Photo : REUTERS/Essi Lehto/File Photo
The history of the border with Russia
For the majority of its 1,300 kilometer length, the two countries' forest-covered border zone is currently only delineated by signs and plastic lines. The Gulf of Finland's shores serve as the southernmost point of the land border between Finland and Russia, while Muotkavaara in Lapland serves as the northernmost point of the shared border between Finland, Norway, and Russia. The border was a portion of the Iron Curtain's perimeter during the Cold War. For a large portion of its length, crossing the border was impossible. There were extremely few border crossing points, and only accompanied travel to a few places was allowed by the Soviet government; tourist access to border areas was prohibited.
Why would Finland want to fence the border now?
First, fear of refugee infiltration from Russia. Finland recalls the time when over 1000 migrants arrived at the northern border post between Russia in January 2016. The Russian strategy was swiftly recognized by Finnish officials, who found that more than half of the asylum seekers had been legally residing in Russia for five to ten years and claimed to come from 40 different countries. The pattern of asylum seekers arriving in other parts of Europe at the time was not the same, as they mostly came from Syria, Iraq, or Afghanistan. Finland anticipates a similar move by Russia to retaliate against the country joining NATO.
Second, Aligning with NATO’s defense strategies. As Finland and Sweden go through the ratification process of joining the alliance, as a part of its defense expenditure, is increasing its border security. Along with building concrete walls in specific spots, Finland will also be increasing its border patrol troops to advance the military presence in Europe’s eastern flank. The parliament also amended the Emergency Powers Act to include hostile hybrid attacks to invoke emergency powers as a response. It is to ensure its sovereignty is not breached by Russia or as consequence of Ukraine war.
Third, a political message to Russia. The increase in border security can be perceived as Finland trying to present the border fencing as a deterrence to Russia. The implications of joining NATO is signaled to Russia by Finland ahead of its membership status. Accession of Finland by NATO would further extend its border with Russia and a potential front for direct confrontation.
References
“Tracing Finland's eastern border,” finland.fi, June 2008
“Finnish Parliament approves changes to border guard act,” Helsinki times, 08 July 2022
“NATO anoints new top general amid historic revamp,” POLITICO, 04 July 2022
Boris Johnson resignation: What does it mean for Scotland?
By Sai Pranav
What are the recent developments?
On 28 June, first minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland announced the new date "19 October 2023" to hold referendum. Since the win of Scottish National Party (SNP) in the 2021 elections Nicola Sturgeon has been pushing forward the idea of a second independence referendum in Scotland after the first one failed to gain support. On 06 July, the referendum was rejected by Westminster, followed by former UK prime minister Boris Johnson who also rejected the referendum on 07 July 2022. Johnson stated: "As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, I cannot agree that now is the time to return to a question, which was clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014."
Why is Scotland determined and united for the referendum: Three issues
First, failure of first referendum. The reason for the failure of the first referendum was that many in the UK believed that the key aspects of education fees, finance, defence and the economy would remain unsolved if Scotland split from the UK. According to the UK, Scotland's economy was newly formed and was too weak to cope up with challenges such as cost of living, fuel and energy prices, inflation. Therefore it imposed Section 30 after 2014 referendum, which gave the Scottish parliament the power to legislate for the referendum.
Second, the people's opinion. In a recent Panel base survey, forty-eight per cent of Scotland’s people agreed to its independence. Meanwhile, forty-seven per cent disagreed to the referendum and five per cent were left undecided. On the Brexit, the people of Scotland were against UK's decision. The UK parliament ignored sixty-two per cent of Scotland objection and went ahead with Brexit. Another key reason for people to opt out from UK to implement its independent decision making.
Third, the economic crisis that followed the Brexit. According to the Scotland, the fall of the value of pound, cost of living crisis, and the recession was due to Brexit. The UK had faced one of its worst economic crisis in the COVID pandemic followed by Brexit. Hence to achieve economic stability and to access the EU market, Scotland is demanding for independence from the UK.
How would Boris Johnson's resignation impact the referendum?
The conservative party and Boris Johnson do not support the referendum. According to them, Scotland should focus on problems such as the COVID pandemic, food crisis, climate change, and cost of living crisis, rather than focusing its agenda on the independence referendum. Even if the leadership of the Tories change, their decision and sentiments on the matter might remain the same. Therefore, unless there is a strong move from the Scotland government to push for the referendum to hold the polls, Scotland has narrow chance to get what it aims in the short-term.
References
David Mac Dougall, "London says 'no' to Scotland over new independence vote," euronews, 07 July 2022
Neil Pooran, "Not possible for election to be de facto referendum on Scots independence – Jack," Evening Standard, 07 July 2022
Severin Carrell, "Independence vote may be ‘unlawful’, says Scotland’s lord advocate," the Guardian, 05 July 2022
Mark A Silberstein, "MAPPED: How Scotland voted in first indy ref - Key areas that scuppered SNP's dream," Express, 05 July 2022
"Nicola Sturgeon raises indyref2 plan in call with Boris Johnson," BBC News, 04 July 2022
"Scottish independence: Greens back general election route to indyref2," BBC News, 03 July 2022
"Scottish voters remain split over independence after fresh referendum bid," Reuters, 03 July 2022
"Scottish independence," instituteforgovernment.org
Professor Nicola McEwen, “Scotland, independence, Brexit and the border,” UKandEU.ac 08 February 2022
Alistair Smout, “UK's Labour rules out pact with Scottish independence party at next election,” Reuters, 04 July 2022
References
"Breaking: Zelensky replacing numerous ambassadors, including those in Berlin, Prague," Kyiv post, 09 July 2022
"BREAKING: Death toll after Russian strike on east Ukraine apartment building reaches 15," Kyiv post, 10 July 2022
"President of Ukraine meets with President of French Senate, French senators,"president.gov.ua, 09 July 2022
"Officials on the ground must do more than possible to guarantee people a normal standard of living in wartime conditions – address of President of Ukraine," president.gov.ua, 09 July 2022
"Olena Zelenska describes framework of second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen," president.gov.ua, 08 July 2022
"Army of Drones project: Ukraine Army gets first American 'bird'," Ukrinform, 10 July 2022
"Russian war crimes reminded world of genocide in Srebrenica - European Commission," Ukrinform, 10 July 2022
"Missiles launched from Russia hit Kharkiv within 30 to 40 seconds," Ukrinform, 10 July 2022
"Russians moving military equipment through Mariupol toward Berdiansk," Ukrinform, 10 July 2022
Samantha Lock and Richard Luscombe, “Russia-Ukraine war update: what we know on day 138 of the invasion,” The Guardian, 11 July 2022
Richard Luscombe, “Russia-Ukraine war update: what we know on day 137 of the invasion,” The Guardian, 10 July 2022
“Relentless' Russian Shelling in East Ukraine as U.S. Promises New Aid,” The Moscow Times, 10 July 2022
“Russian defence ministry says its forces hit Ukrainian hangars storing U.S.-made artillery weapons,” Reuters, 10 July 2022
“Russia says its air, rocket, artillery forces hit some 200 Ukrainian targets in past day,” TASS, 10 July 2022
“Russia says its forces killed up to 100 Ukrainian troops in strike at plant in Slavyansk,” TASS, 10 July 2022
“Over 18,000 people crossed the border to enter Russia through checkpoints in the Rostov Region in the past 24 hours,” TASS, 09 July 2022
“Alchevsk shelled by Ukrainian army first time since 2014, says mayor,” TASS, 09 July 2022
“Volodin announced the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the situation in Ukraine,” Lenta.ru, 10 July 2022
Michael Crowley, “Blinken presses his Chinese counterpart about the war,” The New York Times, 09 July, 2022
“Blinken Says 'No Signs' at G20 of Russia Engaging on Ukraine,” The Moscow Times, 10 July 2022
“Nord Stream 1: Canada to return repaired Russian pipeline part to Germany,” Deutsche Welle, 10 July 2022
Andrew Rettman and Nikolaj Nielsen, “EU constructing €8m 'spy-proof' bunker for secret talks,” EUObserver, 08 July 2022
Adam Durbin, “RAF fighter jets deploy to Sweden and Finland training exercises,” BBC, 10 July 2022
Danica Kirka, “Ukrainian soldiers train in UK as war with Russia rages on,” AP News, 10 July 2022
"EU home affairs ministers discuss the effects of the war in Ukraine on the Union’s internal security," valtioneuvosto.fi, 08 July 2022
"Ukraine crisis extends to G20 summit as Russia meets rivals in Indonesia," TRT World, 08 July 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan
ESTONIA
Prime minister Kallas agrees for a coalition government
On 09 July, Estonia's incumbent center-right Reform Party, led by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, tentatively agreed to form a coalition government with two other parties. The left-leaning Center Party was expelled from the two-party coalition on 03 June as a result of disagreements over spending and welfare policies amid rising household costs due to high inflation. The opposition Social Democrats and the conservative Fatherland (or "Isamaa") party have joined the politically liberal Reform Party, which supports conservative budgetary policy. The 101-seat Riigikogu legislature is controlled by the three parties, who can manage 56 seats in all. The agreement, which will be formalized in the coming days, allows Kallas, Estonia's first female prime minister, to avoid leading a minority one-party administration. (Jari Tanner, “Estonian PM reaches coalition deal for majority government,” Associated Press, 09 July 2022)
HUNGARY
US treasury terminates 1979 tax treaty with Hungary
On 08 July, the US Treasury announced it will be dissolving a 1979 tax treaty with Hungary in response to Budapest's decision to obstruct the implementation of a new, 15 per cent global minimum tax by the EU. According to a Treasury spokesperson, Hungary gains solely from the tax agreement since it cut their corporation tax rate from 21 per cent to nine per cent, which is less than half the US rate. However, the foreign minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto reaffirmed the stance of the Hungarian government, claiming that the global minimum tax will destroy Europe's competitiveness and jeopardize jobs in Hungary. After the US Treasury sends a notice to the Hungarian government, the treaty termination is expected to be completed in six months. (“US Treasury to end 1979 treaty with global minimum tax holdout Hungary,” Reuters, 09 July 2022)
ITALY
Migrants relocated as Lampedusa refugee center overcrowds
On 09 July, the Italian navy relocated the first 600 migrants from the Sicilian island of Lampedusa after the facility for identifying refugees got overcrowded with additional arrivals. Statistics from the Interior Ministry show that compared to previous years, daily migrant admissions in Italy have increased steadily in July. 30,000 have arrived so far this year, compared to 22,700 during the same period in 2021 and 7,500 throughout 2020, which indicates a substantial increase in overall migrant arrivals. Lampedusa is often the destination of choice for migrant smugglers operating out of Libya, who charge desperate people hundreds of dollars each to cross the Mediterranean Sea in crowded, perilous dinghies and boats. Lampedusa is closer to North Africa than mainland Italy. (“Italy relocates migrants after Lampedusa center overwhelmed,” Associated Press, 09 July 2022)
THE UK
Metropolitan police operations are influenced by racism and extremism says IRR report
On 10 July, a report by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) stated that the police forces in the UK and across Europe are experiencing a growing “culture of extremism.” The reputation of a police force long suspected of being "institutionally racist" in the UK has been further tarnished by a number of recent events involving the Metropolitan police. They include police sharing pictures of two slain Black sisters over WhatsApp. At a station in the heart of London, it was discovered that another set of officers had made jokes about rape, killing black children, and beating their wives. A relationship between racist beliefs and operational practice is also highlighted in the paper, notably with regard to racial profiling and predictive policing. Concerns were raised in December 2021 over the Metropolitan's Operation Pima, in which 61 per cent of those listed in intelligence reports as London's "..most prolific or dangerous offenders" were black. (Mark Townsend, “Growing 'culture of extremism' among UK and European police forces, report warns,” the Guardian, 10 July 2022)
SLOVENIA
Supreme court declares ban on same-sex marriages as unconstitutional
On 09 July, the supreme court of Slovenia declared that laws prohibiting same-sex couples from getting married and adopting children are unconstitutional and ordered the parliament to change the law within six months. The Constitutional Court found that Slovenia's rules restricting marriage and adoption to people of the opposite sex breached the provision against discrimination in the constitution. The judgement stated that discrimination against same-sex couples "cannot be justified with the traditional understanding of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, nor with special protection of family." Although the court gave legislators six months to update existing laws to comply with the decision, the minister of labor, family, social affairs, and equal opportunities, Luka Mesec, stated that the necessary modifications would be prepared in a week or two. (“Slovenia: Court strikes bans on same-sex marriages, adoption,” Associated Press, 09 July 2022)
REGIONAL
EU and US urged North Macedonia to accept France’s proposal that will solve Bulgaria’s objections
On 10 July, the leaders of the EU and US pleaded with North Macedonia's parliament to approve a French proposal that will advance the country to EU membership and get over Bulgaria's objections. The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a joint statement that: “At this critical moment in European history, marked by the unjustifiable aggression carried out by Russia against Ukraine, advancing Albania and North Macedonia’s EU path is key to strengthening the cohesion and resilience of the entire European continent.” For 17 years, North Macedonia has sought membership in the EU. As an EU member, Bulgaria has vetoed North Macedonia’s admission to the bloc. President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal envisages concessions from both sides. The government in Skopje would commit to changing its constitution to recognize a Bulgarian minority and protect minority rights. (Konstantin Testorides, “EU, US urge North Macedonia to move forward on EU bid,” Associated Press, 09 July 2022)
Royal Navy hosts two-day workshop for NATO on maritime security
On 08 July, the NATO military committee attended the two-day workshop on maritime discussions in the KMS Prince of Wales battleship of the Royal Navy in the UK. The committee was briefed by the UK strategic command on Multi-Domain operation, the future commando force, risks of maritime warfare and the Madrid summit's influence on NATO’s maritime strategy. The chair of NATO military committee Admiral Bauer stated that: “NATO’S maritime thinking has always been based around three pillars – the maritime contribution to collective defense, co-operative security, and crisis management… The decisions from the Summit will enable us to build on existing measures and further strengthen our overall Deterrence and Defence Posture.” (“The NATO Military Committee attend maritime-related discussions in the United Kingdom,” nato.int, 08 July 2022)
Wildfires rise in Portugal, EU triggers firefighting air fleet alert
On 10 July, the EU triggered its firefighting air fleet assistance programme to assist in extinguishing the wildfires in Portugal. The programme will allow the member states to share resources to help the country. Following the alert, Spain had mobilized two firefighting planes to Portugal. The country's civil protection agency reported that more than 3000 firefighters were attempting to extinguish the fires. The EU had also warned that Europe is experiencing one of the hardest years for natural disasters amid the rise in climate crisis. (“Dozens injured in Portugal wildfires as heatwave to intensify, The Guardian, 10 July 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Leak of Uber files expose unethical operations of the firm during 2013-2017
On 10 July, a hoard of confidential files was leaked to the Guardian and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealing the US firm’s mobility service provider Uber’s illegal operations and lobbying politicians for its aggressive expansion. The leaked trove consisted of more than 124,000 documents known as Uber files, covering its unethical operations across the 40 countries it serves between the years 2013 and 2017. One of the documents stated that Uber allotted USD 90 million in 2016 to amend taxi and labor laws by lobbying politicians. The document also claims the firm brought academicians to produce research that supports the benefits of its economic model. The leak also exposed conversations between the co-founder of Uber Kalanich and Emmanuel Macron who was the economy minister at that time. The conversations revealed that Macron extensively helped Uber’s lobbyist and executives by framing laws favorable to the firm. The files also revealed the informal support former vice-president of European Commission Neelie Kroes had with Uber. (Uber Files reporting team,“Uber Files: Massive leak reveals how top politicians secretly helped Uber,” BBC, 10 July 2020 )