Photo : Keystone / Michael Buholze
By Vaihali Chittrothu
SWITZERLAND
Government to collaborate with India in disaster prevention and glacier observation
On 25 June, Swissinfo reported on Switzerland’s expertise in disaster prevention. According to the report, Switzerland’s regional disaster risk reduction adviser for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in India, emphasised international cooperation. Switzerland cooperates with scientists from Europe, US and India to monitor its glaciers. Expertise and data were shared to predict natural disasters and save lives. He shared his thoughts in the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Early Warnings for All is an initiative by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to protect from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. He said India’s Himalayas and Switzerland’s Alps are similar, and both countries must collaborate. Just like Alpine risk reduction by the end of the century, the Himalayas are also at risk of extinction, and they are collaborating with Indian scientists, training them to protect the glacial and mountain communities. The only difference was when Blatten was destroyed by a glacier, thousands were evacuated, but in Sikkim, the Lhonak glacial lake disaster led to 55 deaths, displacing 28,000. Now, a weather station, two cameras monitor ground movement with a probe that measures water levels and radar satellite reconnaissance to measure ground deformation down to the centimetre were established. He said: “Our Indian partners now say that investing in disaster preparedness is especially worthwhile.” (Annegret Mathari, “Saving lives in the shadow of melting giants,”Swissinfo, 25 June 2025)
GERMANY
Chancellor calls for internal and external strength and reliance to reach defence targets
On 24 June, Deutsche Welle reported that the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz ahead of the NATO summit, said that Russia was threatening the security of Europe and the Atlantic region actively and aggressively. He said Germany was becoming a global actor and leader in alliances. Germany would develop the region so that it can resist any attacks. He said Germany should take responsibility for the present situation and would fulfil the required capability targets as an ally. Hence, he said Germany needed two qualities, internal and external strength and reliance. The Chancellor gave his speech before two events, the NATO summit and the EU summit in Brussels and around the time when the government planned to make new investments through record borrowing. The German budget plan includes reviving the economy and strengthening the military. Hence, the government plans to discuss the 2025 draft and financial framework extending to 2029. (Richard Connor, “Merz says Germany is back to show 'strength and reliability,” Deutsche Welle, 25 June 2025)
REGIONAL
“UNOC3's new technologies to save oceans” says Hungary Today
On 24 June, Mercator Ocean International reported to Politico on UNOC3's innovative technology that helps to translate theory to practice. French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Ecosystems are threatened, coral reefs are bleaching faster than ever before, cyclones are more intense than ever,” in his opening remarks. “The globe is burning; our oceans are boiling.” The conference brought ocean stakeholders together to share their thoughts on SDG 14: Life below water. In Nice’s Palexpo, also named “The Whale”, the European Commission hosted the European Digital Ocean Pavilion, implemented by Mercator Ocean International. Deputy head of Earth observation at the European Commission, Elisabeth Hamdouch-Fuehrer, said: “Through state-of-the-art simulations, multimedia screens and interactive installations, visitors could visualise ocean processes, explore ‘what-if’ scenarios, and better understand the ocean’s vital signs”. The Pavilion was split into three sections, Inspire, Engage and Decide. These simulations were powered by a revolutionary technology: the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) that provides real-time simulations of ocean dynamics and potential future changes like plastic pollution or the effects of mitigation policies. It contains Copernicus satellite data, EMODnet data produced by autonomous underwater drones, and in situ sensors. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today we proudly present the first demonstration version,” said von der Leyen. “It’s an amazing tool that helps us better understand the ocean, from pollution to navigation but also from risk to our coasts to biodiversity — you name it.” This machine with data converts the theory of ocean health into concrete action with evidence-based policies. Mercator Ocean International aimed to assist EU members and fulfil international commitments. During the week, the Digital Ocean Pavilion described several ocean monitoring projects hosted by Mercator Ocean International. These included the OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC), OPERA project, and Ocean Prediction for Costa Rica project. The Digital Ocean Pavilion highlighted the potential of European society in tackling them together through collaboration. (“How Europe is leading efforts to digitise and save our ocean,” Hungary Today, 24 June 2025)
Highest temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius recorded across Europe
On 23 June, The Guardian reported that heat waves started in the US and Europe, with the highest temperatures being recorded. Heat dome occurred in the eastern regions previously in the central regions, then shifted to the East due to high pressure. The temperatures were rising into the mid-30s widely across the plains, Midwest, mid-Atlantic and northeast. This phenomenon resulted in the highest temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius (102.9 degrees Fahrenheit), 13 degrees Celsius at Huron regional airport in South Dakota. In St Paul, Minnesota, the minimum temperature on Saturday night was 27.8 degrees Celsius. New York City reached 36 degrees Celsius, in Washington, the temperature reached 38C. Boston experienced 30s to 34 degrees Celsius. Accompanying this heat will also be high levels of humidity with temperatures feeling as high as 43C. 250 daily temperature records could be broken on 23 June and 24 June, including both record highs and record warm lows, making this heatwave oppressive. Summers hit western Europe last week, affecting France and the UK. France recorded close to 40 degrees Celsius last week. The 39 degrees Celsius recorded in Tusson in south-west France beat the highest June temperature at the location by 0.1 degrees Celsius. High temperatures are expected in France this week, with high pressure expected to remain over the country. Temperatures could reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius across central France as early as Wednesday. (Daniel Harris, “Weather tracker: US and Europe swelter in June heatwaves,” The Guardian, 23 June 2025)
EU launches an antitrust investigation on Mars
On 26 June, Deutsche Welle reported that the EU launched an antitrust investigation on Mars’ owner Kellanova. The reason was for acquiring Pringles maker Kellanova concerned market prices would be hiked. The European Commission said the multibillion-dollar deal between the two US-based snack makers would increase Mars' bargaining power against EU retailers. It was announced last year that the EUR 35.9 billion (roughly EUR 31 billion) deal was meant to bring two new billion-dollar brands, Pringles and Cheez-It, into Mars'. Mars expected that the acquisition would help it meet demand in fast-growing markets, including Africa and Latin America. The EU said retailers across the bloc expressed concerns regarding Mars' increased bargaining power through the deal. EU Competition Chief Teresa Ribera said: "By acquiring Kellanova, Mars will add several very popular brands of potato chips and cereals to its already broad and strong product portfolio." Along with Pringles, Kellanova also produces Kellogg's cereals. Citing inflation and high food prices across the continent, Ribera stressed the importance of ensuring "this acquisition does not further drive up the cost of shopping baskets." She said the EU's in-depth investigation aimed to find out the deal's implications on the price of products sold by both companies. Mars, a popular snacks maker including M&Ms and Snickers, defended the acquisition, saying it would "deliver more choice and innovation to consumers." "We are disappointed yet remain optimistic that this investigation will be positively resolved," the company said in a statement, as it was cooperating with the investigation. (Rana Taha “Mars' acquisition of Pringles' maker triggers EU alarms,” Deutsche Welle, 26 June 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Hungarian Prime Minister's Visit to NATO
On 25 June, Deutsche Welle reported that Hungary Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán visited NATO and he said “War in the east (Ukraine-Russia conflict) and war in the south (Middle East conflict). Now we truly feel how valuable peace and security are. We will preserve them!” in a video posted on Facebook on 24 June, on his way to The Hague for the NATO Summit. He said that in the modern world, wars thousands of kilometres away impact our lives through energy prices, cost of oil, gas, and electricity, threatening price stability in Hungary. If something were to happen in the Middle East, terrorism would rise in Europe. Hence he established counter-terrorism measures as risks weren’t zero. He held bilateral talks with Party for Freedom (PVV) leader, Geert Wilders where he discussed EU issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the NATO Summit’s State dinner, posting on X that he considered it unfair that Hungary does not support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Orbán responded by saying, “Mr. President, with all due respect, the European Union was created to bring peace and prosperity to its member states. Admitting a country that is at war with Russia into the EU would immediately plunge the Union into a direct conflict. It is unfair to expect any member state to take this risk,” the Prime Minister wrote on X. The important topic of the summit was given by the US President, Donald Trump, to impose a 5 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, and he declared a ceasefire on the Iran-Israel conflict before joining the meeting. (“Viktor Orbán Pledges 5% of GDP on Defence ahead of NATO Summit,” Hungary Today, 25 June 2025)