Photo : Canva/Euronews
IN BRIEF
By Femi Francis
GERMANY
Olaf Scholz proposes to accelerate wind turbine production
On 05 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the plans to accelerate the construction of wind turbines in Germany. Environmentalists had criticized the German government for falling behind in the emission target goal of two per cent by 2030 as part of their climate goal. This is further added by the “Onshore Wind energy act” where every state would set aside land to present plans to the government. The states can also decide the spacing between the wind turbines and ensure to keep 1.4 per cent of land for the wind projects by 2027. (Rebecca Staudenmaier, “Germany's Scholz pledges rapid onshore wind power expansion,” Deutsche Welle, 05 February 2023)
SWITZERLAND
FBS new clause to ensure cash circulation
On 06 February, Euronews reported the Free Switzerland Movement (FBS) claims that cash is playing a shrinking role in economies and that electronic payments are the futures default for transactions. Therefore, a clause is proposed by the FBS that the government would have to have a sufficient quantity of banknotes in circulation. FBS has collected over 111,000 signatories which approves the proposal to go through a popular vote by the Swiss citizen. The FBS president Richard Koller said: “Getting rid of cash not only touches on issues of transparency, simplicity or security... but also carries a huge danger of totalitarian surveillance.” (“Cashless society? Not in Switzerland where people will vote on keeping banknotes and coins forever,” Euronews, 06 February 2023)
REGIONAL
EU drafted a regulatory framework for AI
On 06 February, the Euronews reported that EU officials have proposed rules for the regulation of Artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. The launch of ChatGPT has allowed users to enter prompts and generate material. The rise of ChatGPT has raised concerns over the misuse of the app therefore EU drafted an AI regulatory framework under which they are divided by the level of risks ranging from unacceptable risks, high risk, limited risks and minimal or no risks. EU commissioner Thierry Breton said: “People would need to be informed that they are dealing with a chatbot and not with a human being, transparency is also important with regard to the risk of bias and false information” (Luke Hurst “ChatGPT in the spotlight as the EU steps up calls for tougher regulation. Is its new AI Act enough?,” Euronews, 06 February 2023)
EU to give EUR 100 million to meet North Macedonia's financial needs
On 07 February, the EU is proposing to provide EUR 100 million as part of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) fund for North Macedonia. Due to the war, Macedonia’s external balance has been affected as it was highly dependent on imports for fuel and electricity from Russia. This aggravated its large external debt repayment; therefore, the assistance fund is set to aid its "fiscal sustainability and structural reforms." This would also be backed by a 24-month support programme by International Monetary Fund (IMF) for EUR 530 million. (“EU-North Macedonia: Commission proposes up to €100 million in assistance for North Macedonia,” European Commission, 06 February 2023)
EU to block educational grants to Fidesz party trust universities
On 06 February, Politico reported that the EU would block educational grants for Erasmus, exchange students and the Horizon Europe Research Scheme of 21 Universities that are managed by Fidesz related public trust. The trust being vital for Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, criticised the move. According to the EU, the Fidesz party aims to control and nurture ideas aiding to create an ecosystem for Orbán’s political ecosystem. His vision to change the education system can be seen in the wave of universities that have been privatized and the creation of public trust for the top universities. Orbán stated this action as the EU taking “Revenge” on students and threatened to take this case to the Court of Justice of the EU quoting Article 13 of EU fundamental rights “...the arts and scientific research shall be free of constraint. Academic freedom shall be respected.” (William Nattrass “Brussels hits Orbán where it really hurts — education,” Politico, 06 February 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU and India form Trade and Technology Council
On 07 February, EU and India set up Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to strengthen their strategic partnership. This was followed by the two nation heads meeting on 25 April 2022. The TTC aims to ensure security, prosperity and sustainably when it comes to development. There would be three working groups as part of TTC – Strategic technologies, digital governance and digital connectivity; Green and clean energy technologies; Trade, investment and resilient value chains. Every year ministerial meetings would be held for TTC and the first one to be held is in 2023 spring. (“EU-India: new Trade and Technology Council to lead on digital transformation, green technologies and trade,” European Commission, 06 February 2023)