Photo : Bloomberg
18 June 2025, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #1160
By Lekshmi MK
REGIONAL
Europe warns US intervention in the Israel-Iran clash would fuel broader conflict
On 17 June, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas opposed the idea of US armed intervention in the Israel–Iran military exchange. She stated that such involvement would drag the wider Middle East into a more dangerous conflict. She highlighted that US President Trump floated the option of direct US engagement, saying, “we are not involved… possible we could get involved”. Kallas underscored his warning that the US would become uncompromising if Iranian forces target the American troops. Kallas emphasised that the EU refused to back any armed US participation. She stressed that American officials agreed it was not in their interest to be drawn into the conflict. She warned that the risks of miscalculation, escalation, and spillover effects were too high. She also mentioned that the EU activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to coordinate evacuations and offered civil protection teams, while maintaining its ongoing naval operation, ASPIDES, in the Red Sea to monitor merchant shipping. Kallas reminded that the EU would not let its focus on Gaza shift, and called for immediate and full humanitarian aid access. She also argued that the EU should proceed with its plan to lower the price cap on Russian seaborne crude from USD 60 to USD 45 per barrel. She warned that Middle Eastern tensions could push oil prices higher and fuel Russia’s war efforts. Finally, she rejected Russia’s offer to mediate and undermined its credibility as a peace broker. (Jorge Liboreiro, "US action against Iran would fuel 'broader conflict' in the Middle East, Kallas warns," Euronews, 17 June 2025)
GERMANY
Sharp rise in Islamophobia incidents finds Deutsche Welle report
On 17 June, Deutsche Welle reported that the German authorities recorded more than 1,550 anti‑Muslim hate crimes during 2024, with at least 54 mosques having been attacked and dozens of individuals injured. In Berlin, the rights group called Claim documented 644 incidents, ranging from verbal abuse to discrimination with women accounting for about 64 per cent of known victims. This marked nearly a 70 per cent increase compared to 2023. NGOs reported that at least 1,926 anti‑Muslim incidents occurred in 2023, more than doubling from 2024, particularly after Middle East conflict escalation. These incidents included physical assaults, four attempted murders, five arson attacks, vandalism of mosques and targeted property damage. Advocates warned that a significant number of cases gone unreported due to distrust in authorities, while mainstream political discourse, especially influenced parties normalised anti‑Muslim sentiment. (Wesley Rahn, "Germany sees sharp rise in incidents of Islamophobia," Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2025)
POLAND
Government adds minefields to East as a protective barrier across the shared Russian border
On 17 June, authorities in Warsaw added minefields to the "East Shield" protective barrier along the borders with Russia and Belarus. Construction began in November of the previous year, and work continued. The reinforced barrier extended over 20 kilometres along the border with the Russian Kaliningrad enclave toward the Baltic Sea. The Polish army’s press officer, Karol Frankowski, described the initiative as a show of force intended to enhance border protection after observing the situation in Ukraine. Poland planned to complete both the East Shield and the barrier on the Belarusian frontier within three years, with financing secured from national and EU sources. The project included not only minefields but was also set to feature anti‑tank barriers, fortified shelters, and bunkers. (Jerry Fisayo-Bambi, "Poland adds minefields to 'East Shield' protective barrier with Russia and Belarus," Euronews, 17 June 2025)
PORTUGAL
Authorities arrest far-right militants
On 17 June, Portuguese authorities arrested six individuals suspected of belonging to the far‑right group Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL). The authorities have classified them as a group preparing for violent action and recruitment. They charged the suspects with terrorism-related offences, incitement to hatred and violence, discrimination, and possession of illegal weapons. Law enforcement seized explosives, detonators, firearms, rounds of ammunition, knives, and even some weapons produced with 3D‑printing technology. Investigators discovered that the group had been recruiting and training members online, trying to build tactical capabilities for an unspecified large-scale operation. Among the detainees, one person linked to the Portuguese police (PSP) and others who had connections to private security firms. (Gavin Blackburn, "Portugal arrests six people linked to far-right group and seizes cache of explosives and weapons," Euronews, 17 June 2025)
REGIONAL
EU Parliament criminalises AI‑generated child abuse material
On 17 June, the European Parliament advanced a proposal to criminalise the production, possession, and distribution of AI‑generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Members of the European Parliaments expanded the definition of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to include “realistic images” and deepfake content created by AI. They introduced new offences covering the distribution of AI “paedophile manuals” guides teaching the creation of AI‑generated CSAM. Statutory limits had been adjusted so that the clock would start when a victim turned 18, extending the period up to 20–30 years for the most serious offences. MEPs also agreed to oblige member states to prosecute these new forms of AI‑enabled abuse, and they paved the way for later talks with the Council and Commission. The move was part of broader EU efforts launched in 2024 to strengthen criminal-law tools, modernise definitions of child sexual abuse, and improve victim support in the digital era. (Gregoire Lory, "EU Parliament to criminalise AI-generated child abuse material," Euronews, 17 June 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide to reduce overall spending
On 17 June, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced plans to reduce its workforce, eliminating around 30 per cent of staff and slashing senior leadership roles (D2, D1, P5) by about 50 per cent. It prepared to close several country offices and restructure into multi‑country hubs, effective from October 2025, due to severe funding shortfalls. The cuts involved significant closure proposals at headquarters in Geneva and regional bureaus to reduce overall spending by at least 30 per cent, with operational budget authority reduced by 23 per cent. The downsizing drive primarily triggered by a sharp decline in US contributions, formerly over 40 per cent of the budget, resulting in a 66 per cent drop in UNHCR funding for 2025, from USD 5.17 billion to USD 1.75 billion. UNHCR’s head, Filippo Grandi, warned that deeper funding constraints would lead to thousands of job losses, possibly up to 5,000–6,000 positions. This would compromise refugee assistance programs globally. The agency cautioned that vital programs such as medical care, schooling, shelter, and sanitation, especially for millions of displaced individuals and children, were at risk. Approximately 12.8 million people faced reduced access to essential health services. UNHCR emphasised that without these cuts, refugee support would become unsustainable, urging member states to honor their aid commitments. ("UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide," Swissinfo, 17 June 2025)