Photo : Mirjam Mõttus/ERR
21 October 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #965
By Padmashree Anandhan
ESTONIA
Increasing concern over Baltic states over migration attacks
On 20 October, ERR News reported on how Russia's relations with Belarus would lead to more hybrid attacks on Europe’s eastern border. Estonia’s 1000-member reserve is currently working to defend its eastern border. Whereas in 2021, Belarus showcased a hybrid attack on the EU by redirecting migrants from Poland and Lithuania’s borders. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) warned that as a result of the war in Ukraine such hybrid attacks could increase. Marek Kohv, an expert at the International Center for Defense and Security (ICDS) said: “What we're currently seeing from the Belarusian direction, so to speak – these are migrants from either the Middle East or various African countries.” In a migration attack, people would be held within the border if the migrating country does not agree migrants to cross its border. In the case of Belarus, the migrants are allowed back. Therefore, to cope, a crisis unit has been formed with Estonia’s 1,000 reservists to aid police in a migration attack. (“Estonia to establish 1,000-strong crisis unit to curb migration attacks,” ERR News, 20 October 2024)
GEORGIA
Pro-EU Georgians protest ahead of elections
On 20 October, France 24 reported on thousands of protestors in Georgia who held “pro-Europe rally,” ahead of parliamentary elections. The elections scheduled for 26 October would be a decider of the pro-western opposition parties who stand against the current Georgian Dream Party who are blamed for turning towards authoritarianism and setting off from the track to join the EU. In the protests, the EU and Georgian flags were held along with banners stating “Georgia chooses the European Union” in the march. Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili joining the protest said: “Shows that Georgia has already won and will reintegrate with Europe.” According to the report, several Georgians used “My Voice to the EU” and Facebook platforms to gather Georgians. Earlier, the EU paused Georgia’s accession process following its “foreign influence law,” and earned criticism. According to analysts, the Georgian Dream party is attempting to hold on to power despite the vote results. (Liza Kaminov, “Tens of thousands of pro-EU supporters rally in Georgia ahead of key vote,” France 24, 20 October 2024)
GREENLAND
International airport projects to boost mining and tourism sectors
On 20 October, the BBC reported on Greenland’s latest international airport in Nuuk, the capital city. This will allow the largest aircraft to land as a direct connection between the US and Europe for the first time. The airport project is expected to improve the local economy and make the Arctic more accessible. Greenland covered in an ice cap with a scarce population is within Denmark. It is located on the southwestern coast on a hillside. Till now an American larger plane, Kangerlussuaq built during World War II operated in two runways on Greenland. The other is Narsarsuaq in the far south which formed part of a US military base earlier. End of November, larger planes will now be able to land in Nuuk for the first time. According to Jens Lauridsen, the chief executive of operator Greenland Airports: “I’m sure we will see a lot of tourism, and we'll see a lot of change.” In 2026, the second international airport is also expected to open in Ilulissat one of the major tourist destinations. These airports cost more than USD800 million which were partly financed by Danish after loan package from Chinese investors. This becomes key to Greenland’s economy as it depends massively on the public sector and fishing and such an infrastructure boost is seen as positive by politicians for mining and tourism sectors. (Adrienne Murray Nielsen, “In from the cold: New airports set to open up Greenland,” BBC, 20 October 2024)
ITALY
Rome court rules against repatriation of migrants to Albania
On 19 October, the BBC reported on the court’s decision against Georgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister for a five-year migration deal to send those rescued from sea to Albania. According to the report, a special immigration court in Rome ruled to bring the deported 12 migrants back to Italy from the Adriatic coast in northern Albania as it was viewed unsafe. Meloni’s migration deal attracted many Western allies but on the court ruling, the Italy government announced to challenge the ruling. Meloni said: “It's not for the judiciary to say which countries are safe - it's for the government.” In 2024. EU’s irregular migration through Central Mediterranean route has reduced by 64 per cent. Italy’s agreement with Albania is aimed at repatriating close to 3,000 irregular migrants from two camps which is estimated to cost EUR 800 million. This has triggered criticism among the opposition however Matteo Piantedosi, Italy’s Interior Minister argues that the government would appeal stating the plan to become European law in the next two years. (Paul Kirby, “Italy faces big setback over migrant camps in Albania,” BBC, 19 October 2024)
LITHUANIA
Government rules to restrict low-skilled foreign workers
On 19 October, Kun.UZ reported on the Lithuanian government's decision to introduce a cutoff on recruitment of low-skilled foreign workers from non-EU countries. The latest policy will regulate the influx of “migrant labour and address the security concerns.” As per the regulation, 1.4 per cent of Lithuania’s permanent population which is 40,000 will be the limit for all the new arrivals. Once the limit is reached, foreigners who receive wages above the threshold or are part of high-demand professions will be allowed a temporary residence permit. Additionally, no foreigners will be allowed to work without that permit. This comes as Lithuania’s Migration Department; 80,000 residence permits were given in 2023 which was eight times increase from 2017. The largest number of migrants were observed to be from Belarus, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan employed in low-skilled jobs. The influx has also created “counterintelligence and terrorism risks” as the department does not have the resources to monitor all migrants. Ingrida Šimonytė, Lithuanian Prime Minister said: “Yes, there have been issues, and some of these have been partially resolved by the laws already in place. I believe that with the introduction of the quota in 2025, we will have additional regulatory measures to address these concerns.” (“Lithuania to cap influx of low-skilled workers from Non-EU countries,” Kum.uz, 19 October 2024)
REGIONAL
Scholz and Erdogan meet to advance defence cooperation amid differences
On 19 October, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President and Olaf Scholz, German Chancellors held a meeting in Istanbul on Scholz’s arrival. The visit marked the first since March 2022 amid differences over the war in Gaza, migration and bilateral issues. The talks focused on improving defence, migration and trade relations. Between Germany and Turkey, the largest Turkish diaspora of three million is hosted by Germany and has raised concerns over human rights and democracy recently. Followed by the Israel-Hamar war, the clash between both leaders grew. However, the meeting succeeded in agreeing of remove restrictions on defence sales to Turkey by Germany. This comes as Turkey wishes to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoons. Erdogan said: “We wish to leave behind the past difficulties in the context of the supply of defence industry products and develop our cooperation.” While Scholz said: “Turkey is a member of NATO and that's why we always take decisions that lead to concrete deliveries.” (“At odds over Middle East conflict, German and Turkish leaders cooperate on defence,” France 24, 19 October 2024)