Photo : Michel Euler/ASSOCIATED PRESS/picture alliance
28 May 2025, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #1145
By Padmashree Anandhan and Fleur Elizabeth Philip
BELARUS
Government aims to improve bilateral cooperative with Arab countries
On 27 May, Belarus’s House of Representatives, Igor Sergeyenko, met with Arab Parliament leadership to promote Belarus’ peace initiatives and strengthen inter-parliamentary ties. Their talks included the growing role of Belarus in international parliamentary organisations and pledging support for multipolar global cooperation, including the proposed Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity. Sergeyenko also proposed joint projects to deepen the cooperation and invited the Arab Parliament to become involved with Belarus’ global initiatives. He highlighted the importance of sharing legislative experiences and engaging in constructive discussions. In a different meeting, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, both sides reaffirmed the Belarusian-Egyptian Joint Trade Commission's in increasing the bilateral trade, with emphasis on enhancing Belarus’ exports and participating in Egypt’s infrastructure projects. (“Belarus seeks to step up cooperation with Arab countries,” BelTA, 27 May 2025)
FRANCE
National Assembly passes right-to-die bill with 305 votes
On 28 May, France’s National Assembly passed the right-to-die bill with 305 votes for and 199 against, in its first reading. The bill allows people to opt for assisted dying under stringent conditions, and it goes on to the Senate for further discussion. France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, had stated it as an “important step” towards a compassionate way to the end-of-life process. Its requirements include that patients must be adults, residing in France, and suffering from incurable or advanced-stage illnesses causing unbearable pain. While psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s are off the list. The people in support called it a step towards uplifting the freedom of an individual, but the critics, mostly the religious leaders, called it a moral and societal risk, as a warning. (Kieran Burke, “France's National Assembly backs 'assisted dying' bill,” Deutsche Welle, 28 May 2025)
SPAIN
Government bid to make Catalan, Galician, and Basque as official EU Languages stalled
On 27 May, Spain’s government once again failed to secure unanimous EU support to designate Catalan, Galician, and Basque as official EU languages, as countries like Finland, Sweden, and Austria raised legal and financial concerns. Despite backing from many members and Spain's offer to cover costs, skepticism about the administrative burden and the €132 million annual expense blocked consensus during a ministerial vote. The proposal, tied to Spanish political deals with regional parties, remains under discussion. While Spain insists the move is about cultural respect and linguistic identity, critics argue it’s premature and legally complex, leaving the initiative in limbo. (Jorge Liboreiro, “Spain fails again to secure unanimity to make Catalan, Galician and Basque official EU languages,” Euronews, 27 May 2025)
SWITZERLAND
Authorities report rapid glacier fractures
On 27 May, Swiss authorities published a report indicating a sharp increase in fractures at the Blatten glacier, where a recent avalanche involving ice, rock, snow, and water narrowly missed the valley below. The glacier's front is now advancing at a rapid 10 meters per day, exacerbated by an estimated nine million tonnes of debris on the Birch glacier. In response, additional surveillance measures, including reconnaissance flights and a second observation camera, are being implemented to closely monitor crevasse development and glacier movement. (Keystone-SDA, “Blatten glacier fractures increase sharply,” Swiss.info, 27 May 2025)
THE UK
Ministers reconsider two-child benefit cap amid poverty concerns
On 27 May, the UK ministers are weighing the potential removal of the two-child benefit cap, which restricts most families from receiving benefits for third or subsequent children born after April 2017. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the cap’s role in deepening child poverty but warned of the substantial cost—estimated at GBP 3.5 billion—of reversing it. A final decision is expected in autumn as part of the government’s delayed child poverty strategy. While Labour signals a shift in priorities, internal pressure and political competition are mounting, with other parties also pledging to scrap the cap. Currently, the policy affects 1.6 million children. (“Ministers considering scrapping two-child benefit cap,” BBC, 27 May 2025)
REGIONAL
EU fast-tracks Quantum Strategy to boost tech sovereignty and innovation
On 27 May, the European Commission is accelerating its strategy on quantum technologies, now set for release in June instead of later this year, aiming to strengthen Europe's tech sovereignty and economic security. The strategy will push for deeper cooperation among member states to implement the European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, align R&D efforts, and build shared infrastructure such as quantum chip manufacturing and computing platforms. Highlighting the EU's struggle to scale and commercialize quantum innovations, the Commission warns of dependency on non-EU suppliers. The initiative follows calls from Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen and the Draghi competitiveness report, which estimates quantum’s potential contribution to the EU economy could reach EUR 850 billion over the next few decades. (Cynthia Kroet, “EU Commission in a hurry on super-computing quantum strategy,” Euronews, 27 May 2025)
EU ministers warn Hungary as patience wanes over rule of law and pride ban
On 27 May, tensions escalated in Brussels as 17 EU countries condemned Hungary for banning the Budapest Pride march and targeting civil society, warning of a breach of EU values under Article 2 of the EU Treaty. During a General Affairs Council hearing, Hungary was grilled over its new laws that critics say threaten press freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite Hungary's denial of a Pride ban and insistence on constitutional legality, EU ministers signalled frustration with the prolonged Article 7 process. While no sanctions were triggered due to a lack of majority, growing impatience suggests tougher action may be imminent if Hungary does not reverse course. (Sandor Zsiros, “EU countries 'losing patience' as Hungary grilled on Pride march and rule of law,” Euronews, 27 May 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Hungary and Armenia sign nuclear energy agreement
On 27 May, Hungary and Armenia signed two key agreements, including one on nuclear energy cooperation. This comes during Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Yerevan. Hungary, actively supporting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, has contributed to diplomatic efforts such as the repatriation of prisoners of war. Szijjártó highlighted improved bilateral relations, marked by the upcoming opening of embassies in both capitals and support for Armenia’s EU integration. Hungary is also assisting Armenian families returning from abroad and hosting a camp for Armenian children. Economic ties are growing, with record-high trade and Hungarian medicines in demand, alongside Wizz Air’s planned operations from Yerevan. Additionally, 30 Armenian students will receive scholarships to study in Hungary annually. (“Agreement on Nuclear Energy Signed with Armenia,” Hungary Today, 27 May 2025)
Belarus’ Minsk and Tajikistan’s Sughd sign 2025-2026 Cooperation Plan
On 27 May, Belarus’ Minsk Oblast and Tajikistan’s Sughd Province signed a “2025-2026 Cooperation Plan” to deepen regional cooperation. The agreement was signed during Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko’s visit to Sughd, aiming to expand its relations in trade, industry, agriculture, social welfare, sports, and tourism. While the trade between the two regions has expanded up to 1.5 times from 2024 and 40 per cent this year. Belarus mainly engages in exporting sugar, meat, canned food, and timber, and importing dried fruits, nuts, and yarn from Tajikistan. Both sides show confidence that growing mutual interest will lead to contracts and concrete projects. (“Belarus’ Minsk Oblast, Tajikistan’s Sughd Region sign action plan of cooperation 2025-2026,” BelTA, 27 May 2025)
Jordan’s Monarch meets Finland’s Foreign Minister to strengthen bilateral relations
On 27 May, Jordan's King, Abdullah II, met the Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Amman to discuss regional developments, mainly the Gaza crisis, and cooperating on ways to strengthen bilateral relations. The king emphasised the need for a two-state solution and praised Finland’s support for national stability. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, also had talks with Valtonen, emphasising on the importance of international law, a permanent Gaza ceasefire, and expanding humanitarian aid. Both sides supported stronger EU-Jordan ties and a successful outcome for the upcoming event, the International Peace Conference being held in New York. They also discussed Syria, focusing on rebuilding, uniting, and on anti-terrorism efforts, urging international engagement. (“Jordan, Finland agree on need for two-state solution for regional stability,” Arab News, 27 May 2025)