Photo : Borneobulletin
IN BRIEF
By Sai Pranav and Allen Joe Mathew
DENMARK
The government’s loan scheme on energy bills used by fewer people than expected
On 20 December, the Local dk reported that the previous government’s energy bill loan scheme was used by fewer people than initially expected. The loan scheme’s purpose was to relieve businesses and households by delaying energy bill payments. Anything excess of 2021’s last quarter energy price was given the option to be frozen and can be paid later. The delayed payment only includes the additional cost and not the entire energy bill. The government had allocated DKK 45 billion for the loan scheme out of which only DKK 85 million was used by households and businesses. Private households are the majority to have used the energy loan scheme out of the limited users. The majority of the business rejected the scheme due to the fear of incurring debt. The businesses complained that the interest rate was high at 4.4 per cent and the annual fees incurred if the loan is used by businesses. (“Danish homes and businesses reluctant to use government’s energy loan scheme,” the Local dk, 20 December 2022)
FINLAND
Government accepts the amendments to the Abortion Act
On 20 December 2022, the Finnish President approved an amendment to the country’s existing Abortion Act. The new amendment in line with the Oma tahto 2020 citizens’ recommendations got approved after the report submitted by the Social Affairs and Health committee. The amendments are considered to be a landmark decision by the Finnish authorities that will help women more in their right to self-determination. The act mandates that for terminating a pregnancy before the end of twelve weeks only the assent of the woman is required. Earlier it was not so, yet for pregnancies after the twelfth week such a provision has only been given for special cases when the woman’s life is in danger and complications arise. The act also provides for counselling and psychological support services. The amendments are to come into force on 01 September 2023, as other associated decrees are left to be amended which will ensure that the act is implemented properly. (Amendments to the Abortion Act approved, valtioneuvosto.fi, 20 December 2022)
THE UK
Government offers GBP 30 million for low carbon heating in three cities
On 20 December, the UK government will fund GBP 30 million to benefit households and businesses in three communities for delivering low carbon heat and help them phase-out fossil fuel usage. The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) worth GBP 288 million was first secured by projects in Hull and Petersborough in March. The GHNF looks to offer centralized heating source to buildings that aims to cut carbon emissions and lower the usage of expensive fossil fuels. The low carbon heat delivery system will use heat pumps, solar and geothermal energy. The GHNF will boost the usage of low carbon technologies. Hull and Petersborough will receive GBP 27 million to support the low carbon heat delivery system and Wigan city in the UK will also recieve GBP 2.6 million from the fund. The GHNF will help the UK achieve its carbon reduction commitment. (“First Green Heat Network Fund awards for cutting-edge low carbon energy projects,” gov.uk, 20 December 2022)
REGIONAL
Rishi Sunak promises to increase the UK’s military presence in Estonia
On 20 December, the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the UK would increase its military capabilities in Estonia during his visit to the Baltic state. The UK had promised to send a battalion to Estonia to create a division headquarters at the NATO Madrid summit in June, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite the UK withdrawing its troops from Estonia earlier in December, Sunak had pledged for more troops to help the Estonian armed forces against threats. He said: “we're keeping other resources at readiness so that they can be deployed here at a moment's notice and we're going to increase the amount of exercises we do here in Estonia. You will see that next year when helicopters arrive.” Sunak promised that the UK will be commited to Estonia and its security by creating its divisional headquarters in Estonia. (“Sunak in Estonia: UK is delivering on NATO Madrid summit commitments,” news.err.ee, 12 December 2022)
Former EU Politician Eva Kaili admits guilty
On 20 December, Eva Kaili who is currently in jail admitted to the accusations against her by Belgian authorities. The authorities were investigating corruption, and cases of money laundering within the European Parliament, as it was felt that the lawmakers were being influenced by foreign powers. Kaili’s husband Francesco Giorgi have both been placed behind bars for the time being as it emerged that Giorgi was part of a plan to funnel bribes from Qatar and Morocco to influence parliamentary decisions of the EU. The corruption scandal was being headed by a former Italian MEP named Pier Antonio Panzeri. Eva Kaili finally accepted that she directed her father to hide bags full of cash and gifts that she received from Qatar as part of their lobbying efforts. (Reports: EU corruption scandal politician partly confesses, Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2022)
Amazon announces policy changes after EU pressure
On 20 December, Amazon announced its decision to concede to demands and change its policies which will now comply with the EU laws. The areas where the tussle was going on were the gathering and storage of sellers’ activities, visibility of products and the relating to delivery options especially in Amazon Prime. On 19 December, the European Commission for anti-competitive practices issued a statement through Margrethe Vestager, the competition commissioner that Amazon won’t use third party sellers data for its own benefit, and secondly, Amazon will not restrict other sellers’ from being visible on its premium platform “Amazon Prime.” These are not short-term changes as these are to be in force for seven years from now. (Amazon settles EU antitrust row, Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2022)
Sweden's refusal of Bulent Kenes’ extradition criticized by Turkey
On 20 December, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Sweden’s refusal to asylum seeker Bulent Kenes extradition was a negative development on Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership. He said: “We no longer want to hear good words from Sweden and Finland, we want to see concrete steps.” Kenes was a journalist who worked as an editor-in-chief in the English-language Today’s Zaman, which was said to have links with terrorist organizations. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned Kenes belonging to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and asked Sweden to return him to Turkey. However, Sweden’s Supreme Court rejected Kenes’ extradition stating that his alleged crime was not criminalized in Sweden. Sweden’s Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said that the final decision on Kenes’ extradition will be made by the Council of Ministers, following Supreme Court’s ruling. Cavusoglu criticized Sweden for not following the Tripatriate agreement it signed with Turkey and Finland for their NATO membership approval. (“Turkey criticized Sweden for the decision not to extradite the journalist, also mentioned Finland,” hs.fi, 20 December 2022; “Sweden blocking extradition of FETÖ fugitive is 'very negative': FM,” Daily Sabah, 20 December 2022; Faruk Zorlu, “Türkiye expects ‘not kind words but concrete steps’ from Sweden, Finland to address its concerns,” Andalou Agency, 20 December 2022)
ENERGY
Italy receives EUR one billion for clean energy transition
On 20 December, the EU allocated EUR one billion to Italy under the Just Transition Fund (HTF) following its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) coming into fruition. The fund will help Italy diversify its economy, create employment in the green energy sector. The fund will also help Italy to have a clean energy transition and a circular economy. The inclusion of women in the labour force will also be enhanced by the fund. Construction and development of renewable energy infrastructures and phasing out of fossil fuel is included in the fund. The JTF will ensure that Italy transit towards a climate neutral economy across every demography of its society. (“EU Cohesion Policy: €1 billion for a just climate transition in Italy,” ec.europa.eu, 20 December 2022)
MARITIME
The UK and the EU agree on GBP 280 million worth fishing opportunities in 2023
On 20 December reached a deal with the EU for fishing opportunities of 140,000 tonnes worth GBP 280 million in 2023. Both parties agreed to have catch level for 69 fish stocks including North Sea Nephrops, Anglerfish and Western hake. The agreement also includes protection of the fishing stocks and the marine environment. The EU and the UK will work together to provide sustainable fisheries management in the North Sea. The UK had also signed an agreement with Norway and North East Atlantic coastal States for fishing opportunities. According to the agreement, the EU’s fleet will get more than 74 stocks and over 350,000 tonnes worth EUR one billion in the Northeast Atlantic The total value of the fishing opportunities acquired by the UK fishing industry for 2023 is GBP 750 million. (“Increased fishing opportunities worth £750 million agreed for 2023,” gov.uk, 20 December 2022; “Sustainable fisheries: EU and UK agree on fishing opportunities for 2023,” ec.europa.eu, 20 December 2022)
Decline of fish stock leads suspension of fishing agreement between Greenland and Russia
On 20 December, Greenland’s government shelved its fishing arrangements with Russia for 2023 due to depleting stocks of several species. Greenland had the access to fish Russian cod in the Barents Sea and Russia was allowed to fish halibut in Greeland’s maritime zone, since 1992 agreement. The war in Ukraine was not mentioned by the Denmark’s Fishery Ministry of Greenland. However, Prime Minister Mute Egede said that Greenland will follow EU sanctions against Russia in October. (“Greenland suspends fishing agreement with Russia,” the Local dk, 20 December 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
UK revokes duties on Indian stainless-steel products
On 20 December, the Department for International Trade of the UK had imposed duties on stainless steel products from India. These were believed to be under-priced due to subsidies in the home country, and thus were seen to be posing a danger to the UK's own steel industry. On 01 April 2021, the Trade Remedies Authority, an independent body to investigate unfair trade practices, started to probe into the usefulness of the countervailing measures. The report they produced said that there has not been any major effect and revoking the measures will not affect the domestic industry in a negative manner. The reasons for this were mainly that the UK’s manufactures were aimed at export and the country needed imports which are cheaper for its own use. This finally led to the decision to remove the measures. (UK proposes measures on stainless steel from India be removed, Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2022)
IALA approved to become Official International Association
On 20 December, President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto approved the Act for the national implementation of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to officially become an international organization. The Convention had already been signed by Finland last year on 08 June 2021, but the approval took place only on 19 December. IALA operates in the safety sector of transport and helps in smooth functioning of ships with respect to navigation. For Finland, they see this as an opportunity to be a part of the committee that prepares the guidelines, giving them an influential position. Finland’s position is represented through the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, which has been part of the earlier IALA since its founding in 1957. The convention still requires nineteen more countries to adopt and sign as the minimum threshold for the convention to be accepted is thirty countries. (Finland approves the establishment of International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, valtioneuvosto.fi, 20 December 2022)
War in Ukraine: Day 300
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 20 December, the Kyiv Regional Military Administration reported on 80 per cent power outage in Bucha, Vyshgorod, Obukhiv districts which hold close to 30 communities. This has led to increased repair works and restoration of power supply lines.
On 20 December, Ukraine and Space Exploration Technologies Corp of Elon Musk signed a deal to receive 10,000 Starlink antennas to counter air attacks of Russia. According to Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, the device that provide internet services will be installed at “points of invincibility locations,” to ensure the supply of power, heating and internet. The move is seen as a measure against the Russian attacks on targeted infrastructure.
On 20 December, Ukraine Armed Forces Commander reported on aircrafts and interceptors loaded with Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles were observed to be training in Belarus’s air space. In response, Ukraine has been increasing its force in the area close to Belarus.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 20 December, RT reported on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s address to the security services. In the address, he appreciated the efforts of the Russia’s security services in dealing the domestic and external threats. Putin said: “Fighting terrorism remains one of the key priorities for all security services… Crowded places, strategic facilities, as well as transport and energy infrastructure must be under special control.” He stressed on the counter intelligence agencies to put an end to foreign special services and spot spies and traitors.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 20 December, The Guardian reported on Putin’s comments on the security situation in the eastern Ukraine. As per the report, Russia’s annexation order to occupy Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson made 15 per cent of Ukraine. This is observed to have changed with increasing logistic challenges, thereby turning around Russia’s annexation goal.
On 20 December, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace reported on Russia’s plan to send “advanced military components” to Iran in exchange of the drones. He said: “In return for having supplied more than 300 kamikaze drones…undermining both Middle East and international security.” On the same, Germany has accused Iran for delivering arms to Russia and for helping in prolonging the conflict.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 20 December, China announced the start of the naval drills from 21 December for China and Russia to boost the cooperation. The drills will be held in the coast of Zhejiang province till 27 December by the Eastern theatre command.
On 20 December, the IMF granted a four-month programme called as “Program Monitoring with Board involvement (PMB) for Ukraine. This is aimed to give it judicious policies and accelerate “external financing.” In a statement IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath said: “Large and predictable external financial support will be critical for the success of the authorities’ strategy, and frontloaded disbursements would help address strains in early 2023.”
References
“Some 80% of Kyiv region without electricity, Ukrenergo applies emergency blackouts,” Ukrinform, 20 December 2022
“Russian aircraft training in air space of Belarus to clarify targets in Ukraine – Commander of Joint Forces,” Ukrinform, 20 December 2022
Volodymyr Verbyany and Daryna Krasnolutska ,“Ukraine to Get Thousands More Starlink Antennas, Minister Says,” Bloomberg, 20 December 2022
“Putin sets priorities for security services,” RT, 20 December 2022
“Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 301 of the invasion,” The Guardian, 20 December 2022
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy visits front-line city of Bakhmut,” Deutsche Welle, 20 December 2022