Photo : Alastair Grant/AP/dpa/picture alliance
21 April 2025, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #1116
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
THE UK
Thousands protest in London against the court ruling on transgender
On 19 April, protests broke out in London for the rights of transgender people. The Supreme Court of the UK ruled that the legal definition of transgender as: “Woman is someone who is biologically female at birth.” The rally in central London went against the Supreme Court ruling by claiming that trans women are women, and trans rights are human rights, by waving the LGBTQ+ flags. One of the demonstrators, Eevee Zayas, who is transgender said: “The extremists will feel empowered by the court's decision, and the hate crimes against the trans community would increase.” Amnesty International added: “The judgment is disappointing and raises potentially concerning consequences for trans people, and the ruling does not change the protection trans people are afforded under the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.”(Karl Sexton, “Thousands in London defend trans rights after court ruling,” Deutsche Welle, 19 April 2025)
GERMANY
Rail company needs EUR 150 million to modernise its infrastructure
On 18 April, the head of the train operator, of Germany’s rail company Deutsche Bahn said, “The company needs EUR 150 billion” for improvements of the rail network. In 2024, the company had a net financial debt of about EUR 32.6 billion. CEO of Deutsche Bahn Richard Lutz claims that the money will go for financing, expansion measures, by building new train routes and train stations, and renovation of the existing rail lines. The new coalition government has created plans and budgets to improve the infrastructure, and has set up a fund of EUR 500 billion for the same. Lutz favors the special fund by the new government and said, “It will help us and the entire rail and construction industry.” (Wesley Dockery, “Germany: Deutsche Bahn wants billions to modernize railways,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2025)
Protests in Berlin after the deportation of pro-Palestinian activists students
On 17 April, protesters occupied the university lecture hall in Berlin over the deportation of four pro-Palestinian activists. The protest at Humboldt University, Berlin faced severe damage to property, and the use of fireworks. Police have launched over 100 criminal investigations on the demonstrators, and have begun probing a list of suspected offences, which include aggravated trespassing, breach of peace, and the use of symbols that are linked to terrorist organisations. Protestors threw an unknown liquid and fireworks towards the police. The purpose of the protest is that, firstly, Germany has been criticized for its support for Israel against Palestine and secondly, for its attempts to deport four students over their participation in the protests. They include two Irish, one Polish, and one US citizen. They were accused of threatening university staff with weapons. The university brought in police to clear the crowd and avoid further vandalism. The university said the reason for involving the police was the use of banners quoted: “The existence of the state of Israel was denied.” Germany believes that it is their moral obligation to protect the Jews, and accept Israel’s right to exist since the Holocaust. (Alex Berry, “German police launch probe into anti-deportation protests,” Deutsche Welle, 17 April 2025)
HUNGARY
Protests in Budapest favouring cannabis legislation; Police bans the protests
On 20 April, the Curia (Supreme Court) of Hungary overruled the police decision to ban Hungary’s Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP) from holding an event in Madách Square, Budapest. Participants pointed out that alcohol has far more effects on humans, in comparison to marijuana. According to MKKP co-chair Zsuzsanna Döme: “The Million Marijuana event argued that designer drugs cause much more social harm, yet the government takes offence at the usage of marijuana by young people.” Activists who participated sided with the MKKP party and presented an effective yet smarter approach to the drug policies and the effects of mind-altering drugs. The MKKP Party’s approach to undertaking the drug war is considered unusual but effective. They usually target the political, economic, and cultural elites. The police banned the planned event on the grounds of the Hungarian Fundamental Law, which has tightened child protection policies and drug security. The law states that the production, consumption, distribution, and promotion of drugs are prohibited. Arguing to the law, the MKKP has appealed: “The police decision to ban marijuana was before the amendment of the law, and the Curia cannot ban this based on a law that has not been adopted yet.”(Gabor Kiss, “Demonstration in favour of cannabis legalisation takes place in Budapest,” Euronews, 20 April 2025)
NETHERLANDS
Parliament to close all routes used by illegal migrants to enter
On 18 April, the Dutch parliament insists on closing all the routes that illegal labourers use to enter the Netherlands. The Labour inspectorate has a list of undocumented citizens during checkups at companies, and the numbers have reached hundreds. Some people are abusing the non-resident Registered Database, which is intended for people who are studying or working in the Netherlands. All those who are registered are given a citizen service number, which goes into their records. Many of the illegal labourers come from Georgia and Brazil, and for these countries, a passport will suffice to enter the country, no visa necessary. Michael van Nispen, a Member of the House of Representatives, said: “The Party for Freedom (PVV) is only making an effort to reduce asylum migration and is not looking at other forms of migration.” Marina Vondeling, PVV, has requested Minister of Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber to deport the undocumented labour migrants as quickly as possible. (“Parliament tells migration minister to stop influx of undocumented labor migrants,” NL Times, 18 April 2025)
POLAND
Opposition member leader from Civic Platform Party leads the polls by 38.3 per cent
On 19 April, Poland is heading towards its upcoming Presidential elections, which have created a sense of uncertainty in the country's future. According to Euronews report, the Front runner is Rafał Trzaskowski, Civic Platform Party, opposition to the current coalition party Law and Justice party, which is in the lead by 38.3 per cent average in the polls. Following Trzaskowski is Karol Nawrocki, approved by President Andrzej Duda, from the Law and Justice Party. Third is Slawomir Mentzen, far-right Konferderacja, with 15.3 per cent votes. Following the top three are Marshall, Sejm Szymon Holownia, leftist candidates that include Magdalena Biejat, and Adrian Zanderberg, with 2.7 and 1.8 per cent respectively. The result of the upcoming elections will determine the capabilities of the new coalition government and will take decisive steps to address key issues such as civil partnerships, abortion rights, migration, and national defence.(Katarzyna Maria Skiba & Kamuran Samar, “Polish presidential elections 2025: who is ahead in the polls?” Euro News, 19 April 2025)
REGIONAL
Deadly storms in Italy, Switzerland, and France during Easter kills three
On 18 April, heavy storms struck the Alps region as well as France and Italy. Weather warning systems have put Northern Italy on high alert due to flooding. Regions affected are Piedmont, South Tyrol, and Lombardy. Prior to the storms, the Piedmont region has allocated EUR 5 million for emergency assistance. In these regions, there have been a total of three deaths, which include a father and son and a 92-year-old man. In Switzerland, the Alpine resort, Zermatt faced huge power outages, with phone networks down due to heavy snow. Apart from the power outage, many roads were also closed down. Lastly, in France, a woman suffered from a heart attack in the French resort of Val Thorens, as she was hit by an avalanche.(Wesley Dockery, “Deadly storm hits north Italy, Switzerland, French Alps,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2025)