Photo : AKHILA EASWARAN/The Hindu
15 November 2024, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #986
By Padmashree Anandhan
SWEDEN
Ambassador to India calls for expansion and investment in Tamil Nadu
On 13 November, Sweden’s Ambassador to India Jan Thesleff announced on four Swedish companies including Trelleborg Marine Services, SAAB, Camfil, and IKEA plan to set base in IKEA. According to him, 70 Swedish companies are currently in Tamil Nadu with 25,000 employed. He said: “We are not happy with this, and want to do more.” Apart from the four, the existing companies would be expanding their operations with additional plants in Chennai, and Coimbatore. In a meeting held with Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, each company had explained on requirements to expand in the state. He added that India was perceived as not only growing market but as a “hub for exports.” Thesleff also expressed his stance against China plus one strategy and stated the importance of China for many companies. (“Four Swedish companies, including IKEA, looking to set up base in Tamil Nadu: Swedish Ambassador to India,” The Hindu, 13 November 2024)
DENMARK
Joins Artemis Accords to strengthen space exploration and boost ties with the US
On 13 November, a signing ceremony was held in Copenhagen marking Denmark’s entry as 48th country into Artemis Accords. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Denmark as a founding member of the European Space Agency had contributed to space explorations for several years. This included collaboration with NASA on Mars explorations and on signing Denmark can further its international cooperation in space. Minister of Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund provided remarks on how Denmark aims to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US for both science and industry. According to him, the signing of the Accords aligned with its space research and boost ties with the US to advance its scientific breakthroughs and development in space sector. The Artemis Accords and its signatories helps in advancing the implementation of principles for a sustainable space exploration. (“NASA Welcomes Denmark as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory,” NASA.gov, 13 November 2024)
Government publishes a framework to help EU states comply to AI Act
On 14 November, government of Denmark published a framework to help the EU member states to use generative AI to comply with EU’s latest AI act. The alliance majorly supported by Danish corporates launched: “Responsible Use of AI Assistants in the Public and Private Sector” stating on how firms can support its employees in utilising the AI systems in regulated scenario. The document also aims to promote the delivery of “ecure and reliable services” from businesses to consumers. It also lays basis for AI deployment in society and adhering to the AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), data storage and training staff. EU’s AI Act was enforced in August which takes a risk-based approach to monitor AI and its technologies based on risk levels. Despite the act is in place, the lengthy processes to implement is expected to delay the act from coming into practise. Denmark’s Minister of Digital Affairs Caroline Stage Olsen said: “It is absolutely vital for the competitiveness of our businesses and future progress of Europe that both the private and public sector will succeed in developing and using AI in the years to come.” (Ryan Browne, “Denmark launches landmark framework for using AI under EU rules — with Microsoft backing,” CNBC, 14 November 2024)
NORWAY
Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality finds 13 per cent pay gap between men and women
On 14 November, the Norwegian Equality Minister reported on the pay gap between men and women as “completely unacceptable.” According to her, men earned 13 per cent more than women in Norway. As per report of the European Commission the gender pay gap was at 12.7 per cent in 2021 and changed minimally over decade. The report published by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality found that since 2015 there was only little difference in the work performed by men and women. Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery said: “I find it completely unacceptable that women and men who have the same job, the same experience and the same competence, end up with different salaries.” One of the reasons was both working in different parts of labour under different wage levels and women had longer education compared to men. (“Men earn more than women in egalitarian Norway, report finds. But it's on par with Europe,” ABC News, 14 November 2024)
SPAIN
Government under criticism for slow response
On 14 November, an opinion published in Euronews looked at the impact of the floods in Spain and the government response. According to the report, two weeks after the floods, the management was heavily criticised by the public especially in Valencia. 216 have been reported dead and 16 missing, however response in Andalusia was seen more proactive with swift response from the authorities in warning the public ahead of flooding. A political science professor at Carlos III University, Pablo Simón said: “It is the responsibility of the autonomous community to issue public alerts and assess risks to the population.” As per the Statutes of Autonomy, an emergency alert must have been issued by Valencia’s President but the alert was observed to be issued after many areas were submerged. On the same, the Popular Party also raised concern against the Minister of Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera for poor management. According to the scientists, global warming, environmental degradation, and late warning by regional government were the cause to larger impact. (Roberto Macedonio Vega, “What went wrong with Spain's flood response?,” Euronews, 14 November 2024)
REGIONAL
META fined for using Facebook Market Place to distribute its adds
On 14 November, the European Commission imposed a fine of EUR 797.72 million on Facebook’s META for using its position for prioritising its online classified ads with personal social network. In a statement: “Facebook users automatically have access and get regularly exposed to Facebook Marketplace whether they want it or not.” It added that due to such activity, competitors could be prevented while Facebook Marketplace can have the advantage to distribute its adds. This enables the users to buy and sell from the Facebook market place. The EU also found evidence of the META imposing unfair trade rules on Facebook and Instagram platforms from the generated data to benefit its marketplace. According to the EU, META will be given 60 days to adhere with the Commission’s decision and must provide choice for the users. In response, the META has said that it will challenge the decision. It added: “Platforms like eBay, Leboncoin in France, Marktplaats in the Netherlands, Subito in Italy, Blocket in Sweden and Finn.no in Norway are formidable competitors and the market leader in many member states.” (Peggy Corlin, “EU slaps Meta with €797 million fine for breaching antitrust rules,” Euronews, 14 November 2024)
Meeting held between European leaders and Adani on renewable energy initiatives
On 12 November, EU, Belgium, Denmark and Germany envoys visit Adani's Khavda, Mundra businesses, Gautam Adani hosted representatives from EU, Belgium, Denmark and Germany in Gujarat. The discussion involved renewable energy initiatives and energy mix for sustainable future for India. World’s largest renewable energy plant at Khavda acts as a centre for rapid global decarbonisation and India’s sustainable efforts. Spanning across 538 square kilometres, on completion is expected to meet India’s energy need through several renewable energy sources and help in reducing dependency over conventional sources. (“EU, Belgium, Denmark and Germany envoys visit Adani's Khavda, Mundra businesses, Gautam Adani says "It was a privilege," ANI News, 12 November 2024)