US President Joe Biden has called for trillions in spending aimed at re-igniting America's economic growth by upgrading its crumbling infrastructure and tackling climate change.
The $2.3tn (£1.7tn) proposal would direct billions to initiatives such as charging stations for electric vehicles and eliminating lead water pipes.
The spending would be partially offset by raising taxes on businesses.US President Joe Biden has called for trillions in spending aimed at re-igniting America's economic growth by upgrading its crumbling infrastructure and tackling climate change. The $2.3tn (£1.7tn) proposal would direct billions to initiatives such as charging stations for electric vehicles and eliminating lead water pipes.
The spending would be partially offset by raising taxes on businesses.
Read more at:
Biden unveils 'once in a generation' spending plan - BBC News
3/31/21
France: Coronavirus: French President Emmanuel Macron extends lockdown nationwide
rench President Emmanuel Macron ordered a third lockdown across the countryon Wednesday as a fresh wave of coronavirus infections looks set to overrun its hospitals.
Speaking in a televised address, Macron said the British variant was creating "a pandemic inside a pandemic" that was more "contagious" and "more deadly."
Read more at: Coronavirus: French President Emmanuel Macron extends lockdown nationwide | News | DW | 31.03.2021
Speaking in a televised address, Macron said the British variant was creating "a pandemic inside a pandemic" that was more "contagious" and "more deadly."
Read more at: Coronavirus: French President Emmanuel Macron extends lockdown nationwide | News | DW | 31.03.2021
Poland: EU takes Poland to court over law ′undermining′ judges
The European Commission is taking Poland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over changes to its legal system that it argues "undermines" judicial independence, it said on Wednesday.
Brussels wants the bloc's highest court to make an interim order suspending the 2019 Polish law until a final judgment is delivered.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told a news conference: "The Commission believes that the law infringes upon the independence of the judiciary in Poland and is incompatible with the primacy of the law of the [European] Union."
Read more at: EU takes Poland to court over law ′undermining′ judges | News | DW | 31.03.2021
Brussels wants the bloc's highest court to make an interim order suspending the 2019 Polish law until a final judgment is delivered.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told a news conference: "The Commission believes that the law infringes upon the independence of the judiciary in Poland and is incompatible with the primacy of the law of the [European] Union."
Read more at: EU takes Poland to court over law ′undermining′ judges | News | DW | 31.03.2021
3/30/21
European Union & Vaccine Rollout: Disaster Unfolding
For a long time now, the creation of the euro, a dangerous experiment that placed political fantasy over economic reality, has been the most damaging example of just how far, and just how incompetently, those running the EU would go in the name of “ever-closer union.” That dismal precedent may now have been eclipsed by Brussels’s involvement in securing supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who live within the EU’s borders, a lethal experiment that placed political dogma over medical need.
Supported by Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, the EU Commission (its administrative arm) took over the negotiations with vaccine manufacturers on behalf of all EU member-states last June. This was designed both as a declaration of EU “solidarity” and because of the belief that bargaining on behalf of the whole bloc could secure the vaccine at a cheaper price, a calculation that appeared to take little account of the economic costs of any delays, and delay was what — for a variety of reasons — Brussels delivered.
The U.K. came to its deal with AstraZeneca (the manufacturer of the Oxford vaccine) three months earlier than the EU, and its contract came with sharper teeth. The EU also took four months longer than the U.K. and U.S. to sign up with Pfizer.
Readmore at: European Union & Vaccine Rollout: Disaster Unfolding | National Review
Supported by Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, the EU Commission (its administrative arm) took over the negotiations with vaccine manufacturers on behalf of all EU member-states last June. This was designed both as a declaration of EU “solidarity” and because of the belief that bargaining on behalf of the whole bloc could secure the vaccine at a cheaper price, a calculation that appeared to take little account of the economic costs of any delays, and delay was what — for a variety of reasons — Brussels delivered.
The U.K. came to its deal with AstraZeneca (the manufacturer of the Oxford vaccine) three months earlier than the EU, and its contract came with sharper teeth. The EU also took four months longer than the U.K. and U.S. to sign up with Pfizer.
Readmore at: European Union & Vaccine Rollout: Disaster Unfolding | National Review
France-Tourism drop: Tourist slump sees Paris region lose €15.5 billion
Travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic have left Paris with only a fraction of its usual tourists. The slump has cost the French capital and its surrounding region over €15 billion in losses
Read more at: Tourist slump sees Paris region lose €15.5 billion - Business daily
Read more at: Tourist slump sees Paris region lose €15.5 billion - Business daily
UK protesters scuffle with police during rally over new law
Police in the English city of Bristol say they arrested 10 people during a third night of protest against a new policing law.
Hundreds of demonstrators against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill staged a sit-down protest outside a police station in the southwest England city on Friday night, and some scuffled with officers in helmets and shields who tried to break up the gathering.
The Avon and Somerset Police force said Saturday that eggs, bottles and bricks were thrown at officers and a police horse was daubed with paint.
Read more at: UK protesters scuffle with police during rally over new law | PBS NewsHour Weekend
Hundreds of demonstrators against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill staged a sit-down protest outside a police station in the southwest England city on Friday night, and some scuffled with officers in helmets and shields who tried to break up the gathering.
The Avon and Somerset Police force said Saturday that eggs, bottles and bricks were thrown at officers and a police horse was daubed with paint.
Read more at: UK protesters scuffle with police during rally over new law | PBS NewsHour Weekend
USA: Gun Control is not a luxury: Three million more guns: The Spring 2020 spike in firearm sales
When Americans are concerned about their personal security, they buy firearms. Such concerns have been rampant since March, initially due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the social unrest in June that followed George Floyd’s killing. Our estimates indicate that almost three million more firearms have been sold since March than would have ordinarily been sold during these months. Half of that increase occurred in June alone. This pattern highlights an important potential consequence that may result from this tumultuous period: more firearms in the hands of private citizens.
The geographic pattern in the additional sales is not correlated with COVID-19 death rates nor with increases in unemployment rates. This suggests that the spike in firearm sales resulted from a general sense of national apprehension, rather than a response to differential deterioration in local conditions. Over the next two months, as the country settled into its new environment and even moved into a period of scheduled re-openings, firearm sales stabilized, if perhaps at a slightly higher level than earlier in the year (seasonal variation is modest during this period of the year).
Read more at:Three million more guns: The Spring 2020 spike in firearm sales
The geographic pattern in the additional sales is not correlated with COVID-19 death rates nor with increases in unemployment rates. This suggests that the spike in firearm sales resulted from a general sense of national apprehension, rather than a response to differential deterioration in local conditions. Over the next two months, as the country settled into its new environment and even moved into a period of scheduled re-openings, firearm sales stabilized, if perhaps at a slightly higher level than earlier in the year (seasonal variation is modest during this period of the year).
Read more at:Three million more guns: The Spring 2020 spike in firearm sales
EU: Germany restricts use of AstraZeneca vaccine to over 60s in most cases
German Health Minister Jens Spahn and the 16 state health ministers on Tuesday decided to suspend the routine use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under age 60 at an emergency meeting.
Authorities in the cities of Berlin and Munich had earlier decided to limit the use of the vaccine.
People under 60 can still receive the shot, but only "at the discretion of doctors, and after individual risk analysis and thorough explanation," according to a document seen by the DPA news agency. Why was the decision made?
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-restricts-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-over-60s-in-most-cases/a-57049301
Authorities in the cities of Berlin and Munich had earlier decided to limit the use of the vaccine.
People under 60 can still receive the shot, but only "at the discretion of doctors, and after individual risk analysis and thorough explanation," according to a document seen by the DPA news agency. Why was the decision made?
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-restricts-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-over-60s-in-most-cases/a-57049301
3/29/21
Egypt: traffic through Suez Canal starts up again as stranded ship finally freed
Ship traffic through the Suez Canal has slowly resumed after salvage teams managed to move the 200,000-tonne container ship that had blocked all passage through the crucial waterway for nearly a week.
Helped by the peak of high tide, a flotilla of tugboats managed to wrench the bow of the skyscraper-sized Ever Given from the sandy bank of the canal, where it has been lodged since last Tuesday.
Read more at: Traffic through Suez Canal starts up again as stranded ship finally freed | CBC News
Helped by the peak of high tide, a flotilla of tugboats managed to wrench the bow of the skyscraper-sized Ever Given from the sandy bank of the canal, where it has been lodged since last Tuesday.
Read more at: Traffic through Suez Canal starts up again as stranded ship finally freed | CBC News
Coronavirus - EU: Frustration at EU summit on slow vaccination - by Eszter Zalan
A sluggish start to the vaccine roll-out has cast a long shadow on the online meeting of EU leaders, who on Thursday (25 March) discussed the bloc's vaccine strategy.
There has been a muted backing for the EU Commission's plans to tighten export rules, as the bloc wants to make sure pharmaceutical companies, particularly AstraZeneca, deliver on their EU contracts before exporting.
Leaders also resisted Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz's efforts to redistribute vaccines at the summit, which Kurz argued had been unevenly spread among member states.
Read more at: Frustration at EU summit on slow vaccination
There has been a muted backing for the EU Commission's plans to tighten export rules, as the bloc wants to make sure pharmaceutical companies, particularly AstraZeneca, deliver on their EU contracts before exporting.
Leaders also resisted Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz's efforts to redistribute vaccines at the summit, which Kurz argued had been unevenly spread among member states.
Read more at: Frustration at EU summit on slow vaccination
3/28/21
Netherlands: Churchgoers breaking COVID rules attack journalists
Police in the Netherlands arrested a man after he hit and kicked a journalist outside a Protestant church that had opened for a full congregation on Sunday despite the country's strict lockdown.
Reporters showed up at the Mieraskerk church in the town of Krimpen aan den Ijssel near the city of Rotterdam.
The church made headlines after reports that it was going ahead with a service for its entire congregation. The Netherlands is under a strict lockdown and has a rising COVID-19 rate.
Read mor at: Netherlands: Churchgoers breaking COVID rules attack journalists | News | DW | 28.03.2021
Reporters showed up at the Mieraskerk church in the town of Krimpen aan den Ijssel near the city of Rotterdam.
The church made headlines after reports that it was going ahead with a service for its entire congregation. The Netherlands is under a strict lockdown and has a rising COVID-19 rate.
Read mor at: Netherlands: Churchgoers breaking COVID rules attack journalists | News | DW | 28.03.2021
USA: Gun violence global statistics: Rate Of Gun Violence Deaths In U.S. Is Higher Than Much Of The World :- by Nurith Aizenman
The horrific mass shooting events in the Atlanta area and Boulder, Colo., just days apart have once again shown a spotlight on how frequent this type of violence is in the United States compared with other wealthy countries.
The U.S. has the 32nd-highest rate of deaths from gun violence in the world: 3.96 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019. That was more than eight times as high as the rate in Canada, which had 0.47 deaths per 100,000 people — and nearly 100 times higher than in the United Kingdom, which had 0.04 deaths per 100,000.
On a state-by-state calculation, the rates can be even higher. In the District of Columbia, the rate is 18.5 per 100,000 — the highest in the United States. The second-highest is in Louisiana: 9.34 per 100,000. In Georgia and Colorado — the scenes of the two most recent mass shootings — the rates are a bit closer to the national average: 5.62 per 100,000 in Georgia and 2.27 in Colorado.
The numbers come from a massive database maintained by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which tracks lives lost in every country, in every year, by every possible cause of death.
Read more at https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/24/980838151/gun-violence-deaths-how-the-u-s-compares-to-the-rest-of-the-world
The U.S. has the 32nd-highest rate of deaths from gun violence in the world: 3.96 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019. That was more than eight times as high as the rate in Canada, which had 0.47 deaths per 100,000 people — and nearly 100 times higher than in the United Kingdom, which had 0.04 deaths per 100,000.
On a state-by-state calculation, the rates can be even higher. In the District of Columbia, the rate is 18.5 per 100,000 — the highest in the United States. The second-highest is in Louisiana: 9.34 per 100,000. In Georgia and Colorado — the scenes of the two most recent mass shootings — the rates are a bit closer to the national average: 5.62 per 100,000 in Georgia and 2.27 in Colorado.
The numbers come from a massive database maintained by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which tracks lives lost in every country, in every year, by every possible cause of death.
Read more at https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/24/980838151/gun-violence-deaths-how-the-u-s-compares-to-the-rest-of-the-world
USA: Opinion | Why America Can’t Fix Its Gun Violence Crisis - by Spencer Bokat-Lindell
On an average day in the United States, more than 100 people are killed by guns. Whenever the fact of this ambient crisis rises back to the surface of national consciousness, as it has this past week, it tends to inspire a certain mystified resignation. Politicians and commentators, acting in good faith and bad, probe the problem with the same stock of questions: Was mental illness to blame? White male supremacy or Islamic extremism? Video games? (If guns don’t kill people, perhaps PlayStations do.)
Read more at: Opinion | Why America Can’t Fix Its Gun Violence Crisis - The New York Times
Read more at: Opinion | Why America Can’t Fix Its Gun Violence Crisis - The New York Times
EU : Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy - by Jan Strupczewski and Foo Yun Chee
Spain and the Netherlands on Wednesday urged the 27-country European Union to keep its economy open, as it tries to become more independent from global powers like the United States and Asia in technology, vaccine production and energy.
The joint call by the two countries, which have large exposure to trade and tourism, comes as the European Commission announced on Wednesday tougher rules on the export of COVID-19 vaccines, including clearer rights to block shipments to countries.
Rea more at: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy
The joint call by the two countries, which have large exposure to trade and tourism, comes as the European Commission announced on Wednesday tougher rules on the export of COVID-19 vaccines, including clearer rights to block shipments to countries.
Rea more at: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy
3/27/21
eu eCONOMY: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy - BY Jan Strupczewski and Foo Yun Chee
Spain and the Netherlands on Wednesday urged the 27-country European Union to keep its economy open, as it tries to become more independent from global powers like the United S
BRBRThe joint call by the two countries, which have large exposure to trade and tourism, comes as the European Commission announced on Wednesday tougher rules on the export of COVID-19 vaccines, including clearer rights to block shipments to countries.
bR> rEAD MORE AT: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy
BRBRThe joint call by the two countries, which have large exposure to trade and tourism, comes as the European Commission announced on Wednesday tougher rules on the export of COVID-19 vaccines, including clearer rights to block shipments to countries.
bR> rEAD MORE AT: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy
EU: A small step towards gender equality in pay – by Kalina Arabadjieva
Earlier this month, the European Commission published its long-awaited proposal for a directive to strengthen application of the principle of equal pay between men and women for equal work or for work of equal value.
The proposal contains various measures to ensure greater transparency in pay. It would also enhance enforcement of the existing framework, through equal-pay claims by workers and by state bodies. It is undoubtedly a much-needed step in the right direction—b
Read more at: A small step towards gender equality in pay – Kalina Arabadjieva
The proposal contains various measures to ensure greater transparency in pay. It would also enhance enforcement of the existing framework, through equal-pay claims by workers and by state bodies. It is undoubtedly a much-needed step in the right direction—b
Read more at: A small step towards gender equality in pay – Kalina Arabadjieva
USA: Dominion Sues Pro GOP Fox News for $1.6 Billion in Defamation Lawsuit
Dominion Voting Systems filed a defamation suit against Fox News relating to the network's reporting on the 2020 presidential election.
The lawsuit centers on unsubstantiated claims that the company helped to steal the election for President Joe Biden. Dominion filed the $1.6 billion case on Friday, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Read more at: Dominion Sues Fox News for $1.6 Billion in Defamation Lawsuit
The lawsuit centers on unsubstantiated claims that the company helped to steal the election for President Joe Biden. Dominion filed the $1.6 billion case on Friday, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Read more at: Dominion Sues Fox News for $1.6 Billion in Defamation Lawsuit
Will You Need a Vaccine Passport to Travel?
With more states and countries easing lockdown, the number of people traveling around the world has been increasing. But what could governments and travel providers do to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading further worldwide? One idea is to use so-called vaccine passports, documentation that certifies that you've been vaccinated from the coronavirus. It might sound great, but what are the implications for privacy and how does it treat everybody equally?
Read more at: Will You Need a Vaccine Passport to Travel? - Flipboard
Read more at: Will You Need a Vaccine Passport to Travel? - Flipboard
Belarus- Eurovision: Eurovision bosses ‘pressured by politicians & haters on social media’ to disqualify entry from Belarus
Belarus’ state broadcaster says the people behind the Eurovision Song Contest bowed to anti-government activists and an online hate campaign by booting the country from the competition.
The contest’s organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), ruled earlier this month that the initial entry by Belarusian band Galasy ZMesta undermined “the non-political nature” of Eurovision and risked damaging the contest’s reputation.
The song ‘Ya nauchu tebya’ (I’ll Teach You) was widely seen as mocking the protesters who claim that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko rigged last year’s election to secure a sixth term in office, and are demanding his resignation. Several large-scale anti-government rallies have been held, some of which have ended in clashes with police. Lukashenko claims the protests were incited from abroad.<
Read more at: https://www.rt.com/russia/519391-belarus-eurovision-entry-scandal/
The contest’s organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), ruled earlier this month that the initial entry by Belarusian band Galasy ZMesta undermined “the non-political nature” of Eurovision and risked damaging the contest’s reputation.
The song ‘Ya nauchu tebya’ (I’ll Teach You) was widely seen as mocking the protesters who claim that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko rigged last year’s election to secure a sixth term in office, and are demanding his resignation. Several large-scale anti-government rallies have been held, some of which have ended in clashes with police. Lukashenko claims the protests were incited from abroad.<
Read more at: https://www.rt.com/russia/519391-belarus-eurovision-entry-scandal/
3/26/21
Coronavirus Pandemic: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15
The Netherlands’ government has decided to extend the advice against travelling abroad for its citizens, until May 15, after taking into account the current infection rate of the Coronavirus in foreign countries.
The decision is an additional preventive measure imposed by the Dutch government to avoid travelling during the Easter holidays, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In addition, the country’s administration has also decided to extend its restrictive measures after a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Read more at: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15 - SchengenVisaInfo.com
The decision is an additional preventive measure imposed by the Dutch government to avoid travelling during the Easter holidays, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In addition, the country’s administration has also decided to extend its restrictive measures after a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Read more at: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15 - SchengenVisaInfo.com
Australia Aluminium industry: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria
-Alcoa Corporation today announced new agreements with multiple power generators for the Portland Aluminium Smelter in the Australian state of Victoria. The five-year agreements with AGL, Alinta Energy and Origin will each commence August 1, 2021, when an existing agreement with AGL expires on July 31, 2021
On behalf of the Portland Aluminium joint venture partners, I recognize everyone’s cooperation and dedication in reaching the energy agreements that help to improve the smelter’s competitiveness”
Read more at: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria | Business Wire
On behalf of the Portland Aluminium joint venture partners, I recognize everyone’s cooperation and dedication in reaching the energy agreements that help to improve the smelter’s competitiveness”
Read more at: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria | Business Wire
USA: Wall Street: Will The U.S. Stock Market Crash Soon?
U.S. stock markets have experienced another brutal week. Inflation fear and soaring bond yields are some of the concerns that are trying to burst the higher stock valuation bubble. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, among two other stock indices—the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite—is the only index holding on to its yearly gains. The fear is that we could see an even more intense sell-off that could crash the stock market.
Read more at: Will The U.S. Stock Market Crash Soon?
Read more at: Will The U.S. Stock Market Crash Soon?
German-US Relations: Rebuilding US-German relations: Harder than it appears
The German government and many Germans breathed a sigh of relief when Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in November. Mr. Trump damaged U.S. relations with its trans-Atlantic allies, and he often targeted Germany and Chancellor Angela Merkel for particular ire. Berlin has welcomed President Biden’s readiness to rebuild U.S.-German and U.S.-European ties.
All to the good, but rebuilding the U.S.-German relationship could well prove more difficult than it first appears. Trump’s four years have left nagging questions in the German capital about the future of U.S. politics and Trumpism, and several issues will entail difficult exchanges between Washington and Berlin.
Read more aT: Rebuilding US-German relations: Harder than it appears
All to the good, but rebuilding the U.S.-German relationship could well prove more difficult than it first appears. Trump’s four years have left nagging questions in the German capital about the future of U.S. politics and Trumpism, and several issues will entail difficult exchanges between Washington and Berlin.
Read more aT: Rebuilding US-German relations: Harder than it appears
Britain and the European Union - Hopes of a better post-Brexit relationship with the EU are fading
INCE BECOMING prime minister in July 2019, Boris Johnson has often referred to EU countries as “our friends and partners”. Many of his fans believed that, once Brexit was done, a more co-operative relationship between the two would be possible. Even those who criticised Mr Johnson’s December trade deal for its thinness hoped closer collaboration on issues ranging from the environment to foreign policy would allow Britain and the EU to build on it. Yet three months on, the relationship seems scratchier than ever.
Reas more At: Britain and the European Union - Hopes of a better post-Brexit relationship with the EU are fading | Britain | The Economist
Reas more At: Britain and the European Union - Hopes of a better post-Brexit relationship with the EU are fading | Britain | The Economist
USA-Florida - Coronavirus: 2 Million Covid Cases, Reports 5,140 New Infections and 53 More Deaths Friday
Another 62 virus-related deaths among Florida residents were reported Saturday, bringing the total to 32,713. An additional 624 non-resident deaths have been confirmed in the state to-date. Most of the newly confirmed deaths occurred days or weeks earlier.
The positivity rate for new cases in the state was 5.39% in Saturday's department of health coronavirus report, a slight increase from Friday's 5.02% rate.
In South Florida, Miami-Dade County reached 433,452 cases on Saturday, an increase of 1,275 since Friday, along with a total of 5,724 COVID-related deaths, an increase of eight since Friday.
Read More at: Florida Nears 2 Million Covid Cases, Reports 5,140 New Infections and 53 More Deaths Friday – NBC 6 South Florida
The positivity rate for new cases in the state was 5.39% in Saturday's department of health coronavirus report, a slight increase from Friday's 5.02% rate.
In South Florida, Miami-Dade County reached 433,452 cases on Saturday, an increase of 1,275 since Friday, along with a total of 5,724 COVID-related deaths, an increase of eight since Friday.
Read More at: Florida Nears 2 Million Covid Cases, Reports 5,140 New Infections and 53 More Deaths Friday – NBC 6 South Florida
3/25/21
EU - the have and the have nots: Covid-19 and Europe-wide inequality – by Michael Dauderstädt
When the pandemic hit the European Union its economy had decelerated somewhat but unemployment had reached its lowest level for years, while inflation remained stubbornly below its 2 per cent target. Inequality had decreased, too. All these achievements were however disrupted by an enormous economic shock as the economies of the member states went into lockdown.
In 2019, EU-wide inequality had reached its lowest level since the 2007 eastern enlargement (Figure 1). After many years of stagnation, in 2016 income disparities had eventually started to decline.
Read more at: Covid-19 and Europe-wide inequality – Michael Dauderstädt
In 2019, EU-wide inequality had reached its lowest level since the 2007 eastern enlargement (Figure 1). After many years of stagnation, in 2016 income disparities had eventually started to decline.
Read more at: Covid-19 and Europe-wide inequality – Michael Dauderstädt
USA - gun control, the endless political saga -: The Colorado attack is the 7th mass shooting in 7 days in the US
They are also among at least seven mass shootings in the past week across the United States -- including three incidents on Saturday alone.
CNN defines a mass shooting as: a shooting incident which results in four or more casualties (dead or wounded) excluding the shooter(s).
Read more at: a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/23/us/7-mass-shootings-7-days-trnd/index.html">The Colorado attack is the 7th mass shooting in 7 days in the US - CNN
Germany - The German government is in free fall - editorial
Angela Merkel's government has announced a U-turn and said that there will be no Easter shutdown after all, just two days after announcing one. DW's Jens Thurau warns that the chancellor has lost her way.
The German government is presenting a very sorry picture at the end of March 2021 with regard to its pandemic management. And there is one thought, barely conceivable just a few weeks ago, that is hard to dislodge: Will Chancellor Angela Merkel once again manage to give a meaningful structure to the fight against the coronavirus? Or will she give up? Or even have to step down?
It's not likely to go that far. Who would want to take over in the midst of the most difficult political crisis in decades? But the decline in authority of this internationally respected leader in her own country is breathtaking.
Read more at: Opinion: The German government is in free fall | Opinion | DW | 24.03.2021
The German government is presenting a very sorry picture at the end of March 2021 with regard to its pandemic management. And there is one thought, barely conceivable just a few weeks ago, that is hard to dislodge: Will Chancellor Angela Merkel once again manage to give a meaningful structure to the fight against the coronavirus? Or will she give up? Or even have to step down?
It's not likely to go that far. Who would want to take over in the midst of the most difficult political crisis in decades? But the decline in authority of this internationally respected leader in her own country is breathtaking.
Read more at: Opinion: The German government is in free fall | Opinion | DW | 24.03.2021
France: ‘The end of naivety’: Macron backs EU vaccine export curbs
It’s the end of naivety,” Macron told reporters after a virtual EU summit.
“I support export control mechanisms put in place by the European Commission. I support the fact that we must block all exports for as long as some drug companies don’t respect their commitments with Europeans,” he added.
Macron said the EU had been late in ramping up vaccine production and inoculations, but was catching up and would become the world’s biggest producer of vaccines this summer.
Read more at: ‘The end of naivety’: Macron backs EU vaccine export curbs
“I support export control mechanisms put in place by the European Commission. I support the fact that we must block all exports for as long as some drug companies don’t respect their commitments with Europeans,” he added.
Macron said the EU had been late in ramping up vaccine production and inoculations, but was catching up and would become the world’s biggest producer of vaccines this summer.
Read more at: ‘The end of naivety’: Macron backs EU vaccine export curbs
3/24/21
Britain-EU relations: Europe's trust in Britain has gone. We're now a problem, not a partner - by Raphael Behr
The pandemic is landing well-aimed punches on the already bruised relationship between Britain and the European Union. A dispute over vaccine supplies threatens to bring blunt instruments of trade war down on delicate national feelings. Not in the darkest hours of Brexit negotiations did either side imagine that supply-chain management would so quickly become a matter of life and death.
At a summit later this week, European leaders will discuss a possible ban on exports to the UK from an AstraZeneca plant in the Netherlands. There is frustration in Brussels that millions of vaccine doses have gone overseas (mostly Pfizer ones) and none have come over in return. The UK responds that it cannot be blamed for moving earlier, signing better contracts and generally getting its immunising act together faster.
Tory MPs say Brussels is lashing out in jealousy. Vaccination is something Boris Johnson’s government is doing well, and the EU is floundering. That has less to do with Brexit than is claimed by triumphant ministers, but as propaganda the point is irresistible: there is nothing else to trumpet as a benefit of detachment from the continent, and winning the vaccination race resonates with voters grateful for jabs.
Read more at: Europe's trust in Britain has gone. We're now a problem, not a partner | Brexit | The Guardian
At a summit later this week, European leaders will discuss a possible ban on exports to the UK from an AstraZeneca plant in the Netherlands. There is frustration in Brussels that millions of vaccine doses have gone overseas (mostly Pfizer ones) and none have come over in return. The UK responds that it cannot be blamed for moving earlier, signing better contracts and generally getting its immunising act together faster.
Tory MPs say Brussels is lashing out in jealousy. Vaccination is something Boris Johnson’s government is doing well, and the EU is floundering. That has less to do with Brexit than is claimed by triumphant ministers, but as propaganda the point is irresistible: there is nothing else to trumpet as a benefit of detachment from the continent, and winning the vaccination race resonates with voters grateful for jabs.
Read more at: Europe's trust in Britain has gone. We're now a problem, not a partner | Brexit | The Guardian
Russia: Alexei Navalny: The Freest Man in the World - by Terri Langston
When you read Navalny’s address to the Russian court on February 2, you cannot help but burst out laughing — a number of times, in fact. Then you catch yourself and say, “How can I laugh now? This guy’s in deep trouble.” Yes, he is.
It would be wrong to lessen the criminal nature of the kangaroo court proceedings that were held against him in Moscow. No doubt, if there were any justice in Russia, the judgments rendered against Navalny would be reversed — and he would be physically freed.
But looking beyond that, a reading of his words plummets something far deeper than the outward circumstances.
Read more at: Alexei Navalny: The Freest Man in the World - The Globalist
It would be wrong to lessen the criminal nature of the kangaroo court proceedings that were held against him in Moscow. No doubt, if there were any justice in Russia, the judgments rendered against Navalny would be reversed — and he would be physically freed.
But looking beyond that, a reading of his words plummets something far deeper than the outward circumstances.
Read more at: Alexei Navalny: The Freest Man in the World - The Globalist
The Netherlands: The Dutch housing market in 2021 - booming
Over 75 percent of the houses that come on the market are sold either at the asking price or (far) above; 10% above the asking price has almost become the norm. The number of viewings and offers per property has declined somewhat, however, the pressure remains consistently high. Since January 1, 2021, investors are paying 8 percent in transfer tax and are expected to become more reticent to buy, at least for the time being. This will slightly improve the position of first-time buyers.
As the housing market is so tight and private buyers hardly have insight into the ultimate selling prices of the listed houses, more and more people who are looking for a house opt for the services of a real estate agent. This often gives them a better chance to view the available houses (as estate agents know which houses are coming on the market before they are listed online) and the estate agent can offer more information regarding the state of the house and the expected selling prices. Consequently, they will have a better idea of what price they should offer for a house and, thus, are usually more successful at having an offer accepted.
Read more at: The Dutch housing market in 2021
As the housing market is so tight and private buyers hardly have insight into the ultimate selling prices of the listed houses, more and more people who are looking for a house opt for the services of a real estate agent. This often gives them a better chance to view the available houses (as estate agents know which houses are coming on the market before they are listed online) and the estate agent can offer more information regarding the state of the house and the expected selling prices. Consequently, they will have a better idea of what price they should offer for a house and, thus, are usually more successful at having an offer accepted.
Read more at: The Dutch housing market in 2021
China-EU Relations:: China throws EU trade deal to the wolf warriors
US can't expect their friends, alinated by Trump to suddenly rollover and be friendly again after Trump showed them that US policies are not carved in stone and everything can change again in 4 years.
China's double-barreled sanctions attack on the EU on Monday means the landmark Beijing-Brussels trade deal is now on life support.
Furious at being targeted by Chinese sanctions on a day of high diplomatic drama, prominent European parliamentarians are threatening not to ratify the EU-China investment pact sealed in December.
What a difference three months makes. Late last year, Europe's top leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron raced to secure an accord with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping it would make life easier for key EU investors in China such as carmakers.
Read more at: China throws EU trade deal to the wolf warriors – POLITICO
China's double-barreled sanctions attack on the EU on Monday means the landmark Beijing-Brussels trade deal is now on life support.
Furious at being targeted by Chinese sanctions on a day of high diplomatic drama, prominent European parliamentarians are threatening not to ratify the EU-China investment pact sealed in December.
What a difference three months makes. Late last year, Europe's top leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron raced to secure an accord with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping it would make life easier for key EU investors in China such as carmakers.
Read more at: China throws EU trade deal to the wolf warriors – POLITICO
China, Russia, North Korea, Iran Build Ties as U.N. Friends Feud with U.S.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tuesday that China and Iran planned to review plans to "strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and exchange views on international and regional developments."
Note EU-Digest: US can't expect their friends, alinated by Trump to suddenly rollover and be friendly again after Trump showed them that US policies are not carved in stone and everything can change again in 4 years.
Read moe at: https://www.newsweek.com/china-russia-north-korea-iran-build-ties-un-friends-feud-us-1578169?utm_source=PushnamiMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Noticeboard&subscriberId=5ef650d523994a6b87f208b6 China, Russia, North Korea, Iran Build Ties as U.N. Friends Feud with U.S.
Note EU-Digest: US can't expect their friends, alinated by Trump to suddenly rollover and be friendly again after Trump showed them that US policies are not carved in stone and everything can change again in 4 years.
Read moe at: https://www.newsweek.com/china-russia-north-korea-iran-build-ties-un-friends-feud-us-1578169?utm_source=PushnamiMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Noticeboard&subscriberId=5ef650d523994a6b87f208b6 China, Russia, North Korea, Iran Build Ties as U.N. Friends Feud with U.S.
3/23/21
EU: Dutch researchers test ways to party during the pandemic
It's a music festival much like any other. More than a thousand people are packed together, dancing to thumping beats and chugging beer. They aren't keeping their distance, not wearing masks. It's the way it used to be, before the pandemic. The event took place on Saturday, in the small town of Biddinghuizen in the Netherlands — with government approval.
The Back to Live festival was a trial run. Researchers want to find out if and how large-scale events can take place despite the pandemic. In Biddinghuizen, revelers had their temperatures taken at the entrance to the festival grounds and had to show not just a ticket but also a negative PCR test result. They all got a sensor to wear around their necks tracking their movements, and then the fun could begin.
Read more at: Dutch researchers test ways to party during the pandemic | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 22.03.2021
The Back to Live festival was a trial run. Researchers want to find out if and how large-scale events can take place despite the pandemic. In Biddinghuizen, revelers had their temperatures taken at the entrance to the festival grounds and had to show not just a ticket but also a negative PCR test result. They all got a sensor to wear around their necks tracking their movements, and then the fun could begin.
Read more at: Dutch researchers test ways to party during the pandemic | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 22.03.2021
Hungary’s Covid-19 wars – by Stephen Pogány
While Europe and most of the world is locked in a desperate battle with a virus which has already claimed the lives of well over two and a half million people, Hungary has been waging a war against multiple adversaries. The coronavirus is just one of several targets.
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has insisted that ‘[h]uman lives and health stand above politics’ and that ‘[i]t’s irresponsible to turn vaccines into a political issue’. Yet it’s hard to resist the conclusion that his administration’s handling of the pandemic has been shaped by political considerations as well as informed medical opinion.
Orbán has an acrimonious relationship with the European Union, which he routinely castigates for its purportedly liberal asylum policies, support for multiculturalism, failure to uphold ‘Christian’ values and federalist tendencies. To the dismay of the Netherlands and others, Orbán, along with the government of Mateusz Morawiecki in Poland, fought efforts by the EU to introduce meaningful sanctions for member countries which violate the rule of law.
Read more at: Hungary’s Covid-19 wars – Stephen Pogány
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has insisted that ‘[h]uman lives and health stand above politics’ and that ‘[i]t’s irresponsible to turn vaccines into a political issue’. Yet it’s hard to resist the conclusion that his administration’s handling of the pandemic has been shaped by political considerations as well as informed medical opinion.
Orbán has an acrimonious relationship with the European Union, which he routinely castigates for its purportedly liberal asylum policies, support for multiculturalism, failure to uphold ‘Christian’ values and federalist tendencies. To the dismay of the Netherlands and others, Orbán, along with the government of Mateusz Morawiecki in Poland, fought efforts by the EU to introduce meaningful sanctions for member countries which violate the rule of law.
Read more at: Hungary’s Covid-19 wars – Stephen Pogány
EU: Germany’s super-election year is a wild card – by Knut Dethlefsen
The Merkel era of German politics is over. After 16 years as chancellor, Angela Merkel will forgo another run for office and she leaves the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) much the way she found it—riven by political strife and haunted by corruption scandals. With six state elections as well as the Bundestag general election in September, 2021 will be a year of profound change in German politics.
The early results in two state elections in mid-March offer tantalising clues as to what might be in store. Voters in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg went to the polls on March 14th, respectively delivering a repeat social-democrat (SPD) victory and the return of the Greens.
Rerad more at: Germany’s super-election year is a wild card – Knut Dethlefsen
The early results in two state elections in mid-March offer tantalising clues as to what might be in store. Voters in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg went to the polls on March 14th, respectively delivering a repeat social-democrat (SPD) victory and the return of the Greens.
Rerad more at: Germany’s super-election year is a wild card – Knut Dethlefsen
USA: Will the Biden Administration Shine Light on Special Ops Programs?
U.S. special operations forces deployed to 154 countries, or roughly 80 percent of the world’s nations, last year, but information about exactly where elite forces conduct missions, under what authorities they operate, who they’ve killed, and whether they’re adhering to the laws of armed conflict is closely guarded, buried in obscure legal provisions, shrouded in secrecy, or allegedly unknown even to Special Operations Command.
The command, known as SOCOM, will only name half the countries where its forces were active in 2020. It claims that its personnel — Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, and Marine Corps Raiders among them — have captured or killed “thousands of terrorists” under one obscure program but also that it doesn’t track such data. SOCOM refuses to provide even basic information about publicly acknowledged operations.
Read more at: Will the Biden Administration Shine Light on Special Ops Programs?
The command, known as SOCOM, will only name half the countries where its forces were active in 2020. It claims that its personnel — Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, and Marine Corps Raiders among them — have captured or killed “thousands of terrorists” under one obscure program but also that it doesn’t track such data. SOCOM refuses to provide even basic information about publicly acknowledged operations.
Read more at: Will the Biden Administration Shine Light on Special Ops Programs?
USA: The Colorado attack is the 7th mass shooting in 7 days in the US
The mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday took place less than a week after eight people were killed in a series of attacks on spas in Atlanta.
The two incidents are likely to spur discussion about gun control legislation in the United States, where firearm deaths are tragically common.
Reaqd more at: The Colorado attack is the 7th mass shooting in 7 days in the US - CNN
The two incidents are likely to spur discussion about gun control legislation in the United States, where firearm deaths are tragically common.
Reaqd more at: The Colorado attack is the 7th mass shooting in 7 days in the US - CNN
3/22/21
China sanctions EU officials in response to Uyghur row
China on Monday said it had decided to impose sanctions on 10 European Union citizens, including politicians, for "gross interference" in its internal affairs, and for "flagrantly violating international law."
In a statement, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it would endorse sanctions against the individuals and four EU entities for "maliciously spreading lies and false information."
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/china-sanctions-eu-officials-in-response-to-uyghur-row/a-56948924
In a statement, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it would endorse sanctions against the individuals and four EU entities for "maliciously spreading lies and false information."
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/china-sanctions-eu-officials-in-response-to-uyghur-row/a-56948924
EU agrees first sanctions on China in more than 30 years
The EU, togetherwith the US and Britain has imposed sanctions on China in more than 30 years
Read more at: EU agrees first sanctions on China in more than 30 years | Euronews
Read more at: EU agrees first sanctions on China in more than 30 years | Euronews
USA; IRS: More $1,400 stimulus payments are coming — so check your mail
Another wave of $1,400 stimulus payments rolling out this week — and this time, many are coming as paper checks or pre-paid debit cards, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday.
Read more at: IRS: More $1,400 stimulus payments are coming — so check your mail - MarketWatch
Read more at: IRS: More $1,400 stimulus payments are coming — so check your mail - MarketWatch
German lockdown measures 'extended until April 18th' -
Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of Germany’s 16 states have confirmed that the lockdown measures will be extended for a further four weeks, according to new agency DPA and news site Spiegel Online.
The strategy meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of Germany’s 16 states was originally scheduled to discuss a further relaxation, but a third wave of the virus driven by new variants changed the agenda dramatically.
Lifting restrictions on dining, cultural and leisure facilities will now have to be delayed and instead, worst-hit areas may from Monday have to reimpose measures and order shops and some schools to close again, according to a draft proposal which was still being discussed on Monday evening.
Read more at German lockdown measures 'extended until April 18th' - The Local
The strategy meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of Germany’s 16 states was originally scheduled to discuss a further relaxation, but a third wave of the virus driven by new variants changed the agenda dramatically.
Lifting restrictions on dining, cultural and leisure facilities will now have to be delayed and instead, worst-hit areas may from Monday have to reimpose measures and order shops and some schools to close again, according to a draft proposal which was still being discussed on Monday evening.
Read more at German lockdown measures 'extended until April 18th' - The Local
3/21/21
The EU and Venezuela: More Bad Advice
The “European Democracy Hub” (EPD) and the Carnegie Endowment’s Europe office have produced a new paper giving a considerable amount of bad advice on the situation in Venezuela.
The EPD is an association of 15 NGOs in 13 European countries. The new paper, written by Jonas Wolff, who is head of the research department on “intrastate conflict" at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, is entitled “A New Framework for Dealing with Venezuela: From Democracy to Conflict Resolution.” It is thoughtful document, but the gist of it is delivered right in the introduction:
Read more qt : The EU and Venezuela: More Bad Advice | Council on Foreign Relations
The EPD is an association of 15 NGOs in 13 European countries. The new paper, written by Jonas Wolff, who is head of the research department on “intrastate conflict" at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, is entitled “A New Framework for Dealing with Venezuela: From Democracy to Conflict Resolution.” It is thoughtful document, but the gist of it is delivered right in the introduction:
Read more qt : The EU and Venezuela: More Bad Advice | Council on Foreign Relations
USA: Litigation Tracker: Pending Criminal and Civil Cases Against Donald Trump
On both the criminal and civil litigation fronts, former President Donald Trump faces a bevy of lawsuits and investigations, with more cases likely to follow. Some are civil suits stemming from his pre-presidential business dealings. Others are defamation claims from women he allegedly assaulted. More still are criminal probes and civil actions that scrutinize his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The Chart below tracks all these cases. It will be continually updated as major legal developments occur.
Read more at : Litigation Tracker: Pending Criminal and Civil Cases Against Donald Trump
Read more at : Litigation Tracker: Pending Criminal and Civil Cases Against Donald Trump
Russia: Will protests against President Putin gain momentum in Russia?
People in Russia have defied police warnings and freezing temperatures to hold some of the biggest protests yet against President Vladimir Putin.
Tens of thousands rallied in nearly 70 cities to demand the release of opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who was arrested as he returned from Germany where he had treatment for poisoning by a nerve agent.
Security forces detained more than 3,000 demonstrators, triggering condemnation from countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Read more at: Will protests against President Putin gain momentum in Russia? | Protests News | Al Jazeera
Tens of thousands rallied in nearly 70 cities to demand the release of opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who was arrested as he returned from Germany where he had treatment for poisoning by a nerve agent.
Security forces detained more than 3,000 demonstrators, triggering condemnation from countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Read more at: Will protests against President Putin gain momentum in Russia? | Protests News | Al Jazeera
Airbus A380: Which Airlines Leased Hi Fly's Airbus A380?
Hi Fly Malta is a Maltese subsidiary of Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly. The carrier is known for having operated an Airbus A380 in a striking ‘Save The Coral Reefs’ livery. This paint scheme raised environmental awareness, warning against coral reef destruction on its travels.
Hi Fly Malta is a Maltese subsidiary of Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly. The carrier is known for having operated an Airbus A380 in a striking ‘Save The Coral Reefs’ livery. This paint scheme raised environmental awareness, warning against coral reef destruction on its travels.
Low-cost carrier Norwegian was one of 9H-MIP’s more prominent users between 2018 and 2020. One of the reasons it leased the aircraft was to clear a backlog of delayed passengers caused by the London Gatwick drone incident in December 2018. The A380’s extra capacity over Norwegian’s Boeing 787s was crucial in getting transatlantic passengers home for Christmas.
Read more at: Which Airlines Leased Hi Fly's Airbus A380? - Simple Flying
Hi Fly Malta is a Maltese subsidiary of Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly. The carrier is known for having operated an Airbus A380 in a striking ‘Save The Coral Reefs’ livery. This paint scheme raised environmental awareness, warning against coral reef destruction on its travels.
Low-cost carrier Norwegian was one of 9H-MIP’s more prominent users between 2018 and 2020. One of the reasons it leased the aircraft was to clear a backlog of delayed passengers caused by the London Gatwick drone incident in December 2018. The A380’s extra capacity over Norwegian’s Boeing 787s was crucial in getting transatlantic passengers home for Christmas.
Read more at: Which Airlines Leased Hi Fly's Airbus A380? - Simple Flying
'The Netherlands: Larges Dutch criminal investigation' finds corruption among Amsterdam police
The officer appeared on the radar of the investigative services through the analysis of intercepted messages from the Encrochat encryption service, whose computer server was seized in France on June 12, 2020. This happened after the investigation team had been following the communication between the officer and external parties since April 1, 2020.
This led to the largest Dutch criminal investigation ever. Murders
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/03/06/larges-dutch-criminal-investigation-finds-corruption-among-amsterdam-police
This led to the largest Dutch criminal investigation ever. Murders
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/03/06/larges-dutch-criminal-investigation-finds-corruption-among-amsterdam-police
3/20/21
China-US Relations: China, US to set up joint working group on climate change
Despite media reports that little progress was made during the two-days of dialogue in the Alaskan city of Anchorage, which ended Friday, China's official Xinhua news agency said Beijing and Washington had decided to set up a working group on climate change.
The agency did not provide any details on the initiative, other than saying both China and the United States are committed to enhancing communication and cooperation.
The talks were the first face-to-face meeting between senior US officials and their Chinese counterparts since President Joe Biden took office earlier this year. They opened with tense and extended exchanges over human rights in front of television cameras, before the officials retreated behind closed doors.
Read more at: China, US to set up joint working group on climate change — report | Asia| An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 20.03.2021
The agency did not provide any details on the initiative, other than saying both China and the United States are committed to enhancing communication and cooperation.
The talks were the first face-to-face meeting between senior US officials and their Chinese counterparts since President Joe Biden took office earlier this year. They opened with tense and extended exchanges over human rights in front of television cameras, before the officials retreated behind closed doors.
Read more at: China, US to set up joint working group on climate change — report | Asia| An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 20.03.2021
The Environment: In the Netherlands, Workers Are Taking on Fossil Fuel Giants Like Shell - by Malia Bouattia
Protests in forty towns and cities across the Netherlands are highlighting the role of Dutch-based firms like Shell in fueling climate crisis. Workers are at the forefront of the struggle — offering hope for a mass environmental movement that goes beyond the middle class.
So far, the Dutch government, led by the right-wing VVD party, has chosen to prioritize the very big businesses that are most complicit in the climate crisis. In recent times, it has spent billions of taxpayers’ money on bailing out such companies through subsidies, tax breaks, and loans. “In the current situation our tax money is making the climate crisis worse. This needs to change,” explained the Climate Crisis Coalition, which is leading the Alarm protests.
Read more at: In the Netherlands, Workers Are Taking on Fossil Fuel Giants Like Shell
So far, the Dutch government, led by the right-wing VVD party, has chosen to prioritize the very big businesses that are most complicit in the climate crisis. In recent times, it has spent billions of taxpayers’ money on bailing out such companies through subsidies, tax breaks, and loans. “In the current situation our tax money is making the climate crisis worse. This needs to change,” explained the Climate Crisis Coalition, which is leading the Alarm protests.
Read more at: In the Netherlands, Workers Are Taking on Fossil Fuel Giants Like Shell
Europe sees a 3rd wave of COVID-19, propelled by variants
European leaders address concerns about the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine by getting the shot amid a third wave of the coronavirus, much of it propelled by variants.
Read more at: Europe sees a 3rd wave of COVID-19, propelled by variants | CBC.ca
Read more at: Europe sees a 3rd wave of COVID-19, propelled by variants | CBC.ca
Womens Rights: Turkey exits European treaty designed to protect women from violence
Hundreds of women gather in Istanbul on Saturday to oppose a move by the Turkish government to exit the Istanbul Convention, a European treaty designed to protect women from violence. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)
Turkey withdrew early Saturday from a landmark European treaty protecting women from violence that it was the first to sign 10 years ago and that bears the name of its largest city.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's overnight decree annulling Turkey's ratification of the Istanbul Convention is a blow to women's rights advocates, who say the agreement is crucial to combating domestic violence.
Read more at: Turkey exits European treaty designed to protect women from violence | CBC News
Turkey withdrew early Saturday from a landmark European treaty protecting women from violence that it was the first to sign 10 years ago and that bears the name of its largest city.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's overnight decree annulling Turkey's ratification of the Istanbul Convention is a blow to women's rights advocates, who say the agreement is crucial to combating domestic violence.
Read more at: Turkey exits European treaty designed to protect women from violence | CBC News
France - Coronavirus Pandemic: : Paris region and beyond to begin month-long limited lockdown today Friday
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced Thursday a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and other regions of the country starting Friday as the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units spikes. Schools and essential shops, including bookstores, will remain open.
Read more at: Paris region and beyond to begin month-long limited lockdown on Friday
Read more at: Paris region and beyond to begin month-long limited lockdown on Friday
3/19/21
Germany: Volkswagen to slash up to 5,000 jobs to fund electric vehicle drive
Carmaker Volkswagen will shed up to 5,000 jobs between now and the end of 2023 as part of cost-cutting to finance its transition to electric vehicles, the company said in a statement on Sunday.
Up to 900 employees would opt for an early retirement scheme while others would leave the company as part of a gradual halting of their activities, it said.
It did not give a precise figure for those employees, saying only that it would be in the lower end of a “four-digit number”, an expression usually used to mean between 2,000 to 4,000.
Read more at: https://apiwp.thelocal.com/20210314/volkswagen-to-slash-up-to-5000-jobs-to-fund-electric-vehicle-drive/
Up to 900 employees would opt for an early retirement scheme while others would leave the company as part of a gradual halting of their activities, it said.
It did not give a precise figure for those employees, saying only that it would be in the lower end of a “four-digit number”, an expression usually used to mean between 2,000 to 4,000.
Read more at: https://apiwp.thelocal.com/20210314/volkswagen-to-slash-up-to-5000-jobs-to-fund-electric-vehicle-drive/
Corona virus: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – as it happened
France, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Cyprus announced they will stop administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine pending an assessment by the EU’s medicine regulator. Spain said it will stop using the AZ vaccine for at least two weeks.
Read more at: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – as it happened | World news | The Guardian
Read more at: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – as it happened | World news | The Guardian
US and China trade angry words at high-level Alaska talks - BBC News
Chinese officials accused the US of inciting countries "to attack China", while the US said China had "arrived intent on grandstanding".
Relations between the two superpowers are at their most strained for years.
The US pledged to raise contentious issues such as Beijing's treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.
Rea more at: US and China trade angry words at high-level Alaska talks - BBC News
Relations between the two superpowers are at their most strained for years.
Rea more at: US and China trade angry words at high-level Alaska talks - BBC News
3/18/21
USA: Oligarch bankers are using woke PR campaigns to whitewash the greatest wealth inequality and economic plunder in history - by Mitchell Feierstein
Goldman Sachs has announced a broad pledge of $10 billion to ‘change the lives’ of One Million Black Women. But the plan is thin on detail and smacks of a bid for good PR from an industry where inequality has thrived for years.
In a press release, Goldman Sachs promised that the One Million Black Women initiative “will address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that black women have faced for generations, which the pandemic has only exacerbated.” And Goldman’s CEO David Solomon explained the framework for the project. “Given all that's happened over the course of the last year, we've done a lot of talking at the firm–and even more, listening–to help us figure out how we can do more to end the racial inequity and the gaps that have existed in society for well too long,” he said. Additionally, Goldman pledged $100 million for philanthropic causes.
rEAD MORE AT: Oligarch bankers are using woke PR campaigns to whitewash the greatest wealth inequality and economic plunder in history — RT Op-ed
In a press release, Goldman Sachs promised that the One Million Black Women initiative “will address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that black women have faced for generations, which the pandemic has only exacerbated.” And Goldman’s CEO David Solomon explained the framework for the project. “Given all that's happened over the course of the last year, we've done a lot of talking at the firm–and even more, listening–to help us figure out how we can do more to end the racial inequity and the gaps that have existed in society for well too long,” he said. Additionally, Goldman pledged $100 million for philanthropic causes.
rEAD MORE AT: Oligarch bankers are using woke PR campaigns to whitewash the greatest wealth inequality and economic plunder in history — RT Op-ed
Britain-Russia relations: Russia warns UK nuclear arsenal plan harms global security
ussia on Wednesday said it regretted the UK's decision to significantly bolster its stockpile of nuclear weapons by the end of the decade.
B
ritain says it plans to increase its arsenal from 180 to 260 nuclear warheads, reversing a previous commitment to reduce its stockpile. What was the Russian response?
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-warns-uk-nuclear-arsenal-plan-harms-global-security/a-56899852
ritain says it plans to increase its arsenal from 180 to 260 nuclear warheads, reversing a previous commitment to reduce its stockpile. What was the Russian response?
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-warns-uk-nuclear-arsenal-plan-harms-global-security/a-56899852
US Tax Collections: IRS Failed to Collect $2.4 Billion From Millionaires -
The Internal Revenue Service has failed to collect more than $2.4 billion dollars from wealthy individuals who owe the federal government back taxes, according to a Treasury Department watchdog report.
Auditors were only able to recoup about 39% of the more than $4 billion in unpaid taxes owed by a group of rich taxpayers with an average annual income of nearly $1.6 million, the report found. The findings suggest that the IRS should place more emphasis on a taxpayer’s income when determining whether to pursue an audit case, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in the report released Monday.
Read More at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-15/irs-failed-to-collect-2-4-billion-in-taxes-from-millionaires?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosmarkets&stream=business&sref=0KUfhQHv
Auditors were only able to recoup about 39% of the more than $4 billion in unpaid taxes owed by a group of rich taxpayers with an average annual income of nearly $1.6 million, the report found. The findings suggest that the IRS should place more emphasis on a taxpayer’s income when determining whether to pursue an audit case, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in the report released Monday.
Read More at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-15/irs-failed-to-collect-2-4-billion-in-taxes-from-millionaires?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosmarkets&stream=business&sref=0KUfhQHv
Coronavirus: Immunizing the World: Can We Do It? - by Andrés Ortega
It is not only a matter of morality — but also an issue of general protection and even of geopolitics: It is necessary to immunize the world, or at least to try to, and to this end to launch a global vaccination campaign against COVID 19.
Western leaders have been slow to react — but they at last seem better disposed towards the proposal, as became clear at the recent virtual G7 summit.
It was not a foregone conclusion — nor are all the guarantees on offer. In any event, while the method is multi-lateralism, the goal is the universalism of the kind that has become a common or collective good.
Read more at: Immunizing the World: Can We Do It? - The Globalist
Western leaders have been slow to react — but they at last seem better disposed towards the proposal, as became clear at the recent virtual G7 summit.
It was not a foregone conclusion — nor are all the guarantees on offer. In any event, while the method is multi-lateralism, the goal is the universalism of the kind that has become a common or collective good.
Read more at: Immunizing the World: Can We Do It? - The Globalist
Britain: Leave the monarchy? In Barbados, that's just the first step on a long path to healing
An interview by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, featuring accusations of racism against the Royal Family may have shocked some who watched it, but for Risée Chaderton-Charles in Barbados, it only sparked a sense of familiarity.
"The monarchy is actually built on a system of class that has been designed to exclude people of colour, so (Meghan's claims) were completely unsurprising to me," equality advocate Chaderton-Charles said in a Zoom interview from Christ Church, about 16 kilometres southeast of the capital, Bridgetown.
Read more at: Leave the monarchy? In Barbados, that's just the first step on a long path to healing | CBC News
"The monarchy is actually built on a system of class that has been designed to exclude people of colour, so (Meghan's claims) were completely unsurprising to me," equality advocate Chaderton-Charles said in a Zoom interview from Christ Church, about 16 kilometres southeast of the capital, Bridgetown.
Read more at: Leave the monarchy? In Barbados, that's just the first step on a long path to healing | CBC News
The Netherlands elections- PM Rutte wins for the 4th time: Party leaders react to Dutch election results; Left wing let down
Party leaders from across the political spectrum gave their reactions to the exit poll results after voting in the 2021 parliamentary elections wrapped up. Seventeen parties were projected to take at least one of the 150 seats in the Tweed
e Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament. Below follows a round up of reactions from party leaders.
Not included are speeches covered in a separate article, like those from Mark Rutte, the leader of the apparent winner VVD, Sigrid Kaag, who led D66 to a second place finish, and Geert Wilders, whose PVV finished in third. Also missing is Thierry Baudet, leader of the FvD, who gave no reaction three hours after the polls closed despite an apparently strong election result based on exit poll data.
It was a "painful" defeat for the Greens, said GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver of his party's projected six-seat loss. "This result also means that colleagues will not come back, and that hurts."
Read more at: Party leaders react to Dutch election results; Left wing let down | NL Times
Not included are speeches covered in a separate article, like those from Mark Rutte, the leader of the apparent winner VVD, Sigrid Kaag, who led D66 to a second place finish, and Geert Wilders, whose PVV finished in third. Also missing is Thierry Baudet, leader of the FvD, who gave no reaction three hours after the polls closed despite an apparently strong election result based on exit poll data.
It was a "painful" defeat for the Greens, said GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver of his party's projected six-seat loss. "This result also means that colleagues will not come back, and that hurts."
Read more at: Party leaders react to Dutch election results; Left wing let down | NL Times
US Economy- Forecast: oecd-doubles-us-economic-growth-forecast
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has more than doubled its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the US economy since making its last projections in December. At that time, the OECD said it expected real GDP growth of 3.2% in the US in 2021, but now it expects the US economy to grow 6.5% this year.
If its current predictions are accurate, it would be only the second time since 1966 that US GDP growth exceeded 6%, following behind 1984 when GDP growth was a red-hot 7.2%.
Read More at: ai-cio.com/news/oecd-doubles-us-economic-growth-forecast/
If its current predictions are accurate, it would be only the second time since 1966 that US GDP growth exceeded 6%, following behind 1984 when GDP growth was a red-hot 7.2%.
Read More at: ai-cio.com/news/oecd-doubles-us-economic-growth-forecast/
3/17/21
N.Kore3a-US Relations: N Korea warns US not to 'cause a stink' before Seoul meeting
In North Korea’s first comments directed at the Biden administration, Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister on Tuesday warned the United States to “refrain from causing a stink” if it wants to “sleep in peace” for the next four years.
Kim Yo Jong’s statement was issued as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia to talk with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. They have meetings in Tokyo on Tuesday before speaking to officials in Seoul on Wednesday.
Read more at: EU-Digest
Kim Yo Jong’s statement was issued as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia to talk with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. They have meetings in Tokyo on Tuesday before speaking to officials in Seoul on Wednesday.
Read more at: EU-Digest
EU: Fissures that tear us apart and pressures that weigh us all down – by Kate Pickett
A friend recently gave a seminar on the destructive impact of income inequality, laying out how deeply it damages a vast array of health and wellbeing outcomes, and how it affects the affluent as well as the poor, only to be asked during the question period—with some acerbity—why he was ignoring the deep and damaging inequalities between men and women.
I’ve frequently been asked the same question, with varying flavours. Why am I not writing about racial and ethnic inequalities instead of inequalities of income? Why am I not talking about the elderly or those with disabilities? What about migrants? And what about inequalities between the global north and south or between neighbourhoods? What is so significant about income anyway—surely wealth matters more, or social class or power?
Read more at: Fissures that tear us apart and pressures that weigh us all down – Kate Pickett
I’ve frequently been asked the same question, with varying flavours. Why am I not writing about racial and ethnic inequalities instead of inequalities of income? Why am I not talking about the elderly or those with disabilities? What about migrants? And what about inequalities between the global north and south or between neighbourhoods? What is so significant about income anyway—surely wealth matters more, or social class or power?
Read more at: Fissures that tear us apart and pressures that weigh us all down – Kate Pickett
3/16/21
Netherlands election: Mark Rutte set to win big – but what next?
The outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, appears headed for a comprehensive victory and fourth successive term in office as the Dutch go to the polls in national elections on Monday, with voting spread over three days due to coronavirus restrictions.
Polls predict Rutte, who has headed three coalition governments of different political complexions since 2010, and his centre-right People’s party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) will win twice as many parliamentary seats as his nearest rival
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/15/netherlands-election-mark-rutte-set-to-win-big-but-what-next
Polls predict Rutte, who has headed three coalition governments of different political complexions since 2010, and his centre-right People’s party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) will win twice as many parliamentary seats as his nearest rival
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/15/netherlands-election-mark-rutte-set-to-win-big-but-what-next
Russia interfered in U.S. election, likely at Putin's behest, intelligence report says
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 26. A new U.S. intelligence report found Russia meddled in last year's U.S. presidential election, which saw Biden defeat former president Donald Trump. (Jonathan Ernst, Alexei Nikolsky/Kremlin via Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin knew of and likely directed a Russian effort to manipulate the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign to benefit former president Donald Trump with "misleading or unsubstantiated allegations" against challenger Joe Biden, U.S. intelligence officials said on Tuesday.
Read More at: Russia interfered in U.S. election, likely at Putin's behest, intelligence report says | CBC News
Russian President Vladimir Putin knew of and likely directed a Russian effort to manipulate the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign to benefit former president Donald Trump with "misleading or unsubstantiated allegations" against challenger Joe Biden, U.S. intelligence officials said on Tuesday.
Read More at: Russia interfered in U.S. election, likely at Putin's behest, intelligence report says | CBC News
UK exports to European Union drop 40% in January
UK goods exports to the European Union fell 40.7% in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), while imports tumbled 28.8%.
< br> The figures show the biggest drop since records began in 1997, and are the first since new trading rules between the UK and the EU came into force.
Read more at: UK exports to European Union drop 40% in January - BBC News
< br> The figures show the biggest drop since records began in 1997, and are the first since new trading rules between the UK and the EU came into force.
Read more at: UK exports to European Union drop 40% in January - BBC News
Turkey: Turkish prison conditions worsen amid pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact all over the world, including in Turkey, where there is widespread dissatisfaction with the government's management of the crisis.
Human rights organizations have long criticized prison conditions in Turkey, and these have worsened further since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-prison-conditions-worsen-amid-pandemic/a-56883451
Human rights organizations have long criticized prison conditions in Turkey, and these have worsened further since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-prison-conditions-worsen-amid-pandemic/a-56883451
3/15/21
USA: Spring breakers flock to Covid hotspot Florida to party like it's 2019
ovid-19 and spring break have never mixed well. Last March one young, shirtless man in Miami wearing a backwards-facing green cap went “viral” in the pre-pandemic sense when he told a reporter: “If I get corona, I get corona,” he said. “I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.”
A year later, even after Covid has killed over 500,000 Americans, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against all travel, similar pictures and videos of spring breakers – no masks or social distancing in sight – are being seen again this year.
Read more at: Spring breakers flock to Covid hotspot Florida to party like it's 2019 | World news | The Guardian
A year later, even after Covid has killed over 500,000 Americans, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against all travel, similar pictures and videos of spring breakers – no masks or social distancing in sight – are being seen again this year.
Read more at: Spring breakers flock to Covid hotspot Florida to party like it's 2019 | World news | The Guardian
EU -Vaccines - Oxford/AstraZeneca: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine
France, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Cyprus announced they will stop administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine pending an assessment by the EU’s medicine regulator. Spain said it will stop using the AZ vaccine for at least two weeks.
The benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing Covid outweigh the risks of side effects, the European Medicines Agency said in a statement. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is no proven link to blood clots and that people should not panic.
Read more at: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – as it happened | World news | The Guardian
The benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing Covid outweigh the risks of side effects, the European Medicines Agency said in a statement. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is no proven link to blood clots and that people should not panic.
Read more at: Spain joins France, Germany and Italy in pausing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – as it happened | World news | The Guardian
USA - economy: Oligarch bankers are using woke PR campaigns to whitewash the greatest wealth inequality and economic plunder in history - by Mitchell Feierstein
Goldman Sachs has announced a broad pledge of $10 billion to ‘change the lives’ of One Million Black Women. But the plan is thin on detail and smacks of a bid for good PR from an industry where inequality has thrived for years.
In a press release, Goldman Sachs promised that the One Million Black Women initiative “will address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that black women have faced for generations, which the pandemic has only exacerbated.” And Goldman’s CEO David Solomon explained the framework for the project. “Given all that's happened over the course of the last year, we've done a lot of talking at the firm–and even more, listening–to help us figure out how we can do more to end the racial inequity and the gaps that have existed in society for well too long,” he said. Additionally, Goldman pledged $100 million for philanthropic causes.
Read more at: https://www.rt.com/op-ed/518172-goldman-sachs-black-women/
In a press release, Goldman Sachs promised that the One Million Black Women initiative “will address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that black women have faced for generations, which the pandemic has only exacerbated.” And Goldman’s CEO David Solomon explained the framework for the project. “Given all that's happened over the course of the last year, we've done a lot of talking at the firm–and even more, listening–to help us figure out how we can do more to end the racial inequity and the gaps that have existed in society for well too long,” he said. Additionally, Goldman pledged $100 million for philanthropic causes.
Read more at: https://www.rt.com/op-ed/518172-goldman-sachs-black-women/
3/14/21
The Netherlands: Covid-19: Dutch police break up anti-lockdown protest
Police in the Netherlands have used water cannon to clear anti-government demonstrators from a park in The Hague.
Some 2,000 demonstrators rallied in the centre of the city to protest against Covid-19 restrictions and other government policies. <
Read more at: Covid-19: Dutch police break up anti-lockdown protest - BBC News
Some 2,000 demonstrators rallied in the centre of the city to protest against Covid-19 restrictions and other government policies. <
Read more at: Covid-19: Dutch police break up anti-lockdown protest - BBC News
German- Turkish Relations: Young Turkish people seek fresh start in Germany amid repression at home
Turkey is once again experiencing a brain drain, as more and more young graduates and other highly qualified workers are leaving the country to start a new life abroad.
Critics blame President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government for failing to offer qualified Turks enough prospects and even stigmatizing them. The criticism has intensified since protests broke out at Istanbul's renowned Bogazici University in January after Erdogan appointed an unpopular rector loyal to his ruling AKP party. The police cracked down heavily on the demonstrations, and politicians have described the student protesters as "terrorists" or even "perverts."
Read More at Young Turkish people seek fresh start in Germany amid repression at home | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 13.03.2021
Critics blame President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government for failing to offer qualified Turks enough prospects and even stigmatizing them. The criticism has intensified since protests broke out at Istanbul's renowned Bogazici University in January after Erdogan appointed an unpopular rector loyal to his ruling AKP party. The police cracked down heavily on the demonstrations, and politicians have described the student protesters as "terrorists" or even "perverts."
Read More at Young Turkish people seek fresh start in Germany amid repression at home | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 13.03.2021
3/13/21
Russia: Human Rights Abuses: Russian police detain around 200 people, including leading opposition figures, at Moscow meeting
The detentions come amid a crackdown on anti-Kremlin sentiment, following the arrest and imprisonment of opposition politician Alexei Navalny who returned to Russia in January after recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Siberia.
The Moscow forum, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, was a gathering of municipal deputies from all over he country, Andrei Pivovarov, the event’s organiser and executive director of Open Russia, a British- sed group founded by exiled former oil tycoon and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, told radio station Echo Moskvy.
Russian police detained around 200 people, including several prominent opposition figures, at a meeting of independent and opposition politicians in Moscow on Saturday, the interior ministry said.
Read more at: Russian police detain around 200 people, including leading opposition figures, at Moscow meeting | Reuters
The Moscow forum, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, was a gathering of municipal deputies from all over he country, Andrei Pivovarov, the event’s organiser and executive director of Open Russia, a British- sed group founded by exiled former oil tycoon and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, told radio station Echo Moskvy.
Russian police detained around 200 people, including several prominent opposition figures, at a meeting of independent and opposition politicians in Moscow on Saturday, the interior ministry said.
Read more at: Russian police detain around 200 people, including leading opposition figures, at Moscow meeting | Reuters
Global Human Rights Abusers: China and Russia top EU list of global rights abusers - by Andrew Rettman
China, Eritrea, Libya, North Korea, Russia, and South Sudan are to be stigmatised as home to the world's worst human-rights abusers under new EU sanctions.
The move will cover some 11 officials and four entities in total from the six countries.
Read more at China and Russia top EU list of global rights abusers
The move will cover some 11 officials and four entities in total from the six countries.
Read more at China and Russia top EU list of global rights abusers
3/12/21
The Netherlands - racial Reckoning: Caribbean racial reckoning: Sint Maarten confronts Netherlands over coronavirus aid - by Anthony Faiola and Ana Vanessa Herrero
Inside the prime minister’s office in the Caribbean nation of Sint Maarten, the walls of paradise were closing in.
In the former Dutch colony renowned for fish stews and rum cocktails on Great Bay Beach, the coronavirus pandemic had ground tourism to a halt, sparking a financial crisis akin to the aftermath of a hurricane. By December, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said, public coffers were so low that she didn’t know how she could continue to cover the government payroll.
She needed a financial lifeline. Four thousand miles away, Mother Holland was prepared to throw one — but with strings attached. What followed would be a racial reckoning in the Caribbean: a bitter dispute between Sint Maarten’s Dutch overseers in Europe and local politicians representing an island populated predominantly by Afro-Caribbeans and other people of color.
Reas more at: Caribbean racial reckoning: Sint Maarten confronts Netherlands over coronavirus aid - The Washington Post
In the former Dutch colony renowned for fish stews and rum cocktails on Great Bay Beach, the coronavirus pandemic had ground tourism to a halt, sparking a financial crisis akin to the aftermath of a hurricane. By December, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said, public coffers were so low that she didn’t know how she could continue to cover the government payroll.
She needed a financial lifeline. Four thousand miles away, Mother Holland was prepared to throw one — but with strings attached. What followed would be a racial reckoning in the Caribbean: a bitter dispute between Sint Maarten’s Dutch overseers in Europe and local politicians representing an island populated predominantly by Afro-Caribbeans and other people of color.
Reas more at: Caribbean racial reckoning: Sint Maarten confronts Netherlands over coronavirus aid - The Washington Post
3/11/21
EU-Hungarian RelTIONS: A fundamental split | New Europe
In a letter sent to Manfred Weber – the chairman of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political organization in the EU Parliament, Council, and Commission – Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban officially announced that his political party, Fidesz, would resign from the center-right group.
Orban’s decision to pull Fidesz out of the faction came after the EPP, which has dominated EU politics for over 20 years, moved to enact a new rule change that would have paved the way for Fidesz to be suspended from its ranks.
rEAD MORE AT: A fundamental split | New Europe
Orban’s decision to pull Fidesz out of the faction came after the EPP, which has dominated EU politics for over 20 years, moved to enact a new rule change that would have paved the way for Fidesz to be suspended from its ranks.
rEAD MORE AT: A fundamental split | New Europe
EU: MEPs to declare EU an LGBTI 'freedom zone'
MEPs are expected to declare the EU a "freedom zone" for LGBTI people, an initiative they debated on Wednesday (10 March).
The symbolic move is an attempt to buttress values against right-wing governments' increased scapegoating of LGBTI people. <
Read more https://euobserver.com/political/151196
The symbolic move is an attempt to buttress values against right-wing governments' increased scapegoating of LGBTI people. <
Read more https://euobserver.com/political/151196
Canada: : WestJet cancels orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max planes as industry struggles
WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it has cancelled orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max aircraft as the industry-wide downturn in aviation continues.
WestJet has 27 Max aircraft remaining on order, the company says.
In January, WestJet was the first Canadian airline to return the Max to service, after Transport Canada lifted a nearly two-year grounding order for the aircraft.
Read more at: WestJet cancels orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max planes as industry struggles | CBC News
WestJet has 27 Max aircraft remaining on order, the company says.
Read more at: WestJet cancels orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max planes as industry struggles | CBC News
US: Can Pursuing Happiness, as the Founders Defined It, Bring Us Together? - by Michael Maccoby and Dan Morgan
In the United States right now, we are facing a very real danger of the extreme left and right splitting our society apart.
<
Our only hope is that citizens of the center left and center right engage and create a productive dialogue based on common values – such as those expressed in our nation’s founding documents.
Read more at: US: Can Pursuing Happiness, as the Founders Defined It, Bring Us Together? - The Globalist
Our only hope is that citizens of the center left and center right engage and create a productive dialogue based on common values – such as those expressed in our nation’s founding documents.
Read more at: US: Can Pursuing Happiness, as the Founders Defined It, Bring Us Together? - The Globalist
3/10/21
EDF: : EU Commission wants to break up EDF, its CEO says
The European Commission disagrees with a French government plan to restructure EDF and sees a break-up of the nuclear utility into several units as the only solution, the state-owned firm’s chief executive Jean-Bernard Lévy said in an interview.
The French government wants to separate EDF’s capital-intensive nuclear power arm from other parts of its business and needs EU clearance to make sure the new structure would not amount to state aid or crimp competition in a power market still largely dominated by the former monopoly operator.
Levy said there had been little progress i
Read more at: EU Commission wants to break up EDF, its CEO says – EURACTIV.com
The French government wants to separate EDF’s capital-intensive nuclear power arm from other parts of its business and needs EU clearance to make sure the new structure would not amount to state aid or crimp competition in a power market still largely dominated by the former monopoly operator.
Levy said there had been little progress i
Read more at: EU Commission wants to break up EDF, its CEO says – EURACTIV.com
The environment: NATO must reduce military emissions — says Jens Stoltenberg
NATO must reduce its "military emissions" in an effort to tackle climate change, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.
He made the announcement on Twitter as he welcomed the United States' special envoy for climate — John Kerry — to Brussels.
He tweeted: "Great to welcome @ClimateEnvoy John Kerry to Brussels. We agree that climate change makes the world more unsafe, so #NATO needs to step up and play a bigger role in combating it — including by reducing military emissions. I look forward to working closely together. #NATO2030."
Read more at: NATO must reduce military emissions — Jens Stoltenberg | News | DW | 10.03.2021
He made the announcement on Twitter as he welcomed the United States' special envoy for climate — John Kerry — to Brussels.
He tweeted: "Great to welcome @ClimateEnvoy John Kerry to Brussels. We agree that climate change makes the world more unsafe, so #NATO needs to step up and play a bigger role in combating it — including by reducing military emissions. I look forward to working closely together. #NATO2030."
Read more at: NATO must reduce military emissions — Jens Stoltenberg | News | DW | 10.03.2021
USA: Republican predicts Trump won’t be party’s presidential nominee in 2024 - by Anna Walters
Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican senator, predicted on Sunday morning that Donald Trump will not be the party’s nominee for president in 2024, pointing to the number of seats lost by Republicans in the House and Senate over the four years Trump was in office.
Cassidy was asked on CNN’s State of the Union show whether he would support Trump if the former president runs for another term in 2024, or if he would support him if he did run and won the Republican nomination to challenge Joe Biden.
Read more at: Republican predicts Trump won’t be party’s presidential nominee in 2024 | US news | The Guardian
Cassidy was asked on CNN’s State of the Union show whether he would support Trump if the former president runs for another term in 2024, or if he would support him if he did run and won the Republican nomination to challenge Joe Biden.
Read more at: Republican predicts Trump won’t be party’s presidential nominee in 2024 | US news | The Guardian
3/9/21
Cancer Treatment: Cure for cancer the next target for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine inventor Ugur Sahin
The man who invented the first vaccine against the deadly coronavirus is prioritizing a cure for cancer as his post-pandemic target.
Ugur Sahin, the co-founder and chief executive of BioNTech, the firm which developed the earliest authorized vaccine in partnership with Pfizer, told Arab News that successful cancer treatment, using similar techniques he developed in the fight against COVID-19, was his next goal.
Sahin, who developed the vaccine along with his wife Ozlem Tureci, who is BioNTech’s chief medical officer, was appearing in the latest episode of Frankly Speaking, the series of video interviews with leading global policy-makers and business people.
Read more at: Cure for cancer the next target for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine inventor Ugur Sahin
Ugur Sahin, the co-founder and chief executive of BioNTech, the firm which developed the earliest authorized vaccine in partnership with Pfizer, told Arab News that successful cancer treatment, using similar techniques he developed in the fight against COVID-19, was his next goal.
Sahin, who developed the vaccine along with his wife Ozlem Tureci, who is BioNTech’s chief medical officer, was appearing in the latest episode of Frankly Speaking, the series of video interviews with leading global policy-makers and business people.
Read more at: Cure for cancer the next target for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine inventor Ugur Sahin
EU: Cancelling a debt we already own has a false allure – by Anne-Laure Delatte
While an end to the pandemic is not yet in sight, austerity is nonetheless making a discreet comeback in public debate. If fiscal orthodoxy could allow that states stood by an economy hampered by health restrictions, it affirms once more that newly-contracted sovereign debt would have to be repaid through cuts in pensions and public services, as well as tax increases for the vast majority of the population.
Read more at: Cancelling a debt we already own has a false allure – Anne-Laure Delatte, Michel Husson, Benjamin Lemoine, Éric Monnet, Raul Sampognaro, Bruno Tinel and Sébastien Villemot
Read more at: Cancelling a debt we already own has a false allure – Anne-Laure Delatte, Michel Husson, Benjamin Lemoine, Éric Monnet, Raul Sampognaro, Bruno Tinel and Sébastien Villemot
Britain: Meghan and Harry interview: Urgent Palace talks over claims
Crisis meetings involving senior royals have taken place following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey.
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph said Buckingham Palace "will not want to feel rushed into saying something" about Prince Harry and Meghan's claims.
The couple spoke to Oprah about racism, mental health, the media and other members of the Royal Family.
Read more at: Meghan and Harry interview: Urgent Palace talks over claims - BBC News
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph said Buckingham Palace "will not want to feel rushed into saying something" about Prince Harry and Meghan's claims.
The couple spoke to Oprah about racism, mental health, the media and other members of the Royal Family.
Read more at: Meghan and Harry interview: Urgent Palace talks over claims - BBC News
Brazil: Lula has convictions quashed, leaving him free to challenge Bolsonaro
Brazil’s former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could be set for a sensational comeback attempt after a supreme court judge annulled a series of criminal convictions against the leftist icon and restored his political rights.
Read nore at: Brazil: Lula has convictions quashed, leaving him free to challenge Bolsonaro | World news | The Guardian
Read nore at: Brazil: Lula has convictions quashed, leaving him free to challenge Bolsonaro | World news | The Guardian
European Banking Authority hit by Microsoft Exchange hack
The EU body said personal data may have been accessed from its servers. And it had pulled its entire email system offline while it assessed the damage.
The EU body said personal data may have been accessed from its servers. And it had pulled its entire email system offline while it assessed the damage.
Read more at: European Banking Authority hit by Microsoft Exchange hack - BBC News
Read more at: European Banking Authority hit by Microsoft Exchange hack - BBC News
3/8/21
EU 'Future' Conference plus Covid recovery talks-by Eszter Zalan
After months of haggling over which EU politician should be the face of the much-delayed Conference on the Future of Europe, on Wednesday (10 March) the heads of the three EU institutions will finally give their blessing to the public citizens' meetings.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament president David Sassoli, and Portuguese prime minister António Costa - whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency - will sign a joint declaration on the conference.
Read more at: EU 'Future' Conference plus Covid recovery talks This WEEK
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament president David Sassoli, and Portuguese prime minister António Costa - whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency - will sign a joint declaration on the conference.
Read more at: EU 'Future' Conference plus Covid recovery talks This WEEK
EU-IndTrade in focus: India, EU discuss ramping up ties
Cmmerce Minister Piyush Goyal and MoS Commerce & Industry Hardeep Singh Puri at the high-level dialogue on India-EU bilateral trade with Executive Vice President of European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis. (via @PiyushGoyal)
India and the European Union (EU) have held the first high level dialogue (HLD) and discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and investments, the Commerce Ministry said on Saturday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the European Union Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. It was held on Friday.
Read more at: Trade in focus: India, EU discuss ramping up ties | Business News,The Indian
India and the European Union (EU) have held the first high level dialogue (HLD) and discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and investments, the Commerce Ministry said on Saturday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the European Union Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. It was held on Friday.
Read more at: Trade in focus: India, EU discuss ramping up ties | Business News,The Indian
Excercise: Why winter exercise can be especially hard on the lungs - by Laura Glowacki
Canadian Olympic hopeful Katherine Stewart-Jones can't remember when she first started experiencing a cough she and other cross-country skiers call "race hack," but she said it was probably when she started competing in her early teen years.
"Sometimes, it goes like all the way into your back ... it's just this burning sensation," she said. "I'll lean over and just don't want to get up for a while because it hurts.
Read more at: Why winter exercise can be especially hard on the lungs | CBC News
"Sometimes, it goes like all the way into your back ... it's just this burning sensation," she said. "I'll lean over and just don't want to get up for a while because it hurts.
Read more at: Why winter exercise can be especially hard on the lungs | CBC News
Russia: Gorbachev at 90: The man who awkwardly pushed humanity forward
Gorbachev – tried to reform the old system. He had made the country’s economic life more effective, widened the scope of political participation, opened up society for debate, and introduced a new way of thinking in international affairs.
Gorbachev forever changed the statist power and cultural patterns in Soviet society, but as he desperately was trying to save the old Communist system, he ultimately failed to recognize that it was rotten to the core and unreformable. Ultimately, he ended up destroying what he had hoped to improve and set me and hundreds of millions of people free. For the first time in our lives, what we did with that newly acquired freedom was entirely up to us.
Read more at: Gorbachev at 90: The man who awkwardly pushed humanity forward | New Europe
Gorbachev forever changed the statist power and cultural patterns in Soviet society, but as he desperately was trying to save the old Communist system, he ultimately failed to recognize that it was rotten to the core and unreformable. Ultimately, he ended up destroying what he had hoped to improve and set me and hundreds of millions of people free. For the first time in our lives, what we did with that newly acquired freedom was entirely up to us.
Read more at: Gorbachev at 90: The man who awkwardly pushed humanity forward | New Europe
Coronavirus: German immunologist suggests COVID vaccine priority reversal
Germany should prioritize people for coronavirus vaccines by the number of their social contacts rather than their age, immunology expert Michael Meyer-Hermann told local media on Sunday.
Meyer-Hermann, from the Helmholtz center for Infection Research in the central German city of Braunschweig, told the Berlin-based Tagesspiegel newspaper that first giving vaccines to those with the most contacts "would have a much greater effect."
Read more at: Coronavirus: German immunologist suggests COVID vaccine priority reversal | News | DW | 07.03.2021
Meyer-Hermann, from the Helmholtz center for Infection Research in the central German city of Braunschweig, told the Berlin-based Tagesspiegel newspaper that first giving vaccines to those with the most contacts "would have a much greater effect."
Read more at: Coronavirus: German immunologist suggests COVID vaccine priority reversal | News | DW | 07.03.2021
3/7/21
Iraq's top Shia cleric welcomes Pope into his home for talk on peaceful coexistence
Pope Francis and Iraq's top Shia cleric delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence on Saturday, urging Muslims in the war-weary Arab nation to embrace Iraq's long-beleaguered Christian minority during a historic meeting in the holy city of Najaf.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said religious authorities have a role in protecting Iraq's Christians and that Christians should live in peace and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having "raised his voice in defence of the weakest and most persecuted" during some of the most violent times in Iraq's recent history.
Reas more at: Iraq's top Shia cleric welcomes Pope into his home for talk on peaceful coexistence | CBC News
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said religious authorities have a role in protecting Iraq's Christians and that Christians should live in peace and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having "raised his voice in defence of the weakest and most persecuted" during some of the most violent times in Iraq's recent history.
Reas more at: Iraq's top Shia cleric welcomes Pope into his home for talk on peaceful coexistence | CBC News
US Senate approves $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in Democratic victory
On Saturday, the US Senate voted to pass a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that includes at least $6.1 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i.
The American Rescue Plan Act – the second largest emergency relief package in American history and a trillion dollars more than the last package passed in December – includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, vaccine distribution, schools, and health care workers.
Read more at: US Senate approves $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in Democratic victory | Euronews
The American Rescue Plan Act – the second largest emergency relief package in American history and a trillion dollars more than the last package passed in December – includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, vaccine distribution, schools, and health care workers.
Read more at: US Senate approves $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in Democratic victory | Euronews
3/6/21
EU - Coronavirus: Worries on Europe's infection surge, after six-week drop - by Elena Sánchez Nicolás
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday (4 March) of a surge in the number of new coronavirus infections across Europe - after six consecutive weeks of decline.
Over one million new cases have been reported in the 53-country region of Europe, representing an increase of nine percent on the previous week.
Read more at: Worries on Europe's infection surge, after six-week drop
Over one million new cases have been reported in the 53-country region of Europe, representing an increase of nine percent on the previous week.
Read more at: Worries on Europe's infection surge, after six-week drop
USA: Biden’s Cabinet Picks Are Moving Toward Confirmation as Senate Gears Up for Stimulus Vote
The Senate on Monday easily confirmed Miguel A. Cardona, a career educator who rose through Connecticut’s education system to become a leader in the effort to reopen pandemic-shuttered schools, as the next education secretary.
His nomination was approved in a vote of 64 to 33.
Read more at: Biden’s Cabinet Picks Are Moving Toward Confirmation as Senate Gears Up for Stimulus Vote - The New York Times
His nomination was approved in a vote of 64 to 33.
Read more at: Biden’s Cabinet Picks Are Moving Toward Confirmation as Senate Gears Up for Stimulus Vote - The New York Times
EU Regulations: Making EU regulation better for all –by Isabelle Schömann
The European Union is built on fundamental principles of human rights and democracy. Its treaties set out the objectives of a highly competitive social-market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, with protection and amelioration of the environment and an assault on social exclusion.
But such progress is not guaranteed: it depends on sound laws and regulations, which must be elaborated in an objective and transparent way and then consistently enforced. That is why the European Trade Union Confederation is actively involved in developing EU legislation and, having recently passing a resolution on better regulation for all, has launched a discussion with the European institutions.
Read more at: Making EU regulation better for all – Isabelle Schömann
But such progress is not guaranteed: it depends on sound laws and regulations, which must be elaborated in an objective and transparent way and then consistently enforced. That is why the European Trade Union Confederation is actively involved in developing EU legislation and, having recently passing a resolution on better regulation for all, has launched a discussion with the European institutions.
Read more at: Making EU regulation better for all – Isabelle Schömann
3/5/21
USA: Reality Check: COVID, Russia and Biden's High Approval Rating –by Heather Cox Richardson
The first is that President Biden announced today that Merck, the pharmaceutical company, will pitch in to help make the Johnson & Johnson single-shot coronavirus vaccine. Along with high production rates from the other manufacturers, this should enable the government to produce vaccines for all U.S. adults—300 million of us—by the end of May, two months ahead of the previously projected schedule. The administration has facilitated this rate of production by using the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law that enables the government to manage production of materials deemed necessary for national defense. That law is used quite frequently, but while the previous president used it repeatedly during his administration, he was curiously reluctant to use it to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more at: Reality Check: COVID, Russia and Biden's High Approval Rating – BillMoyers.com
Read more at: Reality Check: COVID, Russia and Biden's High Approval Rating – BillMoyers.com
EU, US agree 4-month tariff freeze over aircraft dispute
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Joe Biden presidency as a "fresh start." The pair are seeking to rebuild relations, starting with a trade breakthrough in the Airbus-Boeing dispute.
Read more at: EU, US agree 4-month tariff freeze over aircraft dispute | News | DW | 05.03.2021
Read more at: EU, US agree 4-month tariff freeze over aircraft dispute | News | DW | 05.03.2021
EU: Covid: What’s the problem with the EU vaccine rollout?
The European Union has been criticised for the slow pace of coronavirus vaccinations in its member states.
It has introduced export controls on vaccines produced in the EU after its rollout was hit by supply problems and delays. They were used for the first time on 4 March, when Italy blocked a shipment of 250,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to Australia.
The scheme, set up in June 2020, allows the EU to negotiate the purchase of vaccines on behalf of its member states. It says this can help reduce costs and avoid competition between them.
Member states do not have to join the scheme, but all 27 EU countries chose to do so.
Read more at: Covid: What’s the problem with the EU vaccine rollout? - BBC News
It has introduced export controls on vaccines produced in the EU after its rollout was hit by supply problems and delays. They were used for the first time on 4 March, when Italy blocked a shipment of 250,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to Australia.
The scheme, set up in June 2020, allows the EU to negotiate the purchase of vaccines on behalf of its member states. It says this can help reduce costs and avoid competition between them.
Member states do not have to join the scheme, but all 27 EU countries chose to do so.
Read more at: Covid: What’s the problem with the EU vaccine rollout? - BBC News
3/3/21
Netherlands: Explosion at Covid test center in Noord-Holland town
An explosive went off at a GGD coronavirus test center in the Noord-Holland town of Bovenkarspel on Wednesday morning. No one was hurt, the police said on Twitter.
The explosion happened at around 6:55 a.m. at the test center on Middenweg. The police specifically said that an explosive went off, indicating that the blast was intentional.
Read more at: Explosion at Covid test center in Noord-Holland town | NL Times
The explosion happened at around 6:55 a.m. at the test center on Middenweg. The police specifically said that an explosive went off, indicating that the blast was intentional.
Read more at: Explosion at Covid test center in Noord-Holland town | NL Times
France: Sahara dust and traffic lead to air pollution alerts in France
Parts of France are experiencing heavy levels of air pollution blamed on, wood burning, trafic and dust from the Sahara.
Read more at: Sahara dust and traffic lead to air pollution alerts in France | Euronews
Read more at: Sahara dust and traffic lead to air pollution alerts in France | Euronews
3/2/21
The Netherlands to trial rapid and home coronavirus tests
Extensive research has already shown that these types of coronavirus tests are effective and reliable, and now 10 short-term trials will be used to determine whether their large-scale use is realistic or practical.
Eight of the 10 pilots will take place at educational institutions in Groningen, Delft, Amsterdam, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Rotterdam, while the last two will take place at the fire station at Schiphol Airport and a private company. All trials will be supervised by Dutch hospitals and universities.
Read more at: The Netherlands to trial rapid and home coronavirus tests
Eight of the 10 pilots will take place at educational institutions in Groningen, Delft, Amsterdam, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Rotterdam, while the last two will take place at the fire station at Schiphol Airport and a private company. All trials will be supervised by Dutch hospitals and universities.
Read more at: The Netherlands to trial rapid and home coronavirus tests
USA: No evidence Antifa or 'fake' Trump supporters spurred Capitol riot, FBI's Wray testifies
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday sought to beat back right-wing conspiracy theories suggesting that fake supporters of former U.S. president Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
It was Wray's first testimony in Congress since the attack — a failed bid to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden's November election victory — was carried out by supporters of Trump who, in a speech near the White House, exhorted them to march to the Capitol in protest. B
Read more at: No evidence Antifa or 'fake' Trump supporters spurred Capitol riot, FBI's Wray testifies | CBC News
It was Wray's first testimony in Congress since the attack — a failed bid to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden's November election victory — was carried out by supporters of Trump who, in a speech near the White House, exhorted them to march to the Capitol in protest. B
Read more at: No evidence Antifa or 'fake' Trump supporters spurred Capitol riot, FBI's Wray testifies | CBC News
EU-Russia Relations: Time to choose on Russia: regime first or people first? - by Gabrielius Landsbergis
The latest EU-Russia high level contact has served once again as a reminder how hard it is to engage with Moscow on its playground.
We, Lithuanians, better than anybody else know that such an attempt is always more likely to be a trap, rather than just a challenge.
Last week, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, we arrived to a unanimous agreement to sanction some perpetrators from the Kremlin's inner circle.
Read more at: Time to choose on Russia: regime first or people first?
We, Lithuanians, better than anybody else know that such an attempt is always more likely to be a trap, rather than just a challenge.
Last week, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, we arrived to a unanimous agreement to sanction some perpetrators from the Kremlin's inner circle.
Read more at: Time to choose on Russia: regime first or people first?
Christianity: Questions you were afraid to ask in Church
Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale had a special surprize in store for their congregation this past Sunday. A one hour question and answer session, on every kind of question one might have on Christianity, but either never did ask, or if they did, was given an unsatisfactory answer. Impressive and to the point Enjoy the clarity and openness of it, and pass it on to anyone you think would benefit from it.
To watch, click here: https://calvaryftl.org/series/97/sermon/788/questions-youre-afraid-to-ask-in-church/
To watch, click here: https://calvaryftl.org/series/97/sermon/788/questions-youre-afraid-to-ask-in-church/
Saudi - US Relations: Biden needs Saudi support, that makes it tough "for him" to push for human rights - by Abigailngwy
U.S. President Joe Biden is caught between “two opposing forces” when it comes to Saudi Arabia, according to Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council.
During his presidential campaign, Biden said Washington would make Riyadh the “pariah that they are” and hold the kingdom accountable on human rights issues. However, the president now sees that Saudi Arabia’s support is important for his agenda in the Middle East region, Kempe said.
Read more at: Biden needs Saudi support, that makes it tough to push for human rights
During his presidential campaign, Biden said Washington would make Riyadh the “pariah that they are” and hold the kingdom accountable on human rights issues. However, the president now sees that Saudi Arabia’s support is important for his agenda in the Middle East region, Kempe said.
Read more at: Biden needs Saudi support, that makes it tough to push for human rights
3/1/21
EU-China-USA relations: US to Scrutinize Beijing Commitments Under EU-China Investment Deal - by Nike Ching
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The United States is looking to scrutinize China's commitments under an investment deal that was signed in late December between the European Union and China, a senior State Department official told VOA Tuesday.
It comes as U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is working closely with European allies to push back on what American officials describe as China's undermining activities to shared values and the rules based international order.
Read more at: US to Scrutinize Beijing Commitments Under EU-China Investment Deal | Voice of America - English
It comes as U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is working closely with European allies to push back on what American officials describe as China's undermining activities to shared values and the rules based international order.
Read more at: US to Scrutinize Beijing Commitments Under EU-China Investment Deal | Voice of America - English
ECDC: The Netherlands has fourth-highest vaccination rate in EU - by Victoria Séveno
After a late start and a slow couple of weeks, the number of coronavirus vaccinations in the Netherlands has risen significantly over the past two weeks. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the Netherlands now has the fourth-highest vaccination rate in the EU.
Read more at: ECDC: The Netherlands has fourth-highest vaccination rate in EU
Read more at: ECDC: The Netherlands has fourth-highest vaccination rate in EU
France: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to jail for corruption
When the verdict came, it reduced the Paris court to a stunned silence: Nicolas Sarkozy was guilty of corruption and influence peddling, and sentenced to three years in prison, two of them suspended.
France’s president from 2007 to 2012 had played an “active role” in forging a “corruption pact” with his lawyer and a senior magistrate to obtain information on a separate investigation into political donations, the leading judge declared, and there was “serious and concurring evidence” of collaboration between the three men to break the law.
Read more at: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to jail for corruption | Nicolas Sarkozy | The Guardian
Read more at: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to jail for corruption | Nicolas Sarkozy | The Guardian
USA - Wall Street: S&P 500 scores best day gain in about 9 months, as March kicks off with brighter economic outlook - by Mark DeCambre and Sunny Oh
U.S. stock-market benchmarks surged Monday, with the S&P 500 booking its best day of gains since June, as a gauge of manufacturing activity showed the economy was picking up steam at the start of the year.
Strategists also attributed the enthusiasm to a cool-down of last week’s rapid rise in bond yields that had unsettled the bullish mood on Wall Street and threatened to offset the easy-money policies implemented by the Federal Reserve.
Read more at: S&P 500 scores best day gain in about 9 months, as March kicks off with brighter economic outlook - MarketWatch
Strategists also attributed the enthusiasm to a cool-down of last week’s rapid rise in bond yields that had unsettled the bullish mood on Wall Street and threatened to offset the easy-money policies implemented by the Federal Reserve.
Read more at: S&P 500 scores best day gain in about 9 months, as March kicks off with brighter economic outlook - MarketWatch
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