rising influence of Russia on Burkina Faso, a country in the Sahel region in Africa. The article highlights the role of the mercenary group Wagner in African politics. In August 2024, Wagner was involved with Mali’s army in fighting the Tuareg separatists near the Algerian border. On 04 August, Mali cut its diplomatic ties with Ukraine, making its political stance clear. On 06 August, just two days later, even Niger severed its diplomatic ties with Ukraine. In August, 40 people were arrested in Nigeria for showcasing the Russian flag during protests. Christopher Musa, the army chief, said that showcasing foreign symbols is a “treasonable offence.” Local media also reported about protesters asking the Russian president to rescue them. Niger is also housing many Russian military trainers in its capital city, Niamey. Since the coup on 26 July 2023, Niger has gradually pivoted towards Russia. Meanwhile, the West is gradually withdrawing its forces from the Sahel region. Russia also continues to influence through spread of information through media against US involvement in the region. (“War ‘tour’, football and graffiti: How Russia is trying to influence Africa,” BBC, 10 September 2024)