World
Macron’s comments on EU ‘strategic autonomy’ spark disagreement
Emmanuel Macron’s feedback about Taiwan and his name for European “strategic autonomy” sparked controversy as he advocated for the EU to not change into followers of the US and China.
The feedback have been printed in two information shops after Macron visited China final week, the place he met with President Xi Jinping.
For some, his remarks might crack European unity and transatlantic solidarity, however not all observers denounce the strategic autonomy defended by Paris.
“President Macron has for a number of years now, repeatedly emphasised his view that Europe ought to develop what he calls strategic autonomy… I do not see that as a menace to transatlantic unity in any respect,” mentioned Dan Baer, director of the Europe Programme on the Carnegie Endowment for Worldwide Peace.
Baer says that it could be additionally within the US’ finest curiosity to defend a European technique.
“I feel there are many folks within the US who would help the concept that Europe ought to do extra to be a strategic actor in its personal proper,” the analyst mentioned.
“And Europe stepping as much as do extra, particularly within the gentle of the threats each proximity and world in at this time’s space could be an excellent factor”.
Some have criticised the timing of the feedback, as after Macron left China, Beijing launched army workouts encircling Taiwan.
For Mario Esteban, an analyst at Actual Instituto Elcano the thought of a European third manner appears difficult as a result of the safety of the EU at present is determined by america.
“We must always observe the US so far as it’s in our curiosity,” he mentioned. “It is apparent that our values and our pursuits are usually not the identical because the US however are nearer to the US than to China.
“I do not assume we must always blindly observe the US however speaking about neutrality or equidistance right here, I feel it is not very life like as a result of neither our values nor our pursuits are equidistant from Washington and Beijing,” he mentioned.
World
Video: South Korea’s Political Instability Deepens With New Impeachment
Lawmakers from South Korea’s governing party protested on Friday against a vote to impeach the country’s acting president, Han Duck-soo. The motion, which passed 192-0, came less than two weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol was also ousted by the opposition in the National Assembly.
World
Man on vacation with family goes overboard on Norwegian cruise ship in Bahamas
The frantic search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who went overboard has been called off.
A spokesperson for the cruise line confirmed to Fox News Digital that the 51-year-old went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic late Thursday afternoon.
The incident was first noted at approximately 3 p.m. as Norwegian Epic was sailing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
The passenger was on the cruise with his family, the spokesperson said. The cruise left from Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, Dec. 21 and was a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE NO LONGER ACCEPTING PHOTOCOPIES OF GUEST BIRTH CERTIFICATES
The cruise line said that authorities were quickly notified and search and rescue efforts were immediately implemented.
SOCIAL MEDIA USERS GET DRAMATIC AFTER CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP HITS ICE IN ALASKA: ‘TITANIC MOMENT’
“After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities to continue its voyage,” the spokesperson said.
Norwegian Cruise Line said the passenger’s loved ones on board were “being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.
The Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020, has 19 decks. It can accommodate 4,070 passengers with double occupancy of its cabins and has 1,724 crew members.
It was not immediately clear what caused the man to go overboard. The man has not been identified.
World
Olive oil, milk and cereals: How did food prices fluctuate in 2024?
After food prices soared in 2021 and 2022, over five essential food products saw price drops in 2024, including milk and cereals.
In 2024, agricultural prices in the European Union saw a modest decline, falling by 2% compared to 2023.
This price decline followed sharp increases in 2021 and 2022 that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather conditions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite a surge in olive oil prices in 2024, the prices of cereals dropped by 15%, eggs by 8%, and vegetables and horticultural products declined by 2%.
The price of pigs and poultry also shrank by 7% and 8%, respectively.
According to Eurostat figures, milk prices decreased in 16 EU countries in 2024.
The sharpest decline was recorded in Finland with a 12% drop in prices, followed by Portugal with 10% and Spain with 8%.
By contrast, the sharpest increase was in Ireland with a 15% rise in prices, followed by Lithuania with 11% and Latvia with 10%.
In terms of production, the cost of seeds and veterinary services rose by 3%.
However, prices for fertilisers and soil improvers plummeted by 18%, food for animals by 11%, and plant protection products and pesticides by 2%.
Commission measures between farmers and buyers
After a year in which farmers have protested regularly, the EU Commission has presented an initiative to ensure they receive fair compensation and are no longer forced to sell products below production costs.
The proposed measures include mandatory written contracts that require buyers to clearly outline key terms such as price, quantity, and delivery timelines, taking into account market conditions and cost fluctuations.
The package also introduces a regulation to enhance enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) Directive, which was adopted five years ago but remains largely unimplemented.
Video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz
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