nder The Radar is a special series and newsletter offering from Diplomatic Courier bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world over the past month. This month across Europe: A natural gas rush in Cypriot waters, Italy grapples with overtourism, and concerns over Slovakia’s new language law. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here.
Cyprus might hold the key to solving Europe’s natural gas insecurity. Europe and Russia have a long–standing, if often adversarial, energy relationship in which Russia provided natural gas to Europe—until 2022 when Russia began severely restricting Europe’s gas supply. There has been considerable concern over what this means for Europe’s energy security, especially as it transitions away from dirtier energy sources. But Cyprus has been a hot spot for natural gas finds in recent years, giving hope the small island nation could help solve Europe’s energy dilemma.
At least five natural gas deposits have already been discovered off Cyprus’ southern coast. On November 15, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides revealed the government is in talks with some of the world’s biggest energy companies for licenses to explore ten more exploration blocks. Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Total are among companies said to be in talks with the government. In total, Cyprus has 13 blocks available for exploration, and there are reportedly several unidentified energy companies from the Persian Gulf states also seeking exploration licenses.
Cyprus has been proactive in preparing to supply Europe’s energy needs. As of 22 November 2024, ExxonMobil announced they are in talks to join the Eni–Total consortium in efforts to determine how to best supply the discovered natural gas to Europe.
Similarly, in September, Cyprus agreed to construct an undersea electric cable—the Great Sea Interconnector—to connect its electricity grid to Greece. The European Union is funding this project, and the predicted return on investment is also drawing several other potential investors, including the United Arab Emirates. The cable is estimated to be completed in 2029.
Italy is attempting to curb overtourism
On 16 November 2024, Pompeii’s park director announced several changes for tourists planning to visit the iconic ruins. The park will begin limiting the number of tourists that can enter each day to 20,000 and implement personalized tickets showing visitors’ full names. A free bus service will also be offered to tourists, encouraging them to visit other historic attractions. These measures are necessary to avoid overtourism, which could cause physical damage to the delicate remains of the city. This announcement follows an arrest in June 2024 of a tourist who carved his name into a wall of the ruins.
These sorts of changes to historic sites are becoming familiar to Italy, with the cities of Venice and Rome implementing new tourist fees. Tourists must pay a fee if they will spend less than 24 hours in the city, a move which received mixed receptions. Some argued that the tickets are a huge asset as they brought in a significant profit, though others suggest that the large profit indicated the tickets do not curb overtourism. Nevertheless, ruling it a success, Venice is doubling the amount of days tourists must pay a ticket fee in 2025. Similarly, Rome is considering entry fees for tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain, while citizens will still be able to enter for free.
Slovakia’s proposed language law could worsen relations with Hungary
Slovakia is proposing a language law that some worry will harm its relations with Hungary. The draft law would make Slovak the prominent language on any public signs or advertisements while also forbidding other minority languages on public transport or in places like the post office and on restaurant menus. Failure to comply would result in a fine. This amendment is seen as a stricter version of an amendment adopted in 2009, which led to a diplomatic row with Hungary. Over 8% of Slovakia’s population considers itself Hungarian.
The original law—from 1995—forced public administration officials to pass Slovak exams, although in 1999, an amendment allowed municipalities to use a minority language if 20% of the population is of said minority. The 2009 amendment then removed the need for public administration officials to pass exams. However, it introduced the primary use of Slovak in public life outside the government and fines for those who did not comply.
Criticisms of the proposed amendment include concern that it will be met with opposition from the European Union. Similarly, many fear that this amendment will negatively impact businesses and entrepreneurship. Others warn that the amendment could worsen the discrimination minorities face.
On 11 November 2024, the Hungarian foreign minister explained that the Slovak House speaker reassured him the new amendment would protect the rights of minority languages. Still, some concerned experts worry it “is merely a political statement” that does not accurately represent what will happen.
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Could Cyprus solve Europe’s natural gas insecurity?
Image courtesy of BSEE on Flickr.
December 2, 2024
Diplomatic Courier staff writer Stephanie Gull brings you three under–the–radar stories from Europe last month: Cyprus’ natural gas boom, Italy’s overtourism woes, and Slovakia’s controversial new language law.
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nder The Radar is a special series and newsletter offering from Diplomatic Courier bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world over the past month. This month across Europe: A natural gas rush in Cypriot waters, Italy grapples with overtourism, and concerns over Slovakia’s new language law. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here.
Cyprus might hold the key to solving Europe’s natural gas insecurity. Europe and Russia have a long–standing, if often adversarial, energy relationship in which Russia provided natural gas to Europe—until 2022 when Russia began severely restricting Europe’s gas supply. There has been considerable concern over what this means for Europe’s energy security, especially as it transitions away from dirtier energy sources. But Cyprus has been a hot spot for natural gas finds in recent years, giving hope the small island nation could help solve Europe’s energy dilemma.
At least five natural gas deposits have already been discovered off Cyprus’ southern coast. On November 15, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides revealed the government is in talks with some of the world’s biggest energy companies for licenses to explore ten more exploration blocks. Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Total are among companies said to be in talks with the government. In total, Cyprus has 13 blocks available for exploration, and there are reportedly several unidentified energy companies from the Persian Gulf states also seeking exploration licenses.
Cyprus has been proactive in preparing to supply Europe’s energy needs. As of 22 November 2024, ExxonMobil announced they are in talks to join the Eni–Total consortium in efforts to determine how to best supply the discovered natural gas to Europe.
Similarly, in September, Cyprus agreed to construct an undersea electric cable—the Great Sea Interconnector—to connect its electricity grid to Greece. The European Union is funding this project, and the predicted return on investment is also drawing several other potential investors, including the United Arab Emirates. The cable is estimated to be completed in 2029.
Italy is attempting to curb overtourism
On 16 November 2024, Pompeii’s park director announced several changes for tourists planning to visit the iconic ruins. The park will begin limiting the number of tourists that can enter each day to 20,000 and implement personalized tickets showing visitors’ full names. A free bus service will also be offered to tourists, encouraging them to visit other historic attractions. These measures are necessary to avoid overtourism, which could cause physical damage to the delicate remains of the city. This announcement follows an arrest in June 2024 of a tourist who carved his name into a wall of the ruins.
These sorts of changes to historic sites are becoming familiar to Italy, with the cities of Venice and Rome implementing new tourist fees. Tourists must pay a fee if they will spend less than 24 hours in the city, a move which received mixed receptions. Some argued that the tickets are a huge asset as they brought in a significant profit, though others suggest that the large profit indicated the tickets do not curb overtourism. Nevertheless, ruling it a success, Venice is doubling the amount of days tourists must pay a ticket fee in 2025. Similarly, Rome is considering entry fees for tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain, while citizens will still be able to enter for free.
Slovakia’s proposed language law could worsen relations with Hungary
Slovakia is proposing a language law that some worry will harm its relations with Hungary. The draft law would make Slovak the prominent language on any public signs or advertisements while also forbidding other minority languages on public transport or in places like the post office and on restaurant menus. Failure to comply would result in a fine. This amendment is seen as a stricter version of an amendment adopted in 2009, which led to a diplomatic row with Hungary. Over 8% of Slovakia’s population considers itself Hungarian.
The original law—from 1995—forced public administration officials to pass Slovak exams, although in 1999, an amendment allowed municipalities to use a minority language if 20% of the population is of said minority. The 2009 amendment then removed the need for public administration officials to pass exams. However, it introduced the primary use of Slovak in public life outside the government and fines for those who did not comply.
Criticisms of the proposed amendment include concern that it will be met with opposition from the European Union. Similarly, many fear that this amendment will negatively impact businesses and entrepreneurship. Others warn that the amendment could worsen the discrimination minorities face.
On 11 November 2024, the Hungarian foreign minister explained that the Slovak House speaker reassured him the new amendment would protect the rights of minority languages. Still, some concerned experts worry it “is merely a political statement” that does not accurately represent what will happen.
