Photo : AP Photo
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
REGIONAL
The EU announces economic partnership with Central Asian countries at the Samarkand summit
On 04 April, the EU announced a partnership with Central Asia, at a debut summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The first EU-Central Asia summit held discussions between EU President Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, along with the leaders of Kazakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This summit took place after the announcement made by US President Donald Trump on the American tariffs imposed on the rest of the world. Antonio Costa emphasizes the multilateral relationship, at the light of their 30 years of diplomatic relations. Costa spoke about the security challenges, threats against violence, terrorism, and drug trafficking, which risk spillovers from both Central Asia and Europe. He said: “Your strategic location can open global trade routes and flow of investments, which will enhance sovereignty. This will strengthen your economies, and will also make new friendships.” Von der Leyen said: “This partnerships will lead to new opportunities in sectors like energy, tourism, trade, and transport, and a EUR 12 billion investment package for the region.” This package will finance transport, critical raw minerals, water, energy, climate, and digital connectivity. Europe main focus is on clean energy as it aims to be climate neutral by 2050. EU also want shares of global mining, critical raw minerals like lithium, renewable energy, and everyday goods which include Chinese controlled defence systems, which the EU want to decouple due to the aggressive protectionist trade and foreign policies. (Sertac Aktan & Alice Tidey, “EU seals new Central Asia partnership deal as debut Samarkand summit ends,” Euro News, 04 April 2025)
FRANCE
President Macron to visit Egypt next week to show support for the Gaza ceasefire
On 03 April, France’s President Emmanuel Macron visited the Arish, an Egyptian port near the Gaza Strip. This is to highlight his concerns over the conflict in the Palestinian territory. Next week Macron will visit the humanitarian and security workers and pressurize over the constant mobilization of a ceasefire. As Arish is a transit point for international aid, food and other supplies have not been able to use the nearby Rafah crossing from Egypt to Gaza, since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was suspended last month. (“Macron, during Egypt visit, set to go near Gaza to show support for ceasefire,” Le Monde, 03 April 2025)
NORTH MACEDONIA
Citizens raise concern over increasing Russian influence
On 03 April, North Macedonians have warned over the influence of Russia in the West Balkan region, and if there is no response from the EU there would be huge issues. North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said: “We have changed our flag, currency, the constitution several times, and in return for a window of opportunity that we will receive, which was told it existed, if we go towards the path of the European Union.” Mucunski warned that the EU’s credibility is hanging in the balance, and that the amplification should avoid weaponising Russian propaganda. North Macedonia received its EU membership 20 years ago, and there have been no progress on that, especially with the stalled disputes with Bulgaria. Skopje, Capital of North Macedonia, want guarantees from the EU that there will be no more demands in the future. Skopje also faces tensions with Greece, over the name of the country, despite the conclusion of the Perspa agreement 30 years ago. Beyond the bilateral agreements between Greece and Bulgaria, the EU have also pointed out on the limited progress on strengthening the judicial system, the corruption rates, and the blocks implied to start the negotiations between the three countries. (Shonay Murray, Jesse Dimich-Louvet, “North Macedonia warns the EU of growing Russian influence,” Euro News, 03 April 2025)
POLAND
President to visit Estonia to strengthen relations
On 03 April, Poland’s Oresident Andrzej Duda is to visit Estonia accompanied by his wife Agata Kornhauser Duda. The state visit affirms the close relationship between Estonia and Poland, to extend their defence, security, economy, and transport relationship. The relationship between the two countries are deep rooted in NATO and EU, and this partnership provides confidence against any security threats, they are to face. Additionally, President Karis, President Duda, will meet Riigikogu President Lauri Hassar and Prime Minister Kristen Michal to lay the wreath on the base of the War of Independence Victory Monument. (“Polish President Andrzej Duda to visit Estonia News,” ERR News, 03 April 2025)
SLOVAKIA
Protests in Bratislava against the law draft against the NGO’s
On 04 April, protesters rioted in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava to demonstrate the law drafted targeting NGO’s which has raised concern of the Russian style crackdown. More than thousand people marched through Bratislava, and gathered outside the parliament for their freedom and to go against Russian law. Besides the capital, rallies took place in several other cities, as a movement against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s move from the EU. According to the proposed bill, certain NGO’s will be labelled as lobbyists and face administrative obligations such as disclosures and over income spending. There is no clear indication to what the legislation is lobbying. NGO’s say: “The draft law violates Slovakia’s constitution and European Union rules and is designed to stigmatise and limit the activities of the civic groups.” (Lieran Guilbet, “Thousands of Slovaks protest against Russian-style law targeting NGOs,” Euro News, 04 April 2025)