Photo : CITEPA/LESECHOS
IN BRIEF
By Allen Joe Mathew
ESTONIA
President assures support to Ukraine
On 24 December, President of Estonia, Alar Karis in an interview to an Estonian News Portal spoke of Estonia’s stand on the war between Russia and Ukraine. The President spoke of Estonia’s continuing support for Ukraine, and the significance of this support. The president responded to a question about his statement about Putin’s war, saying he still supports what he spoke, the war being Putin’s and not Russia’s war. He spoke on how Estonia is managing with inflation and power cuts, which are being caused due to energy shortage in Europe. (“President Karis: You can be for peace when the war is over,” news.err.ee, 24 December 2022)
FRANCE
Peak emission levels leave no space for climate goals
On 27 December, LesEchos reported on the Citepa estimate on France’s greenhouse gas emissions levels in 2022. France’s gas distribution service GRDF found that, the number of nuclear reactors which were shut down due to corrosion or repair issues has led France to use more gas to produce electricity. To meet the constant supply of energy, the government has allowed the fire power plants to operate at “full capacity” resulting in massive climate impact. The last nine months there have been no slight variation in the gas emissions and Citepa estimated that only 0.3 per cent of CO2 reduced of 306.8 million tonnes. It recommends to “double the rate of reduction of emissions” for France to achieve the 2050 carbon neutrality target. In terms of sectorial contribution, industrial emission were down by five per cent whereas transport sector showed a increase of four per cent. (Muryel Jacque, “Overconsumption of gas prevents CO2 emissions from being reduced in France,” LesEchos, 27 December 2022)
SPAIN
President announces third relief package to curb inflation
On 27 December, Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez, announced an aid package worth 10 billion euros for easing inflation and the rising cost-of-living. This relief package covers one-time bonus for 4.2 million households, whose annual incomes fall below 27,000 euros. The tax cuts introduced earlier this year for energy bills have been extended till the first half of 2023. The past relief packages have shown some success in controlling inflation as it has come down to 6.7 per cent, which is also the lowest rate of inflation among all the EU countries. The president also announced measures to extend subsidies on train travel for an year. (“Spain announces $10.6 billion package to ease inflation pain,” euronews.com, 27 December 2022)
THE UK
National Health Service use AI tools to bring down stroke casualties
On 27 December, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care released a report on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the healthcare industry. It is assisting patient recovery by an impressive amount of 48 per cent. Before the technology was implemented widely, patient recovery was calculated to be just around 16 per cent. Use of AI in the field has assisted in this massive improvement in recovery rates, said the Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay. The health conditions primarily affected are strokes, which affect 85,000 people in the UK every year. The AI software has bee developed and being run by Accelerated Access Collaboration situated at National Health Service England and the NHS AI Lab. One of the largest companies involved in the development of AI software is the UK based Brainomix which has developed the e-Stroke Technology that can detect the future chances of having a stroke in patients. (“Artificial intelligence revolutionising NHS stroke care,” gov.uk, 27 December 2022)
Police report reveals massive failure of catalytic converter thefts
On 27 December, the UK police released a report on the increasing number of unsolved cases involving the theft of vehicle catalytic converters. Data from the department points out that only one percent of the total cases being reported are getting cracked by the police. The rest of the cases are remaining as backlogs in the records. The thieves are mainly interested in the metal content of the catalytic converters, which they remove and get sold separately. As the inflation and cost-of-living rise in the UK the number of such cases are seeing a rise, read the statement issued by the Home Office. The solution to the menace is being touted as to recruit more police officers, and better implementation of community policing efforts. There was significant reduction of theft cases since 2020, with the implementation of the “National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership” but the cases are on the rise again. (Chas Geiger, “Police are solving only 1% of catalytic converter thefts, data suggests,” BBC, 27 December 2022)
REGIONAL
EU plans ahead on its ‘Fit for 55’ program
On 27 December, EURACTIV reported on the policies for aviation, maritime, and road transport sectors, under EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate law package. The EU presidency Council will be headed by Sweden in January 2023. First, in the aviation sector, EU has allowed for the cheaper long-haul flights to continue operate upon refueling “sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).” Second, travel within the EU would have to pay for 100 percent of their emissions and the ships must use lower-carbon fuels over heavy oil and pay 50 percent of their emissions. The third, road transport said that petrol and diesel cars are to be banned form 2035 onwards and “shift to electric vehicles, consigning the internal combustion engine to automotive history.” (Sean Goulding Carroll, “Finish line nears for ‘Fit for 55’ transport laws,” EURACTIV, 27 December 2022)
CLIMATE
Finland’s carbon sinks under threat
On 26 December, researchers from Finland’s University of Luke, found that the gradual loss of Finland’s forest cover cost close from EUR two to seven billion. Currently the price set for compensation is at EUR 80 per tonne of carbon dioxide, but the researchers estimate it to be only EUR 40 per tonne. Finland’s spokesperson to the European Commission said that the bill could be valued for billions, but such bill will not be passed if there is a lag in Finland’s target in 2025. Although the climate change division has warned Finland for saving the carbon sinks and modify its climate plan for land use, Finland might not be able to fulfill its climate obligations due to non-compliance. (“The collapse of Finland’s carbon sinks is a national emergency, an expert tells YLE,” nord.news, 26 December 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Japan’s Ambassador comments on bilateral ties with Hungary
On 26 December, Japan’s Ambassador to Budapest, Masato Otaka, gave an interview to the Daily News Hungary, in which he spoke of Japan-Hungary relations. He spoke of Hungary being a favourable investment destination for Japan, and trade increasing over the years between the two countries. He spoke of the shared history, and how 2019 was a milestone year for Japan-Hungary ties, which began in 1869 with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Japanese Empire. Responding to a question about the energy crisis affecting Japan, he said that Japan has diversified its energy sources, and had distributed them between Qatar, US and Australia. Oil imports were mainly from the middle east. He also spoke of the rich cultural heritage of Hungary and how it is becoming a major tourist destination for Japanese people. (Alpár Kató, “Japan’s ambassador to Hungary on mutual relations, Bartók-Kodály-Liszt music, North Korea and more – INTERVIEW,” dailynewshungary.com, 26 December 2022)
War in Ukraine: Day 307
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 27 December, Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Naval force division reported on the presence of 10 Russian warships with containing 16 Kalibr cruise missiles in the Black Sea. So far in the Mediterranean Sea, nine Russian warships, five Kalibr category cruise missiles holding 72 missiles are present. It also observed the movement of 17 vessels in the Sea of Azov and 14 in the Black Sea which have moved in and out of the Bosphorus Strait.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 27 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree announcing a special measure in fuel and energy sector. In the Decree: “On the application of special economic measures in the fuel and energy sector in connection with the establishment by some foreign states of the maximum price for Russian oil and oil products.” The announcement comes in response to the price cap imposed by the US, the EU, G7, and Australia on Russian seaborne crude oil. The ban will come be in effect from 01 February to 01 July 2023. Through this Russia will no longer export its oil and oil products to the countries which adopted the price cap.
On 27 December, RT reported on Ukraine’s decision to increase the transit fee of Russian oil that is sent via Druzhba pipeline from 01 January 2023. It predicts the increase of the crude transport to Hungary and Slovakia by EUR 2.10 per tonne, which will be 18.3 per cent increase. Transneft spokesman Igor Demin confirmed on the same, this marks the third time raise in the fee since April. Druzhba which is one of the longest pipelines has the capacity to transit oil to 4000 kilometres from Russia to Eastern European countries has now come under spotlight.
On 27 December, RT reported on the Russian arms manufacturer “Kalashnikov Group” decision to increase its “New line of reconnaissance and combat drones.” This is expected to speed and expand its arms production in 2023 into new Chukavin SVCh sniper rifle (tactical drones), modern unmanned aerial vehicles, PPK-20 submachine gun and SVCh rifles which have high precision capacity to take down targets from 1200 metres.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 27 December, the Germany government approved arms exports amounting to EUR 8.9 billion, the second highest grant so far. Although Germany faces criticism for giving lethal aid to Ukraine, its reversal of military policy is seen as a turning point. The decision has irked the parliamentary defense committee, Chairwoman who criticised Germany for short-sighted vision and stressed for a better strategy to deal the Ukraine war.
On 27 December, the Swedish government announced an additional aid of EUR 19 million for Ukraine. The aid will be sent through the UK’s international support fund initiative to help Ukraine defence up its army capabilities. According to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson: “The freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people is a prerequisite for a safe and secure Europe.”
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 27 December, electricity manufacturer in Ukraine YASNO in reported that Ukraine was receiving stable level of electricity that was sufficient to distribute through temporary network installed. According to the Director, the temporary network is predicted to help maintain the electricity but is the possibility of the equipment behaviour remains uncertain.
References
“Ten Russian warships combat ready in Black Sea,” Ukrinform, 27 December 2022
“Sweden has additionally allocated more than $19 million in military aid to Ukraine,” fakty.com.ua, 27 December 2022
“Decree on the application of special economic measures in the fuel and energy sector in connection with the establishment by some foreign states of the maximum price for Russian oil and oil products,” Kremlin.ru, 27 December 2022
“Ukraine to hike transit fees for Russian oil to EU – Transneft,” RT, 27 December 2022
“Iconic Russian arms maker boosts production,” RT, 27 December 2022
“Ukraine updates: Germany spent €2.24 billion on military aid,” Deutsche Welle, 27 December 2022
“Kyiv receiving stable amounts of electricity – YASNO,” Ukrinform, 27 December 2022