INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Hungary's Prime Minister Stresses Anti-Migrant Stance, Faces EU Backlash

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reiterated his strong anti-immigrant views, claiming migration threatens the European Union's cohesion, while advocating for countries like Hungary to opt out of the EU's common migration policy.

• Hungary plans to offer asylum seekers free one-way transport to Brussels, a response to the EU’s demands for compliance with asylum rules. This proposal follows the European Court of Justice fining Hungary €200 million for violating EU asylum laws.

• Hungary’s government, facing EU criticism and frozen funds, intends to challenge the fines and demands compensation for border security expenses, while also missing the first deadline to pay the imposed fine.

Read more:

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/09/06/we-never-let-them-in-hungarys-pm-viktor-orban-demands-new-laws-tackling-migration

Romania and Bulgaria Make Partial Entry into Schengen Zone 

• Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, allowing free air and sea travel, while land border checks remain due to opposition from Austria over illegal migration concerns.

• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the development as a "historic moment," with Romanian and Bulgarian leaders hoping for full accession by the end of 2024, benefiting travel and boosting economic growth.

• Both countries have met Schengen criteria, but unanimous support from EU members is required for full integration, with additional security measures introduced to combat illegal migration.

Read more:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/romania-and-bulgaria-are-the-newest-entrants-to-europes-schengen-travel-zone/amp_articleshow/108936357.cms

Uzbekistan to Process Afghan Crude Amid Energy Challenges

• Uzbekistan's oil refiner Saneg has reached a deal to process Afghan crude at its Fergana refinery, with initial shipments already dispatched from Afghanistan's Hairatan terminal. The processed crude, with high sulphur content, will mainly produce diesel for the Uzbek market.

• Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is working to boost crude oil production to address chronic fuel shortages, despite lacking adequate processing capabilities. The country has long relied on fuel imports from Turkmenistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

• The deal marks the first time Afghan crude will be processed outside the country, potentially opening the door for exports of refined products back to Afghanistan to alleviate its ongoing energy crisis.

Read more:

https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/oil/090924-uzbekistan-starts-processing-afghan-crude-as-taliban-attempt-oil-revival

Kazakhstan Faces Decision on Kashagan Oilfield Maintenance

• A decision on whether to delay maintenance at Kazakhstan’s Kashagan oil field, operated by the NCOC consortium and its partners including CNPC, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies, is expected on September 10, 2024. The planned shutdown is currently set for October, with a 28-day maintenance period.

• Kazakhstan is considering postponing the maintenance due to its recent overproduction of oil, which requires compensation under its OPEC+ obligations, though no final decision has been made.

• The Kazakh Energy Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the OPEC+ agreement and has updated its compensation plan to address the overproduction from January to June 2024, ensuring compliance with its obligations.

Read more:

https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/10092024/maintenance-delay-requested-on-kazakhstan-giant-oil-field/amp/

Road Safety Concerns Rise Across Europe in 2024

• Portugal saw a 3.8% increase in road crashes during the first five months of 2024, totaling 14,045 incidents. While road deaths dropped slightly to 179, serious injuries spiked to 954, with collisions being the most frequent type of crash.

• Norway, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria reported worrying road fatality trends. Norway had 67 road deaths in 2024 so far, the Czech Republic experienced 89 deaths over the summer, and Bulgaria recorded 294 fatalities by the end of August, despite a drop compared to 2023.

• Denmark raised concerns about driver behaviour in work zones, with 377 crashes in road work areas in 2023, emphasising the need for adherence to speed limits even when personnel are not present.

Read more:

https://www.worldhighways.com/wh11/news/road-safety-concern-portugal-norway-czech-republic-bulgaria

Alcomet Launches €70 Million Plant Expansion in Shumen

• Bulgarian aluminium producer Alcomet has begun a €70 million plant expansion in Shumen to produce new aluminium alloys for electric car batteries and expand offerings for the automotive and solar sectors, creating 160 new jobs.

• The expansion is part of a three-year investment plan, including upgrades to its roller unit, a second foundry, new presses, and a high-tech coil casting line to improve processing efficiency and product quality.

• Alcomet shares last traded at 6.50 levs on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange on September 5, 2024.

Read more:

https://seenews.com/news/bulgarias-alcomet-launches-70-mln-euro-plant-expansion-1263250

News bits collected and drafted by: 

Deepanjali Singh (BA IR 3rd year) (Region Head)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly updates

Portugal Election: Corruption Scandals and Economic Hardship Fuel Rise of Populist Right

• Portugal faces a pivotal election amidst corruption scandals and economic struggles.

• Traditional parties, Socialist and Social Democratic, tainted by graft allegations, face waning trust.

• Public discontent fueled by low wages, high living costs, housing crisis, and healthcare shortcomings.

• Populist party Chega gains momentum, capitalising on public frustration with promises of change.

• With Chega potentially becoming the third-largest party, political landscape veers right.

• Mainstream leaders promise reform, while Chega's leader, Andre Ventura, courts controversy with nationalist stances.

Read Ahead At: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/socialist-party-ap-portugal-western-europe-lisbon-b2510110.html

Erdogan's Bid to Reclaim Istanbul in Crucial Elections Hangs on a Knife-Edge

• Millions of Turks are voting to determine the leadership of major cities, particularly Istanbul, where President Erdogan seeks to regain control from the opposition.

• Istanbul, a key economic and social hub, was won by the opposition in 2019, marking a significant blow to Erdogan's electoral dominance.

• The outcome in Istanbul is viewed as a pivotal test for both Erdogan's ruling AK Party and the opposition's ability to challenge him in future presidential elections.

• Ekrem Imamoglu, the current mayor of Istanbul and Erdogan's main rival, stands as a significant contender in the election, with the potential to shape national politics.

• Control over Istanbul holds immense political and economic significance, influencing Turkey's national dynamics and global standing.

• Despite Erdogan's personal efforts to win back Istanbul, the race remains fiercely contested, with uncertainties surrounding potential successors and party unity.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68663417

Ireland to Intervene in South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel Over Gaza Conflict

• Ireland announces intention to intervene in South Africa's genocide case against Israel regarding the Gaza conflict, signalling deep concern.

• Foreign Minister Micheal Martin emphasises Hamas's actions as blatant violations of international humanitarian law, including hostage-taking and targeting civilians.

• Martin highlights dire conditions in Gaza, with half the population facing imminent famine, urging the international community to act.

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) previously ordered Israel to refrain from acts that could constitute genocide after South Africa's accusation.

• Israel rejects the genocide allegation, asserting it has taken measures to prevent civilian casualties, while Ireland's intervention seeks to present its interpretation of the Genocide Convention.
  
  Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/ireland-to-intervene-in-south-africa-genocide-case-against-israel-at-icj

Tiny Greek Island of Gavdos Grapples with Surge in Migrant Arrivals

• Gavdos, one of Greece's smallest islands with a population of fewer than 70 people, faces a sudden influx of migrants arriving by overcrowded boats from Libya.

• The island's limited infrastructure is strained as it struggles to accommodate the arrivals, with only basic amenities like a school, bakery, and a few mini-markets.

• Gavdos, located at Europe's southernmost tip, has seen a surge in arrivals, with over 800 migrants landing on its coast in just a few months, mainly young men exhausted from the perilous sea journey.

• Concerns mount over the emergence of a new smuggling route in the Mediterranean as the number of arrivals spikes, prompting the EU to seal a deal with Egypt to stem migration flows.

• Despite the recent lull in arrivals following the EU-Egypt deal, coordination and support from Greek authorities and the EU are deemed crucial to manage the situation effectively.

Read Ahead At: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/27/how-people-smugglers-set-sights-on-tiny-greek-island-gavdos

Germany, EU Launch Work on 'New Marshall Plan' for Ukraine

• Germany and EU leaders met with experts to discuss rebuilding Ukraine, similar to the Marshall Plan that helped Europe after WWII.

• The cost of rebuilding Ukraine is estimated at 350 billion euros so far.

• Ukraine needs immediate help to repair infrastructure damaged by Russia.

• Leaders are looking into using seized Russian assets to fund the rebuilding effort.

Read Ahead At: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-germany-berlin-western-europe-business-50fa5ca7ee97eab5bfde1869d78f19ad

IS Carries Out Deadly Attacks Across Europe

• The Islamic State (IS) jihadist group carried out the deadliest attacks in Moscow (137 dead) and Paris (130 dead).

• IS also claimed responsibility for attacks in Brussels (35 dead), Manchester (22 dead), and Catalonia (16 dead). 

• France was hit particularly hard with attacks in Paris, Nice (truck attack, 86 dead), and Brussels (coordinated with Paris attack).

• The attackers included both local radicals and those with ties to international IS networks.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/deadliest-is-attacks-in-europe/articleshow/108767214.cms

Western Leaders Denounce Putin's "Illegal" Election Victory, While Allies Offer Congratulations

•  Western leaders, including those from the EU, UK, France, and Germany, condemn Putin's election victory as "illegal" and lacking in democratic credibility.

• Ukrainian President Zelensky dismisses the election as illegitimate, accusing Putin of seeking to maintain power at any cost.

• Allies such as China, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba congratulate Putin, emphasising support and trust from their respective leaders.

• Critics highlight the exclusion of opposition candidates, repression of civil society, and control of media as evidence of Putin's authoritarian rule.

• Norway condemns the organisation of voting in occupied parts of Ukraine as a violation of international law.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/western-leaders-dismiss-putins-illegal-poll-victory/articleshow/108592526.cms

Germany and Poland Refuse to Send Troops to Ukraine as Macron Faces Criticism Over Ground Troop Suggestion

• Germany, Poland, and NATO confirm they won't send troops to Ukraine despite escalating conflict with Russia.

• Kremlin warns of inevitable conflict if NATO sends combat troops to Ukraine.

• French President Macron faced criticism for suggesting the possibility of ground troops, clarifies discussions focused on de-mining and military training operations.

• European countries express support for Ukraine through bilateral agreements, aid initiatives, and procurement of weapons.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/germany-and-poland-say-theyre-not-sending-troops-to-ukraine-as-the-kremlin-warns-of-a-wider-war/articleshow/108056250.cms

Albania Positions Itself as India's Gateway to Western Balkans, Eyes Stronger Economic Ties

• Albania, aiming to become India's entry point to the Western Balkans region, emphasises its growing economy and cultural attractions.

• Foreign Minister Igli Hasani highlights Albania's strategic location and its potential as a link between India and the European Union.

• The country boasts a significant rise in tourism, attracting 50,000 Indian visitors in 2023, and offers opportunities for Indian investors in various sectors such as IT, agriculture, and manufacturing.

• Plans for deeper bilateral ties include the opening of diplomatic missions in Tirana and New Delhi, with both countries recognizing linguistic and cultural connections.

Read Ahead At: 

https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/albania-ready-to-be-indias-gateway-to-western-balkans-foreign-minister-igli-hasani/articleshow/107959791.cms

News bits collected and drafted by:

Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 2nd year) (Region Head)

Uttam Roy (BA IR 2nd year)

Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 2nd year)

INR | EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

 The worst drought recorded hits Spain’s Catalonia, sparking fears and ingenuity

• Like fountains across Barcelona, it lies dry and a little sad with signs reading: “Fountain turned off due to drought”.

• The free musical show at the water feature, which had run for nearly 100 years, is another casualty of what Catalan authorities in northern Spain have described as the “worst drought ever”.

• After three years without sustained rainfall, emergency measures were brought at the weekend, which include a ban on refilling swimming pools in hotels or campsites or topping them up unless recycled water is used.

Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/6/worst-drought-recorded-hits-spains-catalonia-sparking-fears-and-ingenuity

Portugal's centre right leading in poll, far right may end up kingmaker

• Portugal's opposition Democratic Alliance is set to win the most votes at a snap election on March 10 but fall short of a parliamentary majority, a poll showed on Tuesday, an outcome which could see it relying on support from the far right.

• The survey by CESOP/Catholic University for RTP broadcaster and newspaper Publico put support for the centre-right Alliance at 32%, ahead of the governing centre-left Socialist Party at 28%, in contrast with several other recent opinion polls.

• Chega leader Andre Ventura told Reuters last month his party would demand to be part of a right-wing coalition government in exchange for parliamentary support.

• However, the head of the main opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) that leads the three-party Democratic Alliance, Luis Montenegro, has rejected any type of agreement with Chega.

Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portugals-centre-right-leading-poll-far-right-may-end-up-kingmaker-2024-02-06/

EU recommends ambitious 2040 climate target, goes light on farming

• The European Commission recommended on Tuesday that the EU slashes net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, a target that will test political appetite to continue the region's ambitious fight against climate change ahead of EU elections.

• While the overall target was within the range recommended by the EU's official climate science advisers, the EU executive weakened part of the recommendation concerning agriculture, in response to weeks of protests by farmers angry about EU green rules, among other complaints.

• The Commission said the EU should set an economy-wide 2040 target for 90% net greenhouse gas cuts compared with 1990 levels, confirming drafts of the recommendation previously reported by Reuters.

Europe within reach of landmark AI rules after nod from EU countries

• Europe on Friday moved a step closer to adopting rules governing the use of artificial intelligence and AI models such as Microsoft-backed ChatGPT after EU countries endorsed a political deal reached in December.

• The rules, proposed by the European Commission three years ago, aim to set a global standard for a technology used in a vast swathe of industries from the banking and retail to car and airline sectors.

• They also set parameters for the use of AI for military, crime and security purposes.

Link: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/europe-within-reach-of-landmark-ai-rules-after-nod-from-eu-countries/article67807014.ece

Ukrainian Special Forces Interrogate Wagner Mercenaries in Sudan 

• Kyiv Post sources in Ukraine’s special services provided an exclusive video that shows elements of Ukrainian special forces interrogating captured Wagner mercenaries in the Republic of Sudan.

• In one part of the video special forces operators from the combat group Timur, part of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR), are seen examining military vehicles, one truck shows signs of intense weapon strikes through the windshield and the body of a soldier, sporting the Wagner PMC badge, in the passenger seat.

• Later footage shows a Ukrainian operator interrogating a Russian-speaking prisoner. He confesses to being part of a group of Wagner PMC mercenaries that were sent to Sudan to overthrow the local government, in the video.

Link: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/27637

News bits proofread by:

Afifa Iqbal (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Aditi Mishra (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)