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.
Stumbling Blocks
Ceasefire: Both sides seem willing, but wrangling over who pulls back from the frontlines first.
Dozens killed ahead of make-or-break talks
The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany were to hold peace talks yesterday aimed at halting a 10-month war in Ukraine where dozens were killed in the latest fighting.
World Putin will not accept ultimatums over Ukraine
Russia said yesterday that President Vladimir Putin would not tolerate any ultimatums over Ukraine after a report said Germany had given him until tomorrow to agree a peace plan or face new sanctions.
EU delays Russia sanctions
Europe yesterday postponed sanctions against Moscow ahead of a Ukraine peace summit as US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel weighed options to end 10 months of bloodshed.
Greece sticks to its guns on bailout
Greece was locked yesterday in intense talks with its EU partners after the country's prime minister stuck to his anti-austerity guns with the deadline for a deal needed to avoid the risk of default and a euro exit just days away.