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By Neha Tresa George
REGIONAL
EU leaders discuss Ukraine, Syria and migration on the first day of summit in Brussels
On 19 January, Euronews reported on the summit held between the 27 member countries of the EU in Brussels. The main agendas discussed were Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Syria’s fall of government, migration policies and the upcoming US President Donald Trump. This marked the first summit under the new presidency of Antonio Costa. The meeting was not expected to bring any major breakthroughs although lower-level consolidations would be planned. Firstly, the leaders had a meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy where he urged them to deliver air defence systems and more military support. Zelenskyy said: “It’s a very good opportunity to speak about security guarantees for Ukraine for today and for tomorrow.” He also warned of the increasing number of North Korean troops in Russia. After that, the leaders focussed on a discussion titled "The EU in the world" highlighting Trump’s comeback and its possible consequences. As they fear a hasty ceasefire in Ukraine under the influence of Trump, they also discussed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s position. A senior diplomat said: “Europeans are strongly united in saying that European support for Ukraine must be continued and even strengthened and that we must not relax our efforts.” However, the leaders of Hungary and Slovakia took a different opinion and suggested the EU shift from an arms supplier to a peacemaker. They also discussed Syria’s transition of power after 24 years. The EU maintains its position on branding the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel force currently in power as a terrorist organisation. The European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Turkey to discuss Syria’s transition. They were also of the opinion that Syrian refugees should be returned only voluntarily based on the internal situation of the country. Other major topics of discussion were EU’s migration policies and protests in Georgia. (Jorge Liboreiro, “EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine aid, Syria's transition and Trump's comeback,” Euronews, 19 December 2024)
GERMANY
Outgoing government ratifies the Basic Law amendment to protect the judiciary
On 19 January, Deutsche Welle reported that Germany’s parliament Bundestag took steps to ensure the independence of the Federal Constitutional Court amidst increasing far-right influence. It was one of the final amendments ratified by the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. SPD, Greens, CDU/CSU, the FDP and the socialist left party voted in favour of the bill. It aimed to curb the growing strength of the far-right parties, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The amendment proposed to fix the number of judges which is 16 in number, their tenure of 12 years and their maximum age (68 years). The “Basic Law” would also require the judges to perform duties until an upcoming successor. It also upheld the autonomy of the court’s internal procedures and aimed to secure them from political interference. Apart from that, the appointment of judges also required a two-thirds majority from either of the two parliamentary chambers- the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. According to Germany’s Social Democrat Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the law would ensure that "The enemies of our democracy don't have a gateway" to the judicial system. In response, AfD's member Fabian Jacobi condemned the government for restricting the party from participating in the appointment of judges. While some of the analysts believed that the changes were instrumental, others speculated the provision of the required two-thirds majority. (Ben Knight, “Germany moves to protect top court against far right,” Deutsche Welle, 19 January 2024)
FINLAND
NATO holds the largest military exercise in Lapland
On 19 December, Euronews reported on the statements of Finland’s MP for Arctic Circle Heikki Autto on the military exercises held by NATO. In 2024, NATO held its largest artillery exerciser in Lapland to build a peaceful future. Finland became a part of NATO in 2023 in the wake of Russia’s war with Ukraine. Autto said that the country was preparing for attacks as there was an increase in undersea sabotages, disinformation and instrumentalisation of refugees by the Russian-Finnish border. He added that Finland supported Ukraine with all the necessary means. It has the longest border of all the NATO countries with Russia- 1380 kilometres long. According to director of the Dynamic Front 25 exercise, Colonel Janne Makitalo said that the main objective was to "train and develop inter-operability" of NATO's artillery units and prepare against the Arctic harsh conditions. ('If we wish for peace, we have to prepare for war', says Finnish MP for Arctic Circle,” Euronews, 19 December 2024)
FRANCE
President Macron faces criticism from Mayotte; Pledges to aid reconstruction
On 20 December, Deutsche Welle reported on the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the cyclone-hit Mayotte. The French overseas territory was devastated by Cyclone Chido destroying homes and killing at least 31. Around 2000 were injured in the aftermath of the cyclone. The winds particularly affected the shantytown of Kaweni on the outskirts of the capital Mamoudzou. On Macron’s visit, he pledged to help in the reconstruction as he addressed the Mahorais community of the region. After touring the areas on a helicopter, he met with patients and residents who voiced their grievances. They said that the region was not safe anymore with a lack of electricity, water and houses. They added that were fighting amongst themselves for basic necessities. On the social media platform X, Macron announced that there would be a day of mourning for Mayotte. Macron extended his visit amidst criticisms from the local residents. (Macron vows to rebuild Mayotte after cyclone devastation,” Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2024)
GEORGIA
Officials face sanctions from the US and the UK over violence in protests
On 20 January, the US and the UK imposed sanctions on Georgian officials as a retaliatory measure to the “unjustified violence” against Georgian protestors. The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: “The United States strongly condemns the Georgian authorities' ongoing, brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including peaceful protesters, media members, human rights activists and opposition figures.” He added that the sanctions would restrict all the properties and interests of the officials in the US along with a ban on financial transactions with them. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also condemned the crackdown on the protests and confirmed that the responsible would be held accountable. The UK sanctioned Georgia's Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri along with his deputy Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and Tbilisi Police Department Director Zviad Kharazishvili. Meanwhile, the US sanctioned Gomelauri and a senior member of a task force Mirza Kezevadze. (“US, UK sanction Georgia officials over protest crackdown,” Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2024)
LITHUANIA
President Nauseda proposes to allocate five per cent of GDP on defence
On 19 December, Euronews reported on the statements of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on his country’s increase in defence spending. Lithuania was planning to spend five per cent of its GDP to strengthen its defence and security. He said: “My country's view is that we have to strengthen our defence and we do it nationally, but we need pan-European decisions.” He also advocated issuing Eurobonds for defence. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s defence minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas has proposed a four per cent of GDP on defence. A boost in defence spending has been a major discussion for the EU and NATO since Russia’s war with Ukraine in 2022. According to the estimates of the European Commission, the defence industry requires EUR 500 billion over the next decade to maintain competition and demands. (Alice Tidey, “Lithuanian President touts 5% of GDP on defence in 'coming years',” Euronews, 19 December 2024)
RUSSIA
President Putin expresses willingness to talk with Trump on war in Ukraine
On 19 December, Deutsche Welle reported on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual December news conference. He spoke about the war in Ukraine, Russia’s economy, the fall of the government in Syria and the new Oreshnik missiles manufactured in Russia. Putin said that Moscow was ready for a “long-lasting peace” with Ukraine and not a temporary truce. He said that the latter would allow Ukraine to arm itself with more weapons and ammunition. He confirmed that Russia would attain all of its objectives in the war. According to him: “We are getting closer to the main objectives we set ourselves at the start of the special military operation.” Meanwhile, Putin said that he would not negotiate with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since his office technically ended in May 2024. Putin claimed him to be an illegitimate leader. On the upcoming US President Donald Trump, Putin said that he would be ready to meet him although no plans were there yet. In addition, he highlighted Russia’s new Oreshnik missiles claiming that Western air defences would be unable to intercept them. He also challenged them for what he called a "high-tech 21st-century duel." He seriously took the question on the killing of the Russian General Igor Kirillov and accepted the shortcomings of Moscow’s special services. He also said that he was yet to meet Syrian President Bashar Assad who was granted asylum in Moscow. He also confirmed that the fall of the regime did not mean Russia’s failure even with its military investments in the region. Lastly, he assured that Russia’s economy was moving in the right path despite external threats and sanctions. He affirmed that the situation was stable and hoped to cope with the rising prices. (“Putin sees shortfalls in Kirillov killing, but not in Syria,” Deutsche Welle, 19 December 2024)
SWEDEN
Police authorities visit a Chinese vessel on invitation over a cable sabotage investigation
On 19 January, Deutsche Welle reported that Swedish authorities were invited onto a Chinese vessel in the Baltic Seas regarding a recent investigation linked to a cable sabotage in the Swedish waters in mid-November. Two of the cables linking Finland-Germany and Sweden-Lithuania were undergoing investigation from Beijing. Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 was found to have sailed above the cables during the sabotage. According to the statements of Swedish police: “Representatives of the Chinese authorities are conducting investigations aboard the vessel and have invited the Swedish authorities to take part in an observer role.” They added that no investigative measures would be taken aboard as the observations made were not considered part of inquiries. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had requested China to cooperate and added that no accusations were put on Beijing at any level. (“Swedish police board Chinese ship to observe cables probe,” Deutsche Welle, 19 January 2024)
REGIONAL
A potential EU enlargement could alter the current budget of the bloc says a study
On 18 December, Euronews reported on the consequences of the EU enlargement on the existing states, citing a Bruegel study. If the bloc admits all the nine waitlisted members, there would be a significant alteration in the bloc’s current budget. The cohesion funds received by the less developed regions would be shifted to the new members as most of the undeveloped regions are situated there. The current regions would then be termed as “transition regions” receiving less funds. The largest funding cuts would be experienced by Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Romania. In an overview, the enlargement to 36 member states would raise the budget from EUR 1211 billion to EUR 1356. The study also pertains to changes in other parts of the budget such as Common Agricultural Policy, Neighbourhood and Public Administration. It also argues that the enlargement would strengthen the economy of the existing members in terms of exports and FDIs. They could also bring an additional workforce to the economy. The candidates are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. (Alessio Dell'Anna & Mert Can Yilmaz, “These EU members could pay the highest price in case of EU enlargement,” Euronews, 19 December 2024)
A higher number of registered EVs in 2023 finds a report in Euronews
On 19 December, Euronews reported on the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the EU. Out of the 10.7 million newly registered cars in the EU in 2023, 48.3 per cent of them were hybrid and electric. This number exceeded 4.4 million, 88 times more than in 2013. This figure was almost equal to the 48.8 per cent share of traditional cars. The country with the largest number of registered EVs is Finland, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Croatia recorded the lowest number. (“Slowly but surely? Nearly half of EU's new cars in 2023 were hybrid and electric,” Euronews, 19 December 2024)
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