Europe Nations In Controversial Lockdowns
Governments in several European countries have tightened coronavirus restrictions ahead of Christmas despite mounting protests and upcoming vaccines.
World News
EU-UK post-Brexit deal still “possible”
With just over two weeks to the end-of-year deadline, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Monday it is still possible a post-Brexit trade deal could be struck between Britain and the European Union, Deutsche Welle reports.
Sudan removed from US list of state sponsors of terrorism
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday that Sudan has been officially removed from a list of countries that the US considers being state sponsors of terrorism, the Jerusalem Post reports. The 1993 US designation of Sudan as a terror sponsor was made during the brutal dictatorship of former president Omar al-Bashir, who was believed to be protecting terrorist groups, and who was finally ousted last year.
US Sanctions Turkey For Purchasing Russian Missile System
The United States has sanctioned Turkey, a NATO military alliance ally after it defiantly bought a Russian anti-aircraft missile system.
Russia test-fires ballistic missiles from nuclear submarine
Russia has confirmed that it successfully test-fired four intercontinental ballistic missiles from a nuclear submarine on Saturday, the Washington Times reports.
China calls on new US administration to quickly re-join Iran deal
The Chinese government has called on the new US administration to re-join the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Iran nuclear deal as soon as possible, Jerusalem Online reports. The Trump administration took the US out of the international deal in 2018.
EU To Curb Tech Giants Power
The European Union wants to curb the market dominance of tech giants with regulations and multi-billion-dollar fines, according to draft legislation leaked late Monday.
‘Climate Concerns’ Overshadow 5th Anniversary Of Paris Deal Summit
The U.S. government stayed away from a weekend summit marking the fifth anniversary of the controversial Paris Agreement on climate change, where world leaders expressed worries about Earth’s future.
Leak: ‘China Communists Infiltrate Governments, Companies Worldwide’
A significant leak shows that at least nearly two million Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members work worldwide, including US government agencies and the biggest companies, Australian media reported Sunday.
Britain, EU Agree To Keep Talking Over Deal
London and Brussels have agreed to continue talks on a crucial trade deal to avoid Britain’s turbulent exit from the European Union’s orbit by the end of the month. The announcement followed difficult negotiations between the two sides to prevent a messy divorce on Sunday.
Iran Executes Journalist Who Inspired Daring Protests
Iran on Saturday executed a journalist who inspired nationwide economic protests for freedom in 2017 after luring him out of exile in Paris and kidnapping him.
Hungarian Socialist Party Leader Resigns Over Smuggling Scandal
In a setback for Hungary’s self-declared anti-corruption opposition, a high ranking diplomat resigned after he was allegedly caught smuggling cigarettes through Ukraine’s border.
Hungary Suing EU Over Rule Of Law Demands
Hungary warned Friday that it would launch a case at the European Union’s top court against the linking of EU funds to respect the rule of law.
EU, Britain Face Messy Divorce After Talks Breakdown
European leaders have warned that Britain’s exit from the European Union will likely be without a crucial deal on $1 trillion in annual trade. Britain already quit the EU in January, but it remained in the EU single market and customs union during a transition period.
U.S. Bombers Fly Near Iran Amid Nuclear Standoff
The United States sends a warning to Iran on Thursday with two American bomber aircraft flying over a swath of the Middle East, officials confirmed.
EU Reaches Deal On 1.8 Trillion Stimulus
European Union leaders agreed on a 1.8 trillion euro ($2.2 trillion) stimulus package after Hungary and Poland withdrew their veto. Both EU member states threatened to torpedo funds if payments were tied to rule-of-laws standards.
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 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.
UN Chief urges Iran to stop violating nuclear deal
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is trying to persuade Iran to resume its obligations under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear arms deal, the Times of Israel reports. In a report to the Security Council published Tuesday, Antonio Guterres called on Iran to address concerns about its decision last year to begin, among other violations, the enrichment of uranium beyond the agreed limits.