Photo : inkl
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
REGIONAL
Annual EPP Congress in Valencia Day one: Discuss war in Ukraine and global trade
On 30 April, Manfred Webber, who was the only candidate for the Presidency of the European People’s Party (EPP), called out the success of the EPP in several EU and non-EU countries. He emphasized increasing the presence of EPP in the European Parliament. During the EPP conference, President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about global trade and the war in Ukraine. Regarding Global trade, she spoke about the uncertainties caused by US President Donald Trump and the imposition of American tariffs. She said: “The world of trade is turning towards us, and we have concluded several new trade deals, from Mercosur, Mexico, and Switzerland. We are currently working with India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the Pacific.” On the war in Ukraine, the President of the European Parliament emphasized that the member nations support Ukraine, for European security. She said: “Nothing on Ukraine without Ukraine.” (Malek Fouda, “Day one of the EPP Congress in Valencia wraps up: Key takeaways,” Euronews, 30 April 2025)
GREENLAND
Denmark’s King Frederik X visits Greenland to show support
On 29 April, Danish monarch, King Frederik X, landed in Greenland for a visit, and to express his support, after US President Donald Trump’s claim to buy Greenland. The trip begins in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, and is set to meet the Greenlandic government, and attend the traditional ‘kaffemik,’ otherwise referred to as a coffee break, where he will have talks with the locals. King Frederik told the Danish media: “He was happy to be in Greenland, and that there was no specific mission.” Nielsen added: “The King's love for Greenland cannot be questioned, for his link to the island.” Due to bad weather, the monarch had to cancel his plans to go to Station Nord, the northernmost military and scientific station, and meet with the elite Danish forces. (Kieran Guilbert, “Danish king arrives in Greenland as Trump eyes takeover of strategic Arctic island,” Euronews, 29 April 2025)
POLAND
US approves USD 1.33 billion sale of air defence goods
On 30 April, the US approved to send USD 1.33 billion worth of air defence goods to Poland. They include 400 AIM-120D medium-range air missiles. There will also be guidance system kits, spare parts, shipping containers, and access to the US software for the operation of the missiles. The US State Department approves the sale from the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). According to DSCA: “This will help Poland to be ready for any possible threat they can face via air, protect the Polish allies, and help Poland to contribute to the NATO requirements.” According to Washington, the motive behind approving the sale was that it favoured the foreign policy goals of ensuring that the allies, especially NATO. In the previous week, Estonia announced a multi-billion Euro bill for additional defence spending. This new bill meets the requirements of NATO. (Malek Fouda, “US approves sale of €1.17 billion worth of missiles to Poland,” Euronews, 30 April 2025)
SWEDEN
Three people shot in Uppsala; police investigation to begin
On 30 April, Swedish Police confirmed the death of three people in a shooting that took place in Uppsala, near Stockholm. The gunman fled the scene immediately on an electric scooter. The police received calls from the people who heard loud bangs of gunfire near a university. Swedish media reports that there is a manhunt to locate the perpetrator. As the police began their investigation, a large area around the scene of the crime was sealed off. There were no further details on the murder case. (Malek Fouda, “Swedish police say three people were killed in shooting in Uppsala, murder investigation under way,” Euronews, 30 April 2025)
TÜRKIYE
To strengthen the relationship between Turkiye and Italy by signing MoUs on various factors
On 29 April, Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdroğan encourages Italian investments in his country, as it becomes a strategic gateway to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and reflecting on how Turkish businesses have access to the European markets. President Erdroğan in the business forum in Rome elaborated on the well-being of the economy despite the 2023 earthquake. He explained: “In that year the world was going through a phase of protectionism, and they had looked towards themselves, whereas Turkiye, followed mutual showdowns, over the customs tariffs, and strived for managing the environment and using the economy as a business opportunity. We have emerged unscathed, and have achieved greater success, and have full confidence in the economy.” The President looks forward for the upcoming third Term Meeting of the Turkiye-Italy Joint Economic and Trade Committee, where he added: “There is a need to change the Customs Union is such a manner that the EU looks to align, amid the global economic conditions.” He concluded with an emphasis to support the Italian government and business, and looks for a win-win approach. He said: “I believe that it would be in both our parties' interest for the Italian business community to raise the issue with the EU institutions.” Both countries are to sign a series of pacts on various factors, which include industrial investments, space, culture, sports, services, archives, transportation, and defence. The agreement also includes joint statements made by the Ministerial Statement between the Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for the strengthening of ties. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Baykar, a Turkish drone manufacturer, and Leonardo, Europe’s largest defence company on technology, trade, space, tourism, inter-museum cooperation, youth and sports, family and social service. (“'''Italian firms should view Türkiye as gateway to Asia, MidEast, Africa''” Daily Sabah, 29 April 2025)
REGIONAL
EU environment ministers to tackle disinformation in Warsaw
On 29 April, Europe is overloaded with false news regarding the environment, climate, and energy policy. Poland’s environment minister, Paulina Hennig Kloska, made a mention as the summit of EU climate ministers was unveiled. In the summit, discussions were on the methods to tackle the disinformation propaganda, on the climate and environmental policies, after the blackouts in Spain and Portugal. This gave way for the false news to float among the people, and it has raised several concerns. Ministers met in Warsaw, Poland, and Hennig Kolska said: “Disinformation is used for political purposes, mostly by the political adversaries. There was also unintentional misinformation due to the lack of understanding of the complexities of the European law.” She added: “The European government has lacked a coordinated approach on tackling disinformation.” The Polish government released a report in January for the military counter-intelligence services, looking at a cognitive war initiated by Belarus and Russia. In the report, a certain paragraph looks at the EU, focusing on the production of renewable energy, rather than using fossil fuels imported from Russia. Climate campaigners are raising concerns that the disinformation leads to pushback in the environmental legislation adopted by the EU. Martinelli, from the EU, said: “Disinformation has become a go-to weapon for groups and individuals seeking to polarise European societies and erode the trust in democratic institutions.” (Robert Hodgson, “EU governments discuss action on disinformation over climate policy,” Euronews, 29 April 2025)
Power systems in Spain and Portugal restored after two days of blackout
On 30 April, Euro News reported that the power in Spain and Portugal had been restored. But the reason for the blackout remains unclear. The blackout has led to several flights across Europe to remain grounded, stopping all train services, and no access to networks and the internet. Red Electrica, the Spanish electrical power grid, and REN Portuguese grid operator, reported the operations to have returned to normal. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, stated, “The government’s priorities are to restore the electrical system and investigate the cause of the blackout.” Eduardo Prieto, Director of the System operations in Red Electrica, reported two blackout events that took place before the current one, and has ruled out any foul activity that could cause the blackout. Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has not seen any presence of meteors or any atmospheric phenomena, and Portuguese Cybersecurity has confirmed that there was no evidence of a cyber attack or any threat that could raise alarms. With everything restored, the Madrid Tennis Open has resumed its matches. (Malek Fouda, “Power restored in Spain, Portugal but reason for blackout remains a mystery,” Euro News, 30 April 2025)