Maia Sandu's Surprising Presidential Election

EUR PE Diplomatic magazine

ISLAND OF DREAMS China’s lust for Taiwan in a continuing East- West power struggle

IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ON THE BRINK The ongoing European dilemma

THE GOLDEN FISH 2020

SURFACES IN MOLDOVA December Maia Sandu’s surprising presidential election win E

3 BRUSSELS - PARIS - GENEVA - MONACO

EUROPEDIPLOMATIC IN THIS ISSUE

n Aprés moi, la Déliquescence?

Where is Emmanuel Macron heading (and what follows after)? ...... p.5

n European Space Agency Swiss start-up ClearSpace to launch 5 the first active debris removal mission ...... p.12

n Th e Golden Fish surfaces in Moldova

Maia Sandu’s surprising election win ...... p.16

n Island of Dreams 16 China’s lust for Taiwan in a continuing East-West power struggle ...... p.23

n Iran nuclear deal on the brink

The ongoing European dilemma ...... p. 30

n Ne ws in brief ...... p. 36 30

n Int o the unknown, alone

Labour migration and the children left on their own ...... p.40

n Y achting Looking to the future with Hynova ...... p.46

40 n Al timetry technology

New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched ...... p.49

n T imeless Chic

Standout fashion and beauty trends ...... p. 52

46 n Book s Our selection...... p. 54

EUR PE “EUROPE DIPLOMATIC MAGAZINE” is characterized by a very open editorial line that allows it to capture all the themes Diplomatic that affect directly or indirectly the European political, economic, social and security issues. Whether piracy in the Gulf of Aden and its threats to the global economy, articles about political leaders, geostrategic situations or technological developments affecting our civilization, Europe Diplomatic Magazine strives to work in comparing opinions and providing an objective magazine analysis based on extensive research. For a wide audience composed of both members of the diplomatic corps, lobbyists, international officials or academics, the magazine gives everyone the necessary and useful information about all topics that make up our daily lives. Covering sensitive issues such as nuclear, the rise of Islamism and energy dependence, the magazine opens its pages to recognized specialists who would like to express first order and exclusive information. But Europe Diplomatic Magazine is not only a source of information on recent topics. It is also addressing older facts with deep thought fur further analysis. Whether it’s news, security, diplomacy, technology, energy, terrorism, European affairs, no subject is treated superficially. Europe Diplomatic Magazine is an independent media, conveying balanced ideas of openness and analysis based on almost 30 years of experience in the journalistic world. Visit our site and please give us your comments: https://europe-diplomatic.eu/ [email protected]

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Nikola Hendrickx

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Some commentators are likening France’s current president, Emmanuel Macron, to one of his predecessors, Charles de Gaulle, largely because some of his comments have cast vague doubt on his commitment to NATO. De Gaulle had been elected in 1958 at the height of the Cold War, but it became clear that the United States was unlikely to weigh into a real European war in defence of its NATO allies using nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had stated openly that no US president would ever risk the safety of the housewife in Kansas to protect the housewife in Hamburg. Or, of course, Lyon, Limoges or Lille. Furthermore, European nations believed in dialogue with the Communist states while the Americans wanted nothing to do with them.

e Gaulle concluded that if Vietnam, whereas several European America wouldn’t come to nations had helped them during the Europe’s aid in a crisis there Korean War. Dwas not much point in staying fully engaged in NATO. This view had In 1959, de Gaulle, speaking at France’s École Militaire, announced been hardened by the US decision to his determination that France would pull the plug on France and the UK have its own force de frappe: a nuclear over their seizure of the Suez Canal weapon not dependent upon the US. from Gamal Abdel Nasser, who had Robert McNamara, US Secretary of nationalised it for Egypt. Washington Defence from 1961 to 68, wanted all feared it would drive the Arab nations the west’s nuclear weapons under that they were courting into the arms American control and described

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prone to obsolescence and lacking in In fact, France withdrew from the Some other European forces have credibility.” McNamara also increased Integrated Military Command assisted in French-led operations, America’s involvement in Vietnam, so structure, but it never left NATO but the main burden is born by his political record is hardly blemish- altogether. Under Nicolas Sarkozy, France. It’s a long-term commitment, free in the eyes of many. As explained after 43 years, France returned fully to made more difficult by the relative in a lecture by Dr. Jamie Shea, former the fold. Some US observers, though, political instability in the area, but NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary are now saying that Macron wants to persuading France’s allies that it’s a General for Emerging Security restore France’s ‘military sovereignty’, war worth winning has been hard. Challenges, “In 1966, at a very famous ending a reliance of any kind on French forces have also been heavily press conference, de Gaulle announced Washington. In an on-line version of involved in the Middle East and in the that he was pulling out of NATO's The Atlantic, columnist Kori Schake, Balkans. No-one can accuse Macron military structure and ordered SHAPE Director of Foreign and Defense Policy of shirking France’s global military (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers at the American Enterprise Institute, responsibilities. Europe) out of France.” He did not described Macron as “a throwback order the civilian offices of NATO out to his predecessor Charles de Gaulle, of France but they chose to go anyway, who resuscitated France’s self- out of solidarity with their colleagues, esteem after the grief of occupation to the severe disappointment of many in World War II. Like de Gaulle, of the staff, who had liked being based Macron would unify Europe under in France. They moved to Brussels France’s conception, with Germany instead. It may not have been the big footing the bill.” Perhaps, unlike the deal it seemed at the time. As Shea apparently rather Francophobe Ms. said, “First of all, the French were Schake, Macron simply doesn’t trust very careful to stay in NATO military Washington. France under Macron, programmes where they saw an however, remains a player on the advantage. The NADGE air defence world’s military stage. system, they kept the nuclear tasks in It is France that is almost single- Germany. They kept a lot of personnel handedly fighting the jihadists in in NATO.” the Sahel region. French forces, © Wikicommons French Presdident Emmanuel Macron and First Lady headquartered at N’Djamena, the Brigitte Macron during a official visit to Ukraine capital of Chad, have a base in Gao, central Mali, where jihadist forces slaughtered almost 5,000 people in MISREADING THE 2019. France’s Defence Minister, SCIENCE Florence Parly, has visited the base and been briefed by the soldiers No-one is quite sure who first said doing the fighting. The enemy there “après moi, le déluge”, but it seems is a group calling itself Islamic State in to have been either King Louis XV the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and it was or his chief mistress, Madame de soldiers from France, Niger and Mali, Pompadour. It was most probably said helped by French Special Forces and as “après nous, le déluge”, and the most using intelligence supplied by the US, commonly held belief is that it meant who tracked the jihadists. © Nato “after us comes chaos” (that’s how my Dr. Jamie Shea, former NATO’s Deputy Harrap Shorter French Dictionary Assistant Secretary General for Emerging They killed a large number of them and Security Challenges seized weapons, motorcycles, fuel and explains it), but it could also have been food supplies in what one French officer a prediction of the coming French described as an “intense” encounter. Revolution or even of genuine floods, France has more than 5,000 troops the literal meaning of the expression. engaged in what is called Operation If the first option is correct, and as Barkhane. No other European country it was supposedly first said in 1757, has as many forces on the ground whoever said it had amazing foresight; there. The United Nations has a parallel the Revolution didn’t start until 32 peacekeeping operation in the area, years later, although the obscene gap but European forces contributing to between the uber-rich and the starving it are numbered in the low hundreds. poor must have made it virtually France doesn’t want to be seen as neo- inevitable. It could also have meant colonialist and Macron has hosted the “who cares what happens after we’ve leaders of the five affected countries – gone?”, said in response to references Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania being made to increasing unhappiness and Niger – to a conference, seeking and about the lavish royal lifestyle at a time

© Wikimedia Kori Schake, Director of Foreign and Defense getting their support for a continuing when most French citizens were on (or Policy at the American Enterprise Institute French presence. below) the breadline.

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The France of Emmanuel Macron popular topic for debate at the time, us can be very unpredictable in our is very different from Louis XV’s some “experts” predicted that it would tastes. Macron only got 1%, but he kingdom, and the unrest of today cause flooding similar to that faced shouldn’t worry unduly; 50% said they has rather different, arguably more by the biblical Noah, in which case wouldn’t choose any of those listed complex causes. They are there, “après nous, le déluge” made literal in the poll and 12% didn’t know. Less though. Charles Dickens refers to sense. Sir Isaac Newton, a brilliant surprisingly, perhaps, Xi Jinping and the extreme poverty of France under physicist who none-the-less took the Kim Jong Un got no takers at all. the Ancien Régime in ‘A Tale of Two Bible literally, had supported a theory Cities’. Early in the book, after a wine that it was water from this comet’s Macron should be more worried by cask is broken in the Sainte Antoine tail that had caused the biblical flood. the fact that his popularity, which area of Paris and the poor nearby have Anyway, Louis XV survived the floods goes up and down like the water in scooped up and drunk the pools of that never came and died of smallpox a pool with a wave machine, is still muddy wine among the cobbles in in 1774, thus missing the revolution slipping. He is seen more and more their filthy hands, Dickens mentions that saw his son, Louis XVI, named as the President for big business and “the woman who had left on a doorstep Citizen Louis Capet at his trial, go to the rich. His immediate post-election the little pot of hot ashes, at which she the guillotine. popularity, now dwindling in history’s had been trying to soften the pain in her own starved fingers and toes, or in those of her child”. He mentions poverty in London, too, but clearly believed that things were considerably worse in Paris.

France was in a bad way following its losses in the Seven Years War (for which Madame de Pompadour, a leading Royal advisor as well as Louis’ bed mate, was partially blamed) and its poorly led and badly indebted government. But members of the nobility were still living the high life

© Defense.gouv.fr and telling themselves that it was French Minister of Defense Florence Parly visiting the frigate Courbet the will of God that made them rich while so many others were starving. Certainly, it was the profligacy of the Macron’s problems will not lead to ultra-rich and the starvation of the revolution, even if his popularity rating masses that fuelled the Revolution by late November 2020 had fallen to in 1789, but that may not have been just 21%, according to a YouGov poll. what Louis and his mistress meant. When you consider that back in July it Halley’s Comet was predicted to reached an impressive 50%, that’s quite reappear in late 1758 or early 1759 (it a fall. It sounds pretty drastic but those appeared in 1758) and with it being a who actively disapprove of him make up only 27% while 34% say they’re neutral. That leaves 18% who seem to have no opinion at all, and opinion polls have fairly consistently got it wrong anyway (whatever happened to Joe Biden’s anticipated landslide?).

© Wikicommons In any case, Macron has no need to Élysée Palace listen out for the sound of the tumbrils rumbling towards the Elysée Palace just yet. rear view mirror, has been damaged. Back in the early summer, one French The YouGov poll also asked which newspaper was suggesting that politician people would choose to Macron was considering triggering a be “world king” and a surprising 9% new election by resigning in the hope chose Boris Johnson, Britain’s vain that his successful handling of the and struggling prime minister, which coronavirus epidemic would ensure would put him 1% ahead of Angela his re-election. The Elysée Palace Merkel. There’s an old saying in the north of England, popular in Yorkshire denied it at the time and it certainly and Lancashire: “there's nowt so queer seems extremely unlikely. Even then, his popularity rating was only 38%

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Philippe, was not only more popular which had enjoyed considerable gifts granted to dividends and interest but talking about entering politics on influence ever since the Second World (which will henceforth be taxed at a his own account, becoming a potential War. Macron’s reforms to taxation maximum rate of 30%, against 55% rival. led to higher fuel prices which, many for salaries and non-salaried activity felt, fell disproportionately upon the income), we end up with a total cost working and lower-middle classes, exceeding 5 billion Euros. This is the especially away from the big cities. equivalent of 40% of the total budget An on-line petition in May 2018 allocated to universities and higher protesting about it attracted almost a education, which will stagnate at 13.4 million signatures. Six months later, billion in 2018, while the number of the Gilets Jaunes – the Yellow Jackets students continues to increase, and the (a garment referred to as ‘hi-vis’ priority should be to invest in training. jackets in the UK because they are We bet that students will remember reflective and are the near-universal when the government tries to add outer garment of outdoor workers) – selection to austerity in the coming took to the streets in what became an months.” This was written, of course, increasingly visible and later violent before the SARS-CoV-2 virus came protest. They wanted the fuel taxes along. Piketty is a firm believer in a © Wikipedia reduced and the reintroduction of wealth tax and so, it seems, were the Former French Prime Minister Édouard Gilets Jaunes. Philippe the wealth tax, imposed by a Socialist government in 1981 as the Impôt de Macron, a former investment banker, solidarité sur la fortune, or ISF, then is supposedly a centrist, owing nothing removed, then reimposed before to the parties of the left and right that finally being morphed into the Impôt have traditionally run France, but he sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) by is increasingly seen as a figure of the Macron’s government. The original right. For many of those who gave him ISF applied to all kinds of wealth, over 66% of the vote, he was a breath moveable, immoveable or financial, in of fresh air after François Hollande, excess of €1.3-million. The IFI applies whom I always found a charming and only to real estate, so other types of somewhat self-deprecating man in asset are exempt. Not surprisingly, the real life, although the French public very wealthy prefer the IFI to the ISF. viewed him as a bit stuffy. A French friend told me that Macron had cast himself as France’s answer to Margaret © Wikipedia Thatcher, which would put him very French Prime Minister Jean Castex much on the political right, albeit less inclined to hit opponents with a He resigned during a re-shuffle in July. handbag. When his private bodyguard As a centre-right politician, he posed was seen to assault May Day protestors, a threat to Macron’s La République he was slow to react and criticise and En Marche party, although he has this did nothing for his public image since come under investigation by as a ‘man of the people’. In September the Law Court of the Republic, which he allegedly told an unemployed man looks into allegations of ministerial that he could easily get a job if he tried. misconduct, for his handling of the This did not go down well, either. Nor COVID-19 pandemic, so his chances has his lack of success with the French of winning the presidency have almost economy, which has not seen the

certainly shrunk. His replacement, © Wikicommons hoped-for increase in growth or fall in Jean Castex, was a virtual unknown, French economist Thomas Piketty unemployment. charged with getting France out of lockdown, which has earned him the On his blog in October 2017, the nickname "Monsieur Déconfinement". French economist Thomas Piketty LA RÉPUBLIQUE EN wrote: “let us say it straight away: MARCHE, ARRIÈRE? the abolition of the wealth tax (ISF) constitutes a serious moral, economic Macron, with his newly formed and historical fault. This decision political party was elected in 2017 on shows a deep misunderstanding of a pro-European, pro-business agenda, the unequal challenges posed by promising reforms that would include globalization.” Piketty, who came making France’s labour market less to global fame with the surprising

sclerotic. However, it meant taking runaway success of his economics © Nrf on France’s powerful trades unions, book ‘Capital’, wrote: “If we add the Beheaded French teacher Samuel Paty

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More recently, Macron has attracted MADDENED, MALIGNED, by its precepts in completely lawful and condemnation and even death MISQUOTED peaceful ways, wherever they live and threats from Islamic countries that without seeking to overthrow the state. think he was wrong in his reaction to the brutal murder of Samuel Paty. Certainly, the French government’s Paty was a history teacher who had countermeasures after the murder of Paty and the attacks that followed shown his class some of the cartoons have been more large-scale than after of Muhammed from the satirical previous attacks. There were some 120 magazine Charlie Hebdo during a house searches, associations accused class about freedom of speech. of spreading Islamist rhetoric were Paty had warned his students in closed down and bodies suspected of advance and given them the option of raising funds for Islamist causes were not looking, or even leaving the room, investigated, while pressure was put but an enraged Tweet by a supposed on social media companies to ensure parent (not actually a parent of their sites do not permit incitement to violence. Given how many previous anyone in the class) who claimed © Sis.gov.eg attacks there had been in France, to have been there (but wasn’t) was French President Emmanuel Macron and Al-Azhar Imam Cheikh Ahmad al-Tayeb in Macron’s determination to stop it may enough to inspire a young extremist Egypt in 2019 be understandable, although many to behead him. Macron’s resulting political analysts suspect that it owes attack on Islamist extremism – of a lot to his concerns over the next which France has seen more than Macron has expressed outrage before about being misunderstood and even presidential election, scheduled for its fair share – earned him rebukes 2022. from the leaders of some Muslim misreported. A complaint to Britain’s countries and demonstrations by Financial Times even led to one of its Muslim groups. Even some western articles being taken down from the newspapers in countries that share Internet, said to be a first for the august and respected journal. In the offending France’s views on freedom of speech article, the writer had said “Macron’s and intolerance have criticised war on Islamic separatism only divides Macron for what was seen by some as France further,” when he had used the intemperate language in his response. expression “Islamist separatism”, which Macron was so incensed about the has a distinctly different meaning. hostile reports that he got his office to ‘Islamic’ and ‘Islamist’ are very different arrange for him to give an interview words. In clamping down on Islamic to the New York Times. In it, he spoke groups, including Muslim charities, of his disappointment that what Macron was accused of targeting France calls the Anglo-American ordinary Muslims, not terrorists. In press appeared to be ambivalent © Wikicommons France, perhaps more than in any other Marine Le Pen in its support for the Republic. European country, a person’s choice of “When I see, in that context, several religion is up to them – as long as they newspapers which I believe are from continue to respect those of other faiths A recent poll to discover who the countries that share our values — or none. “Our model is universalist, not French people would most trust to journalists who write in a country multiculturalist,” Macron told the New deal with terrorism was topped by the that is the heir to the Enlightenment York Times. “In our society, I don’t leader of the far-right National Rally and the French Revolution — when care whether someone is Black, yellow (formerly the Front National), Marine I see them legitimizing this violence or white, whether they are Catholic or Le Pen, who sees any public expression and saying that the heart of the Muslim, a person is first and foremost of Islam, however peaceful, as a threat problem is that France is racist and a citizen.” Liberté, égalité, fraternité, to the state. Le Pen has been capitalising Islamophobic, then I say the founding indeed. Other western countries, on Islamist terrorist attacks to bolster principles have been lost.” The New though, and sections of their media her position in a bid to win the Elysée York Times columnist Ben Smith have put some of the blame for Islamist Palace. National Rally is different from set Macron’s complaint in context. attacks on Macron and on France’s the Front National in that it is no longer “More than 250 people have died in very determined secularism. Macron officially antisemitic, but it remains terror attacks in France since 2015, insists that it really is secularism, not strongly Eurosceptic, although Le Pen the most in any Western country. Mr. racism or Islamophobia, although claims only to be ‘nationalist’. She was Macron, a centrist modernizer who the Washington Post suggested that quick to blame the coordinated 2015 has been a bulwark against Europe’s the French government seems more terrorist attack that left 130 dead and Trumpian right-wing populism, concerned to influence the way in around 350 wounded on the liberal said the English-language — and which Islam is practised than at immigration policies of the then particularly, American — media looking into why French Muslims feel Socialist president, François Hollande. were imposing their own values on a alienated. Most Muslims, after all, are Macron is determined not to lose out different society.” happy to follow their religion and abide in a similar way.

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A VEILED THREAT?

His party is certainly not liberal politically. Although Macron has tried to avoid getting dragged into discussion on ‘burkinis’ and halal school meals, members of his party would clearly prefer them not to exist. A couple of months ago one of Macron’s MPs, Anne-Christine Lang, joined other more obviously right-wing legislators in walking out of the Assemblée National so she could avoid hearing testimony from a marine © Sirpa Muslim woman wearing a headscarf. French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle They were supposed to be debating Faith (CFCM) to establish a National this. In his satirical song ‘Who’s Next’, the effects of COVID-19 on young Council of Imams from which serving the humourist and Harvard-educated people with members of the students’ Imams can obtain accreditation that mathematics lecturer Tom Lehrer – union, whose representative, Maryam can be removed if they step out of line. now aged 92 and retired – listed the Pougetoux, was a Muslim. Additionally, Macron has introduced countries that have a nuclear weapon. rules about home schooling, with In one verse he suggested some harsher punishments for anyone tension in relations between France trying to intimidate public officials on and the USA when he sang: religious grounds. All children are to get a national identification number “Now France has got the bomb, but to be used to ensure their attendance don’t you grieve, at school, with punishments ranging Coz they’re on our side…I believe.” from huge fines to six months in prison for parents who break the law. The last two words were sung after a People will also be barred from sharing pause and a slight giggle, suggesting anyone’s personal information in such that Lehrer wanted to convey the a way that it allows those wishing idea that he wasn’t too sure about them harm to track them down. it. The song was first broadcast not

© Maryam Pougetoux /DR Pougetoux © Maryam Civil liberties advocates are more long after de Gaulle’s decision to Maryam Pougetoux concerned, however, about a ban on leave NATO’s Integrated Military the public filming of the police, which Command structure. Macron has has been seen as a bulwark against said in an interview that “What we Lang claimed that, as a feminist, brutality. That response prompted are currently experiencing is the she could not accept the presence of angry protests all over France, with brain death of NATO,” by which he someone dressed in that way. That marchers bearing placards with such was referring to what he saw as a inflexible view was criticised by slogans as “La République En Marche Trump-led US abandoning Europe. Sandrine Morch, another En Marche Arrière”. It’s hardly something new, given the MP who was chairing the session. She comments made years ago by Robert pointed out that there was no rule to ARMED INDEPENDENCE McNamara and Henry Kissinger. But prevent people attending a session those comments were political and wearing religious clothing, saying she France is now the only country in the would not allow a “fake discussion” European Union to have a nuclear around a headscarf to shift the focus weapon, since the UK walked away. of the meeting, when the future of Both countries are, of course, still the country’s young people was under in NATO, in which Article 5 of the discussion. Washington Treaty remains of prime importance. Under it, an armed attack It goes without saying that France’s on any member is counted as an attack response to the Paty murder has drawn on all, obliging each member to take criticism from Islamic countries, “such action as it deems necessary, with Turkey’s president, Recep including the use of armed force, to Tayyip Erdoğan, even questioning secure and maintain the security of Macron’s sanity and imposing a ban the North Atlantic area.” It’s a strange on French products. France withdrew thing that Britain voted to leave the

its ambassador in response. Macron EU, where it had the power to veto © Nrf has introduced a number of new decisions, but not to leave NATO, French President Emmanuel Macron attends the completion ceremony of new measures, including putting pressure which can order a country to go to Barracuda class first nuclear-powered on the French Council of the Muslim war. Voters were not made aware of submarine in the port city of Cherbourg

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designed for a domestic audience. We must assume that Macron’s comments were, too. France’s Permanent Representative to NATO today, Ambassador Hélène Duchêne, has no intention of ignoring the Article 5 obligation to come to the aid of allies.

“NATO takes the necessary deterrence and defence measures against any threat and aggression

and against any emerging security © Defense.gouv.fr challenge which could compromise France has more than 5,000 troops engaged in Africa in what is called Operation Barkhane the fundamental security of one or several allies,” she wrote on France’s in length, capable of speeds of around The French forces have been accused European and Foreign Affairs 27 knots. of overstepping their brief to get Ministry website. Article 5 has only involved in domestic politics, such the been invoked once, in response to the That makes it smaller than America’s series of airstrikes in early 2019 which terrorist attacks on the World Trade Gerald R. Ford and Nimitz class France launched to destroy a column Centre on 11 September 2001, when carriers but bigger than anything the of trucks. fellow NATO members responded United Kingdom, Russia or China with a big anti-terrorism operation can boast. Of course, as we all know, The trucks were carrying soldiers in the Mediterranean. There were size isn’t everything, even if it confers trying to overthrow Chad’s president, conditions placed by France upon bragging rights. It will also be carrying Idriss Déby, so it was a matter of re-joining the Integrated Military the latest aircraft, now in development internal rebellion against an autocratic Command Structures: France retains but, according to France’s Armed and unpopular leader. Déby rules a full discretion over its contribution Forces Minister, Florence Parly, it country rich in oil, uranium and gold to NATO operations, it keeps its will be “bigger than the Rafale” and but its people are dirt poor. According nuclear independence, no French there will be 30 of them, making it to the UN, 8% of new-born infants force can be placed under permanent a formidable vessel indeed. For the don’t live to see their first birthdays NATO command in peacetime technically minded, the ship will be while 20% don’t make it to the age of 5. and it does not have to contribute powered by two K22 generators, each Déby lives richly enough though and to funding expenditures linked to giving out 220 megawatts. The Charles spends much of the country’s income decisions taken before it re-joined. de Gaulle’s generators are smaller. This on his personal security, even though will be a very French undertaking, he knows he can rely on French Macron has no intention of letting apart from the launch catapults, a protection. In an on-line article for France get left behind in the new field in which France lacks experience. The Conversation by Nathaniel K. arms race. In early December he They will be of the latest type – Powell, a Research Associate at the announced a new aircraft carrier that electromagnetic instead of steam- Department of War Studies at King’s will be, like its predecessor, nuclear powered – and they will be imported College, London, he claims that powered. Don’t expect to spot it at sea from the US. The design phase will France’s main objective, going back off the French coast any time soon: last until 2025 at a cost of around it will take until 2038 to become €900-million. The work will be carried to the 1960s, has been to prop up fully operational – just in time to out by Naval Group, which will, as governments in Africa, even those replace the similarly nuclear-powered usual, work with its main industrial led by blood-thirsty despots. Stability Charles de Gaulle, which entered into partners, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, is the priority. Macron may be tough service in 2001. The new vessel will TechnicAtome and Dassault Aviation. on insurgents in faraway places, but be France’s biggest-ever warship at Relatively few nations can boast in common with other leaders in the around 75,000 tonnes and 300 metres nuclear-powered naval vessels and secular west has yet to find an answer Macron is determined to keep France to Islamist radicalism that leads to up there with the leaders. terrorism and murder at home. It is the kind of problem that cannot France’s threats these days do not be addressed with nuclear weapons, come so much from overseas, despite nor any other kind, nor by sending Macron’s spat with Turkey. The in his paratroopers. What’s the point murderer of Paty was a French-born in attacking bodies when the danger Muslim, radicalised by extremists and and hostility lurks out of sight, in the shot dead by police. France remains a mind? Which way will a post-Macron major military player internationally, France lean? Perhaps it will be a case however, with more than 10,000 troops of ‘Aprés moi, le déluge.’ At least that’s deployed not only in the Sahel but preferable to ‘Aprés moi, la déchéance’.

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wiss start-up ClearSpace SA has candidates to develop ClearSpace-1, debris in space is a growing threat to the signed a service contract with the an innovative service to remove space future and safety of space activity. Over European Space Agency (ESA) debris from orbit. ClearSpace-1 aims to 23,000 items of debris closely tracked. Sworth 86.2 million euros to remove develop sustainable technology to clean orbital debris. This mission, named space as well as provide other services in “Drawing on its experts, engineers, researchers and network of industry ClearSpace-1, will see the first debris orbit to support a new sustainable space specialists throughout the world, removed by 2025. economy. ClearSpace is building technology that ClearSpace SA – a spin-off of EPFL, “We are delighted that ESA has put their will enable space debris to be removed created in 2018 by space debris experts faith in us. We share the same clear vision safely and sustainably. It has put together of safer, more sustainable space for all, its team of subcontractors and has already – was selected out of twelve other that is our goal,” says Luc Piguet, co- started design and testing work. Over founder and CEO of ClearSpace. “The the next few years, advanced technology way space has been used until now has led will be developed and integrated in the to a situation where over 5,000 satellites spacecraft to be launched in early 2025,” and out-of-control rocket stages are in explains Muriel Richard-Noca, co- orbit compared to only 2,700 working founder and head engineer at ClearSpace. satellites. In-orbit services are not only a natural part of future space operations, FIRST AUTONOMOUS they will also ensure the development of a MISSION TO REMOVE thriving space economy.” SPACE DEBRIS SET FOR 2025 Over the past ten years, the number of satellites launched every year has ClearSpace-1’s mission is to develop

© Lucpiguet Luc Piguet, co-founder and CEO of increased tenfold to over 600 a year. a robot-like spacecraft with four ClearSpace At the same time, the rising amount of articulated arms which will ultimately

12 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC enable space debris to be removed safely. Four companies will provide ClearSpace and those already in orbit today should ClearSpace-1’s first task scheduled for SA with systems engineering expertise: be eliminated as far as possible.» 2025 after launching from the Kourou space centre in French Guiana, will be to • Deimos Portugal and UK will be bring down the Vespa (Vega Secondary responsible for the navigation and Payload Adapter) left by the Vega rocket guidance systems. placed in orbit in 2013, the size of a 112 • Airbus in Germany will be in kg satellite. With its articulated arms, charge of avionic assembly based the robot will remove Vespa and move on Airbus’s flexible LEO platform it closer to the earth’s atmosphere where (FLP2), adapted for robots. it will burn up and disintegrate. • OHB-Sweden will design and ClearSpace-1 is part of ESA’s ADRIOS manufacture the propulsion system programme to develop in-orbit services which will give the space robot the for satellites such as refueling, repairs maneuverability it requires. OHB- and orbital manoeuvres.

Sweden is also foreseen to be in © Nasa The Swiss start-up will need to draw on charge of final integration of the Astronaut Claude Nicollier, STS-103 mission satellite on their premises and all specialist representing the European Space its network of sponsors and contributors Agency (ESA), speaks at the crew return to help fund this 14-million-euro related tests. ceremony at Ellington Field project, representing 14% of the total • APC O-Technologies in Switzerland project cost which stands at circa 100 will offer its expertise in satellite A NEW WAY FOR ESA million euros to which ESA contributes structure and thermal control. It TO DO BUSINESS 86 million euros. This investment will will be responsible for designing, create high added-value employment developing and testing the systems Paying for such a service contract rather locally and launch a new in-orbit required to ensure the robot than directly procuring and running the cleaning market which is set to thrive in survives the launch and subsequent entire mission represents a new way for the years to come. space environment. ESA to do business – intended as the first step in establishing a new commercial • Sa tellite Applications Catapult is an sector in space. essential partner for setting up the operations centre. It will be joined Along with part-purchasing this initial by several British companies, mission – ClearSpace itself will be currently being assessed, to raising the remainder of the mission cost develop, test and approve the through commercial investors – ESA is mission software on the ground. also contributing key technologies for flight, developed as part of the agency’s A group of Swiss industry sponsors Clean Space initiative through its Active including RUAG Space, Syderal Swiss Debris Removal/ In-Orbit Servicing Micro-Cameras & Space Exploration project, ADRIOS. and nanoSPACE will also contribute to the project in their respective fields. These include advanced guidance, They will be joined by cutting-edge space navigation and control systems and industry researchers and academics vision-based AI, allowing the chaser such as EPFL, scientists at the HEIG- satellite to close safely on the target on VD (Vaud School of Management and an autonomous basis, as well as robotic Engineering) and the AIUB (University arms to achieve capture. of Bern Astronomy Institute). CHALLENGING According to Claude Nicollier, ESA/ ACHIEVEMENTS AHEAD NASA astronaut and Chairman of “Think of all of the orbital captures ClearSpace’s advisory board : « Space

© Esa that have occurred up until this point debris and our current use of space, VV02 fairing integration and they have all taken place with especially in low earth orbit, is a growing cooperative, fully-controlled target risk for both manned spacecraft and objects,” explains ESA Director General operational satellites. The time for action CLEARSPACE, A VENTURE Jan Wörner. HARNESSING INDUSTRY is now: we need to adopt space traffic AND RESEARCH TALENT management based on sustainability; “With space debris, by definition no such FOR SPACE we need to be able to de-orbit satellites control is possible: instead the objects that break down, and strictly limit the are adrift, often tumbling randomly. ClearSpace is in charge of Research & lifetime of low earth orbit satellites, Development, designing and building especially those in constellations. It will “So this first capture and disposal of an the spacecraft with the help of its no longer be acceptable in the future to uncooperative space object represents industry partners. leave upper stages of launchers in orbit, an extremely challenging achievement.

13 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

But with overall satellite numbers set to grow rapidly in the coming decade, regular removals are becoming essential to keep debris levels under control, to prevent a cascade of collisions that

© Esa threaten to make the debris problem In 2025, the first active debris removal mission, ClearSpace-1, will rendezvous, capture and much worse.” take down for reentry the upper part of a Vespa (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) from Europe's Vega launcher Luc Piguet, founder and CEO of ClearSpace comments: “At orbital With a mass of 112 kg, ClearSpace-1’s an intergovernmental organisation velocities, even a screw can hit with Vespa target is close in size to a small founded in 1975 whose mission is to explosive force, which cannot be shielded satellite, while its relatively simple shape the development of Europe’s space against by mission designers; instead the shape and sturdy construction make it capability and ensure that investment threat needs to be managed through the a suitable first goal, before progressing in space continues to deliver benefits EFFICIENT PERSONAL active removal of debris items.” to larger, more challenging captures to the citizens of Europe and the by follow-up missions – eventually world. The following countries make “Our ‘tow truck’ design will be available including multi-object capture. up ESA’s twenty-two member states: SUPPORT IN BUSY TIMES to clear key orbits of debris that might Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, otherwise make them unusable for The ClearSpace-1 mission will initially Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, be launched into a lower 500 km orbit future missions, eliminating the growing Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, - Personal assistance for commissioning and critical tests, risks and liabilities for their owners, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, before being raised to the target orbit for - Private concierge and benefitting the space industry as a Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, rendezvous and capture using a quartet whole. Our goal is to build affordable Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the of robotic arms, flying under ESA - Property management and sustainable in-orbit services.” United Kingdom. Slovenia and Latvia supervision. The combined ‘space robot’ are associate members. Six other EU Luisa Innocenti, Head of ESA’s Clean chaser plus the Vespa target will then be states have Cooperation Agreements Space Office, adds: “The plan is that this deorbited to burn up in the atmosphere. pioneering capture forms the foundation with ESA. Canada also participates in of a recurring business case, not just for ABOUT CLEARSPACE certain ESA programmes through a debris removal by responsible space cooperation agreement. actors around the globe, but also for in- ClearSpace SA, a Swiss start-up founded orbit servicing: these same technologies in Lausanne in 2018, brings together ABOUT EPFL will also enable in-orbit refuelling and space experts including astronauts, servicing of satellites, extending their engineers and researchers from all over EPFL, one of the two Swiss Federal working life. Eventually, we envisage this the world at EPFL. They aim to harness Institutes of Technology, based in trend extending into in-orbit assembly, their respective talents to clean up space Lausanne, is Europe’s most cosmopolitan WE ARE AT YOUR SERVICE, 24/7 manufacturing and recycling.” debris and build the future of in-orbit technical university with students, services. The team of experts were professors and staff from over 120 CALL NOW EUROPEAN INDUSTRY originally hired for an academic mission nations. A dynamic environment, open LEADS DEBRIS REMOVAL to bring down SwissCube, a cubesat to Switzerland and the world, EPFL is launched in 2009 by EPFL, but they left centered on its three missions: teaching, Experience Belgium’s leading ClearSpace – a spin-off company EPFL in 2012 to focus on ClearSpace-1, research and technology transfer. established by an experienced team of their mission for the European Space EPFL works together with an extensive concierge service space debris researchers from EPFL, the Agency (ESA). On 13 November 2020, network of partners including other Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in ClearSpace signed a contract worth 86 universities and institutes of technology, Lausanne – is leading an industrial team million euros with ESA to send their developing and emerging countries, that includes companies from several first robot cleaner into space in 2025. secondary schools and colleges, industry European countries, and contributions and economy, political circles and will come from enterprises in ABOUT ESA the general public, to bring about real Switzerland, the Czech Republic, impact for society. Germany, Sweden, Poland, the United The European Space Agency (ESA) Kingdom, Portugal and Romania. is Europe’s gateway to space. ESA is Sources : Esa/ClearSpace

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ould it be that Russian the outcome in court. It’s becoming So Dodon is in good company President Vladimir Putin’s something of a fashion, with Trump when he accuses his opponents of grip on events is weakening in initially denying his defeat and telling denying votes to his supporters Cwhat he seems to see as his ‘sphere of his supporters he’d been cheated. in Transnistria or of ‘buying’ and influence’? In Moldova’s presidential Apparently, 88% of them are still transporting opposition voters across election he supported the incumbent convinced of electoral fraud and a frontiers to a misplaced ballot box. head of state, Igor Dodon. In fact, they conspiracy by the liberal left to deprive It was anti-corruption candidate supported each other: Dodon was a their hero of the White House. Maia Sandu who won both the first Putin admirer and very pro-Russian, round on 1 November and the run- although he has denied allegations off two weeks later. Dodon promised that he used Russian advisors during his own supporters that he will the election campaign, as the winning take his complaints to the Central team claimed. But things are seldom Election Commission, the ordinary certain when a powerful leader seeks courts, the Appeals Court, and the to influence elections in another Constitutional Court. However, he country in which not everything is has offered his congratulations to going well. Broad hints and even Sandu and he has conceded defeat, threats don’t always work when you’re rather more promptly than Trump talking about an enfranchised diaspora did to the victorious Joe Biden. voting far from home. Moldova, once part of the Soviet empire, is a country The wind of change seems to be whose people are poor; perhaps they blowing in Moldova. Even Putin has felt in need of a change after four years © Rusdialog.ru offered Sandu his congratulations. Moldovan President Igor Dodon with with Dodon at the helm? He has, of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a In an old Moldovan folk tale, a poor course, indicated a desire to contest Militay Parade on Red Square in 2017 man goes fishing every day (Moldova

16 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC wasn’t always landlocked as it is now) It had clearly been very well planned by and one day he caught a golden fish. experts who knew how to make some Because he let it go, the fish filled his of the world’s least well-off people wife’s cupboards with food. But she that much poorer while enriching wanted more and more: a posh house themselves in untraceable ways. As the and then to become queen. She kept American evangelist Frank Buchman wanting more until until the golden wrote in ‘Remaking the World’ in fish got fed up and took away its 1947, “There is enough in the world earlier gifts. If Sandu is the golden for everyone’s need, but not enough fish, better not ask her for too much. for everyone’s greed.” The man accused of this mega-heist, Ilan Shor, was just 28 years old at the time and looked younger. That same year, and despite

being under house arrest while the © Kremlin.ru Ilan Shor’s wife, Jasmin Shor, a pop singer, was massive theft was under investigation, decorated by Russian Federation President Vladimir he was elected mayor of Orhei, a city Putin as an “honored artist of Russia some 35 kilometres from Chișinău, into which he poured money that may not have been his to give (he denies that), including new modern buses – a marked improvement on their rattle- © Presedinte.md trap Soviet era predecessors – together President Igor Dodon and Prime Minister Maia Sandu in July 2019 with a free express bus service for those going to Chișinău. Even that largesse was not without controversy When I was in Chișinău, Moldova’s as the purchase had not been put out to capital, five years ago, the country tender, although bus travellers didn’t was in the grip of a banking scandal. complain. Shor rebuilt collapsing Already Europe’s poorest country, churches, too, and was incredibly it had just seen US$1-billion generous all round. As one Moldovan (€0.84-billion) disappear from commented, he’s not the first person © Occrp.org three of its banks in an elaborate in Moldova to embezzle money, but he Ilan Shor theft. Where the money ended up seems to be the first to share the fruits is unclear, except that a lot of it (if of his theft. If that’s where the money Moldovans are said to believe that not all) passed through a complex came from, of course; he says not. you can bribe a policeman for $20, or network of British and Hong Kong even $10 if you’re hard up, so honesty banks and accounts held under The people loved him and in 2019 may not always be the best policy mysterious beneficial ownership in elected him to parliament, despite there. Shor is now believed by many offshore tax havens and therefore his 2017 conviction. Some reckoned to be living in the country of his birth, untraceable, and with the help of he only stood as a candidate to Israel, and he’s not answering calls seemingly respectable UK-based avoid prosecution over the missing from journalists, although the whole financial advisors (surely they must $1-billion, but that didn’t seem to affair has led, unfairly, to an upsurge have known they were assisting a have worried a population whose in anti-Semitism in Moldova. It’s not theft?) who seem to have had no average monthly earnings are around the first time. Back in 1903 and again qualms about picking the pockets of $340 (€286). The World Bank claims two years later, large numbers of Jews the very poor to enrich the wealthy that Moldova has the second lowest were murdered in pogroms following (and crooked), as long as they get per capita income in Europe. Only the deaths of two Christian children, their commission. the people of Ukraine rate as poorer. for which the Jewish community was blamed. Some have seen those pogroms as precursors to the Nazi Holocaust, which was built upon the idea of blaming Jews for everything that was wrong, although that was always grossly unfair. It’s grossly unfair to blame them as a race for the bank robbery, too. After all, criminality is not a national characteristic; it’s horribly easy to find crooks of any and every nationality, as well as moral and honest people. Shor himself, appearing before journalists by video link in

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where he was hiding, and expressed a especially the young, is out of Moldova often to be blocked by vested interests willingness to face a court, but only if altogether. Over the last three decades, and corrupt or inadequate politicians. his arrest warrant is annulled. He also the population has plunged from 4.4 She obtained another master’s degree, denied involvement in the massive million to around 3.5 million as many this time in in public policy, from the bank theft, blaming Moldovan civil citizens seek greener pastures abroad. Harvard Kennedy School. servants for the raids on the three It was, to a large extent, the votes of banks involved. He may be right, but those Moldovans in exile that secured “I saw how things are done in without an open and transparent trial the presidency for Sandu. Among the civilised countries,” she wrote on and an ability to follow the money diaspora, she won 93% of the vote. her autobiographical web page, trail from start to finish and with no “and I returned home to support interference by ‘interested parties’ we the country’s development.” She was may never know. Wherever Shor is, appointed Minister of Education in it would be more interesting for most 2012, believing that education would Moldovans to know where the loot be the key to long-term reform and now resides, whoever stole it, and to found herself working with a dedicated get it back. team, but their attempts to put an end to corruption in the education RIVAL PROTESTORS system were repeatedly thwarted by corrupt officials and politicians. As Oddly enough, what I remember most other countries have found, it’s hard about Chișinău is not the banking to stamp out corruption when those scandal of the time but the large rival in influential positions are paid paltry camps that had set up on the main amounts, despite having had to study road past the parliament. Both had © Wikicommons and hard work to reach those positions. been separated from the traffic by Maia Sandu The temptation to accept bribes and to temporary barriers and comprised try to earn a little extra for yourself large numbers of small tents and and your family is too great. canvas lean-tos filled with campaigners So, what do we know about her? Born of one persuasion or the other. One of in 1972 in the village of Risipeni, Sandu didn’t yield to temptation, nor the camps was flying Russian flags and a commune in the Fălești District did the members of her team, but they showed banners, written in Cyrillic on the western border of Moldova. found their anti-corruption efforts script, praising Putin and calling for She heard sad stories of the war, of met with substantial opposition. They closer links with Russia. The other, famine and deportations from her were threatened and intimidated, she about a hundred metres along the road, parents and grandmother. Together says. “When we close our eyes to the showed European flags and placards with her extended family, she moved fact that exams are sold and bought,” in Romanian or English, calling for to Chișinău and, having been a bright she wrote, “we have to think that we closer ties with the European Union. child at school, studied economics want to be treated by a doctor who I had been filming in a nearby park at Moldova’s Academy of Economic did not buy his diploma, we want to and a local woman was explaining Studies. She proved a good student live in a block where the engineer it to me as we walked past on the and after graduation she went to work learned well and fly in a plane opposite pavement. She was very for the Ministry of Economy. After where the aviator did not copy for angry and grumbled to me that Russia gaining a master’s degree, she joined exams.” In that one sentence, Sandu was pouring pro-Putin propaganda the World Bank in Chișinău and it was sums up many of the problems still into Moldova, mainly over the radio, there that she mixed with people from facing Moldova, although she hopes that was very anti-EU and less than different countries and backgrounds as president, she may help to put entirely truthful. Poor old Moldova. and learned from their experiences. things right. However, in Moldova Many of its citizens took up the offer of Attempts to change Moldova’s the powers of the president are Romanian citizenship once Romania economy, though, she found very limited. She is likely to seek a snap joined the EU, hoping to provide some insurance against a Russian takeover of their country. Moldova and Romania share a language and, to a large extent, a culture, except for the country’s Russian speakers, which is why Romania offered Moldovans citizenship. Romania is by far and away Moldova’s largest trading partner.

The issue clearly troubled the Moldovans I met, most of whom seemed to be largely pro-European, and there was widespread concern over

which direction their country would © RISE Moldova take. The direction many have taken, Maia Sandu

18 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC parliamentary election, building on her current popularity in the hope of taking full control of the political system or at least ensuring it runs fairly, but getting it won’t be easy.

Her opponents in socially conservative Moldova used dirty tricks to try to damage her, including the suggestion that she had no children because she is a lesbian, something she denies. She has also been painted as a cold person,

lacking empathy and warmth. She © Edm countered that by talking a lot about Moldovan parliament her family during the campaign, which seems to have worked. When, linked to Shor who is accused of the most power and is most likely to in 2015, she was offered the post of masterminding the mind-boggling throw obstacles in the way of change. Prime Minister, she insisted on the heist in which $1-billion was As one observer commented, it was not dismissal of the Prosecutor General funnelled overseas through dubious so much Dodon as a person who was and the governor of the National loans, shell companies, asset swaps, defeated but the remains of the Soviet Bank so as to tackle that enormous and shareholder deals. According Union and Soviet thinking. Ideas are theft, but government politicians to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty hard to kill. said ‘no’, convincing her that, as she (RFE/RL), “Prosecutors said that put it, “corruption had swallowed up through Shor, Plahotniuc allegedly the entire political class”, as it has in withdrew $100 million (€84 million) several other countries. Realising from the former state bank, Banca that there was little chance of de Economii. US officials have been overcoming corruption in the main accused of not doing enough to arrest political parties, she founded her and extradite Plahotniuc. Geese that own, the Action and Solidarity Party. may be able to lay golden eggs seem to be welcome everywhere, as long as they keep their heads down.

CHOOSING A DIRECTION

Sandu has expressed a strong desire to © Ziarulnational.md broaden Moldova’s global connections. Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon (middle) Under Dodon it has followed an isolationist policy, only seeking links with Moscow, which he has visited One of her first moves, Sandu has thirty times during his four years in said, will be to tackle Moldova’s office. corrupt judicial system, which will include judges and prosecutors. She He visited again for consultations told the website ‘Balkan Insight’ immediately following his defeat by before her victory in the run-off, “All © Twitter Sandu, who chose to visit Bucharest and those connected to the mafia system, Vlad Plahotniuc Kyiv instead. RFE/RL’s Moldova service who committed crimes, took illegal quoted Alexei Tulbure, a political decisions, protected thieves and During street protests she met up analyst based in Chișinău, on the corrupt people today will have to with a partner with similar ideas, strangeness of the country’s isolation leave the system and be penalized.” the Dignity and Truth Platform from its neighbours and – one would According to Al Jezeera, “Sandu and together they formed the NOW have thought – obvious allies. “It was an has received messages of support bloc, gaining enough votes in 2019 absolutely abnormal situation.” He told from German Defence Minister to block the overall victory of RFE/RL, “when we did not go to the Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Vladimir Plahotniuc’s Democratic neighbours and the neighbours did not former European Council President Party of Moldova. Plahotniuc, an come to us. That is over now. We will Donald Tusk. Some of Dodon’s ethnic Romanian, has since been have a completely different situation.” supporters denounced such support charged with involvement in the Don’t hold your breath, however: as an attempt to destabilise Moldova. massive bank robbery and has fled achieving the changes Sandu wants will Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s to the United States. Even Moscow not be easy. Dodon’s Socialists remain SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, had described him as “toxic” and the largest group in parliament and, accused the United States last month urged Moldovans not to support this being a parliamentary democracy, of plotting to instigate mass protests him. The big bank theft is still being more or less, it is parliament that wields against Dodon as punishment for him

19 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

fostering good relations with Moscow.” an investigation by Britain’s National polarized society, low productivity, In other words, the Kremlin seems to Crime Agency (NCA) in early 2019. demographic challenges, skills have indulged in its usual policy of The NCA claim that the young Filat’s mismatches, and a high vulnerability spreading fake news in support of its costs for living in London, where he to both climate-related and external faithful acolytes but in this case it didn’t was studying, were met with massive shocks are Moldova’s biggest economic work. The UK’s Guardian newspaper transfers of funds from Turkey and challenges,” says a report. “Moldova’s reported that Nicu Popescu, who was the Cayman Islands. His funds were large-scale out-migration, combined a foreign minister when Sandu was frozen by a court order in 2018 and with decreasing fertility rates, has prime minister in 2019, has warmly the District Judge hearing the case led to an alarming decline in the welcomed Dodon’s – and Moscow’s – said he was satisfied that the money population and increased the share defeat. “There’s been high demand for was derived from Filat Senior’s illicit of elderly people. This puts pressure activities in Moldova, since Filat on the pension system and limits the an anti-corruption platform for many, Junior could not name a legitimate available labour force and the country’s many years,” he is quoted as saying. source for his income. While studying long-term competitiveness.” Certainly, “It was also very clear that Dodon at university, the younger Filat was even six years on from the massive has been part of the same world with living in a penthouse in London’s bank robbery, Moldova’s banking very corrupt politics … it was clear exclusive and very expensive Cadogan sector needs to win confidence, with for people and they didn’t buy into Square and driving to lectures in a the help of the European Central Bank his divisive campaign.” Attempts Bentley Bentayga, bought brand new (ECB). The National Bank of Moldova to hack into the Central Electoral from a showroom in Mayfair for (NBM) signed a Memorandum of Commission during the count were £200,000 (€225,000). It would seem Understanding (MoU) with the defeated by Moldovan technicians. It’s that Moldova’s corrupt upper stratum ECB in September 2020 aimed been suggested that Russia’s support believed that no-one would notice their at strengthening the capacity of for Dodon was ‘half-hearted’, although wrongdoing. As the French playwright banking supervision. According to there’s little doubt that Putin would Molière wrote in ‘Le Tartuffe’, “It is the ECB, the signing should also be have preferred him to Sandu. public scandal that constitutes offence, seen as representing “a significant and to sin in secret is not to sin at all.” achievement aimed at strengthening That’s not the view taken by the law, the banking supervision capacity however. Or to put it another way, of the NBM, as well as a conclusive the wages of sin may be, as the Bible confirmation of the implementation of says, death, but on the other hand, common objectives set by our country the salaries of propriety won’t buy you and the European Union within the many luxuries. Certainly not a Bentley Association Agreement between the Bentayga. Republic of Moldova and the European Union. Thus, the NBM continues the What’s more, even if Moldova picks up process of reforming the banking economically, it will do so from a low sector in our country, consistently base. applying the best European and international practices.”

WARDING OFF THE BEAR Vladimir Filat before the court session in Chisinau One challenge Sandu will find it hard to overcome is her country’s dependence on Russia. “With few natural energy Certainly, Sandu should be a big step up resources, Moldova imports almost all from Vladimir Filat, recently released of its energy supplies from Russia and on parole after serving four years of a Ukraine,” reports the CIA. “Moldova's nine-year prison sentence imposed for dependence on Russian energy is his alleged involvement in the massive underscored by a more than $6 billion bank heist. After being denounced by (€5.04 billion) debt to Russian natural the man accused of masterminding gas supplier Gazprom, largely the the theft, Ilan Shor, Filat, formerly result of unreimbursed natural gas Moldova’s prime minister, was charged consumption in the breakaway region with passive corruption and influence- of Transnistria.

trafficking. He was also accused of © Wikipedia Moldova and Romania inaugurated extorting money, goods and services The National Bank of Moldova the Ungheni-Iasi natural gas worth hundreds of millions of dollars interconnector project in August 2014. from Shor and may face further The 43-kilometer pipeline between charges of money laundering, which The World Bank is not entirely Moldova and Romania, allows for he denies. Filat’s son, also called pessimistic but it’s clear there is some both the import and export of natural Vlad, was ordered to pay almost way to go to reach relative prosperity. gas. Several technical and regulatory £500,000 (€560,000) in the UK after “A vulnerable political system, a delays kept gas from flowing into

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Transnistria is a narrow strip of largest city in Moldova, and its flag still Moldova along its eastern border, bears the old Soviet hammer and sickle sandwiched between the Dniester river emblem in one corner. and the Ukraine frontier. Its dispute with Moldova, which dates back to the break-up of the Soviet Union, is one of the world’s so-called ‘frozen conflicts’, which show little sign of ending soon. Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova unilaterally in 1990. Two years later, Transnistria, backed by © Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure© Ministry of Economy of Moldova Russia, took up arms against Moldova, The Ungheni–Chișinău gas pipeline the conflict lasting from March to Moldova until March 2015. Romanian July, 1992. The European Parliament’s gas exports to Moldova are largely Directorate General for External symbolic. In 2018, Moldova awarded Policies characterised it like this: a tender to Romanian Transgaz to “While Moldova, and to a lesser extent © Wikicommons / Adam Jones / Adam © Wikicommons construct a pipeline connecting the Transnistrian region, have made Lenin Statue on 25 October Street - Tiraspol - Ungheni to Chișinău, bringing the progress towards more democratic Transnistria gas to Moldovan population centers. forms of government and more Moldova also seeks to connect with effective, transparent and accountable It seems certain that Sandu’s victory the European power grid by 2022.” governance, neither is a fully free and will lead Moldova to have to closer Indeed, the CIA cites a large number democratic society according to most links with Romania, the EU and the of potential obstacles to progress. international assessments. Problems United States, which will not please “Over the longer term, Moldova's persist in relation to human rights and Putin. However, Sandu has been economy remains vulnerable to political and civil liberties, organised careful not to provoke or antagonise corruption, political uncertainty, crime and pervasive corruption.” Russia, saying that she will seek to weak administrative capacity, vested Transnistria has shown little sympathy develop Moldova’s relationship with bureaucratic interests, energy import with Moldova’s moves towards a more Moscow. Putin may be uneasy about dependence, Russian political and European future. “The Transnistrian that, but his influence at home and economic pressure, heavy dependence region,” runs the report, “while among his neighbours may be slowly on agricultural exports, and unresolved economically benefitting from access dwindling anyway and may dwindle separatism in Moldova's Transnistria to the European Union market, has further in elections likely to be held region.” That’s quite a catalogue, yet to engage fully with Moldova’s in September 2021. As the Foreign and we haven’t really mentioned the European agenda and aspirations Policy (FP) website wrote after Sandu’s ongoing issue of Transnistria. and retains a significantly stronger win, “President Vladimir Putin’s economic, cultural and political attempts to keep Russia’s immediate orientation east, towards the CIS, and neighbors close are unravelling, with especially Russia and Ukraine.” the citizens of Moldova joining those of Kyrgyzstan and Belarus in signaling Transnistria has a population of in recent days and months that they around half a million, is recognised have lost patience with discredited as independent by very few other Moscow-backed leaders.” He will not, countries but even issues passports, of course, give in easily and Putin’s although not many countries accept record shows a willingness to engage them. It gets its gas for free from Russia in intimidation and violence to get his and has banned the use of the Latin way. Certainly, the EU is pleased with alphabet in favour of the Cyrillic,

© Nrf the outcome of the election. Soldiers from Transnitria on independance day even though its ethnically Romanian citizens would write in Latin script. European Commission President In the 2016 election, large numbers of Ursula von der Leyen described Transnistrian citizens were bussed into Sandu’s victory as “a clear call to tackle Moldova to vote. That was not officially corruption and restore respect for the allowed in 2020 and the US ambassador rule of law — the path to a prosperous to Chișinău, Dereck Hogan, informed future. The EU is ready to support Moldovan media that he had been Moldova.” Moldova will need it. In her given assurances there would be no victory speech, Sandu told the media: repeat of such tactics. In 2012, Russia ““We need a developed economy that opened a consulate in Transnistria, offers work opportunities here at despite protests from Moldova, but it home, so our youth and our people are did not go as far as to recognise it as an not forced to leave their loved ones.”

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America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still advising against all travel to Moldova, although most other countries, including the very cautious UK, are merely advising extreme care, which should apply to every country. The UK, on its advice to English citizens (as opposed to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish, who get their own advice) says: “Moldova has announced the lifting of the State of Emergency and the easing of some coronavirus (COVID-19) © Bundesregierung Steins © Bundesregierung measures. The government has Angela Merkel welcoming the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, in July 2019 taken steps to restart economic activity. Social distancing guidelines election, but Sandu has said they will outcome. “Having a pro-European remain in place and you must wear be investigated. “We made hundreds Head of State in our neighbourhood is a mask in enclosed spaces such as of reports and I will insist they are a very positive message for the whole supermarkets, restaurants, bars and analysed and those who are guilty are European Union,” wrote Christa on public transport.” It sounds pretty punished — it’s about bribery, buying Schweng, President of the EESC and votes, grave abuses,” she said. Moldova Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of has seen its share of those over the the External Relations Section. “It is years. Even Sandu’s battle with Dodon an incentive for closer cooperation is not over. with the authorities and civil society of Moldova in accelerating progress His Socialists hold 37 of the and implementation of the roadmap parliament’s 101 seats while Sandu’s for EU integration.” Sandu is certainly PAS and her allies in the Truth and going to need the ongoing support Justice platform have just 25. The rest of the EESC in the budgetary battles are divided up among various very ahead. It looks as if she’ll get it. “The small groups and individuals. Dodon Committee praises the fact that despite has talked about trying to organise an the pandemic, the high turnout gives ‘anti-Sandu’ coalition to snarl things a strong mandate to Ms. Sandu and up and prevent reforms. New elections emphasises the wish of the people of are not due until 2023 and some sitting Moldova for a better future in a fairer members may want to delay any society. Moldovans have chosen to

further elections until then to protect pursue the European and democratic © Wikipedia their positions and their power. They path and Europe will continue to Romanian President Klaus Iohannis can see how popular Sandu proved at stand by Moldova in its efforts towards the ballot box and may fear history modernisation, democratisation and much like most cities in the UK, in repeating itself. rapprochement with the EU.” fact. In any case, it’s unlikely to deter QUIET CHEERING IN The mention there of the pandemic Romanian President Klaus Iohannis BRUSSELS is perhaps overdue: dealing with it is from becoming the first foreign likely to top Sandu’s ‘to do’ list, even head of state to visit Moldova since Meanwhile, the EU is in celebratory before she tackles corruption and graft. Sandu’s election. He was the first to mood. The European Economic As at the time of writing, Moldova congratulate Sandu on her victory and and Social Committee (EESC) has has seen around 100,000 cases of it’s thought likely he could visit in late already expressed its delight at the COVID-19 and over 2,000 deaths. December. If so, it will be a clear sign that Moldova and Romania mean to progress together, which should come as no surprise. With the result, many in Moldova are daring to hope Sandu’s victory will be the beginning of a more representative and progressive democracy and an end – eventually – to the long-lived kleptocracy. If the people don’t expect too much more than mild improvement, perhaps the golden fish will go on giving.

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© Mod.gov.cn Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen observing a military maneuver / Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews the armed forces as part of the commemorations to mark the 90th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ISLAND OF DREAMS China’s lust for Taiwan in a continuing East-West power struggle

n the much-troubled Chou Dynasty seems to have succeeded. China does powers, companies and international China of the 6th century BC, the not like Taiwan being independent; organisations to list Taiwan’s towns and philosopher Kong Qui, known it is the island to which, of course, cities as ‘part of China’. They are not. Iin China as Zhongni (which means Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang Taiwan is a democratic, self-ruled entity Master Kong, who was subsequently (KMT) nationalists retreated from that has been economically successful misnamed in the West by Jesuit Mao Zedong’s victorious Communist and whose people do not, by and missionaries as Confucius), wrote: “To army. The KMT ruled the island as a rule a country of a thousand chariots, one-party state for 40 years and were there must be reverent attention to internationally recognised for years business, and sincerity; economy in as the Republic of China, much to the expenditure, and love for men; and annoyance of those ruling the vast the employment of the people at the territory of mainland China from Beijing. For Mao and his successors, proper seasons.” That seems to be the Taiwan was unfinished business. precept by which Xi Jinping’s China seeks ever-greater influence in the At least he seems to have realised it world, although just how much “love was an issue to be left for another for men” is apparent is a matter for time. Xi Jinping, on the other hand,

© Wikipedia debate. Economic strength, however, has tried to pretend it doesn’t even Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong in is China’s goal and one in which it exist, putting pressure on Western Chongqing, 1945

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large, speak Mandarin Chinese as their It’s not an issue Taiwan can afford to mother tongue, speaking Formosan leave to chance, which is why Taiwan’s dialects instead. To the Portuguese President, Tsai Ing-wen, has already who first set up trading links there, the made virtual appeals to three leading Island was called Formosa. In the late US think tanks, urging the incoming Pleistocene era, some 140 million years administration to continue working ago, when sea levels were much lower, with Taipei in standing up to Beijing’s the Taiwan Strait was dry land and the threats to security in the South China island really was part of the mainland. Sea. She wants to win popular support However much Xi may prefer things in the United States for resisting to be otherwise, however, he can’t China’s bullying. The Taiwanese wish away a stretch of water now 160 public is certainly nervous that US kilometres wide and 70 metres deep. China policy may change under a Biden presidency and take a softer Taiwan has inevitably been caught up stance towards Xi, unintentionally in the war of words between Beijing encouraging adventurism and his and Washington, and no outcome ambitions to take back Taiwan. They looks especially promising. If the verbal have plenty to worry about. Since early war becomes a shooting war, Taiwan September, China has been carrying looks rather vulnerable, being so close out its most provocative show of force to the Chinese mainland. On the other in years. China has employed thirty or hand, if a new US administration were more combat aircraft and a number of to take a less hostile stance towards © Wikicommons US President Elect Joe Biden military vessels, which have engaged China, it may not see its defence of the in military patrols of the Taiwan Strait island as quite so important. Xi still every other day. Many of them have talks about “Communism with Chinese An official report to the US Congress reminded readers that: “In 2017, even crossed the median line between features” and the duty of all Chinese Beijing announced its goal to build the the countries that had been respected people to “liberate all humanity” and to People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into for decades, until last year. become what he called (not for the first a ‘world-class’ military, overcoming time) the “gravediggers of capitalism”. remaining shortfalls in the force’s Strange, then, that China’s businesses capabilities to establish China firmly are engaged in what looks very much among the ranks of the world’s leading like capitalist competition with other military powers.” This takes us back to capitalists and every bit as cut-throat. Mao’s ‘Little Red Book’, which quotes from one of Mao’s older writings, dating back to 1939. “Experience in the class struggle in the era of imperialism teaches us that it is only by the power of the gun that the working class and the labouring masses can defeat the armed bourgeoisie and landlords; in this sense we may say that only

with guns can the whole world be © President.gov.tw transformed.” From Xi’s point of view, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar he wants to see Taiwan transformed and Taiwin President Tsai Ing-wen into part of the People’s Republic and

© President.gov.tw. his ambitions may require him to Virtually every day, Taiwan’s air Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen abide by one of Mao’s own precepts: defence systems are activated because “Political power grows out of the barrel of incursions into its Air Defence of a gun”. Of course, so does repression Identification Zone (ADIZ). Most often, and tyranny. the aircraft are Shaanxi Y-8 turboprop In recent times, Xi has been facing planes, based on the old Soviet-era off an increasingly aggressive,Antonov An-12. On one day, three such unsympathetic and antagonistic US incursions led to warnings being issued President in Donald Trump. Now to the public. The three offending Trump is going, where does that leave aircraft were different versions of Taiwan? Is it going to be an unwilling the Y-8, one anti-submarine version trade-off in attempts to placate or (the commonest in these repeated appease Beijing? Polls showed that incursions), one was an electronic most Taiwanese wanted Trump to warfare version and the third was a

© Wikipedia.jpg General Secretary of the Communist Party win. What attitude will Joe Biden take tactical reconnaissance type, according of China Xi Jinping towards them? to Taiwan’s Ministry of National

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Defence. These may just be attempts to rattle the bars of Taiwan’s defences, to cause annoyance and concern, much as Russia does in and over the territorial waters of Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom. It is a worry, though, to Taiwan and its allies. In a report to the US Congress by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, “Through its modernization efforts, China has emerged as an unprecedented economic rival and a growing military © Cma.edu.tw threat capable of inflicting grave harm Taiwan Military on the United States and its allies and partners. China’s economic engagement Where does that leave Taiwan? Beijing with the United States has proved to be has at its command a military machine a critical enabler of its rapid economic ten times the size of anything Taiwan can growth, steadily feeding Beijing’s boast. That includes the largest air force in confidence in its ability to act on its Asia, the biggest army, more conventional long-standing ambition to match and missiles and far more ships. Its long- ultimately displace the United States as range defence systems can shoot down the predominant global leader.” aircraft in the skies over Taiwan and it could, at the press of a button (or several VAULTING AMBITION buttons), wipe out Taiwan’s air force and even destroy the US bases in the region, Xi Jinping is not really much like his although it’s unlikely to attempt such a predecessors: he’s more ambitious plainly suicidal manoeuvre. But China for global power and his dislike of would have to want to wipe Taiwan off © Wikipedia the map altogether, which certainly isn’t Protesters in front of the US consulate in Hong Kong to America and all it stands for seems to call for the passage of the US Hong Kong Human Rights be almost visceral. “The ruling Chinese part of Xi’s game plan. As an article on and Democracy Act that requires the U.S. government the Foreign Policy (FP) website points to impose sanctions against mainland China and Hong Communist Party (CCP) regards the Kong officials considered responsible for human rights liberal democratic values championed out, while mainland China certainly has abuses in Hong Kong. It was signed into a law by US by the United States as a fundamental the numbers, Taiwan is a natural fortress, President Donald Trump in November 2019 impediment to its external ambitions guarded by a strait that experiences and an existential threat to its domestic typhoons and 10-metre-high waves, In any case, Washington is somewhat rule,” says the same Congressional with steep cliffs to its eastern coast and distracted by Hong Kong. China’s ‘one report. “Chinese leaders’ assessment miles of mud flats on the western side, country, two systems’ promise when the of the United States as a dangerous that are not only difficult to cross but United Kingdom handed it back has long and firmly committed opponent has are also swept by strong and treacherous since been forgotten. As the old saying informed nearly every facet of China’s tides. According to FP, Taiwan only goes, ‘promises are like pie crusts, made diplomatic strategy, economic policy, has about a dozen beaches where an to be broken’. And Xi always planned th and military planning in the post- invasion force could land, where the to have his finger in the pie. The 19 Cold War era. Although elements of vessels landing them would be extremely century American anarchist Lysander this competition have been evident for vulnerable to missile attack. As a result, Spoone wrote, “Those who are capable of some time, under General Secretary of experts have advised Taipei to invest its tyranny are capable of perjury to sustain the CCP Xi Jinping the competition limited defence budget in mobile missile it.” How true. In November, China forced has intensified.” launchers, armed drones and mines. It out of the Hong Kong legislative body should also, they suggest, develop an four members it didn’t like, because they army that can put tens of thousands of had supported independence, even if troops on any of its beaches, backed up only the limited independence Beijing with a million reserve troops trained in had promised. On 11 November, the guerrilla fighting techniques. It might not National People’s Congress Standing stop a truly dedicated China but it would Committee (NPCSC) disqualified the slow them down and make the exercise democratically elected members who, extremely expensive in both men and as Human Rights Watch (HRW) quotes, matériel. However, FP points out, Taiwan “publicise or support independence”, and the US would have to start building “seek foreign interference” or pursue such defences without delay and there “other activities that endanger national are fears that a Biden administration, security”. Fifteen other members of like that of Barrack Obama, would not the Hong Kong legislative assembly want Taiwan to present an obstacle to any resigned in sympathy. So even the last possible friendly accommodation with pretence of keeping its promises to Hong Peoples Liberation Army of China Beijing. Kong has been abandoned. No Chinese

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lawmaker, whether in Hong Kong or in unauthorised assembly”, an offence and attack helicopters don’t actually on the mainland, will now have any under Hong Kong’s Public Order work, or not properly. As a result of power to say ‘no’ to whatever Xi decides. Ordinance. The charges arise from saving wear and tear on equipment, HRW says the decision has turned “the speeches made to crowds outside the morale among military forces is low semi-democratic Legislative Council, or police headquarters in 2019. “Hong and many soldiers lack basic tactical LegCo, into a rubber-stamp body.” Even Kong is descending at a dizzying pace knowledge. You may be certain that before Beijing took this step, however, from a city of freedoms to a mainland if HRW is aware of these glaring “almost half of the LegCo members were Chinese city that criminalises peaceful deficiencies then Beijing is as well. facing dubious criminal charges designed protests,” according to senior HRW It was the American naval chaplain to harass them and block their political China researcher Maya Wang. Nobody Howell Forgy who told a line of sailors, participation.” It doesn’t seem to bother was hurt in the 21 June protests but the engaged in doing the very thing he was Hong Kong’s chief executive, the Beijing- magistrate who presided at the trial talking about, “praise the lord and pass faithful Carrie Lam, who has said that said that “derogatory chants” towards the ammunition” but their present-day police officers had “challenged police having a legislature with no opposition Taiwanese equivalents may have none power”. Tut, tut. Interestingly, the is “nothing to be ashamed of” and that to pass. That’s not very reassuring to protests concerned had been about she is “excited” that the government will the people of Taiwan. police brutality, so respect for the be able to pass bills “more efficiently”. police may not have been high on the She seems not to have grasped the basic agendas of the protestors at the time. idea of democracy. It means, of course, ‘one person one vote’, but in Carrie Lam’s It’s just the latest in a series of peculiar and subservient world, that one draconian measures designed to snuff person is Xi Jinping. out democracy altogether. Xi (and his minions) do not want anyone daring to question his decisions. No emperor of old in China held so much

unchallengeable power. In fact, it is © Mnd.gov fair to compare Xi with the emperors Taiwanese army helicopter of China’s long historical past. In his book China: A History, historian John Keay writes: “Though emperors were “China is not an adversary to NATO,” neither subject to any form of law nor said NATO Secretary General Jens accountable to anything in the nature Stoltenberg at the end of a 2-day virtual of a representative body, they were meeting of the organisation’s foreign not therefore beyond all restraint. ministers in early December. “It is The Mandate might be forfeited if clear that China’s rise can provide new they abused it,” Confucius had told opportunities.” How, you may well ask. © Studio Incendo one of his followers: “If it is not right, “For instance on trade, and engagement 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition law remonstrate.” Who would dare do that protest on 16 June on global issues, such as arms control to Xi? Would they even survive such and climate change.” There is a caveat, an act of lèse-majesté? however, to this optimistic summary, as Stoltenberg admits: “China has the PRAISE THE LORD AND second biggest defence budget in the PASS WHAT AMMUNITION? world and is investing heavily in new The Taiwanese, then, have a lot capabilities. And China does not share to fear from China, and yet the our values.” What does that mean in island’s defensive capabilities are practice? Stoltenberg explains NATO’s highly questionable. According to views on the People’s Republic: “It Human Rights Watch (HRW) its undermines human rights. It bullies military forces have only one civilian other countries. And is increasingly maintenance or management worker engaging in a systemic competition for every twenty armed personnel, with us.” His solution is for others that compared to one for every two in the share NATO’s values to work more © Studio Incendo US. As a result, Taiwan’s armed forces closely together. The ministers attending Hong Kong protester throwing eggs at the portrait of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China regularly find they have no weapons the meeting agreed to organise a Xi Jinping on 1 October 2019 on the 70th National Day of or ammunition and maintenance is comprehensive report on China to assess the People's Republic of China so poor that soldiers avoid training its military development, its growing in case they damage what weapons activity in NATO’s neighbourhood and they have, or else run out of bullets. the implications for “NATO resilience”. In early December 2020, prominent Some estimates have suggested that They also agreed that NATO must participants in pro-democracy most of Taiwan’s military pilots fly for continue to engage with China but that, demonstrations were jailed for less than ten hours each month and as a rising power, China must respect the “inciting, organising and participating that more than half of Taiwan’s tanks international rules-based order.

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From Taiwan’s point of view, hope still resides in the belief that in an emergency the US will come rushing to its aid. Its politicians certainly haven’t done very much to address the glaring problems with their defence strategy. Like most non-military people, they don’t seem to know or understand tactics and logistics: an infantry division of well- trained soldiers is boring in media terms compared with exciting new equipment, in the same way that everyday groceries

© Nrf are less interesting than, say, buying The Dongfeng-17 is China's first operational hypersonic weapon systems and one of the jewellery or a shiny new motorcycle. world's first to be put in full initial operation It’s far more impressive to buy big ships, submarines and American fighter jets, The new subs have been designed to to Taiwan of semi-finished products, even if the planes lack missiles to use work well in the Taiwan Strait, where machinery and transport equipment in combat. However, the US has no China’s massive navy may find the confirm its position as an important bases very near to Taiwan. Only two of going tough, and they will be armed industrial supplier for Taiwan industry. them are within 800 kilometres, which with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and As for what makes up those exports and is also the furthest combat range for a torpedoes, at an overall cost for the imports, office telecommunications US fighter jet without refuelling. The first submarine of around US$1.72 equipment, machinery, transport alternative would be aircraft carriers, billion (€1.42 billion). It’s due to be equipment and chemicals are by far the which are even more vulnerable to ready to enter service during 2024, the most traded commodities between the Chinese missiles, especially in the others following as soon afterwards EU and Taiwan. Taiwanese imports of as practicalities permit. The overall hazardous Taiwan Strait. We have the services from the EU are dominated cost of all eight new vessels has been ironic situation that Taiwan has the by transportation, business, travel and estimated at around $16 billion geographic advantages of a natural financial services. Taiwanese exports of fortress while the US has the world’s (€17.74 billion). 2024 should also see the completion of upgrades to two of services to the EU are dominated by sea most powerful military, but neither is transportation and business services. likely to avail much if China decided to Taiwan’s existing submarines. The new take Taiwan by force. In November 2020, fleet will be powered by lithium-ion Taiwan began construction of eight new batteries and have double hulls. China attack submarines, the first indigenous itself, of course, already has a massive vessels of their type. They’re being built numerical advantage in the size of its by a Taiwanese company at a specially fleet, although US experts say China designed shipyard in Kaohsiung, a has nothing that could stand up to massive port city in the south of the Taiwan’s new submarines once they’ve island. been built. At least, that’s the hope. Where, then, can Taiwan turn for help. Militarily, of course, the answer is nowhere, although they may keep their

fingers crossed about an American © Wikiwand response. But in trading terms, it looks Container ship YM People from the Taiwanese Yang increasingly to the EU. In September, Ming Marine Transport Corporation in the port of Keelung in Taiwan some fifteen European countries launched their first joint campaign to promote investment between the EU The EU exports very few agricultural and Taiwan. It was a signal of their products to Taiwan, despite being warming ties with the island despite the world’s biggest supplier globally. escalating U.S.-China tensions. It was Market access – or the lack of it – is organised by the European Economic seen as the biggest obstacle. The EU © Wikicommons and Trade Office, which serves as the The Chien Lung class of submarine, also effective European Union embassy outstrips Taiwan in terms of the services known as the Hai Lung (Sea Dragon) class, it exports there but these are heavily was manufactured in the Netherlands in Taiwan, and it shows a Europe for the Republic of China (Taiwan) and is increasingly suspicious of China. In outweighed by the goods coming the currently in service with its navy fact, in 2018 Taiwan came 18th in the other way. Taiwan has, in fact, one of list of the EU’s trading partners, while the fastest-growing economies in the They replace Taiwan’s ageing fleet of for Taiwan, the EU comes fourth, after world. OK, so the growth in GDP is four submarines, purchased from the China, the USA and Japan. In fact, the not expected to exceed 2% this year, Netherlands and the US and two of EU has a trade deficit with Taiwan that it but that still puts it with a small group which date back to the 1940s. would like to put right. The EU’s exports of fewer than a dozen countries whose

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In the very early 7th century, the Sui dynasty emperor Yangdi launched two naval expeditions against what was recorded as Liuqiu, which was probably Taiwan. The first such invasion was repelled and the second withdrew. Both, having been initiated by the unpopular Yangdi, were recorded as ill-conceived and ruinously expensive, according to John Keay’s fascinating book, ‘China: A History’. Taiwan figured large in Chinese affairs again in the 17th century, when Dutch traders were very much engaged there through the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (United East India Company). Not permitted a mainland base by the Ming emperor, and after settling briefly on other islands, they chose Taiwan, which they had taken from the Portuguese (who had first called the island Formosa). It was sparsely-populated, its people were consistently hostile and the climate was notoriously bad for Europeans. The Dutch had been encouraged to Established in Taiwan in 1974, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) is the world’s largest settle there by the influential Zheng electronics manufacturer family, who had used it from time to time as a naval base. It’s a complicated economies are projected to grow at all. FRIENDS AND ALLIES tale of advances and retreats for In the current coronavirus age, most are the Zheng, whose rivalry with the shrinking or at best static. That’s largely Taiwan was once known to Europeans Qing dynasty launched large scale down to Taiwan’s success at containing as Formosa and it became politically migration to Taiwan, starting in 1661. the virus, a near universal willingness separated from the Mainland when Zheng’s navy defeated the Dutch, on the part of the public to wear masks, Japan invaded and occupied it in the who left the island, while Zheng was whilst simultaneously keeping open first half of the 20th century. It cannot hailed as the first Chinese leader to its schools, shops and offices. Its other have been an entirely unwelcome defeat a European force. Zheng died great advantage has allowed it to profit situation for some: a number of in his thirties but his son became from the pandemic: its main export Taiwanese men served in the Japanese friendly with English traders before takes the form of electronics, from armed forces during Worlds War II. his fleet was destroyed in battle by the small components like microchips to But Taiwan has been a place of interest Qing, when Taiwan was incorporated large-scale computer networks, all of for China for a very long time. into China. Statues to Zheng were which have become increasingly vital erected for his patriotism and even in a world where many are forced to the invading Japanese respected them work from home and most interviews because Zheng had been born near involve the use of Zoom technology. Nagasaki to a Japanese mother. Taiwan’s electronics manufactories have been expanding, while some Taiwanese firms that had been using construction facilities on the Chinese mainland have moved back to escape the tariffs imposed by the United States. This latest trend makes a welcome change from the previous movement of factories and jobs to the mainland. That was because Taiwan does have some disadvantages: for a start, it’s not very big and, being an island, there is very little opportunity for expansion. Taiwan is also very dependent on China: it’s nearby and

rich, so a large proportion of Taiwan’s © Wikipedia © Mapsopensource industrial output inevitably goes there. Sui Yangdi, Emperor of Sui Taiwan

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Of course, China does not recognise of the party’s policies during its war the independence of Taiwan; it with Mao’s Communists. “As for the considers the island its own property dead,” Mao told the British writer and has warned Washington not to and journalist Robert Payne, after develop closer ties with it. China’s a dinner together in Yunnan, “you dismissal of Taiwan is almost should ask the Kuomintang, who kill certainly why the island country and mutilate the Red Army soldiers was not invited to send a delegation who fall into their hands.” He also to a World Health Organisation told Payne that his forces wanted conference on COVID-19, despite peace. Payne quoted to him the its remarkable success in dealing words of the Chinese philosopher with the pandemic. From Beijing’s Lao Tzu, who had once said that point of view, Taiwan seems to be “government should be as simple as considered like some sort of ghost: cooking little fishes” and asked Mao lots of people know it’s there but if if he agreed. “You may be sure,” Mao we don’t talk about it maybe it will replied, “that when the Communists go away. I don’t believe in ghosts but are in power, government will be neither do I believe that ignoring as simple as cooking little fishes.” a well-known phenomenon will That probably is not how Xi would © Wikipedia make it disappear. As the old 1899 European Parliament Vice President Nicola describe it, but the modern world Beer children’s poem, Antigonish, by is more complicated than the one William Hughes Mearns puts it: familiar to Mao, who notoriously Europe and Taiwan, and favours neither liked nor trusted foreigners. “Yesterday upon the stair negotiations for a Europe-Taiwan In that, at least, Xi may have agreed free trade agreement. She also wants I met a man who wasn’t there. with Mao. the EU to demonstrate greater support for Taiwan’s participation He wasn’t there again today. For Europe, Taiwan holds the promise of a useful democratic as an observer in international organizations such as the World I wish, I wish he’d go away.” trading partner. In fact, European Parliament Vice President Nicola Health Organization (WHO), as well Taiwan will not go away and Beer plans to visit it for talks as soon as strengthened regular exchanges however powerful its military may as the pandemic recedes. between EU parliamentary members be, can China afford a global war and Taiwanese politicians. She to regain it? It has been discussed said she wants more scientific in Beijing since 1949 but has never cooperation, too. The Taiwanese got much further than sabre-rattling, may have been most pleased that she incursion into territorial waters and spoke of the need to counter China's saying unpleasant things about each provocative actions in support of other. Returning for a moment to its military ambitions in the South Confucius, he once wrote: “It is easy China Sea. Taiwan needs all the to hate and it is difficult to love. This friends it can get, especially now that is how the whole scheme of things Trump is going. The EU may not works. All good things are difficult to have the military might of the United achieve; and bad things are very easy States, nor the power to wield it, but to get.” For China, getting Taiwan trade can only help to fill Taiwan’s would be both ruinously expensive coffers. That, in turn, will serve to and extremely unpopular with its underwrite the strengthening of neighbours and trading partners. Taiwan’s defences. Beijing will go on provoking, probing Taiwan’s China’s dislike of Taiwan as an defences, looking for a weak spot. entity almost certainly originates The trick must be to ensure that in the long war between Mao’s there are no weak spots. Communists and Chiang Kai-shek’s Times Taipei © Chu Pei-hsiung, Kuomintang. Taiwan, of course, was Head of Taiwan's representative office in the EU Tsai Ming-yen As Beer said when talking about a the place to which Chiang and his mission to meet Taiwan’s leaders, army retreated, and which he and his “The situation in Hong Kong shows successors ruled without elections She has already held on-line that Europe should take action until the 1980s, and even then the discussions with Tsai Ming-yen, before it is too late.” Intentionally change to democracy was slow. In its Taipei’s representative to Belgium or otherwise, Xi’s constant early days, the Kuomintang launched and the EU. They discussed freedom, provocations have made Taiwan and what was called the “white terror”, democracy and the worsening its allies more determined than ever seizing, imprisoning, torturing or situation in Hong Kong, which is a to resist. killing anyone not supportive of its worry for both. Beer wants to see brutal forces. It was a continuation deepening cooperation between Robin Crow

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© Irangov.ir Mohsen Fakhrizadeh / © Wikipedia Mohsen Fakhrizadeh © Irangov.ir Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami in front of a poster of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh vowing retaliation against those behind the assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ON THE BRINK The ongoing European dilemma

The assassination of top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on 27 November 2020 near Tehran sent shockwaves that in no time were felt most strongly in Israel, Europe and the United States. The repercussions of this event will no doubt be serious and will almost certainly heighten tensions in the region; it could also prove very damaging for all the parties involved in the negociations towards the nuclear deal with Iran that began in 2013.

n Iranian Revolutionary Guard conflicting accounts of how the scientist funded organisation tasked with the commander said that a satellite- was killed, with the defence ministry research and development of nuclear controlled machine-gun with issuing a statement saying there was weapons. A"artificial intelligence" was used to kill a gunfight between terrorists and Fakhrizadeh. The machine gun had Fakhrizadeh’s bodyguards resulting in been mounted onto the back of a pick- the death of “three to four” assailants. up truck that was parked on the side of And on 9 December 2020, an Iranian the road. Shortly after the victim had parliamentary adviser, without going into been hit a number of times and critically details, said that a number of individuals wounded, the pick-up truck exploded. had been arrested and would face trial.

This claim could not be verified In 2011, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh independently and experts and analysts established and headed the Organisation in electronic warfare remain somewhat of Defensive Innovation and Research, sceptical. known as SPND in its Persian acronym.

The SPND is, according to Israeli and © Wikicommons At first, Iranian officials provided US intelligence officials, a government- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister, US and Israeli intelligence work closely Benjamin Netanyahu publicly warned together and as new concerns are on of Fakhrizadeh’s involvement in such a the rise about what President Trump programme. In fact, Israeli and other will do in his final days as commander- Western intelligence sources believe in-chief, at the very least, the that this project is the continuation of assassination makes President-elect the covert Project AMAD that was set Biden’s intention of reviving the Iran up in 1989, also led by Fakhrizadeh, nuclear deal or Joint Comprehensive with the aim of developing a nuclear Plan of Action (JCPOA) much harder. weapon. As far as the Iranian nuclear The nuclear watchdog, theprogramme is concerned, this event International Atomic Energy Agency will probably make no significant (IAEA) however said this programme difference. Iran is way past the stage has been closed since 2003. of having to rely on one individual in © WH order to pursue its goals. US President Donald Trump on May 11, 2018 : "Therefore, I am announcing today No one has yet claimed responsibility that the United States will withdraw from for the attack but it did not take very The reason for this assassination has the Iran nuclear deal" long for Iran to point the finger at probably little to do with Iran’s nuclear Israel and the United States. programme and very much to do with The original deal imposed strict limits the ambitions of some regional players and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said to derail prospects for diplomacy and programme. Iran was forced to get rid his nation would respond to this a possible re-establishment of the of the vast majority of the uranium it criminal action at the appropriate nuclear deal. had already enriched, as well as get rid time, while Supreme Leader Ali of most of the centrifuges that it used Khamenei said that punishment TRUMP GIVES UP ON to enrich that uranium. would be definitive, without giving IRAN POLICY any further details. Under the deal Iran also couldn’t In a massive reversal of US foreign enrich uranium past the threshold While Israel has made no comment, policy in 2018, President Trump for producing nuclear energy analysts believe Mohsen Fakhrizadeh withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (3.67%), which is significantly lower had long been at the top of the Mossad that was signed under President than the threshold for medical hit list. Obama in 2015. President Trump’s uranium (20%) and weapons-grade European allies had strongly urged uranium (90%). In the United States, former him to stay committed to the deal but Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of he insisted that he could negotiate The UN’s nuclear agency (IAEA) Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen said : better terms. verified that Iran complied with the “Fakhrizadeh was at the heart of the deal which is also what made the Iranian nuclear programme; he has And after signing the official with drawal US leaving so significant, especially been for years… not only the brains document, Donald Trump remained at a time when it was about to begin but also the passion behind it. So, his defiant : “They are going to want to make negociations with North Korea assassination is really a significant a new and lasting deal, one that benefits over that country’s own nuclear event”. all of Iran and the Iranian people”. programme.

© Wikicommons Iran nuclear deal agreement in Vienna in 2015. From left to right: Foreign ministers/secretaries of state Wang Yi (China), Laurent Fabius (France), Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Germany), Federica Mogherini (EU), Mohammad Javad Zarif (Iran), Philip Hammond (UK), John Kerry (USA)

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Europe however believes the deal works; European companies continued doing business with Iran. So this wasn’t just a blow diplomatically, it was also a blow financially to many of the US’s allies around the world. As was to be expected, the US move played straight into the hands of the hardline elements in Iran’s government and military establishment, including Supreme Leader Khamenei himself who, from the outset had strong

reservations about any sort of deal © Khamenei.ir involving the United States. Deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani with Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Hosseini Khamenei The decision by Iran’s government to partially withdraw from the Iran EU nations desperately attempted uranium above the 3.67% JCPOA limit, nuclear deal came one year to the day to salvage the deal but Iran’s and the continued growth of its low- after the Trump administration pulled announcement left the deal in complete enriched uranium stockpile, which is out of the accord signed in 2015 under disarray. Iran’s foreign ministry added now 2443 kg. This is a dozen times the President Barak Obama. it would take even bigger steps away JCPOA limit. Contrary to the JCPoA, from the deal than initially planned. Iran is using advanced centrifuges for This was of course a retaliatory measure the production of low-enriched uranium by Iran whose major complaint at the This move , with all its inherent dangers (LEU). Contrary to the JCPOA, Iran is time was that it had not seen any of set alarm bells ringing, especially at also enriching at Fordo: this facility has the anticipated economic benefits IAEA headquarters in Vienna where no credible civilian use”. from the deal in which it curtailed its the E3 made an urgent statement on nuclear programme in exchange for Iran to the IAEA Board of Governors, sanctions relief. following an alarming report by the Agency’s Director General, Rafael Grossi.

The E3 refers to the grouping of Germany, France and the United Kingdom during the negotiations with Iran from 2003, when these countries launched negotiations with the aim of limiting the Iranian nuclear programme. This led to the Tehran Declaration of October 2003, followed by the voluntary Paris Agreement of © Aeoi November 2004. President Hassan Rouhani visiting the installation of a chain of 20 advanced IR6 centrifuges started in the Natanz

© D. Calma IAEA Calma © D. As participants to the Joint enrichment facility in central Iran IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers Comprehensive Plan of Action his opening remarks to the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on 9 March 2020 (JCPOA), the E3 regret the US withdrawal and reiterate their As for nuclear research and continued commitment to the development, the types and number of Iran also announced to the remaining five preservation and full implementation centrifuges Iran is using or is planning signatories of the deal that it will put an of the nuclear agreement. to use in the future remains a matter end to the transfer of its excess enriched of concern : “Iran also continues to uranium and heavy water reserves to However, the statement also adds : conduct research and development on Russia and Oman respectively. “Despite these good faith efforts, Iran has engaged, for a year and a half now, several types of advanced centrifuges And then in January 2020, following in numerous, serious violations of its not permitted under the JCPOA and the US drone killing in Iraq of its top nuclear commitments. We continue the JCPOA’s R&D Plan. This includes military commander, Iran announced to be extremely concerned by Iran’s the operation of hundreds of IR-2m, it would no longer abide by any of the actions, which are hollowing out the IR-4 and IR-6 centrifuges. Iran has also limits set by the nuclear deal, effectively core nonproliferation benefits of the introduced new types of centrifuges ending its remaining commitments to deal. Advancements on Research not authorized under the JCPOA. the deal with world powers. This action & Development have irreversible Iran must cease undertaking any included, most worryingly, uranium consequences. research and development of advanced enrichment levels as well as research and centrifuges contrary to the provisions of development in its nuclear activities. We are concerned at Iran enriching the JCPOA.

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On top of this, Iran has announced that it intends to install advanced centrifuges at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz. The IAEA report confirms this process has already started: one full cascade of IR2m centrifuges is now installed at the FEP, as well as some IR4 centrifuges. The report also indicates that these cascades will continue to accumulate uranium. The IAEA reported on 17 November that the process of feeding the IR2m cascade with UF6 has now © Nrf been initiated”. Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Hosseini Khamenei and Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (far right)

In conclusion, the E3 demands that This is completely in line with the JCPOA Another provision of the law is Iran immediately reverses its steps and and Iran has always stressed that if other the launch of a metallic uranium returns to full compliance with the parties fully implement the JCPOA, factory in Isfahan within 5 months JCPOA without further delay. Iran’s nuclear steps are reversible”. and restoration of a 40-megawatt heavy water reactor in Arak, which As could have been expected, Iran didn’t IRAN THREATENS wait long before issuing a strongly- was supposed to be re-designed and optimised under the JCPOA. worded response. On 21 November, The Iran nuclear deal suffered its Iran condemned the E3’s criticism of first major blow when the United its expanding nuclear programme and States unilaterally withdrew from the added that European concern is totally agreement in 2018. However, another unwarranted given that the countries blow was dealt on 1 December 2020, involved are themselves not fully this time by Iran which could this committed to the JCPOA. time, mean the end of the deal.

In response to the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, parliament in Tehran approved a new bill on “strategic action” designed to lift the current sanctions on the country and to safeguard national interests. The Speaker of the Iranian

Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf © Irangov.ir said : “By ratifying the outlines of the Head of Atomic Energy Organization of motion, Parliament sent the enemies of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi Islamic Iran the message that the one- way game is over”. The government will be required to prevent any foreign access and The proposed bill requires the Atomic monitoring beyond the Additional Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) to © Mohammad Hassanzadeh Protocol and if the JCPOA parties fail Iran’s medium-range ballistic missile Khorramshahr produce and keep in stock at least 120 kilograms of enriched uranium at 20% to honour their commitments or refuse purity level at the Fordo nuclear facility to lift sanctions until three months The Iranian foreign ministry’severy year, and to fulfill the country’s after ratification of the bill, and if Iran’s spokesman, Said Khatibzadeh even industrial requirements with uranium banking ties with Europe or the oil called the statement by the E3 as enriched above 20%. If ratified, the bill purchases from Iran are not normalised “irresponsible” and added that Iran was also demands that the AEOI increase the until then, the Iranian administration scaling back its commitments precisely monthly production of enriched uranium will be required to suspend the because the US withdrew from the deal for various peaceful purposes with voluntary implementation of the and Europe failed to deliver economic different purity levels by at least 500 kg. Additional Protocol of the Nuclear benefits promised after the lifting of Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). multilateral sanctions. Three months after ratification of the law, uranium enrichment activities with On 7 December 2020, France, He called on the E3 to fulfill its own at least 1,000 centrifuge machines of the Germany and the UK called the commitments under the deal : “The IR-2M variety at Natanz must go ahead implementation of the proposed bill peaceful nuclear activities of the Islamic and the AEO will also have to launch as “incompatible” with the JCPOA Republic of Iran are fully within the uranium enrichment as well as research and described Iran’s announced plans framework of international laws and and development activities at the Fordo to install three more cascades of completely legal and legitimate, and in nuclear site with at least 164 IR-6 advanced centrifuges in the Natanz line with the country’s intrinsic legal centrifuges and increase the number of nuclear facility, in contravention of the rights. centrifuges to 1,000 by March 2021. agreement, “deeply worrying.”

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The E3 also voiced its “great concern” over the law that was passed by the Iranian Parliament at the beginning of December calling for the expansion of the country’s nuclear programme and to stop allowing access to IAEA monitors to nuclear sites, unless Europe eases sanctions on Iran’s gas and oil industries by the end of December.

The E3 added that these actions by the Iranian government risk

“compromising the important © Twitter/Raab opportunity for a return to diplomacy British, French, and German foreign Ministers Dominic Raab, Jean Yves Le Drian and Heiko with the incoming US administration”. Maas during a Berlin meeting where they discussed the Iran issue

It should be noted however that the three cascades of advanced centrifuges Biden administration has said very law is not binding unless it is approved at the Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz clearly that it’s in for a compliance for by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. is contrary to the JCPOA and deeply compliance process, this is of course worrying. far easier said than done.

Furthermore, we have taken note, with On top of this, it should be mentioned great concern, of the recent law passed that real steps forward need to be by the Iranian Parliament, which - if made prior to the Iranian presidential implemented - would substantially election in the summer of 2021, which expand Iran’s nuclear programme and basically means that Europeans have limit IAEA monitoring access. The that space of time between January measures would be incompatible with and June 2021 to make concrete the JCPOA and Iran’s wider nuclear progress which requires on the one commitments. hand Iran stepping back from its own non-compliance from the agreement, If Iran is serious about preserving a space in particular in terms of enrichment for diplomacy, it must not implement capacity and of course the US re- these steps. Such a move would entering the agreement and pulling

© Hamid Foroutan/ISNA Iran's Arak heavy water reactor jeopardise our shared efforts to preserve back in terms of sanctions. the JCPOA and risks compromising the important opportunity for a return Be that as it may, the E3 issued a to diplomacy with the incoming US statement in response to Iran’s planned Administration. A return to the JCPOA new laws. would also be beneficial for Iran.

The following is the full text of that We will address Iran’s non-compliance statement issued by the German within the framework of the JCPOA. Federal Foreign Office : We welcome the statements by President-elect Biden on the JCPOA We, the governments of France, and a diplomatic path to address wider Germany and the United Kingdom concerns with Iran. This is in all our have worked tirelessly to preserve the interests. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It is a key achievement REVIVING THE DEAL : of multilateral diplomacy and the AN UPHILL BATTLE ? global non-proliferation architecture. We negotiated the JCPOA with the As US President-elect Joe Biden conviction that it would decisively prepares to take office, European contribute to building confidence leaders are hoping a new White House in the exclusively peaceful nature of administration could see the US return Iran’s nuclear programme, as well as to the Iran nuclear deal. Joe Biden has to international peace and security. It already signaled interest in reviving the remains the best, and currently the only, agreement which would see the US once way to monitor and constrain Iran’s again lift sanctions against Iran in return nuclear programme. for its limiting its nuclear activities.

© WH Iran’s recent announcement to the IAEA But there are still many hurdles US Vice President Joe Biden and US that it intends to install an additional along the way because although the President Barack Obama in 2015

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messaging app called Amadnews. He was one of several people to have been sentenced to death over participation or links to protests that rocked Iran between 2017 and 2019.

Executions of course never help the perception that Iran’s adversaries have of that country. That perception and that narrative is that Iran abuses human rights, there is no social freedom, no press freedom, no political freedom and it is very likely that

© Tasnim News Agency / Vahid Ahmadi / Vahid Agency News © Tasnim Iran’s adversaries, especially Western Iranian President Hassan Rouhani powers and influential human rights organisations will once again point to This will certainly not be an easy task. where tensions, albeit for other reasons this execution as yet more proof. But if one wanted to see a silver lining is already high. to this saga, it is probably fair to say that if the Iranians were really not The latest high-profile case which interested in it, they would certainly has stoked tensions with Tehran have taken the opportunity over concerns an Iranian diplomat and the last two years, to pull out of the three accomplices standing trial in agreement themselves. And then, as far Belgium and accused of carrying out a as the Europeans are concerned, since plan organised by Iranian intelligence 2002 or 2003 this has basically been services to explode a bomb during a their biggest foreign policy success; if meeting of an exiled opposition group there is one issue on which they have in France. Assadollah Assadi who actually been proved to deliver, it is was the third secretary at the Iranian precisely this one. embassy in Vienna is accused of handing over an explosive device to a However, the European dilemma Belgian couple of Iranian origin, with agency © Moj news seems to be that they do want to put the purpose of bombing a rally held Ruhollah Zam during a court session additional pressure on Iran but at the by the Mojahedeen-e Khalq (MEK) same time don’t want to side too openly opposition group near Paris. The European Union condemned with the United States. And another, Zam's execution "in the strongest reason for perpetual tension between The trial in Antwerp shines another terms", and a statement from the EU Iran and the EU, although unrelated uncomfortable light on Iran’s External Action Service reiterated the to the nuclear issue, is the continuing international activities and came one bloc's "irrevocable opposition to the arrest and detention of mostly Iranian- day after a prisoner swap that saw use of capital punishment under any European dual nationals as well as a three Iranians released from a prison circumstances". number of high-profile arrests and in Thailand over a 2012 bomb plot prosecution of Iranians within the EU. in exchange for an Australian-British However when it comes to Iran and the academic imprisoned by Tehran for European Union, the stakes are so high It is widely thought that Iran’s alleged spying. in the nuclear deal that although this principal aim is to use these detainees single execution may not be enough to as bargaining chips for the release of Iran may well have the intention of completely derail efforts at restoring their own nationals held in foreign implementing a plan for the exchange dialogue towards an agreement, it prisons. In any event, this manner of of the diplomat for a number of British, will no doubt heighten tensions even conducting multilateral relations does French and other Europeans with dual further and cast another long shadow nothing to smoothe out differences nationality held in Iranian prisons for over the proceedings to come. alleged spying activities. As for the future of the Joint Another blow to Iran-EU relations Comprehensive Plan of Action, there came on 12 December 2020. The just may be a ray of hope. Supreme execution of dissident journalist leader Ali Khamenei has said that Iran Ruhollah Zam in Tehran comes as is willing to go back to full compliance Iran is attempting to pressure France if, and only if the United States, under and other European nations to resume new President Joe Biden rejoins the cooperation over the collapsed nuclear agreement. deal. So, that is the crucial question right Zam, who was granted political now…we are all on hold.

35 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC NEWS IN BRIEF

A NEW LUXURY HOTEL COMPLEX CLOSE In order to fully optimizing the lot shape, facing east, a large TO MONACO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF interior space illuminated from above by natural light was CAP D'AIL : THE KEMPINSKI designed: a canyon characterised by a green rock wall with falling water is developed at full height up to the roof level. Here, Designed by architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, the all the overlooking floors are located, connected by suspended designers of the grandiose Shenzhen Bao'An International transparent walkways which design the space. Airport, the complex will cover 12,000 m of land and offer The Infinity Pool, on the fourth floor, dominates a vast horizon 130 rooms and suites with a large terrace overlooking the towards the sea and the city of Montecarlo. Glass volumes Mediterranean. overlook the pool and host the restaurant, the event area, the “The project “La Voile Blanche” aims at creating an architecture sun terrace and the roof garden with typical greenery. respectful of the territory’s morphology, which will be completely The new building, planned to have zero impact, will be eco- integrated into the surrounding landscape by emphasizing it sustainable. An innovative project that respects the landscape without altering its characteristics”. and consider climate conditions and energy resources.

Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas Colours and materials generate a permanent dialogue The project site is located in a small inlet along the old SNCF with nature, respecting and enhancing its morphology: an railway line, on the coast that from Cap d’Ail leads to the inhabited sculpture. Principality of Monaco. DENMARK HAS A NEW AEROSPACE AND The new building will be articulated in organic surfaces arised DEFENSE CLUSTER from the insertion of the six project levels into the natural slope of the site. The level curves define the surface of each Center for Defense, Space & Security * was recently awarded the corresponding floor along which the various functions and title as Denmark’s new national aerospace and defensecluster. spaces of the hotel are distributed: i.e. a large SPA, a starred Dustin Paul Wilden, who is an active part of Censec ’s board, restaurant and a congress centre. has played a partial role in the new national cluster,creating a particular political focus on the aerospace and defence industry The principal facade is made up of wooden sunshade slats that in Denmark."I'm honored to be a part of ournational defense ideally reconstruct the profile of the slope. cluster. The Ministry of Higher Education and Science has

36 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC recognized Censec as the new national defense cluster, which A ROBOT DOG TO HELP CHERNOBYL’S includes a stronger connection to the outside world and the DECOMMISSIONING global eco-system related to innovation and science. This means, from a national perspective, a higher focus on aerospace Recently, Chornobyl NPP was visited by engineers of the and defense related subjects which will benefit our nation in so University of Bristol. Their task was to test the remotely many ways, including our multilateral connections. It has been controlled robots under the Exclusion Zone conditions, an absolute pleasure being onboard this unique project and I'm and one of such robots was a world famous Spot, a robot- looking forward to the road ahead." said Dustin Paul Wilden, dog, developed by the Boston Dynamics. Board of Directorsat Censecin a recent interview. Unique features of Spot are that it can move in complex * CenSec is the prime Danish cluster organization for companies specializing in high tech industries like defence, homeland security, space, aerospace and cyber security.CenSec terrain (such as stones or debris), get over obstacles, walk currently has 151 member companies with leading edge skills in advanced manufacturing up sloping surfaces and stairs, as well as get on its feet after and production, electronic- and software development and other related industry niches. turning over onto its back. Availability on its “back” of a special platform for installing the equipment potentially GREECE: STRICTER MEASURES NEEDED allows using the robot for remote radiation survey. TO FIGHT CORRUPTION, SAYS COUNCIL OF EUROPE EXPERT GROUP The visit to the ChNPP is commented by David Megson- Smith, a Senior Post-doctoral Researcher at the University The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption of Bristol involved in the development of novel and new (GRECO) urges Greece to strengthen criminal legislation sensors for deployment of robotic platforms, which can be to more effectively fight corruption, as none of four relevant used in the nuclear industry: GRECO recommendations has been implemented.

GRECO criticizes for example how aggravating circumstances relating to bribery are not fully covered by the law, when the gravity and sanctions of such offences are decided and that prosecutors may abstain from prosecution in bribery offences.

It calls on Greece as well to fully criminalize passive bribery of foreign public officials, including judges, members of assemblies, jurors and arbitrators, in accordance with the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption.

The main reason for GRECO’s report that triggered a “Rule 34 Ad hoc procedure” was the amendment of Article 236 CC, when Greece downgraded the criminal offence of bribery of public © University of Bristol © University officials from a “felony” (major crime) to a “misdemeanour” Spot Robot (petty crime) in June last year. Following a joint mission between GRECO and the OECD Working Group on Bribery (WGB), including discussions with the Greek authorities, “We came to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone to use the Greece restored the offence of bribery of public officials as a robotic platforms for mapping the distribution of radiation, felony, and sanctions were strengthened accordingly. test our robotic platforms and build new networks of people. We’ve worked a lot with the nuclear organizations While this legal amendment (November 2019) was welcomed, in the United Kingdom but we haven’t ever worked in an other consequences remained. For example, aggravating environment as difficult as here at the ChNPP. circumstances should be more decisive for the sanctions of bribery, and for bribery offences committed before To work here within the nuclear power plant is an exciting the amendment in November 2019, the softer legislation opportunity for us. And we have an ability to demonstrate (misdemeanours) and sanctions will apply. to your personnel what we can do and how we might be of help. Hopefully, everything we have seen here will make us Furthermore, GRECO recommended that the scope of better understand your problems. And we can develop our corruption offences that can be subject to abstention of technology to adjust it exactly to the problems that your prosecution under Article 48 of the Criminal Procedure Code engineers need to address on a daily basis”. be strictly limited, and that this Article be applied only in exceptional, minor cases of corruption offences. Dr. Peter Martin, a coordinator of the visit of the engineers of the University of Bristol to ChNPP, assured that the As this recommendation is still not implemented, GRECO University is interested in further cooperation and it plans notes that there is a considerable risk that this provision, if re-visiting the Chornobyl NPP in 2021 for testing other not remedied, could further weaken Greece’s possibilities to dosimetry technologies and presenting to the ChNPP the effectively fight this form of corruption and possibly other technologies that may be used during the radioactive waste related crimes, such as money laundering. management and dismantling activities.

The Greek authorities have not dealt with any of the above Spot is an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with issues so far, GRECO concludes in its follow up report. Having unprecedented mobility, allowing you to automate routine established an expert committee to deal with these matters, inspection tasks and data capture safely, accurately, and Greece is to report again to GRECO by 31 October 2021. frequently.

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A HOME RAPID TEST KIT FOR COVID An important component to successful at-home testing is the ability to efficiently track and monitor results. As noted in this The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently issued an EUA, prescribing health care providers are required to report all emergency use authorization (EUA) for the first COVID-19 test results they receive from individuals who use the test to their diagnostic test for self-testing at home and that provides relevant public health authorities in accordance with local, state rapid results. The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is a and federal requirements. Lucira Health, the test manufacturer, molecular (real-time loop mediated amplification reaction) has also developed box labeling, quick reference instructions single use test that is intended to detect the novel coronavirus and health care provider instructions to assist with reporting. SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. Diagnostic testing remains one of the pillars of our nation’s “The FDA continues to demonstrate its unprecedented speed in response to COVID-19. The FDA continues its public health response to the pandemic. While COVID-19 diagnostic tests commitment to pursue new approaches that help make critical have been authorized for at-home collection, this is the first that tests available to more Americans through EUA authority. can be fully self-administered and provide results at home. This The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary transmission,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, “Today’s action underscores the FDA’s ongoing commitment to and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the expand access to COVID-19 testing.” safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

THALES ALENIA SPACE TO BUILD COPERNICUS CIMR SATELLITES

Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture between Thales (67 %) and Leonardo (33 %) has signed a 93 Meuro, first tranche of the 495 Meuro global contract, with the European Space

© Lucira Health © Lucira Agency (ESA) to build the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Lucira 30-minute at home rapid-test kit for COVID-19 Radiometer (CIMR) environmental monitoring satellites. The CIMR mission is part of the expansion of the Copernicus Space The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit test has been Component programme of the European Space Agency, ESA, authorized for home use with self-collected nasal swab samples in partnership with the European Commission. The European in individuals age 14 and older who are suspected of COVID-19 Copernicus flagship programme provides Earth observation by their health care provider. It is also authorized for use in and in situ data and a broad range of services for environmental point-of-care (POC) settings (e.g., doctor’s offices, hospitals, monitoring and protection, climate monitoring, natural disaster urgent care centers and emergency rooms) for all ages but assessment to improve the quality of life of European citizens. samples must be collected by a healthcare provider when the Thales Alenia Space will serve as mission prime with main test is used at the POC to test individuals younger than 14 years partners OHB Italia for the instrument and HPS (High old. The test is currently authorized for prescription use only. Performance Space Structure System GmbH) for the Antenna Reflector. This mission is dedicated to provide observations of The test works by swirling the self-collected sample swab in a Sea-Surface Temperature (SST), Sea-Ice Concentration (SIC) vial that is then placed in the test unit. In 30 minutes or less, and Sea-Surface Salinity (SSS). Uniquely, it would also observe the results can be read directly from the test unit’s light-up a wide range of other sea-ice parameters as Sea Ice Thickness display that shows whether a person is positive or negative for (SIT), Sea Ice Drift (SID), Ice Type/Stage, Snow Depth on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Positive results indicate the presence Sea Ice or Ice Surface Temperature (IST). CIMR responds to of SARS-CoV-2. Individuals with positive results should self- high-priority requirements from key Arctic user communities isolate and seek additional care from their health care provider. and will improve continuity of missions monitoring the Individuals who test negative and experience COVID-like Polar Regions, notably in terms of spatial resolution (~5 km) symptoms should follow up with their health care provider temporal resolution (sub-daily) and geophysical accuracy. as negative results do not preclude an individual from SARS- CIMR measurement performances are at worldwide state of art. CoV-2 infection. “Our strong expertise and heritage on both Copernicus “Today’s authorization for a complete at-home test is a significant programs and radar technologies will serve this mission which step toward FDA’s nationwide response to COVID-19. A test that is considered essential to the successful implementation of the can be fully administered entirely outside of a lab or healthcare integrat ed EU Artic Policy”, declared Hervé Derrey, CEO of setting has always been a major priority for the FDA to address Thales Alenia Space. the pandemic. Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to The CIMR system consists of up to 3 Satellites dedicated protect themselves and those around them,” said Jeff Shuren, M.D., to day-and-night monitoring of land, ice and oceans flying J.D., director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. in loose convoy with METOP SG satellite B. CIMR orbit is “We look forward to proactively working with test developers to quasi-polar, near circular and sun-synchronous. In order to support the availability of more at-home test options.” acquire measurements on a wide swath, the instrument rotates

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2.Sustainable Development in and around the Arctic (exploitation of natural resources e.g. fish, minerals, oil and gas), “Blue economy”, safe and reliable navigation (e.g. the Arctic Northern Sea Route).

3.International Cooperation on Arctic Issues (scientific research, EU and bilateral cooperation projects, fisheries management/ ecosystems protection, commercial fishing).

Continuously monitoring the vast and harsh Arctic environment

© Thales Alenia Space/Briot in such a changing world with Earth observation, navigation and Artist’s impression communication satellites (considering the sparse population and the lack of transport links) is considered essential to the continuously about an axis parallel to the local spacecraft successful implementation and effective management of the vertical. The antenna system view the Earth scene with a nearly Integrated EU Arctic Policy. constant incidence angle of about 55.5 deg. About CIRM measured parameters The CIMR satellites embark each a wide-swath conically- scanning multi-frequency microwave radiometer provided Sea-Surface Temperature parameter is required for climate by OHB Italia and operating from L to ka band enabling modelling, mesoscale analysis, oceanic predictions and as radiometric measurements with unprecedented levels of climate change indicator accuracy. CIMR will be designed for a 7 years nominal lifetime Sea-Ice Concentration is the most important parameter for with a sub-daily Artic and Antarctic area coverage, it will be operational navigation in sea-ice infested waters and for climate compatible with Vega-C and Ariane 6-2 launchers and will be services fitted by a controlled re-entry system. Sea-Surface Salinity is an essential climate variable that plays a Massimo Comparini, Senior Executive Vice President fundamental role in the density-driven global ocean circulation, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space the water cycle, and climate commented:“We are proud to lead this crucial mission for Europe Sea Ice Thickness is a parameter already measured by satellite and for arctic communities, as CIMR will provide operational sea- altimeters but a high spatial resolution thin sea ice thickness ice services and continuously monitoring of Arctic environment”. product for navigation purposes does not exist for the Arctic Ocean and will be crucial for operational applications This program will take both advantage of Thales Alenia Space proven heritage in Copernicus missions, Earth observation Sea Ice Drift parameters are not only important for the navigation satellites as well as the OHB Italia experience on rotating but ice cover and motion have major effect on heat fluxes between microwave imager, the platform is based on the new Thales ocean and atmosphere, as well as impact the fresh water flux Alenia Space Multi-Mission Platform product line (MILA),and which plays an important role in the thermohaline circulation the Large Deployable Reflector (LDRS) will be provided by the Ice Type/Stage is also a key parameter to operational services German company HPS. (navigation, marine operations) as well as to climate modelling Snow Depth on Sea Ice are needed for an accurate determination of the sea ice freeboard More about industrial contributions Ice Surface Temperature parameter is potentially as important Thales Alenia Space in Belgium will provide the Power Control- than SST in terms of assimilation of vertical heat diffusion Distribution Unit and the Solar Array Photovoltaic Assembly (PVA), Thales Alenia Space in Switzreland the monitoring About Thales Alenia Space camera, Thales Alenia Space in Spain, the Receivers and Calibration Assembly (RCA) , the Instrument Control Unit Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination (ICU), the Local Control Unit (LCU) and the Remote Interface of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers Unit (RIU) and Leonardo the Star Trackers. cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, About the integrated EU Arctic Policy science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite- The strategic, environmental and socio-economic importance based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections of the Arctic region, including the Arctic Ocean and adjacent and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of seas is now recognized. The Arctic’s fragile environment is also its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales a direct and key indicator of the climate change, which requires Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a specific mitigation and adaptation actions, as agreed at the COP better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between -21 held in Paris in December 2015. Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space To this end, the "Integrated EU Arctic policy" has identified and Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia is addressing three priority areas Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.15 billion euros in 2019 and has around 7,700 employees in nine countries. 1.Climate Change and Safeguarding the Arctic Environment (livelihoods of indigenous peoples, Arctic environment). www.thalesaleniaspace.com

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INTO THE UNKNOWN, ALONE Labour migration and the children left on their own

he scale of labour migration in many being forced into an existence Europe has serious implications in the shadows of Europe, at risk of for the protection of children exploitation and abuse.” These are “Tleft behind in their countries of disturbing statistics, but they get origin,” said Viorel Riceard Badea, a worse. In the same period, more than member of the Romanian parliament. 700 children, including babies, lost His report on the problem was their lives trying to reach European adopted in November by the Standing shores, during perilous journeys by Committee of the Council of Europe’s sea. And for those children left behind, Parliamentary Assembly. It’s a strange what sort of future awaits them? “This and somewhat inexplicable fact requires a strong commitment from that while politicians argue about the Council of Europe,” Badea told migration and how to dissuade asylum me, “especially since these children are seekers from seeking that asylum in not even counted in official statistics. © MoriaCoronaAwarenessTeam It is very disturbing.” It certainly is A group of refugees in Moria camp have created the their country, few people mention the Moria Corona Awareness Team (MCAT) to encourage children. The countries of Europe need for a supposedly caring and civilised awareness and protect the camp from Covid-19 to address the problem as a matter of continent. urgency. What we are witnessing is not Mexican border, separated migrant only children left behind by parents children from their parents shocked seeking work and opportunities in many in Europe, but the record shows wealthier, less war-torn countries than that Europeans are not so innocent their own, but also children sent out either. “While some efforts were made alone into the world to try to find a to relocate children out of Greece, better life. thousands have been abandoned due to the unwillingness of some European countries to take in and care for some of the most vulnerable children in the world. Children continue to die on the EU’s doorstep while European leaders look the other way”, Bundegaard

© Baybundegaard wrote. Anita Bay Bundegaard A number of European countries responded to the crisis by closing For those who set off towards Europe, their borders completely, imposing the journey is invariably hazardous, the detention of children and making especially for unaccompanied it virtually impossible for them to children. rejoin their parents. In March 2020,

© Senat Ro some 331 children were being held in Viorel Riceard Badea, member of the “The way Europe has treated the most detention in Greece. Romanian parliament vulnerable children in their hour of need is unacceptable,” says Anita The largest proportion of Bay Bundegaard, Director of Save unaccompanied children who arrive “Some 210,000 unaccompanied the Children Europe. “On any given in Europe are from Afghanistan, children sought asylum in Europe day since August 2019, an average of one of the deadliest of countries for over the past five years,” says the NGO 10,000 children were stranded on the youngsters. Roughly half of Syria’s Save the Children on its website. “The Greek islands, 60% of them are under eight million children have known total number of children arriving 12 years old.” News reports of the way nothing but war throughout their short is likely to be much higher, with in which the United States, along its lives. Even when they reach Europe’s

40 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC borders, they are not generally made and, where appropriate, take measures welcome. Save the Children cites the and allocate resources to ensure the case of Ahmed, a 15-year-old from necessary reforms to implement it.” Syria, now in Belgrade. “When we try This all sounds very sensible and to cross the borders we get beaten by humane, but there have been reports of the police, badly. They are often very widespread abuses of legal standards. rude. I think they want us to feel afraid Even the European Union’s Border and to try again. I haven’t seen my family Coastguard Agency, Frontex, has been for a long time now, I left to go to accused of stopping migrant boats and Europe because there was nothing for forcing them to turn back towards the me in Syria, or Lebanon, or Turkey.” shores they have just left. Such actions Europe has not exactly shown itself to are called ‘pushbacks’ and are against be welcoming either. Badea believes international law. that the countries of origin, for their © Pace.coe.int part, should do more, providing jobs Icelandic MP Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir Physically sending migrants back to a for internally displaced adults, with country from which they have fled after tax advantages to encourage them to psychologically invasive (which is, they have landed is called refoulement stay. “On the other hand,” he added, unfortunately, sometimes the case).” and is also illegal, even more so, in fact, “countries of destination must ensure Brynjólfsdóttir correctly points out that and yet some governments have openly to people from third countries the the United Nations Convention on the spoken about it as an idea they are at same rights for the same work. This Rights of the Child makes individual least considering, seemingly unaware should be normal for any member states responsible for protecting that they are proposing to break the country of the Council of Europe.” He’s the lives of these children on their law. Frontex has been carrying out an right, of course: it should be. Sadly, territory and for providing them with internal investigation at the request of it isn’t. Bundegaard writes on Save special protection and assistance. In the European Commission ever since the Children’s website: “While some other words, these unaccompanied reports about pushback surfaced in improvements have been made, these children arrive with rights – if with the media. In October 2019 the annual are overshadowed by harsh border little else – that must be protected by report of the Frontex Consultative policies and measures to prevent law. Too many European governments Forum, made up of representatives of vulnerable children from entering choose to turn a blind eye to that fact. the European Asylum Support Office Europe altogether. Europe needs Brynjólfsdóttir wants each child to have (EASO), the EU Agency for Fundamental to draw lessons from the past. New a form of effective guardianship to keep Rights (EUFRA), UNHCR, the Council migration policies should not come at the wolves from their doors. “We have of Europe and the IOM voiced concern the cost of children’s lives.” witnessed in the last year,” she told me, about allegations of pushbacks, even “unaccompanied migrant children KEEPING SAFE FROM are the most vulnerable group among HARM migrant, refugee and displaced persons, and we have seen some thousands of According to data from Eurostat, unaccompanied children who have UNHCR, the Institute of Migration migrated to Europe, and we have also (IOM) and Save the Children, most seen a need for us in the Council of of the 210,000 or so unaccompanied Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly children arriving in Europe come from of the Council to ask firmly to protect Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea and end their rights.” up staying mainly in Germany, Greece, Italy and Sweden. Unaccompanied It all sounds like a good idea but these child migrants are still a minority: of the sorts of measure will obviously cost the 35,000 asylum seekers relocated from countries of destination money and Greece to Italy over the last five years, effort. It’s the sort of spending frequently only 823 were unaccompanied children. criticised by a populist press and attacked I say ‘only’ but that’s still a lot of kids. by citizens opposed to migration. The There is, however, a greatly increased growth of anti-immigration political risk that such children could fall victim parties has demonstrated public to human traffickers and criminal gangs. attitudes which, though not universal, “These children are one of the vulnerable are very common. Who, then, will groups in Europe today and are easy provide this guardianship and how prey for smugglers and traffickers,” says will it be regulated? “In my report, a report by Icelandic MP Rósa Björk we’ve put forward guidelines and Brynjólfsdóttir. recommendations to member states, how to fulfil the Council of Europe’s “Their vulnerability continues as they standards,” Brynjólfsdóttir explained. are confronted with administrative In fact, the report calls on the member

© Frontex procedures they may not understand states to “step up their action and assess Frontex coast guards rescuing drifting migrants in and may perceive as physically and their legislation, policies and practices the Central Mediterranean

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before the stories reached the media. important for our democracy,” he told by me to the Parliamentary Assembly, In the European Parliament, MEPs me. “because they reflect the actions and deals with this exact matter. NGOs that put some tough questions to Fabrice involvement of civil society.” The report deal with rescue at sea are especially Leggeri, Executive Director of Frontex. itself praises the way the NGOs have vulnerable to this blanket labelling of The NGO Statewatch has also expressed worked with national and international them as having something to do with concern over the growing powers of agencies. illegal activities, but under international Frontex, which has been authorised maritime law it is the responsibility not only to watch Europe’s external “Depending on voluntary donations of each vessel to rescue shipwrecked borders but also to monitor ‘hot spots’ of or working as contractual partners people at sea if they come across them.” of the United Nations, the European migrants’ movements internally. Sadly, many governments seem unaware Union (EU) or member States, those of international maritime law and its “While this is only supposed to deal with NGOs accomplish extremely valuable obligations, although it is true that there ‘trends, volumes and routes’, rather than humanitarian work. Without the efforts is no legal obligation to open a port in personal data, it is intended to inform of thousands of volunteers working in order to permit disembarkation. Some operational activity within the EU,” NGOs, member States would not be able ministers have seriously suggested Statewatch wrote in a press release, “this to meet either their legal commitments adopting refoulement as a policy, may mean an increase in operations regarding refugees and migrants seemingly unaware of its illegality. against ‘unauthorised’ migrants, or their daily humanitarian needs.” bringing with it risks for fundamental Basically, NGOs are stepping into a gap The Hajduković report insists that “The rights such as the possibility of racial that shouldn’t be there: fulfilling the legislation and practice of member profiling, detention, violence and the humanitarian needs that should be met States must comply with Council of denial of access to asylum procedures.” by the country in which the migrants Europe standards. Member States arrive. “When it comes to assisting should neither discriminate against migrants, it is first of all a political issue,” foreign NGOs providing humanitarian said Hajduković, “and that means they assistance to refugees and migrants on are very frequently labelled, that means their territory, nor should they restrict blanket labels as organisations that do foreign funding of humanitarian work illegal activities, organisations that deal by domestic NGOs. For their part, with smuggling, and so on and so on, NGOs must comply with requirements which is not true, of course.” Hajduković such as respect for national laws admits that there are, as he puts it, “a few and transparency.” The Assembly rotten apples” among NGOs, but they condemned attacks not only on the are a tiny minority, far outweighed by NGOs themselves but on their donors, the very many doing good. There have some of whom have been charged been a number of reported cases in with funding a terrorist or criminal which NGO teams have been refused organisation. “Respecting the rights entry to ports to discharge the people and freedoms of NGOs is imperative to

© N1 Croatian MP Domagoj Hajduković they have rescued and some have even upholding fully functioning democratic been prosecuted by unsympathetic societies,” said Hajduković. governments. SHOOTING THE RIGHTS AND TOO MANY MESSENGER I put it to Hajduković that rescuers WRONGS have a duty under international law to A vital link in helping migrants to rescue those in distress at sea, whatever NGOs can take many forms, as the survive, let alone thrive, has been the governments may think. “Indeed, they report explains and it cites the example of work of NGOs, often staffed mainly by do,” he replied, “and there has been a the Heinrich Böll Foundation, set up by volunteers. The work they have done, lot of controversy over rescue at sea. In the Green Party of Germany. It works to though, and continue to do, has brought fact, a separate resolution, also presented help migrants and refugees, publishing a them into conflict with some sections of society in the destination countries. The conflict and the hostility they often face led to a report adopted in November by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe which praises their work. “Nevertheless,” it says, “attacks on NGOs and their donors have taken the form of physical violence, legal obstacles, prosecutions, including of NGOs assisting boat migrants at sea, political accusations or even racist attacks.” The author of the report, Croatian MP

Domagoj Hajduković, believes the © Wikicommons NGOs are invaluable. “NGOs are very Syrian and Iraqi refugees arrive at Skala Sykamias Lesvos Greece

42 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC repor in 2018 entitled ‘Germany – Land of Immigration’. But the report also highlights right-wing political activists who created an NGO which in 2017 bought a rescue vessel with the intention of stopping boat migrants from leaving Libya. One person’s heroic rescuer is another person’s terrorist. There have, not surprisingly, been cases of funds being misappropriated. In February 2020 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) of the European Commission concluded an investigation into the use of EU funds by an NGO for Syrian refugees and found that nearly €1.5 million of a €19 million project had gone missing. The EU’s Court of Auditors called for more transparency and scrutiny of NGO

funding in 2018. Meanwhile however, © UNICEF / Alessio Romenzi many of the children arriving in Europe Children behind a security fence at the Moria camp on the Greek island of Lesvos, in March 2020 are traumatised by their experience of conflict, of separation from their parents and criminal investigations”. The Expert operations, an approach with the stated and of difficult, perhaps terrifying Council on NGO Law of the Council of aims of discouraging unsafe migrant journeys. Europe INGO Conference published in crossings and breaking the business December 2019 its report by Dr. Carla model of smugglers and traffickers, A number of European countries Ferstman entitled “Using criminal law but which appears to simply be about have taken measures to ensure that to restrict the work of NGOs supporting discouraging migration. Others have the children receive a welcome that is refugees and other migrants in Council died on land routes, with yet others at least adequate, if not always warm. of Europe member States”. still encountering extreme forms of “While some improvements have been violence at the hands of traffickers, made,” said Save the Children’s Anita Bay Dr. Ferstman is a Canadian-born armed criminal gangs and some state Bundegaard, “these are overshadowed barrister and a member of the officials, including slavery, torture by harsh border policies and measures Council of Europe's Expert Council and sexual violence.” This clearly does to prevent vulnerable children from on NGO Law. In a paper published not show Europe in a very positive entering Europe altogether. Europe in the German Law Journal and on light, but it applies to all migrants. needs to draw lessons from the past. New the website of the University of Essex, Unaccompanied children are, by migration policies should not come at she explained that “Extraterritorial definition, far more likely to become the cost of children’s lives”. On its website, cooperation—including by providing victims of the criminally unscrupulous. Save the Children is calling for the rights funds, equipment, training, and of children to be “at the heart of those technical support—has become central decisions”. It also asks for the EU and its to policies aimed at preventing access leaders to ensure that ways are found to of refugees and ‘irregular’ migrants keep vulnerable children safe. “They must to particular countries and regions.” ensure that children can immediately Obligations exist, however, under access asylum and protection once they human rights law to do everything arrive to Europe, instead of being pushed possible to ensure that any cooperation back. More and better legal migration they provide doesn’t lead to violations pathways, including swift access to of human rights, even those perpetrated family reunification, could prevent more by third parties in another country. children from dying on their way to Otherwise, they can become liable for Eu rop e .” the failure to exercise due diligence The European Parliament alsoto prevent human rights violations from occurring in the states in which commissioned a study on whether © Edm EU law might unduly criminalise the migrants end up. In a report for Afghan refugees sheltered in a church in Brussels, humanitarian assistance to irregular a conference of International NGOs Belgium migrants. On 5 July 2018, MEPs adopted (INGOs) at the Council of Europe in a Resolution on guidelines for Member December 2019, Ferstman wrote about States to prevent humanitarian assistance the heavy loss of life among refugees, The United Nations Convention on from being criminalised. In 2018 the mainly caused by attempts to prevent the Rights of the Child was agreed in Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU them arriving. “Many individuals 1989 and it has been ratified by every published a note on “Fundamental rights have drowned in the Mediterranean, country except the United States. considerations: NGO ships involved in with European States taking a de As Amnesty International explains, search and rescue in the Mediterranean minimus approach to search and rescue children must not be seen merely as

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passive appendages of adults. The of the guardianship.” Ensuring that the Convention is unequivocal: they are children’s rights are fully respected, people with equal dignity who are though, depends on them knowing entitled to respect . It provides them exactly what those rights are. “There is with their own set of rights. Those rights a lack of information to those children,” apply while they are travelling, even as Brynjólfsdóttir admitted, “and also irregular migrants, and they also apply to safeguarding that the children are in the countries in which they end up. aware of their rights, but also just to Those countries have a legal obligation make sure that they get their rights.” to care for them, protect them, clothe them and feed them. Most radically, the In most cases, ensuring that they Convention gives children the right to a get their rights is the task of the voice and to participate in all decisions NGOs, often struggling to make that affect them. In other words, it headway in a hostile environment. Andor © Elekes Many NGOs feel abandoned by the Migrants at Eastern Railway Station recognises children’s right to agency. Budapest Hungary Jonathan Todres, a law professor at failure of governments and some Georgia State University, wrote that intergovernmental organizations to The dehumanisation of refugees under the Convention: “Every child in demonstrate their clear support for and other migrants also creates an the world ‘should grow up in a family whatever they have to do to assist environment in which allegations of environment, in an atmosphere of people in need. Carla Ferstman, ill-treatment based on sexual and/ happiness, love and understanding’ in her report for the Council of or racial discrimination are rife, and be raised ‘in the spirit of peace, Europe, wrote: “Instead of explicitly though little is done in response.” dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality acknowledging the importance of their As for the idea of guardianship, will and solidarity’.” work and actively supporting it by it actually happen? Will member providing an enabling environment, state governments put their hands in ALONE AGAIN, the work of NGOs has been thwarted their pockets to pay for services to UNNATURALLY by many governments. In addition help children and young people they to criminalisation, some NGOs have didn’t want in the first place? “This For those left behind by parents in been publicly smeared in the media, report will help the member states,” search of work and a settled future, some have received threats and others Brynjólfsdóttir told me, “to strengthen ‘an atmosphere of happiness, love and have been kept outside of decision- their reception system when it comes understanding’ has not been their making processes and restricted to this vulnerable group. As we all experience. “We are suggesting in my in their ability to access vulnerable have witnessed in Europe and in report,” Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir migrants to carry out their work.” the member states of the Council of said, “that member states should review Europe…I’m not very keen on talking their legislation in this field when it It is a very big problem. The UN High about the costs, but I’m talking about comes to guardianship, and we should Commissioner for Refugees reported the effects on society. If we do not also allocate the necessary technical, in late 2016 ‘the highest levels of provide those children the support financial and human resources to displacement on record,’ with an they are entitled to, we will see the ensure that every child is assigned a unprecedented 65.3 million people effects of that: a lack of support in guardian immediately upon reception.” around the world forced from home. their lives in the upcoming years. That Given that in some cases there is “Millions upon millions of them – the is something that we in the member hostility to immigration of any kind, vast majority – have become displaced states should avoid. We should instead what exactly does that mean? “Of internally or have migrated or sought strengthen these children, providing course, the ideal is that the guardian refuge in neighbouring countries, them with the rights and support should be a professional – a social particularly in Africa and the Middle they are entitled to and what will worker, someone with a professional East. A significant and growing number support them in their lives and to background – to help, aid and support of others have embarked on dangerous have a prosperous life in the future.” the children in their most vulnerable and complex journeys to reach other As the report admits, guardianship situation, and I think that’s among the regions, particularly in Europe, North systems, where they exist at all, are not recommendations for a holistic system America and Australia.” A report always well adapted to the needs of the where it comes to guardianship.” by Ferstman mentions the appalling unaccompanied children. “In Europe, Brynjólfsdóttir’s report speaks of conditions the migrants face because where guardianship systems differ guardianship stretching from the time of the opposition of many people and significantly from country to country,” the child first arrives in a country up their governments to accepting more says the report, “the appointment of to their reaching adulthood. I put it refugees. “The deterrence policies are guardians or legal representatives is to Brynjólfsdóttir that it’s a lot to ask. effectuated by broad executive powers; a challenge, particularly due to the “It is, but it’s not just about the basic privatisation of many aspects of the increase in arrivals, lack of adequate needs,” she replied. “it’s also about reception, claims determination, guardianship systems and lack of providing the children their rights, to detention and removal processes; trained guardians which causes delays have them know their rights, so as to limited transparency, safeguards and in appointment, among others.” It’s assure they will have the rights that accountability and the lack of effective a worry for Domagoj Hajduković, they are entitled to. That is also a part remedies and reparation. too. “Especially with the pandemic

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and another coming winter they will become even more vulnerable. That is why NGOs and their importance should be even more stressed, because they assist and they fill the gaps the systems leave.” Hajduković’s report emphasises that countries should not regard NGOs as being involved in illegal activities: they play much too important a rôle.

Ferstman, in a report for the NGO Redress and published on the

University of Essex website, mentions © Frontex the way in which refugees are Intercepted driting refugees in the Central Mediterranean deliberately characterised as ‘aliens’ by some societies, by “focussing argue that the torture ban only applied accounted for 14 per cent of the total on difference; different religion,inside member states and sought to migrant population and 1.5 per cent culture, traditions which will infect or deport a man to a country that still among children globally. UNICEF, negatively impact on the traditions of engages in torture. He successfully the United Nations Children’s Fund, the host state. Linked to this is the wish took his case to the European Court reports that most of child migrants are to dehumanise, the stoking of fears that of Human Rights, which found in boys , who make up 62% of arrivals. the unknown ‘alien’ will not be capable his favour in a somewhat oddly The numbers arriving in Greece, of or interested in respecting the values worded judgement: “Accordingly, the Spain, Italy Malta, Bulgaria and of the host state – whether these are Court cannot accept the argument of Cyprus in 2019 were up by 7% on the religious or personal values and beliefs. the United Kingdom Government, previous year. There is often a fear that accepting large supported by the Government, that numbers of persons from a different a distinction must be drawn under 27% were separated from their faith or culture will upset the natural Article 3 between treatment inflicted families and unaccompanied. In 2019, majority/minority balance in the host directly by a signatory state and European countries recorded 672,935 state, and potentially destabilise that treatment that might be inflicted by new asylum seekers. nearly a third state. In one notorious and extreme the authorities of another state, and of them (202,945) children. Among example, a Polish magazine published that protection against this latter form children, 17,735 were considered to on its front cover a depiction of a white of ill-treatment should be weighed be Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking woman being accosted and grabbed against the interests of the community Children (UASC). by three dark-skinned hands, with the as a whole. Since protection against headline ‘The Islamic rape of Europe’.” the treatment prohibited by Article 3 In a troubled world people are always A desire to find scapegoats for various is absolute, that provision imposes an going to try to find a peaceful and societal problems clearly did not end obligation not to extradite or expel more prosperous future for themselves with the defeat of the Nazis. Some ideas any person who, in the receiving and even for the children sent on are very persistent. country, would run the real risk of alone or left by themselves along being subjected to such treatment.” In the way. UNICEF said many young most cases, though, it is not the risk migrants and refugees who made of torture that faces those sent back. the journey to Europe experienced Surprisingly, perhaps, fleeing from war violence and abuse along the way, with is not an internationally recognised consequences for their psychological reason for becoming a refugee. Living and physical wellbeing. Particularly in a war zone and therefore at risk of in Italy, nearly all the women and generalised violence doesn’t count girls who were questioned reported as targeted persecution. But let’s face having survived some form of sexual it, nobody takes the life-threatening or gender-based violence. A recent dangers and enormous costs involved study revealed that men and boys are in becoming a refugee lightly. It’s not also often subject to sexual violence an easy road to choose at any age. in the hands of armed groups, while kidnapped or imprisoned, especially

© 2020 Moria Corona Awareness Team/Aman Hussaini Team/Aman Awareness Corona Moria © 2020 According to United Nations in Libya. The former president of People in the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island Department of Economic and Social South Africa once wrote: “There can of Lesbos wait to use one of the few overcrowded water stations in the camp Affairs (UN DESA) data, the number be no keener revelation of a society’s of young people aged 19 or under soul than the way in which it treats its living in a country other than the one children.” Perhaps we’re justified in It remains illegal for a Council of in which they were born rose from asking: ‘how is Europe’s soul doing? Europe member state to return an 28.7 million in 1990 to an estimated Would Mandela be satisfied?’ asylum seeker to a country where 37.9 million in 2019. In 2019, child torture is still practised. Britain tried to migrants (aged 19 years and under) Jim Gibbons

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HYNOVA RealNum - Computer Generated Image YACHTING Looking to the future with Hynova

In the realm of shipping, there are sailors and captains around the world who carry a secret guilt that will remain forever unspoken. Many a time, a ship’s crew and captain have probably returned to port with the weight of a guilty conscience ; for how can one love the sea and the oceans so much, and yet continue to pollute them ? Unravelling the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems was the first stage in the search for a zero emission solution. It was after acknowledging the destructive nature of her love for the Mediterranean that Chloé Zaied, the founder of the Hynova Project found the strength to bring off the search for a sailing craft that would combine pleasure, performance, economy and eco-friendliness.

esides being a female captain – a rare occurrence in itself – Chloé Zaied has also found other means Bof setting herself apart in the shipbuilding industry. Her approach goes well beyond simple entrepreneurship ; she has had glimpses of a future where cleaner sailing would have no negative impact on either the ecosystem or on our wallets.

The Hynova project’s ultimate solution comes down to hydrogen. With some boats able to reach speeds of up to 26 knots, hydrogen allows for an efficient combination of high performance and significant autonomy, although this is of course, subject to various user profiles.

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Hynova designs, produces and any CO2 emissions, through the powered sailing may be considered commercialises the most eco-friendly electrolysis of water. This process avant-garde by charter operators, boats. consists in the decomposition of water but in the near future it will become – the quintessential natural compound mandatory if the new regulations are POWERTRAIN – into oxygen and hydrogen by the use to be implemented. The customer base of an electric current. If this electricity will have no alternative but to embrace The secret of the Hynova project lies is the product of renewable energies green hydrogen or other clean sources in its 100% electric propulsion system. such as wind and solar power, then the of energy. A powerful fuel cell enables hydrogen resulting hydrogen is labelled ‘Green’. to supply electricity for charging the If, on the other hand, the electricity AN INTERNATIONAL batteries, with water as the only end used in the process comes from a AMBITION product. Any risk of oil leakage and nuclear power station which is often the emission of fine particles is thus the case in France for example, then Throughout 2020 Hynova may have eliminated. the resulting hydrogen is labelled been somewhat discreet about its activities but as of the beginning of This is a real boon to the pleasure ‘Yellow’. 2021, the performance figures of the craft industry. Hynova is the sole As far as the Hynova Project is company will undoubtedly be echoed manufacturer in the world to offer concerned, ‘yellow’ hydrogen does not far beyond France and Monaco. After electro-hydrogen propulsion as an constitute a satisfactory compromise; a number of unpublicised trials in alternative to the current systems that it is obtained from uranium, which December, a series of high-profile have transformed this competitive is a fossil fuel that is far from being presentations will be organised maritime sector into one of the biggest renewable. In fact, the production of contributors to marine pollution. between Monaco and Marseille before yellow hydrogen leads to radioactive the whole ‘road show’ takes off to

WHAT IS ‘GREEN waste that is dangerous and cannot be reach the international market and HYDROGEN’ ? got rid of. demonstrate the reliability of green hydrogen. Hynova will continue to The green hydrogen used by Hynova is There are a number of different play a leadership role in carrying its extracted from desalinised water. methods for producing hydrogen vision and its desire to accelerate the and these can vary widely to say transition to clean energy. Far from the least. ‘Blue’ and ‘grey’ hydrogen wanting to create a monopolistic together represent 95% of world gas market, Hynova is most keen to consumption. They are extracted also see fellow manufacturers and from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas. competitors alike initiate an ecological Catalysers made of metal compounds shift without delay. such as nickel, chrome, iron and copper are used to facilitate the LUXURY YACHT chemical reaction of water heated to CHARTERS nearly 1000 degrees Celsius. However, these techniques are highly energy- At the outset, Hynova’s ambition was intensive and are accompanied by the to operate as an ordinary charter emission of large quantities of carbon service, renting boats on a daily basis. dioxide. However, the company’s founder remains open to the idea of catering For the production of one tonne for luxury yachting customers who of hydrogen, 10 to 11 tonnes of may see in Hynova the ‘green key’ carbon dioxide are emitted into that will open the doors to unlimited the atmosphere. As a result, the sailing, including boat trips to marine production of hydrogen on the global protected areas. The current world scale is responsible for the emission policy to protect the ecosystem of some one billion tonnes of carbon suggests that this niche clientele dioxide per year. According to the could very soon become one of the International Renewable Energy company’s biggest income generators. Agency (IRENA), this figure represents With this prospect in mind, Chloé the total combined emissions of Zaied went all out on questions of Indonesia and the United Kingdom. PROTECTED SITES ergonomics as well as the ultra- Of the different types of hydrogen futuristic design of this first project. production grouped by colour Maritime law is gradually pushing Fully aware that this demanding categories, it is the ‘Green’ and ‘Yellow’ for more restrictions and even clientele is perpetually in search of varieties that have been singled out by prohibition for CO2 emitting vessels ever more extravagance, Chloé Zaied different governments as the fuel of to access the most beautiful and most is already offering the possibility the future. protected sites in the world, the very to see digitalized 3D models of its sites that are generally sought-after customised projects on the company’s Green hydrogen is derived without by the very wealthy. Today, hydrogen website.

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In the year when France launched a €7 custom-size hydrogen tanks whose Fontvieille ports in the Principality billion hydrogen development plan and capacities correspond to the actual of Monaco are so fully booked that the European Commission provided needs of each user. another solution had to be found. In funds to the tune of €120 billion, one 2016, the Monegasque government could reasonably have expected list With hydrogen, unlike a full battery- took out an 85 year lease and spent prices of the pioneer companies in powered boat, fuel capacity and power some 80 million euros to build and this sector to literally go through the requirement need not be coupled. It develop Cala del Forte which can is possible to add hydrogen cylinders roof. In her capacity as an ambassador accommodate over 170 vessels, for more autonomy and a fuel cell for for ecological transition, and out of ranging from 6.5 metres to 60 metres. concern for work ethics, Chloé Zaied more power. rapidly put in place a mechanism A MILESTONE OF HARBOUR MASTERS together with her suppliers, whereby INNOVATION cost escalation would be avoided. This UNDER PRESSURE Some men of genius such as Isaac would have harmed or considerably Chloé Zaied always has an ace up her Newton, Albert Einstein, Auguste slowed down the implementation of sleeve and she never fails to let let hydrogen propulsion in the leisure people know it. and Louis Lumière, Nikola Tesla and cruise sector. Thomas Edison devoted most of their The young and passionate advocate lives to the accomplishment of their Consequently, irrespective of the for green energy is already planning work which all revolutionised the inherent cost of this new technology to launch negotiations with harbour world. But this is not the case when it due to implementation measures masters so that they free-up more comes to the technical achievements and engineering patents, Hynova has berths for zero emission vessels, to the initiated by Hynova. undertaken to not exceed by more than detriment of conventional craft with 30% or 40% the cost of a conventional high pollutant emissions. Very early on, Chloé Zaied surrounded fuel powered boat of similar weight, herself with a highly professional length, power and design. This add-on There is no doubt that many luxury team that was able to bring together will of course be recouped over time charter passengers would not hesitate competent and caring people and to due to the considerable savings in fuel to set aside a larger budget for an eco- find investors who had faith in her consumption. friendly boat if only to be allocated a vision. berth in a port, and especially if this Also, one is bound to say that many berth is more conveniently located. It only took one year to build the conventional boats have fuel tanks that first model – the Hynova 40 - which are disproportionately large compared A striking example is the port of Cala is expected to be marketed on a large to the consumption needs of their del Forte which lies 7.6 nautical miles scale in the next five to ten years. users. Where hydrogen propulsion is from Monaco, in the Italian city of concerned, Hynova is able to install Ventimiglia. The existing Hercule and Caroline Fayolle

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Copernicus Sentinel-6 lifts off ALTIMETRY TECHNOLOGY New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched

he Copernicus Sentinel-6 ESA's Director of Earth Observation climate change and for authorities Michael Freilich satellite Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, to take action to protect vulnerable has been launched into orbit said, “I'm extremely proud to have communities. Taround Earth on a SpaceX Falcon 9 seen Copernicus Sentinel-6 liftoff rocket. this evening and know that it's well on its way to starting its mission of Using the latest radar altimetry continuing the measurements of sea technology, this new satellite is set level that are so needed to understand to provide a new overview of ocean and monitor the worrying trend of topography and advance the long- rising seas. I would not only like term record of sea-surface height to thank the ESA teams that have measurements that began in 1992 – worked so hard to get to this point, measurements that are essential for but also the EC, Eumetsat, NASA, climate science, for policy-making NOAA and CNES, and, of course, we and, ultimately, for protecting the very much look forward to further lives of millions at risk of sea-level fruitful cooperation between our rise. respective organisations.”

Carrying the 1.2 tonne Sentinel-6 With millions of people living in satellite, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted coastal communities around the © Twitter.com/esa Eumetsat's Director-General, Alain Ratier off from the Vandenberg Air Force world, rising seas are at the top of and ESA's Director of Earth Observation Base in California, US, at 17:17 the list of major concerns linked Programmes, Josef Aschbacher signing an agreement on the extension of the GMT (18:17 CET, 09:17 PST) on to climate change. Monitoring CopernicusEU Sentinel family with 21 November. The satellite was sea-surface height is critical to #Sentinel3 C and D delivered into orbit just under an understanding the changes taking hour after liftoff and contact was place so that decision-makers established at the ground station in have the evidence to implement Over the last three decades, the French– Alaska at 19:49 CET. appropriate policies to help curb US Topex-Poseidon and Jason mission

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performance of synthetic aperture radar processing. To ensure that the data time series is continuous despite the change of instrument technologies, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is spending its first year in orbit flying just 30 seconds behind Jason-3. Orbiting at an altitude of over 1300 km and reaching 66°N and 66°S, Sentinel-6 provides sufficient measurements to map the height of the sea surface over 95% of the world’s ice-free oceans every 10 days. While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is © Esa the result of a unique cooperation between the European Commission ESA, Eumetsat, NASA and NOAA, with contribution from the CNES French space agency. The European Commission’s Director-General for Defence Industry and Space, Timo Pesonen, said, “We are very pleased to welcome this newcomer to the EU’s fleet of Copernicus Sentinel satellites. Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will enable delivering enhanced products and information concerning the oceans and the atmosphere to improve the

© Esa daily lives of our citizens. The arrival of this satellite is another success for Copernicus, for Europe, for all series served as reference missions, and the time it takes for radar pulses to mission partners and worldwide.” in combination with ESA’s earlier ERS travel to Earth’s surface and back and Envisat satellites, as well as today’s again to the satellite. Combined CryoSat and Copernicus Sentinel-3, with precise satellite location data, they have shown how sea level has altimetry measurements yield the risen about 3.2 mm on average every height of the sea surface. year. More alarmingly, this rate of rise has been accelerating; over the last few The satellites’ instrument package years the average rate of rise has been also includes an advanced 4.8 mm a year. microwave radiometer that accounts for the amount of water vapour in Now in orbit, Copernicus Sentinel-6 atmosphere, which affects the speed Michael Freilich will soon pick up of the altimeter’s radar pulses. the baton and extend this dataset – a dataset that is the ‘gold standard’ While heritage has been key to the for climate studies. The mission mission’s design, Sentinel-6 brings, comprises two identical satellites for the first time, synthetic aperture radar into the altimetry reference launched sequentially – so in five eu © Europa years, Copernicus Sentinel-6B mission time series. To ensure European Commission’s Director-General for Defense will be launched to take over. The that no bias is introduced into the Industry and Space Timo Pesonen mission as a whole will ensure the time series, the radar instrument continuity of data until at least 2030. operates in a continuous burst mode, simultaneously providing ESA has been responsible for the Each satellite carries a radar conventional low-resolution mode development of the Poseidon-4 altimeter, which works by measuring measurements and the improved radar altimeter and development of

50 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael accuracy of seasonal forecasts to carry out the critical work Mike so Freilich, as a whole. It is also predicting the tracks of hurricanes believed in – adding to a legacy of responsible for the procurement of and cyclones.” crucial data about our oceans and Copernicus Sentinel-6B on behalf paying it forward for the benefit of of the European Commission and Artist's view of Sentinel-6 during future generations.” Eumetsat. Falcon 9 fairing release © Esa Source: ESA Transfer of ownership goes to the EC NASA has the responsibility for the at the point of liftoff. ESA takes care launch services, the development of the early orbit phase of as well as of the microwave radiometer, the in-orbit verification planning, and laser retroreflector and GNSS radio supports flight operations performed occultation receiver. It also provides by Eumetsat. ground segment support and contributes to the operations and Eumetsat is responsible for the data processing in the US. NASA development of the ground segment and NOAA share responsibility for and for operations after the launch the distribution of data products to and early orbit phases. Eumetsat users in the US. processes the data and delivers the data products services to European “Mike Freilich helped ensure NASA users. was a steadfast partner with scientists and space agencies worldwide, Eumetsat’s Director General, Alain and his love of oceanography and Ratier, said, “Data from Copernicus Earth science helped us improve Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will be the understanding of our beautiful the most accurate yet and will be planet," said Thomas Zurbuchen, used to gain a deeper understanding NASA's Associate Administrator of global sea-level rise, a key for Science at the Agency's indicator of climate change. The Headquarters in Washington. “This

© Nasa.gov data will also be used for weather satellite, so graciously named for Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Associate forecasting, from improving the him by our European partners, will Administrator for Science

51 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC TIMELESS CHIC Standout Fashion and Beauty trends By Clara Bauman It’s Christmas shopping time! This year has been stressful enough, and you don't need the added pressure of last minute Christmas shopping. Whether you spend Christmas with your partner, with the family or with close friends, here are some of the best gift ideas that will certainly keep you from procrastinating. Each has its own little story…don’t forget to tell it !

A piece of jewellery… fine, but which one?

Love Bracelet (Cartier): Iconic and symbolic The bracelet was designed in 1969 in the shape of an oval in order to fit as closely as possible to a loved one's wrist (for both men and women). They were referred to as “modern love handcuffs'” for the way in which they are secured, using

© Cartier a screwdriver. Studded with diamonds, yellow gold or pink gold; how far are you prepared to go for love? (en.cartier.com) T Collection (Tiffany & co): Modernity and elegance Since its release in 2014, this “Tiffany T” collection embodies everything Tiffany stands for freedom, happiness, love and strength. Designed with the letter T, as tall, true and iconic as the New York City skyline, a place of courage and reinvention that constantly sparks creativity. You’re spoilt for choice, between monumental hinged cuffs, minimal

A handbag… great, but which model?

Baguette bag (Fendi): Collector item This model has been a success ever since its very first introduction in 1997. It takes its name from the fact that it was meant to be held under the arm, the same way one does with a French “baguette” bread. Distinguishing marks : the

© Fendi Baguette is made from a very wide range of different and unusual materials. Most of these bags are now considered as collector items. (fendi.com) The Chain Pouch (Bottega Veneta): 2020 it-bag This soft and voluminous pouch has unquestionably been THE darling of fashion influencers in 2020. In its original version, the bag stood out as a pouch without either a logo or a shoulder strap… In the version with an eye-catching,

A parfume… All right, but which fragrance?

Le Mâle (Jean-Paul Gaultier) « Le Mâle », as virile as it is sexy, pays tribute to the mythical figure that has forever inspired Jean-Paul Gaultier: the sailor. This fragrance has an unconventional vision of masculinity: lavender, referencing the familiar and reassuring smell of shaving soap, it is enhanced with the sensuality of vanilla. This gift set includes a 125 ml bottle of eau de toilette and a shower gel.

© Jean-Paul Gaultier © Jean-Paul (fendi.com) L’Interdit (Givenchy) In the beginning there was the delicate perfume developed by Hubert de Givenchy for his then client and friend, Audrey Hepburn: L’Interdit. She loved it so much that she kept its identity secret. When Givenchy wanted to mass produce the fragrance, her first reaction was: “Je vous l’interdis” (“I forbid it!”). More than 60 years after the presentation of the

© Givenchy original perfume, here is the relaunch, just as successful and listed as a best seller in the category of « Floral Woody Musk fragrances ». This gift set includes a 50 ml bottle of eau de toilette and a hydrating body lotion. (givenchybeauty.com and sephora.fr)

EUROPEDIPLOMATIC BOOKS

BATTLE OF BROTHERS MADAME FOURCADE'S By Robert Lacey SECRET WAR WILLIAM AND HARRY - THE INSIDE By Lynne Olson STORY OF A FAMILY IN TUMULT THE DARING YOUNG WOMAN A comparison of nine leaders who led their WHO LED FRANCE'S LARGEST SPY nations through the greatest wars the world NETWORK AGAINST HITLER has ever seen and whose unique strengths- and weaknesses-shaped the course of About Madame Fourcade’s Secret War. human history, from the bestselling, award- New York Times bestseller • The little-known winning author of Churchill and Napoleon. true story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, “Has the enjoyable feel of a lively dinner the woman who headed the largest spy table conversation with an opinionated network in occupied France during World guest.” -The New York Times Book Review. War II, from the bestselling author of Citizens of London and Last Hope Island. Taking us from the French Revolution to the Cold War, Andrew Roberts “Brava to Lynne Olson for a biography that should challenge any outdated presents a bracingly honest and deeply insightful look at nine major figures in assumptions about who deserves to be called a hero.”- The Washington modern history: Napoleon Bonaparte, Horatio Nelson, Winston Churchill, Post. Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, George C. Marshall, Charles de Gaulle, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Margaret Thatcher. Named one of the best books of the year by NPR and The Washington Post. Each of these leaders fundamentally shaped the outcome of the war in which In 1941 a thirty-one-year-old Frenchwoman, a young mother born to their nation was embroiled. Is war leadership unique, or did these leaders privilege and known for her beauty and glamour, became the leader of a have something in common, traits and techniques that transcend time and vast intelligence organization-the only woman to serve as a chef de résistance place and can be applied to the essential nature of conflict? during the war. Strong-willed, independent, and a lifelong rebel against her country’s conservative, patriarchal society, Marie-Madeleine Fourcade was Meticulously researched and compellingly written, Leadership in War temperamentally made for the job. Her group’s name was Alliance, but the presents readers with fresh, complex portraits of leaders who approached Gestapo dubbed it Noah’s Ark because its agents used the names of animals war with different tactics and weapons, but with the common goal of success as their aliases. The name Marie-Madeleine chose for herself was Hedgehog: in the face of battle. Both inspiring and cautionary, these portraits offer a tough little animal, unthreatening in appearance, that, as a colleague of hers important lessons on leadership in times of struggle, unease, and discord. put it, “even a lion would hesitate to bite.” With his trademark verve and incisive observation, Roberts reveals the qualities that doom even the most promising leaders to failure, as well as the No other French spy network lasted as long or supplied as much crucial traits that lead to victory. intelligence - including providing American and British military commanders with a 55-foot-long map of the beaches and roads on which the Allies would land on D-Day-as Alliance. The Gestapo pursued them relentlessly, capturing, torturing, and executing hundreds of its three thousand agents, including Fourcade’s own lover and many of her key spies. Although Fourcade, the mother of two young children, moved her headquarters every few weeks, constantly changing her hair color, clothing, and identity, she was captured twice by the Nazis. Both times she managed to escape - once by slipping naked through the bars of her jail cell - and continued to hold her network together even as it repeatedly threatened to YOUNG HEROES OF THE crumble around her. SOVIET UNION Now, in this dramatic account of the war that split France in two and forced its people to live side by side with their hated German occupiers, Lynne By Alex Halberstadt Olson tells the fascinating story of a woman who stood up for her nation, her fellow citizens, and herself. A MEMOIR AND A RECKONING About Young Heroes of the Soviet Union. In this “urgent and enthralling reckoning with family and history” (Andrew Solomon), an American writer returns to Russia to face a family history that still haunts him. Named one of the best books of the year by CAFÉ EUROPA REVISITED Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times. By Slavenka Drakulic Alex Halberstadt’s quest takes him across the troubled, enigmatic land of his birth, where decades of Soviet totalitarianism shaped and fractured three HOW TO SURVIVE POST- generations of his family. In Ukraine, he tracks down his paternal grandfather COMMUNISM - most likely the last living bodyguard of Joseph Stalin. He revisits Lithuania, his Jewish mother’s home, to examine the legacy of the Holocaust and About Café Europa Revisited. the pernicious anti-Semitism that remains largely unaccounted for. And An evocative and timely collection of essays he returns to his birthplace, Moscow, where his grandmother designed that paints a portrait of Eastern Europe homespun couture for Soviet ministers’ wives, his mother consoled thirty years after the end of communism. dissidents at a psychiatric hospital, and his father made a dangerous living by selling black-market American records. Halberstadt also explores his own An immigrant with a parrot in Stockholm, story: that of an immigrant growing up in New York, another in a line of sons a photo of a girl in Lviv, a sculpture of separated from their fathers by the tides of politics and history. Alexander the Great in Skopje, a memorial th Young Heroes of the Soviet Union is a moving investigation into the fragile ceremony for the 50 anniversary of the boundary between history and biography. As Halberstadt revisits the sites of Soviet led army invasion of Prague: these are his family’s formative traumas, he uncovers a multigenerational transmission a few glimpses of life in Eastern Europe today. Three decades after the Velvet of fear, suffering, and rage. And he comes to realize something more: Nations, Revolution, Slavenka Drakulic, the author of Cafe Europa and A Guided Tour like people, possess formative traumas that penetrate into the most private of the Museum Of Communism, takes a look at what has changed and what recesses of their citizens’ lives. has remained the same in the region in her daring new essay collection. Totalitarianism did not die overnight and democracy did not completely transform Eastern European societies. Looking closely at artefacts and day to day life, from the health insurance cards to national monuments, and popular films to cultural habits, alongside pieces of growing nationalism and Brexit, these pieces of political reportage dive into the reality of a Europe still deeply divided.

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