Photo : Reuters
09 October 2021, Saturday
IN FOCUS
By Vaishnavi Iyer
Poland: 'Polexit' a possibility with new Polish law reforms
On 7 October, in an unprecedented judgment, Poland declared that a few aspects of the EU legislation are incompatible with Polish national laws. It referred to the EU treaties and court decisions that contradicted Poland's highest law. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's challenge to the EU legal norms has sparked tensions between Brussels and Poland, leading to fears of a 'Polexit.'
Responses to Polexit rumours
France and Germany criticized Poland for its lack of formal commitment, referring to the reform as a "de facto risk." For the membership to be consistent, both countries' foreign ministries emphasized full and unequivocal respect to "common values and norms." Morawiecki and Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski retaliated by accusing Poland's opposition party of distributing "fake news" to manipulate voters. Acknowledging the transformation in the financial and single market landscape, they reaffirmed that Poland would not exit the EU. A member of the opposition, Donald Tusk, urged citizens to resist the reform. The European Union has cautioned against using full force against Poland.
The first objective, Von der Leyen stated, "is to ensure the rights of Polish citizens are protected and that Polish citizens enjoy the benefits granted by the membership of the European Union". Two of Morawiecki's long-time confidantes expressed anti-EU sentiments by referring to the current scenario as fighting the "Brussels occupier" and combating the Brussels bureaucracy's dictatorship.
Reasons for Polish ruling
First, according to Patryk Wachowiec, the Prime Minister has been discussing protection against EU court judgments for the past six years. This verdict could provide some protection for Morawiecki's judicial changes, which went against EU directives. The following reason remains the rationale for a discussion on 'Polexit'. Morawiecki also appears to prevent Polish judges from criticizing new judicial appointments.
Second, it could be an attempt to use pressure to force a decision on the 57-billion-pound acquisition known as the Polish Deal. Poland is said to have felt betrayed by Brussels and may have passed the sentence in retaliation. Only if the verdict is published does it become binding. However, like past judgments, Poland has not published the decision.
'Polexit' now?
According to opinion polls, more than 80 per cent of citizens prefer to stay in the European Union. Despite the government's assurances, critics continue to promote protests in response to the ruling in order to deter any prospective exit. Poland has recently been at odds with the EU over anti-LGBTQ judgments, border difficulties, and mining activity along the Czech and German borders. Poland's scenario differs from that of the United Kingdom since there appears to be a prospect of an EU push for 'Polexit'. Hungary has previously stopped proceedings against Poland's disciplinary charges; nonetheless, the commission president is keen to use further means. The EU is likely to bring infringement proceedings against the ruling while discussing the Polish Deal. Both Poland and the EU are on the receiving end of a double-edged sword. The EU could keep the recovery fund, further fuelling anti-EU sentiment. If the fund is approved, any member will be able to bargain using similar reforms. For Poland, Brussels offers the option of remaining in the EU while adhering to its principles or leaving. In either case, the government will have to make compromises or would have to change. Thus, a Polexit seems highly unlikely.
References
"'Polexit' talk grows after Warsaw challenges Brussels over EU law," Financial Times, 9 October 2021
Adam Easton, "Poland stokes fears of leaving EU in 'Polexit'," BBC, 9 October 2021
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews
LGBTQIA+
Spain: Gynaecologist diagnoses woman with 'homosexuality'; LGBT groups complain to government
On 4 October, a 19-year-old visited the gynaecologist at a hospital in the city of Murcia. Following her examination, she was diagnosed with a paper that read: "current illness: homosexual." The woman had provided the doctor with details regarding her sexual orientation as he claimed to want to include it in the report. The incident was brought to the attention of Galactyco, a local LGBT collective, by the woman and her mother. Galactyco has since submitted formal complaints to the regional government in Murcia, and to both the health ministry and health service in the region. The collective further sought for an explanation and an apology since the patient's legal rights were violated through the event. (Sam Jones, "Outrage after gay woman diagnosed at Spanish hospital with 'homosexuality'," The Guardian, 7 October 2021)
REGIONAL
Russia: Alexander Novak says 'certification of Nord Stream 2 will help gas prices fall'
On 6 October, during a meeting of government officials and heads of energy companies, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the solution to the soaring gas prices in Europe could be the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The pipeline, which has been completed, is yet to receive approval from the German government to begin gas transit. Novak also suggested an increase in the sales of Gazprom's electronic sales; this proposal was backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin who chaired the meeting. The increase in demand, especially from Asia, has peaked the gas prices when Europe experiences low storage levels. The rate of Dutch wholesale gas (a European benchmark) for November spiked by almost eightfold since the beginning of 2021. ("Nord Stream 2 approval may cool gas prices in Europe, says Russia," The Guardian, 7 October 2021; "Russia says Nord Stream 2 clearance may cool gas prices in Europe," Reuters, 6 October 2021)
CLIMATE
Germany: World's first climate-friendly fuel plant unveiled
On 4 October, German officials unveiled the commercial plant that would produce synthetic kerosene which is considered to be climate-friendly fuel. The aviation sector accounts for 2.5 per cent of the worldwide emissions and the use of these 'e-fuels' would help solve the problem. Since synthetic kerosene releases the same amount of carbon dioxide that was removed from the atmosphere for fuel production, the fuel is considered to be carbon-neutral. The maintenance of fuels helps in not bringing about significant technical changes to the aircraft. At the inaugural ceremony of the plant, the German environment minister Svenja Schulze said: "The era of burning coal, oil, and natural gas is drawing to a close." Synthetic kerosene will be far more expensive than regular jet fuel; however, the rate of the same to be provided to Germany's Lufthansa is yet to be revealed. ("'First-ever commercial plant making clean jet fuel' opens in Germany," By AP for Euronews, 4 October 2021; Natalie Muller and Neil King, "Aviation: Germany opens world's first plant for clean jet fuel," Deutsche Welle, 4 October 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
Eastern Sudan: 'End the ongoing blockades,' says the US, UK and Norway
On 8 October, the Troika countries (the US along with the UK and Norway) released a statement calling for an end to the blockade in eastern Sudan. Led by eastern Sudan's Beja tribes, the blockade includes blocking roads and closing of ports and other transportation infrastructure. This has begun affecting civilian life, and will soon impact the Sudanese economy. The three countries also backed the transitional government in Sudan to reach an understanding and resolve the ongoing political crisis. ("US, UK, Norway urge end to blockades in eastern Sudan," Reuters, 8 October 2021)