Europe’s Economies Plunging Into Coronavirus Recession
The European Union’s statistics agency has reported the most significant economic falls within the 27-nation bloc since it began recording the figures 25 years ago.
France
Concerns Growing Over Press Crackdown in Hungary
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has urged the European Union to help end an alleged government crackdown on independent media in Hungary.
Ukraine, Pro-Russian Rebels Launch Tense Ceasefire
Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists began a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine on Monday as part of efforts to end their six-year conflict.
Europe On Edge Amid Rise Of Coronavirus Infections
Spain and several other European nations are taking new measures to halt an increase in reported coronavirus cases. The decisions come amid fresh warnings by authorities of a widespread “second wave” of infections.
Fire Damages France’s “Gothic Jewel” Cathedral in Nantes
Prosecutors in France say a fire that erupted in the Gothic cathedral of the western French city of Nantes started deliberately. Tourists and residents watched in horror Saturday as firefighters battled the blaze at the 15th-century St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral in the city’s historical center.
Pro-Western Party Wins Troubled Vote In North Macedonia
A pro-Western party in North Macedonia is trying to form a coalition government after it claimed victory in somewhat historic but troubled elections. The Balkan nation’s first national vote under a new state name faced a suspected hacking attack impacting the publishing of results.
EU states have yet to agree on coronavirus economic stimulus package
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said a further summit of European Union member states may be required if Friday’s planned meeting fails to produce agreement on an economic stimulus package to help the bloc recover financially from COVID-19, the Washington Times reports.
France: ‘Over Eight Billion To Coronavirus-Fighting Health Workers’
The French government and unions have signed an agreement to give over eight billion euros in pay rises for the nation’s troubled health workers. France’s recently appointed Prime Minister Jean Castex said the move was overdue amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic in the European Union member state.
Third intifada will closely follow annexation, top PA official warns
Israel can expect a third intifada if it moves ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, an advisor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said.
Jordan, Egypt, Germany and France warn against annexation
Any changes to Israel’s eastern border would impact relations between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, France and Germany, the countries’ foreign ministers said on Tuesday.
France and Other Governments Pressured over Coronavirus Response
A French court has launched an inquiry into the alleged mishandling by the outgoing French government of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes while elsewhere in Europe, and the former Soviet Union, tensions also rise over the way leaders deal with the crisis.
France Governments Resigns Over Coronavirus Economic Concerns
France was to name a new prime minister later Friday after Edouard Philippe and his cabinet resigned amid mounting concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation.
Europe’s Reopens Borders But Concerns Remain Over Pandemic
Borders reopened across Europe on Monday after three months of coronavirus lockdowns. But many restrictions persist and remain unclear how willing Europeans will be to travel this summer.
Cities in Turmoil after Killing Of Another Black Man by U.S. Police
More anti-racism and counter-protests are due to continue in the U.S. and around the world after the second high profile killing of a black man in the United States within weeks. U.S. authorities say an Atlanta police officer has been fired following the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, over the weekend. A second officer has been placed on administrative leave.
Hungary Faces Court Case For Emptying Hospitals In Pandemic (Worthy News Investigation)
A human rights group supports a European court case against Hungary for “failing to protect its citizens” and “causing death” by emptying hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.
Desperate Migrants Drift To Britain
British and French officials say migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty are using increasingly desperate measures to reach Britain. In the latest case, four migrants tried to cross the English Channel on a makeshift raft made from two windsurfing boards tied together. They were reportedly using shovels as paddles.
Iran Closer Than Ever To Nuclear Weapon, U.N. Report Suggests
With much of the world in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, Iran rushed to increase its stockpiles of enriched uranium and has come closer than ever to develop a nuclear weapon, findings by the United Nations watchdog showed.
Europe’s Antiracism Protests Clouded By Violence
Protests, sometimes marred by violence, continue in Europe and elsewhere against perceived racist police brutality following the recent death of the unarmed black man George Floyd in U.S. police custody. The London police chief on Sunday condemned assaults the previous day against police in which at least fourteen police were reportedly injured.
U.S. Confirms French Killing Of Top al-Qaida Commander In Africa
The United States military confirmed Saturday that one of the terror group al-Qaida’s longest-serving commanders in Africa had been killed in Mali during an operation led by France.
Hungary Remembers 100th Anniversary of ‘Open Wound’ Treaty
Hungarians commemorated on Thursday the 100th anniversary of the treaty that forced them to give up two-thirds of their nation’s territory after World War One.