By Fleur Elizabeth Philip

FRANCE
President Emmanuel Macron signs MOUs on energy, agriculture, and education with Madagascar
On 23 April, French President Emmanuel Macron, has arrived in Madagascar intending to open new markets with other regions and improve the economic relationships in the region. This marks France’s first visit to its former colony, on the east coast of Africa, since the visit from Jacques Chirac in 2005. Macron met with Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina in the capital Antananarivo to discuss the disputes between the countries, and also signed agreements and MoU’s between the two leaders. MoU’s were signed on energy, agriculture, and education. Disputes between France and Madagascar have been ongoing since the end of the French colonial era. Madagascar wants France to give them the neighbouring islands, which have been a part of the French territory, and have asked for the remains of the Malagasy King Toera I, who was killed by the French forces in the 19 century.  On the disagreements Rajoelina said: “There will be a new round of meetings from 30 June over the French islands. Five small islands around Madagascar fall under French territory but are claimed by Madagascar.” France looks forward to a system where the islands are managed by both regions, but after the UK decides to pass on the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in 2024, Madagascar looks forward to the same. In the development sector, Macron announced the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Volobe, east Madagascar, all funded by a loan from the treasury and the French Development Agency. France and Madagascar look forward to strengthening their economic ties and bilateral relations through the execution of several projects, one of which includes the hydroelectric dam. The intention behind the bilateral relationship is to show the presence of France in the Indian Ocean. The deal also includes the entry of the French electricity giant EDF Energy into the Malagasy hydroelectric company CGHV. Macron has called for a partnership to source the rare earth minerals that are rich in Madagascar, needed for renewable energies.  Rajoelina has urged for investments in the island soon, as the island has much potential. (“Macron announces economic deals with Madagascar on first official visit,” France 24, 23 April 2025; Gavin Blackburn, “Macron visits Madagascar in first visit by French leader to former colony in 20 years,” Euro News, 23 April 2025; “Macron visits Madagascar as he seeks to bolster economic cooperation,” Africa News, 23 April 2025)

“Racism and hatred based on religion can never have a place” says President after murder of a Muslim in South France
On 27 April, France President Emmanuel Macron responded to the death of a Muslim man in a mosque in the South of France. He released a statement: “Racism and hatred based on religion can never have a place in France.” The attacker is on the run, he recorded his stabbing and insults at Islam in the La Grande-Combe, Gard region. The video was all over social media for a few short minutes and was later deleted. Sources say he is in his 20s, a Malian man of Bosnian origin with French citizenship. As per forensics, the attacker stabbed the man 50 times when he was praying inside the mosque. The body was discovered the next morning by the other worshippers. The French Council of the Muslim Faith said: “This attack was horrific, by the anti-muslims, a possible terrorist attack.” (“France is 'no place' for racism and hate, says Macron after murder of Muslim in mosque,” France 24, 27 April 2025)

GERMANY
21 per cent of the poll respondents perceive Merz as untrustworthy finds report in DW
On 25 April, Deutsche Welle reported that, by 06 May, Friedrich Merz is to be the 10th chancellor of the Federal Republic. But before that day comes, there remain some challenges among the coalition parties, parties, the Christian Democratic Party (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), will have a special party conference where they sign the coalition contract. It has also been noted that, despite Merz becoming the chancellor, his popularity seems to be declining. According to Stern Magazine, only 21 per cent of the poll respondents perceive him to be trustworthy, and 40 per cent consider him to be a strong leader.  According to Ursula Munich, director of the Tutzing Academy for Political Education: “The circumstances are very different from what they were, the government that has a small proportion of supporters among voters.” On a general note, the coalition between CDU, CSU, and SPD is a grand celebration, and it has been in the past, however, the parties have splintered on and off for two decades. Additionally, Merz is the only leader who broke his oath when he passed a motion through the Bundestag, with the support of the far-right AfD, which is considered a threat against Germany’s democratic order by intelligence agencies. Merz is also accused on being a misogynist, after voting against recognising rape within a marriage a crime. He is also very unpopular in East Germany, where he polled behind Alice Weidel from AfD and Olaf Scholz from SPD. (Ben Knight, “Why is Germany's next chancellor, Merz, so unpopular?” Deutsche Welle, 25 April 2025)

Thousands gathered in Oldenburg in protest against the shooting of a Black man
On 26 April, thousands gathered in the city of Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, protesting against the police shooting of a black man. Aged 21, a black man named Lorenz A, was shot and died of a gunshot for supposedly going against the country’s strict privacy laws outside a nightclub. His death has given rise to nationwide anger over racism with the police. According to police reports, the 21-year-old started spraying pepper spray at the nightclub security after being denied entry. After he ran off, threatening the people coming his way with a knife. He was chased down by the patrol car, and as they approached, he used pepper spray, and the police then shot him. As per the coroner's records, he died from three gunshots, one to the back, head, and one to the hip. The cop was later suspended from duty pending the homicide investigation. At the protests, 10,000 gathered and demanded a full investigation into the death of the man. (Rana Taha, “Germany: Thousands protest police shooting of Black man,” Deutsche Welle, 26 April 2025)

GREECE
Government refuses to take back the refugees from Germany
On 25 April, the Greece’s government released a statement that it would not welcome any requests to take the refugees back when they applied for asylum in the Mediterranean country. Immigration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis said: “Such a return is out of the question, and according to the current circumstances, Greece holds the highest number of the EU’s refugees.” He responded to the report that the German court had ruled in favour of deporting the people to Greece, was permissible. The reason for Germany to send the refugees to Greece lies in the Dublin Agreement, adopted by the EU, where asylum seekers must complete their asylum procedure in the EU’s first country of reception. (Richard Connor, “Greece says it won't accept refugee returns from Germany,” Deutsche Welle, 25 April 2025)

LATVIA
Foreign Minister meeting with local business to discuss reconstruction efforts in Ukraine
On 24 April, Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze met with local business representatives and discussed the Russian offenses against Ukraine. The minister’s advisor Signe Znotina Znota said that the Foreign Minister met with Laura Skrodele, head of the Entrepreneurs for Peace Foundation, Ulvis Noviks, head of the Tavi Draugi association, and Chaplain Elmars Plavins, senior expert on international military, to discuss the cooperation and coordination between the ministry and the interested representation organisations that are into the reconstruction projects in Ukraine. The Foreign Minister praised the three companies for their contribution to Ukraine. In the meeting, both parties discussed the proposals for further cooperation and the promotion of Latvian businesses in Ukraine. Braze stressed the missile attack on Kyiv on 24 April, and called the Russian President, Vladimir Putin: “A butcher, and his objectives have not changed.” (“There is no indication that Russia wants peace - Braze,” The Baltic Times, 24 April 2025)

SPAIN
NGO’s file lawsuit against government for illegal fishing in West Africa
On 23 April, Client Earth and Oceana, two environmental NGO’s have filed for a lawsuit against the Spanish government to investigate the illegal fishing conducted on West African waters, using a Spanish-flagged boat. The NGO’s accuse the government of neglecting the EU laws, by ignoring the absence of the vessel on the radar, and operating on the coasts of Senegal and Guinea. All shipping boats must be traced for the safety and transparency in the fishing industry. The Global Fishing Watch has revealed that several Spanish boats operate off the coast during the night, which has been ongoing since 2020. The NGO’s argue that the illicit practices affect the marine biodiversity, and undermine the economies and food security that rely on fishing. The Spanish authorities deny all sorts of claims made by them, and claims. According to the NGO’s: “Spanish authorities claim to lack jurisdiction to act against citizen companies outside EU territories, unless the vessel was blacklisted internationally. The EU law prohibits individuals or companies in illegal fishing anywhere in the world, and if they do, the state must identify them and impose sanctions against them.” To circumvent the EU laws, many Spanish companies, joint ventures, along with local firms, refit the vessels for countries like Senegal, to give them an economic advantage, from the West African fishing zones. The West African coast hosts the largest number of fish, migrating from China, Russia, Korea, and the EU. Fishing from these areas, Spain and other foreign-owned boats make up 73 per cent of the industrial fleet. In the last month, several NGO’s sued the French government over its failure to abolish the constant thawing of marine reserves, arguing that they ignored the damage to these protected areas. Partnership agreements like the SPFA’s encourage the EU to legally fish for stocks in the western African zone in exchange for financial compensation. With the fish population decreasing in that area, the locals are to face the possibility of food insecurity, unemployment, or migration, but if the NGO’s win their case against the Spanish, the authorities are to further investigate and start resolving these issues.  (Craig Saueurs, “‘‘Fishing in the dark’: Spain accused of turning a blind eye to illegal fishing in West Africa,” Euronews, 23 April 2025)

SWITZERLAND
EU and Switzerland sign electricity agreement
On 22 April, Swiss Info reports on the progress of the Switzerland-EU electricity agreement. It starts with the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel and the first concrete dam in 182. The Gotthard tunnel in the Alps makes Switzerland a bridge between northern and southern Europe. With the help of the dams in Switzerland, the steep slopes of the Alps were used for electricity transmission. The first Swiss dam was built in Fribourg. This dam supplied water to the neighbouring towns and produced 300 horsepower of mechanical energy to various factories. More and more dams were built on the mountain valleys, securing the country’s power supply. Since 1960, Switzerland has become Europe’s source of power, the neighbouring countries needed more electricity than they produced, and the Swiss powered turbines for industries in Milan and Munich. In 1958, the Swiss linked the high-volt network to Germany and France, which gave rise to the European power “The Star of Laufenburg.” It is located at the border of Germany, which ensures secure and stable electricity throughout Europe. Presently, Switzerland is connected to the high-voltage countries by 41 connectors. The Swiss grid operates and controls the high-voltage grid that flows through all of Europe. The electricity agreement between the EU and Switzerland enables the management to be controlled by both parties. The reduces the risks of unplanned electricity flows. According to Jurg Grossen, President of the Liberal Green Party said: “What is happening physically, will reflect economically, and remain secured legally because of the agreement.” Details of the agreement are not released, the fact remains that the bilateral relations deal was signed by both EU and Switzerland on December 2024. More information on the deal will be released by the Swiss Parliament will be released after 2026. (Balz Rigendinger, “Switzerland-EU Electricity Agreement: What you need to know,” Swiss Info, 22 April 2025)

THE UK
Research finds link between air pollution and brain function
On 26 April, DW released a report linking air pollution to cancer, heart, and reproductive issues. It is a well-known fact that air pollution is a global issue and has caused a wide range of health and environmental issues. A study by the University College of London has derived a link between the exposure to two common pollutants and the cognitive levels of older children. The two harmful pollutants include nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. Researchers have looked into a particular geographic location and their socioeconomic factors, and have found that the amount of air pollution affecting a person reduces their brain function. But this theory is not proven. The research then looks into finding a definitive cause and effect, however, some of the research so far has drawn some conclusions. Reducing the brain functions leads to the pollutants flowing through the bloodstream, affecting the temporal lobe, further leading to it affecting the nervous and circulatory systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this trend is irreversible, and the WHO recommends that those who have less exposure to air pollution will also be subject to high levels of health issues. British economists, to find a solution to the matter, are aiming to make low-emission zones in London, since transportation is the major cause of air pollution. The Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) policies have shown a reduction of NO2 levels by 21 per cent. ULEZ is also used by China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Vietnam to reduce air pollution in the respective regions.  (Matthew Ward Agius, “UK studies link contaminated air to cognitive decline,” Deutsche Welle, 26 April 2025)

UKRAINE
Govsatcom to be an alternate to Starlink for supporting Ukraine in the war
On 22 April, according to MEP, Christopher Grudler, who is a part of the Renew Europe Parliamentary group, insists that the EU and Ukraine should use alternative cables rather than using American networks. Presently, Ukraine is using the Starlink satellite for connectivity and to maintain communication among the forces on the ground. He added, “The unpredictable nature of it owner, Elon Musk raises concern over Kyiv and the EU.” Arthur De Liedekerke, Senior Director of European Affairs for Rasmussen Global, said: “Elon Musk is the guardian of Ukraine’s connectivity, and that becomes a weakness for Ukraine.” Apart from Starlink, Ukraine has a backup connectivity to rely on, which is a European-based Govsatcom. This system is making its presence in government space capabilities, which aims to provide reliable and secure networks for all authorities in the EU. (Gregorie Lory, “Govsatcom, Eutelsat, Iris2: Ukraine seeks European alternatives to Starlink,” Euronews, 22 April 2025)

VATICAN CITY
Euronews lists new candidates next after Pope Francis 
On 21 April, after the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican will have a nine-day mourning period for the deceased pontiff. After the funeral, Cardinals from all over the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel and, behind closed doors, they will elect their next pope. As per the records of 22 January 2025, there will be 138 electors, of whom 252 will take part in the procession. There are to be four rounds of voting until one of the candidates receives a two-thirds majority of the votes. The candidates to succeed Pope Francis are, first, Cardinal Peter Erdo, Archbishop of Budapest, Hungary, second, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Former President of the German bishops conference, third, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, led the Vatican’s influential bishops office for more than 10 years, fourth, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the late pope’s secretary since 2014, and is considered as the main contender to take over the papacy, fifth, Cardinal Robert Prevost, from the US, sixth, Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, retired as the head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, seventh, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, Archibishop of Vienna, was a student under the late Pope Benedict, and lastly, Cardinal Luis Tagle, Philippines, is the first pick by Pope Francis as the first Asian pontiff. (Gavin Blackburn, “Who are the possible contenders to replace Pope Francis?” Euronews, 21 April 2025)

REGIONAL
EU’s increasing demand for critical minerals induces domestic mining and trade with Asia and Africa
On 22 April, the race to source critical minerals is being participated in by the major superpowers, but in the EU, they are only sourcing lithium for the production of batteries for EVs, and the numbers are expected to increase by 2050. The EU sources the majority of its materials from many of the Asian and African countries, which include China for its rare earth, Turkiye for its Boron, and South Africa for its platinum. The EU relies on its Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which was adopted since March 2024, that help avoid disruptions to the mineral supply chains. It also aims to maintain trade relationships with other countries like Serbia, Australia, Greenland, Chile, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and avoid disrupting the minerals in Europe. According to the CRMA, 34 materials are imported by the EU, of which 17 are prioritised as strategic minerals, which include lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earths. The CRMA poses a target for the EU to extract, process, and recycle the annual consumption of its raw materials by 2030. In terms of socio-environmental concerns, the EU has selected 47 strategic projects across the 13 member states that domestically mine, refine, and recycle the raw materials. The rural communities are at risk of these challenges. Mining lithium in Portugal has already seen resistance from the locals as well as the NGO’s, taking into consideration the damage and disruptions to the lives of those living in the communities. Another incident is in Serbia, where there were protests in 2024, after the EU’s deal with the Serbian government for the opening of the lithium mine in the Jadar valley. There is no definitive reason as to whether the EU is at the end of the race for minerals, but they have signed MoUs with Ukraine, while the US is taking an aggressive approach. The US is insisting that Ukraine sign the deal for minerals for military support. Keeping the US aside, there are also conflicts over minerals with the EU. Robert Hodgeson, reporter for Euro News, says, “EU signs similar deals with conflict-affected areas, where the proceeds from the trade support armed groups, and human rights abuses.” For instance, the Rwandan military supports rebel groups in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and there has been credible evidence by the UN that the minerals are smuggled into Europe. (Mared Gwyn Jones, “EU Decoded: Is the EU losing the geopolitical race for critical raw minerals?,” Euronews, 22 April 2025)

EVs boom lead to decline in sales for petrol and diesel cars across Europe
On 24 April, the sales of EVs increased significantly, providing competition to the European car manufacturing industries, which remain uncertain due to the tensions in trade across the world. In the first quarter of 2025, the registrations of new European cars decreased by 1.9 per cent due to the challenges faced by several economies. Since the start of 2025, the sales made in the EV domain have increased by 23.9 per cent, which comes to 412,997 units, and the value of the market share of the vehicle went from 15 per cent to 15.2 per cent. Countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany have seen growth of almost 50 per cent, and in the EU, the market share is valued at 35.5 per cent. On the other hand, the sales of petrol cars have seen a significant decline in the annual comparisons, reaching negative percentages. Diesel cars have also decreased by 27.1 per cent in the past three months, in most of the EU markets. In a brand comparison, Volkswagen held the highest sales in 2024, but the growth has not been constant or progressing in 2025. Stellantis has recorded -14 per cent, Mercedes Benz has declined by 6.2 per cent, BMW has shown a slight increase of 0.4 per cent, and Renault Group has seen that the new models have brought an increase of 9.5 per cent. In the EV automobile companies, China’s SAIC Motors saw a jump of 52.3 per cent, and Tesla saw a drop in sales by 45 per cent. (Dolores Katanich, “Are EV sales boosting Europe’s car market despite global uncertainty?” Euronews, 24 April 2025)