Photo : Reuters/Michele Tantussi
By Samruddhi S Pathak and Advik S Mohan
THE EU
EU member states criticise Germany’s strict border controls
On 11 September, Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, and Austria’s Interior Minister condemned Germany’s move to announce stricter border controls. Germany’s land border with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark have become heavily regulated since 07 September. The border controls have come after the ruling coalition parties, consisting of the Social Democratic Party, Free Democratic Party and Greens party, in Germany, faced predicaments due to election results in Thuringia and Saxony. Migration emerged as a polarising issue in the elections. Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz said, “Clearly the federal government is hopelessly divided internally and cannot agree on effective measures.” Nancy Faeser, the Interior Minister of Germany, said that controls would protect against the “acute dangers posed by Islamist terrorism and serious crime.” TLN, a Dutch transport group, has accused Germany of undermining the Schengen agreement. (Paul Kirby, “Neighbours criticise German move to extend border controls,” BBC, 09 September 2024)
Sweden and Denmark police to coordinate to reduce gang violence
On 11 September, Denmark and Sweden announced that their police force would operate across their border to contain the spread of gang violence. Malmov city in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark are experiencing a rise in deaths due to gang violence in their countries. A Malmo police officer said that the issue is the age of criminals. Gangs always hire young people to commit such crimes. One of the reasons behind this is that they are cheaper to hire and they will get harsh sentences due to their age. In 2023, Swedish police reported a high number of underaged people getting hired to carry out hits. The attacks are carried out using guns, bombs and hand grenades. These children are targeted online. Criminals often recruit members in socially disadvantaged immigrant neighbourhoods. (Tom Carstensen, “Denmark and Sweden police operate across borders to tackle gang crime spree,” Euronews, 11 September 2024)
GERMANY
German Chancellor adopts a stricter border control policy
On 11 September, an article in Politico informed Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany had adopted a stricter policy on migration and border control. Scholz’s measures are in response to the poor poll ratings of his coalition government. The governing parties lost regional elections to the far-right AfD earlier this month. Following the elections, Nancy Faeser, Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany announced checks on all German land borders. The Federal Government of Germany announced plans to speed deportations and cut benefits for some asylum-seekers. Additionally, the German government deported 28 Afghan nationals convicted of crimes to Afghanistan. However, the announced measures sparked a strong response from Germany’s neighbours. Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland stated tougher German border controls were a “de facto suspension of the Schengen agreement on a large scale.” Tusk was also informed of plans by the Government of Poland to hold consultations with other countries affected by the German plan. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany, 30,000 individuals without valid documents have been turned away at the German border since October 2023. Previously, ministers in the German government planned to implement fast-track procedures for the deportation of asylum seekers to other EU states. However, poor poll ratings and the rise of the far-right have compelled the German government to adopt a tougher stance. Migration experts and political analysts have warned the increased border controls are not a long-term solution. ( James Angelos, “Germany’s Scholz gets tough on border in bid to save political future,” Politico, 11 September 2024)
SPAIN
Pedro Sanchez calls for bridging EU-China trade differences
On 10 September, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, gave a speech in Shanghai. It was the last day of his four day visit to China. During his speech, he urged all the EU nations to reconsider EU imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs. He said that raising tariffs might not be the best solution since it can trigger China to increase duties on pork products. If China launches a probe against pork imports, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark will have to bear the brunt. He said, “we don't need another war, in this case, a trade war. We need to build bridges between the European Union and China.” The statements from Sanchez seem diabolical since Spain has supported imposition of tariffs in July during the non-binding consultation. France and Italy outrightly supported the tariffs while Hungary opposed them. Sachez said that he aimed to ‘re-balance’ the trade deficit between China and Spain. Sánchez signed a deal with Envision Group, a Chinese multinational, to build a $1 billion plant in Spain for manufacturing electrolysers, the machinery used to separate hydrogen from water and produce green hydrogen. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Sánchez urges the EU to 'reconsider' tariffs on Chinese electric cars, exposing cracks,” Euronews, 11 September 2024)
SWEDEN
Swedish government appoints new foreign minister
On 11 September, an article in BNN informed the Government of Sweden had appointed a new Minister for Foreign Affairs. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the former Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy was appointed to the post of Foreign Minister. Stenergard's main focus is expected to be on ensuring constant support for Ukraine. Ulf Kristersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden stated in his parliamentary address supporting Ukraine was the biggest foreign policy challenge for the coming years. Stenergard informed in a press conference Russia needed to remain pressurized with sanctions. She also stated it was important to work towards the goal of EU membership for Ukraine. ( “Sweden appoints new Foreign Minister with focus on Ukraine,” Baltic News Network, 11 September 2024)
SWITZERLAND
Survey finds majority of Swiss against immigration ban
On 10 September, swissinfo.ch reported that the most of the citizens in Switzerland were against an immigration ban, despite concerns over an increase in immigration. Results of the Opportunities Barometer 2024 survey showed that 74 per cent of citizens in rural areas were concerned about the population reaching 10 million inhabitants. The figure was 65 per cent in suburban areas and 63 per cent in urban areas. However, 61 per cent of respondents rejected a blanket ban on immigration. A ban for individuals outside the European Union was more narrowly rejected. While measures like the political integration of foreign residents or the construction of more roads were rejected, over 70 per cent of respondents agreed with measures like working beyond the retirement age, expanding the public and providing more daycare centres. A controlled system in which only individuals with language skills or sufficient points for qualifications would be allowed to immigrate received substantial support; at over 65 per cent. 43 per cent of respondents believe the biggest challenge to a Switzerland of 10 million inhabitants is high rental costs, and the housing shortage. 15 per cent of respondents stated that higher pension contributions were the most positive opportunity offered by immigration, while 13 per cent stated it was immigration. 80 per cent of the surveyed population also incorrectly cited the population increase numbers in Switzerland, over the past decade. ( “Majority of Swiss against the immigration ban, survey finds,” swissinfo.ch, 10 September 2024)
THE UK
NAO audit highlghts additional UK arms donations to Ukraine would cost GBP 2.71 billion to replace
On 11 September, a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) published that UK arms donation to Ukraine of GBP 2.71 billion would be in addition to the GBP 7.8 billion committed by Prime Ministers of the UK. This is the first audit into military spending done by the UK, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The audit highlights the additional costs of replenishing stockpiles. The cost of replacing old munitions like missiles and artillery also exceeds their GBP 171.5 million value on the books of the Government of the UK. This is because the UK Ministry of Defence wants to replace the old weapons supplied at current prices. However, surplus stockpiles are nearly exhausted, meaning the rate of weapons donations in the UK has slowed. Gareth Davies, Head of the NAO stated that the Ministry of Defence had to balance the UK’s strategic interests with maintaining the UK's military capabilities. Davies stated that it is also essential to ensure there are appropriate stockpiles in case of a future military crisis. The value of the donations is not included in previously announced Ukraine war budgets, and the costs are only accounted for as replenishment contracts are issued. This means that the UK will have spent more than the GBP 2.46 billion budgeted for Ukraine in the 2022-23 year. However, different calculations reveal that the cash cost of all military operations was GBP 2.9 billion in 2022-23; the largest sum spent on war by the UK since 2012. However, arms donations to the UK have declined to a value of GBP 15.9 million in 2023-24. This means the UK will have to manufacture the bulk of the weapons it wants to send to Ukraine. Replenishment funding is expected to come from contingency services allocated by the UK Treasury. The Defence Ministry is also expected to replace equipment, at a time when there are shortfalls in its overall equipment budget. ( Dan Sabbagh, “UK arms donated to Ukraine would cost £2.71 bn to replace, says watchdog,” The Guardian, 11 September 2024)
Government signals tightening budget
On 11 September, in an interview to the BBC, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the UK said: “The Budget on 30 October will require difficult decisions on tax, on spending, and on welfare.” The UK has been facing a tough time with its economy since 2021. By the end of 2023, the UK fell into a shallow recession. However, the first half of 2024 proved to be economically better. Since June 2024, there has been a drop in output for advertising, architects and engineers. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), car and machinery firms performed poorly economically in June 2024. ONS also recognised the positive impact of sports tournaments like the European Football League and Paris Olympics on businesses in the UK. (Lucy Hooker, “Chancellor warns hard decisions ahead in Budget,” BBC, 11 September 2024)
UKRAINE
Permission for Ukraine to use long-range missiles could trigger escalation says opinion in The Guardian
On 11 September, The Guardian analysed the potential implications if the West decided to allow Ukraine to fire long-range missiles inside Russia. The joint visit by Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, and David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary to Ukraine, alongside the upcoming visit of Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK to the US have led to increased speculation that Ukraine will be given permission. The Government of Ukraine argues firing Western-made weapons such as Storm Shadow and Atacms missiles with a range of over 190 miles into Russia, would allow it to respond to Russian aggression. Relentless Russian missile attacks have already resulted in about two-thirds of Ukrainian power generation being destroyed. There are also concerns in Kyiv the Russian capacity to fire offensive missiles far exceeds the global capacity to manufacture interceptors. However, the fear is if Ukraine begins using long-range missiles against Russia; it could escalate the war. According to the article, an escalation in missile use may come only as part of a wider military plan. At the end of August, reports indicated Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine presented a list of bombing targets inside Russia to the US Government. There are no large stocks of missiles present either, making the US Government sceptical they could change the war. While the Ukrainian government has argued long-range missiles could compel the Government of the Russian Federation to negotiate for peace, it remains unclear how Moscow would react. The article also mentions how Ukraine might not have the luxury of time. In less than two months, the US will conduct its presidential election. Donald Trump, one of the leading presidential candidates has not made clear his support for Ukraine; complicating matters for Kyiv. (Dan Sabbagh, “West’s missile go-ahead to Russia would hold no shortage of risks,” The Guardian, 11 September 2024)
Trump reveals Ukraine war approach
On 11 September, Politico reported Donald Trump's prospective policy towards Ukraine. During the presidential debate, he said that he would push for a negotiated settlement to end the war. According to the report, Trump’s comments showed that he was willing to negotiate and have deals with Russia, rather than challenging its expansionist tendencies. When Chris Muir, the debate moderator asked Trump if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, the candidate replied he wanted the war to stop. Trump informed that he shared a good relationship with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. Trump stated he could bring Zelenskyy and Putin together. He also stated it was in the best interests of the US to have a negotiated deal to end the Ukraine war. According to Trump, Russia’s nuclear deterrence made it difficult to counter Putin. The article noted how Trump was stating something acknowledged privately by a few members of the present US Government; that a negotiated settlement to end the Ukraine war might be in the best interests of everyone. ( Joseph J. Schatz, “Trump just showed how he’d approach the war in Ukraine,” Politico, 11 September 2024)