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UK, brits and Europe

Europe di

With alert arising across Europe, the United Kingdom is getting back to the debate about the European Union membership. The country seems to be perfectly divided. Recent polls show that more than half of voting people are supporting “Brexit” –UK exit from the EU-, while only 47% support the membership. Similarly, the political class is sharply divided: on one hand, the UK Independent Party (UKIP) is against the Union, while the Prime Minister is trying to negotiating better conditions for the country. Moreover, a referendum has been scheduled at the end of 2017, giving Brits the chance to express their position.

The UK has always had a particular position in Europe, close to the events ongoing in the mainland but far enough to be protected from them. From a political perspective, the UK belongs to the EU, though she doesn’t embrace all the aspects. Pound beat euro, while Schengen didn’t manage to cross the Channel. More than this. Despite the strong economic posture, London has failed in playing a leading role in the continent, as Germany or France have already tried (and managed) to do. However, the National Security Strategy highlights UK willing to play a distinctive role in the region and globally.

So, here is the question: what does Brits really want? 4 requests from Cameron. First, a multi-currency Union, in order to better protect the interests of those countries who are not in the Eurozone. Secondly, removing useless rules and limits that curb growth and competitiveness of the European market. Thirdly, strengthening sovereignty (for all national parliaments), allowing countries the right not to accept some reforms or policies (opt-out option). Finally, more control on immigration and benefits to foreigners only after 4 years in the country.

Understandable requests? We should analyse three core aspects that summarise what Europe represents for the UK.

  • The UK enjoys the benefits of a single market, based on free movement of goods, services and capital. This facilitates the export of British products at competitive prices, something that would be compromised, should the UK decide to exit the Union. In this fashion, the country would no longer be bounded by European legislation; however, some countries might find more convenient to do business with the “EU brothers”.
  • Despite defects and internal weaknesses, the EU represents-or at least should- “Europe’s voice”. Belonging to the EU ensures its members a platform where each country can express its point of view and protect national interests, while giving a voice to those in common. Leaving the EU could turn Great Britain in an outsider, thus losing contact with European reality but also the opportunity to take the leadership in the continent.
  • On one hand, a common defence policy that should guarantee more efficacy compared to members’ single actions. But there’s another side of the coin: though she didn’t agree to Schengen agreements, freedom of movement forces the UK to apply easier control mechanism for people travelling from EU countries (e.g. no visa needed). Since the end of the Balkan Wars, the abolition of internal borders has facilitated arms transport. Today, history repeats itself, but this time with free movement of terrorist cells, holding European passports and free to travel across countries bypassing any kind of controls. After Paris attacks, several EU members have been doubting this system.

So, what will the UK choose? There might be a shift towards isolationism, to find safety and economic stability outside the European bloc. Would it be enough to ensure the British Islands a safer future? Some doubts about it. Tensions and perils are already grounded in British society, EU or not. And undertaking a political, economic and social battle alone might be less simple than it sounds. On the other hand, we might see a different UK, which, stronger from the privileges obtained, will support a more strengthened Union and take the lead of a continent that seems to have lost orientation and compactness. Again, doubts. It looks more like Cameron is trying to stay with one foot in and one outside. “Yes, but…”, nothing new at Downing Street.

However, is it fair in an institution of 28 members to satisfy the interests of a single one as a key condition to remain in the Union? If London can benefits particular conditions, then Budapest, Madrid of Prague should have the same right. And where is the logic of a Union if each member participates only to the extent to which it most benefits?

 

Paola Fratantoni

Daesh: from Paris to Maiduguri

Europe/Middle East - Africa di

Paris attacks, on November 13, pointed out again that the terror threat reached a historical high within European borders. Beyond Syria and Iraq, where Daesh is headquartered, Africa is the favorite ISIS’s target. As proved by the last 15 days.
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More than 83 attacks all over the world from June 2014 to date, as reported by Le Monde. More than 1,600 victims. Raqqa (Syria) and Maiduguri (Nigeria) the most affected cities. Since March 2015, when the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram joined the Caliphate, terrorist actions in Africa have dramatically increased. As well as the several organizations that, from Mali to Egitto, hit in the name of ISIS.

After 129 killed in Paris, others were added from November to today:

Mali: More than 20 people were killed after a raid against Radisson Hotel last November 20. Thanks to military action by French and US special forces, 150 hostages were freed. After the arrest of two suspects, the local terrorist cells attacked on UN base at Kidal, killing 3 people.

Egypt: Two terrorist attacks. The first one, on November 24, was a double suicide attack which killed 4 people on a hotel in North Sinai. The second one, on November 28, when terrorists opened fire on checkpoint in Giza, killing 4 policemen.

Nigeria: Before a truck station, then a Shiite procession. These two places, near the capital Maiduguri, were the two targets of Boko Haram troops. Over 35 and 32 killed.

Camerun: Four different kamikaze actions of four girls killed at least 5 people in Fotokol on 21 November.

Tunisia: 13 killed following a suicide bomb attack against a bus carrying members of Tunisia’s presidential guard on 24 November in Tunis. As well as actions in the Bardo Museum and on Sousse beach last June, Daesh claimed responsibility.
Giacomo Pratali

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France at war: G20 and EU openness

Defence/Europe/Middle East - Africa di

G20 in Turkey and the Eu Defense Ministers went along with a possible international cooperation in Syria. Although military, about deployment of ground troops, and political, the future of Assad, differences still divide the United States, Russia and European countries, military cooperation has already begun.

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Indeed, France continues to bomb Isis Raqqa strongholds. But, Syrian laic rebels reported that “jihadists ARE hiding among civilians”. And, just the possible civilians involvment is dividing European public opinion. So, while the state of war, declared by French President Hollande, finds consents concerning internal safety measures, the same can not be said on the outside ones.

Again in Syria, the United States and Russia are providing logistical help to France. Pphone conversation between Obama and Hollande has already established a cooperation plan, for which intelligence and special forces are involved. While Moscow has assured that “Moskva” missile cruiser will cooperate with French Navy.

Returning to the G20 in Antalya, the first meeting between Obama and Putin and the European leaders openings, as Merkel and Cameron, to a necessary military collaboration with the Kremlin against Isis, brought about a partial reconciliation among West and Russia. Moreover, there is Russian leader’s charget some G20 countries, as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, to have privately funded Daesh.

There was also a turning point at European level, because the EU Council said unanimously yes to military help to France against ISIS, as required by the Hollande. The High Representative Mogherini announced that, for the first time, it’ll apply the mutual-defense clause, invoking article 42,7 of Lisbon Treaty. The EU countries must provide military aid to France to combat terrorism.

At last, Italian Prime Minister Renzi gave a partially opening to military operation in Libya because “you do not necessarily win with weapons”, he said. Until two weeks ago, the military intervention in Libya seemed the priority. The attacks in Paris, however, overturned international agenda. European leaders are inclining towards interventionism. The risk is that a military response caused by two event, the Russian plane crash and the terrorist action in France, do not contain a plan for post-conflict reconstruction, as happened in Libya in 2011.
Giacomo Pratali

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Libya: “Short-term outcome is impossible”

Europe/Middle East - Africa di

Italian cemetery profanation in Tripoli and supposed Libyan territorial waters violation from Italian ships. This November, diplomatic relations between Italy and Libya have risked to break off. For these issues, European Affairs interviewed Dr. Giovanna Ortu, President of Association of Italians Repatriated from Libya, expelled by Gaddafi, along with other 20 thousand compatriots, in 1970.

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Dr. Ortu, after Italian cemetery profanation, what was the position taken by the Italian Government? Did you receive support?

“I went to the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Mario Giro, with whom I had already scheduled an appointment before it happened this episode: he was very helpful, but also worried about Libyan context. Meanwhile, there was also UN mediator Bernardino Leon failure. The situation between different factions has become too complicated. In my opinion, this long-time duality between Tripoli and Tobruk increased the infighting: if the agreement was reached before, Gaddafi followers could not reorganize themselves and Islamic State could not take root “.

 

It is not the first time that the Italian cemetery in Libya was victim of similar actions. The last one was in January 2014. From your viewpoint, are these event advanced by anti-Italian reasons? Otherwise, by political factors?

“In my opinion, they are not advanced by anti-Italian reasons. The criminal acts happened up to 2000, which then led us to restore it in 2004, can be connected to petty crime. Even the incident in January 2014, or other latest ones, are of the same standard. However, I can not judge if the last one is politically motivated. Surely, our association feared for a long time that these desecrations could politically exploit. ”
In your opinion, is recent diplomatic incident between Italy and Libya an international strategy to exclude Rome from the leading role of a possible military action under the aegis of the UN?

“At the moment, there is a big difference between Libyan population feeling and those who speculate on the internal divisions to undermine relations between two countries. I think that agreement signed by Berlusconi and Gaddafi in 2008, in favor of Italy, caused a reaction of other European partners. Indeed, this country has several oil reserves and needed infrastructure works. That treaty had taken a slice too big to other European states. However, I would never have believed that Western countries to embark on a war, as happened in 2011, without having an institutional level, and the postwar economic “.
You know Libyan social context very well: is still possible to create a national unity government? Islamic State is always more rooted: can this organization really reflect Libyan religious context?

“I am very negative about a short-term positive outcome. Even more optimistic analysis made by geopolitical experts was failed. The Libya that I know is of many years ago. However, I’ve had opportunities to go to Tripoli three times. There I met young people were full of feeling but unschooled. However, I found women who worked in institution and with uncovered face. I think that it’s very difficult back to normal after a 40 years dictatorship. So, this weak population has been victim of Daesh propaganda. ”
Giacomo Pratali

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France bombs IS. G-20: US-Russia deal?

Europe/Middle East - Africa di

France drops bombs on Raqqa after Paris attacks. During the G20, Obama and Putin talk about a common strategy in Syria.

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France have reacted to act of war of the Islamic State, as defined by French President Francoise Hollande. Not only within national borders. French aviation have intensified, durinf the night of November 15, the bombings on strategic locations in Syria. Ministry of Defence said that 12 aircrafts have been employed to attack Raqqa, the capital of Islamic State, and targeted a command center and a training camp.

So, Paris attacks led to an immediate reaction from the Elysee. And, above all, the government is not scared by the fact that just recent raids in Syria have caused bloody reaction on November 13. This military action is in cooperation with the US, already operating in Syria and Iraq, which have provided logistical and intelligence supports.

During the G20 in Turkey yesterday, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin agreed on the need for “a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition”, as reported by the White House. Even if the Cremlin “don’t think that West had a unique point of view” and “differences on tactics still remain,” this meeting has been positive to partially reconnect two United States and Russia on Daesh front.7

Despite Ukrainian crisis and NATO expansion, Paris attacks could bring the Us and Russia to military cooperate in Syria, in order to find a”peaceful conflict resolution,” G20 statement reported. Isis strategy could bring to adverse effect, uniting West and Russia against Caliphate.

The strategy of terror of the Islamic State could have an adverse effect and reassemble the West and Russia in the name of fighting Caliphate.
Giacomo Pratali

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Paris, Isis: claim and reasons

Europe di

“Celebrating the deaths of innocent people, what a vile world we live in.” “Oh God, burn Paris as you burned the Muslims in Mali, Africa, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.” “As 9/11”. It’s explicit Isis claim responsibility for Paris attacks. But, according to French and International authorities, it’s already to prove it.

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In the long night of terror that shook Paris and all over Europe, to which have followed the statements of hopelessness and solidarity from majority of the world leaders, there is the downside.

The French aviation bombings to Daesh strategic locations in Syria, the actions in Mali and Central African Republic, where, however, the news of the arrival of the Pope in the coming months has caused high alert, have originated the Caliphate reaction.

Hashtag as #Parigibrucia (later removed), photomontages that exalted Paris attacks and the announcement that “the next attack will happen in London, Washington and Paris.”, has been broadcast on the web.

Indeed, terrorist actions have taken by surprise the French intelligence. But, for several months after the events of Charlie Hebdo in January 2015, many French websites have been hacked, with the recurring writing #Franceunderhacks.

Teenagers involvement in the actions of November 13 means that “foreign fighters” are still an effective weapon for propaganda Daesh. A weapon that threatens the security of all European countries.

Although multicultural since several decades, France, as well as other European partners, clash with the difficulty to reintegrate or fight that slice of society, composed by immigrants or second-generation citizens, marginalized because of two reasons: the economic crisis and the fear towards those who are not really integrated into the European social fabric.
Giacomo Pratali

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Romania: citizens against Government

EUROPA/Europe/Politics/Report @en di

Corruption is the plague and there is not much time left for citizens to allow it anymore. Romania’s president nominated former EU Commissioner Dacian Ciolos as the nation’s new prime minister Tuesday, after protests over a nightclub fire that killed at least 48 people brought down the government.

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“Victor Ponta is giving up his mandate. Someone needs to assume responsibility for what has happened. This a serious matter and we promise a quick resolution of the situation,” party head Liviu Dragnea told journalists in parliament, Reuters reported. “You probably noticed thousands of people last evening and what they demanded,” he added.

President Klaus Iohannis said Romania needs “a clean person, a person not involved in scandals, a person of integrity.”

Protests broke out late on Nov. 3 in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, and demonstrators demanded Cabinet resignations over allegations of corrupt permitting that led to a nightclub fire and 32 deaths, Reuters reported.
The demonstrators specifically demanded the resignation of Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta, Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea and the mayor of the district where the nightclub is located.

Stratfor sources indicate that as many as 20,000 people gathered in Bucharest, and youth and student organizations called for more participants on social media. Similar demonstrations have broken out simultaneously in Brasov and Ploiesti. The government passed legislation on Nov. 3 that would grant the power to emergency authorities to immediately close venues that do not have permits or defy safety regulations. The three nightclub owners have declined to comment.

On Wednesday evening, thousands massed in Bucharest’s University Square and in at least three other cities, calling for early elections and better governance.

Donors queued at blood centres and volunteers took food and drinks to Bucharest hospitals for medical staff and victims’ families.

The protesters also criticized the powerful Romanian Orthodox Church, accusing it of failing to address an outpouring of national grief.
“We want hospitals, not cathedrals!” they chanted.

The ensuing political fallout has alread, claimed Ponta who is awaiting trial on charges of corruption made in June.
District mayor Cristian Popescu Piedone said he would build a monument outside Colectiv. He said that “as far as the local authority was concerned, the club had all the necessary paperwork”.

On the other hand, romanian citizens claim that bribes were paid to mantain the clubs open, while not even a fire estinguisher was found in the inside. That is clearly the point.

 

Sabiena Stefanaj

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NATO: Eastern Europe talks up

Defence/Europe di

Many more months before the next NATO summit in Warsaw on July 2016, Poland and Baltic States want a heavy militarization to border with Russia. Their Defence policies, together with far-right organizations popularity, could undercut the weak international balance between West and Russia.

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According to rumors reported by The Wall Street Journal and recalled by international press, discussion about new NATO Defence measures is stressful. Poland and Baltic states would want a heavy militarization to border with Russia. Indeed, to make his way, a 800-1000 soldiers battalion in all these four countries could become real.

In addition, sources close to the US government talk about a possible deployment, in rotation in these four countries, of 150 troops. A hypothesis that would also require, however, use of troops from other Member States.

The shift of dispute between NATO / United States and Russia from Ukraine to Syria has not reduced Eastern Europe and Scandinavia states anxiety. Moreover, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s notice, about imminent creation of two new bases in Hungary and Slovakia, has not toned down some the clash: “Russia has long warned of the undesirability of the danger,” said Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But it’s the renewed prominence of some NATO member countries in geopolitical context to stands out, despite other European chancelleries doubts, as Germany, which don’t want to treat Moscow like a permanent enemy and outside continental background.

From its viewpoint, Poland announced to allocate 30 billion euro for military update, as well as the cooperation with Sweden and the creation, by the end of 2015, of a “counter intelligence of excellence “, a training center to enhance counterintelligence skills.

Nonetheless, it was not only Putin behaviour in Ukraine to rekindle the antagonism between Moscow and its European neighbors. Indeed, Russia’s growing presence in the Arctic incited Norway to increase to 20 billion euro defense expenditure: “Our neighbor to the east has increased its military capacity, even in areas close to us. It’s been shown to be willing to use military force to achieve political ambitions, ” Norwegian Navy rumored.

The iron hand of Poland, Hungary and other Eastern European countries in hot issues such as immigration and relations with Russia, together with far-right organizations popularity, are again bringing Europe to a cold war hysteria, to which even a possible political solution to the war in Ukraine could not draw to close.

Central and Eastern Europe invasions, submissions and independence effects, during modern and contemporary ages, come to light in 2015. The Russian enemy and the desire of independence from Brussels, as demonstrated by the last Polish election, could undercut the weak international balance between West and Russia.
Giacomo Pratali

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Migrants, Balkan Route: yes to the deal

BreakingNews @en/Europe di

More support to refugees through shelter, food, health, water and sanitation. Daily exchange of information between countries and Brussels. More reception capacity in Greece and in other Balkan countries. Borders management and stabilization thanks to Frontex reinforcement between Bulgaria and Turkey and 400 police officers to Slovenia. These are the topics of the deal approved by the head of 11 EU States and 3 non-Eu within European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker during summit about the Western Balkan Migration Route in Bruxelles on October 25.

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In the first phase of summit, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Bulgaria were initially opposed to EU directives, especially Orban who wants to go on closing its borders. However, before the meeting, Juncker said: “Countries affected should not only talk about each other and at each other, but also with each other. Neighbours should work together not against each other. Refugees need to be treated in a humane manner along the length of the Western Balkans route to avoid a humanitarian tragedy in Europe. I am therefore pleased that today we were able to jointly agree on a 17-point plan of pragmatic and operational measures to ensure people are not left to fend for themselves in the rain and cold “.

And so leaders representing Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia agreed to improve cooperation and step up consultation between the countries along the route and decided on pragmatic operational measures that can be implemented as of tomorrow to tackle the refugee crisis in the region.

Poland turn to right after Eurosceptic victory, as borders closing to refugees on the part of Hungary and several Eastern Europe, combined to over 650,000 people, especially from Syria, arrived by sea during this year, demand a strong answer from EU Member states.

These are all the deal:

Permanent exchange of information
1. Nominating contact points within 24 hours to allow daily exchanges and coordination to achieve the gradual, controlled and orderly movement of persons along the Western Balkans route;
2. Submitting joint needs assessments for EU support within 24 hours;
Limiting Secondary Movements
3. Discouraging the movement of refugees or migrants to the border of another country of the region without informing neighbouring countries;

Supporting refugees and providing shelter and rest
4. Increasing the capacity to provide temporary shelter, food, health, water and sanitation to all in need; triggering the EU Civil Protection Mechanism where necessary;
5. Greece to increase reception capacity to 30,000 places by the end of the year, and to support UNHCR to provide rent subsidies and host family programmes for at least 20,000 more – a pre-condition to make the emergency relocation scheme work; Financial support for Greece and UNHCR is expected;
6. Working with the UNHCR who will support the increase of reception capacities by 50,000 places along the Western Balkans route.
7. Working with International Financial Institutions such as the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Development Bank of the Council of Europe which are ready to support financially efforts of the countries willing to make use of these resources;

Managing the migration flows together
8. Ensuring a full capacity to register arrivals, with maximum use of biometric data;
9. Exchanging information on the size of flows and, where requested, on all arriving refugees and migrants on a country’s territory;
10. Working with EU Agencies to swiftly put in place this exchange of information;
11. Stepping up national and coordinated efforts to return migrants not in need of international protection, working with Frontex;
12. Working with the European Commission and Frontex to step up practical cooperation on readmission with third countries and intensifying cooperation in particular with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan; Commission to work to implement existing readmission agreements fully and start work on new readmission agreements with relevant countries;

Border Management
13. Increase efforts to manage borders, including by:
o    Finalising and implementing the EU-Turkey Action Plan;
o    Making full use of the potential of the EU-Turkey readmission agreement and the visa liberalisation roadmap;
o    Upscaling the Poseidon Sea Joint Operation in Greece;
o    Reinforcing Frontex support at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey
o    Strengthening border cooperation between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, with increased UNHCR engagement;
o    Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania will strengthen the management of the external land border, with Frontex to support registration in Greece;
o    Working together with Frontex to monitor border crossings and support registration and fingerprinting at the Croatian-Serbian border crossing points;
o    Deploying in Slovenia 400 police officers and essential equipment within a week, through bilateral support;
o    Strengthening the Frontex Western Balkans Risk Analysis Network with intensified reporting from all participants;
o    Making use, where appropriate of the Rapid Border Intervention Team (RABIT) mechanism, which should be duly equipped;
14. Reconfirming the principle of refusing entry to third country nationals who do not confirm a wish to apply for international protection (in line with international and EU refugee law and subject to prior non-refoulement and proportionality checks);

Tackling smuggling and trafficking
15. Stepping up actions against migrant smuggling and trafficking of human beings with support of Europol, Frontex and Interpol;
Information on the rights and obligations of refugees and migrants
16. Making use of all available communication tools to inform refugees and migrants about existing rules, as well as about their rights and obligations, notably on the consequences of a refusal to be registered, fingerprinted and of a refusal to seek protection where they are;
Monitoring
17. Monitoring the implementation of these commitments on a weekly basis; Commission to coordinate with national contact points.
Giacomo Pratali

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Lebanon, ITALBATT led by “Nizza Cavalry”

BreakingNews @en/Europe di

Transfer of authority for ITALBATT in Lebanon. The handover between the Italian task force engaged in activities to support the local population and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), in compliance with the Resolution 1701 of the United Nations, has occurred today in the military base of Al Mansouri.

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The Commander of the Regiment “Nizza Cavalry”, Colonel Massimiliano Quarto, takes over the Commander of the Regiment “Genova Cavalry”, Colonel Giovanni Biondi. Since last April 21 2015, the transferor task force carried on many activities, including: 8.000 patrols to ensure the safety of the country, 400 operations conducted in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), to assist them in achieving the full operational capability in the south area of Litani River.

 

Through the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), they also realized many projects in support of civilians in the 22 municipalities included in the ITALBATT intervention zone. All this, accordino to the framework assigned to the contingents by the UN: monitoring the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and supporting local, joining interforce training exercises, aimed at comparing and standardizing procedures in the context of military operations in Lebanon, as well as the consolidation of a necessary cohesion between the armed forces of the 39 countries that currently represent the multicultural environment of UNIFIL mission.

 

The next session of activities, concentrated in the border area between Israel and Lebanon, the so-called “blue line”, and in the coastal area south of Tyre, is now entrusted to staff Taurinense Alpine Brigade Regiment “Nizza Cavalry”, strenghtened by the “Alpini L’Aquila” Battalion.

 
Viviana Passalacqua

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