CES “In the News” collects interesting and timely news articles from around Europe. You can get an overview from the recaps or click the link to see the full article. Be sure to check back weekly for the next installment.
Week of May 2, 2024
- EU election candidates face a TikTok conundrum as bloc cracks down on app
Candidates in June’s European elections are leveraging TikTok to reach young voters, despite security and misinformation concerns. The platform, with 142 million EU users, is crucial for engaging youth. While some candidates, like Ursula von der Leyen, avoid TikTok due to data security worries and disinformation risks, others, like the Greens and Socialists, embrace it to counter far-right influence. The EU, probing TikTok under the Digital Services Act, pressures the platform to address mental health and misinformation issues. Despite debates over banning TikTok, its use remains pivotal for engaging youth in political discourse ahead of the elections. - European Union marks 20 years cine ‘Big Bang’ enlargement
On May 1, 2004, the EU expanded from 15 to 25 states, adding Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Croatia joined in 2012, while the UK left following the Brexit vote in 2016. For the countries who joined in 2004, EU membership marked a 20% population increase and territory expansion. GDP rose by 9%, though GDP per capita decreased. However, as analyst Michael Emerson highlights, economic and societal gains have been somewhat overshadowed by political challenges, with Poland and Hungary facing Article 7 procedures. European Commission initiated Article 7 for Poland in 2017, and for Hungary in 2018, citing threats to rule of law and EU values. - Archaeologists unearth Greek helmet which may rewrite history of ancient tribal people
Archaeologists in southern Croatia discovered a Greek helmet in burial mounds, unveiling insights into Illyrian culture. Led by Hrvoje Potrebica, the team found the helmet near Zakotorac, dating back to the 5th or 6th century BC. Likely votive gifts rather than burial items, they reflect religious or ceremonial significance. The findings challenge previous views of Illyrian prosperity and cultural practices. Illyrian tribes controlled vital trade routes, fostering affluence. The discovery may reshape historical narratives dominated by Greek or Roman perspectives. The Illyrians’ eventual defeat by the Romans marked a cultural decline, evidenced by abandoned settlements. The findings highlight the region’s rich and complex history. - WhatsApp scam: More than 100 arrested in Spain for ‘son in trouble’ fraud
Over 100 individuals have been arrested in Spain for defrauding WhatsApp users by impersonating distressed relatives, amassing nearly €1 million. The scam involved inducing victims to transfer money, ranging from €800 to €55,000, under false emergencies. Alicante alone reported 238 victims. The arrests spanned Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Madrid, Malaga, and Valencia. This follows the arrest of 59 individuals in January for a similar scam, totaling €460,000. The scheme, also observed in the UK, involves impersonating family members and requesting money via WhatsApp. UK’s Action Fraud received 1,235 reports, totaling £1.5 million in losses, suggesting a global trend. Linkage between Spanish and UK scams remains unclear.
Week of April 25, 2024
- A room of her own: Louvre to give ‘disappointing’ Mona Lisa new digs
The Louvre is considering relocating the Mona Lisa to alleviate overcrowding and enhance the visitor experience. Despite being the world’s most renowned artwork, overcrowding in its current space limits appreciation to just 50 seconds. Placing it in a dedicated room would offer better viewing conditions and honor da Vinci’s intention for intimate engagement. The proposed €500 million project involves basement renovations and a new entrance, with support from the Ministry of Culture but financial scrutiny from the finance minister. The museum sees it as essential to adapt to the painting’s global iconic status, despite budget constraints. - Cancer cases expected to grow by more than 20% in Europe by 2045 – WHO agency
Ahead of World Cancer Day, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reports a 22.5% increase in new cancer cases in Europe by 2045, with a global rise of 55%. Factors include aging populations, tobacco, and air pollution. Mortality could rise to 16.6 million globally by 2045. In Europe, breast cancer prevails, while lung, colorectal, and breast cancers top causes of death. World Health Organization urges more health financing. Disparities persist, with low Human Development Index countries facing higher risks due to late diagnosis. The Union for International Cancer Control calls for political will to address disparities and enhance cancer care globally. - North Macedonia votes in presidential polls as EU membership bid looms
North Macedonia conducts presidential elections ahead of a parliamentary vote, vital for its EU bid. Incumbent President Pendarovski seeks re-election against Siljanovska-Davkova, differing on Bulgaria’s minority recognition condition. Pendarovski and the ruling Social Democrats are willing to amend the constitution but lack parliamentary support. The opposition insists on post-EU admission changes. EU membership talks started in 2022, following NATO accession in 2020 and a name change from Macedonia in 2019. With 1.8 million registered voters, turnout must exceed 40%. If needed, a runoff vote will coincide with the May 8 parliamentary elections. Seven candidates compete, with expectations for EU integration and civic progress. - Europe endured record number of ‘extreme heat stress’ days in 2023 Europe faces increasing bouts of extreme heat stress, with a record number of such days in 2023, per Copernicus and WMO. A July heatwave affected 41% of southern Europe severely. The Universal Thermal Climate Index, considering various factors, recorded extreme heat stress, especially in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Heat-related deaths rose by 30% in 20 years, with Italy experiencing excess mortality. Last March was the warmest globally, with ocean temperatures hitting new highs. Europe warms twice as fast as the global average, leading to longer, more intense heatwaves, posing significant health risks, particularly for the elderly and urban populations.
Week of April 18, 2024
- Russia’s meet grinder soldiers – 50,000 confirmed dead
In a tragic revelation, the BBC confirms Russia’s military death toll in Ukraine surpasses 50,000, with a surge in fatalities during the second year of conflict. Collaborating with Mediazona and volunteers, they meticulously counted casualties, uncovering a devastating toll as Russia pursued its relentless “meat grinder” strategy. The analysis highlights the human cost of changing tactics, with spikes in deaths coinciding with key battles. Prison recruits, vital to Russia’s strategy, face disproportionately high mortality rates, underscoring the brutality of war. Families mourn loved ones, while surviving soldiers grapple with the harsh reality of combat, each mission a perilous journey. - 150 years of Impressionism: How to celebrate the anniversary of the artistic movement in Europe
Europe celebrates the 150th anniversary of Impressionism with exhibitions and events. Paris’ Musée d’Orsay presents ‘Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism,’ featuring 130 works from the original 1874 show. Normandy hosts the Festival Normandie Impressionniste 2024, including contemporary art exhibits and painting classes. Individual artist exhibitions across France honor Maurice Denis, Édouard Vuillard, and Eugène Boudin. Sotheby’s in the UK holds auctions and talks, while the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands showcases Impressionist masterpieces. Exhibitions also occur in Germany and Italy. Impressionism, born in defiance of traditional art norms, revolutionized painting with outdoor scenes, pure colors, and light focus. - Kharkiv at risk of becoming ‘second Aleppo’ without US aid, mayor says
Kharkiv’s mayor warns of a “second Aleppo” fate without US military aid to deter Russian attacks. Continuous bombings target the city’s power supply, causing frequent outages. The $60bn aid package, stalled in Congress, is deemed critical. Ukrainian leaders request Patriot air defense systems amid escalating attacks. Seven die in recent strikes, leaving residents shaken. Despite challenges, some businesses, like Avex clothing factory, innovate with solar panels for self-sufficiency. Residents face tough decisions amid increasing bombings, with hopes for peace contrasting with the grim reality of war. - EU urges Georgia not to pass ‘foreign influence’ law
The European Union has sternly cautioned Georgia against passing a contentious “foreign influence” law, expressing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression and civil society. Despite protests, the Georgian parliament advanced the law, prompting Brussels to issue a warning, emphasizing its inconsistency with EU norms. Georgian President Zourabichvili opposes the law, comparing it to Putin’s measures to silence dissent. The law, labeled the “Russian law,” has sparked debates over Georgia’s EU aspirations and its stance towards Russia. While Georgian Dream defends the law’s transparency aims, critics fear it could muzzle independent voices and limit democratic progress.
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