Photo : picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | Vyacheslav Prokofyev
23 October 2024, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #967
By Advik S Mohan
RUSSIA
Putin hosts Indian and Chinese leaders at BRICS summit
On 22 October, Deutsche Welle reported that the summit for the BRICS bloc had begun in Russia, with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia hosting the summit. The summit is the first since the expansion of BRICS occurred in 2023. The current summit is also the largest international gathering hosted by Putin since he began the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin met global leaders like Xi Jinping, the President of China, and Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India during the summit, which is also an opportunity to show that Russia is not politically isolated. Putin referred to Xi as his “dear friend” and stated that Russian-Chinese cooperation was one of the stabilizing factors in the global arena. Putin also informed that Russia and China intended to improve coordination and cooperation to ensure global security and a just world order. According to Xi, the relationship between Russia and China was a profound friendship with increasing cooperation and coordination for the modernization and development of the countries. During his meeting with Modi, Putin stated that Russia and India had a strategic partnership that could develop further. Meanwhile, Modi informed of his desire to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa stated that Russia was a valuable ally for his country, while Putin informed Russia-South Africa that relations were centred around strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect. China, India and South Africa have not taken an antagonistic stance against Russia after the Ukraine invasion, despite Western pressure (“Russia’s Putin hosts leaders of China, India at BRICS summit,” Deutsche Welle, 22 October 2024)
ALBANIA
Former President arrested on corruption charges
On 22 October, Deutsche Welle reported that Ilir Meta, the former President of Albania and leader of the opposition Freedom Party was arrested on charges of corruption. The former President was arrested on his return to the Albanian capital of Tirana from Kosovo. The office responsible for investigations of corruption in Albania stated Meta was arrested for illegally collecting money through a foreign debt-collecting scheme and benefitting from dubious business deals alongside his ex-wife. Meta also faces allegations of illegally accepting lobbying payments from a US firm, and a failure to declare EUR 100,000 in income and a EUR 335,000 apartment. However, Meta denied all the charges against him. Sali Berisha, the leader of the opposition party the Democratic Party of Albania, and a close ally of Meta alleged political reasons were behind the arrest of Meta. Berisha also accused Edi Rama, the incumbent Prime Minister of Albania and a former ally of Berisha of running a kleptocratic regime. Meta faces the prospect of up to 12 years in jail if he is found guilty of the charges against him. (“Albania: Former President Ilir Meta arrested,” Deutsche Welle, 22 October 2024)
IRELAND
Government introduces new rules for regulation of social media
On 22 October, Politico reported on Ireland’s new rules to regulate social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The new media and internet regulator in Ireland, Coimisiun na Mean, published its Online Safety Code to regulate tech conglomerates, many of whom have their European headquarters in Ireland. Niamh Hodnett, the Online Safety Commissioner stated that adopting the Online Safety Code ended the era of social media self-regulation in Ireland. The new code bans the uploading and sharing of harmful content on social media, such as videos promoting self-harm and eating disorders or inciting racism. Additionally, tech companies are now compelled to restrict minors’ access to adult content like pornography and introduce methods for users to report content against the rules. Tech platforms are required to comply with the general obligations by 19 November, while the rules requiring changes in the internal systems have a deadline of 21 July 2025 to meet. Companies face a fine of up to EUR 20 million or 10 per cent of their annual turnover, in case of non-compliance. The new code falls in line with steps taken by the EU for the greater protection of social media users, especially children. Earlier, the Government of Ireland was forced to pay a fine of EUR 2.5 million for its failure to effectively implement EU regulations of social media. Catherine Martin, the Minister for Media of Ireland stated the new code introduced real accountability for online platforms and required them to take actions to protect its users. (Mathieu Pollet, “EU tech bastion Ireland brings in new rules to crack down on X, TikTok,” Politico, 22 October 2024)
GERMANY
Defence Minister signs Trinity House agreement with the UK to reinforce defence cooperation
On 23 October, Deutsche Welle reported on the new defence agreement signed between Germany and Britain. Boris Pistorius, Defence Minister of Germany held a meeting with John Healey, UK Defence Minister in London. The leaders declared that the new “Trinity House Agreement” would reinforce their cooperation and ability to conduct exercises in the EU’s eastern flank. According to Pistorius: “With projects across the air, land, sea, and cyber domains, we will jointly increase our defence capabilities, thereby strengthening the European pillar within NATO.” He warned that the EU’s security should ensured against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Healey highlighted the deal as the "milestone moment in our relationship with Germany and a major strengthening of Europe's security." He further said that the agreement dealt with collaboration in commercial areas like weapons production. German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall was set to open a new factory becoming the first manufacturer of artillery gun barrels in Britain for a decade. The Defence Ministry in Berlin also referred to the deal as an “expression of the British change of direction towards Europe,” referring to the new government formed in the UK.
Agency detects first case of MPOX with new variant
On 21 October, an article in Deutsche Welle informed the Robert Koch Agency (RKI), the institute controlled by the Federal Government of Germany responsible for disease control and prevention had detected the first case of mpox in the country with the Ib variant. It did not provide details on when and how the case occurred. However, the RKI also stated there was no increased risk to the general population in Germany, as a result of the new case The RKI informed it was closely monitoring the situation, and would adapt its recommendations if necessary. The agency also informed currently available vaccines were assumed to be effective against clade I viruses. The clade Ib variant is believed to be more contagious than other MPOX variants, although there is a lack of reliable data on the variant as well. (“Germany detects first mpox variant Ib case,” Deutsche Welle, 21 October 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
China and the Vatican agree to extend agreement on the appointment of bishops
On 22 October, an article in Deutsche Welle informed the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Holy See of the Vatican City had agreed to extend by four years a deal on the appointment of Catholic bishops in China. The deal provides officials from the Communist Party of China (CPC) possible inputs into bishops appointed by Pope Francis, Sovereign of the Vatican City State and Head of the Catholic Church. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Vatican City State stated the agreement showed how both sides remained committed to improving relations and dialogue. However, the agreement has been criticized by a section of Catholics for providing the Chinese government with too much influence and power. The Vatican believes only the Pope can appoint bishops, while the Chinese government is of the view that it should have control over the naming of bishops due to national sovereignty. (“China and Vatican agree to extend controversial bishops deal,” Deutsche Welle, 22 October 2024)