Photo : Oceanographic Magazine
By Neha Tresa George
NORWAY
Oslo suspends plans to allow for deep-sea mining
On 02 December, Norway suspended its plan to allow companies to use the seabed for deep mining to explore precious metals. Earlier, it had adopted a controversial measure to allow companies to mine 280,000 square kilometres (108,000 square miles), larger than that of the UK. It was blocked after the Socialist Party confirmed that it would not support the government’s budget plan. According to Greenpeace Norway’s leader, Frode Pleym, “mining on the seabed is gambling with marine life.” He also praised the Socialist Party for having an impact on the nature of the country. The deep-sea areas are some of the last untouched ecosystems on the planet. Norway, being the first country to allow for seabed mining was met with criticisms and environmentalists and NGOs. However, Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Stoer said that the move was a:“Postponement and preparatory work to work on environmental regulations ahead.” (“Norway halts deep seabed mining in "historic win for nature,” Oceanographic, 02 December 2024)
FRANCE
President Macron meets Saudi Crown Prince; Deepens strategic partnership
On 03 December, Le Monde reported on the meeting held between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They signed a strategic partnership strengthening their bilateral relations. This move aimed to deepen cooperation in: “Defence, energy transition, culture and mobility between the countries.” They also called for a de-escalation of conflict in the Middle East and presidential elections in Lebanon. The leaders called for elections in Lebanon with the aim to bring the people together and carry out reforms. Macron’s visit marks the first visit of a French President to Saudi Arabia since 2006. (Macron and MBS sign strategic partnership, call for elections in Lebanon,” Le Monde, 03 December 2024)
Prime Minister Barnier pushes the 2025 budget; Opposition threatens with no confidence vote
On 03 December, Le Monde reported on the political turmoil in France. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier pushed the social security financing plan by invoking Article 49.3 of the constitution. He said: "I honestly believe that the French people will not forgive us if we prefer partisan interests to the best interest of the nation.” His move was followed by opposition from radical left party and far-right Rassemblement National (RN) which threatened to pass a no-confidence motion against the government. The government would fall if the motion is passed. The President of the RN party Marine Le Pen has been opposing several parts of the budget and threatening to pass a no-confidence motion. In case the government falls, it would be the first successful no-confidence motion after 1962 and the shortest-serving government since the establishment of the Republic. (“French PM forces social security budget bill through, exposing his government to a no-confidence vote,” Le Monde, 03 December 2024)
GEORGIA
Germany expresses support to Georgia’s EU accession bid
On 02 December, the German government expressed its support for Georgia’s accession to the EU amid protests. According to the German foreign ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer: “What is important is that Georgia decides to take this path, and the people we see protesting want to take this path.” He condemned the Georgian government for stalling the accession process. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the violence against the protestors and expressed his support to the people. The ongoing protests continued while several government authorities criticised the suspension of the EU accession. It has resulted in 224 people getting arrested and 21 police officers being injured. (“Georgia: Germany still open to Tbilisi EU membership,” Deutsche Welle, 03 December 2024)
Canada set to impose sanctions on organisations suppressing Georgian protests
On 03 December, Euronews reported on Canada’s support to the protestors in Georgia. Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Jolie expressed their concern over Russia’s alleged involvement in Georgia. Jolie said that Canada will impose sanctions on “key individuals and also businesses, entities that are involved in either human rights violations or corruption.” This was in resonation to the move adopted by the Baltic states- Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. They earlier announced sanctions on people who suppressed the protests. These measures came amidst the fifth day of protests in Georgia. (Canada to impose sanctions against those suppressing Georgia protests,” Euronews, 03 December 2024)
IRELAND
Fianna Fáil secures the maximum seats in the general elections
On 02 December, Fianna Fáil, the Republican Party won the most 48 seats in the lower house of parliament after the general elections. While Sinn Féin, an Irish republican and democratic socialist political party won 39. Fine Gael has been the coalition partner for Fianna Fáil since 2020 securing 38 seats making it possible to form coalition. Whereas, the Green Party lost 12 out of 13 competed seats. the parties competed for 174 seats in the lower house and needed 88 to win the majority. Totalling Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael the seats are 86. Therefore, to form the government the two parties will either have to include Labour or the Social Democrats who have 11 seats each. Another alternate would be to sign a deal with the right-wing Independent Ireland which has four seats. (Enda McClafferty, “Fianna Fáil emerges as largest party in Irish election,” BBC, 02 December)
ROMANIA
Social democrats secure the highest votes in the election
On 03 December, Euronews reported on the final results of the Romania elections. The Social Democrats won the most votes with the far-right nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) in second position. The third position was attained by the centre-right National Liberal Party. The country also saw an increase in support for the far-right candidates. This would likely result in pro-Western parties forming a coalition in the parliament. However, there would be difficulty in forming a coalition as the far-rights were attaining huge support. According to political analysts, this election showcased “widespread anti-establishment sentiments” in Romania. They also stated that the decisive factor would be the upcoming President who would choose the next Prime Minister. According to the leader of the far-right AUR party George Simion, this marked a “watershed moment as Romania is reborn.” (“Pro-Western parties come out on top despite far-right gains in Romania election,” Euronews, 03 December 2024)
REGIONAL
ICJ to undertake the landmark case on climate change
On 03 December, Deutsche Welle reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began its hearing on the landmark case on the legal obligations undertaken by a country to counter climate change. Being the largest case in the ICJ, it would hear from 99 countries and more than a dozen intergovernmental organisations in two weeks. The final result could bring out legal obligations applicable worldwide. Vanuatu and other low-lying at-risk islands in the Pacific Ocean were set to head the hearings. Head of Vanuatu's legal team Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh said: “We want the court to confirm that the conduct that has wrecked the climate is unlawful.” In addition, the speakers from Vanuatu said that they were in the middle of a crisis which they were not responsible for. The hearings followed the COP29 summit where the wealthy nations refused to allocate enough funds to combat climate change. The hearing would continue till 13 December and the court’s opinion would be given in 2025. (“ICJ begins hearings to clarify climate change obligations,” Deutsche Welle, 03 December 2024)
ICC President condemns the US and Russia over their economic sanctions on the court
On 03 December, Deutsche Welle reported on the statements of the President of the International Criminal Court Tomoko Akane condemning the US and Russia. Referring to them as permanent members of the Security Council, he referred to the threat of economic sanctions from them against the court. She criticised them for meddling with the investigations of the court, calling it “appalling.” She said: “The court is being threatened with draconian economic sanctions by another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organization.” She was referring to the statements made by US Senator Lindsey Graham who called the court a “dangerous joke.” Graham threatened Canada, the UK, Germany and France in case they helped ICC. Akane pointed out that these threats violated the existence of the ICC. (“ICC chief criticizes US and Russia over threats,” Deutsche Welle, 03 December 2024)