Photo : AP/ Euronews
28 September 2024, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #947
By Samruddhi Pathak
THE EU
Europe raises concerns on Chinese cars’ software
On 27 September, Europe followed the suit after the US announced its intention to ban the Chinese technology that links cars to navigation systems for American roads. Margrethe Vestager, an expert on technology in Europe, said that she is reviewing the implications of the software with other economic security experts. According to Politico, this is opening another front on the ongoing technology war between the US, China and other regions. Some of the key technologies that are causing drift between countries are microchips, artificial intelligence and 5G & 6G technology. The US has already announced its concern over cyber-hacking threats. Meanwhile, Canada and the UK are also launching probes into car technology and surveillance. In July, the US and European officials also held a meeting to address threats to cyber-surveillance and attacks. Meanwhile, European researchers and officials are working on a document “ICT supply-chain toolbox” which will propose measures on electric-vehicle connectivity and renewable sources. (“After US, Europe probes Chinese car software,” Politico, 27 September 2024)
NATO to deploy new command in Finland
On 27 September, Reuters reported that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would set up a new northern land command in Finland. Antti Hakkanen, the Minister of Defence of Finland informed the new command had the responsibility of leading land operations for NATO in Northern Europe, in case of a military conflict. Hakkanen also informed the new command had an initial budget of EUR 8.5 million, and consisted of a few dozen international officials. Pasi Valimaki, the Commander of the Finnish Army stated land operations planning in the Nordic region was the responsibility of the new unit for now. The centre known as Multi Corps Land Component Command is expected to operate under the Norfolk Joint Force Command of NATO, and the Finnish Army headquarters in the town of Mikkeli. The Government of Finland had not requested a permanent multinational NATO force to be deployed, due to the strength of its own forces. (“NATO to set up northern land command in eastern Finland,” Reuters, 27 September 2024)
A new setback in North Macedonia’s bid to join the EU
On 26 September, Daily Sabah reported an upset in North Macedonia’s road to joining the EU. Its candidature has again come under scrutiny due to disputes with Bulgaria. Hristijan Mickoski, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, said that the EU is trying to dictate North Macedonia’s foreign policy and he would accept no further delay in talks over the country’s membership in the bloc. North Macedonia and Albania had started talks for EU membership together in 2022 when the war in Ukraine broke out. However, Albania’s negotiations seem to be much ahead of North Macedonia's. However, the EU spokesperson denied such allegations. Both countries had applied for EU membership about 20 years ago. Mickiski said that it was unfair to link North Macedonia’s EU prospects with Bulgaria's demand. (“North Macedonia upset over obstacle on its EU bid over Bulgaria dispute,” Daily Sabah, 26 September 2024)
Anti-immigration sentiments rise in Europe
On 27 September, The Guardian reported on the rising anti-immigration sentiment in Europe. In 2015, 1.3 million people migrated to Europe. Most countries are electing far-right wing parties into power that advocate curbing immigration. In September itself, Germany implemented controversial border checks, the Netherlands voted for an antit-immigration party. Even Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland have introduced harsh immigration laws. Germany has reduced welfare for refugees, while the Netherlands’ politicians have announced that they want to make the Netherlands an “unattractive” country for refugees. This is also threatening the unity of the 27-members EU bloc. This is considered as the biggest economic achievement of the EU. This achievement is under threat. (Jon Henley, “Anti-immigration mood sweeping EU threatens its new asylum strategy,” The Guardian, 27 September 2024)
FINLAND
Government returns pandas to China, says it's expensive
On 25 September, a zoo in Finland announced that it is returning pandas to Chinese authorities since it is costly for them to maintain the pandas. Two pandas were brought to Finland from China in 2018 after the two countries signed an agreement on protection of animals. The two pandas, namely Lumi and Pryr, were meant to stay in Finland for 15 years. However, the cost of the maintenance was very high. Pandas required a keeper at all times, imported bamboo and a hefty preservation fee to China. The cost was more than all other species combined in the zoo. The Chinese Embassy in Finland issued a statement saying that both countries tried to figure out ways for the pandas’ sustenance but ultimately, it was a mutual decision to send back the animals. (“Finland to return pandas to China early due to cost,” BBC, 25 September 2024)
MALTA
Maltese cargo ship carrying explosive to travel through British waters
On 26 September, a cargo-ship carrying 20 tonnes of potential explosive fertilisers will be travelling through UK territorial waters. The ship is owned by a Maltese firm called Ruby Enterprises. It was set on sail from Kandalaksha, a port in northern Russia in July. Although the national maritime emergency services have said that there is no immediate danger from the explosives, the same chemical caused a blast in Beirut in 2020. The fertiliser contains a heavy amount of ammonium nitrate. It is regularly transported around the world and used as fertiliser but is also used in explosives. (Joshua Cheetham and Amy Walker, “Ship carrying explosive fertiliser heads to UK waters,” BBC, 26 September 2024)