Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels proposes a cap of 275 euros on the price of gas purchases
Brussels/Madrid/Castellón (Europa Press) – The European Commission has proposed putting a cap of 275 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) on the price of gas purchases. The mechanism would be activated automatically in the event of exceptional price rises and would limit transactions on the regulated market, although it might be suspended in the event of serious disruptions to the markets.
The proposal still needs to be negotiated by the Member States of the European Union, but it has already been rejected by several of them, including Spain, France and Poland, who regard the suggested price limit as too high. On the other hand, the Netherlands and Germany criticize the proposal for opposite reasons, since they do not see the need to intervene in the market. For the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, the Brussels proposal is “clearly insufficient.” Spain will demand a price cap that is dynamic, takes international markets as a reference and includes a plus that must jointly be set by the 27 Member States, said Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera. (November 23, 23 and 24)
Slovakian Minister of Foreign Affairs: Aggression against Ukraine threatens the system of human rights protection
Banská Bystrica (TASR) – Russian aggression against Ukraine threatens the system of human rights protection and the entire international order based on the rule of law. This was stated on November 21 by Slovakian Minister of Foreign Affairs Rastislav Káčer, when he opened the 9th Annual Human Forum and the 2nd Annual Conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Banská Bystrica. The motto of this year’s Human Forum, an international discussion forum on human rights, was Democracy in danger? Until November 23, the participants discussed the global and regional challenges for democracy and human rights, especially in times of armed aggression in Slovakia’s neighborhood, as well as the role of civil society in protecting human rights in Slovakia.
According to the organizers of the forum, the geopolitical situation in the world changed after the aggressive attack of the Russian Federation on the independent state of Ukraine. Recognizing democratic values and principles is currently proven to be key to future progress. “The main goal is to have an intensive debate between citizens, political representatives, representatives of international institutions, academics and the private business sector, so that with joint efforts, democracy can be strengthened and reduce social extremism again,” the organizers said.
According to Káčer, the answer to those questioning the international order should be a clear value-based foreign policy. “However, the whole of society must be aware of the importance of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms,” declared the head of Slovak diplomacy. Káčer also emphasized that there must not be indifference to the aggressive behavior of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes or extremist forces or movements, because this could cost society dearly. (November 21)
Albania one step closer to the EU
Tirana (ATA) – Albania has fulfilled all the conditions and become a member with full rights of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. The request for membership was submitted by Prime Minister Edi Rama in June of this year. The agreement on membership in the European Civil Protection Mechanism was signed in Tirana by Albanian Minister of Defence Niko Peleshi and European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarçiç.
Rama said that “thanks to this agreement, every natural disaster of ours now also concerns the entire European Union and immediately sets in motion the European defence mechanism, committing means, people and funds for Albania to deal with emergencies.” Rama underlined that “today we are one step closer to the EU and the EU is one step closer to us, on a path that becomes more habitual with each passing day.” (November 21)
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