News from: BBC, DW & France24
- Covid-19: France begins 6pm curfewon 2021-01-16 at 22:37
Prime Minister Jean Castex said the measures would be in place for at least 15 days.
- Thousands in France stage fresh protests against law that would restrict filming of policeby NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-16 at 21:34
Tens of thousands of protesters marched across France Saturday to denounce a security bill critics say would restrict the filming of police and posting images to social media, notably to document cases of police brutality.
- Germany sends Alexei Navalny transcripts to Moscow in poisoning probeon 2021-01-16 at 17:38
Germany’s government called for a thorough probe in Russia into the activist’s poisoning. A Justice Ministry spokesman said the Kremlin had the clothing, blood and tissue samples necessary to carry out an investigation.
- France goes under nationwide 6pm curfew as Covid-19 death toll surpasses 70,000by NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-16 at 15:04
Cities, towns and villages across France were practically empty on Saturday as residents stayed home and businesses shut to observe a nationwide curfew intended to help stem the spread of coronavirus, especially a more infectious variant.
- Armin Laschet elected leader of Merkel’s CDU partyon 2021-01-16 at 12:11
Centrist Armin Laschet is now in a good position to succeed Angela Merkel as Germany’s chancellor.
- Merkel ally Armin Laschet elected new leader of Germany’s CDU partyby FRANCE 24 on 2021-01-16 at 10:36
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right party on Saturday chose Armin Laschet, the pragmatic governor of Germany’s most populous state, as its new leader – sending a signal of continuity months before an election in which voters will decide who becomes the new chancellor.
- End of Merkel’s era set to begin with election of her successorby NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-16 at 06:22
Germany’s Christian Democrats elect a new chairman on Saturday, aiming to unite their conservative party behind a new leader who they hope can succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor when she steps down after federal elections in September.
- Coronavirus: EU anger over delayed Pfizer vaccine deliverieson 2021-01-16 at 05:43
Many EU countries are receiving significantly fewer doses due to a change in manufacturing processes.
- Russian circus sparks outrage over animals dressed as Nazison 2021-01-16 at 01:33
A probe has been launched into a Russian circus for featuring animals dressed in clothes with Nazi symbols on them. The circus has defended the portrayal, saying it was done for educational purposes.
- Hackers ‘manipulated’ stolen COVID vaccine papers, says EU agencyon 2021-01-16 at 00:41
Documents and emails about the BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna jabs were taken in a cyberattack late last year. The EU’s drug regulator thinks hackers are trying to damage public trust in the COVID vaccines.
- Brexit: End to Gibraltar land border prompts joy and trepidationon 2021-01-16 at 00:17
For residents on both sides of the border there are hopes of an end to queues, but not everyone is convinced.
- US Election 2020: What do countries around the world want from Joe Biden?on 2021-01-16 at 00:09
We speak to reporters in six global regions about hopes and expectations for the new US administration.
- Left out in the cold: Covid-19 puts the freeze on Alpine ski resortsby Catherine NICHOLSON on 2021-01-15 at 19:05
Whether it’s for the fresh air and exhilarating outdoor pursuits, or the hot chocolate, fondue and après-ski fun, Europe’s Alps are one of the continent’s most popular holiday destinations. Or at least, they used to be. The region boasts more than a third of the world’s ski resorts, and normally a winter season in the Alps generates about €28 billion in revenue. But major operators say bookings this year are dramatically down amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
- ‘Willingness and urgency’ to resolve Brexit trade issues: UK ambassador to Franceby Catherine NICHOLSON on 2021-01-15 at 18:52
We’re now just over a fortnight into the new arrangements between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Their combined half a billion citizens are getting used to things post-Brexit, to varying degrees. We’ve seen major European freight handlers refusing to take goods to the UK. There are also shoppers in various countries unable to find certain foodstuffs: some of this due to Covid-19 restrictions, some due to Brexit. There have also been some Brits unable to reach their second homes in the EU.
- Heathrow Airport gives all clear after responding to ‘suspect item’on 2021-01-15 at 18:41
Authorities at London’s Heathrow Airport were alarmed over a "suspect item," with one terminal suspending operations, before saying the issue has been resolved.
- Ethiopia Tigray crisis: EU concern over war crime reportson 2021-01-15 at 17:45
The conflict threatens the stability of the entire region, the EU’s top diplomat says.
- Small Icelandic harbour keeps memory of French fishermen aliveby FRANCE 2 on 2021-01-15 at 16:59
In this edition we take you to eastern Iceland, to discover a little-known chapter of maritime history. Nowadays Faskrudsfjordur is just a small village, but during some 400 years its harbour was a major stopping point. Every year, thousands of French fishermen would come to spend months at sea fishing cod in the cold Atlantic waters, a dangerous job which many paid the ultimate price for. To this day, the village still remembers them. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with FRANCE 24’s Wassim Cornet.
- Pfizer, BioNTech cut back vaccine deliveries to EU at ‘short notice’on 2021-01-15 at 15:36
The EU will be getting fewer BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine doses than planned in the coming weeks, as Pfizer tries to amp up its production capacity. Several EU nations decried the situation as "unacceptable."
- Dutch Rutte government resigns over child welfare fraud scandalon 2021-01-15 at 15:32
Mark Rutte’s cabinet resigns after families were wrongly accused and many faced financial problems.
- French govt tightens Covid-19 border controls to fight virusby FRANCE24 on 2021-01-15 at 14:54
France will strengthen border controls and bring forward its night curfew by two hours to 6 p.m. as it tries to slow the spread of coronavirus infections, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday.
- Dutch government collectively resigns over childcare subsidies scandalby NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-15 at 14:19
Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the resignation of his government on Friday, accepting responsibility for years of mismanagement of childcare subsidies, which wrongfully drove thousands of families to financial ruin.
- British conductor Simon Rattle applies for German citizenshipon 2021-01-15 at 13:51
Simon Rattle, who turns 66 this month, has long been a staunch critic of Brexit. But the long-time Berlin resident says his decision to seek German nationality is driven by musical and personal reasons
- Dutch government resigns over child benefits scandalon 2021-01-15 at 13:43
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government would continue to lead the country’s COVID-19 response team until elections already scheduled for March.
- German sports doctor jailed over blood doping scandalon 2021-01-15 at 13:31
Mark Schmidt masterminded an international doping ring exposed by police in “Operation Aderlass”.
- Dr. Fauci on getting ‘back to normal’, Tunisia 10 years post-Arab Spring and Chanel’s legacyby FRANCE 24 on 2021-01-15 at 12:45
Amid increasing concerns over police brutality, France’s police watchdog has been targeted for a controversial reform. This week, we also took a look at the human cost of Armenia’s defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh, Denmark’s giant wind-powered vertical farm and, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, a French soap opera that has found a high-tech way to deal with the absence of an isolating cast member. Plus, FRANCE 24 explores Coco Chanel’s legacy, 50 years after the fashion icon’s death.
- EU states express ‘severe concern’ as Pfizer temporarily reduces Covid-19 vaccine deliveriesby FRANCE 24 on 2021-01-15 at 12:34
A global coronavirus vaccine rollout suffered a major blow Friday as Pfizer said it would delay shipments of the jabs in the next three to four weeks due to works at its key plant in Belgium.
- Anxiety grows as pandemic takes toll on France’s ‘ghost students’by FRANCE24 on 2021-01-15 at 12:06
With French universities in limbo amid the latest resurgence in Covid-19 infections, alarm bells are ringing over the psychological and academic consequences of months of lockdowns, curfews and online teaching for students holed up in cramped dwellings many can ill afford.
- Open Skies: Russia starts withdrawing from defense pacton 2021-01-15 at 11:53
Moscow has said it plans to withdraw from the arms control and verification treaty in the coming days, following the departure of the US from the treaty.
- Nazi Buchenwald camp no place for sledging, authorities warnon 2021-01-15 at 11:46
German officials say some people have used Buchenwald mass graves as a toboggan run.
- Dakar Rally: Pierre Cherpin – French rider dies after crash on stage sevenon 2021-01-15 at 11:33
French motorcyclist Pierre Cherpin dies five days after crashing during stage seven of the Dakar Rally.
- Michael D Higgins: Mother-and-baby homes a ‘violation of rights’on 2021-01-15 at 10:44
Both state and Church are responsible for an “appalling level of infant mortality”, says Michael D Higgins.
- Brexit shellfish delays leave Scottish seafood rottingon 2021-01-15 at 09:53
A Scottish shellfish firm owner says he is on the brink of bankruptcy as EU customers desert his business.
- Nord Stream 2: Germany says construction can continueon 2021-01-15 at 09:39
Authorities have said work on the Baltic Sea gas pipeline can start again in German waters immediately. Whether it will or not, however, remains unclear.
- Wikipedia celebrates its 20th birthday, aims to reach more readersby NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-15 at 06:33
Wikipedia celebrates its 20th anniversary on Friday and the collaborative, volunteer-produced internet encyclopedia aims to spend the next 20 years further expanding free access to information.
- Villarejo: The rise and fall of the Spanish state’s secret fixeron 2021-01-15 at 00:33
An undercover policeman now facing trial amassed a hoard of Spanish state secrets.
- German chancellor race: The men vying for Merkel’s jobon 2021-01-15 at 00:04
Three candidates are challenging to lead Angela Merkel’s CDU, but the race may not end there.
- ‘ZeroCovid’ campaigners urge Europe-wide shutdownon 2021-01-14 at 23:35
Europe needs a "radical" shutdown, including industry and schools, to bring coronavirus infections down to zero, say petitioners in Germany and Austria.
- Covid-19: France PM Castex announces tighter curfewon 2021-01-14 at 23:04
The curfew means everyone must be home by 18:00 unless they are returning from school or work.
- Covid-19: Almost half of all cases in Ireland reported in last two weekson 2021-01-14 at 22:04
In the last two weeks one in every 67 people have been told they were positive for Covid-19.
- Jailed Lukashenko opponent Kolesnikova defiant in Belaruson 2021-01-14 at 20:50
The Belarusian dissident Maria Kolesnikova has been in jail since September, when she opted to tear up her passport rather than go into coerced exile.
- Fact check: As Wikipedia turns 20, how credible is it?on 2021-01-14 at 19:49
The user-compiled encyclopedia has helped students and sometimes horrified their teachers. So how accurate is the information? What should users be aware of?
- Covid-19: France to introduce 6pm curfew, offer vaccines to all those at high riskby FRANCE 24 on 2021-01-14 at 17:20
The French government will impose a nationwide 6pm curfew for at least 15 days starting on Saturday to stem the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Jean Castex said Thursday. Health authorities will also begin offering a Covid-19 vaccine to those at high risk from Monday regardless of age.
- Italy political crisis erupts over EU Covid spendingon 2021-01-14 at 13:03
Prime Minister Conte’s government is torpedoed by ex-PM Renzi pulling ministers from his party out.
- Top EU court: Minors can’t be deported with no home to go toon 2021-01-14 at 12:59
The European Court of Justice has ruled that unaccompanied minors may only be sent back to their country of origin if there were "adequate reception facilities." Otherwise, the court said, they should be allowed to stay.
- Kremlin critic Navalny ready to return to Russia despite threats of arrestby NEWS WIRES on 2021-01-14 at 03:52
Top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he plans to go home to Russia next weekend despite the authorities’ threats to put him once again behind bars.
- Evaristo de Macedo: The record-breaking Brazilian loved by Barca & Madridon 2021-01-14 at 00:01
Barcelona’s first Brazilian striker left for Real Madrid, managed Iraq with Saddam Hussein’s son and beat Pele to a goalscoring record.
- Watch: Bayern knocked out of German Cup by second-tier sideon 2021-01-13 at 23:45
Watch as Bayern Munich are knocked out of the German Cup by lower-league opposition after being stunned by second-tier Holstein Kiel in a penalty shootout.
- Outcry over COVID-19 food parcels for UK children prompts U-turnon 2021-01-13 at 21:03
Images showing government food packages for children from low-income families during coronavirus shutdowns sparked outrage and forced a U-turn in government policy.
- Brexit: Germany’s DB Schenker suspends deliveries from EU to UKon 2021-01-13 at 20:51
The logistics company said that Brexit-caused paperwork was placing a massive strain on their UK staff. However, there were no problems with packages coming from the UK to Europe, according to DB Schenker.
- Coronavirus: British tourist blamed for Lauberhorn ski race cancellationon 2021-01-13 at 19:45
The famous Lauberhorn ski event is cancelled after a spike in Covid-19 cases linked to one tourist.
- Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte loses Senate majorityon 2021-01-13 at 17:54
The government of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is in trouble after former premier Matteo Renzi pulled his party from the ruling coalition. At the same time, Renzi held out an olive branch to Conte.
- EU food agency approves mealworms as human foodon 2021-01-13 at 17:06
Mealworms, whole or as powder in pasta, have become the first insect-based food approved by the EU’s food safety watchdog. The EU Commission has yet to endorse the decision.
- How strong is democracy in Europe?on 2021-01-13 at 16:02
Speaking to DW’s Conflict Zone, Gunther Krichbaum, head of the Bundestag EU affairs committee, defended the EU decision to tie budget payments to the rule of law, saying it helps put pressure on problematic countries.
- Former boss of Italy’s Mafia-style ‘ndrangheta to testifyon 2021-01-13 at 15:43
A key witness in the trial against the organized crime group ‘ndrangheta in Italy is Luigi Bonaventura, who began cooperating with investigators in 2006.
- Brexit: Five surprising consequenceson 2021-01-13 at 14:24
Confiscated ham sandwiches, delayed Scottish salmon and other fallout from the new regime.
- Lithuania marks 30 years since deadly 1991 Soviet assaulton 2021-01-13 at 12:45
Lithuania came to a standstill to remember those who died when Soviet troops tried to take over the national broadcaster as people marked Freedom Day.
- Brexit leaves Spain’s Costa Brits facing dilemmason 2021-01-12 at 00:18
British expats in Spain tell the BBC how the new post-Brexit rules have changed their lives.
- Plastic surgery: Surgeons who target black women and use influencers for promotionon 2021-01-12 at 00:03
A BBC investigation finds women suffered life-changing conditions after going to Turkey for surgery.
- The secret artists creating miniature buildings for street miceon 2021-01-10 at 00:04
From record stores to pharmacies, secret artist group AnonyMouse have been creating little places for mice.
- Storm Filomena: Heavy snowfall closes roads in Madridon 2021-01-09 at 18:41
Spain’s Interior Minister has said the country was facing “the most intense storm in the last 50 years”.