Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has arrived in France for her first official visit since taking office last year. The visit comes after tensions between the two countries over migration issues, which led to the cancellation of a previous trip by Meloni. During her visit, Meloni will defend Rome's bid for the 2030 World Expo and discuss bilateral relations with France. The leaders will also discuss European issues and reaffirm their support for Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit.
Italian lawmakers are debating a bill that would criminalize citizens who seek to become parents through surrogacy abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal. While surrogacy is already banned in Italy, the proposed law would make it illegal for citizens to engage a surrogate mother abroad and authorize prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to €1m ($1.15m) for convictions. The legislation, which is being promoted by Italy's far-right government, is seen by opponents as an attack on LGBTQ+ families and "non-traditional" families. Same-sex marriages are also banned in Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for France's support to Ukraine, saying that "if we decided not to do so, we would be living in a world that would not be a world without war but a much more chaotic world, a world where war would come ever closer to our countries." Meloni's comments came during her first official visit to France, where she met with Macron to discuss economic and military support for Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed the issue of migration and their push for solidarity over the number of migrants heading to Europe from Tunisia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces a decision on whether Italy should withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While Italy's membership in the BRI has been largely irrelevant in economic terms, with Chinese investment in the country plummeting in recent years, it carries political significance. Italy must decide by the end of the year, and if it chooses to withdraw, it could inspire other EU countries to do the same. The decision comes as tensions between China and the West intensify, and Italy aims to redefine its relationship with China while protecting its European interests.
European Union member states have reached a compromise agreement on asylum after years of bitter fighting. The new European asylum policy aims to transform the EU into a fortress by making it more difficult for refugees to reach the region. The reform calls for rapid processing of asylum applications at the EU's external borders and quick deportation of those who are not granted asylum. However, there are concerns about the consequences of these border proceedings and the treatment of asylum-seekers in countries like Tunisia. Migration researchers fear that Europe's camps might start feeling more like prisons. Furthermore, negotiations with authoritarian leaders in the EU's immediate neighborhood raise questions about supporting autocrats and the treatment of asylum-seekers in those countries. The compromise agreement also raises concerns about the future of the right to asylum in Europe.
The new EU asylum policy has been met with mixed reactions. While some believe it is a necessary step to control migration flows and protect Europe’s borders, others argue that it compromises the right to asylum and fails to address the underlying issues that drive people to seek refuge in Europe. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on the cooperation of countries like Tunisia and the ability to process asylum applications and provide adequate support to refugees. It remains to be seen whether the compromise agreement will solve the problems of the old asylum system or create new challenges for migrants and asylum-seekers.
Fascist nostalgia is on the rise in Italy, where many Italians are unashamedly embracing fascist ideology, according to an op-ed in Al Jazeera. The article highlights the far-right party Brothers of Italy, whose members have shown support for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and his policies. The party’s leader, Giorgia Meloni, has praised Mussolini as a “good politician” and has advocated for anti-immigration policies. The article argues that fostering a far-right national identity relies on racism and xenophobia, and that Italians are using refugees and migrants as scapegoats for the country’s problems. The government’s efforts to criminalize rescue operations for migrants in the Mediterranean have not deterred irregular migration, but have contributed to the increasing xenophobia in the country. The article also points out the hypocrisy of Italy’s anti-immigrant sentiment, given the country’s own history of invading and occupying African territories. The author concludes that the demonization of the “Other” allows Italy to avoid self-reflection and distracts from the normalization of fascism in the country.
EU accused of whitewashing regime in bid to stem migration
Guardian
23-06-26 16:08
The children of prominent Tunisian judges and politicians have accused the European Union (EU) of betraying its values by providing €1bn in aid to Tunisia despite the obliteration of democracy in the country. The aid is partly dependent on President Kais Saied accepting reforms linked to a $1.9bn International Monetary Fund (IMF) package, a move Saied has sought to defer. Critics argue that offering aid without human rights conditions strengthens Saied's position and weakens the conditions the IMF will demand from him. The EU hopes the funds will stabilise the economy and reduce migration to Italy.
Far-right parties in Europe have been gaining ground in recent elections, signaling a wider shift to the right across the continent. The article highlights the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Germany, as well as the success of conservative and far-right parties in Spain, Hungary, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia. These parties have espoused anti-immigration, anti-Islam, and nationalist rhetoric, reflecting a growing trend of right-wing populism in Europe. The article suggests that this shift to the right could impact future European elections.
Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support as voters rebel against the "Green dictatorship" imposed by the current coalition government. Policies such as the switch from nuclear to renewable energy and from diesel to electric cars have alienated both industrial workers and the middle class. The AfD has won control of Sonneberg, a rural district in the former Communist eastern state of Thuringia, and is expected to become the largest party in all three eastern states holding regional elections next year.
The Italian government and the Italian Football Association (FIGC) have launched a campaign to combat antisemitism in football. The initiative includes the addition of a code of ethics in line with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and a call for referees to suspend matches in which antisemitic acts are observed. One measure is a plan to ban players from wearing the number 88 on their jerseys, as it is associated with neo-Nazi circles. There have been several incidents of racism and antisemitism in Italian football stadiums in recent years, including fans booing Black players and displaying Nazi symbols.
EU looks to partnership to tackle people-smuggling networks
Guardian
23-06-29 18:58
The EU is considering a new partnership with Egypt to address irregular migration and combat criminal people-smuggling networks. The move comes as EU leaders explore plans to tackle the root causes of migration-related deaths and disappearances, including through a €1bn deal with Tunisia. The EU's high representative on foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, recently visited Egypt and pledged €20m to help the country support refugees from Sudan. The details of the potential partnership with Egypt have not been made public, but it is expected to include protections for human rights.
Far-right parties are experiencing a resurgence across Europe, with nationalist and populist movements gaining traction in countries such as France, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Spain. These parties are adopting more centrist positions to attract a wider range of voters, and some have even moved away from their traditional alliances with Russia. The far-right's success can be attributed to a dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and a perception that traditional politicians lack clear answers in key areas such as immigration, security, and the environment. Despite concerns about the destabilization caused by Brexit, the European Union (EU) is currently more popular among Europeans than it has been in years, and far-right parties are now calling for reform rather than leaving the EU. This growing far-right influence has significant implications for European politics and could shape the future of the EU. The article concludes that far-right parties are likely to perform strongly in next year's elections for the European Parliament.
How Europe’s far right is marching steadily into the mainstream
Guardian
23-06-30 08:55
Far-right parties are gaining ground in Western Europe, with many climbing steadily in the polls and shaping the policies of mainstream right-wing parties, according to The Guardian. The far-right party Vox in Spain could soon share power nationally, while Italy's Giorgia Meloni, whose party has neofascist roots, is prime minister. In Sweden, the far-right Sweden Democrats have had direct input into the government's programme for the first time. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany recently won its first district council election and is now polling at 20%.
The rise of the far right has been attributed to fragmented and polarised politics, with the parties becoming kingmakers in coalitions. The parties have also been able to normalise their views by adopting economic discipline, dialling back on Euroscepticism and downplaying past support for Russia. Additionally, they have been able to appeal to voters who may have previously supported left-wing parties by promising order and control in an era of uncertainty and rapid social and digital change.
However, it is noted that the far right’s rise has coincided with the decline of a certain kind of left, leaving many voters with no alternative but to turn to far-right parties for protection and stability. The Guardian suggests that the far right’s surge could be a result of the Brexit campaign, which focused on control, as well as the cost of living crisis resulting from the pandemic recovery and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The UK and Italy are working on a new joint deal to tackle illegal migration across the Mediterranean and return migrants to North Africa. The agreement will include boosting intelligence-sharing on people smugglers, joint operations, and collaboration between the two countries' border forces and national crime agencies. The deal is modelled on the agreement between the UK and France and is aimed at stemming the flow of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe. Italy is also seeking an Albanian-style returns agreement with Tunisia, the main source of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The number of migrants reaching Italy has almost tripled this year, raising concerns of increased crossings of the English Channel. The UK government is also facing a legal challenge over its policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda, which was recently ruled to be "unsafe" by the Court of Appeal.
Cafes dedicated to the late British conservative philosopher Roger Scruton have opened in Budapest, Hungary. The cafes, called "Scrutopia," feature items donated by Scruton's widow, including a saddle and riding crop, reflecting Scruton's love of tradition and his belief that values such as community and courtliness are embodied in the hunt. Scruton's ideas have gained traction in Britain, particularly among the New Right of the Conservative Party, but they have found the strongest following among right-wing politicians in continental Europe, such as Hungary's Viktor Orban.
Public opinion in Germany and across Europe overwhelmingly views Russia as an aggressor in Ukraine and supports the country's right to defend itself, according to The Economist. However, a subculture of Putin sympathisers, known as "Putinversteher", still thrives outside the mainstream. These Putin sympathisers can be found in politics, media, academia and business, and their whisperings contribute to a rumble of complaint about unrelated issues such as inflation, public services, regulations and immigration. The article argues that if Ukraine's fight continues or goes wrong, these Putin sympathisers will be ready to take up the blame game. The article also highlights European governments that are enabling Putin, including Hungary, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Serbia, Slovakia, France, Italy and Germany. The author claims that these governments, through their actions or lack of action, are warming Putin's heart and helping him achieve his goals. However, the article concludes that even these governments are not fully committed to supporting Putin, and their support for Ukraine is beginning to crumble.
UN observers have called for greater access to Europe's largest nuclear plant, amid accusations of possible sabotage at the Russian-controlled facility in Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it had not observed any indications of mines or explosives, but called for additional access to the plant. Meanwhile, a man who detonated explosives in a court house in Kyiv has died, while US President Joe Biden expressed his support for Sweden's stalled NATO membership bid. The UK and Polish foreign and defence secretaries emphasised their agreement on defence and foreign policy ahead of next week's NATO meeting.
Italy and Japan are increasing defence and security ties in a bid to counterbalance China's growing military ambitions. Both countries are acquiring the F-35A and F-35B variants of the jet and can exchange information with each other on its operation. Italy is planning to deploy its aircraft carrier on an Indo-Pacific tour in late 2023 or early 2024 and both countries are working together on the Global Combat Air Program, a three-way project to develop a next-generation combat aircraft.
Four killed in missile strike on Lviv apartment block
Guardian
23-07-06 04:57
At least four people have been killed and nine others injured in missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Lviv. The missile strikes destroyed the top two floors of two sections of an apartment building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that slow weapons deliveries to Ukraine delayed Kyiv's planned counteroffensive, allowing Russia to bolster its defenses in occupied areas with mines. Zelenskiy had hoped to begin the counteroffensive against Russia earlier, but the heavily mined territory has caused delays. The missile strike on Lviv is the latest escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and has since escalated into a full-scale war in eastern Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine has been further complicated by the presence of Russian-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. The international community has called for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Central banks have defeated inflation – they should stop the punishment beatings immediately
Telegraph
23-07-07 10:00
The US Federal Reserve may be in danger of over-tightening monetary policy and risking a recession, according to an op-ed in The Telegraph. The central bank has successfully brought down inflation to near-normal levels while maintaining a low unemployment rate. However, the article argues that the Fed is refusing to acknowledge its success and is instead searching for signs of residual inflation. The op-ed also questions whether central bankers, whose models were incorrect in predicting the inflation spike, can correctly gauge the appropriate response now that inflation is declining. The article also discusses the impact of the US savings rate returning to normal levels, the potential for a capex investment boom, and the state of the labour market. It concludes that the US may be entering a "slow-motion slump" and argues that the bond market indicates the Fed is over-tightening. The op-ed also notes that global economies, including East Asia, Europe, and North America, are all in an industrial slump.
