ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 16, 2024
ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 16, 2024
ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.
Brief Highlights
- ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - How Unrest in France and Europe Benefits its Adversaries
- Moldova Declares State of Emergency Over Gas Concerns
- Romania and Bulgaria to Become Schengen Zone Members
ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - How Unrest in France and Europe Benefits its Adversaries
ZeroFox analyzed the circumstances around France’s Assemblee Nationale (the lower house of parliament) voting to remove Prime Minister (PM) Michel Barnier from office after just three months. Barnier’s tenure was not only the shortest in the history of the French Fifth Republic but also came after France experienced its longest-ever period without a government. A PM replacement has been named, but the political dynamics that created this paralysis and dysfunction are not expected to change for the foreseeable future. Therefore, further short-lived governments are likely, leaving France poorly suited to address major domestic political issues.
Moldova Declares State of Emergency Over Gas Concerns
Moldova's parliament voted to enact a state of emergency over energy concerns, as Ukraine is expected to halt the transit of Russian gas on January 1, 2025. The state of emergency has taken effect and is expected to last 60 days. The halt of Russian gas supplies to Transnistria would also likely affect electricity production throughout Moldova. The Cuciurgan Power Plant, located in Transnistria, produces electricity from Russian gas to ensure 100 percent of Transnistria's electricity needs and 70 percent of the right bank of Dniester’s electricity. A halt to Cuciurgan operations would likely spike electricity prices and may lead to shortages throughout the country.
Romania and Bulgaria to Become Schengen Zone Members
Starting January 1, 2025, both Bulgaria and Romania will be admitted into the EU Schengen travel zone, which permits residents free movement across EU borders. Despite being EU members since 2007, neither country has received Schengen zone permissions due to concerns that migrants could exploit this free movement to illegally enter Western Europe. Hungary, which borders Romania, will still continue to inspect truck drivers crossing from Romania out of concerns they could be mass-transiting migrants. The lengthy border checks have caused billions in supply chain losses. However, Schengen Zone access overall should improve rail and truck trade between Eastern Europe and Western Europe.