Europe
IEA Report: Global coal use
Global coal consumption is set to rise to an all-time high this year and remain at similar levels in the next few years if stronger efforts are not made to move to a low-carbon economy, a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday.
Germany to sign hydrogen deal with Canada, discuss LNG
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz will sign a deal to establish hydrogen supply chains with Canada during his two-day visit to the country next week, officials said, as Berlin accelerates its green transition to reduce dependence on Russian gas supplies.
Europe faces Covid freeze
Austria yesterday became the first country in western Europe to reimpose lockdown since vaccines were rolled out, shutting non-essential shops, bars and cafes as surging caseloads raised the prospect of a third winter in deep freeze for the continent.
Danish police arrest 13 on suspicion of planning attack in Denmark or Germany
Thirteen people have been arrested in Denmark in the last week for acquiring firearms and ingredients to make explosives on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in either Denmark or Germany, Danish police told reporters at a briefing today.
Hungarian opposition radio forced off air as loses licence renewal case
A Hungarian opposition radio station lost an appeal against the removal of its licence today, cutting by one the already dwindling ranks of media outlets critical of the country’s nationalist government.
Britain will not introduce Covid-19 vaccine passports
Britain will not introduce Covid-19 vaccine passports, but people will be able to seek proof from their doctor if needed for travel to other countries, vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi said today.
UK PM gives October 15 deadline for Brexit deal
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given an October 15 deadline for a post-Brexit trade agreement with the European Union, brushing off fears about "no-deal" chaos if talks fail.
EU reaches 'historic' deal on post-pandemic recovery after marathon summit
European Union leaders reached a "historic" deal on a massive stimulus plan for their coronavirus-hit economies at a meeting after a fractious summit that lasted almost five days.
Heavy weapons pullback complete
Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine claimed yesterday to have completed their end of a February deal with government forces to withdraw heavy weapons from the frontline as part of a truce.
EU sees 'good deal' at hand
EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said yesterday a "good deal" was near as an end-March deadline looms over talks on Iran's controversial nuclear programme.
Kerry and Lavrov hold Geneva discussions
The US and Russian foreign ministers expressed cautious optimism after holding talks in Geneva yesterday
Frontlines calm ahead of gas talks
Ukraine's frontlines were relatively calm yesterday ahead of high-level EU-mediated gas talks between Kiev and Moscow.
Isolated clashes hamper shaky Ukraine truce
Ukraine yesterday said that isolated clashes were punctuating a shaky truce with pro-Russian rebels after international monitors warned that the conflict in the country stands at a "crossroads".
Top China diplomat backs Putin
China has voiced its support for Russia's handling of the Ukraine crisis, with prominent diplomat Qu Xing calling on the West to "abandon its zero-sum mentality".
Ceasefire takes hold in Ukraine
A UN-backed ceasefire showed signs of taking hold in Ukraine on Wednesday, but tensions remained high after the US accused Russia of "lies" and Britain ordered a small troop deployment to train Kiev's forces.
All out war with unlikely
Foreign ministers from Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France yesterday called for a total ceasefire in eastern Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin ruled out the "apocalyptic scenario" of all-out war.
Leaks oppose Israel PM's claim
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Iran was a year away from making a nuclear bomb was contradicted by his secret services, according to reports Monday citing leaked documents.
Pro-Russia rebels violate truce
Pro-Russian forces massing near Ukraine's port city of Mariupol are continuing to attack government troop positions, Kiev said yesterday, fuelling concerns for the fate of an internationally brokered ceasefire.