Photo : V Xhymshiti/IMAGO
29 October 2024, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #972
By Neha Tresa George
GEORGIA
United National Movement Pro-EU Georgian party members accuse Russia for meddling in the elections; Russia denies
On 26 October, Georgian Dream party led by Bidzina Ivanishvili won the parliamentary elections with 54 per cent of votes. The same was confirmed by the electoral commission surprising the pro-EU opposition. Four opposition parties was able to secure collectively only 37.58 per cent losing its chance to form a coalition government. According to election observers, they found traces of intimidation and violence in rural areas and highest votes of 90 per cent for the Georgian Dream coming from Javakheti region of southern Georgia and 44 per cent across the districts in capital. Georgia witnessed the largest turnout since 2012 and Irakli Kobakhidze Prime Minister said: “Any attempts to talk about election manipulation (...) are doomed to failure.” In response, Giorgi Vashadze, leader of United National Movement coalition said that the opposition would not engage in any talks or demand for an “international supervision” instead would “not enter the parliament, refuse all mandates and fight till victory.” .” On the allegations placed on Russia, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson denied saying: “We aren't meddling in Georgia's internal affairs, and we have no intention of meddling.”
The EU introduces a scheme for the EU-tech companies
On 28 October, Politico reported on a new scheme of the EU for its tech companies. It has planned a budget which amounts to EUR 900 million for the next three years. The scheme aimed to divert the EU’s tech companies from tapping non-EU funds, especially on critical technologies like microchips and quantum technology. This had made the EU highly dependent on China and the US for these technologies. Under the scheme, the eligible companies could apply for an equity investment between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million which would in turn give the EU active ownership. The fund aimed to ramp up companies related to tech, clean tech or biotech. The EU had announced that it would concentrate on chips and quantum technology from next year. Ursula Von der Leyen, the European Commissioner laid out her mandate which promised to expand the “European Innovation Council Fund” thus allowing to make up to EUR 15 million in equity investments. (Pieter Haeck, “EU to spend €900M on expanding critical technologies,” Politico, 28 October 2024)
BULGARIA
GERB-UDF coalition receives highest vote share in the elections
On 28 October, The Sofia Globe reported on the results of the elections held in Bulgaria on 27 October. GERB-UDF coalition, Boiko Borissov, the former Prime Minister’s party secured the highest vote share of 26.39 per cent. We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB) came second with 14.2 per cent followed by Pro-Russian Vuzrazhdane and Delyan Peevski’s Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) with 13.36 per cent and 11.55 per cent. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), the United Left coalition came fifth with 7.57 per cent while Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) coalition came sixth with 7.48 per cent. In total eight parties competed against each other in the elections. The final results along with the proportion of seats held and the names of the MPs in the legislature would be announced later. (“Bulgarian elections: GERB-UDF top as eight groups set to win seats – preliminary results,” The Sofia Globe¸ 28 October 2024)
FRANCE
President Macron visits Morocco to reset relations; says "The present and future of Western Sahara are part of Moroccan sovereignty"
On 28 October, Le Monde reported on the visit of Emmanuel Macron, the French President, to Morocco, which aimed to resolve relations with the country following several years of tension. He accepted the invitation of King Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco. He was accompanied by several French ministers and business leaders including Bruno Retailleau, French Interior Minister, Antoine Armand, Economy Minister and Rachida Dati, Culture Minister. The King referred to this visit as an opportunity for "a renewed and ambitious vision covering several strategic sectors." They were reported to have signed several deals including one of EUR 10 billion. The visit came amidst France’s disputes with Rabat over issues like France’s unclear stance on the disputed Western Sahara. (“Macron visits Morocco for a diplomatic reset,” Le Monde, 28 October 2024)
SPAIN
Prime Minister Sanchez inaugurates India’s first private military aircraft plant
On 28 October, Deutsche Welle reported on the visit of Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s Prime Minister to India. He along with Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated Tata Aircraft Complex, India’s first private military aircraft plant. It will produce the Airbus C-295 transport military aircraft in collaboration with Airbus Spain. Sanchez praised Modi’s vision "to turn India into an industrial powerhouse and a magnet for investment and business-to-business collaboration." Meanwhile, Modi said that this project would strengthen the relations between India and Spain along with the 'Make in India and Made for the World' mission. This came amidst India’s increasing attempts to strengthen its “local defence and aerospace manufacturing capacities.” The Defence Ministry of India signed an agreement with Spain, amounting to USD 2.5 billion for 56 cargo and troops carrying C295 aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space. (“Spain's PM launches India's first military aircraft plant,” Deutsche Welle, 28 October 2024)
UKRAINE
Joint summit with Nordic countries ends with strengthening mutual security
On 28 October, President.gov.in reported on the leaders of Nordic countries support for Ukraine after the Ukraine-Nordic summit. The Prime Ministers of Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden issued a joint statement along with the President of Ukraine after the summit. In the statement, the leaders reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Ukraine. They also informed their support for Ukraine was steadfast and would continue for as long as necessary. The leaders further stated that the Nordic countries viewed improving comprehensive and long-term security cooperation with Ukraine with special importance. Additionally, the statement informed that bilateral agreements on security were important for strengthening mutual security. It was further stated that the Nordic countries had promised to develop the defence industry of Ukraine and provide support for enhancing the defence capabilities of Ukraine. The statement also reiterated the Nordic view that the place of Ukraine was in NATO. (“Joint Statement of the fourth Ukraine-Nordic Summit in Reykjavik,” President of Ukraine, 28 October 2024)