This week in Europe: Four planes from the EU firefighting fleet have been sent to France from Greece and Sweden, following a request from the French authorities, as forest fires ravage the southwest of the country. Furthermore, Italy requests the opening of proceedings against Slovenia over balsamic vinegar rules.
On August 5, the European Commission strenuously denied that EU sanctions are responsible for Russia not being able to reintroduce the gas turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) supports Austrian authorities in implementing the voluntary return of refugees. Washington says the US is a strong partner encouraging a rapid EU accession for North Macedonia.
Social media posts claim electric vehicle (EV) batteries would “completely die” in cold or hot weather. This is misleading; while extreme temperatures do negatively affect the performance of electric cars, they still run properly — and tests show battery life does last for hours.
Energy crisis, Ukraine war, Corona Pandemic – Europe is in the midst of a difficult time. With a proposal, the EU wants to obligate member states to put on reserves. More news of the week: An EU action plan shall improve the rights and freedoms of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegowina and Brussels purchases 250 million doses of Hipra’s coronavirus vaccine.
Italy has the third-largest economy in the EU and is now trying to find a new prime minister. According to recent polls, the right wing parties have a chance to form the next government. The Italians are facing a decisive election – not only for them, but for the whole EU.