Hungary, Poland agree On EU Stimulus
Hungary and Poland have agreed on a compromise to unblock the European Union’s enormous stimulus package, including the coronavirus rescue fund, several sources told Worthy News.
EU
EU Trade Talks Face ‘Moment of Finality’ on Weekend, UK Says
Britain’s foreign minister said Thursday that negotiations on a trade deal with the European Union will reach a “moment of finality” this weekend, with both sides assessing chances of an agreement as slim.
UK, Canada Sign Trade Agreement
The United Kingdom on Wednesday signed a trade agreement with Canada, days before the end of the Brexit transition period, removing the risk of an estimated £42 million ($56.15 million) tariff burden on UK exports.
Brexit negotiations at a stalemate as Britain, EU free-trade deal teetering on collapse
Britain and the European Union warned Tuesday that talks on a post-Brexit free-trade deal are teetering on the brink of collapse, with just over three weeks until an economic rupture that will cause upheaval for businesses on both sides of the English Channel.
Norway Expands Transgender ‘Hate Speech’ Law to Include Private Comments in One’s Own Home
Norway’s government has now barred its citizens from speaking against transgender people even in their own homes.
Wycliffe Associates Coming to Foreign Christians’ Aid While Authorities Use Pandemic to Intensify Persecution
In countries where governments already oppress Christians because of their faith, COVID-19 has led to more surveillance of Christians than ever before, says Wycliffe Associates. The Orlando-based international organization empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Church Owned Bible Translation.
Romania’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Turmoil
Romania’s prime minister resigned Monday after his Liberal party narrowly lost Sunday’s parliamentary election amid public concern over corruption and political upheaval.
European Powers ‘Deeply Worried’ By Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Plans
Britain, France, and Germany say Iran’s apparent plan to install additional advanced centrifuges at its main nuclear enrichment facility is “deeply worrying” and contrary to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
EU invites Biden to usher in new era for trans-Atlantic ties
The European Union on Monday invited presumptive U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to help mend tattered trans-Atlantic ties and urged him to join it in a long-term “strategic dialogue” that would address global issues ranging from COVID-19 to climate change.
Iran tells atomic watchdog it’s adding more centrifuges at underground site
Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that it plans to install several cascades, or clusters, of advanced uranium-enriching centrifuges at the Natanz plant in violation of its commitments under the nuclear deal, Reuters reported Friday.
EU, Britain Deadlocked Over Trade After Divorce
After Britain’s exit from the European Union, or Brexit, the two sides now face deadlock over an important trade deal. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen instructed representatives to secure their annual $1 trillion in trade.
Russia Launching Coronavirus Vaccine Despite Controversy
Russia has become the first country to officially launch a massive immunization effort against the coronavirus, despite concerns about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Russia provides the vaccine for free to people aged 18 to 60 who don’t suffer from chronic illnesses and aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding.
Britain Protects COVID Vaccine Maker From Prosecution
The British government has granted Pfizer a legal indemnity protecting it from being sued for possible side effects of its new coronavirus vaccine.
Hadassah research head raises questions about mRNA vaccine safety
Prof. Yossi Karko, director of the clinical research unit at Hadassah-University Medical Center, has warned that the data published by Moderna and Pfizer about their coronavirus vaccine candidates is limited.
Co-founder Hungary’s Ruling Party Resigns Over Gay Sex Scandal
European legislator József Szájer, who co-authored Hungary’s new constitution banning gay marriage, has resigned after reportedly attending a gay sex party in Brussels.
Iran government votes in favor of suspending U.N. inspections of country’s nuclear facilities
Iranian officials have taken a major step to suspend U.N. inspections of the country’s nuclear facilities.
French government backs down and will rewrite controversial new security law
Following major protests across France, President Emmanuel Macron’s governing party announced Monday that it will “totally rewrite” a controversial new law that would have made it an offense to film and identify police officers online if there is intent to harm their “physical or psychological integrity,” Euro News reports.
Britain Moves Closer To Obligatory COVID-19 Vaccines
Britain came one step closer Tuesday to effectively forcing its citizens to take a coronavirus vaccine if they want their lives back.
Coronavirus Pandemic Overshadows 35th Anniversary Of Schengen
A new wave of coronavirus infections is overshadowing the 35th anniversary of Europe’s border-free Schengen Area. France and Germany are among European Union member states facing significant challenges amid rising coronavirus infection in Europe ahead of Christmas.
European Gov’ts Urged to Work With Biden to Restore Iran Nuclear Deal
Six former European diplomats are calling on European governments to coordinate efforts to urge an incoming Biden administration to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal, from which President Trump withdrew in 2018, and to agree with the regime in Tehran on steps for mutual compliance.