Photo : Florian Gaertner, AA
06 June 2025, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #1152
By Lekshmi Muthu & Farhaz Rashid Ahmed
GERMANY
Foreign Ministers of Israel and Germany, Saar and Wadephul, meet in Berlin to discuss arms deliveries
On 05 June, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin. At the meeting, Wadephul had pledged continued arms deliveries to Israel, despite global calls for an embargo. Wadephul also criticised Israeli actions in Gaza and West Bank settlements, by urging unrestricted humanitarian aid, to which Saar promoted the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as an alternative aid channel to bypass Hamas. Despite the differences, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel’s defense and rejected recognising a Palestinian state before the peace talks. Both ministers also laid a wreath at the Holocaust Memorial, while protests outside condemned Israel’s Gaza offensive and German arms support. (Dmytro Hubenko, “Germany vows continued support of Israel as FM visits Berlin,” DW News, 05 June 2025)
FRANCE
President Macron pushes Palestinian recognition, sparking Israeli backlash
On 03 June, France’s President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the recognition of a Palestinian state, angering Israel. Macron calls it a moral duty and a political necessity to recognise Palestine as a state. Macron is co-hosting a UN summit from 17-20 June, with Saudi Arabia, to promote a two-state solution. Israel accuses Macron of waging a “Crusade against the Jewish State”. Israel dismissed Macron’s comments and lashed out via official statements on social media. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested that France must “carve out a piece of the Riviera” if it wants a Palestinian state. The Israeli government equated the recognition effort as a "reward to Hamas", which France rejects. French diplomats and security staff have faced mistreatment by Israeli forces. These incidents showcase the tensions between France and Israel. (Leela Jacinto, "France bears the brunt of Israel’s isolation ire," France24, 03 June 2025)
SWEDEN
Stockholm to tackle prison overcrowding with Estonia
On 05 June, Sweden confronted its prison overcrowding, which was caused by rising gang crime, by renting prison spaces abroad. As part of the Tidö Agreement, it concluded a deal with Estonia to house up to 600 inmates in 400 cells in Tartu, with the cost per inmate in Estonia being EUR 8500 per month, in parity with EUR 11500 in Sweden. The Swedish staff were set to help train Estonian guards in terms of their laws. Crimes like murder and sexual offences were considered for transfer over there, and those with major care needs or high security risks were excluded from it. Sweden had been seeing a sharp rise in violent crime, and is recorded as having the highest rate of deadly gun violence in Europe. These legal checks found no barriers to the agreement and new laws allowing transfers that are planned to take effect by July 2026, yet with pending approval by a three-quarters majority in parliament to make it effective. (Lauren Walker, “Sweden reaches 'historic' deal with Estonia to rent prison cells to tackle overcrowding,” Euronews, 5 June 2025)
THE UK
Crime gang scam EUR 55.8 million from the UK’s tax office
On 05 June, an organised crime gang posing as taxpayers stole GBP 47 million from the UK's tax authority, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), by accessing over 100,000 customer accounts in a phishing scam last year. The HMRC confirmed the breach and said that the affected individuals did not lose personal funds. The scammers used the access to fraudulently claim government payments. HMRC said it would contact those affected and urged the public to stay alert to phishing emails and texts. HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive, Angela MacDonald, told MPs that the breach was "very unacceptable" but also confirmed that HMRC was not hacked. With that, some arrests had been made following an international investigation. While the MPs criticised HMRC for failing to inform Parliament earlier, the scam had raised concerns over data security, though HMRC said it had stopped GBP 1.9 billion in similar fraud attempts last year. (Lauren Walker, “Scammers stole €55.8 million from UK tax office in phishing attack,” Euronews, 5 June 2025)
REGIONAL
EU Environment Commissioner warns of rising concerns on water management
On 05 June, European Commissioner Jessika Roswall warned that water scarcity and extreme weather were now common across Europe, affecting 30 per cent of the EU’s land. She urged smarter water usage, cleaner and affordable access for all, as part of the new Water Resilience Strategy. She also addressed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” with a major cleanup planned for 2026 and a phase-out in most consumer products. Even medical uses would be more strictly managed. Roswall defended the upcoming Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictions of Chemicals (REACH) framework for chemical reforms, and said that environmental protection and competitiveness could go together. She urged cooperation between farmers and NGOs to tackle biodiversity loss, suggesting tools like nature credits to boost private investment. (Shona Murray, "The green transition and competitiveness are not contradictory," says EU Environment commissioner,” Euronews, 05 June 2025)
EU launches plan to improve the quality of water bodies
On 05 June, the European Commission launched a major per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) clean-up via public-private partnerships under its new Water Resilience Strategy. In 2022, 59 per cent of rivers, 35 per cent of lakes, and 73 per cent of coastal waters exceeded safe perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) levels across 1300 sites. So far, only 37 per cent of surface waters were in good ecological health, and 29 per cent met chemical standards. Thus, health costs were estimated at EUR 52 to 84 billion annually, along with water decontamination alone reaching up to EUR 18 billion. Certain PFAS, such as Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), were costly to remove, requiring energy-intensive processes. The European Commission favoured the “polluter pays” principle, as with public funds reserved for such unidentified polluters. Environmental groups called it a missed chance to ban PFAS at the source. Meanwhile, the broader strategy looked to boost water resilience amidst rising droughts and floods, which affect 34 per cent of the EU, through funding, awareness, and innovation support. (Amandine Hess, “Forever chemicals: Brussels' mission to clean up Europe's water,” Euronews, 05 June 2025)
The EU’s new roadmap for conserving oceans for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference
On 05 June, the EU released a new marine conservation roadmap ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which aims to address pollution, climate threats, and challenges that threaten the oceans. The "European Ocean Pact" proposes a new Ocean law by 2027, promising better protection for carbon-storing habitats, stricter fishing rules by 2026, and greater support for small-scale fisheries and coastal communities. Despite environmental groups criticize the lack the urgency and omitting the ban on bottom trawling, some EU lawmakers claim that it is a step forward. 40 per cent of Europeans live near coasts, and the bloc imports 70 per cent of its seafood. The blue economy supports over five million jobs and contributes EUR 250 billion to the same. The pact positions itself as Europe’s leadership signal, ahead of a UN push to raise around USD 100 billion for ocean protection and secure 60 ratifications of a high seas treaty. (“EU outlines new roadmap on marine conservation ahead of UN ocean summit,” France 24, 05 June 2025)
EU lawmakers demand Eurovision voting transparency
On 05 June, the EU lawmakers pressured Eurovision to release full voting data on this year's contest. Twelve Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from socialist, green, liberal, and leftist parties have sent a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressing concerns over the potential irregularities in the televoting process of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. The letter followed complaints from national broadcasters from various countries like the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, and many more. These broadcasters suspected manipulation in televoting, particularly highlighting Israel’s entry. They mentioned the Israeli Government Advertising Agency's (Lapam) promotion. Ireland’s RTÉ formally requested full voting data. Belgium’s VRT threatened to reconsider participation if transparency isn't ensured. Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec said state-backed promotion of national entries violates EBU principles of fairness and neutrality. The MEPs demanded complete release of voting data, an independent audit, and stronger safeguards to prevent political influence. In response, Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green acknowledged these concerns and confirmed they’ll be discussed in the EBU Reference Group meeting. Green would review the promotional efforts by countries. Green mentioned the voting system has multiple security layers, monitored by 60+ experts across Cologne, Vienna, and Amsterdam. He added that voting was managed by one Germany GmbH and audited by EY (Ernst & Young). The rule allowed 20 votes per payment method re-evaluated, though no manipulation had been proven so far. (Gerardo Fortuna, "Eurovision faces pressure from EU lawmakers over 'rigged' televoting," Euronews, 05 June 2025)
The UK eyes EU’s e-gate access after post-Brexit deal
On 06 June, UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed optimism about British travellers using EU e-gates “as soon as possible,” following the 19 May UK-EU agreement, the first major post-Brexit deal. The agreement aims to ease trade tensions and include provisions on travel, farming, defence, and fishing. It reintroduced UK exports like raw sausages and burgers to the EU under a proposed sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Reynolds emphasised the efficiency of e-gates at EU airports, citing their convenience for British holidaymakers. Reynolds dismissed criticism from UK Conservative and Reform parties, advocating for a forward-looking coalition focused on practical cooperation rather than Brexit disputes. On fishing, he assured no reduction in UK access and argued the current terms were better than in previous years. His priorities lay in executing the May agreement effectively and strengthening EU-UK ties without reopening old constitutional debates. (Aleksandar Brezar, "UK trade minister keen to use EU e-gates as soon as possible," Euronews, 06 June 2025)
The EU imports fertilizers from Russia despite sanctions and blocking all trade
On 04 June, though the European Union (EU) reduced its reliance on Russian gas and oil due to the war in Ukraine, the imports of Russian fertilizer increased sharply. Russia is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based or inorganic fertilizers, which are crucial for crop production and require vast amounts of natural gas in their manufacturing. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, its share of EU fertilizer imports increased from 17 per cent to around 30 per cent. In 2024 alone, the EU’s imports of Russian fertilizers rose by more than 33 per cent, reaching approximately USD two billion. According to the MIT Observatory of Economic Complexity, Russia exported USD 15.3 billion worth of fertilizers in 2023, making it the largest fertilizer exporter globally. While India and Brazil were its main markets, the EU accounted for 13 per cent of its total exports that year. To address this growing dependence, the European Parliament recently backed the European Commission's plan to introduce a 6.5 per cent tariff on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus, with a gradual increase to 50 per cent by 2028. These measures would come into force in July 2025 to reduce reliance and minimise food security risks while giving farmers time to find alternative sources. Russia’s competitive edge, rooted in its cheap domestic gas, allowed it to undercut EU fertilizer producers, many of whom halted production after the energy crisis in 2022. As a result, Russian fertilizer was accused of “dumping” on the EU market. Potential alternative suppliers identified include China, Oman, Morocco, Canada, and the U.S. The EU was also promoting organic fertilizers, such as those made from manure and composted waste, as part of a more sustainable and circular economy. Industry group Fertilizers Europe, led by Leo Alders, supported tariffs to protect fair competition, though it seeks faster implementation. In contrast, farmers’ associations Copa and Cocega criticise the EU’s lack of a clear and realistic diversification strategy. It also warned of the risks to farm profitability and food security without credible alternatives. (Arthur Sullivan, "Why is the EU still buying Russian fertilizer?" Deutsche Welle, 04 June 2025)
EU launches import monitoring to counter trade diversion
On 05 June, the European Commission introduced a new import monitoring system using customs data to guard against trade diversion. This followed the US's recent tariff hikes on Chinese goods. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic warned that products diverted from high-tariff markets, such as the US, could flood the EU, distorting the market. In response, a task force had been established to track import changes from January 2025 onward. Concerns grew over Chinese exports, which rose by 8.2 per cent to the EU in April, with Germany seeing a 20.4 per cent surge. Meanwhile, exports to the US dropped by 20 per cent. The Commission may apply safeguards to protect EU industries. Expert Simon Evenett noted price drops in Chinese exports, especially in automobiles and petroleum, between January and April 2025. The monitoring system aimed to help the EU respond to import surges and protect its economic interests amid global trade turbulence. (Peggy Corlin, "Tariffs: Commission strengthens imports monitoring amid fear of trade diversion," Euronews, 05 June)
INTERNATIONAL
NATO ministers endorse a five per cent GDP defense spending plan
On 06 June, NATO defense ministers broadly endorsed increasing defence spending to five per cent of GDP, following the demands made by US President Donald Trump. Currently, the alliance’s target is two per cent, with only one-third of members meeting it. Countries like Spain, Canada, and Italy still fall short. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed confidence that a formal agreement will be reached by the upcoming Hague Summit, in the Netherlands. The proposed five per cent breakdown includes three and a half per cent for direct military spending and one and a half per cent for defence-related infrastructure. Germany has agreed in principle, though it currently spends just under two percent. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of reduced American support in Europe if allies fail to share the burden. The urgency rooted in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, pushing NATO to prioritise long-range weapons, air defense, and mobile land forces to ensure European security and operational readiness. (Kieran Burke, "NATO ministers back defense spending increase," DW, 06 June 2025)