US informs Israel it no longer supports EastMed pipeline to Europe
The US no longer supports the proposed EastMed natural-gas pipeline from Israel to Europe, the Biden administration has informed Israel, Greece and Cyprus in recent weeks.
Europe
Return of the flu: EU faces threat of prolonged ‘twindemic’
Influenza has returned to Europe at a faster-than-expected rate this winter after almost disappearing last year, raising concerns about a prolonged “twindemic” with COVID-19 amid some doubts about the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Tsunami, Earthquakes, Worldwide (Worthy News In-Depth)
An underwater volcano eruption in the Pacific Ocean nation of Tonga sent ash 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) high, rattling the region and coastal areas worldwide, with tsunamis and earthquakes injuring or killing people globally.
Putin to Host Iranian President Next Week for Talks
President Vladimir Putin will host his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi for talks in Moscow next week as Russia tries to help salvage a nuclear deal between world powers and Tehran, state television channel Rossiya-1 reported on Sunday.
Netherlands Partially Lifts Europe’s Toughest Lockdown
The Netherlands government only partially lifted Europe’s toughest coronavirus lockdown Friday, despite mounting protests with bars and other businesses threatening to reopen anyway.
US: ‘Russian Invasion In Ukraine Within Weeks’
The United States accuses Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine within weeks amid concerns inside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance about a possible new major conflict in Europe.
Germany Sentences Syrian For War Crimes
A German court has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life in prison in the first such crimes against humanity trial in reunited Germany.
Kazakhstan: Russian Troops To Leave Country
Troops of a Russian-led military alliance are withdrawing troops from Kazakhstan, officials said, after a weeklong deployment amid violent protests against the autocratic government.
Dutch King Abandons Golden Carriage Over Slavery Row
The Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander said Thursday that Dutch royals would cease using a historic golden carriage amid a debate over slavery links and racism.
Hungary Supports Kazakhstan’s Crackdown On Protesters
In a controversial move, Hungary’s hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for Kazakhstan’s autocratic leadership after at least 164 people were killed in anti-government protests.
El Salvador Journalists Targeted With Spyware
Dozens of journalists from a leading news site in El Salvador were reportedly targeted with telephone spyware in the most extensive attack yet discovered using the Pegasus software that has been used by governments worldwide.
Russia, NATO In Tense Talks About Ukraine
Talks between the U.S.-led NATO military alliance and Russia ended Wednesday without a breakthrough on preventing a feared Russian invasion into Ukraine.
EU regulators caution that too many booster shots could weaken immune systems
Regulators from the European Union warned recently that receiving frequent COVID-19 booster shots could have an adverse affect on an individual’s immune system.
Hurricane Ida, Europe floods made 2021 a costly year of disasters
Damage wrought by Hurricane Ida in the US state of Louisiana and the flash floods that hit Europe last summer helped make 2021 one of the most expensive years for natural disasters, reinsurance company Munich Re said Monday.
No Breakthrough In Russia-US Talks On Ukraine
With more than 100,000 Russian troops massing along Ukraine’s borders, there were no signs Monday that the United States and Russia had agreed on how to avoid a Russian invasion.
Netherlands’ New Government Sworn In
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte began his fourth term in office Monday despite mounting protests against his strict COVID measures.
President EU Parliament Dies At 65
David Sassoli, the European parliament president, has died at the age of 65, his spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
US and Russia Still Far Apart on Ukraine After Geneva Talks
Russia and the United States gave no sign of narrowing their differences on Ukraine and wider European security in talks in Geneva on Monday, as Moscow repeated demands that Washington says it cannot accept.
European Governments Ratchet Up Pressure, Mandates on Unvaccinated
Italy’s government on Wednesday issued a decree making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for everyone aged 50 and other, while French citizens pondered President Emmanuel Macron’s assertion – using coarse language – to the effect that he wanted to make life so unpleasant for the unvaccinated that they would submit.
European court rules in favor of Christian bakery that refused to make cake supporting gay marriage
The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a complaint against a Christian bakery in Northern Ireland that refused to make a cake supporting gay marriage on religious grounds.