I Like / I Dislike Week 31 [20240624]

Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like…

…the approval of the 14th European package of sanctions against Russia. Approved by the European Union members, this package includes a ban on re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to EU for the first time. Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain are currently the main entry points for LNG deliveries from the Russian Yamal Peninsula in Siberia, with some of them being key hubs for re-exports to destinations such as Turkey, China, or Southeast Asia. This ban on shipments is the first restriction the bloc has applied to LNG, a far-reaching measure that would once have seemed unthinkable in terms of achieving unanimity at the EU level.

...the United Kingdom Supreme Court’s ruling on environmental rights. On June 20, the Supreme Court blocked new fossil fuel projects, including the proposed coal mine in Cumbria and the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea. In particular, the planning permission granted by the Surrey County Council for oil production at the Horse Hill site in Gatwick was ruled unlawful because it failed to assess the impact of greenhouse gas emissions at subsequent stages. This is an important step towards bringing businesses into compliance so that they take into account the environmental rights of citizens and the protection of the natural environment.

I dislike…

…Hezbollah’s threat of a “war without limits” against Israel. The possible inclusion of Cyprus in the conflict further increases the risk of widespread violence in the region. This escalation endangers countless lives and further destabilizes the situation in the region. Aggressive rhetoric and cross-border clashes exacerbate tensions, making it more difficult to reach diplomatic solutions. In addition, referring to third parties, such as Cyprus, complicates the situation, potentially drawing more nations into the conflict and increasing the likelihood of a wider regional war.

...the news of Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea. The Russian President and his North Korean counterpart signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement, which provides for mutual support in the event of an attack and enhanced military-technical cooperation. The US and its allies are concerned that this agreement will lead to new deliveries of North Korean-produced ammunition and missiles to the Russian military for use in Ukraine. Furthermore, Vladimir Putin visited Vietnam and met with the new President, To Lam, and the Communist Party of Vietnam Secretary General, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, the most powerful figure in the country.