INTL Europe: Politics, Economics, Military- July 2022

[Plain Jane]

June's rhread:

INTL - Europe: Politics, Economics, Military- June 2022

May's thread : https://www.timebomb2000.com/xf/index.php?threads/europe-politics-economics-military-may-2022.618840/ Russia Invades Ukraine beginning page 742: https://www.timebomb2000.com/xf/index.php?threads/russia-invades-ukraine-consolidated-thread.609888/page-742 Conflict in...

www.timebomb2000.com

Russia Invades Ukraine thread beginning page755:

ALERT - RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE - Consolidated Thread

EndGameWW3 @EndGameWW3 · 49m Update: US State Department: Putin imposes his will on the Russian people. Update: US State Department: Putin imposes his will on the Russian people. The same could be said, Biden imposes his will on the American people

www.timebomb2000.com

Regional Conflict in Mediterranean beginning page 82:

WAR - Regional conflict brewing in the Mediterranean

Israel Radar @IsraelRadar_com Israel & Turkey foiled several Iranian attacks in recent weeks: large terror network was plotting major shootings and abductions; Turkish locals recruited by some terror cells; severe Israeli travel warning still in place (via@N12News )

www.timebomb2000.com

Main Coronavirus thread beginning page 1593:

CORONA - Main Coronavirus thread

These tests are a joke. In Geert's last interview he was talking to a Dr. who does testing and they both said there is only one sure test but I can't remember what it is. I'll go see if I can find it. Yes, please! I must have missed that one from Geert. It’s just been so hard keeping up...

www.timebomb2000.com

Sweden and Finland's NATO bid can be nixed, warns Erdogan – DW – 06/30/2022

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he can still block NATO accession for Sweden and Finland if they renege on an agreement involving the extradition of 73 people.

www.dw.com

Erdogan warns Sweden, Finland that NATO accession can still be blocked
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he can still block NATO accession for Sweden and Finland if they renege on an agreement involving the extradition of 73 people.




Erdogan said Sweden and Finland must stick to promises made to Turkey in order to join NATO

As the NATO summit drew to a close on Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO could still be blocked if the countries did not fulfill their end of a bargain with Ankara to extradite wanted individuals deemed by Turkey to be "terrorists."

Erdogan said Sweden had promised to extradite 73 people with alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Erdogan holds responsible for orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt.



Watch video01:18
NATO chief: Turkish concerns over Nordic expansion 'legitimate'
Erdogan: 'Sweden and Finland must fulfill their duties'
At the close of the summit in Madrid, Erdogan spoke about a 10-point memorandum signed with Finland and Sweden as a diplomatic victory that he saw as recognition of Ankara's concerns surrounding terrorist threats.

Erdogan said if the Nordic states backtracked on the deal, then Turkey's parliament would still be in a position not to ratify the agreement.

"This business will not work if we don't pass this in our parliament,” Erdogan said. "First, Sweden and Finland must fulfill their duties and those are already in the text... But if they don't fulfill these, then of course, there is no way we would send it to our parliament.''

In May, Erdogan told the leaders of Sweden and Finland that he would block their bid to join NATO unless they halt what he considers their support for "terror" groups threatening Turkey's national security.

Nordic pair say legal process will be followed
Sweden has moved to allay fears that the deal would result in extraditions without following what is prescribed by its laws.

"In Sweden, Swedish law is applied by independent courts. Swedish citizens are not extradited. Non-Swedish citizens can be extradited at the request of other countries, but only if it is compatible with Swedish law and the European Convention," Justice Minister Morgan Johannsson said Thursday in a statement to the AFP news agency.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto stressed that Helsinki would also be guided by the rule of law when it comes to extraditions.

"In the case of extraditions, we will adhere to our own legislation and international agreements. Ultimately, extradition is a legal discretion which politicians have no right to influence," Niinisto said.
Speaking to DW at the NATO summit in Madrid, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto also said his government would process any Turkish extradition cases in accordance with its own existing laws. He also said that at present, Finland had no open cases on these issues, before saying his government was satisfied with its agreement with Turkey.

"What we have agreed with Turkey is to exchange information, to have a more close cooperation between other authorities on all terrorism issues, and of course, since terrorism is a major concern for Turkey, that is fine with us," Haavisto said.

Stoltenberg confident of Swedish, Finnish NATO membership
On Wednesday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg identified Russia as presenting the most "serious security crisis" in decades for NATO members and the "biggest challenge" the alliance has faced in its history.
The alliance unveiled a revamp of its security strategy that would involve dramatically increasing troop numbers in a state of readiness.

Finland and Sweden's requests to join NATO and the organization's invitation to the two countries marked a significant shift in European security, with the pair of Nordic nations parting ways with decades of neutrality.

However, membership has hinged on consensus from Turkey, which is the alliance's second-largest troop contributor. Urgent talks had to be held with leaders of the three countries after Turkey threatened to sink the accession bid.

Stoltenberg expressed confidence that Finland and Sweden would become full NATO members and expects the process to be completed "rather quickly," although no time frame has been set.
kb/sms (AP, AFP)

 

[Melodi]

I am guessing that Sweden and Finland will send a few actual terrorists or folks suspected of it, but they will stall on members of parliament and other Kurds demanded by Turkey who are now European Citizens. Once Sweden and Finland are "in" and I think that is about to happen because most of Northern Europe wants it, Turkey will find it can't blackmail so easily anymore.

This is an interesting situation, but I suspect that having tasted "power" over the West, even briefly, the Neo-Sultan is going to try to come back for more.

 

[Plain Jane]

Inflation hits record 8.6% for 19 countries using the euro

Inflation in countries using the euro set another eye-watering record, pushed higher by a huge increase in energy costs fueled partly by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-prices-977c2d02eb7b745542c970908ea72cd4#

Inflation hits record 8.6% for 19 countries using the euro
By KELVIN CHANyesterday

FILE - A customer pays for vegetables at the Maravillas market in Madrid, on May 12, 2022. Inflation figures for Europe will be released Friday, July 1, 2022, as Russia's war in Ukraine has worsened the worldwide surge in consumer prices. For months, inflation in the 19 countries that use the euro has risen at the fastest pace since record-keeping for the currency began. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

LONDON (AP) — Inflation in countries using the euro set another eye-watering record, pushed higher by a huge increase in energy costs fueled partly by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Annual inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries hit 8.6% in June, surging past the 8.1% recorded in May, according to the latest numbers published Friday by the European Union statistics agency, Eurostat. Inflation is at its highest level since recordkeeping for the euro began in 1997.

Energy prices rocketed 41.9%, and prices for food, alcohol and tobacco were up 8.9%, both faster than the increases recorded the previous month.

Demand for energy has risen as the global economy bounced back from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine made things worse.

European Union leaders agreed to ban most Russian oil imports by the year’s end, driving a price spike. The 27-nation bloc wants to punish Moscow and reduce its reliance on Russian energy, but it’s also adding to financial pain for people and businesses as utility bills and prices at the pump soar.



Russia also reduced deliveries of natural gas used to power industry and generate electricity last month to several EU countries like Germany, Italy and Austria, on top of cutting off gas to France, Poland, Bulgaria and others.

https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-kohls-corp-d78da02938e7ca1b5a8c9f44b912e228
“Importantly, the oil embargo and gas supply squeeze that unfolded over the month of June have caused energy prices to soar,” ING Bank’s senior eurozone economist, Bert Colijn, wrote in a commentary.

Rising consumer prices are a problem worldwide, with the U.S. and Britain seeing inflation hit 40-year highs of 8.6% and 9.1%, respectively. That has led the U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England and other central banks worldwide to approve a series of interest rate hikes to combat inflation.

Colijn said the eurozone’s latest “ugly inflation reading” adds pressure on the European Central Bank to act quickly.

The ECB is planning its first interest rate hike in 11 years this month, followed by another increase in September. Bank President Christine Lagarde said this week that she wants to move gradually to tackle soaring consumer prices, to avoid stifling the economic recovery, but is leaving the door open for bigger rate hikes in case inflation surges more than expected.

“I don’t think that we’re going to go back to that environment of low inflation,” Lagarde said at an ECB forum Wednesday in Sintra, Portugal. “I think that there are forces that have been unleashed as a result of the pandemic, as a result of this massive geopolitical shock that we are facing now that are going to change the picture and the landscape within which we operate.”

But central banks run the risk of causing a recession as they make borrowing more expensive.

Inflation in the euro area has been setting monthly records since last year, underscoring how the war’s impact on global energy supplies is making life more expensive for 343 million people.

So-called core inflation was more stable after excluding the volatile energy and food categories. Price increases for goods like clothing, appliances, cars, computers and books held fairly steady at 4.3%, as did prices for services at 3.4%.


The EU data also showed countries neighboring Russia that have been trying to wean themselves off cheap Russian gas are bearing the brunt of rising prices. Annual inflation came in at 22% for Estonia, 20.5% for Lithuania and 19% for Latvia.

Poland, which does not use the euro but is an EU member, reported Friday that inflation rose to 15.6% in June compared with a year earlier, the highest rate in a quarter-century. That was an increase from the annual rate of 13.9% in May.

Analysts noted that the biggest rise in Poland was in gasoline and diesel prices, which went up 46.7% from a year ago. Food prices were up 14.1%.
___
Associated Press reporter Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, contributed.

 

[Plain Jane]

Macedonians protest French proposals over rift with Bulgaria

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Tens of thousands massed outside government offices late Saturday to protest a French proposal for solving North Macedonia's dispute with Bulgaria that is blocking the country's membership talks with the European Union.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/nato-bul...thmacedonia-2de24331fc8510b1ae2ff7ad1e79de10#

Macedonians protest French proposals over rift with Bulgaria
By KONSTANTIN TESTORIDESyesterday



1 of 8
People wave the old and the current national flags as they attend a protest in front of the government building in Skopje, North Macedonia, on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Tens of thousands of people gathered late Saturday outside government offices in North Macedonia’s capital to protest the latest proposal on solving a dispute with Bulgaria in order for North Macedonia to open membership talks with the European Union. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Tens of thousands massed outside government offices late Saturday to protest a French proposal for solving North Macedonia’s dispute with Bulgaria that is blocking the country’s membership talks with the European Union.
North Macedonia’s government has said the proposal is a “solid base.” But the main opposition center-right VMRO-DPMNE party rejects the proposition, arguing it favors Bulgarian demands that dispute Macedonian history, language, identity, culture and inheritance.

“We do not need Europe if we have to be assimilated,” opposition leader Hristijan Mickoski told reporters before the start of the protest. “The answer is no for the latest French proposal.”

“If Europe is not ready to accept us civilized Macedonians where we belong, then we will wait until there are people who will understand that Macedonia and Macedonian identity is above and before all,” he added.


Bulgaria, a member of the EU, has insisted that North Macedonia formally recognize that its language has Bulgarian roots, acknowledge in its constitution a Bulgarian minority and quash “hate speech” against Bulgaria.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this week at the NATO summit in Madrid that he believed “a compromise solution” had been achieved, without giving details. “I’m convinced we have found a compromise solution,” he said.

https://apnews.com/article/nato-rus...-union-sofia-cd393418dd80f79d61a09e487b717ae5
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-putin-central-asia-1bf2b0827461d3a54a1dcf3bb1565aa5
North Macedonia’s foreign minister, Bujar Osmani, said that “Macedonian language and identity” are protected by the French proposal and “it should be accepted as soon as possible” for the country to start the accession talks with the EU.

North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership for 17 years. The country received a green light in 2020 to begin accession talks, but no date for the start of the negotiations has been set.

Bulgaria has used its power as an EU member to block North Macedonia’s membership, since all enlargement decisions require unanimous approval from the 27-nation bloc.

The dispuate has also stalled Albania’s progress toward EU membership because the bloc is treating the pair as a political package. All three countries are NATO members.
The protest ended peacefully. Another one was planned for Sunday.

 

[northern watch]

Russian diplomats depart Bulgaria amid soaring tensions
A Russian diplomat says two airplanes have departed Bulgaria with scores of Russian diplomatic staff and their families amid a mass expulsion that has sent relations soaring between the two historically close nations
By Valentina Petrova and Stephen Mcgrath Associated Press
July 03, 2022, 2:46 PM

A Russian plane lands at Sofia's Airport, Sunday, July 3 2022. Two Russian airplanes were set to depart Bulgaria on Sunday with scores of Russian diplomatic staff and their families amid a mass expulsion that has sent tensions soaring between the historically close nations, a Russian diplomat said. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)
The Associated Press

SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Two Russian airplanes departed Bulgaria on Sunday with scores of Russian diplomatic staff and their families amid a mass expulsion that has sent tensions soaring between the historically close nations, a Russian diplomat said.

Filip Voskresenski, a high-ranking Russian diplomat, told journalists at the airport in Bulgaria's capital Sofia before the flights left that he was among the 70 Russian diplomatic staff declared “persona non grata” last week and ordered to leave the country by the end of Sunday.

Bulgaria's expulsion decision was announced by acting Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who took a strong stance against Russia after it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Petkov, who lost a no-confidence vote on June 22, has claimed Moscow used “hybrid war” tactics to bring down his government.

Petkov has said that Russia will retain 43 of its employees after the expulsion and noted that Bulgaria has just 12 diplomatic staff in Moscow.

“Anyone who works against the interests of Bulgaria will be called to go back to the country from which they came,” he said.

On Friday, Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova issued Bulgaria an ultimatum to reverse its decision and threatened that Moscow would fully sever diplomatic ties.

“I intend to urgently raise before the leadership of my country the issue of the closure of the Embassy of Russia in Bulgaria, which will inevitably lead to the closure of the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Moscow,” she said in a statement.

The expulsion, which has severely strained diplomatic ties, is the greatest ever number of Russian diplomats expelled by Bulgaria, which has European Union and NATO membership. Bulgaria has strongly backed the West’s sanctions against Moscow since it launched its war on Ukraine more than four months ago.

The European Union, which Bulgaria has been a member of since 2007, responded to Russia’s “unjustified threat” and said it “stands in full support and solidarity with Bulgaria.”

In late April, Russia cut off gas supplies to Bulgaria after officials refused a Moscow demand to pay gas bills in rubles, Russia’s currency. Bulgaria’s defense minister was also ousted in early March for referring to Russia's war as a “special military operation,” the Kremlin-preferred description.


———

Stephen McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.

Russian diplomats depart Bulgaria amid soaring tensions - ABC News (go.com)

 

[Plain Jane]

Ukraine lays out $750B 'recovery plan' for postwar future

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the reconstruction of his country will become the “common task of the entire democratic world” after the war with Russia ends.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/russia-u...switzerland-22337ad38f74d18d4dae63952a7f433e#

Swiss NGO calls out gov’t as it hosts meeting on Ukraine
By JAMEY KEATEN14 minutes ago


LUGANO, Switzerland (AP) — A leading Swiss nongovernmental group on Monday called out Switzerland as a “safe haven” for Russian oligarchs and as a trading hub for Russian oil, grain and coal.
Hi
Public Eye called on the Swiss executive branch to “use all levers at its disposal to stop the financing of this inhuman aggression,” a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine that has killed untold thousands of people, driven millions from their homes and rippled through world economy by driving up food and fuel prices.

It spoke out on the day that the Swiss president was due to host a conference on Ukraine’s eventual recovery from Russia’s war involving government officials, advocacy groups and U.N. institutions.

Ignazio Cassis was hosting leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by video message, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in the bucolic lakeside town of Lugano. Swiss diplomats say the meeting aims try to map out a way forward for the world to help the war-battered country to recover and rebuild when Russia’s war ends one day.


Cassis was set to welcome Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, leading a delegation of scores of Ukrainian ministers, lawmakers and others.

https://apnews.com/article/g-7-summ...johnson-kyiv-4b25bc156410e2e9f764b879348e0184
Public Eye said that “as a safe haven for oligarchs close to the Kremlin and as a trading hub for Russian oil, grain and coal, Switzerland bears a big political responsibility.”

It said Switzerland has been over the years a “popular refuge” for Russian business magnates to park their assets. The group said firms use Switzerland as an “unregulated commodity trading hub” and exploit a lack of transparency about financial dealings in the country.

There was no immediate response from the Swiss government.

The group welcomed Switzerland’s “humanitarian engagement” for Ukraine through the conference but called on the government to strictly implement international sanctions on Russian elites and their government, and better regulate its trading hub.

Switzerland is a major international financial center and its government has traditionally touted Swiss “neutrality” — which is enshrined into law — and Switzerland’s role as an intermediary between hostile countries and as a host of many international and U.N. institutions.

The Swiss Bankers Association has estimated that the assets of Russian clients deposited in Switzerland’s banks total 150-200 billion Swiss francs (about $155-$210 billion), making the country a key repository of Russian money abroad.

Swiss diplomats say hundreds of envoys from government, advocacy groups, the private sector, academia and U.N. organizations are expected for the Lugano gathering, which builds upon a multi-year, multi-country discussion about reform in Ukraine — even before the war began. The diplomats say the conference is the first to bring disparate groups together to unite to address Ukraine’s needs now.

Other top attendees expected to attend are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. More than half a dozen heads of state and more than a dozen government ministers are expected to take part, as well as heads of about a half-dozen international organizations.

 

[Plain Jane]

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

Dutch Protesters Pour Manure On Government Offices Over Industry-Killing Regulations

BY TYLER DURDEN
MONDAY, JUL 04, 2022 - 09:45 AM
Dutch farmers who have been protesting for weeks over the government's radical plan to cut nitrogen emissions by 50% - 95% by 2030 have taken things to the next level - pouring manure on government offices in response to the plan which would cause widespread chaos - including the death of 1/3 of Dutch farms.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1543300949870927873

View: https://twitter.com/TheRealKeean/status/1543300949870927873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1543300949870927873%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fcommodities%2Fdutch-protesters-pour-manure-government-offices-over-industry-killing-regulations


Pissed off protesters became aggressive with police last week, with angry farmers demanding that the Hague backtrack on their 'green' agenda.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1542182990108827649

View: https://twitter.com/TheMarieOakes/status/1542182990108827649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1542182990108827649%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fcommodities%2Fdutch-protesters-pour-manure-government-offices-over-industry-killing-regulations

Bloomberg also reported last week that several farmers showed up to parliament with cows in tow to protest the policy - with some threatening to slaughter them on the spot.



"If the nitrogen measures are adopted, one of these two ladies [cows] will not go home but will receive a one-way ticket to the slaughterhouse," said farmer Koos Cromwijk in a statement to Dutch news agency ANP outside parliament (via The Counter Signal).

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1543555557449252867

View: https://twitter.com/yvonderks/status/1543555557449252867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1543555557449252867%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fcommodities%2Fdutch-protesters-pour-manure-government-offices-over-industry-killing-regulations




Last week Dutch farmers also blocked the border between Holland and Germany, while even bigger protests are slated for July 4.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1542391695060377611

View: https://twitter.com/RadioGenova/status/1542391695060377611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1542391695060377611%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fcommodities%2Fdutch-protesters-pour-manure-government-offices-over-industry-killing-regulations

Meanwhile, farmers in Spain are coming out against inflation for fuel and essential goods.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1543325945838202880

View: https://twitter.com/YourBrainstem/status/1543325945838202880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1543325945838202880%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fcommodities%2Fdutch-protesters-pour-manure-government-offices-over-industry-killing-regulations

And what did the Dutch government have to say about the new law?
"The honest message … is that not all farmers can continue their business."

See this thread also:

FOOD - Shots fired at Dutch farm protesters.

View: https://twitter.com/TheRealKeean/status/1544433522248654848?t=QBQivZPH0udNj5A53JClzw&s=19 Shots fired at tractor during protest in Netherlands.

www.timebomb2000.com

 

[Plain Jane]

NATO nations sign accession protocols for Sweden, Finland

The 30 NATO allies have signed off on the protocols needed for Sweden and Finland to become members.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-turkey-sweden-169a0386e3f6016da0b519b265645575#


NATO nations sign accession protocols for Sweden, Finland
By RAF CASERT31 minutes ago



1 of 5
Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, left, Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde, right, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg attend a media conference after the signature of the NATO Accession Protocols for Finland and Sweden in the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, July 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

BRUSSELS (AP) — The 30 NATO allies signed off on the accession protocols for Sweden and Finland on Tuesday, sending the membership bids of the two nations to the alliance capitals for legislative approvals — and possible political trouble in Turkey.

The move further increases Russia’s strategic isolation in the wake of its invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February and military struggles there since.

“This is truly a historic moment for Finland, for Sweden and for NATO,” said alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The 30 ambassadors and permanent representatives formally approved the decisions of last week’s NATO summit when the alliance made the historic decision to invite Russia’s neighbor Finland and Scandinavian partner Sweden to join the military club.
Parliamentary approval in member state Turkey could still pose problems for their final inclusion as members, despite a memorandum of understanding reached between the three.


Last week, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Ankara could still block the process if the two countries fail to fully meet Turkey’s demand to extradite terror suspects with links to outlawed Kurdish groups or the network of an exiled cleric accused of a failed 2016 coup in Turkey.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-u...covid-health-57a60323695454a19ac826f202292dd6
He said Turkey’s Parliament could refuse to ratify the deal. It is a potent threat since NATO accession must be formally approved by all 30 member states, which gives each a blocking right.

Stoltenberg said he expected no change of heart. “There were security concerns that needed to be addressed. And we did what we always do at NATO. We found common ground.”
At a news conference, the foreign ministers of Sweden and Finland were peppered with questions about whether a specific list of people would need to be extradited to Turkey, but both said such a list was not part of the memorandum with Ankara.

“We will honor that memorandum and follow up on that,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, adding her government’s actions would always ”comply with the Swedish legislation. We will comply with international law.”

She added, though, that “we will see to it that we have a mechanism of fighting terrorism in all its forms.”

Every alliance nation has different legislative challenges and procedures to deal with, and it could take several more months for the two to become official members.

Germany’s parliament is set to ratify the membership bids on Friday, according to coalition party Free Democrats. Other parliaments might only get to the approval process after the long summer break.

“I look forward to a swift ratification process,” said Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has given the process added urgency. It will ensconce the two nations in the Western military alliance and give NATO more clout, especially in the face of Moscow’s military threat.

“We will be even stronger and our people will be even safer as we face the biggest security crisis in decades,” said Stoltenberg.

Tuesday’s signing-off does bring both nations deeper into NATO’s fold already. As close partners, they already attended some meetings that involved issues that immediately affected them. As official invitees, they can attend all meetings of the ambassadors even if they do not yet have any voting rights.
___
Geir Moulson contributed from Berlin

 

[Plain Jane]

North Macedonia: More violence reported at protests

Thousands of demonstrators have marched through the capital of North Macedonia for a fifth consecutive night protesting a proposal aiming to break a deadlock in the country’s efforts to join the European Union.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria...onia-skopje-df7f6cb6fe72be5a01a56619bd2451f6#

Click to copy
North Macedonia: 47 police officers injured in protests
By KONSTANTIN TESTORIDES56 minutes ago



1 of 10
A crowd of people protest in front of the parliament building in Skopje, North Macedonia, late Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Violent protests erupted in North Macedonia's capital, Skopje, where demonstrators tried to storm government buildings, after French President Emmanuel Macron last week announced the proposal, which many in the small Balkan country find controversial. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Police in North Macedonia said 47 officers were injured, two of them seriously, after a group of mostly young people threw stones, metal bars, eggs and Molotov cocktails at the parliament building in the capital late Tuesday.

Thousands of people have protested nightly in Skopje since the weekend over a French proposal for a compromise aimed at lifting objections by neighboring Bulgaria to North Macedonia joining the European Union.

Police said 11 protesters were detained Tuesday night. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski condemned the attacks on the police, saying violence cannot be justified. Another protest was planned for Wednesday evening.

Bulgaria, which as an EU member has veto powers over new members, wants North Macedonia to formally recognize its language has Bulgarian roots, to recognize a Bulgarian minority in the country and to quash “hate speech” against Bulgaria. Many in North Macedonia say acquiescing would undermine their national identity.


North Macedonia’s president, Stevo Pendarovski, and the government back the proposed French deal, which calls for the country to acknowledge in its constitution the existence of an ethnic Bulgarian minority. It would also provide for regular reviews on how the bilateral dispute is being addressed, which could potentially hamper North Macedonia’s future course toward EU membership.

https://apnews.com/article/nato-bul...rthmacedonia-2de24331fc8510b1ae2ff7ad1e79de10
Bulgaria has already formally accepted the French proposal, which now requires the backing of North Macedonia’s parliament. Lawmakers are set to convene later this week.

The center-right main opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, many international law experts and civic organizations counter that the French proposal favors Bulgarian demands which dispute Macedonian views of regional history, language, identity and heritage.

North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership for 17 years. The country received a green light in 2020 to begin accession talks, but no date for the start of the negotiations has been set.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the European Union at European Union

 

[northern watch]

EU chief warns of danger of complete cut-off of Russian gas
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says the 27-nation Europe Union needs to make emergency plans to prepare for a complete cut-off of Russian gas in the wake of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine
By Raf Casert and Samuel Petrequin Associated Press
July 06, 2022, 6:23 AM

BRUSSELS -- European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that the 27-nation European Union needs to make emergency plans to prepare for a complete cut-off of Russian gas in the wake of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

“It is obvious: (Russian President Vladimir) Putin continues to use energy as a weapon. This is why the Commission is working on a European emergency plan,” she told legislators in Strasbourg, France.

The EU has already imposed sanctions on Russia, including on some energy supplies, and is steering away from Kremlin-controlled deliveries. But the head of the EU's executive branch said the bloc needed to be ready for shock disruptions coming from Moscow, and said the first plans would be presented by the middle of the month.

“If worst comes to worst, then we have to be prepared,” she said, hoping to avoid the chaotic scenes, and the my-country-first attitude that some member states showed early on in the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Energy, and the prospect of a winter without enough heating for homes or power to keep factories going, could now pose a similar challenge to EU solidarity and a source for populist-spawned division.

“It is very important to have a European overview and a coordinated approach to a potential complete cut off of Russian gas,” von der Leyen said. A dozen members have already been hit by reductions or full cuts in gas supplies as the political standoff with Moscow over the Ukraine invasion intensifies.

Highlighting the potential challenges ahead, Germany said last week it suspects that Russia may not resume natural gas deliveries to Europe through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline after planned maintenance work in July, complicating the outlook for this winter.

Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom blamed a technical problem for the reduction in gas flowing through Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The company said equipment maintenance was affected by Western sanctions.

European Union countries already agreed last month that all natural gas storage in the 27-nation bloc should be topped up to at least 80% capacity for next winter to avoid shortages during the cold season. The new regulation also says underground gas storage on EU soil will need to be filled to 90% capacity before the 2023-24 winter.

Von der Leyen said that the storage stood at 55% a week ago, adding that liquefied natural gas deliveries from the United States had already tripled.

The war in Ukraine has prompted the 27-nation bloc to rethink its energy policies and sever ties with Russian fossil fuels. Member countries have agreed to ban 90% of Russian oil by year-end in addition to a ban on imports of Russian coal that will start in August.

The EU has not included gas — a fuel used to power factories and generate electricity — in its own sanctions for fear of seriously harming the European economy. Before the war in Ukraine, it relied on Russia for 25% of its oil and 40% of its natural gas.

To slash its use of Russian energy, the European Commission has been diversifying suppliers.

In the meantime, the average monthly import of Russian pipeline gas is declining by 33% compared with last year, von der Leyen said as she called for a speedy transition toward renewable sources of energy.

“Some say, in the new security environment after Russia’s aggression, we have to slow down the green transition. This transition would come at the ‘the cost of basic security,’ they say. The opposite is true. If we all do nothing but compete about limited fossil fuels, the prices will further explode and fill Putin’s war chest," she said. “Renewables are home-grown. They give us independence from Russian fossil fuels. They are more cost-efficient. And they are cleaner."

The EU Council agreed last month to raise the share of renewables in the bloc’s energy mix to at least 40% by 2030 — up from the previous target of 32%. In addition, a 9% energy consumption reduction target for 2030 will become binding on all EU member states for the first time.

EU chief warns of danger of complete cut-off of Russian gas - ABC News (go.com)

 

[Plain Jane]

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

40 Arrested In Huge People-Trafficking Raids In UK & 3 EU Countries

BY TYLER DURDEN
THURSDAY, JUL 07, 2022 - 05:00 AM
Authored by Chris Summers via The Epoch Times,
Forty people have been arrested in coordinated raids across Britain and three European countries, and law enforcement agencies claim they have smashed a huge gang which was trafficking illegal immigrants across the English Channel in tiny boats.


Almost 13,000 people have crossed the Channel from France in dinghies and RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) since the beginning of January, with the monthly total for June at 3,136, the highest of the year.

But on Tuesday, in an operation coordinated by Eurojust—the European Union’s criminal justice cooperation agency—homes in Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands were raided and more than 40 people were arrested.

Eurojust is expected to reveal more about Operation Thoren at a press conference in The Hague later on Wednesday.

Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) launched its own Operation Punjum—part of Operation Thoren—to smash an organised crime gang thought to have brought 10,000 people across the Channel since the beginning of 2021.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

“These arrests send a clear message to the criminal gangs who are preying on vulnerable people across Europe and beyond: we will stop at nothing to end your sordid trade, bring you to justice and save lives. This hugely significant operation once again shows the NCA and our international partners working diligently to dismantle people-smuggling networks.”

The NCA said, in a statement, it was the “biggest ever international operation targeting criminal networks suspected of using small boats to smuggle thousands of people into the UK.” They said it was launched following the arrest of a people-trafficking “kingpin” in London in May this year.




Hundreds of lifejackets discovered by investigators are piled up outside an address in the city of Osnabruck in Germany on July 5, 2022. (National Crime Agency/PA)

Hewa Rahimpur, 29, an Iranian national who was living in Ilford, east London, is now facing extradition to Belgium.

The NCA’s Director of Threat Leadership, Chris Farrimond, said:

“It was actually our intelligence which started this all off and which led to the culmination. Many of those arrested overseas have been targeted as a result of evidence that we provided into the taskforce.”

The NCA said they seized 50 small boats and hundreds of life jackets.

NCA officers arrested a 26-year-old man in Catford, southeast London, and a 22-year-old man on the Isle of Dogs in east London, on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.


Four other arrests were made in Britain, two of which were suspected illegal immigrants who had been handed over to the immigration authorities.

Germany’s DPA news agency said prosecutors in the German city of Osnabruck oversaw raids involving 900 police officers at 36 properties in Lower Saxony, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Wurttemberg, and 18 people were arrested.



Illegal immigrants are brought ashore near Dungeness, Kent, by the RNLI after a small boat was intercepted in the English Channel on March 15, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Farrimond said the illegal immigrants were paying the gang around 3,000 euros (£2,570) each to bring them across the Channel to England.

He said Operation Punjum would not stop the flow of illegal immigrants to Britain but would “absolutely” make a difference.

Farrimond said: “It will take some time for this group, or whichever group succeeds it, to recover. Now we’re not going to stop at this point. Ideally we’d like to stop the supply of small boats much earlier on so that they really have difficulty getting their hands on them, and we’d also like to attack the money flows in a lot more detail than we do right now. So there’s plenty more to do. It’s not going to stop it but it is going to make a dent.”

 

[northern watch]

Macron Tries to Step Up France's Inflation Fight; President proposes $20 billion in new measures to blunt the impact of higher prices on households

Thursday, July 7, 2022, 1:51 PM ET
By Noemie Bisserbe
Wall Street Journal

PARIS—The government of French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed 20 billion euros ($20.31 billion) in new measures aimed at softening inflation’s impact on French households.

The measures, part of a new bill that was to be submitted in Parliament on Thursday, include checks issued to low-income households for food purchases, an increase in pensions and a boost to social benefits. They are a sign of how France and other Western governments are coming under intense political pressure to counter global inflationary forces, from supply-chain disruptions to the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Inflation remains lower in France than in the U.S. and most other European countries. Mr. Macron’s government has already spent €26 billion to partly contain inflation, ordering a cap on electricity and natural-gas prices and instituting a rebate on fuel. Still, the increase in fuel and food prices has taken a political toll on Mr. Macron. He lost his majority in the National Assembly last month.

The bill represents a test for the French leader and his ability to advance legislation in a National Assembly that is now deeply polarized.

Mr. Macron’s party and its allies need the support of dozens of opposition lawmakers to secure a 289-vote majority. He is unlikely to receive backing from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which has 89 seats.

The bill, however, could test the unity of Parliament’s biggest opposition bloc, a leftist coalition forged by far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon that includes socialists, communists and greens. Together they control 131 seats.

Mr. Mélenchon’s party has vowed to oppose the Macron government. Some of the measures in Mr. Macron’s bill might appeal to socialists and other political moderates that have large constituencies in the public sector.

Mr. Macron’s government wants to increase civil servants’ salaries, raise pensions and allow companies to pay tax-free bonuses of as much as €6,000, equivalent to $6,095, to employees. It also plans to extend the cap on electricity and natural-gas prices as well as the rebate on fuel. The government also proposes to limit any rent increases to 3.5%, and help pay the fuel bill of people who need to drive to work.

French socialists, communists and greens want the government to go further, and propose to cap the prices of essential goods such as baguettes and pasta, and increase minimum wage.

“We want to go to the National Assembly with an open mind,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Thursday. “But I also want to say that not everything is possible financially.”

On Thursday, France’s independent public audit office urged the government to rein in the county’s swelling debt. France’s debt reached about 113% of gross domestic in 2021, compared with an average of roughly 96% for the eurozone.

France “can no longer diverge from countries with starkly lower levels of debt like Germany,” the auditor said in its annual report. “Such divergences represent a significant risk at the head of the single monetary zone.”

Write to Noemie Bisserbe at noemie.bisserbe@wsj.com

Macron Seeks to Step Up France’s Inflation Fight - WSJ

 

[Plain Jane]

What's next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet

Boris Johnson has stepped down as Conservative Party leader. But the scandal-tarnished politician remains Britain’s prime minister for now. Johnson’s resignation Thursday sparks a party contest to replace him as leader.

apnews.com

What's next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet

What’s next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet
By JILL LAWLESSyesterday



1 of 3
Prime Minister Boris Johnson enters 10 Downing Street, after reading a statement in London, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Boris Johnson has stepped down as Conservative Party leader, but the scandal-tarnished politician remains Britain’s prime minister — for now. Johnson’s resignation sparks a party contest to replace him as leader. All Conservative lawmakers are eligible to run, and party officials could open the nominations within hours. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
LONDON (AP) — Boris Johnson has resigned as Conservative Party leader after months of ethics scandals and a party revolt. But he remains Britain’s prime minister — for now — while a successor is chosen.

With British politics in turmoil, here’s a look at what will happen next:

WHY IS BORIS JOHNSON RESIGNING?
Johnson’s resignation on Thursday comes after he weathered numerous scandals during a tumultuous three years in power in which he brazenly bent and sometimes broke the rules of British politics.

He survived a no-confidence vote last month. But recent revelations that Johnson knew about sexual misconduct allegations against a lawmaker before he promoted the man to a senior position in his government led to Johnson’s resignation.

SO IS JOHNSON STILL PRIME MINISTER?


Yes, for now.
His resignation, which came after dozens of ministers quit his government in protest, sparks a party contest to replace him as leader. All Conservative lawmakers are eligible to run, and party officials could open the nominations within hours.

After candidates have come forward, Conservative lawmakers vote in a series of elimination rounds. The candidate with the lowest number of votes drops out, and voting continues until there are two contenders left. Depending on the number of candidates, the process could be completed within days.

The final two candidates will be put to a vote of the full party membership across the country — about 180,000 people — by postal ballot. That process is expected to take several weeks, with the exact timetable up to the 1922 Committee that runs party elections.
The winner of the vote will become both Conservative leader and prime minister, without the need for a national election.

WHO COULD BECOME THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER?
Already the list of likely contenders is long and growing, from recently resigned Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, his successor in that job Nadhim Zahawi, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Attorney General Suella Braverman and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

WHILE A NEW LEADER IS BEING CHOSEN, WILL BORIS JOHNSON REMAIN PRIME MINISTER?
Johnson has resigned as party leader, but he is still prime minister until his successor is elected.

His predecessor, Theresa May, remained in office for more than a month between announcing her resignation and the selection of Johnson as the new Tory leader.

But many Conservatives say Johnson can’t stay in office — he has simply lost too many ministers through resignations to be able to govern. They are demanding he step down as prime minister and let an interim leader take the reins. If he does that, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is a likely caretaker candidate.

WHAT’S THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOHNSON LEAVING BEFORE A NEW PARTY LEADER IS PICKED?
Johnson shows no signs of going early.
He appointed several new Cabinet ministers on Thursday to replace those he has lost, and said they would “serve as I will until a new leader is in place.”

If party officials press Johnson to quit sooner and he refuses, the chaos engulfing the government could worsen in the short term. Already the government has had to cancel business in Parliament because it has no ministers available to attend.

Gavin Barwell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Theresa May, said “there was a “question whether the PM will be able to lead a caretaker government in the meantime -- will enough ministers agree to serve?”

Former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said letting Johnson stay in office for up to three months “is unwise, and may be unsustainable.”

WHEN IS BRITAIN’S NEXT NATIONAL ELECTION?
Under Britain’s political rules, the next election must be called by December 2024, with election day five weeks later.

But it could come sooner. Prime ministers with a majority in parliament can call snap elections at will, and Johnson’s successor may want to seek a personal mandate by going to voters not long after being selected.

However, with the backdrop of war in Ukraine and a worsening cost-of-living crisis, they may choose to wait.

Whoever takes over from Johnson will try to rebuild the Conservative Party’s popularity. Johnson led the party to a big parliamentary majority in December 2019, but months of scandal have tarnished both him and the party. Polls suggest that if an election were held now the Conservatives would lose and the opposition Labour Party would form the new government.

*******
See this thread ajso:

POL - The Boris Johnson Sinking Ship Thread - July 6th, 2022 - UPDATE: Resigns July 7, 2022.

I am starting this thread because in the last 24 hours, in fact mostly in the last about 7 or 8 hours, 36 of Boris Johnson's "government" (Parliament members holding offices) have resigned including his Chancelor. Just now, his NEW chancellor appointed YESTERDAY has also called for his...

www.timebomb2000.com

 

[Plain Jane]

Russia targets EU, cutting off Kazakhstan's oil exports – DW – 07/08/2022

This week, Moscow halted crude oil exports from Kazakhstan via a Black Sea port. Kazakhstan is the EU's fifth-largest supplier and this effectively reduces oil imports. The search is now on for alternative routes.

www.dw.com

Russia targets EU, cutting off Kazakhstan's oil exports
This week, Moscow halted crude oil exports from Kazakhstan via a Black Sea port. Kazakhstan is the EU's fifth-largest supplier and this effectively reduces oil imports. The search is now on for alternative routes.




Halting flows through the CPC pipeline won't hurt Russia, while Europe would lose a million barrels of oil a day

In a telephone conversation on July 4, Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assured EU Council President Charles Michel of his country's support in helping the 27-nation bloc overcome its current energy crisis.

Only a day later, a district court in Novorossiysk — Russia's biggest Black Sea port — ordered a pipeline coming from Kazakhstan and exporting oil to Europe shut for a month.

The two events are no coincidence. They are part of the sanctions tit-for-tat between the West and Russia over the war in Ukraine. Officially, the Russian court's decision was a punishment for violations of the country's oil spill regulations committed by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, or CPC, which owns the pipeline through which Kazakh crude is shipped from the Tengiz oil field across Russian territory to the Black Sea port.

An audit of hazardous operation facilities, carried out by Russia's Rostransnadzor oil regulator, has revealed "a number of documentary violations under the Oil Spill Response (OSR) Plan," according to a statement on the CPC website. Even though no oil spill has been reported, the company was given until November 30 to rectify the violations and was ordered to halt shipments from the export terminal for 30 days as punishment for the offense.

As Kazakh authorities tried to de-escalate the situation, saying the pipeline would be operating "in line with safety standards," President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on July 7 announced Kazakhstan would explore alternative routes for its crude exports.

Kazakh Prtesident Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is walking a tight rope in the sanctions war between the West and Russia

No signals of detente
Mikhail Krutikhin, an expert on Russian energy policy at independent consultancy RusEnergy, thinks the court's order to shut down the CPC pipeline was "clearly politically motivated."
"He [President Tokayev] made the statement with the intention of helping the EU overcome its energy problems as a result of the imminent EU oil embargo against Russia and the current throttling of Russian gas supplies to Europe," Krutikhin told DW.

But Leyla Alieva, Eastern Europe expert at Oxford University, thinks that the move was "generally a reaction to Kazakh attempts at becoming politically more independent of Moscow." She told DW that President Tokayev made it quite clear at the St.Petersburg Economic Forum, organized by Moscow last month, that he didn't intend to recognize the pro-Russian "republics" of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine as independent territories, and would heed Western sanctions against Moscow.

Kazakhstan seems to have ruffled feathers in Moscow , with some Russian politicians already warning Kazakh leaders of "a Ukrainian scenario" becoming reality.

By shutting the Novorossiysk terminal, Russia could take 1.5 million barrels a day of crude out of an already tight market

Novorossiysk stoppages
After operating without any trouble for more than 20 years, the CPC pipeline has been hit with a series of outages in the months since Russia invaded Ukraine and the EU imposed sanctions.

On March 22, two loading buoys were allegedly damaged during a storm, taking the entire terminal out of operation for several weeks. However German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported though that there wasn't a "heavy storm" in the region, citing German Weather Service data.

In June, a routine seabed survey suddenly revealed a World War II mine that forced suspension of loading from two of the three buoys. The search for "explosive devices" was extended ten days, until July 15.

Alternative pipelines
The latest stoppage was a "test balloon" from Moscow to see how Kazakhstan reacts to Moscow's interventions, said Alieva.

"I think the Kremlin is hoping for Kazakh leaders to give in to their demands and make concessions in possible negotiations. However, exerting pressure often brings undesired results, and countries in the region could begin looking for alternative alliances, markets and resources."

But alternatives to export routes via Russia are far and few between in Central Asia. Official talking points released from the Tokayev-Michel meeting in early July show the Kazakh president is seeking EU support for developing "alternative transcontinental corridors," including "an international trans-Caspian traffic route."

What Tokayev has in mind is an export route for Kazakh crude that would bypass Russia, leading along the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, where an existing pipeline connects the country with the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Kazakhstan already has minimal access to the so-called Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which is operated by a consortium of 11 energy companies and would have to be expanded.

Russian influence on Kazakh crude exports will remain "a big and lasting problem," said Krutikhin, because for the time being the existing alternatives cannot make up for the present CPC shortfalls.

Kazakh oil increasingly important for the EU
Germany has been importing crude from Kazakhstan for more than two decades, with the country having increased its share of the German market steadily in recent years.
In 2021, the Central Asian nation became Germany's third-largest oil supplier behind the United States and Russia. Figures for the EU as a whole show Kazakh oil has a market share of 7.5% making the country the bloc's fifth-largest supplier in 2019.

Kazakhstan is attaining even bigger importance with European sanctions on Russian oil expected to kick in on December 5 and the G7 group of industrialized countries considering a price cap on Moscow's crude exports.

Oxford University's Krutikhin said he doesn't expect massive repercussions for the European oil market should flows from Kazakhstan remain curtailed for longer. Supplies to EU refineries could be affected though, he said and added, "it's difficult to make an assessment because for now there is no shortage of oil on the world market."
This article was originally written in German.

 

[Plain Jane]

Nord Stream 1: Canada to return repaired part to Germany – DW – 07/10/2022

Canada will return to Germany the repaired turbine of the Russian Nord Stream 1 pipeline, vital for sustaining German gas supply. Ukraine has condemned the move, saying it undermines the sanctions against Russia.

www.dw.com

Nord Stream 1: Canada to return repaired Russian pipeline part to Germany
Canada will return to Germany the repaired turbine of the Russian Nord Stream 1 pipeline, vital for sustaining German gas supply. Ukraine has condemned the move, saying it undermines the sanctions against Russia.




Canada will return to Germany the repaired turbine of the vital Nord Stream gas pipeline
Canada has announced it will return to Germany a repaired turbine of the Russian Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which is a core source of the gas supply to Germany.

It comes as the pipeline prepares to undergo maintenance from July 11 to 21. Although the maintenance is nominally routine, the tension with Russia and the sanctions status in allied countries like Canada had prompted German leaders to consider the possibility of a longer shutdown.

The repairs come amid Canadian sanctions against Russia extending "to land and pipeline transport and the manufacturing of metals and of transport, computer, electronic and electrical equipment, as well as of machinery."

Ukraine had urged Canada not to return the repaired part, saying it would undermine sanctions against Russia.

Russia said it decreased gas flow through the Nord Stream because of the absence of the repaired turbine

The parts were being repaired at the Canadian site of German industrial giant Siemens. Russia's Gazprom had cited the equipment's absence last month as the reason for cutting capacity along the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to 40 %.

But when announcing its decision on Saturday, Canada's Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said it was taken to "support Europe's ability to access reliable and affordable energy as they continue to transition away from Russian oil and gas."

The minister particularly cited concern for the German economy as well as German citizens, saying they could be left unable to heat their homes during winter.

Ukraine says returning part 'bowing to Russian blackmail'
Ukraine had been urging Canada not to return the repaired turbine. Alexandra Chyczij, the national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress said it would be "setting a dangerous precedent that will lead to the weakening of the sanctions regime imposed on Russia."
Sergiy Makogon, the chief executive officer of Ukraine's gas transmission system OGTSU stressed the turbine must be returned to Ukraine rather than Germany.



Watch video02:02
Germany enters phase 2 of emergency gas plan as Russia curbs supply
The country argued that Germany could rely instead on Ukrainian pipelines to transport a sufficient amount of gas.

Makogan described in a Facebook post the situation as "Kremlin blackmail." Russia's parliament had said the turbine's return would lead to lifting up gas supplies to Europe.
Siemens had proposed the shipping of the turbine back to Germany first, rather than to Russia, as a solution to Canada's legal dilemma. Berlin will then deliver it to Russia's state-controlled Gazprom, Reuters reported, citing a government source.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline project was famously halted, despite it being completed, soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. But the original sister pipeline, inaugurated in 2011 and with a similar transport capacity, has remained in operation so far with its deliveries as yet unaffected by European sanctions.

Electricity security called into question
Fears are growing in Germany regarding a difficult winter, should Russia maintain its reduced gas supply.

Peter Adrian, the president of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), warned that the crisis could take its toll not only on citizens in need of heating their homes, but also on companies and Germany's economy at large.

Adrian told the dpa news agency that this could trigger a serious recession, predicting a decline in economic output of up to 10%.

"The clock is ticking and, as businesses, we have to think about the worst case scenario,"
Adrian said, warning of "disaster" should Russia fail to turn the gas supply back on after the conclusion of the pipeline's maintenance on July 21.

The German government is working hard to establish alternative floating terminals to receive liquefied natural gas. However, such plans are unlikely to materialize by winter.
rmt/msh (AFP, dpa, Reuters)

 

[Plain Jane]

UK Conservatives jostle in crowded, testy leadership race

Candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain’s prime minister are scattering tax-cutting promises to woo their Conservative Party members.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-elections-london-f7d82913ef10466a0986902a1f3727de#

UK Conservatives jostle in crowded, testy leadership race
By JILL LAWLESSan hour ago

Larry the Cat, Britain's Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office rests in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Friday, July 8, 2022. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that less than three years after becoming prime minister, he was resigning and would remain in office only until a successor emerged.(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

LONDON (AP) — Candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain’s prime minister are scattering tax-cutting promises to their Conservative Party electorate, as party officials prepare Monday to quickly narrow the crowded field of almost a dozen candidates.

Little-known junior minister Rehman Chishti became the 11th candidate to declare he wanted to succeed Johnson, who quit as party leader on Thursday amid a party revolt triggered by months of ethics scandals. Other contenders include Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Treasury chief Nadhim Zahawi, former health secretaries Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt, and backbench lawmakers Tom Tugendhat and Kemi Badenoch.

The new leader will be chosen in a two-stage election, in which the 358 Conservative lawmakers reduce the race to two candidates through a series of elimination votes. The final pair will be put to a postal ballot of all party members across the country. Under Britain’s parliamentary system the next party leader will automatically become prime minister without the need for a general election.


The party’s 1922 Committee, which runs leadership contests, is set to elect a new executive on Monday, which will lay out rules for the contest. The committee wants to complete the parliamentary stage of the election by the time lawmakers break for the summer on July 21. That would mean a summer second round with a new leader in place by the time the House of Commons returns on Sept. 5.

https://apnews.com/article/shinzo-abe-shooting-world-leaders-react-e163d6212ab8a76ff88ac66a7287172c
One key decision by the committee will be how many nominations a candidate will need to get onto the first ballot. At the last leadership contest in 2019 it was eight, but the threshold is expected to be 20 or more this time — a move that could eliminate some contenders immediately.

Many Conservatives are wary of leaving Johnson in office for too long, concerned a lame-duck leader is the last thing the country needs with war raging in Ukraine, food and energy price increases driving inflation to levels not seen in decades, and growing labor unrest. Some also worry Johnson — brought down by scandals over money, rule-breaking and his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against lawmakers — could do mischief even as a caretaker prime minister.

In the wide-open leadership contest, contenders are striving to set themselves apart from the perceived front-runner, former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, who so far has the backing of more than three dozen lawmakers.

Many have repudiated tax increases Sunak introduced to shore up U.K. finances battered by the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit — a 1.25% income-tax rise for millions of workers, and an increase in corporation tax next year from 19% to 25%. Most candidates say they will scrap one or both.

“I want to cut all taxes,” said Hunt, who pledged to slash corporation tax to 15%. “The Treasury’s own numbers say that you’ll get half the money back that you invest in cutting corporation tax because of increased business activity.”

Truss said she would stat cutting taxes “from day one,” and Tugendhat said he would “lower taxes across every aspect of society.”


Sunak, whose resignation on Tuesday helped topple Johnson, has cast himself as the candidate of fiscal probity, and warned rivals not to tell the public “comforting fairy-tales” that will make the country worse off in the long run.

The internal party battle has already turned fractious, with rivals criticizing Sunak’s record as finance minister, and Zahawi, the current Treasury chief, having to fend off claims he was being investigated over his tax affairs.

Zahawi said he was being “smeared” and said he was unaware of any investigation by the tax office or other bodies.

“I’m not aware of this. I’ve always declared my taxes — I’ve paid my taxes in the U.K.,” he told Sky News.

Oddsmakers say Sunak is likely to be one of the final two contenders, but the race is likely to be highly unpredictable. Both Tugendhat, a former soldier on the party’s center-left, and right-wing rising star Badenoch have secured big-name support and could surprise more experienced rivals.

Johnson clung to power for months despite accusations that he was too close to party donors, that he protected supporters from bullying and corruption allegations, and that he misled Parliament about government office parties that broke COVID-19 lockdown rules.


He was fined by police for attending one of the parties — the first prime minister ever sanctioned for breaking the law in office — but went on to survive a no-confidence vote last month in Parliament, even though 41% of Conservative lawmakers tried to oust him.
But Johnson was brought down by one scandal too many — this one involving his appointment of a politician who had been accused of sexual misconduct.
___
Follow all of AP’s coverage of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and British politics at Boris Johnson

 

[Plain Jane]

Putin expands fast-track Russian citizenship to all Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expanded a fast-track procedure to give Russian citizenship to all Ukrainians.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-terrorism-kharkiv-e334e4b79637a30a0856617c8ee9f390#

Click to copy
Putin expands fast-track Russian citizenship to all Ukraine
By MSTYSLAV CHERNOVyesterday



1 of 21
A rescue worker puts out the fire on a destroyed house after a Russian attack in a residential neighborhood in downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Monday, July 11, 2022. The top official in the Kharkiv region said Monday the Russian forces launched three missile strikes on the city targeting a school, a residential building and warehouse facilities. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — As Russian missiles struck a key Ukrainian city, Russian President Vladimir Putin expanded a fast-track procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship to all Ukrainians on Monday, another effort to strengthen Moscow’s influence over war-torn Ukraine.

Until recently, only residents of Ukraine’s separatist eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as residents of the southern Zaporizhzhia and the Kherson regions, large parts of which are now under Russian control, were eligible to apply for the simplified passport procedure.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Klueba said Putin’s signing of a passport decree, which also applies to stateless residents in Ukraine, was an example of his “predatory appetites.”

“Russia is using the simplified procedure for issuing passports to tighten the noose around the necks of residents of the temporarily occupied territories of our state, forcing them to participate in the criminal activities of the occupying administrations and the Russian army of aggression,” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry added in a statement.



Between 2019, when the procedure was introduced for the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk, and this year, more than 720,000 people living in the rebel-held areas in the two regions — about 18% of the population — have received Russian passports
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-...es-captivity-5b6f6e727a0a1a2b90101640055c6b4b
In late May, three months after Russia invaded Ukraine, the fast-track procedure was also offered to residents of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

The Russian passport move appears to be part of Putin’s political influence strategy, which has also involved introduction of the Russian ruble in occupied territory in Ukraine and could eventually result in the annexation of more Ukrainian territory into the Russian Federation. Russia already annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

The Russian president set the stage for such moves even before Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, writing an essay last summer claiming that Russians and Ukrainians are one people and attempting to diminish the legitimacy of Ukraine as an independent nation. Reports have surfaced of Russian authorities confiscating Ukrainian passports from some citizens.

View attachment 1657623965852.png

The passport announcement came hours after Russian shelling of Ukraine’s second-largest city Monday killed at least six people and injured 31, prosecutors and local officials said. Russian troops launched three missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, in an attack one official described as “absolute terrorism.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the attacks struck at the points of deployment for Ukraine’s “nationalist battalions.” Kharkiv regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram that the shelling came from multiple rocket launchers, and those wounded and hospitalized included children aged 4 and 16.

“Only civilian structures — a shopping center and houses of peaceful Kharkiv residents — came under the fire of the Russians. Several shells hit the yards of private houses. Garages and cars were also destroyed. Several fires broke out,” Syniehubov wrote.

Earlier, he said one missile destroyed a school, another hit a residential building, while the third landed near warehouse facilities.



“All (three were launched) exclusively on civilian objects. This is absolute terrorism!” Syniehubov said.

Kharkiv resident Alexander Peresolin said the attacks came without warning, with a blast so fierce he lost consciousness. Neighbors carried him to the basement, where he regained consciousness.

“I was sitting and talking to my wife,” he said. “I didn’t understand what happened.”
The strikes came two days after a Russian rocket attack struck apartment buildings in eastern Ukraine. The death toll in that attack on the town of Chasiv Yar rose to 31 on Monday. Nine people have been rescued from the rubble but more are still believed trapped, emergency officials said.

The attack late Saturday destroyed three buildings in a residential quarter used mostly by people who work in factories. Russia’s Defense Ministry insisted Monday that the Chasiv Yar target “was a Ukrainian territorial defense brigade, and that “more than 300 nationalists” were killed. The town is also the hometown of Ukraine’s president.

Russian attacks continued in eastern Ukraine, with Luhansk regional Gov. Serhiy Haidai saying Monday that Russian forces carried out five missile strikes and four rounds of shelling, hitting settlements on the border with the Donetsk region.



The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland known as the Donbas, where separatist rebels have fought Ukrainian forces since 2014. Earlier this month, Russia captured the last major stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in Luhansk, the city of Lysychansk.

Ukrainian forces continued attacks on what they said are Russian ammunition depots, in a prelude to a possible counteroffensive to retake Russian-occupied territory.
Ukrainian officials said on social media late Monday that an ammunition depot in Novy Kakhovka, in the mostly Russia-occupied Kherson region, was destroyed.

Russia’s Tass news agency offered a different account, saying that the target was a mineral fertilizer storage facility that exploded and that a market, hospital and houses were damaged. Some of the ingredients in fertilizer can be used as ammunition.

Tass said there casualties, without providing an estimate, and claimed the weapon used in the strike was fired from a U.S-supplied multiple-launch High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS. Ukrainian officials didn’t comment on the type of weapon used.


Also Monday:
— The main Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany began a 10-day closure for maintenance, heightening European fears that Moscow may not turn the flow back on after its completion. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline runs under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany and is the latter’s main source of Russian gas. Gas is usually sent onward to other countries as well. It is scheduled to be out of action until July 21. German officials are suspicious about Russia’s intentions, particularly after Russia’s giant energy firm Gazprom last month reduced the gas flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60%. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address Monday, “There can be no doubt that Russia will try not just to limit as much as possible, but to completely shut down the supply of gas to Europe at the most acute moment. This is what we need to prepare for now, this is what is being provoked now.”

— Western nations pledged more support and military supplies to Ukraine. In Kyiv, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Zelenskyy that his country would supply self-propelled howitzers and artillery shellsn. Rutte also pledged financial support for Ukrainian teachers, doctors and retirees. Zelenskyy said he spoke with Rutte about the Netherlands’ potential role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.



— The White House on Monday said it believes Russia is turning to Iran to provide hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, including weapons-capable drones, for use in its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it was unclear whether Iran had already provided the systems, but said the U.S. had “information” indicating Iran was preparing to train Russian forces to use them as soon as this month.
___
Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at Russia-Ukraine | Breaking News & Live Updates | AP News

 

[Zagdid]

Renault first-half sales volume slumps 30% after Russia exit

Excluding the activities of AvtoVAZ and Renault Russia, the automaker's global sales were down 12 percent year-on-year.

europe.autonews.com

July 12, 2022 02:35 AM UPDATED 6 HOURS AGO
Renault first-half sales volume slumps 30% after Russia exit
Renault shut down its activities in Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and is selling its majority stake in Lada owner AvtoVAZ.
Reuters

Renault reported a plunge in its vehicle sales in the first half after shutting down activities in Russia, its second-biggest market, in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

The group on Tuesday said its worldwide sales fell 29.7 percent from last year to just over one million vehicles (1,000,199 units).

Excluding the activities of AvtoVAZ and Renault Russia, the number of units sold was down 12 percent year-on-year.

Renault, which makes popular models such as Dacia Duster and Renault Clio, shut down its activities in Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and said it would sell Renault Russia and a nearly 67.69 percent stake in AvtoVAZ.

In May, Renault said it would sell AvtoVAZ, Russia's biggest carmaker and owner of the Lada brand, to a Russian science institute, reportedly for just one ruble with a six-year option to buy it back.

Renault also said the semiconductor crisis hit sales.

Renault brand Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Cambolive said the company is seeing some improvement regarding the availability of automotive chips and expects the level of production of semi-conductors to be significantly higher in the second half compared to the first half.

 

[Zagdid]

Russia's LPG Exporters Open Black Sea Port of Poti

by Jan Harvey (Reuters) Russian exporters will start shipping supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Bulgaria via Georgia’s Black Sea port of Poti in July as traditional export routes...

gcaptain.com

Russia’s LPG Exporters Open Black Sea Port of Poti
Reuters July 12, 2022


by Jan Harvey (Reuters) Russian exporters will start shipping supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Bulgaria via Georgia’s Black Sea port of Poti in July as traditional export routes remain closed, according to traders and Refinitiv Eikon statistics.

Russia stopped supplying LPG to Ukraine on Feb. 24, when Russia sent troops into the country in what Moscow calls a “special military operation”, and has also stopped LPG rail transit to Romania, Hungary and Moldova via Ukraine, obliging exporters look for new routes.

Finland, another large export route for Russia’s LPG, has cut purchases sharply, according to Refinitiv data. Last year Russia exported 25% of its LPG to Ukraine and Finland.

This month some 3,000 tonnes of LPG from Surgut will be transported by rail to Georgia’s Poti, and then via sea ferry to Bulgaria’s Varna, according to Refinitiv Eikon rail data. Gazprom and Surgutneftegaz supply their LPG from Surgut.

“LPG supplies via Poti are being considered due to limited sales opportunities through other main export routes,” an industry source said.

Bulgaria consumes about 30,000-35,000 tonnes of LPG per month, according to traders’ data. It produces about 10,000 tonnes of LPG monthly itself, and imports the rest from Romania and Russia.

Limited export possibilities resulted in a fall in Russian shipments of LPG abroad to 250,000 tonnes in May from some 370,000 tonnes per month in early 2022, according to Refinitiv Eikon data.

LPG rail shipments from Surgut via Georgia’s Poti to Bulgaria are about 50% higher than supplies to the EU via Ukraine, with the rail route from Surgut to Poti costing about $260-280 per tonne, and the ferry service between Poti and Varna $130-150 per tonne, according to traders’ estimates.

Nevertheless supplies sent via the route are still looking profitable comparing to domestic sales due to a fall in LPG prices in Russia, traders said.

 

[Plain Jane]

Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine-UN grain talks – DW – 07/12/2022

A potential Black Sea corridor to export grain from Ukraine tops the meeting agenda in Istanbul. However, the UN chief says there is "still a way to go" to clinch a deal.

www.dw.com

Turkey to host Russia, Ukraine and UN diplomats for grain talks
A potential Black Sea corridor to export grain from Ukraine tops the meeting agenda in Istanbul. However, the UN chief says there is "still a way to go" to clinch a deal.




It's harvesting season in Ukraine, but much of the grain will be stored in warehouses as exporting is difficult due to the war

Turkey will host Russian and Ukrainian delegations with UN diplomats on Wednesday to try and free up grain exports through the Black Sea.

"Military delegations from Turkey, Russia and Ukraine and a United Nations delegation will be conducting talks in Istanbul tomorrow regarding safe transfer of grain waiting in Ukrainian ports to international markets via sea route," Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.

The plans set to be discussed include having Ukrainian vessels guide grain ships around sea mines, Russia agreeing to a truce while shipments move, and Turkey inspecting ships with UN support in order to ally Russian fears of potential weapons smuggling.

Ukraine, one of the world's largest grain suppliers, has struggled to ship grain because of Russia's invasion. Kyiv also accuses Moscow of blocking, and sometimes stealing, its grain.
It usually exports 6 million to 7 million tons of grain per month. Last month, however, the "breadbasket of the world," as Ukraine is frequently referred to, shipped out only 2.2 million tons, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.

It has contributed to soaring food prices worldwide and food shortages in large parts of the developing world.

Watch video05:43
A looming crisis: Will we have enough food in future?
Negotiators to discuss Black Sea grain corridor
Turkey has played a key role in talks between Russia and Ukraine on a potential Black Sea corridor to export grain from Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials say about 23 million tons of grain are trapped, with Russia blockading Ukraine's Black Sea ports. Moscow, however, denied this and said Kyiv is free to ship grain from its ports.

Hundreds of mines were dropped in the Black Sea by both sides.
Ukraine has refused to demine the area out of fear that Russia might then stage an amphibious assault on cities

A plan proposed by the UN would see the shipments start along specific corridors, avoiding known locations of mines.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Pyotr Ilyichev told the Interfax news agency that Moscow had a list of demands.

"Our understandable conditions include the possibility to control and search the ship to avoid the contraband of weapons and Kyiv's commitment not to stage provocations," Ilyichev said.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said the issue must be, "resolved under the auspices of the UN."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "there is still a way to go" in talks to try and resume the exports.



Watch video02:11
Romania helps Ukraine ship grain
lo/fb (AFP, dpa, Reuters)

 

[Zagdid]

https://ukranews.com/en/news/868569-naftogaz-facing-technical-default

13 JULY 2022, WEDNESDAY, 11:34 109
Naftogaz facing technical default

from the article below:
The incident is how, with a salary of the head of the board of UAH 50,000, a member of the board can receive 80 times more, and a "simple" director - 40 times more than the head of the enterprise? Is this why Naftogaz, under a far-fetched pretext, refuses to publish data on the amount of salaries of board members? (don't forget 10% for the big guy)

The Naftogaz of Ukraine national joint-stock company is asking holders of some of its bonds to freeze a debt of UAH 1.5 billion for 2 years, as the Russian invasion left the company without cash.

This was reported by the online edition ZN.ua.

Naftogaz has asked its international creditors to delay payments on its debt for 2 years, saying the Russian invasion has left it cashless as many of its customers have now been unable to pay their bills.

So, Naftogaz, through the issuer of its Eurobonds, Kondor Finance plc, approached the holders of these securities worth about USD 1.5 billion with a proposal to defer coupon payments on them for 2 years, including postponing for the same period the repayment of Eurobonds-2022 for USD 335 million.

According to Interfax-Ukraine, 3 issues of Naftogaz Eurobonds are circulating on the market, all of them were placed in 2019: in July - three-year for USD 335 million at 7.375% and five-year for EUR 600 million at 7.125% (a fifth of bonds in euros bought by the EBRD), and in November - 7-year for USD 500 million with a yield of 7.625%.

The maturity date for the USD 335 million issue is July 18, 2022.

Naftogaz proposes to pay all coupons on 2022 and 2024 Eurobonds on July 19, 2024 and redeem 2022 Eurobonds on the same day. And NJSC would like to pay coupons for Eurobonds-2026 on November 8, 2024.

The offer also includes a waiver of any default that occurs as a result of such a deferred payment and compliance with certain covenants for a two-year period (from July 19, 2022 to July 19, 2024 for Eurobonds 2022 and 2024 and until November 8, 2024 year for Eurobonds-2026).

In accordance with the document, the deadline for voting on proposals expires in the afternoon on July 21, and the meeting and announcement of the results are scheduled for July 26. And if creditors agree to a debt restructuring, the company will actually enter a technical default.

Recall that earlier the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by order 554-r dated July 7, 2022, allowed Naftogaz to change credit requirements with the issuer of three issues of its Eurobonds, Kondor Finance plc, on the eve of the redemption of one of them for USD 335 million.

In 2021, it became known that members of the board of the NJSC received a total of UAH 610.1 million in 2020, which was unprofitable for the company. That happened despite the fact that the loss in that year amounted to UAH 19 billion.


In February 2022, Naftogaz reported that the former head of Naftogaz, Andrii Kobolev, took most of the UAH 599.6 million bonus for defeating Russian Gazprom in the Stockholm Arbitration, despite the fact that he did not even manage this division.

Throughout 2021, the senior management staff consisted of an average of five board members and 15 directors (2020: five board members and 12 directors). Compensation to key management personnel included salaries and additional current bonuses and amounted to UAH 911 million (UAH 672 million in 2020).

Of the indicated UAH 911 million, UAH 338 million was paid to the previous head of Naftogaz, Andrii Kobolev, who was fired in April 2021.

Thus, in 2021, UAH 573 million was paid for four members of the board (excluding the head of the board) and 15 directors. If we admit a certain gradation of wages between members of the board and directors, then the average salary of a member of the board of Naftogaz will be over UAH 4 million per month, and a director about UAH 2 million

According to the data of the Naftogaz website, the salary of the current head of the board is about UAH 50,000 per month, in particular, in April 2022, he received UAH 50,727.92. (There seem to be no contracts with the rest of the "temporary" ones, so the amounts of payments and rewards are not disclosed).

The incident is how, with a salary of the head of the board of UAH 50,000, a member of the board can receive 80 times more, and a "simple" director - 40 times more than the head of the enterprise? Is this why Naftogaz, under a far-fetched pretext, refuses to publish data on the amount of salaries of board members?

 

[Zagdid]

Serbia to delegate processing of copper mines to Iran

TEHRAN, Jul. 13 (MNA) – The Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia on Wednesday announced that her country is ready to entrust processing of its copper mines to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

en.mehrnews.com

Jul 13, 2022, 10:17 PM
Serbia to delegate processing of copper mines to Iran

TEHRAN, Jul. 13 (MNA) – The Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia on Wednesday announced that her country is ready to entrust processing of its copper mines to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Head of Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPOI) Alireza Payman-Pak, who has traveled to Belgrade at the head of a high-ranking trade and economic delegation, met and held talks with the Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic to discuss issues of mutual interests.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the way of supplying petrochemical products and oil-based derivatives as requested by Serbia.

Accordingly, the Iranian side presented its proposals which were highly welcomed by the Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy, based on which, a Working Group was instructed to carry out the additional negotiations.

The Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia, whose country has rich copper resources, announced her country's readiness to entrust the processing of copper mines to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In addition, the two sides exchanged their views on the supply of renewable energy. Considering the existence of a complete supply chain of solar energy in Iran, Iranian side announced its proposals to the Serbian officials as well.

 

[northern watch]

 

[Plain Jane]

UK: Sunak leads first round of voting to replace Johnson – DW – 07/13/2022

Six candidates, including former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, are now in the running to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader. Voting will continue next week until only two are left.

www.dw.com

UK: Rishi Sunak leads first round of voting to replace Boris Johnson
Six candidates, including former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, are now in the running to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader. Voting will continue next week until only two are left.




Sunak has won the first round of voting to choose the next Conservative leader and British prime minister

Conservative lawmakers in the British Parliament cast their first-round votes on Wednesday to pick a possible candidate to replace outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson as head of the party and thus the country's leader.

Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak leads five other candidates who made it passed the first round of voting.

Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi and former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt were eliminated from the race after they failed to reach the threshold of 30 votes in the secret ballot.
Following his elimination from the race, Hunt announced that he was backing Sunak for the position of prime minister.

"Rishi is one of the most decent straight people with the highest standards of integrity that I have ever met in British politics," Hunt was cited as saying by Sky News. "And that's why I would be proud to have him as my next prime minister."

Each round will knock out the candidates with the least support until only two are left, at which point grassroots party members will pick the final winner. In practice, some lawmakers often retract their candidacy, speeding up the process.



Watch video01:37
Candidates jostle to replace UK PM Johnson in packed race
The first vote comes after Johnson's final session of Prime Minister's Questions, in which the government refused to allow debate time for a no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition Labour party — a move some have criticized as unconstitutional.

Who are the top contenders?
Sunak, whose resignation last week came as a surprising prelude to events that eventually saw Johnson saying he would finally step down, is one of the favorites for the top job.
He scored 88 votes in Wednesday's vote, ahead of junior trade minister Penny Mordaunt with 67 votes and foreign Secretary Liz Truss with 50.

Lawmaker Tom Tugendhat, ex-Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch and Attorney General Suella Braverman also remain on the ballot.

Sunak promised to confront the difficult economic backdrop with "honesty, seriousness and determination," rather than piling the burden on future generations.

He said it was not credible to offer more spending and lower taxes, saying he was offering honesty, "not fairytales".

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll of nearly 900 party members found Mordaunt was the favo
urite, beating any of the others in a run-off.

Further rounds of voting will take place Thursday and, if needed, next week.
Johnson's successor is expected to be announced on September 5.

Johnson's fall from grace
The prime minister's resignation announcement marked a significant fall from grace after he won a landslide majority in 2019 and then finalized Brexit.

A series of scandals, however, saw the Conservatives lose ground against Labour in opinion polls. A survey by research consultancy Savanta ComRes on Monday put support for the Labour Party at 43%, compared with 28% for the Conservatives — Labour's biggest poll lead since 2013.

The largest of these scandals was the revelation that Johnson and other government ministers and staff had taken part in illegal parties while the rest of the country was under strict pandemic lockdown.




Watch video03:38
"One lie too many" brought down Johnson: DW's Birgit Maas
Johnson also became the first prime minister in modern history to be charged with a criminal offense while in office when he was fined over the lockdown parties.
He had resisted calls for his resignation for months and survived a vote of no-confidence against him within his own party before finally announcing his intention to leave office.
"I will be leaving soon with my head held high," he said in Parliament on Wednesday.
lo, ab/fb (AFP, Reuters)

 

[jward]

Italy PM Draghi says will resign later Thursday

AFP
July 14, 2022 12:55 pm

Source: Flickr




Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Thursday he will resign amid a political crisis sparked by the refusal of the Five Star Movement to participate in a government confidence vote.
“I want to announce that this evening I will hand in my resignation to the president,” Draghi told his cabinet.
He said the conditions necessary to carry on with the coalition government were “no longer there” and the “pact of trust that the government is based on has gone”.

Italy PM Draghi says will resign later Thursday - Insider Paper

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Thursday he will resign amid a political crisis sparked by the refusal of the Five Star Movement.

insiderpaper.com

 

[Plain Jane]

Two More Gone, The Prime Minister of Estonia and the Prime Minister of Italy Tender Their Resignations - The Last Refuge

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned. Days later, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated. A few days passed and both the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, resigned and fled the country. Today, with their ruling governments in a state of turmoil, Estonian...

theconservativetreehouse.com

Two More Gone, The Prime Minister of Estonia and the Prime Minister of Italy Tender Their Resignations
July 14, 2022 | sundance | 191 Comments
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned. Days later, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated. A few days passed and both the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, resigned and fled the country. Today, with their ruling governments in a state of turmoil, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have both tendered their resignations.

The collapse of each of these national leaders is not necessarily connected; however, the global political system is reverberating with tremors directly connected to the post-pandemic economic turmoil. It would be naïve not to see these governing issues as consequences. The legitimacy of the governing class is slipping; perhaps it would be fair to say, some have ‘lost’ their legitimacy altogether.

Estonia is part of the EU and a member of NATO:

HELSINKI — Estonia’s president on Thursday asked Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to form a new government after she tendered the resignation of her one-party minority Cabinet, ending a more than month-long political stalemate in the Baltic nation.

President Alar Karis said in a tweet after meeting with Kallas that “I signed the resignation request of Prime Minister @kajakallas but also asked her to form a new government which could start working quickly and deal with all important issues of Estonian life.”

Estonia’s government crisis culminated in early June as Kallas, leader of the ruling center-right Reform Party, kicked out the left-leaning Center Party from the two-party coalition. The parties had substantial differences over spending and welfare policies amid increasing Estonian household costs because of high inflation. (more)

Italy is a member of the G7, a part of the EU and a member of NATO:

ROME — Italian Premier Mario Draghi offered to step down Thursday after a populist coalition partner refused to vote for a key bill in Parliament, but the nation’s president quickly rebuffed him, leaving one of Western Europe’s main leaders at the helm for now.

The rejection of the tendered resignation left in limbo the future of Draghi’s 17-month-old government, officially known as a national unity coalition, but with its survival sorely tested by increasingly sharp divergences within the coalition.

Draghi’s broad coalition government — which includes parties from the right, the left, the center and the populist 5-Star Movement — was designed to help Italy recover from the coronavirus pandemic. (read more)

The parliamentary coalitions are fracturing. New alliances are being formed. One recent example that stunned everyone in the EU was the far-right and far-left in the French parliament joining forces to defeat the coalition government of Emmanuel Macron as he tried, and failed, to extend emergency COVID rules.

FRANCE – It was the first bill in the new legislature, and the Assemblée Nationale has already embarrassed the government. On Tuesday night, the Assemblée rejected one of the key articles in the bill on Covid-19 aimed at extending certain measures for the fight against the pandemic.
During the debate, the coalition backing President Emmanuel Macron was outvoted several times by parts of the left-wing Nouvelle Union Populaire, Ecologique et Sociale (NUPES), the right-wing Les Républicains (LR) and the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). But the government, represented by Health Minister François Braun, adopted what was left of the bill at 1:45 am, which the help LR votes and Socialist abstentions. (more)

The COVID rules in France are set to expire on July 31st. The first parliamentary goal for President Macron was to extend the COVID emergency and keep his powers. However, the legislative effort was rejected by 219 votes to 195, destroying the goals of Macron. Both populist groups joined forces to defeat the Macron coalition.

Yes, amid all of the economic damage created by western leaders and their Build Back Better efforts, the geopolitical world is having spasms as the rulers are being rejected by the ruled.
In the parliamentary systems, the voices of the angry people are rising up. Those shouts are entering the halls of government through the direct representatives closest to the people. The ruling coalitions are no longer able to hold together as the people demand change. That is the connective tissue behind these resignations and departures.

Western government leaders like Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson and Jacinda Ardern have the audacity to stand atop a two-year mountain of unilateral fiats, rules, regulations and mandates and then decry “autocracy” and threats to the “global order.” All of them have destroyed their own legitimacy by pretending to represent western democracy while carrying out two years of totalitarian power.
As the AP tried to spin it:

[…] “A poll conducted last year by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that just 16% of Americans say democracy is working well or extremely well. Another 38% said it’s working only somewhat well.

Other surveys reveal how many people in the United States now doubt the media, politicians, science and even each other.

The distrust has gone so deep that even groups that seem ideologically aligned are questioning each others’ motives and intentions. (more)

We the citizens of the ‘western democracies’ are in an abusive relationship with our own governments’. The yellow vests in France, the MAGA movement in the U.S., the Australian labor unions, the Canadian Truckers and now the Dutch farmers are the precursor tremors for seismic political shifts.

They all followed the same instructions from the World Economic Forum, and western leaders have shown absolutely no desire to pull back and listen to the people. Quite the opposite is happening.

Collectively those same leaders are charging head strong into their Build Back Better agenda, regardless of what that does to the global economy. The collective sanctions placed against Russia are being felt as increased inflation by the citizens of Europe and the United States. Their “climate change’ agenda and energy policies are creating economic turmoil and now food insecurity

Inflation pressure has built up like a pressure cooker. People are growing increasingly desperate, and now the absence of food stability will change things.
The looming shortage of food could be the pressure point that fractures the tectonic political plates.

 

[Plain Jane]

Europe wildfires: Blazes continue in Portugal, France, Spain – DW – 07/16/2022

Scorching temperatures and raging wildfires have already forced the evacuations of thousands of people in Portugal, France, and Spain. The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming week as well.

www.dw.com

Europe wildfires: Pilot dies in Portugal, blazes force evacuations in France and Spain
Scorching temperatures and raging wildfires have already forced the evacuations of thousands of people in Portugal, France, and Spain. The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming week as well.




Wildfires, like the one seen here in Sierra de Mijas mountain range in Spain, have burned thousands of hectares of land

A pilot died while battling a blaze in Portugal, as hundreds more were evacuated from Spain and France on Friday.

A scorching heatwave has set blazes across European towns, with officials issuing heatwave warnings in the coming days.

Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa tweeted about the death of the pilot, saying he was sad to learn about it and sent his "deepest condolences to family and friends."
The pilot died Friday after his water-bombing aircraft crashed while battling a blaze in a northern Portuguese town, authorities said.

Even though medical services rushed to the site of the crash around 8 p.m local time (700 p.m. UTC), he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

Portugal battles at least 17 blazes, one dead
In Portugal, five districts were on red alert as of Friday and more than 1,000 firefighters were battling at least 17 blazes, authorities said.

While temperatures dipped slightly on Friday, they're still expected to top 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in some places in the coming days, authorities said.
As of late Thursday, the fires had killed one person and injured around 60

Blazes in France, Spain
Wildfires continued to blaze in southwestern France as well, forcing hundreds to evacuate, authorities said Friday.

Firefighters battle a blaze near Landiras in southwestern France
More than 1,000 firefighters, supported by nine water-bombing aircraft, have been battling two big fires since Tuesday.

The blazes have burnt 7,300 hectares by now, with 2,000 hectares burned overnight, authorities said Thursday.

A wildfire that broke out near the southeastern town of Tarascon on Thursday and burnt at least 1,000 hectares have been brought under control, firefighters said.

The fires since Tuesday have forced the evacuation of nearly 10,000 people in France, many of them holidaymakers.

In Spain, temperatures have soared, with some places recording 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) as early as 7:00 a.m. Thursday.

Authorities said at least 20 fires were raging still, with a fire near Mijas, a town on the southeastern coast of Spain, forcing the evacuation of some 2,300 people.
A fire also broke out on Thursday near the Monfrague National Park, a protected area famous for its wildlife.

The mercury breached 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) in Spain on Thursday, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeting he was closely following the active fires and the risk they posed.

Climate change to blame
Scientists have repeatedly called attention to the rapid pace of climate change as being the reason for intense and frequent wildfires in Europe and the world.

The World Meteorological Organization on Friday warned that heatwaves could worsen air quality, especially in towns and cities.

An officer from WMO said at a press conference Friday that the "stagnant atmosphere acts as a lid to trap atmospheric pollutants" and that they resulted in "a degradation of air quality and adverse health effects, particularly for vulnerable people."

Watch video05:24

Europe's heat wave directly linked to global warming: meteorologist
rm/wd (Reuters, AP, AFP)

 

[Plain Jane]

https://www.dw.com/en/hungary-protesters-angered-by-orban-backed-tax-reforms/a-62500678Ll

Hungary: Protesters angered by Orban-backed tax reforms
At least 1,000 people took to the streets to protest against a new law that curtails tax relief for scores of small businesses. They come at a time when PM Viktor Orban is facing some of his toughest challenges yet.




Some Hungarians are frustrated with the government's economic policies amid high inflation

At least 1,000 Hungarians took to the streets Saturday night to protest against a new law that raises taxes for scores of small firms.

The protest follows a series of smaller demonstrations that have taken place across Hungary, including in the capital city, Budapest, throughout the week.

Earlier this week, protesters blocked a bridge in Budapest as parliament discussed the tax reform bill. The legislation, which was passed despite the protests, scales back a tax scheme for small businesses.

The law stands to affect self-employed people and freelancers since they relied on the tax relief scheme for nearly 20 years.

After the bill was passed, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's right-wing Fidesz party on Wednesday also curtailed a cap on utility prices for higher-usage households amid rising electricity and gas prices.

Orban's government faces economic headwinds
Orban is facing his toughest challenge yet since taking power in 2010.
Inflation is at its highest in two decades and Hungary's currency, the forint, hit record lows against the euro and the US dollar after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Hungary stands to receive billions of dollars in grants under the European Union's COVID response fund, but Brussels is yet to release those funds over concerns of democratic standards and corruption.

As one protester at Saturday's rally told Reuters news agency: "I just want to be able to live a normal life, not having to pinch pennies at the end of every month… this is really not sustainable."


Watch video02:47
Hungarians feel record-high inflation
Anti-government sentiment still low
While the protests highlight that people are angry about the current economic situation in the country, the relatively small turnout shows that anti-government sentiment is lacking even in Budapest, where the opposition alliance had the strongest showing in April's election.

Saturday's protest was called by independent conservative leader, Peter Marki-Zay, who was the first serious opposition challenger to Orban's leadership in April's election.

Orban, a nationalist prime minister, is one of Europe's longest-serving leaders. He has emerged as a vocal supporter of anti-immigration policies and an opponent of tough energy sanctions against Moscow.
rm/wd (Reuters, AFP, dpa)

 

[Zagdid]

Germany’s Top Buyer Of Russian Gas On The Brink Of Insolvency | OilPrice.com

Germany’s Uniper SE is just “days” away from insolvency, deputy chairman of Uniper’s supervisory board, Harold Seegatz, told Bloomberg on Friday.

oilprice.com

Germany’s Top Buyer Of Russian Gas On The Brink Of Insolvency
By Julianne Geiger - Jul 15, 2022, 3:30 PM CDT

Germany’s Uniper SE is just “days” away from insolvency, deputy chairman of Uniper’s supervisory board, Harold Seegatz, told Bloomberg on Friday.

Uniper is Germany’s largest purchaser of Russian natural gas, securing contracts with Gazprom. But as Gazprom cut flows of natural gas to Germany and Russia’s Nord Stream 1 pipeline undergoes maintenance, Uniper’s purchases of gas on the spot market have increased—a costlier scenario than its arrangement with Gazprom.

The high costs are creating an untenable situation for Uniper, and it is taken to withdrawing gas from storage—gas that was destined to help Germany make it through the coming winter as the country tries to wean itself off of Russian natural gas. Withdrawing gas from storage helps Uniper save on natural gas purchases, but this is merely a game of kicking the can into an inevitable insolvency oblivion.


“We are currently reducing our own gas volumes in our storage facilities in order to supply our customers with gas and to secure Uniper’s liquidity,” Uniper said, adding that it was clear “that Uniper cannot wait weeks, but needs help in a few days.”

Uniper is already negotiating with the German government a possible bailout that could give Germany a stake in the utility.

Uniper’s CEO Klaus-Dieter Maubach warned last Friday that the utility was unable to continue to refill storage ahead of winter, and could ultimately be forced to raise prices and even reduce supply.

Germany has a plan to fill its gas storage by 90% ahead of the winter season, with a deadline to achieve this set for November. But early withdrawals during summer—a relatively tame demand season for natural gas—this plan is now in serious jeopardy, and Germany could stare down winter heating season with precious little inventory.

 

[Plain Jane]

Experts comb cargo plane crash site in north Greece; 8 dead

Experts are investigating the site of a cargo plane crash in northern Greece that has killed eight crew members.

apnews.com

https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-greece-jordan-amman-8a154e9fea49ae032cdda2c84d1c529b#

Experts comb cargo plane crash site in north Greece; 8 dead
By COSTAS KANTOURIS, DEMETRIS NELLAS and JOVANA GECyesterday



1 of 14
This drone photo shows the site where the AN-12 cargo plane crashed, in Palaiochori village near the town of Kavala, in northern Greece, Sunday, July 17, 2022. Experts are poised to investigate the site of a plane crash in northern Greece to determine whether any dangerous chemicals or explosive cargo remains. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

PALAIOCHORI, Greece (AP) — Experts investigated a cargo plane crash in northern Greece on Sunday, finding no evidence of dangerous substances but saying there’s a lot of ordnance that the plane was carrying spread around the crash site. Serbia’s defense minister confirmed that all eight crew members died in the crash.

The An-12 cargo plane from Serbia was being flown by a Ukrainian aviation crew befor
e it smashed into fields between two Greek villages late Saturday. The plane crashed shortly before 11 p.m. about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Kavala International Airport.

Minutes before, the pilot had told air traffic controllers he had a problem with one engine and he had to make an emergency landing, officials said. He was directed to Kavala Airport but never made it there.

The fuselage of the Soviet-era four-engine turboprop dragged on the ground for 170 meters (nearly 190 yards) before it disintegrated. Locals reported seeing a fireball and hearing explosions for two hours after the crash. Drone footage showed that small fragments were all that is left of the plane.



Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic told a news conference Sunday that the plane’s eight crew members were dead. He said the plane was carrying 11.5 tons of Serbian-made mortar ammunition to Bangladesh, which was the buyer. It had taken off from the Serbian city of Nis and had been due to make a stopover in Amman, Jordan.

“These were illuminating mortar mines and training (mines). ... This flight had all necessary permissions in accordance with international regulations,” Stefanovic said.

The plane was operated by Ukrainian cargo carrier Meridian. The Ukrainian consul in Thessaloniki, who arrived at the crash site, told local officials that the crew were all Ukrainian.

The Greek army’s Special Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Unit cleared two paths Sunday for Fire Service forensics experts to move in before leaving. By sunset, that second team had retrieved all the bodies, the commander of the army’s Landmine Field Clearing Battalion told reporters.

Explosives disposal experts were also working at the site. It is only when the
ir work is done that Civil Aviation Authority experts will try to retrieve the plane’s black boxes.
The fire service and police created an extended security perimeter because of the

widespread ordnance. Nearby dirt roads were closed to vehicles. Firefighters who rushed to the scene Saturday night were prevented from reaching the crash site by smoke and an intense smell that they feared might be toxic.

Residents were allowed to leave their homes Sunday after being told to stay inside and keep their windows closed Saturday night. But officials told locals their fields may not be safe to work in because of the likely presence of explosives.
___
Nellas reported from Athens, Greece, and Gec from Belgrade, Serbia.

 

[Plain Jane]

EU begins bloc talks with Albania, N. Macedonia – DW – 07/19/2022

The European Union has reignited membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia despite geopolitical uncertainty in the region. This marks a historic moment for the Western Balkans.

www.dw.com

EU launches membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
The European Union has reignited membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia despite geopolitical uncertainty in the region. This marks a historic moment for the Western Balkans.




The negotiations will cover 35 different chapters ranging from environmental rights to measures against corruption
North Macedonia and Albania opened accession talks with the European Union on Tuesday after years of setbacks and letdowns.
Any expansion of the world's largest trade bloc is likely to take years, and both countries have already been considered potential candidates for 19 years.
What caused the delay?
The delay was partly due to a long-running dispute between Bulgaria and North Macedonia which had served as an effective roadblock to kickstart talks for EU membership.
At the weekend, North Macedonia agreed to change its constitution to protect the Bulgarian minority in the country, allowing for membership talks to be reignited.

Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of North Macedonia, Albania and the Czech Republic meet in Brussels

What happens next?
The negotiations are set to be drawn out, as 35 different chapters ranging from environmental rights to measures against corruption will need to be agreed upon.
The official process was started by a presentation on the negotiation framework and will be followed by the EU head office screening how well both of the Western Balkan nations are prepared to take on laws, rules and regulations of the union.

A historic moment for the Western Balkan nations

"Today, Albania and North Macedonia open accession negotiations with the EU. This historic moment is your success. The result of your hard work," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Von der Leyen, warmly congratulated Prime Ministers Dimitar Kovacevski of Macedonia and Edi Rama of Albania.

"This is what your citizens have been waiting for for so long and have been working for so hard, and this is what they deserve," von der Leyen said.

Why is this happening now?
The negotiations come at a critical time for the EU, as officials reached out to war-torn Ukraine to offer it potential membership despite stalling the inclusion of the Western Balkan nations for nearly two decades.

However, a growing nationalist movement in North Macedonia could threaten to upend the process, as anti-European voices gain traction and fuel the flames of unrest in much of the Balkan region.
los/aw (AFP, Reuters, dpa)

 

[Plain Jane]

Hungary: Lawmakers back anti-EU Parliament bill – DW – 07/19/2022

Hungary's far-right ruling party has proposed weakening the European Parliament and the EU's political integration. The passed resolution said democracy in the bloc was at a "dead end."

www.dw.com

Hungary: Lawmakers back anti-European Parliament bill
Hungary's far-right ruling party has proposed weakening the European Parliament and the EU's political integration. The passed resolution said democracy in the bloc was at a "dead end."




Prime Minister Orban is a vocal opponent of the EU

The lawmakers from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's far-right Fidesz party voted on Tuesday to pass a resolution calling for a redesign of the European Parliament and the removal of the goal of an "ever closer union" in the EU's treaties.

The Hungarian proposal would see the national parliaments of member states given the option of vetoing any legislation at the EU level, as well as allowing them to initiate legislative procedures.

It would also abolish the election of lawmakers in the European Parliament by EU citizens and instead see them appointed by the heads of state.

"European democracy must be led out of the dead end into which the European Parliament has steered it,'' the resolution reads. "The European Union must change, because it is unprepared for the challenges of our times."

Hungary in need of EU financial support
The EU is currently withholding recovery funds and credit from Hungary as the nationalist government fails to abide by EU standards on the rule of law and anti-corruption measures.
Hungary's floundering economy and skyrocketing inflation paired with a weak currency against the euro have pushed Budapest to seek a more conciliatory approach with Brussels in recent weeks in the hopes of getting hold of the much-needed financial support.

Tuesday's resolution, however, will likely only further antagonize the EU officials who could make a decision on the recovery funds.


Watch video02:47
Hungarians feel record-high inflation
Orban has frequently called Hungary an "illiberal democracy." His party recently won another election, but critics say that the chances for other parties have become impossible amid a crackdown on independent media.

Orban claims to be protecting European Christian values against the threat posed by the supposed cosmopolitan elite in Brussels. He has also not shied away from using antisemitic tropes, directed at Jewish Hungarian Holocaust survivor, financier and philanthropist George Soros, in his election campaigns.

The Hungarian proposal also called for "Christian roots and culture" to be codified as the basis of EU integration.
ab/nm (AP, dpa)

 

[Plain Jane]

Hundreds flee as fire engulfs Athens suburbs – DW – 07/20/2022

Thick brown plumes of smoke covered the horizon as a wildfire burned in mountainside suburbs outside the Greek capital for a second day. Meanwhile, Spain's prime minister said more than 500 have died amid intense heat.

www.dw.com

Greece: Hundreds evacuated as fire engulfs Athens suburbs
Thick brown plumes of smoke covered the horizon as a wildfire burns in mountainside suburbs outside the Greek capital for a second day.




Flames threaten a neighborhood near Penteli mountain outside Athens

Hundreds of people have been evacuated Wednesday as a wildfire threatened mountainside suburbs northeast of the Greek capital, Athens.

Firefighters battled through the night into Wednesday to contain the fire, but strong winds, dry conditions, and high temperatures were making it difficult, according to firefighting services.

The Fire Service said 15 planes and nine helicopters were involved in the firefighting effort on Mount Penteli, located to the northeast of downtown Athens.

Nearly 500 firefighters and 120 vehicles were trying to stop the flames from spreading to the suburbs of Penteli, Pallini, Anthousa and Gerakas, which is home to some 29,000 people.
State-owned public broadcaster ERT reported that three firefighters and nine residents suffered mild injuries and were taken to the hospital with breathing difficulties.

A woman covers her face as a wildfire burns in Pallini, near Athens, Greece
Police had moved some 600 people to safety overnight.

"It was insane, we did not know where to flee," an elderly resident of Anthousa, a town outside of Athens, told ERT.
"Embers were falling from the sky, I've never seen anything like it," he said.

Smoke and flames climb up a hill in an Athens suburb on Wednesday

Greece has so far been spared the scorching temperatures that have contributed to deadly wildfires in France, Portugal and Spain. However, heavy wind remains a problem in spreading fires.

The sky behind the Acropolis in Athens was blanketed in smoke on Tuesday

Wildfires across Western Europe
Firefighters battling twin fires in the Gironde region in southwest France said the blazes were being brought under control thanks to cooler weather but had not been stopped completely.

"Our assessment is generally positive. The situation improved overnight," local fire service spokesman Arnaud Mendousse said.

In Italy, 500 residents in the Tuscan community of Massarosa were brought to safety as firefighters continued to battle a large wildfire.

The London Fire Brigade had its busiest day since World War II on Tuesday as firefighters received more than 2,600 calls and at one point were fighting 12 fires simultaneously, Mayor Sadiq Khan said.

At least 41 properties were destroyed.

Despite lower temperatures, the fire danger remains high because hot, dry weather has parched grassland around the city, Khan said.







Watch video01:58
Heat brings the UK to a halt, sparks fires near London
lo/wmr (AFP, AP, dpa)

See this thread also:

WEATHER - Crazy heat in Europe -- 360 die in Spain

Scary for them. It's 78 where I am in NY. I'll see what else I can find.

www.timebomb2000.com

 

[Zoner]

This is big news for me. The EU represented by the World Economic Council and Klaus Schwab has entered into an agreement with the UN to accelerate Agenda 2030.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1549123326244798466

View: https://twitter.com/CaelorumAngelus/status/1549123326244798466?s=20&t=OzjPTREBxbX-_DXPIsfc2w

And here is what Klaus Schwab believes

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1549614570154520577

View: https://twitter.com/cryptowala65/status/1549614570154520577?s=20&t=rHQmcnYdx2hmBJm0cwwvEA

 

[Plain Jane]

Italy's parliament dissolved after Draghi quits – DW – 07/21/2022

President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved Italy's parliament. The move comes after several key parties refused to form a coalition with Prime Minister Mario Draghi, prompting his resignation.

www.dw.com

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigns after governing coalition unravels
Although Draghi remains popular with the Italian public, several key parties have refused to form a coalition together behind his leadership. Italian President Sergio Mattarella is now expected to call early elections.




Draghi is seen as a centrist, technocratic leader

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi tendered his resignation on Thursday while meeting with President Sergio Mattarella, as efforts to save Italy's unity government faltered following a failed confidence vote in the Senate.

He announced his intention to resign earlier in the day during an address to Italian Parliament. Mattarella accepted the resignation.

What is expected now?
Mattarella is now expected to announce new elections, which will likely take place in the fall. Mattarella asked Draghi to stay on for now as the head of a caretaker government.

"A major talking point in the electoral campaign will be migration, with the far-right parties all together at 40% of the vote in the polls right now," Milan-based journalist Alessio Perrone told DW. "Russia will feature prominently in the campaign too."

Mattarella will meet with the speakers of both houses of Parliament later on Thursday following Draghi's resignation.

Draghi had also attempted to resign last week, after the populist 5-Star Movement refused to support him in a confidence vote. Mattarella refused his resignation, however, with Draghi attempting to form a broad unity government one last time.

On Wednesday, Draghi said he was willing to stay on during remarks to the Italian Senate. He appealed to 5-Star and other parties to get behind him in a "new pact," citing challenges such as the war in Ukraine and inflation.

The 5-Star Movement were the largest vote-getters in the 2018 election. Draghi would have been able to form a government without their participation, but he has vowed to govern the widest possible coalition.

The 5-Star Movement has called on Draghi to adopt its platform on issues such as tax credits and the minimum wage. The party said after Draghi's address on Wednesday that they were not satisfied with his appeals to stay in the coalition.

At the same time, the right-wing League and Forza Italia parties ruled out a governing coalition with 5-Star, further complicating efforts to rebuild a government.

Draghi seen as stable leader by Italian public
Draghi remains a popular leader with much of the Italian public. Following his first resignation last week, political and business leaders, doctors' associations and ordinary Italian citizens urged Draghi to stay on for the sake of stability.

Draghi first became Italy's prime minister in February 2021, and navigated the country through the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, he was the head of the European Central Bank from 2011 to 2019, during which he dealt with the eurozone crisis.
wd/wmr (Reuters, AFP, dpa)

 

[Zoner]

New world order announced at World Government Summit | Frontline News

'We're on the brink of a dramatic change'

americasfrontlinenews.com

The “new world order” was outlined and presented at the World Government Summit 2022 in Dubai.

The conference, which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, had over 4,000 participants, including global officials, advisors, experts and industry leaders. The participants included United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, among many others. The event included a discussion panel titled, “Are we ready for a new world order?” The panelists were Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Frederick Kempe, Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Council, Dr George Friedman, Founder and Chairman of Geopolitical Futures, and Dr. Pippa Malmgren, an economist, author and advisor to former US President George W. Bush.

Malmgren was very upfront about the agenda of global governments to make the entire financial system digital, which would allow more tracking and control of citizens. “What underpins a world order is always the financial system,” said Malmgren. She said she was privileged that her father advised former US President Richard Nixon, who took the USA off the gold standard in 1971, because that showed “how important a financial structure is to absolutely everything else.”

“And what we’re seeing in the world today, I think is we’re on the brink of a dramatic change, where we’re about to – and I’ll say this boldly – we're about to abandon the traditional system of money and accounting, and introduce a new one,” Malmgren said, smiling.

She went on to explain that the new financial system would be digital. “And the new one, the new accounting, is what we call ‘blockchain’. It means digital, it means having an almost perfect record of every single transaction that happens in the economy, which will give us far greater clarity over what’s going on.”

Malmgren acknowledged that there would need to be a “balance of power between governments and citizens,” which is why she believes there would need to be a “digital constitution”. But Malmgren then continued to say that this digital blockchain financial system is the property of the world’s most powerful governments.

“This new money will be sovereign in nature,” she said. “Most people think that digital money is crypto and private. But what I see are superpowers introducing digital currency. The Chinese were the first. The US is on the brink, I think, of moving in the same direction and the Europeans have committed to that as well.”

Frontline News reported earlier this month how central bank digital currency (CBDC), which is money given to citizens directly by their governments so that transactions can be monitored and controlled, is an essential component to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) agenda.

The WEF, who named Malmgren as a Global Leader for Tomorrow in 2000, has already defined a new world order that is based on “digital IDs, digital payments and digital governance".

While Joe Biden did indeed call for a “new world order” earlier this month, and while central banks like the Federal Reserve are pushing for CBDC, the global agenda has never been outlined quite so clearly and honesty as it has now.

 

[northern watch]

From my email inbox

 

[Plain Jane]

Italy's parliament dissolved after Draghi quits – DW – 07/21/2022

President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved Italy's parliament. The move comes after several key parties refused to form a coalition with Prime Minister Mario Draghi, prompting his resignation.

www.dw.com

Italian president dissolves parliament after PM Draghi's resignation
President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved Italy's parliament. The move comes after several key parties refused to form a coalition with Prime Minister Mario Draghi, prompting his resignation.




Draghi is seen as a centrist, technocratic leader

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has signed a decree dissolving the country's parliament. This now paves the way for fresh elections to be held.

"The dissolution of the parliamentary chamber is always the last choice," Mattarella said, noting the political circumstances that led to the move.

Earlier on Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi tendered his resignation while meeting with Mattarella, as efforts to save Italy's unity government faltered following a failed confidence vote in the Senate.

He announced his intention to resign during an address to Italian Parliament. Mattarella accepted the resignation.

What is expected now?
Mattarella is now expected to announce new elections, which will likely take place in the fall. The president said that elections must be held within 70 days.

"The period we are going through does not allow for any pause in the (government) action which is needed to counter the economic and social crisis, and rising inflation," the president said in a short address.

State broadcaster RAI said that national elections will be held on September 25.
Mattarella had asked Draghi to stay on for now as the head of a caretaker government.

Draghi thanked the Italian president for his trust. "We must be very proud of the work we have done on behalf of the president of the republic in the service of all citizens," he said and called on lawmakers to continue working with purpose in the weeks that follow.

"A major talking point in the electoral campaign will be migration, with the far-right parties all together at 40% of the vote in the polls right now," Milan-based journalist Alessio Perrone told DW. "Russia will feature prominently in the campaign, too."

The government collapse caused a selloff in Italy's financial markets.

What led us here?
Draghi had attempted to resign last week, after the populist 5-Star Movement refused to support him in a confidence vote. Mattarella refused his resignation, however, with Draghi attempting to form a broad unity government one last time.

On Wednesday, Draghi said he was willing to stay on during remarks to the Italian Senate. He appealed to 5-Star and other parties to get behind him in a "new pact," citing challenges such as the war in Ukraine and inflation.

The 5-Star Movement were the largest vote-earners in the 2018 election. Draghi would have been able to form a government without their participation, but he had vowed to govern the widest possible coalition.

The 5-Star Movement has called on Draghi to adopt its platform on issues such as tax credits and the minimum wage. The party said after Draghi's address on Wednesday that they were not satisfied with his appeals to stay in the coalition.

At the same time, the right-wing League and Forza Italia parties ruled out a governing coalition with 5-Star, further complicating efforts to rebuild a government.

Draghi seen as stable leader by Italian public
Draghi remains a popular leader with much of the Italian public. Following his first resignation last week, political and business leaders, doctors' associations and ordinary Italian citizens urged Draghi to stay on for the sake of stability.

Draghi first became Italy's prime minister in February 2021, and navigated the country through the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, he was the head of the European Central Bank from 2011 to 2019, during which he dealt with the eurozone crisis.
kb,wd/wmr (Reuters, AFP, dpa)

 

[Zagdid]

Europe's surging electricity prices are shattering records

In Germany, France and Italy, July is on track to be the highest-priced month ever for spot prices.

www.axios.com

5 hours ago - Economy & Business
Europe's surging electricity prices are shattering records

• Kate Marino

Electricity prices in Europe are headed to record-breaking territory — and government bailouts are getting underway to save the energy market.

Driving the news: In Germany, France and Italy, July is on track to be the highest-priced month ever for spot prices, according to Rystad Energy.

The big picture: A perfect storm of soaring natural gas prices triggered by Russian supply issues, high coal prices, low wind speeds and scorching weather is driving the price moves, the research firm wrote in a recent note.

State of play: Some of Europe's electric utilities — faced with passing on the higher cost to customers or taking losses themselves — are failing.

• Germany’s Uniper SE Friday agreed to a bailout deal in which the government will take a 30% stake in exchange for €15 billion.
• Électricité de France agreed to a full takeover by the French government, which will inject €10 billion.

What to watch: Bloomberg’s Javier Blas estimates the bailouts have only just begun — and may ultimately cost European taxpayers $200 billion. And that's being conservative, he adds.

 

[Plain Jane]

US says strike on Odesa 'casts doubt' on Russian credibility – DW – 07/23/2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington strongly condemns Russia's missile attack on Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa. DW rounds up the latest.

www.dw.com

Russia-Ukraine updates: Russian missiles hit Odesa in blow to grain deal
Ukraine's military says Russia has struck the Black Sea port of Odesa, hours after the two warring parties signed a pact to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian grain exports. DW rounds up the latest.




Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa is critical to the country's grain exports

Russian missiles hit infrastructure in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Saturday, the Ukrainian military said, dealing a blow to a deal signed on Friday to unblock grain exports.
"The enemy attacked the Odesa sea trade port with Kalibr cruise missiles," Ukraine's Operational Command South wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Two missiles hit infrastructure at the port, while another two were shot down by air defense forces, it said
Hours earlier, Moscow and Kyiv signed a landmark United Nations-brokered deal seen as crucial to reining in global food prices and would allow certain exports to be shipped from Black Sea ports, including the hub of Odesa.

Russian troops blocked millions of tons of grain from leaving Ukrainian ports for export shortly after the invasion began in February.

US Ambassador to Kyiv Bridget Brink described Saturday's attack as "outrageous," and said Russia must be held to account.

Ukraine's foreign ministry called on the UN and Turkey, which mediated Friday's deal, to ensure that Russia fulfills its commitments and allows free passage in the grain corridor.
"It took less than 24 hours for Russia to launch a missile attack on Odesa's port, breaking its promises and undermining its commitments before the UN and Turkey under the Istanbul agreement,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said. "In case of non-fulfillment, Russia will bear full

responsibility for a global food crisis."
Here are the other main headlines from the war in Ukraine on July 23.

HRW: Russian soldiers torturing Ukrainians in occupied south
Russia's armed forces are torturing prisoners of war and civilians in southern Ukraine, Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged Saturday.

The rights group said it carried out interviews with dozens of people in the occupied regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, revealing 42 cases where Russian forces had either made civilians disappear or otherwise arbitrarily detained them.

Some had not had any contact with the outside world and many had been tortured.
HRW also documented the torture of three members of Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces who were POWs. Two of them died.

The non-profit agency said the purpose of the abuse seemed to be to obtain information and to instill fear so that people would accept the Russian occupation.

"Russian forces have turned occupied areas of southern Ukraine into an abyss of fear and wild lawlessness," said Yulia Gorbunova, senior Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch.

White House announces fresh military package for Ukraine
The United States has signed off on another $270 million (€264 million) in military aid to Ukraine.

The aid includes four new M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, taking to 20 the number of Himars delivered to Kyiv.

Ukraine has called the Himars, which can precisely strike targets within 80 kilometers (50 miles), a game-changer in countering Russia.

The Pentagon said Ukraine would also receive up to 580 Phoenix Ghosts — small and highly portable drones that detonate on their targets.

The latest aid also includes 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and four Command Post Vehicles, armored posts that can function as operations centers on the battlefield.
More than half of the aid comes from a $40 billion package for Ukraine approved by Congress in May.

"Thank you President Biden for the new defense aid package for Ukraine. Critically important, powerful arms will save our soldiers' lives, speed up the liberation of our land from the Russian aggressor. I appreciate the strategic friendship between our nations. Together to victory!" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted on Saturday.

Zelenskyy hails UN-brokered grain export deal
President Zelenskyy also expressed satisfaction with the deal signed with Russia allowing for the export of millions of tons of grain from his country's Black Sea ports.

Russian forces blockaded Ukrainian ports during the first stage of February's invasion, sparking soaring prices and food shortages in many parts of the world.

The agreement means grain exports can start flowing again, alongside security checks on ships.

The document signed in Istanbul on Friday was "fully in line with Ukraine's interests," Zelenskyy said in his Friday night video address.

"Now we can not only resume the work of our Black Sea ports, but also maintain the necessary protection for them," he added.

The deal, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, was also welcomed by the African Union regional bloc, as it will address looming hunger on the world's poorest continent.



Watch video01:47
Ukraine, Russia sign deal to restart grain exports

Lithuania lifts ban on Kaliningrad rail transit
Lithuania has lifted a ban on the rail transport of sanctioned goods in and out of Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad, according to the RIA news agency.

Last week, the European Union said that the transit ban only affected road transit.
The Kaliningrad region borders Poland and Lithuania and relies on the import of goods from the rest of Russia through EU territory.

Lithuania stopped Russia from sending sanctioned goods via rail to Kaliningrad in June.

Zelensky adviser:1,000 Russian troops encircled in Kherson region
More than 1,000 Russian soldiers have been surrounded by Ukrainian forces in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Oleksiy Arestovych said the Russians had been caught in a "tactical encirclement" not far from the village of Vysokopillya after an unsuccessful attempt to break through Ukrainian lines.

Ukraine's army recently launched several counteroffensives in the Kherson region, which has been largely under Moscow's control since the invasion began in February.

In its latest update, British military intelligence said the Russian forces' supply lines west of the Dnipro river in the Kherson region are increasingly at risk.

German-Polish tank plan not going as planned
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has admitted that a circular swap plan for indirect arms deliveries to Ukraine is not working as planned.

However, she rejected the sharp criticism from the Polish government, which accused Germany of deception

The proposed deal involved Poland sending Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine, while Poland would receive newer replacements from Germany or other allies. This would allow Ukraine to quickly obtain heavy military equipment that they were used to operating without extensive training on new technology.

But Warsaw accused Berlin of offering older tanks to replace those Poland was sending to Ukraine.

Baerbock hit back, telling an event for Bild newspaper that there was no deception. She admitted that the plan was "unsatisfactory for both sides," but seemed to be "the best and quickest way [of helping Ukraine] at the time."
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mm/jcg (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)