Photo : Deutschlandfunk
11 April 2025, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #1110
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
GERMANY
Christian Democratic and social Unions with the Social Democratic Party forms the new government
On 09 April, Germany’s new coalition government which includes Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), presented a coalition deal to form the new coalition government. The new government has not finalized the new cabinet ministers but some of the most important politicians are running for the most crucial portfolios, such as Lars Klingbell is to be the Vice-chancellor and the Finance minister, Johann Wadepull, deputy chair of the CDU/CSU to take up as Foreign Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, CSU as the Interior Minister, Boris Pistorius, SPD for Defence Minister, Svenja Schulze, SPD as Minister for Development, Klara Geywitz as Minister of Construction. Apart from these, Sonja Eichwede a member of the Bundestag, took up the role of the Justice Ministry. Apart from the cabinet ministry, there has been an unveiling of a 144-page coalition agreement that promises tax cuts and a tougher stance on migration. (Richard Connor, Timothy Jones, “Germany: CDU/CSU and SPD announce coalition government deal,” Deutsche Welle, 09 April 2025)
FRANCE
France reduces its growth forcast after the US tariffs
On 10 April, the French government cut its growth forecast for 2025 because of the uncertainties over global trade. The statement was issued hours after the imposition of the tariffs by the US. The government had aimed for an annual growth of 0.9 per cent while presenting the 2025 budget, but Economy Minister Eric Lombard said that it would be reduced to 0.7 per cent. The minister responded to the question of whether there would be a further reduction and responded by saying it would depend on the negotiations that will be initiated with the United States and the decisions taken by customs duties. (“France cuts its growth forecast for 2025 as tariffs spark trade war,” France24, 10 April 2024)
President announces to recognise Palestine as a state from June officially
On 09 April, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced to recognise Palestine as a state, in June. On his trip to Egypt, he made comments on French television, and said: “Our goal is sometime in June, to chair this conference with Saudi Arabis where we could finalize the movement of reciprocal recognition by several.”He also added, “This would allow France to be clear in the fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist, specifically Iran, while also reaffirming a commitment to collective security in the region”. France is to chair a two-day UN conference with Saudi Arabia in New York in June to conclude a solution to the war between Israel and Hamas. (Abby Chitty, “President Macron announces potential recognition of Palestinian state in coming months,” Euronews, 09 April 2025)
SPAIN
“We clearly want not only to continue, but to expand” says China in response to Prime Minister visit
On 11 April, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Beijing. Sanchez said that the EU’s pause on all tariffs for 90 days by the US gives a way for negotiation and agreements between countries and the US. The aim of the meeting was to improve the trade relationship between China and Spain. In 2024, Spain imported EUR 45 billion, while the exports merely reached EUR 7.4 billion, creating an imbalance in trade with China. Sanchez said: “Only multilateralism and solidarity between the nations can address the global challenges. Spain defends a world with open doors that unite the people and ensure prosperity.” Spain imports Chinese machinery, textiles and other consumer goods, and now imports automobiles, whereas chemicals, minerals, and industrial components have also gained traction. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian cited the increase in Spain’s exports to China by 4.3 per cent and said: “we clearly want not only to continue, but to expand.”(“Spain's Pedro Sánchez aims for closer trade ties with China amid US tariffs uncertainty,” Euronews, 11 April 2025)
SWEDEN
Anti-Anxiety Drug Alters Wild Salmon Migration and Ecosystem Dynamics finds a report in Deutsche Welle
On 10 April, a study from Sweden has revealed that the psychoactive drug clobazam, commonly used as an anti-anxiety medication, is affecting the migration behavior of wild Atlantic salmon. The research, published in Science, found that salmon exposed to clobazam became less risk-averse and migrated more quickly, even bypassing man-made barriers like hydropower dams faster than non-exposed salmon. While this might seem beneficial for migration success, such disruptions to natural behavior could have negative long-term effects on ecosystems. The study, which tracked salmon migrating through the River Dal in Sweden, suggests that clobazam alters social dynamics and increases risk-taking among the fish. This could potentially expose them to greater predation and other hazards. The broader issue of pharmaceutical pollution in waterways, including over 1,000 detected pharmaceutical compounds worldwide, is increasingly harming biodiversity and ecosystem balance. These substances enter ecosystems via wastewater and sewage, accumulating in aquatic animals and disrupting their behavior. Scientists advocate for improved wastewater treatment, green chemistry, and stricter regulations to reduce pharmaceutical contamination and protect wildlife. (Fred Schwaller, “Psychoactive drug pollution makes fish less risk-averse,” Deutsche Welle, 10 April 2025)
REGIONAL
EU countries' Withdrawal from Anti-Landmine Convention raises concerns amid Ukraine war
On 10 April, Euronews published a report on five EU countries—Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland withdrawal plan from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which was signed by 164 states. They argue that the current geopolitical climate demands greater flexibility in defence strategies, including the potential use of anti-personnel mines to deter or delay enemy advances. While none of the governments currently plan to produce or use such mines, their withdrawal signals a readiness to adapt military tactics if necessary. Finland and Latvia, in particular, emphasized the strategic value of mines in disrupting Russian forces, though critics warn this could lead to a rollback of humanitarian disarmament norms. The EU, despite its official stance rejecting any use of anti-personnel mines, has not condemned the move, and an amendment in the European Parliament to oppose the withdrawals was voted down. Humanitarian organizations and experts, including the Red Cross, warn that this shift could set a dangerous global precedent, weakening the treaty’s influence and encouraging other conflict-affected nations to abandon the ban, further endangering civilian lives—particularly those of women and children who often remain at risk long after conflicts end. (Vincenzo Genovese, “EU countries' withdrawal from anti-landmine convention sparks controversy,” Euronews, 10 April 2025)
The EU agrees to restore soil health
On 10 April, the Members of the European Parliament (MEP), and the European Government agreed on the new Soil Monitoring Law. It requires the member governments to place robust data collection systems and restrict practices that lead to the degradation of the soil. In 2024, there were widespread protests against the EU environmental policy that supported large farming lobbies and the lawmakers in Brussels, which led to the withdrawal of the plans to slash the use of pesticides. The quality of the soil is overlooked against climate change and the destruction of the ecosystem. To avoid flooding and ensuring food security, the EU has agreed to restore the heavily degraded land by 2050. (Robert Hodgson, “EU agrees to restore soils to health but stops short of setting legal targets,” Euronews, 10 April 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
NATO’s Sea Sheil Military concludes its annual military training for 2025
On 11 April, NATO’s largest annual naval exercise in the Black Sea drill, the ‘Sea Sheild 25’ have concluded their training for the year. This drill aims to improve the relationships among the member nations and to prepare for any threats that are to affect the region. In the 2025 drill, 2600 soldiers, that come from member states, Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, the US, Turkey, and the UK participated. Ships, patrol planes, helicopters, and the troops were involved, practiced various scenarios which include hybrid threats, and ariel attacks. The exercise also involves special forces, combat drivers, and experts in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defence, simulating a wide range of modern warfare. (Diana Sobaru, “NATO's annual 'Sea Shield' military drill in the Black Sea concludes after 12 gruelling days,” Euronews, 11 April 2025)