21. The Policy Watch

The Policy Watch is a weekly update which aims to provide concise insights into the current policy landscape. Tailored for our members and individuals interested in international affairs, this update offers a brief yet comprehensive summary of key developments affecting policy decisions and political trends in the UK, Sweden, and the EU.

UK EXPANDS SANCTIONS ON NORTH KOREAN AFFILIATES TO HAMPER TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has updated the UK Sanctions List, adding new entities and individuals linked to North Korea’s military programmes. The aim is to combat trade between North Korea and Russia

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BELFAST HIGH COURT RULES UK IMMIGRATION POLICY INCOMPATIBLE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS

Belfast’s High Court has ruled that parts of the UK’s immigration policy should not be applied in Northern Ireland as they contravene human rights protections guaranteed in post-Brexit arrangements. The court found that various aspects of the Illegal Migration Act, including the removal of asylum seekers, children, and victims of human trafficking without assessment, were unlawful in Northern Ireland.

The ruling comes after the court considered a case brought by various parties, including the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, who argued that key parts of the law undermined human rights protections agreed upon in the post-Brexit Windsor Framework. The UK government has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, maintaining that it will not affect its plans for deportation flights to Rwanda scheduled for July.

SWEDEN AND GERMANY STRENGTHEN INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP

During the Nordic summit in Stockholm on 13-14 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Germany’s Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed a strategic innovation partnership focusing on security, digital, and green transitions. The partnership, originally established in 2017 and renewed in 2019, will now expand to include defence and space cooperation. The agreement was signed at the Norrsken Foundation, with both leaders emphasising the importance of this collaboration in a joint press conference.

GOTHENBURG’S CITY COUNCIL MANDATES COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS FOR CONTRACTS

In a landmark move, Gothenburg’s city council has challenged existing legal frameworks and mandated that businesses must adhere to collective agreements to secure contracts. This unprecedented requirement was recently enforced in a contract with Brixly for renovating Dalaskolan, prompting mixed reactions from local business leaders. Social Democrat leader Jonas Attenius defends the policy as a necessary challenge to the system, while critics, including Företagarna chair Cathrine Dellborg, condemn it as illegal and exclusionary.

SLOVAK PRIME MINISTER IN SERIOUS CONDITION BUT STABLE AFTER SECOND SURGERY

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in a serious but stable condition following a second surgery for multiple bullet wounds sustained in an attack on Wednesday. Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova reported a positive prognosis, and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák confirmed government continuity plans during Fico’s recovery. The alleged attacker appeared in court on Saturday, while political tensions remain high, with Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba blaming the opposition and media for inciting hatred.

FAR-RIGHT PVV SET TO LEAD NEW DUTCH GOVERNMENT

The Netherlands is poised for a shift to the right as Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), along with two centre-right groups and the populist Farmer Citizen Movement (BBB), announced their agreement to form the country’s next government. Wilders confirmed the governing agreement, but the choice of prime minister remains undisclosed, indicating lingering disagreements within the coalition.

While the coalition deal still requires endorsement from all four parties’ parliamentary factions, Wilders’ inclusion in the government is expected to present challenges for EU officials due to his Euroskeptic, anti-migration stance.