EM Daily Focus
By Rishma Banerjee

NATO’s Military Committee annual conference 2022: What was discussed?

On 16 September, the NATO Military Committee met in Tallinn, an annual conference organized by Estonia. Leaders discussed on the nuanced security posture of NATO upon Ukraine war and ways to implement the decision taken during the 2022 Madrid Summit. The conference was attended by Chiefs of Defence of all allied nations including Finnish and Swedish Defence Forces. In a statement released by the NATO, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli briefed on the present and future posture in the eastern flank and how NATO aims to establish a 360-degree security alliance. The Chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer said: “Without a doubt: a new era for global security has begun. The entire international rules-based order is under attack. And it is up to the free, democratic nations of the world to protect it. Winter is coming, but our support for Ukraine shall remain unwavering.” According to Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces: “Today's discussions reflected a common understanding that we are moving in the right direction. However, we must remember that time and speed are also important.”
 
What was discussed?
First, Sweden and Finland’s presence shows its growing interoperability with NATO. The Head of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer said that Sweden and Finland can contribute in defence planning once all the member-states ratify their accession, Sweden and Finland were invited to “get acquainted to the procedures.” With Sweden and Finland’s accession progressing, the pressure increases on Russia and boosts confidence of the eastern flank which could benefit from the defence forces, and weaponry from Sweden and Finland.
 
Second, reinforcement of NATO’s ‘deter and defend strategy’. The committee acknowledged the changing global security balance and reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s ‘deter and defend strategy.’ It is to ensure the effectiveness of NATO’s rapid-deployment forces operation and establish a common point amongst the alliance military leaders to view the regional and global challenges. The strategy was observed to be in line with NATO’s 360-degree approach based on an amalgamation of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, across land, air, maritime domains, and space and cyber capabilities. The meeting clarified that the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank was not a new development since the Ukraine War, but an agenda since Russia’s installation of troops near the EU border countries. The meeting reiterated its action taken to deploy “strong and combat-ready troops on the Alliance’s eastern flank” and to establish four new battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, as agreed in the Madrid summit.
 
Third, concern about global security issues and rising geopolitical tension. The meeting discussed how the Ukraine war and other recent developments has put the entire “rule-based order under attack.” Growing China’s military and threat to NATO’s global security posture was highlighted in the discussion. The Chiefs of Defence discussed NATO's ongoing operations, missions and activities, including the NATO Mission Iraq and Kosovo Force, reinforcing NATO’s goal of protecting the one billion allied population under its ambit from international threats.
 
Fourth, NATO’s assured support to Ukraine. Russia’s invasion, which has revitalised the global security, the need to “sustain” and “expand allied assistance to Ukraine,” was important. The discussion focused on how the military assistance to Ukraine can be maintained to capitalize on the recent successful counteroffensive. Leaders in the conference reiterated their support for Ukraine, which would continue for as long as it takes, to prevent Russia from getting the opportunity to alter the current rule-based international order.
 
Fifth, Estonia’s growing stake in NATO. Through the 2022 Military Committee Meeting, host-country Estonia is also aiming to develop a more intensive partnership with NATO, and thus bolster its own security, especially in “digital innovation.” Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that Estonia was making significant investments to increase our ammunition stocks, improve existing capabilities and develop, upgrade infrastructure to host allies and for more troop rotation.
 
References
“The conference of the NATO Military Committee ended in Tallinn,” Estonia Defence Forces, 18 September 2022
“Opening statements of the press conference,” nato.int, 17 September 2022
“Opening remarks,” nato.int, 17 September 2022
“Opening remarks,” nato.int, 16 September 2022

IN BRIEF
By Rishma Banerjee

GERMANY
Leak reported in Germany’s nuclear power plant
On 19 September, one of Europe’s largest energy network operators, E.ON informed Germany’s Federal government that the Isar 2 nuclear power plant has a leak at the site in Bavaria. The leak will not affect civil society or public safety. However, it is one of the plants that the German government plans to keep on standby beyond 2022, due to the impending energy crisis. The Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection Ministry said that they were confident that Isar 2 would be able to contribute to Germany’s power supply after 31 December, if a weeklong maintenance period in October  was successfully conducted. (“German nuclear reactor leak poses no safety threat but complicates plans,” Deutsche Welle, 19 September 2022)

ITALY
Meloni accuses local police of inadequate response to protestors
On 19 September, Georgia Meloni of the Brothers of Italy party accused the country's authorities of allowing protestors to disrupt her party’s campaign efforts and rallies. She criticized the local police under Interior Minister, Luciana Lamorgese’s charge and said that she has asked Lamorgese for an explanation about the same. After a Brothers of Italy rally on 18 September saw the sixth consecutive demonstration from protestors, Meloni said: “I will not allow the election campaign of Brothers of Italy to be ruined because someone does not know how to do their job.” Meloni who is expected to become Italy’s next Prime Minister following the elections on 25 September also mentioned that these protestors had insulted her and her supporters and posing a risk of inciting violence. (“Meloni cries foul as protesters disrupt rallies ahead of Italian election,” POLITICO, 19 September 2022)

SWEDEN
Moderate Party’s Ulf Kristersson to form a new government
On 19 September, the Speaker of Sweden’s parliament, Anders Norlen said that the Moderate Party’s leader, Ulf Kristersson will try to form the next government, after the left-wing secured the majority in the general elections. The coalition of the Moderates, Sweden Democrats, Christian Democrats and Liberals narrowly edged past the centre-left by winning 176 out of 349 seats in the Parliament. Norlen said that a deadline has not been set yet for Kristersson to conduct his deliberations and conclude the mandate he has been given. However, he expects the process to take lesser time than in 2018 when it took 134 days to establish a new government. (Leila Nezirevic, “Swedish parties begin talks on government formation,” Anadolu Agency, 19 September 2022; “Sweden's Moderate Party leader gets nod to try form a new government,” Reuters, 19 September 2022)

THE UK
London sees largest police operation due to Queen’s funeral
On 19 September, Deutsche Welle reported on the extensive police presence in the UK to coordinate Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. The event, dubbed by the police as “Operation London Bridge is Down” is being attended by VIPS, members of royal families across the world, Commonwealth leaders, and several heads of state like US President Joe Biden and is the biggest single police operation in London’s history. The Deputy Assistant Commission of the Metropolitan Police Stuart Cundy said that the event was unprecedented. Helicopters and sharpshooters were dispatched and over 20,000 police officers are on duty to ensure the funeral runs smoothly. Nearly every police horse was also drafted to pay one last respect to the Queen. Cundy also asked the public to be vigilant and report any untoward incident to the police. He assured, “… All response will be proportionate and balanced, and [the police] will only take action when it's absolutely necessary." (“The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: An unprecedented police operation in London,” Deutsche Welle, 19 September 2022)

REGIONAL
Erasmus Program turns 35
On 20 September, the European Commission Vice President, Margaritis Schinas, and Commissioner for Innovation, Mariya Gabriel will meet 35 Erasmus+ participants to commemorate the 35^th anniversary of the Erasmus Program. The program which started in 1987 with 3,000 university students and has undergone various changes over the years to extend to school education, vocational education, higher education, and adult education. In 2014, the name of the program changed from Erasmus to Erasmus+ to indicate the expansion of mobility opportunities. Gabriel said: "Erasmus+ is a true European success story… almost 13 million participants have been able to learn, work, or train abroad. And, they all tell us the same afterwards: that the program is life-changing.” (“Celebrating 35 years of the Erasmus programme,” ec.europa.eu, 19 September 2022)

Feedback EU reports finds EU’s food wastes more than its food imports
On 20 September, The Guardian reported on Feedback EU’s report on the amount of food waste created by the EU. The report said that around 153 million tonnes of food are wasted every year by the bloc. Allegedly, just the amount of wheat wasted in the EU is around half of Ukraine’s total wheat exports. The director of Feedback EU, Frank Mechielsen said: “At a time of high food prices and a cost of living crisis, it’s a scandal that the EU is potentially throwing away more food than it’s importing.” On the same issue, a senior policy officer for the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) said that the member-states had committed to decreasing food waste by half as per the UN SDGs. However, not much has been achieved in this regard. Later in 2022, the EU is expected to propose legally enforceable goals to curb food waste, and as per Feedback EU’s suggestion, aim for a 50 per cent decrease in food waste by 2030. (“EU wastes 153m tonnes of food a year – much more than it imports, says report,” The Guardian, 20 September 2022)

CLIMATE
Global Fossil Fuel registry launched
On 19 September, Carbon Tracker and the Global Energy Monitor announced the launch of the Global Registry of Fossil Fuels. The database, which is a first of its kind, will record data regarding oil and gas reserves and production and emission details from over 50,000 fields across 89 countries. This database will cover 75 per cent of global fossil fuel production and reserves. The Global Energy Monitor said that data would be collected from various sources like governments, state-owned and private companies, media reports, NGOs and other on-the-ground contacts providing first-hand information. The launch of the Registry also coincides with the climate talks at the UN General Assembly in New York and the upcoming COP27 meeting in November 2022. (“World's first fossil fuel registry launches,” Deutsche Welle, 19 September 2022)

War in Ukraine: Day 208
By Padmashree Anandhan

War on the Ground
On 19 September, Ukraine's state energy company Energoatom reported on the Russian attacks on Ukraine second largest nuclear power plant, Pivdennoukrainsk located in the south of Mykolaiv. As per the report the attack hit 300 meters away from the reactors, with no damage to the plant, except the power buildings. The power supply is reported to continue in all three units of the plant. On the same, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Russia for launching attacks near the nuclear plant, risking the world. He said: “The invaders wanted to shoot again, but they forgot what a nuclear power plant is,” and warned of a nuclear catastrophe.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 19 September, on the global criticism over Russia on the war crimes in the Kharkiv region, Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, responded stating that it was similar to Bucha incident, “a lie,” and said that the ongoing war will reveal the true story. Zelenskyy had said that to prove the claim, certain assessment was being done to corner Russia on its war crimes.
 
On 19 September, RT reported on people residing in Donbas call on holding referendum to join Russia. The Russian spokesperson said that the residents in the DPR region had been demanding for a decision over holding a vote. On the same Head of the so-called military-civilian administration said on the residents: “…want guarantees that we will become a part of the Russian Federation.”

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe 
On 19 September, the European Commission reported on Germany, Slovakia, and Bulgaria receiving a support of EUR 111.5 million under the REACT-EU of European Social Fund (ESF). The fund is aimed to held the labour market, healthcare services and to attain sustainable socio-economic recovery in the face of war.
 
On 19 September, the German Defence Ministry issues a statement on the supply of four more Howitzers to Ukraine of Panzerhaubitzer 2000's cadre. In a statement it said: “With that, the number of the systems delivered in collaboration with the Netherlands rises to 22, of which 14 are from Germany.” On the same, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte assured to collaborate with Germany to provide military support to Ukraine and promised for future initiatives. Earlier Germany had promised to give “two MARS II multiple rocket launcher systems and 50 more armored military personnel carriers known as Dingos,” which are expected to be delivered soon to Ukraine.
 
The UK intelligence in its daily update found that Russia had lost close to four combat jets in past 10 days, totalling to 55 since invasion. It said that Russia’s setback in air defence has been the exploitative benefit for Ukraine to advance. The reason for the setback was also due to the Russian air force’s poor “situational awareness.”
 
On 19 September, in response to the nuclear attack in the southern Mykolaiv, Poland began to issue iodine pills to the firefighters and people as remedial measures in case of a nuclear accident. In a statement: “This is a standard procedure provided by law, which is applied in the event of a possible (nuclear) radiation emergency.”
 
The Baltic countries brought the temporary ban on crossing border to enter the EU for Russian people into practice. Only exception will be for those who hold permanent residency cards in either Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland will be allowed. Apart from that, anyone with Schengen visas trying to enter for tourism, business, or cultural needs will be banned from entering.

The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war

On 19 September, the UNGA77 started in New York, EU delegation High Representative, Joseph Borell met the UN Secretary General António Guterres. The key discussion is expected to be on transforming education, consequence over Ukraine war, measures to prevent food crisis and economic challenges.
 
In a report in BBC, covered the state of Sri Lankans under Russian forces. During the capture of Izyum city by Russia, Sri Lankan people who were under captive reported on being sent as forced labour, kept as prisoner and tortured. The group who were in Ukraine for education or work purposes disclosed on the poor conditions and the treatment of the Russians. According to one of the survivors: “They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months.”

References
“Russia-Ukraine updates: Russia strikes land near nuclear power plant,” Deutsche Welle, 19 September 2022
Sofia Bettiza, “Sri Lankans freed from Russian brutality in Ukraine,” BBC, 20 September 2022
“Daily News 19 / 09 / 2022,” European Commission, 19 September 2022
“Second Donbass republic wants vote on uniting with Russia,” RT, 19 September 2022
“Kiev’s war crime claim is 'a lie' – Moscow,” RT, 19 September 2022