Gas withdrawal from UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 504 mcm on December 16, according to GIE

«I was offered $100,000 and a European passport,» he said

It is indicated that the trip to Moscow will be aimed at gathering information, and not for the implementation of any specific political goal

Cohesion policy plays a crucial role in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion among the EU Member States' regions. Despite efforts to reduce regional inequalities, challenges persist. This study identifies three main challenges in addressing regional inequalities. First, there is a lack of coordination and coherence between cohesion policy and other policies. Second, positive impacts of cohesion policy are not distributed evenly across regions. Third, the growing number of instruments leads to increased administrative complexity. A coordinated policy approach could be more effective in tackling regional inequalities. This is explored through four policy scenarios and an assessment of their impacts. Finally, the study investigates the cost of non-Europe, that is, the impact of taking no further action at EU level to reduce regional inequalities. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Ever since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became applicable in May 2018, the European Parliament and civil society organisations have been flagging up deficits in its enforcement, and pushing for better implementation. To address the situation, in July 2023 the European Commission tabled a proposal aimed at improving GDPR enforcement. The proposal seeks to support the smooth functioning and timely completion of enforcement procedures in cross-border cases. To this end, the Commission suggests harmonising parties' procedural rights, streamlining and frontloading cooperation among supervisory authorities, and detailing the GDPR's dispute resolution mechanism. Views on the Commission proposal diverge. Digital rights organisations advocate for enhanced complainant rights, an equal say for the lead supervisory authority and the supervisory authorities concerned (CSAs) on the substance of enforcement decisions, a stronger role for the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), new mechanisms to facilitate cross-country enforcement, and stricter deadlines. Industry and allied organisations favour increased transparency for the parties under investigation, a stronger role for the lead supervisory authority and lesser roles for the supervisory authorities concerned and the EDPB. Parliament adopted its first-reading position during its plenary session of 10 April 2024. It insisted on strengthening the role of complainants, CSAs and the EDPB. The Council followed with its position on 18 June 2024, largely going in the same direction as Parliament, but using different regulatory approaches and staying closer to the Commission proposal. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Although some ye olde cold cures suggest boiling an owls head or smearing goat excrement to your forehead to relieve a headache - there are some that might actually work.

Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Umang Singhar led a protest against the BJP government, highlighting rising unemployment and unfulfilled promises. Singhar accused the BJP of failing to create jobs and pushing the state into a financial crisis, while the BJP dismissed the protest as a political stunt.

NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal urged supporters to protest civilly against his exclusion from the Maharashtra cabinet. Bhujbal claimed Chief Minister Fadnavis supported his inclusion, but Deputy CM Ajit Pawar blocked it. OBC groups protested the decision, while NCP state president Sunil Tatkare assured resolution and cited Pawar's illness for his absence from legislative proceedings.

Union Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sparked a political clash in Parliament. Congress protested, leading to adjournments. The BJP defended Shah, accusing Congress of misusing Ambedkar's name and highlighting their past actions against him. Congress demanded Shah's resignation, citing his remarks as disrespectful to Ambedkar and the Constitution.

Spider-Man star Tom Holland is spending Christmas with Zendaya and her family - but intends to unite both their loved ones for a joint festive bash next year.

EXCLUSIVE: Derek Hadfield, 76, was 'left for dead' his keys were stolen and he was run over by his own vehicle, leaving him with a broken shoulder.

Malawian musician and philanthropist Wendy Harawa has made headlines after being honored at the prestigious African Achievements Awards in Seattle, USA. This accolade celebrates her remarkable contributions to the arts and her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community. Upon receiving the award, Harawa described the recognition as a milestone moment in her career, dedicating it […] The post Wendy Harawa Shines at African Achievements Awards in the USA appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Alexey Labetsky pointed out that in the outgoing year political contacts between the countries developed very dynamically both at the bilateral level and in the formats of the G20 and BRICS

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza

According to the security services, Ukraine has been losing dozens of servicemen in this area every day for the past two weeks

In addition, according to the security forces, the Ukrainian military is also transferring equipment and weapons to this section of the line of engagement

Trump backed the Heisman Trophy winner’s failed 2022 Senate campaign in Georgia, which was plagued by scandals.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israeli forces will remain within the newly seized Syrian territory indefinitely Read Full Article at RT.com

The flight was terminated «after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult»

In his opinion, the core reason behind the conflict needs to be addressed in order to resolve it

«On-duty air defenses shot down four Ukrainian UAVs: two over the Belgorod Region, one over the Bryansk Region and one over the Kursk Region,» the ministry said

The Russian government approved the list of unfriendly countries in March 2022

«While it's uncertain whether or not the President-elect will directly address this incident, he has been clear in his recent comments on ATACMS strikes inside Russia that he opposes actions that may lead to a heightening of tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the run-up to potential peace talks,» the analyst said

China and India are preparing for high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral relations. The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will focus on border issues, including finding a resolution to the boundary question. This follows recent disengagement agreements and patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a prolonged standoff.

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan addressed key national issues during his final live press conference of the year on Tuesday, with a focus on the Montagne Posee Prison riot, the Assumption Island Hotel project, the recent return of two Seychellois hostages from Iran, and investigations into gas-related incidents earlier this year. Montagne Posee Prison riot The president discussed the prison riot that took place on December 6 and 7 at the Montagne Posee Prison, which escalated following the isolation of an inmate convicted of drug importation, after they demanded his release. President Ramkalawan emphasised that the disturbances began with the prisoners themselves, rejecting any notion that inmates could dictate operational decisions within the prison. He highlighted that the priority during the incident was ensuring the safety of four prison officers who had been taken hostage and were later released. Ramkalawan explained that the Seychelles Police, supported by the military as allowed under the Constitution, led the operation to restore order. He acknowledged that force had been used and noted that investigations were ongoing to determine whether any excessive force had occurred. As per procedure, the deaths during the incident have triggered automatic investigations, including one first by the police, followed by the joint investigation by the Ombudsman, and the Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC). He underscored long-standing systemic issues within the prison, including corruption and collusion between inmates and prison guards, which have allowed prohibited items such as mobile phones, drugs, and even Wi-Fi access into the facility. Ramkalawan stated that the prison was not purpose-built for its current function and lacks the infrastructure necessary for proper supervision and control. Corruption, he added, extends to various sectors, including the prison staff, further complicating the situation. “At a certain point in time, the Montagne Posee Prison will need to be redesigned and rebuilt… The maximum-security prison at Bon Espoir will be ready around February. The remand centre will be ready this week… So we can ensure that the ringleaders can go to the maximum-security prison,” said Ramkalawan. Ramkalawan stressed that with new leadership under Prison Commissioner Janet Georges, the prison system would be restructured to reassert control, ensuring that it functions as a secure correctional facility rather than being influenced by inmates. The President also acknowledged challenges in human resources within the prison system, noting issues involving both local and foreign staff, some of whom have been compromised. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing these systemic challenges and restoring order within the prison. Assumption Island Hotel Project President Ramkalawan addressed growing concerns surrounding the proposed Qatari luxury hotel project on Assumption Island, located 39.4 km from the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which manages Aldabra, has called on the government to scale down the project. Notably, SIF chairman Bernard Georges, who is also the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, expressed the SIF’s and personal concerns, and a global petition led by the Friends of Aldabra group has gained significant attention, including support from international figures such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Responding to questions on these developments, Ramkalawan reaffirmed Seychelles' sovereignty, stating that the international community does not financially support Aldabra and emphasising that its preservation relies on SIF funds from the Vallee de Mai, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Fond Ferdinand forests on Praslin Island. He commended the efforts of SIF for their work while dismissing external pressures, asserting that decisions about Seychelles' natural heritage are for the nation to make. Ramkalawan addressed confusion surrounding the project, contrasting the current plans with previous proposals under the former Parti Lepep government, which had intended to establish an Indian military base on Assumption Island. He asserted that the former plan, including a larger airport strip and infrastructure for 1,000 Indian personnel, posed a far greater threat to Aldabra’s ecosystem. He pointed out that he halted this development. “I put a stop to that... I said that no foreign base would be made on Seychelles soil... Stop hypocrisy!” the President exclaimed. Indeed, when his party, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), had obtained the majority in parliament for the first time in 2016, while he was the Leader of the Opposition, they refused to approve the government’s Indian base plan. Regarding his role as SIF patron and Bernard Georges’ stance, Ramkalawan acknowledged Georges’ concerns while highlighting that biodiversity conservation recommendations would be made by SIF scientists. He commented on the strict conservation measures being proposed by SIF, such as removal of all rats, joking that Assumption Island might end up in a better ecological state than Aldabra itself. He reminded the public of Assumption’s history of exploitation, particularly through guano exports, and underscored the government’s commitment to protecting both Assumption and Aldabra, with conservation remaining a top priority. Return of Seychellois hostages President Ramkalawan confirmed the safe return of two Seychellois men who had been held in Iran since 2018 as guarantees in a drug trafficking case. He revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Trafficking in Persons Department had been monitoring the situation closely. The men reportedly endured torture and beatings during their captivity, evidence of which surfaced in videos. Ramkalawan stated that the Seychelles’ government, namely its Foreign Affairs and the Trafficking in Persons departments, had worked on a joint plan with Iran to secure the men’s release. Initially, Seychelles was expected to send two individuals to Iran as part of the arrangement, but the hostages were unexpectedly sent home by the Iranian authorities before this could occur. He confirmed that the men are not being held in police detention as suspects but are under protective care due to the severe trauma they experienced. He stressed that they are victims in this situation and will undergo questioning as part of efforts to identify and take action against those responsible for their ordeal. It is not known exactly how many Seychellois are still abroad as drug-trafficking-related hostages or are dead in Iran, as not all have been reported missing by their families. Gas incidents investigation President Ramkalawan provided an update on the series of unidentified gas incidents that occurred in April this year on Mahe Island, leading to the temporary closure of several schools, as well as the Supreme Court, Magistrates' Court, and the National Assembly. The gas caused difficulty in breathing and widespread panic. He explained that while the investigation was ongoing, authorities believe the incidents were not organised by a group but rather carried out by certain individuals or possibly one individual acting alone as part of a singular plan. Ramkalawan indicated that the substance used is suspected to be a particularly strong type of pepper spray. He assured the public that the investigation is continuing in order to identify and apprehend those responsible for the incidents.

Luke Puto almost gave up on his love of sports. After losing friends in the 2018 Humboldt bus crash, he realized it is never too late to follow a dream.

Two officers with the Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) have been arrested and charged with sexual assault after an investigation by Vancouver police, the VPD said Tuesday at a news conference.

The federal government is promising a suite of measures to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and strengthen 24/7 surveillance of the Canada-U.S. border — including outfitting the RCMP with helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers and creating a new «strike force.»