EU removes UAE from ‘high-risk’ money-laundering list, adds Monaco
The European Commission said it added Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela, along with Monaco, to the list of countries subject to extra monitoring of their money laundering controls.
Syrian refugees to set off in caravan for EU from Turkey
Desperate to rid the uncertainty hanging over their future, dozens of Syrian refugees in Turkey are planning to form a caravan to reach the European Union. According to organizers, plans are being drawn up online where calls are being issued to people to bring sleeping bags, tents, life jackets, canned...EU seeks closer ties with gas-rich Qatar, opens office in Doha
The European Union opened an office in Qatar on Wednesday in a sign of the Gulf state's growing influence in solving the international energy crisis. EU council president Charles Michel was to meet the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and other top officials in Doha later in the...Erdogan blames Europe’s energy crisis on Russia sanctions
Erdogan told reporters before departing for a three-nation swing through the Balkans that European nations were "harvesting what they sowed" by imposing economic restrictions on Russia.Algeria a ‘reliable’ gas supplier: EU chief Michel
European officials have been looking to Algeria, Africa's biggest gas exporter, to fill a shortfall in supplies after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February sent prices soaring. The situation has taken on added urgency in recent days after Russia halted gas deliveries to Germany via the key Nord Stream pipeline...Norway preps burial ground for CO2
As the planet struggles to meet its climate targets, some climate experts see the technique, called carbon capture and storage, as a means to reduce emissions from fossil-fuel-based industries.‘Well prepared to tackle Russia’s gas embargo’
EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said Saturday that the European Union was "well prepared" in the event of a total halt in Russian gas deliveries, thanks to storage capacity and energy-saving measures. "We are well prepared to resist Russia's extreme use of the gas weapon," he told reporters on the...Moscow warns EU against restricting Russian tourists
The Kremlin on Tuesday warned it would respond if the European Union makes it harder for Russians to travel to the bloc as part of measures in support of Ukraine. The idea to ban Russian tourists from Europe has divided EU nations, with some in full support and others against...EU plans emergency action to halt energy price rise
High gas prices have been followed by disruptions in the nuclear and hydroelectric sectors amid a heatwave blamed on climate change -- threatening businesses and households with massive bills. Energy ministers from EU member states will hold urgent talks in Brussels on September 9.UN high-seas biodiversity treaty struggles to leave port
After 15 years, including four prior formal sessions, negotiators have yet to reach a legally binding agreement to address the growing environmental and economic challenges involving the high seas, also known as international waters a zone which encompasses almost half the planet. Many had hoped that this fifth session, which...Israel appeals West to halt talks seeking revival of Iran nuclear deal
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday urged Western powers to halt talks aimed at reviving a nuclear deal that he said would fill Iran's coffers and "undermine" Middle East stability. The 2015 accord, which is designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, has been on life-support since...US says Iran eased demands for nuclear deal
The United States is expected shortly to respond to Iran through European Union mediators, after a year and a half of indirect diplomacy that just weeks ago looked on the verge of collapsing. US officials said Iran dropped demands to block some UN nuclear inspections after also relaxing on insistence...EU says Iran nuclear deal meeting likely this week
A meeting on resurrecting the Iran nuclear deal could be held 'this week' after Tehran submitted its response to an EU proposal, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday. Efforts to revive the JCPOA - the 2015 agreement between world powers and Tehran aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions -...European Union mulling Iran response to ‘final’ nuclear text
The European Union said Tuesday it was studying Iran's response to a "final" draft agreement on reviving a 2015 nuclear accord with major powers it presented at talks in Vienna. The United States had already said Monday that it was informing EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell of its response...Iran hints it may accept compromise on nuclear deal
Iran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement, its official news agency IRNA said on Friday. The deal meant to curb Iran's nuclear programme has been moribund since the withdrawal of the United States under president Donald Trump in 2018. The major...UN watchdog warns of ‘grave’ crisis amid violence near Ukraine nuclear plant
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of "nuclear blackmail" as he urged the international community to react immediately to chase out the occupiers from Zaporizhzhia. "Only the Russians' full withdrawal... would guarantee nuclear safety for all of Europe," Zelensky said in a video address to the nation.EU asks Tehran, Washington to decide ‘very quickly’ on Iran deal
There is no more space for negotiations. We have a final text. So it's the moment for a decision: yes or no. And we expect all participants to take this decision very quickly, a foreign policy spokesman for the bloc, Peter Stano said. Iran has said it is studying the...‘Iran examining EU’s final text at nuclear talks’
Iran said Monday it is examining a "final text" presented by the European Union at the negotiations in Vienna aimed at restoring a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The comments came after a European official said the EU has tabled the "final" version of the text, negotiations...Jordan puts up draft national AI strategy for public debate
The draft has been formulated in collaboration with experts from the European Union, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and the UNIDO.EU representative to discuss stalled nuclear deal with Iran in Vienna
Negotiations between Iran and world powers, which began in late November 2021 to reintegrate Joe Biden's United States into the agreement, have been stalled since March.Iran sees way out of nuclear talks deadlock after fresh EU proposal
Iran said Monday it remains "optimistic" about a possible revival of the 2015 nuclear deal after the European Union tabled a proposal aiming for a compromise in the talks stalled since March.Iran says ‘optimistic’ after European Union proposal for nuclear deal
Iran said Monday it remains "optimistic" about a possible revival of the 2015 nuclear deal after the European Union tabled a proposal aiming for a compromise in the talks stalled since March. "We remain optimistic that the negotiation process will lead us to a logical and reasonable outcome," foreign ministry...Gazprom suspends gas export to Latvia as tensions escalate
Russian energy giant Gazprom Saturday suspended gas supplies to Latvia following tensions between Moscow and the West over the conflict in Ukraine and sweeping European and US sanctions against Russia. Gazprom drastically cut gas deliveries to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline on Wednesday to about 20 percent of its...Turkey to drill for gas in Mediterranean early next month
Turkey will resume gas exploration off its coast in the Mediterranean on August 9, the energy ministry said Tuesday. "Turkish drilling ship Adbulhamid Han will start a mission in the Mediterranean on August 9 departing from the Mersin port" in the south of the country, it said in a statement.EU agrees to reduce gas consumption by 15 percent
The usage is reduced to counter the dependency on Russian gas supplies.Morocco retrieves eight migrant bodies off its coast
Moroccan authorities on Monday retrieved the bodies of eight migrants off the southern shores of the North African kingdom, local officials said.French, UK satellite firms eye tie-up to create ‘global champion’
French satellite operator Eutelsat said on Monday it was in talks with British counterpart OneWeb for a tie-up to create a "global champion" in broadband internet, rivalling US operators such as Elon Musk's Starlink. Satellite broadband promises to bring coverage to the most remote areas of the planet and supply...European Union cuts growth forecasts as war-stoked inflation surges
The EU executive, which tracks the economy of the 27 countries in the European Union, said GDP growth in the eurozone would reach 2.6 percent in 2022 and a sharply lowered 1.4 percent in 2023. Inflation would end the year at 7.6 percent, much higher than previously forecast, and 4.0...European Union warns of worst Palestinian displacement in ‘decades’
An EU envoy warned Thursday over the possible mass displacement of Palestinians from a West Bank area at the centre of a protracted legal battle, after a controversial Israeli court ruling. The European Union's ambassador to the Palestinian territories, Sven Kuehn von Burgsdorff, issued the warning as he toured Masafer...EU top diplomat bids to ‘reverse tensions’ on surprise Iran visit
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was headed to Tehran on Friday for a surprise visit that could breathe new life into stalled talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Borrell was due to arrive in the Iranian capital at night to meet Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and...European Union seeks to prepare arrival of ‘zero-emission’ aircraft
The European Commission called Friday on the members of the aviation sector to join an alliance to prepare for the advent of carbon-neutral aircraft. It envisages the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation alliance including representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, as well as passenger and...EU top diplomat bids to ‘reverse tensions’ on surprise Iran visit
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to travel to Tehran on Friday for a surprise visit that could breathe new life into stalled talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Borrell was due to arrive in the Iranian capital at night to meet Foreign Minister Hossein...Egypt, European Union review cooperation on climate and energy challenges
Egypt and the European Union have reviewed and discussed enhanced cooperation on climate, energy and industrial transformation challenges ahead of COP27 in Egypt later this year. On Wednesday, on the occasion of the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El...Jordan king discusses food security with European Commission president
The meeting covered regional and international developments, especially the Palestinian cause.European Union spent $305 billion on environmental issues in 2021
The European Union's expenditure in 2021 on environmental protection, investments and consumption amounted to €292 billion ($305.4 bn), said Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU. The expenditure has risen by over 3 percent on average each year, with a total increase of 54 percent since 2006. Also, the expenditure...Apple unhappy as EU agree on common charger for all its devices
The EU said the current situation remained wasteful and that European consumers spent approximately 2.4 billion euros ($2.8 billion) annually on standalone chargers they bought separately.Bosphorus sea trade remains undaunted by Ukraine war
At the gates of the Black Sea, trade is in full swing as freighters and oil tankers sail from the heart of Istanbul to Russian and Ukrainian ports.Kuwait wants Schengen visa exemption for its citizens
Speaker of Kuwaiti National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim expressed optimism that the exemption request would be granted.Jordan King discusses regional, security issues with EU leaders
The King discussed the latest regional developments and their impact on regional security, especially the Palestinian cause.Greece will send Iranian oil from seized ship to US: police
Greece will send Iranian oil from a seized Russian-flagged tanker to the United States at the request of the US judiciary, Greek port police said Wednesday, a decision that angered Tehran. Last month the Greek authorities seized the Pegas, which was said to have been heading to the Marmara terminal...Saudi Arabia to form national land alliance: Minister at GLF
The forum will discuss issues like land decentralization, climate crisis, youth and land-based opportunities in rural areas, and building partnerships.France sees no EU entry for Ukraine before ’15 or 20 years’
A bid by Ukraine to join the European Union would not be finalized for "15 or 20 years," France's Europe minister said Sunday, pouring cold water on Kyiv's hopes for quick entry in the wake of Russia's invasion. "We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to...EU looks to build a strategic partnership with GCC
GCC Secretary-General, Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, had welcomed the European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell’s announcement of the adoption of joint working paper of the European Parliament and the European CommissionRussia FM visits Algeria as EU steps up push for alternative gas
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited gas-producing ally Algeria for talks Tuesday as a European drive to secure alternative supplies gathers pace. Lavrov, who arrived in Algiers late Monday, was due to hold talks with both Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algerian reports said. His visit is...France says EU deal on Russia oil embargo possible this week
The embargo on Russian oil, which is part of a sixth package of EU sanctions under discussion, is being resisted by some member states that rely on Russian oil to keep their economies running and are seeking guarantees of alternative sources.Iran says EU nuclear coordinator will visit this week
Enrique Mora has played a key role as an intermediary between the United States and Iran during a year of on-off talks in Vienna that have been at a standstill since March. He will meet with Ali Bagheri, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a...EU eyes Russian oil import ban amid new bid to evacuate Mariupol
State Department spokesman voiced skepticism about the ceasefire, saying that Moscow has repeatedly resumed shelling after announcing pauses.European Union shores up defense against Russia energy threats
European Union ministers met Monday to respond to Russia cutting gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria -- and discuss plans for a possible oil embargo to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine. The energy ministers from the 27 member states were coordinating efforts to counter what Brussels has branded the Kremlin's...Outside help conditional on implementing reforms: Lebanon Deputy PM
Lebanese deputy prime minister Saadeh Al-Shami has said that during his meetings last week with World Bank and IMF officials, he gathered that any help to pull the country out of its difficult economic situation is conditional on implementing agreed upon reforms. A statement by his media office, local media...TotalEnergies makes $4.1 bn writedown on Russian gas project
French energy firm TotalEnergies said Wednesday it had taken a $4.1 billion impairment charge on its Arctic LNG 2 gas project under construction in northern Russia. On the eve of reporting its first-quarter results, the firm said additional sanctions adopted by European authorities, "notably prohibiting export from European Union countries...Hopes down for Easter truce in Ukraine as Russia presses on
Russian forces, which withdrew from around Kyiv and the north of Ukraine earlier this month after being frustrated in their attempts to take over the capital, already occupy much of the eastern Donbas region and the south.