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Controversial herbicide glyphosate Checked and undesirable

As of: 23.06.2021 12:55 p.m.

A test report commissioned by the EU does not consider the weed killer glyphosate to be carcinogenic or dangerous to the genetic makeup. Nevertheless, the drug will probably disappear from the market in Europe.

From Michael Heussen, WDR

The specialist authorities from France, Sweden, Hungary and the Netherlands come to terms with glyphosate to a clear result : The pesticide is not carcinogenic, it does not damage the genetic material and it is neither dangerous for human organs nor for the hormonal balance. The four national authorities had assessed the safety of glyphosate on behalf of the European Commission on the basis of existing study results. You confirm the findings of test authorities around the world.

Nevertheless, it can be assumed that the drug will disappear from the market sooner or later. “Glyphosate is socially dead,” said a farmer official in the run-up to the farmers’ day in Berlin. The public had long since made its judgment – even with solid scientific arguments, the majority of consumers could not be convinced of the harmlessness of the substance. Since 2015, the judgment of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which belongs to the World Health Organization (WHO), has been hovering over the evaluation process like a sword of Damocles: Glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic”.

“Very low probability”

It is hardly surprising that the glyphosate producer Bayer sees it differently and welcomes the positive study results that have now been published. The chemical giant, which with the US-American Monsanto group also took over its glyphosate-containing bestseller Roundup, also rejects another argument – that the herbicide threatens biodiversity.

“Evaluated scientific studies as well as publicly available research reports show only a very low probability that the proper use of glyphosate-containing pesticides has indirect effects on the biodiversity of most food chains,” says the company. For example, the effects on microorganisms living in the soil, worms, birds, pollinating insects such as honey bees, frogs and other amphibians as well as fish have been investigated, according to a Bayer spokesman. So could it happen that glyphosate may also be used in the European Union beyond the approval period that expires at the end of 2022? Much speaks against it.

The Bayer Group sees itself confirmed by the current audit at EU level. Image: dpa

Federal government expects glyphosate to be phased out by 2024

The Federal Environment Ministry, led by Svenja Schulze (SPD), firmly expects that no more glyphosate-containing pesticides may be used from January 1, 2024 at the latest after the end of the one-year transition period. “In agreement with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, we continue to assume that the Federal Government (…) has decided to phase out glyphosate use in accordance with EU law,” it says WDR -Inquiry . About the corresponding amending regulation the Federal Council will decide next Friday. Until the end of the transition period, the application “may only take place if there are no alternative options, for example in the case of weeds that are difficult to control or areas at risk of erosion” – so it is in the voting proposal. Its use on areas that serve the general public, as well as in house and allotment gardens, is completely forbidden.

No further approval expected at EU level

Federal Minister of Agriculture Julia Klöckner (CDU) has also emphasized several times, a spokeswoman for her ministry told the WDR “It cannot be assumed that there will still be a majority after 2022 in favor of an extension of the glyphosate approval at EU level”.

In 2017, the dispute over glyphosate between the ministries almost led to a coalition crisis in Berlin. Because the former Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt (CSU) voted “yes” in the responsible EU committee in Brussels , although the then Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks (SPD) strictly against an extension of the approval for glyphosate was. The different evaluations of the current incumbents are not so obvious. But in the letters of reply to the questions of the WDR There are differences: “Glyphosate-containing pesticides are important for soil-conserving and water-saving cultivation of arable land, especially in areas prone to erosion,” writes the Klöckner spokeswoman. Schulze’s spokesman, on the other hand, emphasizes the dangers for biodiversity: “As a total herbicide, glyphosate destroys all plants indiscriminately and thus destroys the food and livelihood for many insect species such as butterflies and, indirectly, for field birds such as the skylark.”

EU assessment expected in 2022

At the European level, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and the European Chemicals Agency ECHA will start public participation at the beginning of September – results are expected in one year.

Bayer AG continues to rely on the controversial herbicide. Europe does not play a major role as a sales market. The agricultural countries in North and South America are more important. In the USA around ten billion euros have to be paid in the context of a settlement to 96,000 plaintiffs who blame glyphosate for their cancer, and billions more will be due for future plaintiffs . Bayer therefore wants to limit its use for private customers – but Roundup should continue to be used in large-scale agriculture. Only the warning notices should be made clearly more visible. glyphosate The weed killer glyphosate was developed by Bayer subsidiary Monsanto and marketed under the brand name Roundup. The herbicide is also manufactured by other companies, as the patent has expired for years. Bayer is faced with around 9,300 plaintiffs because of the weed killer in the United States, as glyphosate is suspected of being carcinogenic. This is based on the assessment of the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), which classified the active ingredient as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015. The Bayer Group always emphasizes that glyphosate is safe when used properly and relies on a large number of scientific studies.

At the end of 2017, the EU Commission extended the approval of glyphosate by five years and now has to make a new decision. A first round of talks is to take place in September and then the EU member states will be involved. Against this background, the EU Commission commissioned the assessment group for glyphosate (consisting of the testing authorities in France, Hungary, the Netherlands and Sweden) to prepare a draft of the risk assessment. This 11,000-page draft was submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in mid-June 2021. A final recommendation from EFSA can be expected in the second half of 2022 after the submission has been examined

Currency under $ 1.20 How weak is the euro going to be?

Status: 06/18/2021 2:09 p.m.

In the USA there are signs of a turnaround in interest rates, in Europe the key interest rate will probably remain low for a long time to come. That has been burdening the euro for days. How much will the common currency still become cheaper? The prospect of rising interest rates in the US has recently weighed on the euro. The common currency fell in the past few days from rates at 1.22 to below 1.19 US dollars. Experts cited the interest rate meeting of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) as an explanation for this strong movement. After years of zero interest rate policy, the American monetary authorities had promised interest rate hikes, at least for the longer term. Accordingly, two rate hikes can be expected by 2023.

First of all, the Fed will in all probability cut back its security purchases later in the year, with which it had pushed down long-term interest rates on the bond market in recent years. The expectation of an economic recovery with rising inflation rates alone had pushed the yield on ten-year US government bonds up from around 0.5 percent to just under 1.8 percent since the summer of last year.

Long-term rates still negative

Yields on the German stock market have also risen sharply in recent months, albeit at a significantly lower level to date. The yield on ten-year Bunds is still around minus 0.2 percent. In the low, the interest rate was only around minus 0.67 percent. Despite rising inflation rates in Germany and the euro area, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt unwilling to be, to follow the central bank colleagues in Washington and to consider at least less security purchases in the near future. In May, the inflation rate in the euro zone was 2.0 percent, slightly above the central bank’s price stability target. In Germany they moved Producer prices even rose 7.2 percent in May compared to the previous year and therefore stronger than it has been for almost 13 years. The prices were driven by the sharply rising prices of so-called intermediate goods.

Bundesbank boss for the end of the bond purchases

“In the long run this will work noticeable in consumer prices The economists at Commerzbank said: “A central bank in crisis mode, which, as ECB President Christine Lagarde said in her last press conference, does not even talk about whether a reduction in bond purchases might be necessary. appears well behind the curve in comparison. “In the opinion of the experts, the monetary authorities have thus missed the entry into the exit from the zero interest rate policy.

An opinion that is also shared by the President of the Bundesbank, Jens Weidmann. Weidmann has spoken out in favor of an early end to the trillion dollar bond purchases by the European Central Bank (ECB) after the pandemic. The focus is on the purchase program called “PEPP” the monetary guardian. “When the emergency for which the PEPP was created is over, it must be ended,” Weidmann told the “Handelsblatt”. But whether Weidmann will prevail is unclear. There are thus signs for the near future that the dollar could retain or even expand its interest rate advantage.

German exporters benefit

For German vacationers who want to spend their free time outside the euro area, that would be bad news – they would have to pay more for foreign currency. The export-oriented German economy, on the other hand, is benefiting from the trend. Last year, just 36 percent of German exports went to the countries of the euro area. And even if you include EU countries with their own currencies such as Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom, which has since left the country, the share of exports last year was just over half.

A good sixth of exports even went directly to the USA. In fact, the impact of the dollar rate on German exports is likely to be significantly greater. Because some international currencies are directly linked to the US dollar. These include, for example, the Saudi riyal or the diram of the United Arab Emirates. Both Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are countries that traditionally buy and import many German products with the money they earn from oil exports.

Dollar weakness later in the year?

If the US dollar gains strength, German companies have two options. Either they reap additional profits with unchanged prices. Or they react with price cuts in order to gain market share – both attractive prospects for companies.

But at this point in time it seems questionable how long the euro will actually continue to decline. Because for autumn and winter, experts like those at Commerzbank are expecting inflationary dynamics to decline again in the USA. Then “the US dollar euphoria will soon be over”

Real estate market in Europe Construction is not booming everywhere

Status: 16.06.2021 2:01 p.m.

Construction is one of the boom industries in Germany even during the crisis. But what about in other European countries? Our correspondents report that the situation there is only partially comparable.

Poland: increasing demand, increasing prices

By Jan Pallokat, ARD studio Warsaw Anyone in Poland who thought that the corona pandemic would slow down the construction industry, which has been booming in the country for years, was caught on the wrong foot at the beginning of the year. Housing construction in particular is buzzing even more; In the first quarter, developers in major cities sold 40 percent more than in the previous year and three percent more than in the previous record year of 2017. And because the supply of modern living space still lags behind demand in the country, the sales prices achieved are also rising steadily: on average by almost eight percent for new buildings and six and a half percent for used residential property. The rising prices for building materials and an increasing shortage of staff also play a role here. Because construction workers are scarce, market experts are now warning that construction sites could be paralyzed in rows during the high season in summer. The downside of the building boom: home ownership is often unaffordable for young families. Already today, 43 percent of under 35-year-olds in Poland lived with their parents, the Eurostat statistics office recently reported. This puts Poland in the top group in the EU when it comes to “Hotel Mama” and is on a similar level to Italy.

Spain: no construction boom in sight

By Reinhard Spiegelhauer, ARD studio Madrid Construction boom and Spain – wasn’t there something? Yes, Spain has actually experienced an absolutely ludicrous construction boom – but that was 20 years ago. In the nineties and noughties, the number of planned apartments practically doubled from year to year – up to the highest level in 2006 with almost 900,000 apartments. Then came the big bang: the real estate bubble burst, banks had to be bailed out, Spain rushed past bankruptcy, hundreds of thousands could no longer service their real estate loans, apartments were evicted. The market then recovered very slowly. But still, roads, lamps and park benches built in boom times are rotting in many development areas. In 2019, the year before the corona pandemic, the foundation stones were laid for a good 100,000 apartments. Since then, however, the sector has largely been paralyzed again. Unemployment fell again after peaking at around 25 percent after the euro crisis, but it again reached 15 percent during the pandemic. For young adults it is more than 30 percent. According to experience from the times of the real estate bubble, far stricter criteria now apply to the granting of loans. All of this is currently preventing any kind of construction boom in Spain.

Switzerland: mainly redevelopment and densification

By Dietrich Karl Mäurer, ARD studio Zurich Instead of a “construction boom”, the umbrella association of the Swiss construction industry, Building Switzerland, speaks of “continuously good work”. A large part of the orders are so-called consolidations and energy-efficient building renovations. But not least because of the low interest rates, large investors like to invest in construction projects such as new building complexes with rental apartments. The demand is good, although there are vacancies in some rural regions. Housing is still in short supply in cities. This is also because net immigration has recently risen again; During the pandemic, many foreigners who actually wanted to leave the country after a certain period of time in Switzerland preferred to stay – mainly because of the comparatively difficult labor market conditions in their home countries. The construction industry accounts for ten percent of Switzerland’s economic output and employs around half a million skilled workers. According to a recent economic survey, the situation in the construction industry is stable. However, the limited availability of building materials and preliminary products could become a problem. Incidentally, real estate prices in Switzerland have risen faster than they have been in eight years.

Super-fast cellular network Europe is lagging behind in terms of 5G expansion

Status: 16.06.2021 11:11 a.m.

The expansion of the new generation of mobile communications is progressing. Half a billion people worldwide could use 5G this year. According to a study, there are mainly networks in Asia and North America ahead. In the race to expand the fifth generation of mobile communications (5G), Western Europe is in danger of being overtaken by North America, Northeast Asia and the Gulf States on the Arabian Peninsula. That is the result of a study by the Swedish network equipment manufacturer Ericsson. According to this, nine percent of all mobile phone contracts in Northeast Asia (including China and South Korea) had already been converted to 5G by the end of 2020. In Western Europe this value was only one percent. Globally, it is expected that 580 million people will already be using 5G networks by the end of 2021. Because of the corona pandemic, some frequency auctions in Europe have been postponed, Ericsson said in his “Mobility Report”. This has a short-term impact on the provision and coverage of 5G in the region.

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Early expansion in the Gulf States

Nevertheless, 4G technology will also be pushed back in Western Europe in the coming years, in favor of 5G. While 4G (LTE) is currently the dominant access technology and accounts for 78 percent of all contracts, Ericsson is forecasting a decline to 27 percent by the end of 2026. The 5G penetration will then reach around 69 percent. Older standards such as UMTS (3G) disappear almost completely . This would mean that 5G penetration in Western Europe would be lower than in North America, where it is forecast that by 2026 almost 84 percent of all mobile phone contracts could be based on the 5G standard. A share of 73 percent is expected in the Gulf States. In 2019, these countries were among the first in the world to introduce commercial 5G services. In Northeast Asia, on the other hand, only two thirds (65 percent) of all mobile phone contracts are expected to switch to 5G by 2026. In absolute numbers, Asia is forecast to have the largest number of 5G contracts (1.4 billion). The study expects 340 million 5G contracts for North America. In other regions of the world, including India and Latin America, current 4G technology will remain dominant in 2026. Overall, Ericsson expects the number of 5G cellular connections to grow to 3.5 billion by 2026 – almost 500 million of them in Europe.

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More wireless landline connections

5G technology is carried by smartphones, which already make up the majority of mobile data traffic. According to Ericsson, a good half – 53 percent – of mobile data traffic should run over 5G networks by 2026. The Swedish network equipment supplier also predicts that the number of wireless fixed network connections (FWA) will reach almost 180 million by the end of 2026. Up to this point in time, mobile communications will account for around 20 percent of global mobile network data traffic for your own four walls. The wireless fixed network connections via 4G or 5G compete with classic broadband connections such as DSL, cable internet or fiber optic connections. They are especially cheaper to provide on the “last mile” because you do not have to lay cables from the distribution box into the apartments or offices.

Mr. Gabriel Stulman has just reopened his restaurant called The Jones in New York (USA) after a year of closure. Although the restaurant will have to practice social distancing, it’s much better than closing anyway. “ I am very happy and optimistic ,” Mr. Stulman told the Wall Street Journal. According to statistics from the online table booking platform OpenTable, the number of table reservations at restaurants across the US has reached 100% compared to 2019. Cultural activities also began to return to serve the entertainment needs of the people. The San Francisco Orchestra opened its first live concert this year, and the Kansas City Orchestra plans to perform again later this month. In Europe, people are equally excited when schools, shops and beaches reopen. Spaniards poured into the streets dancing and chanting “freedom” as the travel ban was lifted. Ireland lifted the ban on domestic travel and gradually allowed non-essential services to reopen. Germans congratulate each other after the country announced the third wave of infections was under control. The European Union has officially approved the reopening of borders to vaccinated travelers or visitors from safe countries, providing a glimmer of hope for Europeans for a dream summer vacation outside. Mediterranean beach after a year “hidden” in the house. Tourism, aviation recover In the long queue at Gatwick Airport (London, England), husband and wife Keith and Mr. Janice Tomsett can’t wait to fly to the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira for their summer vacation. “ After 15 months of being locked in, today’s trip was amazing! ” said Mr. Tomsett. Tower Bridge in London (UK) will be bustling again when British people’s lives return to normal (photo: Duc Minh) Amanda Brown is also eagerly waiting to fly from London to Faro (Portugal) to meet her boyfriend. The two have been apart for 8 months and she had to cancel her flight 6 times because of the epidemic situation. I call this trip “ can’t wait i”. “ I am very excited. I didn’t sleep last night. Great to see everything back to normal ” shared Amanda. The above story was recorded by The Sun at Gatwich airport when the UK’s summer tourist opening policy took effect. British people can go to tourist destinations on the safe list without having to be quarantined when returning. This opening has contributed to helping UK airports become more crowded in recent days. In Greece, tourists started returning to the country after the border was opened. “ People are very optimistic, the number of bookings has increased a lot in the past two weeks. The tourist season will return soon “, Dimitris Lianos, mayor of the island of Naxos (Greece) told AP. An attraction in the city of Barcelona (Spain) is expected to welcome back many tourists after the travel ban is lifted (photo: Duc Minh) Airports across the US have also been crowded again after the tourism industry recovered from March 2021. Southwest Airlines data shows that bookings for summer vacations are quite high. If the situation continues to be positive, in this June, the airline may reach the milestone of the number of flights performed in the same period in 2019 – when there was no epidemic. With American Airlines, by the end of April 2021, the number of daily bookings has returned to the level of 2019, even though international flight tickets are not included. Vasu Raja, Chief Revenue Officer of American Airlines, said: “ During peak holidays or holidays, the demand for flights is much greater than the supply “. The fact that people in many countries are optimistic about returning to normal life shows that the COVID-19 epidemic has been well controlled. In the near future, depending on the speed of vaccination of countries, COVID-19 will be repelled and all activities of the world economy will recover and develop strongly.

Norwegian fjords are always talked about by tourists (the only natural landscape that does not exist in China), and it stretches for a long time. The geographic starting point is located in the Lysefjord south of the southern port city of Bergen, and the northern end is located in Alesund, north of the Geirangerfjord. If you have the opportunity to take this famous fjord landform route, you will find that this trip is not as busy as Oslo, and there are beautiful scenery everywhere: beautiful canyons, open waters, and real virgin forest parks… Walking down the landscape road, you can’t help but embrace nature, forget about the natural beauty of the green mountains and green waters, and indulge in a Nordic fairy tale world that you don’t want to wake up at all. Schematic diagram of a self-driving tour of the Norwegian fjords Two years ago, we had an in-depth self-driving tour of the Norwegian fjords, and experienced the infinite scenery of the “king of the north of Europe” on the ground. The three-day itinerary and feelings are shared with you for reference only — Day1 Bergen: Sightseeing in the city of literature and art Bergen is the largest city on the west coast of Norway, the largest seaport in the country, and a famous cultural heritage city. Northern Europe is known for its cold climate, but Bergen can enjoy the warm current of Mexico, so it is humid and comfortable all year round. Bergen was built in the 11th century AD, and it played the role of the capital of Norway for nearly three hundred years, until Oslo became the new capital of Norway in 1814. It is not an exaggeration to say that Bergen is “Norway’s most literary city”. At the old wharf, the historic sites that Bergen integrated into the European Union of Lufthansa are still there, telling a long history. In the city, there are a large number of ancient churches, concert halls, art galleries, museums, theaters, art festivals, performances, open-air concerts, art and design exhibitions, in Scandinavia and throughout Europe. Ranked among the best. Not only that, as a vibrant city, its countryside is integrated with the fjords, making it a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Recommended self-driving route: Bergen Airport-25km-downtown (Bryggen Wharf-Fish Market-Floyen Cable Car-Hockensund Palace-Bergen Art Museum) Bryggen Wharf is the business card of Bergen. Rows of old houses gather restaurants, museums, and cafes. Near the pier is a fish market that gathers the best seafood from the west coast of Norway. On Floyen Mountain, you can take the Floyen Cable Car, the oldest cable car in the world, to the top of the mountain and have a bird’s eye view of the entire city. The local Bergen Art Museum is composed of Bergen Fine Arts Collection, Steineson Collection, Lasmby Meyer Collection and other parts. It is the most valuable art gathering place in Bergen, near the museum The city squares and parks are suitable for walking. Bergen hotel recommendation: Clarion Hotel Admiral (Clarion Hotel Admiral). This hotel is one of the most famous viewing hotels in Bergen (built in the early 20th century), across the water from the Bryggen Pier and the Floyen Mountain. The hotel’s 210 rooms have wide viewing windows, 50 of which are facing the harbour. In order to give guests a chance to get to know each other, the hotel also specially set up a large public living room with artworks. The hotel is only 2 minutes’ walk from Bergen Pier, 6 minutes from the nearest shopping street, and 18 kilometers from the airport. Address: C. Sundtsgate 9, Bergen, price: RMB 900 per room (single room). Day2 Bergen-Sognefjord 4h: Norway’s high point Bergen is the general starting point for trips to the Norwegian fjords. The landscape road has been surrounding the fjord area all the way to the north. The scenery you see makes you feel like you are traveling in the middle of a painting, and the roads along the way are flat, which is definitely the best choice for self-driving tours. Self-driving route: Bergen-Rv48 (120 kilometers)-Hardangerfjord-E16, Rv13 (250 kilometers)-Sognefjord. Along the highway from Bergen to the north is Hardangerfjord. It is known as the second largest fjord in Norway and the third largest in the world. You can climb mountains here, and there are orchards, glaciers, and We can watch seals and whales. The Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in the world, with a total length of about 240 kilometers. The scenery along the way is beautiful. It is a world natural heritage recognized by the United Nations. There are only 30,000 residents in the area. Every family lives in an idyllic pastoral life. . Self-driving tips: Starting from Bergen and heading north, the first to arrive is Hardanger Fjord. This journey is very easy to drive, and you can reach Sognefjord in the afternoon. In addition, this journey can also be taken by train or cruise. The climate in the fjords is much cooler than in the cities, and thick clothing should be prepared. This section of self-driving route requires the help of ferry. The Sognefjord has many branches, and Nr yfjorden is the most famous of them. The narrowest water surface here is only 250 meters wide, and the highest mountain is more than 1,700 meters above sea level. The stave church in Sognefjord is worth seeing. It is a very old wooden structure, and it is also the architectural representative of the “Viking Age” (generally referring to the Viking period from 790 to 1066). There are currently only 28 stave churches left in Norway, 5 of which are located in the Sognefjord, including the 800-year-old Ornes stave church, Haupasta stave church and Polkun stave church. Sognefjord hotel recommendation: Sognefjord Hotel (Sognefjord Hotel). This hotel is one of the best hotels in the local area for travelers to relax. It is located in the scenic town of Leikanger, overlooking the Sognefjord. Each room is a view room with views of the garden, mountains or fjord. The hotel has free wifi. It is worth mentioning that guests can borrow the hotel’s bicycles to ride around the fjord. Address: Sognefjordvegen 20, Hermansverk, Leikanger 6863, price: RMB 1030 per room (standard room). Day3 Sognefjord-Alesund 4h Aalesund is a small city located on the island of Moeller-Romsdal in western Norway. The entire city was reborn after a fire in the winter of 1904. After reconstruction, the architectural style of the small town of Alesund is full of new artistic features, and was evaluated by the American magazine “National Geographic” as “just out of a fairy tale”. Special recommendation: Alesund’s houses have distinctive architectural features. The houses on the three small islands stand opposite each other and form a triangle. You can take a boat to explore the waters in the middle. There are many natural scenic spots around the small town, hiking and swimming in summer, skiing and ice climbing in winter. It is one of the most popular resorts in Norway. After racing in the most beautiful fjords in Norway, you will once again return to the city from nature. In the morning, we depart for Geirangerfjord. Most of the landforms here were formed during the ice age. Compared with other fjords, it is more spectacular. There are also many famous large waterfalls in Norway (tips: Geirangerfjord). Compared with other fjords, the travel in, is more difficult, especially some trails in national parks, which are only suitable for people with outdoor sports experience). In the afternoon, head to Alesund and stay here. Self-driving route: Sognefjord-passing Rv5 (250 kilometers)-Geirangerfjord-Rv60 (102 kilometers)-Alesund. Alesund hotel recommendation: Radisson Blu Hotel lesund. This hotel is located in the kansekaia area by the Alesund harbour, overlooking the sea. The hotel’s private jetty allows guests to enjoy their vacation in peace. In addition to local specialties, the hotel’s restaurant can also eat organic meals. In addition, compared with hotels in big cities, the rooms here are cheap and easy to book. Address: S. Bullsgt. 7 Alesund. Price: RMB 800 per room (standard room). Norway travel Tips: Traffic: Norwegian vehicles drive on the right. As in China, the roads between cities are mostly two-way single lanes. The Norwegian Transport Agency requires vehicles to turn on their lights 24 hours a day. At city roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout and vehicles entering the roundabout on the left have the right of way; vehicles on the right side of the intersection have the right of way; vehicles going down on the ramp have the right of way. Most traffic toll stations adopt automated systems. Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the official currency of Norway. In the retail industry, the penetration rate of the euro is not as good as the krona. Language: Norwegian (subdivided into Norwegian national language and new Norwegian) and Sami are both official languages. Some Norwegians also speak Danish, Swedish and German. English is also very popular, and tourists can use English to communicate with locals. Shopping: Most cities have shopping streets and large shopping malls, but the prices are relatively high. Norwegian goods have a 25% value-added tax, which can be refunded in the airport lobby when leaving the country. Tickets: Some public art galleries and museums in Norway are open to the public for free. Tickets for scenic spots vary greatly during off-peak and peak seasons. You can check the official website in advance.

Global Privacy and Transparency Center in Dongguan – China Challenge While we are increasing digitalization around the world, cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever. From the news, we’ve seen an increasing number of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as energy, healthcare, and transportation. These attacks have affected the lives of millions of people around the world. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, in 2021, losses from cybercrime could reach $6 trillion. This is more than the third largest economy in the world. Meanwhile, as a result of the pandemic, people are spending more time online than ever before. And I’m sure many of us will continue to work remotely, even after the pandemic. This is the new normal. And it’s more important than ever to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace. Global progress: An opportunity for improvement On a global scale, with cyber attacks on the rise, all industries are taking cybersecurity more seriously. In the public sector, new laws, regulations and standards are being applied regularly. In the past two years alone, more than 180 cybersecurity laws have been passed in 151 countries. This is amazing progress. In the telecommunications sector, industry organizations such as GSMA and 3GPP have been working closely with industry stakeholders to promote the NESAS Security Specifications and independent certifications. Mr. Ken-Hu rotating chairman of Huawei These frameworks are already widely accepted in the industry and we are confident that they will play an important role in the development and verification of secure networks. However, we still have a lot of work to do. Cybersecurity is a complex, increasingly challenging challenge that requires close cooperation and information sharing. We still lack a coordinated, standards-based approach across the industry, especially when it comes to governance, technical capabilities, certification, and collaboration. Unfortunately, in some places there is still a misconception that the country of origin of the product affects the security of equipment and network technology. This view is simply wrong. That perspective does not address the real challenges and prevents us from forming a unified approach. Our Cybersecurity Experience At Huawei, cybersecurity is our top priority. We share this responsibility with our customers to ensure that the equipment they are using is safe and secure. We are proud of what we have achieved. Over the past 30 years, we have served more than three billion people around the world. We support the stable operation of more than 1,500 service provider networks in more than 170 countries. And we’ve maintained a solid track record in cybersecurity over the years. This is the result of continued investment in cybersecurity management experience. We currently have more than 3,000 cybersecurity R&D employees, with 5% of our R&D spending focused on the security of our products. Generic Methods and Trust Building Of course, our cybersecurity systems were not developed in a vacuum. They are also the result of regular engagement, joint research and joint innovation with our customers, partners, regulators and standards organizations around the world. That’s what this Cybersecurity Transparency Center is all about. Two years ago we opened a similar Center in Brussels. At the time, I said about our ABC principle for security at Huawei: “Trust no one. Trust no one. Check everything.” My point is that trust and distrust should both be based on facts, not feelings, not speculation and not baseless rumors. We believe that data should be verifiable and that verification should be based on standards. Because this is our guiding principle, we have established 6 Cybersecurity and Transparency Centers over the past 10 years in Europe, the Middle East and North America. This center in Dongguan will serve three main functions: To exhibit solutions and share experiences. To facilitate communication and joint innovation. Provides a platform for security testing and verification. This hub is designed to support stakeholders from around the world. The Center has the best tools, testing environments and experts available to our partners, customers and industry colleagues. Here you can understand and test our products. And together, we can work more closely on security, verification and innovation standards. 3 points of view to conclude Before concluding my speech, I would like to take this opportunity to share my three quick views. The first thing is that we need to build capacity together. Cybersecurity threats are complex, diverse, and evolving. No organization can handle it all. From governance, standards and technology, to verification, we need to work together, combine strengths and build our collective capabilities. We also need to share knowledge, like the Security Fundamentals we’re releasing today and the 5G Network Security Knowledge Base deployed by the GSMA. The more knowledge and best practices we share, the more we can effectively enhance cybersecurity as a community. And finally, we need to form stronger alliances. That means governments, standards bodies and technology vendors need to work more closely together to develop a unified understanding of cybersecurity challenges. This must be an international effort. We need to set common goals, align responsibilities, and work together to build a trusted digital environment that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow. Once again, thank you for joining us today and thank you all for joining us online.

More exports in April Exports almost up again Pre-crisis level

Status: 09.06.2021 11:00 a.m.

Thanks to strong demand from Europe and the USA, German companies exported more for the twelfth month in a row in April. Above all, cars “made in Germany” were in demand. The German export economy continues to grow – albeit not quite as strongly as it was recently. In April it achieved an increase of 0.3 percent compared to March. In total, the companies exported goods worth almost 112 billion euros. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office. It was the twelfth consecutive month of growth in German exports.

48 percent more exported than in April 2020

Compared to the same month last year, the increase was almost 48 percent. However, this plus must be seen against the background that in April 2020 the German economy was fully in corona lockdown. The strongest growth in exports to Great Britain was in April of the current year. 64 percent more goods were sold there – compared to the same month last year. Exports to the EU countries rose by almost 59 percent and to the USA by around 60 percent. 16 percent more goods were exported to China.

German cars pull the most

German cars were the best exports. Car exports rose by 280 percent. However, this was related to the fact that car production had been shut down sharply due to Corona in April 2020. Exports of German electronic goods rose by 36 percent. In the meantime, exports are only 0.5 percent below the level of February 2020. That was the last month before the effects of the Corona crisis became noticeable in Germany and before the restrictions on the economy began.

Delivery bottlenecks and shortages of raw materials easily dealt with

Economists are impressed by Germany’s export strength. Although material shortages and the lack of intermediate products weigh on industrial production, “but at least the industry succeeds in exporting goods,” said VP Bank’s chief economist, Thomas Gitzel. In April, the German industry had produced less than in the previous month due to delivery bottlenecks and scarce raw materials. In May there could be a setback for the German export economy. The export expectations of the industry surveyed by the Ifo Institute fell from 23.9 points in April to 23.0 points.

Optimism for the rest of the year

Despite small skid marks, German exporters are confident for 2021. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) recently raised its export forecast to plus eight percent. Previously, growth of only six percent was expected.

Mr. Goosdeel affirmed that this situation shows that in order to be able to deal with future disasters, it is necessary to quickly change the perception that drugs are not a problem of only one person, but that it is affecting people. community at large in more ways. In the report, EMCDDA warned that drug addicts now have access to a wider range of drugs, with higher purity. In 2020 alone, 46 new drugs were discovered in the European Union (EU). In the context of many countries imposing restrictive measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic, whereby, discos and bars must close at night, reducing the drugs used on special occasions. parties such as ecstasy, consumption of some has increased significantly, especially the purchase and sale of the compound benzodiazepine, often prescribed for sedation. In addition, the EMCDDA report also noted that the authorities had seized a record amount of cocaine in 2019, with 213 tons, much higher than 177 tons in 2018, and the number of people who had to detox for the first time as well. Strongly increasing.

In recent days, the topic of Ho Van Cuong and Phi Nhung’s money has taken over social networks Leaving aside the scandals during the past time, netizens have recently “finished” the details that show that the child’s voice is not only loved and cared for by his adoptive mother Phi Nhung but also participates in tours acting overseas. Although not yet 18 years old, Ho Van Cuong has made young people “admiring” when visiting around the world. The male singer and Phi Nhung performed in Australia, the US to some European countries. Ho Van Cuong’s Australian tour with his adoptive mother Phi Nhung The child vocalist also updated on the personal page of the tour in Taiwan in 2017 American tour To countries in the European region Not only achieving success on the artistic path thanks to the support from Phi Nhung, Ho Van Cuong also recently completed a study program at a famous international school in Ho Chi Minh City. The child singer is studying in a famous international school in Ho Chi Minh City Since entering this learning environment, the male singer from Tien Giang is considered to have changed in personality, becoming more dynamic and mature. It is known that in the near future, Ho Van Cuong as well as millions of other students across the country will enter the national high school graduation exam 2021.

(Picture: Getty) In the context of the COVID-19 epidemic showing signs of cooling down and vaccination rates increasing, many European countries continue to relax restrictions and reopen recreational activities. With the number of new COVID cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in the country, allowing the Belgian government to continue with its “summer plan”, which includes the resumption of services in the hospitality sector and the organization of cultural events with a limited number of Limited quantity starting June 9. Belgium will also ease restrictions, allowing cafes and restaurants to serve indoors, as well as extending operating hours for businesses, easing restrictions on sports venues and cinemas. movies. Many Belgians expressed their joy as life gradually returned to normal: “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Eating out has a very special feeling. I’m tired of ordering food to take home or eat on my own. I cook.” The epidemic situation has shown signs of being controlled, the city of Munich, Germany on June 9 also dropped the requirement to wear masks in the city center. The warm weather caused many people to flock to the street for a walk. They are happy to be “liberated” from the mask to breathe fresh air. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new step forward on June 9, when French people can enjoy meals, as well as outdoor activities until 11pm. As planned, France will completely lift the night curfew on June 30. However, most French people will still have to wear masks when outdoors.

Wave of closures expected in Europe Thousands of bank branches before the end

As of: June 8th, 2021 8:58 am

For many European private banks, running a tightly knit network of branches is no longer worthwhile. According to a new study, almost half of the stores will close in the coming years. A study by the business consultancy PwC predicts a wave of branch closings by European banks. According to this, up to 40 percent of the branches could be on the verge of closure by 2023. This means that drastic cuts are imminent for employees and customers of the branches. Study author Andreas Pratz and his colleagues looked at around 50 private customer banks and banking groups with a total of 690 million customers as well as estimated private customer deposits and loan volumes of 18 trillion euros. Banks from 15 countries in Europe and, for comparison purposes, also in North America and Australia were included.

Too little income from the branches

The main reason for the expected closure measures is the poor profitability of the branches for the banks. According to the study, the average profit per customer in the past year 2020 dropped again by eight percent to 193 euros. There is also less and less business being done in the branches. For example, fewer and fewer bank customers are making international transactions, and the demand for consumer credit has also continued to decline. The income per customer is below average in branches in Germany, it is 172 euros. In contrast, a customer in Switzerland brought an average profit of 444 euros, in Austria slightly above average 208 euros. In Italy and Spain, too, the yields are significantly higher than in Germany. According to the study author Pratz, higher bank fees are charged there or salary accounts are better linked to other bank offers such as construction financing. According to Pratz, there are also major differences in Germany. The “associations”, ie the Volksbanks and the savings banks, achieved better earnings than the branches of private commercial banks.

Cancellation programs launched

Only a quarter of European commercial banks managed to increase their sales in the past year. This increases the cost pressure considerably and directs the bank managers’ attention to their own branch networks. Many of the big banks have already launched job cancellation programs in recent months and in some cases tightened them again, including Deutsche Bank and the French Société Générale. Commerzbank and Postbank had also announced drastic branch closings in the past few weeks. The study assumes that bank branches in Europe will shrink from just under 60,000 to just 36,000 in 2023. More and more new sales channels are taking the place of the branches: “Instead of luring as many customers as possible into the branches through the best locations, customer contacts will in future be gained through targeted online marketing”, according to the author of the study, Pratz.

Sharing the passion of football fans and with the desire to convey and provide readers near and far the latest information of the tournament, Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper launches a special page about Euro 2020 in the following publications: On the newspaper Nguoi Lao Dong, the special page “Exciting with Euro 2020” will be officially launched from June 11 on pages 8 and 9, with many interesting contents such as: pre-match judgments and comments ; character of the day; Euro and Vietnamese fans…; The authors are football experts: Doan Minh Xuong, Nguyen Hong Pham, Nguyen Viet Thang, Doan Thi Kim Chi… Particularly, the section “Euro 2020 Letter” will be an interesting highlight of the page, by a collaborator of the Nguoi Newspaper. Labor recorded directly from the European turf. The Portuguese team decided to defend the European championship Photo: REUTERS On the Nguoi Lao Dong (nld.com.vn) online newspaper, the Euro 2020 website will continuously update information related to the 24 teams participating in the finals; information before, during and after each match, funny stories on the sidelines… The page is scientifically arranged, convenient to follow with regular categories such as: Euro News, Comments – Expert corner, The Star Euro Stars, Bets – Score… In order to create opportunities for readers who love football to make their judgments, Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper will organize a contest “Predicting match results”. Readers visit nld.com.vn to predict the fastest and most accurate score results for each match (the prediction portal for each match will close 30 minutes before the ball rolls). Corresponding to each account (based on full name, phone number, email, correct ID/CCCD number provided as a basis for awarding prizes), players are predicted once/match. The prize per game (500,000 VND) is only awarded to 1 reader who predicts the most accurate and fastest results. Particularly for the final match, the question has the “Predict the champion” and “Predict the top scorer”, the reward increases to 2 million VND/match. It is expected that Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper will also organize talk shows “Exciting with Euro” before each match, broadcast live on the newspaper’s electronic newspaper and social networking platforms for readers to follow. Guest commentators are football experts, celebrities… We invite you to read with Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper to enjoy the atmosphere of football festivals in Europe to receive many attractive prizes.

Many diners enjoy this dish with the outdoor space on the terrace of the restaurant in Paris, praising the food that is quite new to the European region. The ornate dish won many nods and compliments from the adventurous clientele. A chef from Paris who has just prepared a pasta dish of insects, sweet potatoes and sautéed larvae, said: “This is an ideal dish for beginners to eat insects. Their taste is quite attractive and very little. who don’t like it.” French restaurant serving food of the future is not for the faint of heart In January 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) deemed the larvae of the beetle, Tenebrio molitor, fit for human consumption. By May 2021, this agency approved the sale of this ingredient in the food market. It is predicted that to meet the growing world population, insects will soon be included in the cuisine of the future. The European Food Safety Authority has studied more than a dozen different applications for insect food products, including crickets and locusts. Insects in general can provide a sustainable and low-carbon food source for the future. Local resident Soheil Ayari, after dining with her two daughters, said: “I feel like I’m in a traditional restaurant except for what I’m eating. But honestly, the taste is very good. like regular food”. Ayari’s young daughter is also very excited about the new dish, saying: “Insects are eco-friendly and more than that, they are also very good.” Laurent Veyet raises worms at the store, their food is porridge and vegetables. Although, at first glance, the larvae look like maggots unappealing to enjoy, they are in fact the larvae of beetles, which are rich in protein, fat and fiber. With a versatile ingredient, the beetle larvae can be used to cook curries, salads, or ground to make flour into pasta, cookies or bread. Stefan De Keersmaecker, spokesman for health and food safety at the European Commission said: “Insects are very nutritious. They really help us transition to a healthy diet and food system and more sustainable”. For chef Laurent Veyet, he faces a two-part challenge. It is about winning public opinion and learning how to create attractive insect dishes combined with a variety of foods. “You have to find the right flavors and the right accompaniments. That’s what any chef will tell you,” says Laurent Veyet.

Luxembourg’s full name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, ruled by a Grand Duke and the only surviving grand duchy in the world. This country has an area of ​​2586 square kilometers with a population of 580,000 people . Nestled between the “giants” of France, Germany and Belgium, Luxembourg not only has not been annexed and assimilated, but has also risen to world stature – it is a co-founder member of many international organizations such as the Union United Nations, European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization… With more than 80% of the population being immigrants, people here are not only Luxembourgish, but also fluent in other languages ​​such as French, German, English… At attractions in Luxembourg, there are hearing devices, visitors do not need tour guide, just press the button to select the language. As a small country, but Luxembourg has RTL Group with 34 television stations, 33 radio stations covering 12 countries and the largest steel corporation Arcelormital in Europe. Luxembourg is the headquarters of hundreds of foreign banks, including the Investment Bank and the European Audit Office… Luxembourg is influenced by French architecture, notably the Lucilinburhuc castle built more than 1000 years ago, Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg’s main avenue looks like the Champs Elysees in Paris. Grand Dukes Palace with unique architecture, built in 1574 – one of the most perfect examples of Renaissance architecture with splendid beauty, sophistication. The Luxembourg Theater (full name is Grande-Duchesse Josephine-Charlotte Concert Hall) designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, is one of the most famous theaters in Europe, holding up to 400 concerts annually. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church, built in 1870, bold Gothic architecture mixed with fine Renaissance art. The building of the National Savings Bank was built in the years 1910 – 1913 in the Renaissance style William II Square – the heart of Luxembourg City, named after the eminent emperor of both Luxembourg and the Netherlands, has long had a special meaning for the people and country of Luxembourg. Statue of Gëlle Fra commemorating the soldiers of Luxembourg who died in World War I in Constitution Square, built in 1923, demolished by the Germans in 1940, restored in 1984 – a symbol of freedom and love Luxembourgish resilience. Luxembourg is influenced by both Roman and Germanic cultures but has been transformed by eye-catching multicultural fashion stores, performances by Arab street artists, aromatic German sausages, attractive Turkish kepap…and the shops seduce tourists. Luxembourg has 110 bridges. The Grand Duke Adolphe Bridge was built between 1900-1903 by two famous architects with the largest stone dome in the world at that time – a symbol of the independence of this country. The “Old” bridge was built in 1859 – 1861 across the Pétrusse valley with pillars 30 meters high, with a total length of 290 meters. The “Red” bridge connects the city center with the European area, 74 m high, 355 m long, 25 m wide and with a total weight of 4,900 tons. Designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in 2004, Europe Square is home to major buildings such as the Philharmonie, the Alcide De Gasperi, the new Convention Center, the MUDAM Drai Eechelen… Luxembourg’s most famous attraction is the Chemin de la Corniche, across the Alzrtte valley, built by the Spaniards and French in the 17th century – which covers the whole of Luxembourg, dubbed “The most beautiful balcony” Europe”. Under the Chemin de la Corniche is the Bock Casemates underground fortress system 23 km long, 40 m deep, built by Count Sigfried in 963. The whole defensive town is more than 40000 m2, located in the ground with legs. very thick walls and sandstone balustrades that follow steep cliffs. Since 1933, Casemates has been repaired by the Luxembourg government and is open to visitors. Currently, the average annual Bock Casemates welcomes more than 100,000 visitors. The hidden beauty and romance of Luxembourg City is that it lies in the heart of the valley. Luxembourg City was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1994 and awarded the title of “European Capital of Culture” by the EU in 1995 and 2007. Luxembourg does not have a hustle and bustle like many other tourist cities in Europe. Apart from the new cars, Luxembourg has no showy activities. The pace of life here is still leisurely and liberal; a cool blue color, settling, mixing heaven and earth with people. Luxembourg never forgets to preserve its historical values, national cultural traditions. Perhaps, that is the reason why, despite being small, having been invaded for thousands of years, Luxembourg still maintained its sovereignty and rose to become a rich country, respected by friends.

Visitors who are granted a “Digital Certificate of Covid-19” can enter many European countries from July 1. After two weeks of consecutive declines in the number of new Covid-19 cases, Spain recently announced the relaxation of entry regulations for travelers from 10 countries, including the requirement to test negative for the virus. SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, North Macedonia also closed almost all Covid-19 treatment centers and makeshift hospitals after the number of cases dropped by 90%. Germany, Italy and Cyprus are also expected this week to allow food and beverage restaurants to open for service. In the recently approved border opening plan, the leaders of the European Union (EU) set out two main conditions. Firstly, the EU only reopens its borders to those countries that have controlled the Covid-19 epidemic well for a certain period of time, with indicators of the infection rate among the population equal to or lower than that of the EU. Second, only those who have been granted a “Covid-19 Digital Certificate” can travel freely. For Europeans, the “Digital Certification of Covid-19” is expected to take effect from July 1, and is expected to become the “key” to open the economy, especially. is the tourism industry. Because European countries have lost hundreds of billions of euros since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, closing their borders with the outside for nearly a year. According to statistics, the “smokeless industry” contributes about 14% of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over 13% of Italy’s GDP, nearly 8% of France’s GDP and even up to 20% of GDP of Spain. Greek. Therefore, if this summer tourist season fails, the economies of countries such as Greece and Spain are at risk of not being able to recover. The emergence of medical certificates not only helps promote tourism within the EU countries, but also allows visitors from countries outside the union to enter, especially visitors from the US and UK, two countries. The country has the highest rate of vaccination against Covid-19 in the world today. Gloria Guevara of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) called the “Digital Certification of Covid-19” a big step towards the recovery of the tourism industry, helping EU countries in time. welcome a large number of visitors in the summer tourist season. Currently 46 per cent of the EU’s adult population has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while 300 million more will be delivered soon. The EU’s goal is to fully immunize 75% of adults by the end of July. If according to plan, EU countries can confidently reopen safely. Along with the tourism industry, many other business and manufacturing sectors will also recover. The European Commission (EC) predicts that the bloc’s economy will grow 4.2% this year. Although the “Digital certification of Covid-19” is considered the “key” for Europeans to regain their former rhythm, according to health experts, the opening of borders and the easing of controls epidemic still needs to be conducted with caution. European countries will have to closely monitor and make specific assessments in each phase. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that the vaccine is considered a “light at the end of the tunnel”, but its effectiveness has not been fully evaluated while the strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to appear. Therefore, countries around the world need to choose safe steps. Step 1: Visit https://www.bluezone.gov.vn or download directly at App Store or CH Play. Step 2: Once downloaded, the application will ask for permission to use Bluetooth to record contact with other users who have installed Bluezone. If Bluetooth is not already on, drag the status bar and turn on Bluetooth; or go to Settings, select Bluetooth and turn it on. Step 3: Once the installation is done, click Scan Around. If someone near you less than 2m has used Bluezone, the application will automatically identify these users and put them in the contact list.

Pula, Croatia There are large eco tents, enough space for four people with two bedrooms, a fully equipped bathroom and a kitchenette. The tent has a beautiful view of Pomer beach. Using mainly wood, the tents have great positions to enjoy morning coffee, or hammocks on the sand for relaxing afternoon naps. Guests can use other nearby facilities such as spa, sauna or visit the windsurf center for a trip out to sea. Lanzarote, Canary Islands The most expensive experience in Lanzarote is the clear night sky, with no trace of light pollution. Visitors can easily admire the sparkling starry sky on clear, cloudy nights. The Eco Dome tent here is designed respecting the landscape and is environmentally friendly, using solar energy and capturing rainwater. Inside there is a double bed, a comfortable bathroom and basic cooking utensils. During the day, visitors can visit the nearby town of Teguise, or take part in hiking and cycling trails. Nea Moudania, Greece The tents in the shape of “bubbles” bring exceptional experiences, visitors sleep under the stars and enjoy a liberal life. Each tent has its own outdoor living area with sun loungers and hot tubs. Nearby is Greece’s second-largest port city of Thessaloniki, with a wealth of exciting and vibrant destinations. Marvao, Portugal Perched on rock formations, each wooden cabin offers views of the river Sever and the Alentejo countryside. The interior space is simple but extremely cozy and romantic, with beds, chairs, tables and cabinets that are only crudely crafted from wood. The hammocks are arranged outside, helping visitors to be quiet and enjoy the surrounding green natural scenery. Ray, France Hanging at a height of more than 20m and connected to the ground by spiral stairs, this tree house is a great place for escapes. Set in a secluded forest, each house is a completely isolated retreat, suitable for honeymoons or romantic dates. Despite the rough exterior, the interior is still full of amenities such as a bathroom, wooden tub, sun loungers… Vipava Valley, Slovenia The highlight of the houses among the trees is the sauna and the beautiful valley views. Open space design with large glass panels helps visitors always feel living in the middle of nature. This land has immense vineyards, which produce fine wines that visitors should not miss. Near the resort, there are also restaurants with many unique dishes of local origin. Halkidiki, Greece Cute and minimalist, these small rooms still have all the amenities and experiences to create the perfect stay. Each cabin has its own private beach area, outdoor bathroom and ample space for sunset viewing and relaxing activities. Sliding glass doors extend throughout the house, allowing plenty of natural light and stunning sea views. Galicia, Spain The rooms here are thoughtfully designed and fully respect nature. The wooden house is hidden in the pine forest, in harmony with the landscape to the extent that the visual response is minimized. The interior is a lovely mix of rustic and sophisticated, with cream tones, stylish hammocks and textile decorations. With two floors, the house has living room, kitchen, bathroom, jacuzzi and sunny balconies.

Diners enjoy coffee outdoors, when shops are allowed to reopen after a 7-month separation to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, in Brussels, Belgium on May 9, 2021. Photo: AFP/VNA According to European sources, during the meeting in Brussels, diplomats proposed that those who can present a certificate of having had a full dose of an EU-approved COVID-19 vaccine, can enter the bloc. . In addition, the limit for assessing a country on the list of entry restrictions has also been raised, whereby this list will include countries with a rate of new infections within two weeks of 75 cases per 100,000. population, instead of the current 25 cases. The recommendations are expected to be approved by EU ministers on May 20. Currently, the 27 EU member states still ban entry without a good reason, except for some countries considered safe with low rates of COVID-19 cases. However, business in Europe is also being resumed after the epidemic prevention restrictions are lifted. * On the same day, French people could not hide their joy when they were able to do old habits again such as sipping a cup of coffee outside a restaurant, preparing to go to the cinema or visit a museum. After more than 6 months of imposing measures to control the COVID-19 epidemic, France has relaxed restrictions, whereby cafes and restaurants with courtyards or rooftop gardens can serve guests to eat and drink. outdoors, while museums, cinemas and theaters will also reopen. This is part of phase 2 of the plan to lift the blockade. After that, restaurants will be allowed to serve indoors from June 9, and the French economy will fully reopen on June 30. Contrary to the deserted atmosphere, “doors closed, bolted” for many months, all over Paris, cafes and restaurants are busy preparing and arranging outdoor dining and drinking areas, while the first “gods” were enjoying their morning coffee. Mr. Pascal, manager of Saint Jean’s in the Montmartre district, is pleased to say that he has welcomed 3 customers to drink coffee. Meanwhile, one of the customers called it a big change from having to buy takeaway coffee. In the western city of Rennes, Patricia Marchand, manager of the cafe des Feuilles, confirmed that the whole city center is busier and full of excitement, although the meteorological agency predicts rain may occur in many places. . Also from May 19, the night curfew in France will also be shortened by 2 hours, starting at 21:00. Thus, people were able to have dinner together and chat longer, although eating and drinking still had to be limited to no more than 6 people/table. Not only enjoying a cup of coffee or drinking wine, many French people also look forward to going to the movies or watching exhibitions. In a statement posted on the webiste, the Louvre museum posted a status line expressing its joy when it was reopened to visitors. In order to boost the economy, France has also decided to reopen non-essential businesses but must implement social distancing regulations. Currently, the number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units in France has decreased to 4,250 cases, much lower than about 6,000 cases a month earlier. The weekly rate of new cases also fell to 142 cases per 100,000 people, much lower than 400 at the beginning of April.

Excited but still worried Authorities in the old continent gradually eased social distancing restrictions, as infection rates fell and the number of people vaccinated increased. In Italy, the original epicenter of the pandemic in Europe, a nationwide curfew will be lifted in the coming weeks; Germany is gradually easing tough restrictions imposed for a long time. In France, restaurants are allowed to serve guests outdoors starting May 19; Museums, including the famous Louvre, have plans to return visitors. The scene filled with breath of life at Paris’s famous Cafe de Flore on May 19. Photo: AFP. While cafes in Paris, including Ernest Hemingway’s familiar Les Deux Magots, are busy returning to their pre-pandemic rhythm, the famous nightclub Moulin Rouge is also starting to get excited, its dancers They took to the streets to promote their reopening in September with bold attention-grabbing styles. Although excitement is everywhere, there are still worries about the pandemic that has not passed. Because the new strain from India is spreading rapidly in many other parts of the world. Therefore, measures to prevent the disease will continue to be maintained. In Berlin, open-air restaurants will be trialled from May 21. Meanwhile, the rhythm of life in Paris cannot return to the way it was before the pandemic. Paolo Viglianisi, 66, owner of Paparazzi restaurant, located in a quiet square just behind Paris’ opera house, said: “We are very happy to reopen and are fortunate to have such a great location. great. But things will never go back to the way they were.” Before the crisis, his restaurant had 39 employees. Now, Viglianisi will open its doors with only about 15 employees on May 19. He aims to serve about 100 guests for lunch and another 100 for dinner, equivalent to two-thirds of pre-pandemic guests. Cautiously optimistic On May 19, the European Union (EU) decided to reopen its borders to people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Europe’s leaders need to strike the right balance between economic recovery and public health protection, or face the ire of voters. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives are battling the Greens to run Europe’s largest economy, while French President Emmanuel Macron, who has struggled in vain to avoid a third lockdown, will face the challenge of running for re-election next year. French President Emmanuel Macron (right) at an outdoor cafe in Paris on May 19. Photo: AFP. “It is a very rare new moment of freedom and the fruit of our joint efforts,” Macron said in a televised interview, while drinking coffee on the morning of May 19, at the cafe. Outdoor coffee in the heart of Paris. The current overarching sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Containment measures have significantly slowed the spread, vaccination work is being carried out rapidly. But with the threat of new strains like the one from India, the risk is still there. “We can be confident but not hasty,” said Steffen Seibert, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman. The infection rate is still much higher than it was a year ago, so no one has yet reached the scene of enjoying a comfortable summer like before. Authorities have been on high alert since last spring, when the outbreak was under control and flared up worse in the fall. The town near Düsseldorf, Germany has temporarily quarantined 189 people after discovering the only case of the Indian variant here. Concerns have prevented businesses such as the Chinesischer Turm beer garden in Munich, which have been reopened, to return to their former life. Normally, about 7,000 diners can enjoy hot dogs and drink beer here, but due to few foreign tourists and gloomy weather, the picture of the future is even darker. Maria Pinzger, representative of the beer garden, said: “As long as we can continue to open, we are happy. But there is still a risk from new Covid-19 strains, we cannot assess the situation right now.” In Spain, restaurants and theaters reopened about two weeks ago with other restrictions on numbers and early closing hours. Sergi Ferrer, president of Barceloneta’s beachfront shop owners association, said that in Barcelona, ​​demand from locals is not enough to displace millions of tourists. “If we don’t have tourists this summer, business is going to be very bad,” said Ferrer, who runs a restaurant on the city’s pier. In Rome, extending the curfew past 10 p.m. will create a breakthrough for businesses like Ripa 12 fish restaurant in the Trastevere district. Although open since late April, many outdoor tables are empty by early evening, suggesting a slow-going revival. People eat outdoors at a restaurant in Rome. Photo: Xinhua. “Our customers are businessmen who work late into the night, barely showing up before 9pm,” said Vincenzo Colao, the restaurant’s owner. Restaurant revenue is down about 70% from pre-pandemic levels. This situation is also happening in Paris, where the outdoor tables of Paparazzi restaurant are limited to 6 people and everyone must keep a safe distance.

International tourists returned to Venice after Italy lifted restrictions for EU countries, the UK and Israel. Source: Reuters “Vaccine passport” or “vaccination certificate” is a document that travelers use to prove that they are fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 or have a negative test result. These vaccine certificates are expected to be digitized for display on smartphones, however a paper version should still be available. In addition, visitors must also receive vaccines that have been recognized by the EU. If you come from a “safe” country according to the EU’s assessment and complete 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure, you will be exempted from isolation or testing when you arrive in Europe. Currently, only seven non-EU countries are on this list, including Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and China. However, this list will be added and published in a few days.

The European Commission is working on finalizing the digital green pass. This is a passport for people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and negative for nCoV. This card allows residents of the European Union and international visitors to travel more easily in the region. According to the AFP , the card can be issued in June. However, from mid-May, many European countries have begun to welcome guests. Each country has its own way of welcoming visitors. Malta The first 38,000 visitors to this country next summer will be given 200 euros per person. Accordingly, visitors must stay a minimum of 3 nights and spend all the money granted. In addition, tourists booking a room on the island of Gozo will receive an additional 20 Euros. Restaurant in Valletta, Malta is open to welcome guests. Photo: Reuters. From June 1, the regulations on distance and restrictions in this country will be lifted. Currently, visitors from all over the world can pre-book their summer vacation in Malta through local hotels to take advantage of the offer. According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism industry accounts for more than 27% of the Maltese economy. From March 2020, the number of international visitors to Malta decreased by 80% because of the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic. France Before the pandemic, France was one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. In 2019, this country welcomed about 90 million visitors. In early May, the government launched a multi-million-euro campaign to attract tourists back this summer. Distance orders and travel restrictions are gradually being lifted nationwide. From May 19, coffee shops in France are allowed to reopen. Shops, museums, and theaters are also open to visitors at this time. People bathing in the sea in Marseilles, France. Photo: AP. In order to avoid a re-epidemic outbreak, the French government will continue to apply regulations, distance and restrict travel if the number of nCoV infections in this country exceeds the milestone of 400 cases / 100,000 people per day. Greek From April, visitors from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not need to be quarantined for seven days upon arrival in Greece. Currently, the government of this country is promoting a plan to vaccinate people on tourist islands. Greece’s goal is to turn these islands into Covid-free tourist destinations. Private beaches and museums also began to welcome visitors from the beginning of May. On May 21, cinemas will operate with a limited number of screenings to ensure distance. Cruise ships at seaports are also eager to welcome guests back. The Greek government is urgently revitalizing the tourism industry, which accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP. Spain In 2019, Spain welcomed 83.5 million visitors, the second largest in the world after France. The number of tourists visiting the country has dropped by 77% last year, since the global outbreak of Covid-19. From the beginning of May, people in the country are allowed to move outside the living area, the curfew in the Balearic Islands is also being considered to be lifted. Currently, travelers must present a negative test result for nCoV within 72 hours before departure. Each locality in this country has different epidemic prevention regulations. The tourism situation in the city of Palma, Spain is gradually recovering. Photo: DPA. From June 2020, the city of Madrid has opened its doors to tourists in the region. This place quickly became a tourist attraction in Europe amid the pandemic. Tourism typically accounts for 14.1% of Spain’s economic activity. Spain’s tourism minister said the country is expected to welcome 45 million international visitors in 2021. Italy The country plans to introduce the Covid-19 passport in May. The pass is issued to people who have been vaccinated or have tested negative for Covid-19. Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia said the pass was issued to visitors from outside the European Union. Currently, cruise operations at seaports in Italy have reopened. Bars and restaurants are allowed to serve guests sitting outdoors. According to data from the World Tourism Organization, the boot-shaped country welcomed about 64.5 million international visitors in 2019.

Countries are looking for ways to encourage people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Photo: Getty Starting May 27, the first two million Californians to get vaccinated will each receive $50 in cash or a gift card. California Governor Gavin Newsom said this is part of an effort to promote vaccination as the state prepares to fully reopen the economy on June 15. “I announce the application of incentive cards. Two million cards will be applied on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re 12 or older, you can get a credit card or $50 cash,” Newsom said. 10 Californians vaccinated before June 15 also have a chance to win a $1.5 million lottery prize. States and private organizations across the country also offer a variety of incentives to convince people to get vaccinated, from free baseball tickets and beer, to college scholarships and cash. Meanwhile in Iraq, the private sector is also launching initiatives to support the government’s vaccination program. A cafe in the capital Baghdad announced free service to customers who have been vaccinated. You just need to show the vaccination certificate, you will be served free delicious coffee in the shop. Shop owner Yasser Alaa said the initiative was meant to emphasize the importance of vaccination. “I think we should expand the initiatives. Life is returning to normal thanks to vaccines. We have no weapons other than vaccines in this battle. We want to urge people to understand the importance of vaccines,” Alaa said. In Chile, if you get the vaccine, you will receive a “travel pass”, which allows you to move freely within the country. “This helps to make it easier for people who have had enough vaccinations to meet and have more contact with their loved ones,” said Chile’s health minister. However, there are limits to who can receive the card. They are not allowed to travel during the curfew, respecting public health regulations. Other measures including wearing masks and social distancing must still be observed. Freedom of movement does not include travel abroad, and the “Travel Pass” will use a QR code, allowing the government to change people’s status instantly if they become infected. The European Union’s “digital certification of Covid-19”, which requires users to have a Covid-19 vaccine, is expected to take effect from July 1, is also a motivation for people to European countries speed up vaccine coverage. There is still a fear of vaccination not only in Africa but also in developed countries such as Europe or the US. Practically any vaccine has an adverse reaction. This is true for every drug, pharmaceutical, and even food. However, according to the assessment of the World Health Organization, the risks posed by vaccines are much lower than the benefits. The incidence of adverse reactions is very low. Therefore, we should not be too concerned to ignore a powerful weapon in the fight against this dangerous virus.

Leavenworth, Washington (Instead of Bavaria, Germany) Leavenworth, Washington / Bavaria, Germany With the Cascade Mountains in the background, you can snap a photo and share with your friends that you’re in an alpine village while visiting Leavenworth. You can sample locally produced cheeses, drink imported German beer, attend some wine tastings or explore outdoor activities, like German festivals, that attract visitors all year round. Travelers find joy in Oktoberfest, Manifest, Accordion Celebration and Christkindlmarkt. Midway, Utah (Instead of Switzerland) Midway, Utah / Switzerland A large number of Swiss immigrants helped build a fort in the mountains of Utah in the late 1800s. Much of the architecture was inspired by the people’s German heritage, and the builders then also make up similar interfaces, which include several high-end resorts. The towering Mount Timpanogos adds to the feeling that you are touring Switzerland. You can visit several natural hot springs and Olympic venues nearby, offering a variety of adventure activities. In winter, ice castles are built here as a feature. Solvang, California (Instead of Denmark) Solvang, California / Denmark Built in 1911 by Danish-American immigrants from the Midwest, Solvang calls itself “a small piece of Denmark in Southern California. Solvang’s architecture has an old European feel. Strolling through town, you’ll pass boutiques, bakeries, and notable historic sites. Fredericksburg, Texas (Instead of Bavaria, Germany) Fredericksburg, Texas /Bavaria, Germany Fredericksburg has been called the most beautiful town in Texas by Architectural Digest. The city’s Bavarian roots play an important role in its distinctive look. In the summer, you can see the lavender fields outside of town, take in the beautiful scenery and unique dining experience that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. And if you’ve ever wanted to visit Europe’s magnificent Christmas markets, Fredericksburg will give you a taste of it without leaving the United States. Holland, Michigan (Instead of Holland) Holland, Michigan / Holland Holland, Michigan gives you a glimpse of the Netherlands right here in the United States. Visitors to the annual Tulip Time Festival will be greeted by a magnificent display of millions of colorful tulips. Windmill Island Gardens has an authentic Dutch windmill called DeZwaan. You can also visit Nelis’Dutch Village, an amusement park with fun and unique activities about Dutch heritage. Vail, Colorado (Instead of Bavaria, Germany) Vail, Colorado / Bavaria, Germany Vail is a town covered in a beautiful snow-white coat with a very clear European influence and direction. High-end resorts, restaurants, shops, streets and mountain vistas are all designed to make you feel like you’re in the Alps. Walking the town’s cobblestone streets can be as enjoyable as traversing the slopes. Take a scenic gondola ride for stunning views of the picturesque mountainside. Telluride, Colorado (Instead of Switzerland) Telluride, Colorado / Switzerland While downtown Telluride will feel like an old town newly mined and remade into the high-end ski and vacation spot it is today, what’s impressive is in the great ridge at the site. This will make you think of the Swiss Alps. Skiers rave about its beauty during the winter, and when summer comes, it offers beautiful waterfalls and wildflower gardens. Frankenmuth, Michigan (Instead of Bavaria, Germany) Frankenmuth, Michigan / Bavaria, Germany Frankenmuth identifies himself as the little Bavarian version of Michigan. The European vibe, especially from Germany, is evident in every detail of the city, from the architecture to the vibrant festivals. Visitors can also learn how to make cookies, go on a boat cruise along the river, or shop in glamorous boutiques.

An estimate of the number of daily excess deaths from Covid-19 around the world. Photo: The Economist In the year to 8 May, South Africa recorded 158,499 excess deaths (deaths that were higher than estimated under previous trends due to demographic changes). Health officials are confident that 85-95% of these deaths are caused by the new strain of corona virus, which is almost three times the official statistics. The disparity stems from the fact that, for a death to be recognized as caused by SARS-CoV-2, the deceased needs to undergo testing and be confirmed. Although South Africa does more testing than its neighbors, rates are still low. And the cause of death is not fully documented for those who die at home. Common phenomenon Mortality rates that exceed official statistics, at least at some point during the pandemic, occur in most if not all of the world. According to the most recent data, the number of excess deaths in the US was 7.1% higher than official statistics between early March 2020 and mid-April 2021. Studies have discovered such a mismatch in several countries. For example, the UK saw an excess death rate that was higher than published in the first wave of infections, but lower in the second, reflecting how measures to contain the spread of the virus helped. save many lives. A similar situation occurs in France. The inadequacy is simply because most countries, especially poor ones, do not provide such data in a timely manner. The best official data only reflect more than half of the real numbers, while the worst data show only about a quarter of reality. Photo: The Economist The Economist has attempted to model the extent of excess deaths during the pandemic in countries that do not report. With 95% probability, the model estimates the number of deaths globally to date between 7.1 and 12.7 million, with an average of 10.2 million. Not surprisingly, most of the missed deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. The actual death toll in most rich OECD countries is 1.17 times the official data, but 14 times higher in sub-Saharan Africa. Notable points The structure of the first and second waves in Europe and the US is less visible in the data of the statistical model for the whole world. Overall, the pandemic is increasingly concentrated in developing economies and continues to increase. In some places, seroprevalence surveys have shown that many people have Covid-19 antibodies, a sign of previous illness. Other factors that may also play a role are the measures governments have taken to limit the spread of the virus. Demographics also have an effect, with more young people often synonymous with lower mortality rates. By collecting 121 indicators for more than 200 countries and regions and machine learning models, The Economist experts estimate that, by May 10, there is a 95% probability that the pandemic has led to 2.4 – 7.1 million excess deaths in Asia (official death toll at 0.6 million), 1.5 – 1.8 million in Latin America and the Caribbean (officially 0.6 million), approx. 0 -2.1 million in Africa (officially 0.1 million), 1.5 – 1.6 million in Europe (officially 1 million) and 0.6 – 0.7 million in the US and Canada ( official 0.6 million). In Oceania, where only 1,218 deaths are officially reported, the model predicts that the actual number of deaths is between 12,000 and 13,000. The estimated range for Africa and Asia is very broad due to lack of data. If the probability is 50%, the estimated range narrows significantly, to only 3.3 – 5.2 million excess deaths in Asia, 0.8 -1.6 million in Africa and 8 ,2 – 10.5 million cases worldwide. In 2020, the number of daily deaths increased during 33/52 weeks. After a brief lull in early 2021, they bounced to new highs, largely due to the tragedy in India. According to estimates, the South Asian country is seeing between 6,000 and 31,000 deaths a day, far exceeding the official figure of about 4,000, in line with independent epidemiological estimates. Remarkably, the death rate from the epidemic is actually worse in richer countries. For Asia and Africa, the estimated death toll per million population is about half that of Europe. India is just the equivalent of Britain, at least for the time being. If two communities have the same level of health care, the community with more elderly people will have a higher number of deaths. If demographics are the only differentiating factor, estimates suggest that epidemic deaths in Japan (mean age 48) are 13 times higher than in Uganda (mean age 17). However, in absolute terms, the mortality rate among the young and poor population is much higher than that of the rich population of the same age group. And for the elderly in poor countries, the situation is clearly dire. The number of excess deaths (red) and the number of officially announced deaths by week in the US. Photo: The Economist Meaning of model The fact that mortality rates are relatively low in the developing world seems to be due to age several different meanings, as the virus is spreading more easily among younger people, a finding that has been reinforced by investigations. serum value. This implies many cases of non-fatal illness. It also means that the virus has a lot of opportunities to mutate. There is a documented exception where in some Southeast Asian countries, mortality rates appear to be very low. It is possible that residents here are benefiting from “cross-immunity”, the level of protection against SARS-CoV-2 caused by infection in other virus outbreaks in the area in the past. But, unfortunately, there are now signs that the numbers are on the rise. The Economist’s estimation model is the first of its kind, though not the only way to deduce the total number of deaths from Covid-19. However, Ariel Karlinsky, a statistician at Israel’s Kohelet Economic Forum think tank, notes that either way, the estimates are no substitute for official data. Tuan Anh

Many European countries hope that the rate of Covid-19 will decrease, the gradual lifting of restrictions will help revive tourism. In Europe, the overall incidence of Covid-19 is decreasing along with increasing vaccination rates for the Covid-19 vaccine. As a result, many countries in the continent are gradually lifting travel restrictions, offering hope for a recovery to the tourism industry. European leaders are also discussing the technical requirements for the Digital Green Certificate, a vaccine passport, to be adopted across the region. On May 8, European Commission President Uraula von de Leyen said that the certificate would come into effect from June. In Austria, from May 19, restaurants, hotels, theaters and sports centers will reopen to welcome visitors with negative Covid-19 test results. These reopening plans will coincide with the removal of quarantine rules for incoming travelers, and facilitate entry for travelers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19, who have tested negative. as well as those who have recovered from Covid-19. The Polish government has allowed hotels to reopen at 50% occupancy. Outdoor dining will also be allowed starting May 15, and from May 29, guests will be able to dine in the restaurant. Foreign visitors to Poland are required to self-isolate for ten days upon arrival unless they present proof of a negative test result for Covid-19. Those who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered from Covid-19 are not isolated. Portugal: After about five and a half months, the state of emergency was lifted on May 1. As a result, restaurants, cultural and entertainment centers are now allowed to stay open until 10:30pm. In addition, the border with Spain is reopened. However, travelers from countries with a 14-day Covid-19 incidence in excess of 150 are still barred from entering Portugal. In Croatia, hotels are allowed to host guests and restaurants can open for al fresco dining provided certain conditions are observed. To be admitted, visitors must present a negative PCR test result for Covid-19, or certify that they have recovered from Covid-19, or have been fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine. Denmark: Shops have reopened, but to dine indoors, guests must use the app to prove that they have tested negative, have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid- 19. Fully vaccinated people from EU and Schengen countries are allowed to enter Denmark provided their country is classified as “orange” or better, meaning there is a risk of infection. Covid-19 is lower. France is slowly opening up. Residents are now allowed to travel more than ten kilometers from home without giving a reason, and are allowed to make domestic trips. The curfew was applied starting at 7pm, but from May 19, the curfew was moved back from 9pm. After that, restaurants will be allowed to serve outdoor guests, and shops and cultural and arts centers will reopen. In Greece, outdoor areas of restaurants are allowed to reopen, but shops are required to close before 10:45 pm and a curfew is in place starting at 11 pm. Vacationers who wish to enter the country are required to update their personal data online, present a negative PCR test result for Covid-19 or a certificate of full vaccination against the Covid-10 vaccine. Greece does not require visitors to self-isolate. Italy is gradually lifting restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In areas with lower Covid-19 incidence, restaurants are allowed to serve guests outdoors even in the evening, but a curfew is in place starting at 10 p.m. Museums and cinemas in the “yellow zone” have reopened. Italy plans to welcome tourists back to the summer tourist season from June 2 to June, but has yet to put in place restrictions on visitors. The Covid-19 situation in Spain has eased considerably, with many restrictions lifted, but some regions still plan to maintain curfews for the time being. Residents and visitors are still required to wear masks in public. Spain has allowed to open its doors to visitors from EU and Schengen countries. But visitors from high-risk Covid-19 areas are still required to present a Covid-19 negative test certificate. To fly to Switzerland you will need to test negative for Covid-19, but this does not apply to arrivals by land. Only travelers arriving from high-risk areas are required to self-isolate. Hotels as well as museums, shops, theaters and theme parks will reopen. However, restaurants are only allowed to serve outdoor guests with a limit on the number of guests. Switzerland still maintains social distancing rules and wears masks.

The report calls for the development of legal requirements for the recycling and reuse of critical raw materials. (Source: voanews.com) A report by European Union The (EU)-backed study says the recovery of rare materials from e-waste is a security requirement for Europe and should be legislated. According to the EU-funded CEWASTE report, critical raw materials – including gold, silver and cobalt in many electronics – can be recycled and reused. This will protect raw material supply for consumer electronics, even Europe’s defense industry. Even these rare materials are essential for wind turbines and electric cars. They therefore play an important role in helping countries meet climate protection goals and ensure competitiveness in manufacturing. However, the report notes that while supplies of these essential materials are vulnerable to geopolitical fluctuations, Europe is still too dependent on foreign supplies with recycling rates “close to equals 0.” According to the report, the low and volatile prices of many of these raw materials make recycling them often seen as too costly for businesses. The report calls for the development of regulatory requirements for the recycling and reuse of critical raw materials, financial incentives to support the industry, and increased control over the amount of e-waste that is exported. leave the EU. The report highlights some types of e-waste that have large enough raw materials to be recovered. These include printed circuit board materials from discarded electrical equipment; batteries from e-waste and scrap cars; iron boron neodymium magnets from hard drives and motors of electric bicycles, scooters and scrap cars; and fluorescent powder from cathode ray tubes and lamps in television sets and displays. CEWASTE says these materials are often present in very small quantities in individual categories, so they are often overlooked. For example, the report estimates that by 2025, the waste of fluorescent lamps in Europe will contain 92 tons of critical raw materials, while printed circuit boards in electronic waste of this area can hold up to 41 tons of silver and 10 tons of gold. The report states that the amount of the above material will be equivalent to that used to produce new items. A United Nations (UN) report shows that the world generated more than 50 million tons of e-waste in 2019. Much of this ended up in landfills and scrap yards. With an estimated 17% of electronic products being recycled, the UN says more than $55 billion worth of materials are wasted each year as the world has to extract more materials to make products. new./.

Workers work at an e-waste collection center in Ploufragan, western France. Photo: AFP/VNA According to the European Union (EU) funded CEWASTE e-waste report, circuit boards, magnets in drives and electric vehicles, batteries and fluorescent lamps are among the items containing important raw materials. , including gold, silver and cobalt, can be recycled and reused. However, these rare materials often make up a very small percentage of each item thrown away, making them often overlooked. For example, the report estimates that by 2025, discarded fluorescent lamps in Europe will contain 92 tonnes of vital raw materials. Printed circuit boards in the region’s e-waste could contain up to 41 tons of silver and 10 tons of gold by 2025. Meanwhile, Europe’s supply chains have become “too vulnerable”, especially is the defense industry, as noted by Mr. Pascal Leroy – one of the authors of the report. The production of items in Europe, from computer systems to drones, is largely dependent on external supplies. As a result, the report highlights that recycling e-waste will help protect vital supplies for consumer electronics and even the European defense industry. In addition, with the materials needed to make wind turbines and electric cars, items that are discarded if recycled also play an important role in meeting climate change and environmental goals. improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. The report also highlights some types of e-waste that are said to have sufficient raw materials to be recycled and recovered. These include printed circuit board materials obtained from discarded electronic equipment; batteries from e-waste and scrap cars; neodymium iron boron magnets from the hard drives and motors of electric bicycles and scooters, and fluorescent powder from lamps and cathode ray tubes found in televisions and television screens. The researchers found that many raw materials have low value and are volatile, meaning that recycling them is considered too expensive for businesses. The report therefore calls for legislation on the recycling and reuse of critical raw materials, financing to support the recycling industry, and better control of shipments of waste. e-waste is transported out of the EU. According to the “Global Electronic Waste Monitoring 2020” report published by the United Nations (UN) in July last year, in 2019, there were a total of 53.6 million tons of e-waste worldwide. , up 21% from 5 years ago. In which, Asia is the largest producer with about 24.9 million tons, followed by the Americas 13.1 million tons and Europe 12 million tons. Meanwhile, the amount of e-waste in Africa and Oceania is 2.9 and 0.7 million tons, respectively. Of the more than 53 million tons of e-waste generated, only 17% of the waste is recycled, with the rest going to landfills, incineration or simply not being treated. This means that an amount of rare materials such as gold, silver … worth up to 55 billion USD “presents” in e-waste that has been thrown away or burned instead of being collected for treatment. and reuse. Meanwhile, the exploitation of raw materials has been promoted in many countries to create new products, causing environmental concerns.

(Photo: Internet) This is a journey of more than 11,402 km, with a train ticket costing over 1,200 Euros, equivalent to more than 33 million Vietnamese Dong. This cost may vary depending on the time and class of seats you choose on board. And of course, this journey of more than 11 thousand kilometers is not encapsulated by a train. You need to go from Vietnam to China, take the train from Beijing to Moscow (Russia), then get on another train across Europe and to Portugal. Total travel time is about 10 days, including time zone changes. (Photo: Internet) Specific route (refer to rail.cc): – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Hanoi (Vietnam) – Hanoi (Vietnam) to Beijing (China) – Beijing (China) to Moscow (Russia) – there are two options: 1. Mongolian Route: The route leads through the Gobi desert and Ulaanbaatar with a length of 7,620 km. This train is provided by China National Railway. 2. Manchuria Line: The route leads through Harbin and does not cross Mongolia with a length of 8,980 km. This train is provided by Russian state railways. – Moscow (Russia) to Paris (France): Trains from Moscow to Paris serve once a week by night train RZD. Journey time is 40 hours. – Paris (France) to Hendaye (France) – Hendaye (France) to Lisbon (Portugal) (Photo: Internet) Unlike plane trips, traveling by train offers breathtaking vistas of towering mountains, sprawling fields, glistening rivers, and the ever-changing light of day and night. customary. The train that cuts through Mongolia opens up a sweeping view of Siberia’s natural landscape – endless birch trees, glorious hills, picturesque wooden houses. On top of that, visitors will get to see firsthand the beautiful sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. Or if you’re lucky, you might even spot gazelles, camels, snow leopards, brown bears and even wolves in the wild. (Photo: Internet) (Photo: Internet) The journey from Moscow to Paris is a great opportunity to see Europe in a wonderful way as the train passes through 5 countries: Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany and France. While not the fastest way to travel between these two magnificent capitals, the train from Moscow to Paris is certainly a spectacular one. You’ll spend a day and a half on a modern and comfortable night train, enjoying the stunning landscapes and cities on your way through Europe. (Photo: Internet) (Photo: Internet) Although it takes a lot of time and very few tourists have tried and dare to try this trip, once experienced, it will become an unforgettable memory of youth. Until the day the pandemic passes, the world has returned to safe for travel, this will certainly be an interesting challenge for those who love to travel.

People relax and enjoy a relaxing space at St James’s Park in London, England With more than 200 million doses of vaccine already included in the vaccination campaign, the European Union (EU) is well on its way to meeting its goal of vaccinating 70% of adults this summer. In the UK, pre-ordering vaccines for prevention and early licensing of vaccines creates conditions for the country to speed up vaccination progress, helping to reduce infections and deaths. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce the next phase of lockdown easing in the UK. France is expected to have administered about 20 million adult doses of the vaccine by mid-May and reach 30 million by the end of June. With the number of new cases falling, the utilization rate of the intensive care unit (ICU) in France is expected to increase. The number of hospitals is reduced, the French Government is expected to ease the curfew soon, allowing cafes, bars and restaurants to open for business outdoors from May 19. In Germany, people who have received 2 full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections but have recovered are exempt from some regulations on travel restrictions and distance. Below is a series of photos of the trend of opening up, bringing the rhythm of life back to normal in many big cities in Europe. Image source: Reuters Staff serving guests at an outdoor restaurant area in Milan, Italy Life gradually returns to normal in Berlin, Germany. Restaurants in the Soho area, London welcome customers when the restriction order is eased in the British capital Tourists take selfies outside the Colosseum, Rome, Italy on the first day the monument reopens Many people are starting to return to fitness centers in Copenhagen, Denmark Đan Scenes of people cycling and walking in the Tempelhofer Feld area, Berlin, Germany An increasingly crowded beach near Athens, Greece Customers start coming to the restaurant in Rome, Italy

https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ The castle built on a high peak, Mont Saint Michel near Normandy, France, is one of the greatest achievements of medieval architecture. Although the castle has historical significance, it is also romantic with ancient stone roads, a great destination to watch the romantic sunset, and a 100 km long beach. Here you will have a wonderful short stay with the countryside atmosphere of Norman. Edinburgh Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Edinburgh is a castle that has historically served as Scotland’s main royal fortress; is located on Castle Rock, a large volcanic rock that rises impressively in the middle of the city of Edinburgh (England). Through siege, invasion, power struggles and death, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland has stood the test of time. Neuschwanstein Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Neuschwanstein Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world. The construction was built during the reign of King Ludwig II in the 19th century, and is located on a block of rock in front of the Allgau Mountains, in Navaria, near the town of Fussen, at the end of the Romantic Road (Germany). Built in the Romanesque Revival architectural style, Neuschwanstein Castle has an elongated, thin tower. This castle is considered the benchmark of romanticism, inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Castle Glamis https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Glamis Castle is located next to the village of Glamis in Angus. It was inhabited by the Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. It is also famous as the haunted castle in Scotland. Windsor Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Windsor Castle is the official residence of the British royal family in Berkshire. At 900 years old, Windsor is the largest occupied castle and the oldest royal residence in the world. Chambord Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Chambord Castle is the largest of the castles in Loire, France. It was built between 1519 and 1547. In 1981, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Hampton Court Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Hampton Court Castle (England) was made famous by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, who used it as one of his main residences. Now, tourists can spend time in its beautiful garden and enjoy the sunny weather. Mount Saint Michael https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Mount St. Michaels is a medieval castle owned by the National Trust. It can only be accessed at low tide by walking across the causeway. Leeds Castle https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/ Located in Kent, England and built in the 16th century, Leeds Castle was used by King Henry VIII as the residence of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/

Amazon’s distribution center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, April 25, 2020. Documentary photo: AFP/VNA The appeal comes after the LuxLeaks scandal exposed in 2014 revealed 500 tax agreements between Luxembourg and more than 350 international businesses, including many billion-dollar tax frauds and involving corporations. such as Apple, IKEA, Pepsi… These corporations have had tacit agreements with the tax authorities of Luxembourg to enjoy lower tax rates than prescribed. In the case of Amazon, in 2017 European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager accused Luxembourg of having an illegal arrangement with the online commerce giant to pay less tax than other businesses. other profession. Accordingly, Luxembourg has offered a preferential tax policy for Amazon, helping nearly three-quarters of the company’s profits not be taxed. At the heart of the EU’s allegations is Amazon’s violation of the so-called “market price principle”, which ensures that transactions between subsidiaries are based on prices that other independent companies in the market would charge. must return. At the time of the EU case, Amazon said it had not received any special treatment from Luxembourg, and insisted it had paid taxes in full in accordance with both Luxembourg and international tax law. However, analysts are not too optimistic about the ability of the EU’s requirements to be upheld. Less than a year ago, iPhone maker Apple won a spectacular victory in this same court against the European Commission’s request that Apple pay 13 billion euros in taxes to Ireland in 2016. But whether it wins or loses in the appeal, the European Commission will likely emphasize its goal of targeting corporate profits. The agency is also developing new rules to close tax loopholes, especially for tech giants. In recent weeks, the US side has gradually embraced the idea of ​​a global minimum corporate tax. Negotiations on cross-border corporate tax are underway at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). If successful, this tax policy will make special transactions for multinational companies a thing of the past.

Ohrid, Macedonia. Located between Macedonia and neighboring Albania, Ohrid sits next to a large lake of the same name, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. In the town, there are still preserved stone honeycomb churches from centuries earlier. Follow the path, one side is rustling pine forest, one side is steep cliffs, right below is St John’s church on the shore of Kaneo Bay. The location and architecture of this Christian church is so beautiful that it is perhaps even more famous than Macedonia itself. Titisee-Neustadt, Germany. Titisee-Neustadt is located south of the Black Forest, on the north coast of Titisee. The town is located on a small river called Seebach, this is an ideal resort location with high-class Spas and fresh nature. Long-distance routes start from the Seestrasse footpath and offer spectacular views from a tower perched atop Hochfirst (1,190 meters). Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the area. Hallstatt, Austria. Hallstatt – the most beautiful lakeside town in the world surrounded by the misty Alps – has been a destination for many visitors. Throughout its long history, Hallstatt still maintains its enchanting charm with old churches, wooden houses, and medieval castles with unique architecture creating a quaint small town. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site and is the most popular tourist attraction in Austria. Savonlinna, Finland. Four hours away from Helsinki, Ovaninlinna Castle on Lake Saimma hosts a famous opera festival every July and August. There are also lots of water activities: fishing, kayaking, swimming. In the Savonians, guests can enjoy meals at a beachfront restaurant that serves traditional local dishes. Image: Getty Images Mikołajki, Poland. There is a lot to discover around Poland’s majestic Masurian Lake: besides the resort towns of Wegorzewo, Olecko and Gizycko that are noisy and crowded in the summer, Mikołajki Town is a perfect destination. perfect. The town is characterized by red-roofed houses, bridges and marinas: visitors can rent a boat and take the waterway to Gizycko or cross the lake to Orzysz. Talloires, France. On the shores of beautiful Lake Annecy, the tranquil village of Talloires was created when the Haitian dictator “Baby Doc” Duvalier arrived as political asylum in 1986. Abbaye de Talloires restaurant dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its restaurant. Excellent wine list along with artistic cuisine. In addition, Talloires has many beautiful beaches, which are interesting places for cycling and hiking. Castiglione del Lago, Italy. On the corner of Lake Trasimeno, near the Tuscan border in Umbria, the village of Castiglione del Lago dates back to Roman times. Walls and gates from the 13th century still stand, and the medieval churches have magnificent murals from the 19th century. Morcote, Switzerland. Amid the hills on the southern shore of Lake Lugano, Morcote is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. There is a dreamy feeling when walking on the narrow streets, watching the ancient buildings and romantic botanical gardens by the river. You can do the 5-hour hike to Lugano via a trail atop Monte San Salvatore, which offers great views. Sigtuna, Sweden. Sweden’s oldest town was founded on the shores of Lake Mälaren, west of Stockholm. Built in 980, it is the perfect place to discover the history of Sweden. As well as a medieval center and several ruined churches, it’s home to 40 of the region’s famous rocks, carved by the Vikings. A 30-minute drive from the center, the 17th-century Skokloster castle is the largest private house in Sweden. In addition, this is a great spot for outdoor adventures, swimming, sailing and other water sports. Iznájar, Spain. An hour’s drive north of Malaga, the small town of Iznájar is built around the ruins of a 1,200-year-old Moorish castle. Although the ruins are in a state of repair, they provide excellent views of the surrounding area and are accessible on foot through the town’s winding streets.

For human life today, toilets are extremely popular to serve the daily needs of each individual. However, under the Middle Ages, the aristocrats in Europe had a unique way of dealing with “sadness” in the context of not having toilets in the house. Specifically, hundreds of years ago, the aristocracy in some European countries used a ceramic vase named Bourdaloue when needed to go to the toilet. The Bourdaloue ceramic vase is designed with an oval shape. In addition to ceramic, it is also made of porcelain. Bourdaloue vases are sold in ceramic shops. Customers of the aristocracy often bought a few for home use. Accordingly, the Bourdaloue urns are placed in several rooms, including bedrooms for aristocrats to use at times of day. Unlike men, female aristocrats in Europe often wore spread-out dresses. Therefore, the noblewoman can use a skirt to hide the Bourdaloue vase inside while going to the toilet without losing her aesthetics. After use, the servant will take the Bourdaloue bottle to waste and clean it before placing it back in place. Thanks to the Bourdaloue vase, the aristocracy in ancient Europe was able to handle “sadness” in its own way. Later, the Bourdaloue vase no longer prevailed and gradually disappeared from society when the sanitary ware was invented. Invite readers to watch the video: Russia and Ukraine sign a new agreement on gas transportation to Europe. Source: THĐT 1.

After getting married and giving birth, the singer left Vietnam temporarily to go to Singapore to live with her family. Recently, she showed off the new kitchen in her living space with full amenities. Doan Trang and his husband spend a lot of time on the idea of ​​designing the kitchen as desired. For Doan Trang, the kitchen is considered a place for family reunification and helps keep the fire of marriage. The kitchen space is divided into many drawers. Each drawer holds different types of cooking utensils such as cups, cups, dishes, dishes … The kitchen has a modern, symmetrical design to help open a large space, family has plenty of space to decorate, especially when there is a party. The material chosen by Doan Trang is a green core melamine wood that is waterproof, moisture-proof and extremely durable. In particular, many items are imported from Europe to help make the living space more luxurious and sophisticated. In the kitchen space, many parts are designed in-wall to save space. The kitchen is designed intelligently and conveniently. In free days, Doan Trang’s family goes to the kitchen to cook and reunite. Overview of Doan Trang’s kitchen has warm, deep tones, is covered with wooden floors and has more decorative items. The singer revealed that she and her husband always have careful calculations before buying anything for their kitchen. Doan Trang is currently living a happy life with his Swedish husband. The couple shared sweet and warm moments. Photo: NSCC.

At a barber shop in Liverpool, customers flock in droves, making the barbers never rest their hands. The pubs, entertainment areas, parks, and gyms were full of people after more than 3 months of being in silence because of the blockade. “I felt like I was released from prison” Says Kate Asani, a London resident. While Asani was chatting with friends in the afternoon sun at Kilburn pub, the Indian Ministry of Health announced the country had 168,912 new cases. April 12 is also the day when India “regained” the position of the second translation area in the world from Brazil. In a row after that, the number of new cases of the South Asian country in turn pushed the record of the previous days. Currently, India is struggling with the biggest medical crisis in the world and doesn’t know when to stop. The number of cases of COVID-19 in India is still growing rapidly. (Photo: NYT) Contrast picture The contrast between rich countries with oversupply of vaccines and poor countries, short of breath in the vaccine race is becoming clearer than ever. In the early days of May, the US airports were getting ready for a summer that promises to be very bustling when tourists fly back. After a period of closing most stores for COVID-19, Philadelphia International Airport is planning a reopening of 185 food, beverage and retail stores. Jim Tyrell, Philadelphia Airport’s Chief of Revenue, says not only are stores resuming operations, but customers are shopping at the airport more than ever before. Currently, Americans who have the COVID-19 vaccine can fly to many places, including Europe. People who have received the two-dose vaccination can go to a public place without wearing a mask. Major cities in the US have also recently been voiced about reopening. New York officials on May 3 announced plans to “fully open” the city from July 1 to after more than a year of closing due to translation. In Europe in late April, a number of countries began to gradually loosen blockade measures. On April 22, the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office announced the roadmap to reopen the country until August. Accordingly, restrictions on sports and entertainment activities for young people will be gradually lifted from April. The library and museum will reopen in May. The ban on gathering of 10 or more people during outdoor events will be lifted in July and indoor events can start from May. 8. In early May, France eased travel restrictions across the country before allowing businesses, culture and sports facilities to resume phased in from the middle of this month. At the same time, Greece has allowed restaurants to reopen after long closings. Part of the reason that the US, France or the Netherlands confidently chart the reopening route is due to their abundant vaccine inventory. In most developing countries, vaccine orders soared to billions of doses. The number of cases of COVID-19 in this country is also on the decline, people are ready for the upcoming summer vacation. The British danced in celebration as the blockade was eased. (Image: Reuters) Whereas in many developing countries, the virus is still raging, sometimes out of control. Immunization delay due to a shortage of supplies makes these countries unable to protect the most vulnerable. “We are living in a state of inability to defend at all levels” Said Victor Guevara, 72, from Honduras. In many countries, people of his age have priority to be vaccinated, Guevara said. Guevara’s relatives in Houston (USA) have also been vaccinated. But he and many Hondurans still don’t know when he will be on the vaccination list. Honduras – a Central American country with about 10 million people has only injected 59,000 doses. Nepal – India’s neighbor is struggling to cope with the new epidemic wave. Two major state hospitals in the capital, Kathmandu, are facing a serious risk of hypoxia. The Ministry of Health of Nepal acknowledges that the sudden increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country is beyond the capabilities of the health system. “Hospitals have almost run out of beds so the situation is difficult to control”, Nepal’s Ministry of Health said. Similar to India, many corpses of patients with COVID-19 in Nepal have to be cremated outdoors due to overloaded cremation centers and crematoria. In Bangladesh – another neighboring country of India, the government of this country is forced to extend the blockade measures when the disease progresses seriously. The number of deaths in the capital Dhaka increased sharply in recent days, making Rayerbazar – the cemetery for the burial of patients with COVID-19 in this city increasingly narrow. Jasimuddin – the custodian of Rayerbazar said that every day he and others had to prepare in advance for the grave for 15 to 20 bodies. Although starting at the beginning of February, Bangladesh’s immunization campaign is still extremely slow. Those who are lucky enough to get their first shot are not sure when they will get their second shot. In African countries, the COVID-19 mortality rate is rising sharply. Kenya recorded an increase in the number of deaths compared to January of 674%. This rate in Djibouti is 550%. Experts in Africa warn that the crisis in India will soon spread across the black continent. “We don’t have enough medical staff, we don’t have enough oxygen”, Said John Nkengasong, director of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, Brazil became the second country to cross the 400,000 COVID-19 death mark after the US. A shocking statistic in mid-April showed that every minute three Brazilians died of COVID-19. South America – the region is home to 5.5% of the world’s population accounts for 32% of all deaths from the epidemic. “What’s happening is a disaster”, Argentina’s Health Minister Carla Vizzotti said. In India, COVID-19 is still raging, the number of people infected with COVID-19 is still growing rapidly. Due to a shortage of hospital beds, people in the country die in hospital corridors, on roads, in their homes. Parking lots turned into places of cremation. This picture is too much in contrast to the relaxation and freedom in countries with superior immunization rates such as the UK or the US.

Illustration. https://kinhtexaydung.petrotimes.vn The cost of pollution in Europe has risen by more than 50% this year, signaling that climate policies need to be harsher, the region is also starting to make a difference. Futures in the carbon market of Europe, the largest market in the world, exceeded $ 60 / ton for the first time on May 4. Rising prices make it more expensive to release carbon dioxide into the air and force the industry to look for cleaner ways to run production. According to Ulf Ek, investment director at London’s Northlander Commodity Advisors LLP, the bulls have to go further. He hopes the futures contract will trade as high as $ 91 / ton by the end of the year, to boost his incentive to protect the environment. The rise in prices and industry concerns about its competitiveness, poised to put further strain on political discussions about the implementation of the “Green Agreement,” aimed at achieving neutrality. on climate by 2050 and strengthening emissions reduction targets by 2030. Some technologies to cut emissions, such as hydrogen generated without pollution, are still too expensive for steel and chemical manufacturers. But further price hikes could change that. Record carbon prices in Europe will strengthen the Government budget. EU leaders are arguing about enacting stricter pollution targets over the next decade at an extraordinary summit in Brussels, to be held on May 23. On July 14, the European Commission will propose a regulatory package to enact a new goal, by 2030, to cut greenhouse gases by at least 55% from 1990 levels. Agree by national governments and the European Parliament to become the binding rule. https://kinhtexaydung.petrotimes.vn

In the slums more than 10 kilometers from Bucharest, Roman families specialize in making a living by burning rubbish for metal. The ingredients for burning are varied, from broken computers to electric cables. “I will sell them (after burning product) to metal buyers. We have to work one to two weeks to get a kilo of metal, ”said Mihai Bratu, a Roma person in the village of Sintesti, a suburb of Bucharest. Like many Roman communities across Romania, the slums of Sintesti have long been neglected by the authorities. This place now consists of temporary houses, spontaneous wire grids and trash. Octavian Berceanu, head of the Romanian Environmental Protection Agency, the pollution from the relentless burning scrap sites is becoming excessively serious. He began frequent raids in Roman living areas. He said that residents here can be considered “modern slaves” are under pressure of a mafia-style system. “This is a kind of slavery, because people here don’t have the opportunity to go to school, find jobs in the city, don’t have the basic infrastructure conditions like the official electricity network, clean water or roads. Sipunculus. This ruined their lives, ”said Octavian Berceanu. Mr. Berceanu repeatedly raided the Roman slums to stop burning rubbish for metal. It is illegal to burn garbage in spontaneous landfills. It has also resulted in heavy air pollution for the Bucharest metropolitan area. Police officers prevented a woman from entering an area where people used to burn trash. Romanian riot police are deployed in these raids to support environmental forces. A piece of computer components was seized by Romanian environmental forces in the raid. The doll’s head lies on the ground after a mid-April raid by Romanian environmental forces in Vidra. Romans, also known as Digans, are scattered in many European countries, especially in Eastern and Southern Europe. The poverty rate in this community is much higher than the general average. According to the Borgen Project, 90% of Romans in Romania live at or below the poverty line. Only one in five Roma children attend school. A Roma child playing with scrap copper pieces. “Everywhere in the world, the extremely poor have to rely on meager resources for their livelihoods. This has negative consequences: They have little education, poor facilities and development level is low, “Gelu Duminica, director of a non-governmental organization dedicated to helping the Romans, said. Duminica argues that the government’s targeting of Romans, rather than the large industries or more than a million cars in the capital, Bucharest, shows them as “sacrifices” as part of their marketing campaign Politicians.

tagesschau.de: Where are you now and from where will you follow the start of your ESA colleague Thomas Pesquet? Matthias Maurer: I was actually hoping that I would be able to watch the start live at Cape Canaveral in Florida. But my training plan is so tight that I have to continue training in Houston. So I’m watching the start from the control center in Houston. I have access to all radio links there. That means: My crew and I will closely monitor how the radio connection is running in the last few hours before the start. And we take that with us as an active learning unit. I’ll be here in Houston until the fall. Then I should go to the ISS myself.

To person Matthias Maurer has made a name for himself with research in materials science and technology. He has been a member of the European Astronaut Corps since 2015. In autumn 2021, he will be the twelfth German to fly into space.

“We can’t just watch that”

tagesschau.de: Thomas Pesquet’s start is special in several respects: For the first time in ten years, a European is flying from American soil into space – and with a commercial provider. Bricklayer: Yes exactly. No European has launched into space from the USA since 2011; the last was the Italian ESA astronaut Roberto Vittori on board the NASA space shuttle. Now it’s Thomas Pesquet, aboard a commercial capsule. We are now seeing that companies, i.e. commercial providers, are able to send astronauts into space. I think that should be a wake-up call for us in Europe too. If companies in the US are able to master this technology, then we as Europe should get on with it. tagesschau.de: Is Europe just being left behind? Bricklayer: We see around the world that a lot of nations are working on it, and I am a little concerned that we as Europeans will be overtaken. India will send its own astronauts with their own capsule into space for the first time in 2022. The Chinese already have this technology, are even building their own space station, and we are seeing several companies in the USA. SpaceX is one of the companies, Boeing is a second company, Blue Origin is in the starting blocks and will soon fly people suborbitally. I think we can’t just watch that. We also have to react in Europe.

“Europe’s billionaires would rather invest in art than in space”

tagesschau.de: The ESA has its own astronautical space program, but not its own transport system to bring astronauts into space. Are there no commercial partners? Somebody like Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, is of course also a godsend for US space travel, right? Bricklayer: You’re right. Elon Musk is not someone who acts like a normal company owner and says: I’m building rockets now because that’s a solid business model. He says: I’m excited about the idea. I want to fly people towards Mars, and I am willing to use my own capital to do so. But he’s not the only one, there is a second actor, that is the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos with the company Blue Origin. These are actors in the US – billionaires – who are passionate about space travel. I think the billionaires in Europe would rather invest in art than in space. But of course that is also a personal decision. tagesschau.de: Let’s get to your SpaceX flight this fall. What are you still training until then? Bricklayer: In the last six months before the start, you practice a lot of the experiments that you are going to carry out. But of course I also train how the Crew Dragon capsule works exactly. For example, survival training is required here if the capsule lands in the water. Under normal conditions, we land at a point that is precisely defined. Then rescue teams come and pull the capsule on board a ship. But in extreme cases we could end up in places where there are no rescue teams. Then we may have to hold out for up to 48 hours on the high seas and wait for us to be rescued. tagesschau.de: When you fly to the ISS, your colleague Thomas Pesquet will still be there. Then there is, so to speak, a European flat share in space. Bricklayer: I’m really looking forward to meeting Thomas Pesquet in space. He will then be the commander of the ISS and I will be a newcomer. He can then familiarize me with the European Columbus module, our science laboratory. He will show me the ISS and then explain what exactly works and how. We still have a few differences between the training modules here on the ground and the version in space. My start is expected on October 23rd. We may have an overlap of five to ten days. That’s because we’re flying to the ISS with four people in the SpaceX capsule. There are already seven people on the ISS. When we get to it, we’ll be eleven. The station is actually not designed for continuous operation with eleven people. It starts with the fact that we may not have enough toilets and sleeping cabins. The overlapping phase is therefore limited to a few days. The interview was conducted by Ute Spangenberger, SWR

Illustration. Under the new Rome tourism law, sitting on the famous Spanish Steps would be illegal. The reason is that the newly renovated ladder is a historical relic with centuries dating rather than seating. Similarly, for the other historic stairs in the city, you can go up and down but if you sit it will inconvenience others or you may be fined. It is also illegal to knock suitcases with wheels and push children down old steps because it can destroy stone steps. While these rules may sound stricter, the protection of the ancient wonders of Rome is essential. Do not wear high heels in Athens, Greece In Greece, it is illegal to wear high heels when you visit ancient monuments such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis or any other historical site of stone and marble. The reason is that high heels will destroy these stone steps. In addition, when you have to walk a lot, high heels are also quite inconvenient, visitors should use more suitable shoes. Do not dip feet, swim in the canals of Venice You are never allowed to swim or even dip your feet in Venice’s canals and lagoons because it is against the law. Also, you should know that these places are not really clean for diving. Instead, you should go to Lido Island with beautiful sand beaches, clear water and spoiled for diving. The fountain is not a cooling place Forget what you saw on the film, you will be in trouble or possibly fined if you try to splash water at Rome’s Trevi fountain to cool off or at any fountains in Italy. Instead, head to the stunning beaches of Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast to cool off in summer. Do not swim in Blue Grotto cave, Italy When traveling Italy, if you see a sign that prohibits swimming, strictly obey. Swimming is also prohibited at the Blue Grotto cave (Capri island, southern Italy), which is famous for its unique glowing blue water. The typical case of being punished for swimming in this cave are supermodel Heidi Klum couple and musician Tom Kaulitz. In 2019, they were fined over $ 6,000 for jumping into the water. Do not eat or drink while visiting historical sites One Italian law can confuse visitors: It is illegal to eat spoiled foods in historic landmarks like Rome, Florence and Venice. You can be in the park or while walking in the street. But you can get a fine (even get kicked out of the city center), if you eat pizza on a historic square or drop ice cream while visiting the Colosseum. for brewing coffee on the famous Rialto Bridge. In Greece, you are also not allowed to bring drinks, food or chewing gum to any historic site. Do not wear a swimsuit on the streets of Barcelona, ​​Spain In Barcelona, ​​visitors are only allowed to wear swimsuits at the beach. Wearing a bikini or swimming pants and walking on the street is punishable in Barcelona, ​​as on the famous island of Mallorca. In Rome, it was illegal for men to go out naked because it was against the law. Do not feed pigeons It is against the law to feed pigeons in Venice, as pigeons peck their food ruining monuments and bird droppings also contaminate tourist attractions. Similarly, in Vienna, Austria, feeding pigeons is a misdeed and can be punished, since 2014. Do not make any noise When you arrive in Germany, remember it is illegal to make noise on a Sunday or a holiday. InVenice too, a new law here states that making too much noise at night or during naps (from 1pm to 3pm) is prohibited. Do not touch public faucets in Rome According to Lonely Planet, tourists should pay special attention to how they drink water from Rome’s public taps, called nasoni. You must not let your mouth touch the metal hose when you are taking drinking water. Instead, put your hands under the tap to get water; or collect water from the tap with a water bottle.

A temple in Kalmykia during the Buddha’s birthday. Where heaven and earth are in harmony Kalmykia is located in southern Russia, on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. In Kalmykia, there is no shortage of natural reserves, the most famous of which is the natural diversity reserve called Chornye Zemli next to Manych-Gudilo, the largest saltwater lake in Kalmykia. Every year, this lake welcomes millions of spotted cauldrons, white-necked ducks and many different types of wild geese returning from the winter migration. Another animal in the reserve that gets a lot of attention is the moose. Like birds, individual groups of elk migrate from Chornye Zemli to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in winter, and then in spring they return. The best time to see the elk falls around March and April, when their plumage changes from brown to red. Russians have long known the therapeutic uses of Manych-Gudilo and other salt-water lakes in Kalmykia. The Soviet government (former) built a number of combined healing resorts next to saltwater lakes, the most prominent of which are the two villages Berezovoe and Solenoye on the shores of Lake Yashalta. Many Kalmykian herbal remedies have been recognized worldwide, especially for skin and respiratory diseases. From Berezovoe and Solenoye, tourists can head up north to reach the Ergeni hills. Contrary to the grasslands stretching out of sight, Ergeni is the only place with forests and mountains in Kalmykia. Tourists can explore the scenery or hunt for many valuable medicines in the forests. The Sarpa Freshwater Lake area is especially famous for its fishing and hunting activities. People in the area today also offer sand bath services. Tourists who want to see the Caspian Sea with endless stretches of white sand, come to Lagan. From a small fishing village, Lagan has now become a famous homestay tourist destination. Visitors need to keep in mind only one thing: Russian naval forces regularly patrol this coast. So, remember to bring your own documents, preferably with a tour guide. Chess is everywhere in life in the capital Elista. The city of temples Located on the transport axis connecting Central Asia with Northern Europe, Kalmykia has long absorbed many different cultures. The Kalmyk ancestors, the main ethnic group in this country, migrated from Xinjiang, China, to Kalmykia. They preserve their Central Asian culture while receiving activities and art from the Mongolian, Turkish and Russian communities living next to them. By the beginning of the 5th century, Tibetan Buddhism was introduced into Kalmykia and popularized until now. Kalmykia is also known with the nickname: “The only Buddhist republic in Europe”. Elista, the country’s capital and largest city, is also known as one of the few Buddhist centers in Europe. Tibetan Buddhism plays a key role, but there are also traditional features of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism here. The largest temple in Europe is the Golden Temple, located in the center of Elista. The temple was started construction in 2004 under the witness of the Dalai Lama during his visit to Kalmykia. Today, the Golden Temple is an attraction for Buddhists to pilgrimage from all over the world, with the tallest Buddha statue in Europe (9m high). Right next to the temple is the National Museum of Kalmykia, where guests can learn more about the history of Buddhism in particular and the history of Kalmykia in general. In addition to Buddhism, the capital Elista has many other interesting things to explore. Former President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov of Kalmykia was former President of the World Chess Federation. He put a lot of effort into making chess into the national sport. Nowadays, chess is included in the curriculum in schools, so wherever you go you can see people setting up chess boards or watching chess. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s greatest achievement is “Chess City”. It is a sports complex associated with the athletes village built on the occasion of the 1998 Chess Olympics and is now a tourist destination. Even the architecture here is also influenced by the chessboard that creates amusing, such as the International Chess Museum. In addition to watching the international chess tournaments held regularly, the favorite activity of tourists in the chess city is to play chess on the outdoor chess boards with giant chess pieces.

When the Covid-19 epidemic broke out around the world, the need for a private, private, but equally luxurious and comfortable place to live became hotter. Therefore, the magnificent castles in Europe have become a sought-after object of the rich, with equally expensive prices. “Consumers seek privacy with open spaces, and private mansions are the best choice,” said Lodovico Pignatti Morano, manager at auction unit Sotheby’s International Realty Italy. 19, demand is definitely increasing “. Mr. Morano said that different types of castle real estate are quite new to Asian buyers because it is difficult to find similar castles in the region. Besides, owning a private castle demonstrates its own class for the tycoon. The immense castle is a suitable place to entertain friends, party indoors and satisfy the rich’s special passions, such as the cellar and private vineyard in the castle. European ancient castles have become the favorite real estate object of Asian tycoons, especially mainland China. Photo: Handout. European castle prices also vary widely, depending on the location, area and condition of the castle. A castle in Italy has a price ranging from 7-20 million euros (8.3 – 23 million USD). Castle in Scotland is priced at 225,000 – 8 million pounds (314,115 – 11 million USD). If you buy a castle in France, the amount must spend between 700,000 – 50 million euros (831,000 – 59 million USD). Mr. Pignatti Morano said that a lot of people buy castles in Italy come from Taiwan (China). “The buyer’s need to own a private castle is very high, especially for Taiwanese buyers. They like the classic look of a traditional castle like a turret, bell tower and surrounding moat,” he said. to speak. In addition, customers also request that the castle is equipped with modern amenities such as a gym, swimming pool and movie room. “Buyers want to own the beautiful, unique look of a castle, but the interior does not affect their modern lifestyle,” said Mr. Morano. For real estate investors, he added, they often choose castles with vineyards and fruit trees on campus in the Tuscan region north of the capital Rome. There, they will make their own wine or olive oil for a small profit. Owning a castle can cost anywhere from a few million to several tens of millions of dollars, not including the cost of restoration and annual maintenance. Photo: Handout. “The castle real estate market is attracting renewed interest in recent years from both domestic and foreign buyers,” said Alexis Caquet, chief executive officer of Engel & Volkers Paris. Caquet said the company’s main customer base includes Chinese, American and South American buyers. There are also Europeans, in which the French account for more than 60% of transactions. “Chinese buyers are very active. They especially love the castles with their own wineries. Chinese tycoons often find castles with vineyards and have reputations available. In Scotland, the demand to buy castles also increased sharply. According to Savills, demand for real estate in the country, including castle real estate, has quadrupled last year. Mr. Jamie Macnab, head of the Scottish suburban housing division at Savills, said demand for properties in the Scottish suburbs increased significantly over the past year. “Scottish castles have attracted buyers worldwide,” he added. “The castles are the most prestigious asset, but the market has always been doing well over the past few years, this could be a good investment,” said Macnab. Refurbishing castles in Scotland could cost tycoons an additional £ 1 million ($ 1.3 million), while annual maintenance costs at least from £ 50,000 ($ 69,000).

On April 15th (Thursday) local time, US President Biden delivered a speech on Russia in the East Room of the White House

Biden delivered a speech at the White House on Thursday afternoon local time, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease the situation, and once again called for a US-Russian summit in Europe later this year to defend the punitive measures taken by the United States. Biden pointed out that he had a conversation with Putin on Tuesday.

“We could have gone further, but I did not choose to do so. I chose moderation,” Biden said. “The United States does not want to cause a vicious circle of escalation and conflict with Russia. We want to establish a stable and predictable relationship. If Russia continues to interfere in our democracy, I am prepared to take further action to respond.”

Russian officials condemned the actions of the United States. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that such provocative behavior will undoubtedly be resolutely rejected, and a response to sanctions will be inevitable.

On Thursday afternoon, Biden said in a seven-minute speech in the East Room of the White House that he believed that he and Putin would hold a summit somewhere in Europe this summer.

Biden said at the meeting that the two countries “can initiate a strategic stability dialogue to seek cooperation in arms control and security” and address issues such as the containment of Iran’s and North Korea’s nuclear threats, the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and the “survival of climate change”. “Crisis” and other issues.

Biden signed an administrative order that day, announcing sanctions on six Russian technology companies that provide support to Russian intelligence agencies. The executive order also authorizes the US government to expand sanctions on Russian sovereign debt as appropriate, and prohibits US financial institutions from participating in the primary market for bonds denominated in rubles or non-rube currencies issued after June 14 this year, such as the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance.

(Edit: Zixuan)

Narrow street is located in Malá Strana, the oldest quarter of the city. About 5 minutes walk from Malostranská metro station. The street is only 50 cm wide attracting tourists in Europe Because the road is too narrow, to make it convenient for pedestrians, the local government has installed traffic lights at both ends of the road. Most of the people using the road were tourists. With the push of a button, pedestrians can alert anyone waiting on the other end that they are planning to pass. A funny incident happened on this road with a German tourist while trying to pass Vinarna Certovka. The woman was stuck in the middle of the road and was unable to escape despite being helped by everyone trying to push her away. After a while of rescue, finally, one had to use up the slippery of soap before the female tourist could escape the Vinarna Certovka road. Going through Vinarna Certovka is not an easy experience for fat people. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the world’s narrowest road belongs to Spreuerhofstrasse, located in Reutlingen, Germany.

Flag of the European Union at headquarters in Belgium. Photo: Reuters Reuters recently released a document showing that the European Union (EU) will introduce a series of conditions that force the transport, industry and construction industries to meet in order to be classified into the category. Sustainable investments in Europe. Besides, the EU has yet to decide whether to label gas and nuclear power as a “green” label. According to the document, the EU’s “sustainable financial classification” is a long list of economic activities and regulations that industries must meet in order to be labeled as a sustainable investment in the EU from 2022. This landmark regulation aims to make “green” activities more attractive to investors, while at the same time ensuring that a sustainable investment label is only granted to economic activities that comply. meeting the EU’s targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is not mentioned in the draft regulations. European nations are divided over whether gas-fired power plants should be considered “green”, and the European Commission (EC) plans to tackle the fuel issue, along with electricity. kernel, in a separate proposal later this year or not. Draft regulations on “green labeling” include detailed definitions of what is considered sustainable investment in different sectors including transportation, energy generation from sources such as wind. and hydroelectricity, building rehabilitation and manufacturing of cement, steel and batteries. For example, emissions at cement plants must be below 0.72 tons CO2 equivalent to each ton of gray cement produced. Meanwhile, car production from now until the end of 2025 will be considered a sustainable investment if these vehicles emit less than 50g of CO2 per km. After 2025, only the production of zero-emission cars will be green-labeled./.

Armored tank force of the Polish army – illustrations documentary.

On April 16, Russian media reported that a Polish army-level officer announced Russia’s “plan of aggression” against European countries.

The Topwar site said this was “another attack on Russia from Poland”. Earlier, a series of media in Ukraine had reported that the Polish army accused the Russian army of “aggression” that Moscow was “a threat” to a safe and stable Europe.

“The West’s hysteria over the maneuvering of Russian troops, believed to be on the Ukrainian border, has yet to stop.

The Commander of the Operations Command of the Polish Armed Forces, General Tomasz Piotrowski, has been involved in accusing Russia of “aggression”.

Mr. Tomasz Piotrowski was the one who announced Moscow’s “aggression plans” concerning Europe “safe” and promised to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces “- Topwar wrote.

According to the Ukrainian press, General Tomasz Piotrowski made such a promise in a telephone conversation with the Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Unification Force, Sergei Naev.

Polish army – documentary photo.

During the phone call, the Ukrainian general informed the Polish side of the current situation at the border with Russia, and also talked about the measures taken by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to “not allow the Russian army to enter. to be European ”.

According to the Ukrainian commanding officer, Kiev is considering a number of options for the development of the situation and has been fully prepared to “contain the enemy.”

In response, Polish General Tomasz Piotrowski expressed his support as well as the Minister of Defense and the President of Poland for Kiev. Mr. Tomasz Piotrowski promised to continue assisting Ukraine on the path of joining NATO.

Earlier, according to Topwar, many people may have expressed support for Kiev over the background of the “Russian threat”.

But, all was just words, for no one would fight for Ukraine, not Poland “against Russia”, nor the “free republics” of the Baltic states, nor the United States. together with NATO will directly do as promised.

“Yes, you can do it at least ten times a day. Poland can also supply weapons. But no one has the desire to send his army to the Donbass battlefield “- the Russian newspaper sarcasm.

The US pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson is postponing the launch of its vaccine in Europe. Reports of sinus vein thrombosis have been received and the decision has therefore been made to delay, the company said. The cases would now be investigated with experts and the authorities. The US health authority CDC and the FDA had previously recommended a temporary suspension of vaccinations with the Johnson & Johnson active ingredient. Six people in the US were diagnosed with sinus vein thrombosis between six and 13 days after vaccination, the authorities said in a joint statement. In three cases, thrombocytopenia, i.e. a lack of blood platelets, also occurred. They are women between the ages of 18 and 48 years.

Inoculated more than 6.8 million doses

According to the authorities, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the United States to date. The vaccine, of which only one dose is sufficient for vaccination protection, received US approval at the end of February. The now recommended suspension of vaccinations is a precautionary measure until exact results are available, said the CDC and FDA.

No decision for Germany

A spokesman for the federal health department said they had not yet decided how to proceed after the US warnings. “We always take such warnings seriously and follow them up.” The spokesman also referred to the responsibility of the Paul Ehrlich Institute. The vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was also approved in the EU in mid-March, but, unlike in the USA, is not yet in use here. The EU Commission assumes that the vaccine will be delivered to the EU next week. A total of 55 million cans are to be delivered in the second quarter, a good ten million of them to Germany. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the second corona vaccine that is suspected to be associated with the occurrence of sinus vein thrombosis. Previously, some countries had temporarily suspended vaccinations with the AstraZeneca vaccine, including Germany.

By A. Meyer-Fünffinger, J. Schuster, A. Wetter and M. Zierer, BR Four million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca: The regional government of Apulia apparently wanted to buy this amount – enough to be able to administer one dose of vaccine to the entire population of the southern Italian region. This is what it says in a letter that the head of the Apulian crisis team sent to AstraZeneca at the end of January. It suits that Bavarian Broadcasting and its international research partners IrpiMedia in Italy and Follow the Money in the Netherlands in front. Apparently, a direct deal between a regional government and AstraZeneca was planned, threaded through private brokers and handled through a complex network of companies. The deal does not go through, and in the meantime the prosecutor in Perugia has started investigations into suspected fraud.

Spahn speaks of a gold rush mood

After joint research by the BR With the international research partners, dealers across Europe offer vaccines to authorities and governments – bypassing central procurement via the EU Commission: in the Netherlands, for example, in Estonia or in Denmark. Vaccines are offered by AstraZeneca and BioNTech, including the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, which has not yet been approved in the EU.

Health Minister Spahn sees a “gold rush mood” among the providers. Image: dpa The German Ministry of Health is also repeatedly offered vaccines from different manufacturers, Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn confirmed in Berlin last week: “It’s a bit like in this pandemic with different products over and over again: it creates a gold rush atmosphere.” The pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca writes down BR-Inquiry that there is currently no supply, sale or distribution of the vaccine by the private sector. If someone offers private vaccines, it is “likely to be counterfeit,” said a spokeswoman.

Braid around a Stuttgart businessman

Behind the planned deal in Apulia is a complicated network of companies involved: A central figure is apparently a doctor from Stuttgart. He was the managing director of a Swiss company owned by his daughter. He does not make deals himself, but sees himself as an intermediary between pharmaceutical companies and governments, he tells reporters from BR Research / BR Data on the phone. A detailed written request remains unanswered. From an invoice that the BR is available, it appears that the cans should apparently be obtained through a dealer in the United States. Alleged origin of the vaccine: the United Kingdom. Also involved: two Hungarian “partner companies” of the Stuttgart businessman – one of them a furniture manufacturer. When asked, they do not know anything about vaccines for the Apulia region.

European anti-fraud agency investigated

The FDP European parliamentarian Andreas Glück speaks of “black sheep” on the vaccine market: “We definitely cannot accept that. The best way to protect ourselves from this is to work together at European level. Presumably everything did not go smoothly with the vaccine procurement at European level, we have to improve. ” The subject is known to the EU Commission. On request, a spokesman referred to the investigation by the European anti-fraud authority OLAF:

These offers come in many different forms. For example, the scammers offer to sell large quantities of vaccines, deliver a sample to collect the first advance payment, and then disappear with the money. They can supply batches of counterfeit vaccines. Or they pose as a representative of a legitimate company and claim they have or have access to vaccines. All of these claims have one thing in common: they are false. The EU Commission therefore calls on local authorities to be very careful if they receive offers of this kind.

Doubtful offers also in Germany

Some federal states have also received offers for vaccines, for example Schleswig-Holstein. The local Ministry of Health writes on request that at the end of March an individual contacted the country by email and pretended to be able to establish contact with a wholesaler. It was about five million doses of the BioNTech vaccine. No indication of the price. The Mainz vaccine manufacturer BioNTech agrees BR with that his vaccine is sold exclusively to governments and government-like organizations such as the European Commission. “BioNTech has no other sales channels,” writes the company. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health followed up BR-Information an offer on the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. “Please send us a formal offer stating an initial purchase quantity of 1 million and the price offer,” wrote a company from Singen, which specializes in the import of medical cannabis from the Netherlands.

Investigations in Baden-Württemberg

In Stuttgart, the public prosecutor’s office is now investigating “after a private person allegedly appeared to a ministry as (alleged) mediator of vaccines,” as it was called upon request. The examination of the facts continues. Such offers were also available in Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen. All federal states have said they have rejected it. The Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies emphasizes BR-Inquiry that caution should always be exercised with corona vaccines “when ‘intermediaries’ contact government agencies”. The Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers goes one step further and demands that the distribution channel of vaccines for delivery from the manufacturer via pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacies to medical practices must be laid down. All alternative distribution channels and structures would run the risk of undermining the legal supply chain, jeopardizing the safety of the vaccines and thus the safety of the population to be vaccinated.

US President Joe Biden is determined to improve relations with European allies. (Source: Reuters)

Former President Donald Trump changed America – less than his supporters wanted, but more than the opposition had hoped.

However, over the past four years, it’s not just America that has changed. America’s allies are also changing. This makes it impossible to return transatlantic relations back to an earlier period.

The unique relationship between the US and European countries is seen by observers as not going back to the way it once was, even though Mr. Biden has become President.

Former President Donald Trump is not alone.

The first reason that the relationship between the US and the European Union (EU) is difficult to return to the past originated from before Mr. Trump took office.

That’s Brexit. For decades, the UK was the first US partner to think of in Europe. London is also the most reliable and effective support partner on the “old continent”, sometimes even accepting against the bloc’s general policy.

Now that the UK leaves the EU, the United States needs to invest more time and resources in building relationships with EU politicians and institutions.

After all, defense and intelligence relations with Britain are still of great value to the United States, causing Washington to be concerned. Besides, the UK is still the closest partner to the US in terms of geopolitical issues such as Russia and China.

On the other hand, the administration of President Biden concurred with the assessment of the EU and Ireland on the challenges Brexit brought to Northern Ireland.

The impact of Brexit on UK-EU relations poses challenges for the US, especially when London and Brussels will have many disagreements in the coming period.

The second reason for the split between the US and EU is the common value system, affecting policy choices.

Economically, the presidency of President Trump has made American politicians “awaken”, realizing they need to work towards solving their own problems. Democrats demand increased support for workers, as well as for industry.

Although the EU also takes such measures, this could provoke the EU to oppose what it calls “unfair competition”.

In addition, EU priorities in the twenty-first century such as climate change or digital services could lead to new tariffs or regulations. With different approaches to digital privacy or freedom of speech, the common value systems between the US and Europe are increasingly distant.

However, the biggest difference lies in the geopolitics, namely the friend-foe perspective.

During the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was a common enemy, the transatlantic relationship was arguably the most sustainable.

Currently, some European countries and politicians have come closer to Moscow, considering it as an important energy partner. Others want to ignore acts of aggression, or actions that the EU deems a violation of Russian human rights.

But China is the real problem. The US sees China as a major competitor in both economic and security terms.

Meanwhile, while China can be viewed as a security threat, Europe still looks forward to economic cooperation with Beijing, reflected in the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment signed in December 2020.

America and Europe will find it difficult to cooperate with each other when it is impossible to even determine which are friends and enemies.

If not united by a common threat, the transatlantic relationship will split.

European leaders can breathe when a “traditional” President like Mr. Biden is elected. However, the departure of Mr. Trump does not create a solid foundation for this long-standing relationship.

The transatlantic alliance is on the decline, as is the Western-led world order. The two sides need to understand this soon to start building a new architecture, thereby forming a stronger bilateral relationship.

(According to Nikkei Asia)

22 years after having to play in third place, Man City is now present in the semifinals of the Champions League. (Image: Getty Images)

Looking at the presence of English clubs in the two European arenas, the balance of power has changed. Money is key, but not all.

The British flag is flying high again in Europe and the two English finals like the 2018/19 season are completely repeatable, with Chelsea – Man City in the Champions League and MU – Arsenal in the Europa League. Before you dream of that scenario, though, pause for a moment and think about the amazing change in English football.

About two decades ago, even those with the richest imagination could not imagine a day when Chelsea and Man City walked on their journey to conquer Europe’s peak, while MU and Arsenal sought a salvation. for the season in the 2nd tier arena.

At the turn of the 21st century, MU and Arsenal are the two dominant forces in the Premier League. They rarely bother with the rest and spend time searching for European glory. Chelsea and Man City do not have that comfort. The two grappled with their own problems, mostly with regard to money.

Before Roman Abramovich took over the Blues, this team owed £ 80 million and faced bankruptcy. The Citizens is also deeply in debt after trying to get out of the 3rd league and back to the Premier League, playing a derby with MU instead of Macclesfield Town in a stadium with only 6,000 spectators.

When the problem is money, it’s easy to solve if there are bosses like Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour, who suddenly one day discover their love for football and step into Chelsea, Man City, then make a transformation. spectacular. Two teams that are inferior to their history suddenly become giants, overthrow old forces and write their own history.

Arsenal Vice President David Dein once described how Chelsea functioned as follows: “Abramovich parked his Russian tank on our doorstep and shot out £ 50 bills.” Dick Law, Dein’s assistant, corrected: “I think it looks more like a 1,000 bill.”

There’s a pretty big jealousy here. The Russian billionaire once learned about the possibility of buying Arsenal but ignored it and Dein was extremely angry when he knew it. As for Sir Alex Ferguson, he accused Chelsea of ​​”ruining football” and scolded Man City, “a noisy neighbor” that was “spending money in a suicide fashion”.

In a less extreme way, former Newcastle President Sir John Hall said that in football, people don’t have to pay, only so far, bosses spend more money. “We, Aston Villa, Everton and Liverpool, Arsenal or MU all burn a lot of money, but the tycoons have taken everything to new heights. The bottomless pocket allows them to do anything, ”commented Hall.

But Hall added, billionaires from all over the world “have changed the game and the way football is run”, not just about money. As seen, in the period of 2013 up to now, MU’s actual expenditure is 780 million pounds, not much less than Man City (854 million) and double Chelsea (380 million), triple Liverpool (231 million). What about Arsenal, with 445 million spent, they are the third most expensive team in the Premier League, just less than two Manchester teams.

Money is very important in football, but it must be efficient to drive big ambitions. MU and Arsenal are slow to adapt and then fall behind. Efforts to spend money to level the gap can help them catch up with Chelsea and Man City, but not now.

“We have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League and this is like a true big game in Europe, because Roma is a rival with a long history,” MU coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said after overcoming Granada. April 16 morning.

“It is wonderful to be one of the four strongest teams in Europe. This is not an achievement, because Man City has entered the semi-finals of the Champions League once. We are creating another history, ”Man City coach Pep Guardiola said on Thursday.

A team trying to write history in Europe’s most famous league, a team trying to exaggerate the stature of the second-tier arena sounds ironic. However, this is how football plays out.