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By Lekshmi MK & Vaihali Chittrothu
INTERNATIONAL
President Macron reaffirms support and solidarity during his visit to Greenland
On 15 June, France's President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland ahead of the G7 summit, marking the first official visit by a French leader to the island. Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Greenland’s autonomy and emphasised the island’s strategic importance. He sent a strong message of solidarity and friendship to Greenlanders, recognising the cultural and political significance of the region. Macron acknowledged Greenland’s role in climate change, expressing France’s commitment to support sustainable development in the Arctic. His visit was seen as a geopolitical signal to counter Trump's rhetoric on purchasing Greenland. Macron engaged with local leaders and communities, discussing cooperation in scientific research, climate monitoring, and environmental protection. (Andreas Rogal,"'Message of solidarity and friendship': Emmanuel Macron visits Greenland," Euronews, 15 June 2025; Emma De Ruiter, "Macron reaffirms support for Greenland during visit ahead of G7 Summit," Euronews, 15 June 2025)
Nuclear arsenals are set to multiply around the world
On 16 June, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its latest study focused on the production and possession of nuclear arsenals by global countries. This includes the US, UK, France and other nine countries who had nuclear weapon inventories in January, 2025. According to the report, the US and Russia held a majority of 90 per cent of the global stockpile with Russia owning 5,459 and the US owning 5,177. In Europe, the UK and France plan to modernise and upgrade their arsenals. The UK plans to increase its current warheads from 225 to 260 and would invest 15 billion EUR to expand and advance their nuclear capacity. The UK plans to build more submarines as part of an expansion of the Royal Navy. The France stockpiles have remained at 290 warheads but they have been investing in modernising and upgrading its nuclear weapons. China is estimated to grow 600 warheads according to SIPRI. (Kjeld Neubert, “World’s nuclear arsenals set to grow, including in Europe, study finds,” Euractiv, 16 June 2025)
FRANCE
Former President stripped of the Legion of Honour after convicted for corruption
On 15 June, former France President Nicolas Sarkozy was officially stripped of the Legion of Honour. He became the second former French head of state to lose the honour, after World War II-era Vichy leader Philippe Pétain. This followed his conviction for corruption and influence-peddling. The revocation was enacted in line with the award’s strict rules. Sarkozy was convicted in 2021 by a Paris court and saw his sentence. Sarkozy also faced separate trials for alleged illegal campaign financing and suspected Libyan backing during his 2007 campaign. Despite the revocation, Macron earlier opposed stripping the honour, calling it important to respect former presidents. Sarkozy appealed the decision to the European Court of Human Rights, asserting that the revocation could be reconsidered if his conviction were overturned. ("French ex-president Sarkozy stripped of Legion of Honour," France24, 15 June 2025)
GERMANY
Foreign Minister Wadephul visits Saudi Arabia amidst regional tensions
On 14 June, Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Riyadh. Wadephul met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Their discussions focused on the escalated conflict between Israel and Iran. Wadephul pressed for de-escalation and urged regional countries to engage in dialogue with Iran. He warned that the Middle East situation was "highly volatile" and cautioned that a further escalation would have serious consequences. Wadephul reiterated Germany’s position that Iran’s nuclear programme posed a threat not only to Israel but also to Saudi Arabia and regional stability. He also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasised the need for a shared vision for the post-war period. Due to the escalating crisis, Wadephul had cancelled planned visits to Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, and had instead decided to visit Qatar. While in Qatar, he held talks with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al‑Thani. The talks aimed to pave the way for compromise and de-escalation through mediation efforts. (Kate Hairsine & Wesley Dockery, "Germany updates: German foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia," Deutsche Welle, 14 June 2025)
SPAIN
Protests in Barcelona against overtourism
On 15 June, new demonstrations took place across major Spanish cities, including Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, as citizens protested against overtourism. Protesters claimed that excessive tourism led to increased housing costs, strained local resources, and disrupted daily life. Slogans such as “Tourists go home” and “Mallorca is not for sale” were displayed, which reflected the public's frustration. Demonstrators urged the government to impose stricter regulations on short-term rentals and tourist accommodations. Local residents expressed concern over the transformation of neighbourhoods into tourist zones. Activists demanded sustainable tourism policies that would prioritise residents' needs and preserve the environment. (Javier Iniguez De Onzono, "Hundreds gather in Barcelona to protest overtourism in southern Europe," Euronews, 15 June 2025)
SWITZERLAND
Several protest the new asylum center in Geneva defending rights of migrants
On 14 June, several protested against the opening of a new asylum in Geneva. It is a Federal centre for asylum seekers in the Grand-Saconnex area of Geneva. It is located at the end of the runway of the Geneva airport near a motorway bypass. The protests were organised by the associations that were defending the rights of migrants and asylum seekers. The protesters were young people who voiced their demands calmly, even when the demonstration was not authorised. They demonstrated by blocking traffic and pulling chains. They called the centre of asylum as a “centre of shame” and a “machine of rejection and exclusion”. (“Demonstrators protest against new asylum centre in Geneva,” Swissinfo, 15 June 2015; “Demonstrators Protest Against New Asylum Centre In Geneva,”Menafn, 14 June 2025)
Thousands protest in several areas for equal pay to women, trans and non-binary
On 15 June, tens of thousands of women, trans, non-binary people and allies demonstrated in Swiss cities to demand equal pay. The demonstration was to put an end to violence against women and ensure safe access to abortion. In Geneva, a large gathering formed at Cornavin station and marched across the Mont-Blanc bridge, with police counting about 3,500 participants and organisers estimating thousands more. In Fribourg, organisers reported a crowd of 3,000 women, trans, non-binary, although they criticised authorities for redirecting the march away from the station. In Bern, a procession set off from Schutzenmatte square, gathering over 10,000 by midday. Later, the organisers claimed that around 35,000 people joined in under the banner “United in Resistance." Protesters carried slogans such as “My body – my choice” and “Your children all think queer,” and had observed a minute silence for those affected by patriarchal violence. Demonstrations also took place in other cities, including Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Lausanne and Sion, under the wider Swiss “feminist strike” movement. ("Tens of thousands demand equality in Swiss women’s strike," Swissinfo, 15 June 2025)
THE NETHERLANDS
Second “Red Line Protest” on Dutch policy towards Israel
On 16 June, 100,000 protested in the Hague for five kilometres around the centre of the Hague to symbolically indicate the red line. The reason for the Protest was to indicate that the Dutch government has failed to stop the Israeli campaign in Gaza. 75,000 marched in Brussels, and approximately 150,000 people marched, which was organised by human rights groups like Amnesty International, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders. But the rally that took place on 15 June was the biggest so far of all the rallies that took place to shed light on the Israeli campaign in Gaza. 75,000 protested in Belgium, which aimed to send a clear signal to the Dutch government to pressure Israel and stop the genocide in Gaza. (Emma De Ruiter, “Over 100,000 people attend 'red line' protests for Gaza in Brussels and The Hague,” Euronews, 16 June 2025)
THE UK
First Minister says Wales needs a funding review to protect economy
On June 15, First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said it would be essential to review funding in Wales. She said that she didn't want to continue to go cap in hand to Westminster. The Minister is worried about the underpinning of the economic future of Wales. A large part of the Welsh government funding comes from the UK government, but now it is known as a block grant. Its size is dependent on the Barnett formula, which is based on how much the UK government spent on devolved issues such as health and education in England. This step of Wales is to indicate that Wales was affected by the Middle East, and this effort is expected to protect the economy of Wales. (Teleri Glyn Jones, “Wales needs funding review, first minister says,” BBC, 15 June 2025)
Belfast demonstrators unite against racism amid the week of unrest
On 14 June, demonstrators gathered in Belfast city centre to show solidarity with Northern Ireland’s migrant community. This happened after a week of violent unrest. People carried signs reading "Refugees are welcome", "Diversity makes us stronger", and "Racists go home." The unrest began with a peaceful protest in Ballymena on Monday over an alleged sexual assault. Later, it escalated into violence across multiple towns, including Portadown, Derry, Newry, and Newtownabbey. Police officers were attacked with petrol bombs, bricks, and bottles. Water cannons were used in Portadown to disperse rioters on Friday night. At least 60 officers were injured over the week, and 21 people were arrested, with 13 charged and four remanded in custody. A car was set on fire in Hesketh Gardens, Belfast, and a hotel was attacked in Newtownabbey. Playing fields were torched in Newry, and a family home was set ablaze in Coleraine. Trade unionist Nathalie Donnelly said ethnic minority colleagues were terrified and were hiding at home. She described an “overwhelming sense of sadness” among the immigrants who were reconsidering staying in Northern Ireland. Belfast’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Paul Doherty, joined the anti-racism rally and called for a stronger response from both the PSNI and Northern Ireland Executive. He said families were being driven from their homes and children were asking, “Why do people hate us?” Police released images of suspects involved in the rioting, urging the public to help identify them. Despite the chaos, a peaceful anti-racism protest in west Belfast attracted around 100 participants, reflecting hope amid the unrest. (Darran Marshall and Catherine Moore, "Anti-racism rally in Belfast after days of violence," BBC, 14 June 2025)
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