Photo : AP Photo
16 May 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #516
IN BRIEF
By Nithyashree RB and Sreeja JS
GERMANY
Foreign Minister calls for UN's role in achieving peace in Yemen
On 16 May, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted the UN's Role in achieving lasting peace in Yemen amidst positive regional developments. Baerbock emphasized that the United Nations must play a crucial role in securing long-term peace in war-torn Yemen. During her visit to Saudi Arabia, Baerbock called for all parties involved in the civil war to engage in negotiations for a ceasefire. Baerbock also met with Yemeni officials and the UN Coordinator for Yemen to discuss the dire humanitarian situation in the country, with approximately 21 million people, including 11 million children, in need of aid. Baerbock later traveled to Qatar to address the situation of foreign migrant workers. (“Germany's Baerbock says UN must broker Yemen peace,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2023)
The UK
UK faces criticism for removing housing protections for asylum seekers
On 16 May, The Guardian reported that the UK has introduced new rules to remove housing protections for asylum seekers, prompting concerns of cramped and unsafe conditions. Proposed changes would exempt landlords from regulations, including safety and room size requirements, raising fears of overcrowding. UK’s home secretary, Suella Braverman, and the housing secretary, Michael Gove, have put forward the plans, which face a parliamentary vote. If approved, landlords in England and Wales would no longer need to register with local authorities, and asylum seekers could be housed for up to two years without a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) license. Critics warn that without houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licenses, already vulnerable individuals may be forced into inadequate living spaces. The move comes as the government seeks to reduce the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels, where unsanitary conditions and disease outbreaks have occurred. (Kiran Stacey, “Asylum seekers in England and Wales to lose basic protections in move to cut hotel use,” The Guardian, 16 May 2023)
Increase in Bank of England's interest rate affects UK labor market
On 16 May, The Guardian reported that hikes in interest rates of Bank of England are influencing businesses' hiring decisions, leading to a decrease in job vacancies. Additionally, the high cost of living is compelling more individuals to reenter the workforce. Recent labor data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a drop of 55,000 vacancies and a decrease of 156,000 inactive workers in the three months leading up to April. His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures also indicate a reduction of 136,000 PAYE employees between March and April, marking the first decline since February 2021. (Phillip Inman, “UK interest rate rises are taking the labor market off the boil,” The Guardian, 16 May 2023)
TURKEY
Turkish presidential runoff emerges as Erdogan faces opposition leader Kılıçdaroğlu
On 16 May, U.S. News published an analysis on Turkey’s elections. It reported that Turkey is set for a presidential runoff election on May 28, as no candidate secured the required majority in the first round. Despite declining popularity, Erdoğan maintains support through his coalition with smaller parties. Factors contributing to his success include prioritizing national security over economic challenges, as well as voter concerns about coalition governments and opposition leadership. Erdoğan's victory would solidify his authoritarian governance and weaken the opposition further. The outcome will also impact local elections in March 2024, potentially expanding AKP's control over major municipalities. (Salih Yasun, “How Erdoğan Defied the Polls in Turkey's Presidential Election,” U.S. News, 16 May 2023)
UKRAINE
Ukrainian air defences repel Russian missile attack
On 16 May, Deutsche Welle reported that Ukrainian air defences successfully thwarted a significant missile assault from Russia overnight, according to officials in Kyiv. The attack, the eighth in May, targeted the Ukrainian capital with a barrage of drones, cruise missiles, and potentially ballistic missiles. Kyiv reported shooting down objects in multiple districts, while Russian defence officials claimed all targets were hit. The Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov announced that six Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and 12 other missiles were shot down during the attacks. (“Ukraine updates: Heavy Russian air raid repelled, Kyiv says,” Deutsche Welle, 16 May 2023)
REGIONAL
Advertising industry faces stricter rules on greenwashing amid climate crisis
On 15 May, The Guardian reported that regulators in London and Brussels are set to impose stricter regulations on companies, scrutinizing terms such as "carbon neutral," "nature positive," and offsetting claims. Advertising agencies are grappling with their involvement in greenwashing scandals and their support for clients contributing to the climate and nature crises. The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK will subject misleading environmental claims to closer examination. Advertisers are now working closely with legal teams to advise clients on climate claims, facing the risk of fines and ad bans. Despite initiatives like Ad Net Zero aiming to reduce the industry's carbon impact, many agencies are establishing in-house sustainability teams. The recent EU parliament vote to ban offset-based carbon neutrality claims adds to the pressure for transparent information. The clampdown on greenwashing offers competitive advantages to companies with genuine environmental commitments while complicating matters for those with overstated claims. The industry also faces friction over agencies working with fossil fuel companies, with some organizations advocating for disassociation. (Ellen Ormesher and Patrick Greenfield, “Greenwashing era is over, say ad agencies, as regulators get tough,” The Guardian, 15 May 2023)
UK and Netherlands agreed to build an ‘international coalition’ to help Ukraine
On 16 May, the government announced that Rishi Sunak and Dutch leader Mark Rutte agreed upon building an ‘international coalition’ to assist Ukraine in procuring F-16 jets and supporting it with everything from training to procurement. The leaders also pledged to continue working together, both bilaterally and through forums, to tackle human trafficking on the continent. The statement comes after Zelenskiy’s comment that Kyiv could soon receive F-16 jets after his unannounced visit to the UK on 15 May. (“UK and Netherlands agree ‘international coalition’ to help Ukraine procure F-16 jets,” The Guardian, 16 May 2023)