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By Padmashree Anandhan
FINLAND
Growing military presence impacts Reindeer herding in the Arctic says report
On 26 May, Japan Times reported on concerns among Reindeer herders in northern Finland due to increasing military activities, particularly since Finland joined NATO, threaten their traditional livelihoods. The intensification of exercises, such as those at the Rovajarvi artillery range near the Russian border, is damaging grazing lands vital to reindeer. Herders like Kyosti Uutela and Riikka Poropudas report that the use of tanks and the presence of large numbers of soldiers are destroying lichen pastures, crucial for reindeer nutrition. While the Finnish Defense Forces state that herders’ needs are considered when planning exercises, the disruptions have become more frequent and severe. Sami reindeer herders, in particular, face additional challenges, with climate change already impacting grazing conditions. Local leaders are calling for better consultation and compensation for the harm caused by military activities, especially as the Arctic region becomes increasingly militarised. (Anna Korkman, “Growing Arctic military presence worries Finland's reindeer herders,” The Japan Times, 26 May 2025)
HUNGARY
Government to strengthen energy partnership with Serbia
On 25 May, Hungary Daily reported on Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. He emphasized plans to enhance energy cooperation between their countries. With Serbia playing a critical role in Hungary’s natural gas supply—currently providing 20 million cubic meters daily—both leaders discussed future projects aimed at boosting energy security. Key initiatives include constructing a crude oil pipeline and doubling the electricity transmission capacity, with preparations for these strategic projects already in progress. (“Orbán and Vucic push for deeper energy ties between Hungary and Serbia,” Hungary Today, 25 May 2025)
POLAND
Tight Race in Poland’s 2025 Presidential Election
On 25 May, Euronews reported on the Poland Presidential election’s second round, set for June to be a close race between Rafal Trzaskowski of the Civic Platform and Karol Nawrocki backed by the Law and Justice party. Both candidates are tied at 46.3 per cent support in the latest polls, following the first round on 18 May, where Trzaskowski led narrowly with 31.36 per cent of the vote, closely followed by Nawrocki at 29.54 per cent. The key battle in the second round will be to win over voters from other candidates, particularly those from right-wing factions such as Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun. The outcome of this election will play a pivotal role in shaping Poland's future on critical issues, including civil partnerships, abortion rights, migration, and national defense. The elected president will serve a five-year term and will be inaugurated on 06 August. (Katarzyna-Maria Skiba, “Polish presidential elections 2025 - who's leading in the polls?,” Euronews, 25 May 2025)
SPAIN
Thousands protest against privatising healthcare in Madrid
On 25 May, Euronews reported that 30,000 rallied in Madrid to protest against the regional government's healthcare policies, which they argue are leading to the privatisation and dismantling of the public health system. Organised under the slogan "Let’s Save Our Public Health," the demonstration highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with long waiting times, staff shortages, and the growing privatisation of health services. Protesters, led by the platform ‘Vecinas y vecinos de los barrios y pueblos de la Comunidad de Madrid,’ demanded more funding for primary care and criticized the long waiting lists affecting millions of residents. Left-wing parties and trade unions lent their support to the rally, with some accusing the regional government of cronyism, particularly to ties between Madrid's president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the Quirón Group, a private healthcare provider. Demonstrators called for a shift toward preventative care and greater accessibility to high-quality, public health services. (Jesús Maturana, “Tens of thousands protest in Madrid against healthcare privatisation,” Euronews, 25 May 2025)
REGIONAL
EU Trade Chief says "Respect, Not Threats" in response to Trump’s tariff threats
On 24 May, EU’s Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, responded firmly after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on all goods from the EU. Šefčovič emphasized that any trade agreement between the EU and the US must be built on “respect, not threats,” following Trump’s frustration with the slow progress in trade negotiations. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Šefčovič assured that the EU remains committed to securing a mutually beneficial deal. Trump’s proposed tariffs, set to take effect on 01 June, would impact EU imports significantly, adding to ongoing trade tensions. EU officials, including French and Italian ministers, expressed disappointment, while Germany’s Bernd Lange warned of potential countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs, should the situation worsen. (Harry Taylor, “Any trade deal with US must be based on ‘respect not threats’, says EU commissioner,” The Guardian, 24 May 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Trump's 50 per cent tariff could devastate global economy says The New York Times
On 24 May, The New York Times reported that US President Trump’s threat to impose a 50 per cent tariff on all EU goods has sent shockwaves through global markets, leaving businesses and financial leaders scrambling for answers. The proposal, which comes after a series of unpredictable moves in US trade policy, could lead to severe economic consequences for the US, Europe, and the world. Analysts warn that such high tariffs could slow US growth by 1.5 per cent, push Europe into recession, and damage global trade. The uncertainty over Trump’s intentions, especially with his tendency to issue and reverse threats, has left markets unsettled. European officials are preparing countermeasures, with potential tariffs targeting U.S. services like tech and finance, which could severely impact the American economy. If the tariffs go ahead, countries like Ireland, Germany, and Italy could see significant economic downturns. Trump’s stance also highlights his long-standing grievances with Europe, although the EU’s economy is now one-third smaller than that of the US, challenging the logic of his claims. (Patricia Cohen, “Trump’s E.U. Tariff Threat Could Cause Economic Damage Beyond Europe,” The New York Times, 24 May 2025)
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