By Farhaz Rashid Ahmed
INTERNATIONAL
UK halts free trade talks with Israel to add pressure over Gaza
On 20 May, UK’s Foreign Minister David Lammy highlighted the developments in Gaza. According to him, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were “affront” and the UK halted talks on a free trade deal. Israel mentioned that it had allowed more trucks for aid in the region, where famines are more. Though the UK and EU have increased their pressure on Israel for Gaza’s military operations, Israel, in response, dismissed the criticisms, accusing the bloc of misunderstanding the situation and giving an upper hand to Hamas. While Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei negatively voiced his opinion about the outcome of the nuclear talks with the US, calling their demands unreasonable. (Alex Berry & Timothy Jones, “UK halts Israel trade talks, summons ambassador over Gaza,” Deutsche Welle, 20 May 2025)
SPAIN
Far-right proposes a law to protect the press censorship triggers protests among journalists
On 20th May, the journalists in Spain opposed far-right activists for disrupting press conferences and threatening reporters. It worsened when an influencer, Bertrand Ndongo, interrupted a press briefing, triggering the journalists to walk out in protest. Spain's parliament is considering bringing in laws to protect the press by including penalties for those who insult or obstruct journalists. The proposals for reforms are supported by various parties but face opposition from the far-right Vox party and the centre-right PP, which sees them as censorship. While journalists assert that the changes are indeed necessary to safeguard press freedom, as there remains a surge in misinformation and the influence of unregulated "pseudo-media," especially as the younger audiences mostly rely on social media to get news. (Clea Skopeliti, “Journalists have protested against the behaviour of activists who they say harass them and impede their work,” Euronews, 20 May 2025)
THE NETHERLANDS
Mass protests in the Hague call for government action on Gaza
On 18 May, more than 100,000 people had come out to protest in The Hague against Israel’s action in Gaza, marking as the Netherlands’ largest demonstration in nearly two decades. It was led by various human rights groups such as "Amnesty International and Save The Children," as the protestors urged the Netherlands’ government to stop its political, economic, and military support to Israel, labeling their actions in Gaza as committing war crimes and genocide. The march, ranging from youth to elderly people, went past the peace palace, signifying a “red line” that the Netherlands’ government had failed to establish. The protest has also highlighted the divisions within the government, as the hard-right leader Geert Wilders defended Israel and accused the protestors as Hamas sympathisers, while Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called for a reconsideration of EU trade agreements with Israel over the humanitarian concerns that arose. (Emma De Ruiter, “Tens of thousands protest in The Hague to demand Dutch government action on Gaza war,” Euronews, 19 May 2025)
FRANCE
Government plans to build high-security prison in French Guiana to tackle drug trafficking
On 19 May, France is set to build a EUR 400 million high-security prison in French Guiana to tackle their serious issues with drug trafficking. Eventually, announced by France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin as he visited the region, by revealing the 500-bed prison will hold 60 major drug criminals and 15 terrorists. The prison will be constructed near the infamous Devil’s Island and is expected to open in 2028. The project also includes a courthouse and looks to strengthen the fight against the drug trade as well as to address overcrowding in French prisons. Darmanin has prioritised tackling and isolating the drug traffickers from their networks by sending some of them to high-security prisons in mainland France. (Rory Sullivan, “France to build high-security jail in Amazon to isolate drug traffickers from gangs,” Euronews, 19 May 2025)
REGIONAL
EIB finds farmers across Europe face loss EUR 28 billion due to climate change
On 20 May, Reuters reported the EU farmers face a loss of an average of EUR 28 billion a year due to climate change. The loss comes up to six per cent of its crop and livestock production, according to a report backed by the European Commission and European Investment Bank and produced by insurance broker Howden. While only 20-30 per cent of these losses are safe while the rest are in risk and a worry to the farmers. While the EU’s Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen has called for using farming subsidies to tackle such climate risks, as droughts are expected to increase crop losses by 2050, especially in Southern Europe. Thus, the European Commission plans to ease some environmental rules and regulations to speed up and strengthen disaster funding, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) will support the agriculture sector and the farmers with irrigation and water projects. (Kate Abnett, “Extreme weather costs EU farmers 28 billion euros a year, EU says,” Reuters, 20 May 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Brazil’s indigenous community opposes the EU-Mercosur deal
On 19 May, Brazil’s indigenous communities’ representatives voiced concerns over the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, fearing that it would result in larger exploitation of their agricultural lands. The deal could lead to increased production like soy, sugarcane and livestock farming in South America, with zero or reduced duties while exporting to Europe. The indigenous leaders warn that this deal would lead to worsening deforestation, increased socio-environmental conflicts, and the illegal seizure of their lands for the sake of agricultural purposes. They criticised the recent Brazilian laws, such as the Temporal Framework Law, that restrict their indigenous people's land rights and curtail their livelihood, despite there being a sustainable clause in the agreement. (Vincenzo Genovese, “Indigenous Brazilians protest EU-Mercosur deal in European Parliament,” Euronews, 19 May 2025)
EU eases sanctions on Syria after Assad’s departure
On 20 May, the EU lifted its economic sanctions on Syria to witness progress after 14 years of civil war. As followed by the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024 by the rebels of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Although some sanctions remain, they were only linked to Assad’s regime and restricting exports of weapons and internal repression. This move follows a similar announcement from the US, though EU leaders play it safe when it comes to the direction of the new government, given its Islamist background and the recent internal clashes. (Alex Berry, “EU agrees to lift economic sanctions on Syria,” DW News, 20 May 2025)
UK to set trade deals with Gulf countries after key agreements
On 20 May, the UK is looking to get trade deals with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar following a successful talk with India on a trade agreement, US, and the EU. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that these deals would bolster the UK’s economic growth, while opposition parties have voiced some of the concessions made. While the government continues talks with the Gulf nations over investment and exports, there remains a concern over human rights issues. Though the recent deal with the EU covering fish and trade is seen as a major Brexit win. However, some experts believe that rejoining the single European market could bring more benefits, in response to which the UK’s government has ruled out such moves. Despite various perspectives and reactions, these agreements are tending to be optimistic for the UK's economy, but the US tariff remains an external challenge for long-term growth. (Michael Race, Laicy Hooker & Faisal Islam, “Gulf pact next after EU trade deal, says Reeves,” BBC, 20 May 2025)