Europe
NATO-Russia Council meeting ends without clear result
"This was not an easy discussion," he told journalists after the four-hour meeting on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "But that is exactly why this meeting was so important. We had a very serious and direct exchange on the situation in and around Ukraine. And the implications for European security. There are significant differences between NATO allies and Russia on these issues. Our differences will not be easy to bridge."
Macron "optimistic" for 2022, warning upcoming "few difficult weeks"
Speaking from the Elysee to the nation for New Year, Macron on Friday stressed the importance of vaccination against coronavirus. "Vaccination is our most secure asset. It divides the number of severe forms by ten," he added. He urged the 5 million non-vaccinated French citizens to get vaccinated for themselves, for their compatriots and for their country.
Germany's power supply secure despite nuke phase-out'
The shutdowns are scheduled for the end of 2022 at the latest. "This will complete another important stage of the nuclear phase-out agreed in 2011 and significantly increase nuclear safety in this country," the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWi) said
Covid-19 upsets status quo in Europe, hope and challenges ahead
A brief recovery in the summer turned out to be more fragile than it looked, while the emergence of the more transmissible Omicron variant has made people realise that the pandemic may be far from over. Despite rising infections and inequity in vaccine access, however, people across the continent hope that more stringent measures, new drugs and vaccines would eventually rein in the raging pandemic, which has threatened to stifle an early economic recovery, Xinhua news agency reported.
Putin assures Vucic of sufficient gas supplies to Serbia
The presidents noted that the two sides have organised work to ensure stable supplies of heat and energy to Serbian households and industries, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Kremlin. The promise of sufficient gas supplies was made amid a natural gas shortage and rising energy prices in Europe, the statement said.
Many dead as refugee vessels sink in Greek waters before Christmas
Two bodies have been retrieved as a rescue operation was underway Friday night near the Aegean Sea island of Paros, after the sinking of a vessel carrying refugees and migrants, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Greek media reports. So far, 57 passengers have been rescued, with survivors stating that about 80 people were on board, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.
EU launches legal action against Poland over court rulings
The action is an escalation of a rule-of-law wrangle between Brussels and Warsaw over rulings made by Poland's top court, which this year found key elements of EU law to be incompatible with the country's constitution, Xinhua news agency reported. These rulings "expressly" challenged the primacy of EU law, the Commission said, adding that Poland now has two months to respond to the complaint.
Omicron to dominate Europe soon, booster dose important defence: WHO
Detected barely a month ago, the fast spreading strain of Covid has so far spread to 106 countries, according to the WHO. It has already become dominant in several countries, including in Denmark, Portugal and the United Kingdom, where its numbers are doubling every one and a half to 3 days, generating previously unseen transmission rates.
45 killed in Bulgaria bus accident
Seven people with burns were saved and rushed to an emergency hospital in the capital, Xinhua news agency quoted the BTA report as saying. Among the victims were children. The accident took place at about 2 a.m. on a highway about 40 km south of Sofia.
Tightened Covid curbs spark protests, riots across Europe
An estimated 35,000 people gathered in central Brussels on Sunday to protest against the reinforced measures, which include the mandatory use of the 'COVID Safe Ticket' (CST) and the obligation to wear face masks in areas where a CST is required, reports Xinhua news agency. The demonstration took place near the Brussels North Station, with protesters brandishing banners saying "Together for Freedom" and "Resistance".
Advertisement