nekur.lv meklēšana: referendums august http://nekur.lv Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:02:58 +0000 nekur.lv v∞.∞ <![CDATA[French government reviews child abuse cases after Lyhanna killing]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2231039?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Ff7b68e78-a6fa-40f2-a9f9-8fbce770362f%2Feurope%2F11&from=rss laacz Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:40:16 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2231039 France's government faced mounting pressure after the killing of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl who disappeared near Fleurance in southwest France on May 29 and whose body was found days later in the Gers area. The main suspect, Jérôme Barella, 41, the father of another pupil at Lyhanna's school, was reported to have been seen with her and had previously faced complaints or reports involving sexual violence against minors. The case drew scrutiny after prosecutors in Auch said the suspect had been accused in an investigation opened after an August 2025 complaint but had not been questioned before his arrest in connection with Lyhanna's disappearance. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Monday, including outside courthouses and the Justice Ministry in Paris, demanding accountability and stronger protection for children. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered a review of roughly 70,000 complaints involving sexual violence against minors and acknowledged serious failures in the handling of the case. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu proposed measures including possible life sentences for serial rapists and a three-month maximum deadline for investigative acts in crimes against children, with the measures to be added to a child protection bill due for parliamentary examination in July.

Rally in memory of Lyhanna in Paris on June 8, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Prior complaint: A complaint filed in August 2025 accused the suspect of repeated rape of a 10-year-old girl, and gynecological examinations confirmed the violence, yet nine months later investigators had not questioned him.
  • Resignation calls: Protesters and opposition figures demanded Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's resignation, with some rallies chanting 'Heads must roll'.
  • Institutional probes: Darmanin announced a joint inquiry by the Justice Inspectorate and the National Gendarmerie Inspectorate into earlier procedures involving the suspect.
  • Parliament pressure: National Assembly lawmakers debated the case on Tuesday, with left-wing lawmakers pressing for more resources and right-wing lawmakers calling for more punitive measures.
Frankly, if the justice system had more resources, this tragedy and all the others wouldn’t have happened - François Roujou de Boubée

Perspectives:

  • Lyhanna's family lawyer: François Roujou de Boubée said the family trusted the justice system but did not want the government to use Lyhanna's murder for political purposes, promise a new law or shift blame to investigators. (The Guardian)
  • Collectif Enfantiste: Virginie Bordeaux, an activist with the child rights group that co-organised the Lyon rally, said the problem was not one court, judge or prosecutor but a system that needed reconsideration. (Euronews)
  • Gérald Darmanin: The justice minister told senators he felt 'cold anger' because there was evidence against Jérôme Barella and said he believed the suspect should have been placed in police custody. (BFMTV)
  • Marine Le Pen: The National Rally parliamentary leader told Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu that French people expected serious scrutiny of how justice functions and accused the state judicial apparatus of failing Lyhanna. (BFMTV)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> France's government faced mounting pressure after the killing of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl who disappeared near Fleurance in southwest France on May 29 and whose body was found days later in the Gers area. The main suspect, Jérôme Barella, 41, the father of another pupil at Lyhanna's school, was reported to have been seen with her and had previously faced complaints or reports involving sexual violence against minors. The case drew scrutiny after prosecutors in Auch said the suspect had been accused in an investigation opened after an August 2025 complaint but had not been questioned before his arrest in connection with Lyhanna's disappearance. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Monday, including outside courthouses and the Justice Ministry in Paris, demanding accountability and stronger protection for children. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered a review of roughly 70,000 complaints involving sexual violence against minors and acknowledged serious failures in the handling of the case. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu proposed measures including possible life sentences for serial rapists and a three-month maximum deadline for investigative acts in crimes against children, with the measures to be added to a child protection bill due for parliamentary examination in July.

Rally in memory of Lyhanna in Paris on June 8, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Prior complaint: A complaint filed in August 2025 accused the suspect of repeated rape of a 10-year-old girl, and gynecological examinations confirmed the violence, yet nine months later investigators had not questioned him.
  • Resignation calls: Protesters and opposition figures demanded Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's resignation, with some rallies chanting 'Heads must roll'.
  • Institutional probes: Darmanin announced a joint inquiry by the Justice Inspectorate and the National Gendarmerie Inspectorate into earlier procedures involving the suspect.
  • Parliament pressure: National Assembly lawmakers debated the case on Tuesday, with left-wing lawmakers pressing for more resources and right-wing lawmakers calling for more punitive measures.
Frankly, if the justice system had more resources, this tragedy and all the others wouldn’t have happened - François Roujou de Boubée

Perspectives:

  • Lyhanna's family lawyer: François Roujou de Boubée said the family trusted the justice system but did not want the government to use Lyhanna's murder for political purposes, promise a new law or shift blame to investigators. (The Guardian)
  • Collectif Enfantiste: Virginie Bordeaux, an activist with the child rights group that co-organised the Lyon rally, said the problem was not one court, judge or prosecutor but a system that needed reconsideration. (Euronews)
  • Gérald Darmanin: The justice minister told senators he felt 'cold anger' because there was evidence against Jérôme Barella and said he believed the suspect should have been placed in police custody. (BFMTV)
  • Marine Le Pen: The National Rally parliamentary leader told Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu that French people expected serious scrutiny of how justice functions and accused the state judicial apparatus of failing Lyhanna. (BFMTV)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[COP31 hosts seek global 35% electricity target]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2231052?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Ff7b68e78-a6fa-40f2-a9f9-8fbce770362f%2Fscience%2F9&from=rss laacz Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:58:31 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2231052 Türkiye’s COP31 president-designate, Murat Kurum, proposed a voluntary global goal to raise electricity’s share of final energy demand from about 20% today to 35% by 2035, putting electrification on the agenda for this year’s UN climate summit. Kurum announced the target at the Bonn Climate Change Conference on June 9, while Australia’s Chris Bowen, who is steering the formal negotiations under the COP31 co-hosting arrangement, said he wanted a strong outcome on switching vehicles, buildings and industry from fossil fuels to electricity. The proposal is part of COP31’s non-negotiated Action Agenda rather than the formal UN negotiating track, so it does not require consensus approval from nearly 200 countries. COP31 organizers said the target draws on analysis from the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency and is intended to support Paris Agreement implementation and a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. COP31 is scheduled to begin on November 9 in Antalya, Türkiye, with thousands of negotiators meeting in Bonn this week and next to prepare decisions for political leaders. The COP31 Presidency also announced targets to halve the growth in global waste by 2035 and cut building-sector energy consumption intensity by at least 25% by 2035.

Electricity pylons of high-voltage electrical power lines are seen in Bouchain, France, August 1, 2023.

Highlights:

  • Energy gap: About one-third of global electricity generation already comes from renewable sources, but nearly four-fifths of final energy use still comes from fossil fuels because transport, heating and industry have been slower to switch to electricity.
  • Coalition building: Kurum said COP31 organizers would work in the months before Antalya to build a global coalition supporting the “35% by 2035” objective.
  • Negotiating roles: Australia’s role in the formal negotiations followed a diplomatic compromise with Türkiye over COP31 hosting rights, and Fiji and Tuvalu are due to host pre-COP meetings under the arrangement.
  • Agency work: The COP31 Presidency commissioned the IEA to map pathways and analyze benefits for the electrification push.
By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets. This ‘35% by 2035’ target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency. On the road to COP31 in Antalya, we will work to bring together a strong global coalition that is ready and determined to act in support of this objective - Murat Kurum

Perspectives:

  • Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate and energy minister: Bowen said electrifying the global economy was the fastest way to strengthen energy security, cut emissions and lower costs. (Michael West Media)
  • Greenpeace Türkiye: Greenpeace Türkiye Director Berkan Özyer welcomed the electrification call but said Türkiye’s continued operation of coal plants and planned new units at Afşin-Elbistan conflicted with that vision. He called for cancelling the new unit plans. (Gazete Oksijen)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> Türkiye’s COP31 president-designate, Murat Kurum, proposed a voluntary global goal to raise electricity’s share of final energy demand from about 20% today to 35% by 2035, putting electrification on the agenda for this year’s UN climate summit. Kurum announced the target at the Bonn Climate Change Conference on June 9, while Australia’s Chris Bowen, who is steering the formal negotiations under the COP31 co-hosting arrangement, said he wanted a strong outcome on switching vehicles, buildings and industry from fossil fuels to electricity. The proposal is part of COP31’s non-negotiated Action Agenda rather than the formal UN negotiating track, so it does not require consensus approval from nearly 200 countries. COP31 organizers said the target draws on analysis from the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency and is intended to support Paris Agreement implementation and a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. COP31 is scheduled to begin on November 9 in Antalya, Türkiye, with thousands of negotiators meeting in Bonn this week and next to prepare decisions for political leaders. The COP31 Presidency also announced targets to halve the growth in global waste by 2035 and cut building-sector energy consumption intensity by at least 25% by 2035.

Electricity pylons of high-voltage electrical power lines are seen in Bouchain, France, August 1, 2023.

Highlights:

  • Energy gap: About one-third of global electricity generation already comes from renewable sources, but nearly four-fifths of final energy use still comes from fossil fuels because transport, heating and industry have been slower to switch to electricity.
  • Coalition building: Kurum said COP31 organizers would work in the months before Antalya to build a global coalition supporting the “35% by 2035” objective.
  • Negotiating roles: Australia’s role in the formal negotiations followed a diplomatic compromise with Türkiye over COP31 hosting rights, and Fiji and Tuvalu are due to host pre-COP meetings under the arrangement.
  • Agency work: The COP31 Presidency commissioned the IEA to map pathways and analyze benefits for the electrification push.
By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets. This ‘35% by 2035’ target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency. On the road to COP31 in Antalya, we will work to bring together a strong global coalition that is ready and determined to act in support of this objective - Murat Kurum

Perspectives:

  • Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate and energy minister: Bowen said electrifying the global economy was the fastest way to strengthen energy security, cut emissions and lower costs. (Michael West Media)
  • Greenpeace Türkiye: Greenpeace Türkiye Director Berkan Özyer welcomed the electrification call but said Türkiye’s continued operation of coal plants and planned new units at Afşin-Elbistan conflicted with that vision. He called for cancelling the new unit plans. (Gazete Oksijen)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[Armenians vote on Pashinyan’s westward course under pressure]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2230699?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fca2e46c8-9566-4a1b-8415-12ec6847a8d0%2Feurope%2F0&from=rss laacz Sun, 07 Jun 2026 06:00:51 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2230699 Armenians began voting Sunday in a parliamentary election that tests Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s effort to reduce Armenia’s reliance on Russia and deepen ties with the European Union and the United States. The Interior Ministry said 2.49 million people were registered to vote at 2,005 polling stations, which opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 8 p.m.; 18 political groupings are competing, and about 400 international observers were authorized to monitor the ballot. Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party led pre-election surveys with roughly 24% to 32% support, while the pro-Russia Strong Armenia party, led by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, ranked second in several accounts with about 6% to 11% support. The campaign centered on Armenia’s strained relations with Moscow after Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, the exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region, Pashinyan’s peace efforts with Azerbaijan and opposition claims that he has made excessive concessions. Russia has warned Armenia about the economic costs of moving toward the EU and imposed restrictions on Armenian exports in recent weeks, while EU and U.S. engagement with Yerevan has increased. On the eve of the vote, Armenian authorities detained six Strong Armenia candidates after the Central Election Commission authorized judicial action in alleged money-laundering and material-benefit cases; opposition figures said the charges against Karapetyan and others were politically driven, while authorities said the actions targeted attempts to incite power grabs.

Supporters of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan wave an Armenian flag during a rally in Yerevan before the parliamentary election.

Highlights:

  • Ballot rules: Parties need at least 4% of the vote to enter parliament. Alliances face thresholds of 8% to 10% depending on their size, and the National Assembly must have at least 101 seats.
  • Observer presence: The OSCE is observing the vote, and Armenian election authorities said preliminary results would be released within 24 hours of polls closing, with final results due June 14.
  • Opposition lineup: Beyond Strong Armenia, the pro-Moscow opposition includes former President Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia Alliance, while Prosperous Armenia, founded by Gagik Tsarukyan, has been described as formally partnered with Russia’s ruling United Russia party.
  • Security bloc: Pashinyan froze Armenia’s participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization after saying Moscow had failed to protect Armenian interests during the Karabakh crisis.
These are the first elections in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue - Mikayel Zolyan

Perspectives:

  • Nikol Pashinyan and Civil Contract: Pashinyan cast the election as a choice between maintaining peace efforts with Azerbaijan and risking renewed war, while seeking closer cooperation with the EU and the United States. (France 24)
  • Samvel Karapetyan and Strong Armenia: Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire under house arrest, has campaigned on preserving Armenia’s economic and security ties with Russia and warned that EU integration could cause devastating trade losses because Armenia depends on Russian markets. (Financial Times)
  • Russian government: Russian officials warned Armenia could face a ‘Ukraine scenario’ if it pursued EU integration, hinted that Moscow might cut off supplies of cheap gas, and introduced import restrictions on Armenian goods before the election. (DW)
  • Armenian authorities: The government defended arrests and investigations involving opposition figures by saying those targeted were trying to incite coups, while critics and rights groups accused Pashinyan of authoritarian methods. (Mediafax)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Armenians began voting Sunday in a parliamentary election that tests Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s effort to reduce Armenia’s reliance on Russia and deepen ties with the European Union and the United States. The Interior Ministry said 2.49 million people were registered to vote at 2,005 polling stations, which opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 8 p.m.; 18 political groupings are competing, and about 400 international observers were authorized to monitor the ballot. Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party led pre-election surveys with roughly 24% to 32% support, while the pro-Russia Strong Armenia party, led by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, ranked second in several accounts with about 6% to 11% support. The campaign centered on Armenia’s strained relations with Moscow after Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, the exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region, Pashinyan’s peace efforts with Azerbaijan and opposition claims that he has made excessive concessions. Russia has warned Armenia about the economic costs of moving toward the EU and imposed restrictions on Armenian exports in recent weeks, while EU and U.S. engagement with Yerevan has increased. On the eve of the vote, Armenian authorities detained six Strong Armenia candidates after the Central Election Commission authorized judicial action in alleged money-laundering and material-benefit cases; opposition figures said the charges against Karapetyan and others were politically driven, while authorities said the actions targeted attempts to incite power grabs.

Supporters of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan wave an Armenian flag during a rally in Yerevan before the parliamentary election.

Highlights:

  • Ballot rules: Parties need at least 4% of the vote to enter parliament. Alliances face thresholds of 8% to 10% depending on their size, and the National Assembly must have at least 101 seats.
  • Observer presence: The OSCE is observing the vote, and Armenian election authorities said preliminary results would be released within 24 hours of polls closing, with final results due June 14.
  • Opposition lineup: Beyond Strong Armenia, the pro-Moscow opposition includes former President Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia Alliance, while Prosperous Armenia, founded by Gagik Tsarukyan, has been described as formally partnered with Russia’s ruling United Russia party.
  • Security bloc: Pashinyan froze Armenia’s participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization after saying Moscow had failed to protect Armenian interests during the Karabakh crisis.
These are the first elections in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue - Mikayel Zolyan

Perspectives:

  • Nikol Pashinyan and Civil Contract: Pashinyan cast the election as a choice between maintaining peace efforts with Azerbaijan and risking renewed war, while seeking closer cooperation with the EU and the United States. (France 24)
  • Samvel Karapetyan and Strong Armenia: Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire under house arrest, has campaigned on preserving Armenia’s economic and security ties with Russia and warned that EU integration could cause devastating trade losses because Armenia depends on Russian markets. (Financial Times)
  • Russian government: Russian officials warned Armenia could face a ‘Ukraine scenario’ if it pursued EU integration, hinted that Moscow might cut off supplies of cheap gas, and introduced import restrictions on Armenian goods before the election. (DW)
  • Armenian authorities: The government defended arrests and investigations involving opposition figures by saying those targeted were trying to incite coups, while critics and rights groups accused Pashinyan of authoritarian methods. (Mediafax)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Armenians vote on Pashinyan’s pivot West from Russia]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230735?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fca2e46c8-9566-4a1b-8415-12ec6847a8d0%2Fworld%2F0&from=rss laacz Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:19:02 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230735 Armenians voted Sunday in parliamentary elections that test Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s support after his government moved closer to the European Union and United States and pursued a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Armenia’s Interior Ministry said 2.49 million people were registered to vote for 18 political groupings at 2,005 polling stations, which opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 8 p.m.. Pre-election surveys put Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party ahead, with support reported at about 24% to 32%, while the pro-Russia Strong Armenia bloc led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan polled second at about 6% to 11%. Opposition parties accused Pashinyan of making excessive concessions to Azerbaijan and damaging ties with Moscow, while Pashinyan framed his campaign around peace after Azerbaijan’s 2023 takeover of Karabakh and Armenia’s disappointment with Russia’s response. Russia has criticized Armenia’s EU ambitions and imposed restrictions on some Armenian exports in recent weeks, while Western governments have supported Pashinyan’s closer cooperation with Europe and Washington. Armenia’s Central Election Commission said preliminary results would be released within 24 hours of polls closing and final results on June 14.

Voters cast ballots in Armenia’s parliamentary election on June 7, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Ballot rules: Parties must win at least 4% of the vote to enter parliament, while alliances face thresholds of 8% to 10%, and no minimum turnout is required for the vote to be valid.
  • Observer presence: About 400 international observers were authorized to monitor voting, and domestic monitoring groups also deployed observers at polling places.
  • Russian mobilisation: Russia reportedly planned to fly up to 100,000 Armenians living in Russia to vote in the election, a move seen as an attempt to sway the outcome against Pashinyan.
We've brought peace and this is what I will do. - Joshua Kucera

Perspectives:

  • Strong Armenia: Karapetyan warned against Armenia’s current direction and emphasized Russia as the country’s most important remaining ally. (Sweden Herald)
  • World Armenian Congress President Ara Abramyan: Abramyan said Pashinyan was leading Armenia into an EU “trap” and argued that Brussels was making vague promises while seeking to weaken Russia’s ties with Yerevan. (RT)
  • Regional Studies Center Director Richard Giragossian: Giragossian said the opposition was fragmented, generally pro-Russian or close to Russia, and that the campaign featured little policy debate. (RFI)
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin: Putin warned in May that Armenia could lose up to 14% of GDP if it left the Eurasian Economic Union, according to RT. (RT)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> Armenians voted Sunday in parliamentary elections that test Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s support after his government moved closer to the European Union and United States and pursued a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Armenia’s Interior Ministry said 2.49 million people were registered to vote for 18 political groupings at 2,005 polling stations, which opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 8 p.m.. Pre-election surveys put Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party ahead, with support reported at about 24% to 32%, while the pro-Russia Strong Armenia bloc led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan polled second at about 6% to 11%. Opposition parties accused Pashinyan of making excessive concessions to Azerbaijan and damaging ties with Moscow, while Pashinyan framed his campaign around peace after Azerbaijan’s 2023 takeover of Karabakh and Armenia’s disappointment with Russia’s response. Russia has criticized Armenia’s EU ambitions and imposed restrictions on some Armenian exports in recent weeks, while Western governments have supported Pashinyan’s closer cooperation with Europe and Washington. Armenia’s Central Election Commission said preliminary results would be released within 24 hours of polls closing and final results on June 14.

Voters cast ballots in Armenia’s parliamentary election on June 7, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Ballot rules: Parties must win at least 4% of the vote to enter parliament, while alliances face thresholds of 8% to 10%, and no minimum turnout is required for the vote to be valid.
  • Observer presence: About 400 international observers were authorized to monitor voting, and domestic monitoring groups also deployed observers at polling places.
  • Russian mobilisation: Russia reportedly planned to fly up to 100,000 Armenians living in Russia to vote in the election, a move seen as an attempt to sway the outcome against Pashinyan.
We've brought peace and this is what I will do. - Joshua Kucera

Perspectives:

  • Strong Armenia: Karapetyan warned against Armenia’s current direction and emphasized Russia as the country’s most important remaining ally. (Sweden Herald)
  • World Armenian Congress President Ara Abramyan: Abramyan said Pashinyan was leading Armenia into an EU “trap” and argued that Brussels was making vague promises while seeking to weaken Russia’s ties with Yerevan. (RT)
  • Regional Studies Center Director Richard Giragossian: Giragossian said the opposition was fragmented, generally pro-Russian or close to Russia, and that the campaign featured little policy debate. (RFI)
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin: Putin warned in May that Armenia could lose up to 14% of GDP if it left the Eurasian Economic Union, according to RT. (RT)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[Liverpool reject Bayern interest in teenage winger Ngumoha]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2230612?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fb4451279-4dd7-4aec-bc29-921422d1c4ae%2Fsports%2F2&from=rss laacz Sat, 06 Jun 2026 08:33:52 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2230612 Liverpool have ruled out selling 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha after Bayern Munich explored a move for him as a left-sided attacking target. David Ornstein reported that Bayern had not contacted Liverpool, and Anfield officials said Ngumoha is not for sale. Fabrizio Romano said Liverpool’s stance has been “untouchable” for months, while TEAMtalk reported that the club plans contract talks once Ngumoha turns 18 in August. The interest follows a Liverpool reset after a trophyless fifth-place Premier League season, Arne Slot’s dismissal and Andoni Iraola’s appointment as head coach. Liverpool are also reviewing their senior wing options: Romano said Cody Gakpo could leave if Liverpool receive an important proposal, and reports have linked Tottenham with the Netherlands international after claims that he wishes to leave Anfield.

Rio Ngumoha has drawn Bayern Munich interest after breaking into Liverpool’s first-team squad.

Highlights:

  • Bayern verbal agreement: Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Bayern had reached a verbal agreement with Ngumoha’s camp before the move collapsed.
  • Wing depth: Liverpool want to add wide attackers rather than reduce their options, and reports have linked the club to RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as part of its summer attacking plans.
  • Gakpo form: Danny Murphy said in March that Gakpo had ‘fallen off a cliff’ during a disappointing campaign. Liverpool paid £45m to sign the forward from PSV in January 2023.
Liverpool’s position is strong, clear – Liverpool have zero, zero intention to negotiate a transfer fee, to sit at the table and discuss the asset of Rio Ngumoha. Zero. - Fabrizio Romano

Perspectives:

  • Liverpool: Anfield sources said Liverpool were unhappy with claims that Bayern had agreed terms with Ngumoha, said there was no uncertainty over his future and focused on securing his long-term development. (TEAMtalk)
  • Bayern Munich: Bayern identified Ngumoha as their main left-sided target, with interest driven by head coach Vincent Kompany and the club’s board, but had not contacted Liverpool. (The Athletic via Reddit)
  • Fabrizio Romano: Romano called Ngumoha a ‘fantastic talent’ but said Liverpool’s refusal to negotiate made any transfer talk futile, with the club’s owners standing firm on not selling. (CaughtOffside)
  • The Secret Scout: The scouting account said Liverpool had once been open to selling Ngumoha to a European club with an option after signing him, but his season changed the club’s valuation of him. (TEAMtalk)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> Liverpool have ruled out selling 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha after Bayern Munich explored a move for him as a left-sided attacking target. David Ornstein reported that Bayern had not contacted Liverpool, and Anfield officials said Ngumoha is not for sale. Fabrizio Romano said Liverpool’s stance has been “untouchable” for months, while TEAMtalk reported that the club plans contract talks once Ngumoha turns 18 in August. The interest follows a Liverpool reset after a trophyless fifth-place Premier League season, Arne Slot’s dismissal and Andoni Iraola’s appointment as head coach. Liverpool are also reviewing their senior wing options: Romano said Cody Gakpo could leave if Liverpool receive an important proposal, and reports have linked Tottenham with the Netherlands international after claims that he wishes to leave Anfield.

Rio Ngumoha has drawn Bayern Munich interest after breaking into Liverpool’s first-team squad.

Highlights:

  • Bayern verbal agreement: Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Bayern had reached a verbal agreement with Ngumoha’s camp before the move collapsed.
  • Wing depth: Liverpool want to add wide attackers rather than reduce their options, and reports have linked the club to RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as part of its summer attacking plans.
  • Gakpo form: Danny Murphy said in March that Gakpo had ‘fallen off a cliff’ during a disappointing campaign. Liverpool paid £45m to sign the forward from PSV in January 2023.
Liverpool’s position is strong, clear – Liverpool have zero, zero intention to negotiate a transfer fee, to sit at the table and discuss the asset of Rio Ngumoha. Zero. - Fabrizio Romano

Perspectives:

  • Liverpool: Anfield sources said Liverpool were unhappy with claims that Bayern had agreed terms with Ngumoha, said there was no uncertainty over his future and focused on securing his long-term development. (TEAMtalk)
  • Bayern Munich: Bayern identified Ngumoha as their main left-sided target, with interest driven by head coach Vincent Kompany and the club’s board, but had not contacted Liverpool. (The Athletic via Reddit)
  • Fabrizio Romano: Romano called Ngumoha a ‘fantastic talent’ but said Liverpool’s refusal to negotiate made any transfer talk futile, with the club’s owners standing firm on not selling. (CaughtOffside)
  • The Secret Scout: The scouting account said Liverpool had once been open to selling Ngumoha to a European club with an option after signing him, but his season changed the club’s valuation of him. (TEAMtalk)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[Armenia prepares for Sunday vote on Western course]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230642?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fb4451279-4dd7-4aec-bc29-921422d1c4ae%2Fworld%2F2&from=rss laacz Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:40:30 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230642 Armenians vote on Sunday, June 7, in parliamentary elections that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has framed around closer ties with the European Union and the United States, while his opponents criticize his handling of security and relations with Russia. Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is widely seen as the front-runner, but the field includes pro-Russia opposition forces and Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party, whose leader has faced criminal charges he rejects as politically motivated and has campaigned while under house arrest. President Trump has backed Pashinyan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have warned that EU integration could damage Armenia’s trade links with Moscow and its allies. Russia has tightened restrictions on Armenian exports before the vote, including measures affecting agricultural products, fish, mineral water and brandy, while Moscow cited health and safety reasons for the measures. The election follows Armenia’s 2023 loss of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, after which more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled and Yerevan accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop the Azerbaijani offensive; Armenia froze participation in the Russian-led CSTO in 2024, and Pashinyan said during the campaign that Yerevan would leave the bloc if it decided to do so.

Election posters showing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Levon Kocharyan in Yerevan before the parliamentary vote.

Highlights:

  • Crowded field: Nineteen political forces — 17 parties and two alliances — are competing in the election, with polls cited by RFI placing Civil Contract ahead in a fragmented race.
  • Poll numbers: Experts cited by ČTK said Civil Contract was polling at about 30%, while Karapetyan’s pro-Moscow challenge was estimated at roughly 6% to 11%.
  • Diaspora voting: Armenian law requires voters to be in Armenia on election day, and the government warned that paid voting would be prosecuted while military police checked some arrivals for reserve duty eligibility.
  • Turkey ties: Analysts cited by Daily Sabah said the vote could affect normalization efforts with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as Armenia’s wider foreign-policy alignment.
Fine, we’ll leave the CSTO. What, are you trying to scare us? You don’t get to decide that — you or whoever’s got your back. We’ll decide and we’ll leave. Armenia is its own guarantor — the country, the military - Nikol Pashinyan

Perspectives:

  • Mikayel Zolyan, analyst and former Armenian lawmaker: Zolyan told the Associated Press that these are the first Armenian elections in which geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue, saying Armenia’s place in Russia’s sphere of influence is being challenged. (ABC News)
  • Samvel Goroyan, Abovyan cognac factory director: Goroyan said his company depends on Russia for brandy sales, with 7 million bottles a year sold there, after Moscow banned imports from Abovyan and two other Armenian brandy producers. (The Guardian)
  • Arman Tatoyan, opposition candidate: Tatoyan denied pro-Russian ties and said he would deepen cooperation with the EU and United States while taking a gradual approach to relations with Moscow. (Al-Monitor)
  • Emir Kusturica, Serbian film director: Kusturica told RT that the EU’s actions in Eastern Europe are aimed at weakening Russia and described Brussels’ approach to Armenia as part of that pattern. (RT)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> Armenians vote on Sunday, June 7, in parliamentary elections that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has framed around closer ties with the European Union and the United States, while his opponents criticize his handling of security and relations with Russia. Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is widely seen as the front-runner, but the field includes pro-Russia opposition forces and Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party, whose leader has faced criminal charges he rejects as politically motivated and has campaigned while under house arrest. President Trump has backed Pashinyan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have warned that EU integration could damage Armenia’s trade links with Moscow and its allies. Russia has tightened restrictions on Armenian exports before the vote, including measures affecting agricultural products, fish, mineral water and brandy, while Moscow cited health and safety reasons for the measures. The election follows Armenia’s 2023 loss of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, after which more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled and Yerevan accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop the Azerbaijani offensive; Armenia froze participation in the Russian-led CSTO in 2024, and Pashinyan said during the campaign that Yerevan would leave the bloc if it decided to do so.

Election posters showing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Levon Kocharyan in Yerevan before the parliamentary vote.

Highlights:

  • Crowded field: Nineteen political forces — 17 parties and two alliances — are competing in the election, with polls cited by RFI placing Civil Contract ahead in a fragmented race.
  • Poll numbers: Experts cited by ČTK said Civil Contract was polling at about 30%, while Karapetyan’s pro-Moscow challenge was estimated at roughly 6% to 11%.
  • Diaspora voting: Armenian law requires voters to be in Armenia on election day, and the government warned that paid voting would be prosecuted while military police checked some arrivals for reserve duty eligibility.
  • Turkey ties: Analysts cited by Daily Sabah said the vote could affect normalization efforts with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as Armenia’s wider foreign-policy alignment.
Fine, we’ll leave the CSTO. What, are you trying to scare us? You don’t get to decide that — you or whoever’s got your back. We’ll decide and we’ll leave. Armenia is its own guarantor — the country, the military - Nikol Pashinyan

Perspectives:

  • Mikayel Zolyan, analyst and former Armenian lawmaker: Zolyan told the Associated Press that these are the first Armenian elections in which geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue, saying Armenia’s place in Russia’s sphere of influence is being challenged. (ABC News)
  • Samvel Goroyan, Abovyan cognac factory director: Goroyan said his company depends on Russia for brandy sales, with 7 million bottles a year sold there, after Moscow banned imports from Abovyan and two other Armenian brandy producers. (The Guardian)
  • Arman Tatoyan, opposition candidate: Tatoyan denied pro-Russian ties and said he would deepen cooperation with the EU and United States while taking a gradual approach to relations with Moscow. (Al-Monitor)
  • Emir Kusturica, Serbian film director: Kusturica told RT that the EU’s actions in Eastern Europe are aimed at weakening Russia and described Brussels’ approach to Armenia as part of that pattern. (RT)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[Armenia vote tests Pashinyan’s EU-facing course under pressure]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2230599?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fb4451279-4dd7-4aec-bc29-921422d1c4ae%2Feurope%2F3&from=rss laacz Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:30:01 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2230599 Armenia holds parliamentary elections on Sunday, June 7, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeking another term as his Civil Contract party leads opinion polls in a contest focused on the country’s alignment with the European Union, the United States and Russia. Nineteen political forces are competing, including Pashinyan’s party, opposition figures linked to Armenia’s former political order, and Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, described by several sources as Pashinyan’s main challenger. The campaign follows a sharp deterioration in relations between Yerevan and Moscow after Azerbaijan took full control of Karabakh in 2023, when Armenian officials accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop the Azerbaijani offensive. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have warned that Armenian efforts to move toward the EU could damage trade and other economic benefits tied to the Eurasian Economic Union, while Russia has restricted imports of Armenian agricultural goods, flowers, fish products, mineral water and cognac or brandy on stated sanitary grounds. Before the vote, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Armenians have the right to choose their leadership and future, Washington and Yerevan completed a framework agreement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, and EU officials announced additional support and trade measures for Armenia. RFI reported a fake video falsely claiming France had sent 800 soldiers to secure the Armenian election.

A campaign event for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of Armenian parliamentary elections.

Highlights:

  • Export exposure: Russia takes roughly 40% of Armenia’s exports, and affected goods include strawberries, peppers, potatoes, eggplants, dried fruits, stone fruits and cognac.
  • Diaspora voting: Armenia does not set up polling stations abroad, so citizens living in Russia must be physically present in Armenia on election day to vote.
  • Airport measures: Armenia’s Defense Ministry placed military police at Yerevan airport and warned that reserve-eligible men entering to vote for payment could be sent to training and face prosecution for vote-buying.
  • Peace dispute: Pashinyan has campaigned on his handling of talks with Azerbaijan, while critics accuse him of making unacceptable concessions after the loss of Karabakh.
  • Poll position: Czech News Agency cited experts saying Civil Contract had about 30% support, while Karapetyan’s bloc polled between 6% and 11%.
The people of Armenia have the right to determine their own leadership and chart their own future. - U.S. State Department spokesperson

Perspectives:

  • United States: The State Department said it was aware of media reports of foreign interference and framed the weekend vote as a decision for Armenian citizens, while describing the TRIPP initiative as part of U.S. efforts to support peace and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus. (RFE/RL)
  • Lithuania: Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said Lithuania would help implement EU-Armenia trade-promotion measures and called Russian economic coercion around the election reprehensible. (The Baltic Times)
  • Russia-linked media perspective: RT portrayed Pashinyan as using an anti-Russian message to win a new term and argued that EU engagement with Armenia is viewed by geopolitical realists as another attempt to impose a loss on Russia. (RT)
  • Armenian exporters: Samvel Goroyan, director of the Abovyan cognac factory, said the company depends on Russia for all of its cognac sales and has no immediate alternative market after Moscow announced a ban on imports from Abovyan and two other producers. (The Guardian)
  • Analyst Mikayel Zolyan: Zolyan said the election is the first in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue because the country’s place in Russia’s sphere of influence is now openly questioned. (Associated Press via Daily News-Record)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Armenia holds parliamentary elections on Sunday, June 7, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeking another term as his Civil Contract party leads opinion polls in a contest focused on the country’s alignment with the European Union, the United States and Russia. Nineteen political forces are competing, including Pashinyan’s party, opposition figures linked to Armenia’s former political order, and Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, described by several sources as Pashinyan’s main challenger. The campaign follows a sharp deterioration in relations between Yerevan and Moscow after Azerbaijan took full control of Karabakh in 2023, when Armenian officials accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop the Azerbaijani offensive. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have warned that Armenian efforts to move toward the EU could damage trade and other economic benefits tied to the Eurasian Economic Union, while Russia has restricted imports of Armenian agricultural goods, flowers, fish products, mineral water and cognac or brandy on stated sanitary grounds. Before the vote, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Armenians have the right to choose their leadership and future, Washington and Yerevan completed a framework agreement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, and EU officials announced additional support and trade measures for Armenia. RFI reported a fake video falsely claiming France had sent 800 soldiers to secure the Armenian election.

A campaign event for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of Armenian parliamentary elections.

Highlights:

  • Export exposure: Russia takes roughly 40% of Armenia’s exports, and affected goods include strawberries, peppers, potatoes, eggplants, dried fruits, stone fruits and cognac.
  • Diaspora voting: Armenia does not set up polling stations abroad, so citizens living in Russia must be physically present in Armenia on election day to vote.
  • Airport measures: Armenia’s Defense Ministry placed military police at Yerevan airport and warned that reserve-eligible men entering to vote for payment could be sent to training and face prosecution for vote-buying.
  • Peace dispute: Pashinyan has campaigned on his handling of talks with Azerbaijan, while critics accuse him of making unacceptable concessions after the loss of Karabakh.
  • Poll position: Czech News Agency cited experts saying Civil Contract had about 30% support, while Karapetyan’s bloc polled between 6% and 11%.
The people of Armenia have the right to determine their own leadership and chart their own future. - U.S. State Department spokesperson

Perspectives:

  • United States: The State Department said it was aware of media reports of foreign interference and framed the weekend vote as a decision for Armenian citizens, while describing the TRIPP initiative as part of U.S. efforts to support peace and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus. (RFE/RL)
  • Lithuania: Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said Lithuania would help implement EU-Armenia trade-promotion measures and called Russian economic coercion around the election reprehensible. (The Baltic Times)
  • Russia-linked media perspective: RT portrayed Pashinyan as using an anti-Russian message to win a new term and argued that EU engagement with Armenia is viewed by geopolitical realists as another attempt to impose a loss on Russia. (RT)
  • Armenian exporters: Samvel Goroyan, director of the Abovyan cognac factory, said the company depends on Russia for all of its cognac sales and has no immediate alternative market after Moscow announced a ban on imports from Abovyan and two other producers. (The Guardian)
  • Analyst Mikayel Zolyan: Zolyan said the election is the first in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue because the country’s place in Russia’s sphere of influence is now openly questioned. (Associated Press via Daily News-Record)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Ex-Trump adviser Bolton to plead guilty in documents case]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230569?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F9f346d84-c640-42b1-8002-fd180c504789%2Fworld%2F10&from=rss laacz Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:20:20 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2230569 John Bolton, President Trump's former national security adviser, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified information as part of a deal with the Justice Department, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The agreement would resolve an 18-count criminal case filed in October 2025 that accused Bolton of retaining or disseminating classified information, including diary-like notes from his time in government that prosecutors said he shared with family members while preparing a memoir. Under the reported agreement, Bolton would pay a $2.25 million fine, and any prison sentence would be capped at five years, though the judge could impose no prison time. CBS News reported that Bolton is expected to submit the plea agreement at a June 26 re-arraignment hearing in U.S. District Court in Maryland, where the deal would require judicial approval. Bolton pleaded not guilty in October 2025 after prosecutors charged him with 18 counts related to retaining or transmitting national defense information. The case became public after FBI agents searched Bolton's Maryland home and Washington office in August 2025.

Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton arrives for his arraignment at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Oct. 17, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Alleged sharing: The indictment alleged that Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of notes through private email and messaging apps with two unauthorized people.
  • Sensitive content: Prosecutors said some material contained information from intelligence briefings, meetings with senior government officials and discussions with foreign leaders.
  • Search warrants: Federal agents searched Bolton's home and office in August 2025, and The National, citing court filings, said agents seized files marked “classified,” “confidential” and “secret” from his office.
  • Sentencing timeline: The judge will have up to 90 days after the June 26 re-arraignment to impose a sentence, according to sources.

Perspectives:

  • Justice Department: The U.S. attorney's office in Maryland and the Justice Department declined to comment on the reported plea agreement. (CBS News)
  • Bolton's side: When Bolton was indicted, he said he was innocent and that prosecutors had targeted him because of his public opposition to President Trump. (CNBC)
  • Source familiar with the plea terms: One person familiar with the agreement said the plea does not allege Bolton took home classified documents, leaked documents or shared documents with foreign adversaries. (NBC Boston)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> John Bolton, President Trump's former national security adviser, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified information as part of a deal with the Justice Department, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The agreement would resolve an 18-count criminal case filed in October 2025 that accused Bolton of retaining or disseminating classified information, including diary-like notes from his time in government that prosecutors said he shared with family members while preparing a memoir. Under the reported agreement, Bolton would pay a $2.25 million fine, and any prison sentence would be capped at five years, though the judge could impose no prison time. CBS News reported that Bolton is expected to submit the plea agreement at a June 26 re-arraignment hearing in U.S. District Court in Maryland, where the deal would require judicial approval. Bolton pleaded not guilty in October 2025 after prosecutors charged him with 18 counts related to retaining or transmitting national defense information. The case became public after FBI agents searched Bolton's Maryland home and Washington office in August 2025.

Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton arrives for his arraignment at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Oct. 17, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Alleged sharing: The indictment alleged that Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of notes through private email and messaging apps with two unauthorized people.
  • Sensitive content: Prosecutors said some material contained information from intelligence briefings, meetings with senior government officials and discussions with foreign leaders.
  • Search warrants: Federal agents searched Bolton's home and office in August 2025, and The National, citing court filings, said agents seized files marked “classified,” “confidential” and “secret” from his office.
  • Sentencing timeline: The judge will have up to 90 days after the June 26 re-arraignment to impose a sentence, according to sources.

Perspectives:

  • Justice Department: The U.S. attorney's office in Maryland and the Justice Department declined to comment on the reported plea agreement. (CBS News)
  • Bolton's side: When Bolton was indicted, he said he was innocent and that prosecutors had targeted him because of his public opposition to President Trump. (CNBC)
  • Source familiar with the plea terms: One person familiar with the agreement said the plea does not allege Bolton took home classified documents, leaked documents or shared documents with foreign adversaries. (NBC Boston)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[CBS News fires Scott Pelley from "60 Minutes"]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2230368?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F36f9aa4a-8927-4569-8425-d7e715102689%2Fbusiness%2F10&from=rss laacz Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:10:27 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2230368 CBS News fired longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday after a tense staff meeting where he criticized CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton, the program's new executive producer, who had been installed the previous week. Bilton told Pelley in a termination letter that he had "hijacked" Bilton's first staff meeting by disparaging his qualifications and intentions. Pelley said in a statement that the program had "lost its DNA" under new management and accused executives of asking him to include falsehoods and bias in his work, without giving specific examples. The firing followed other changes at the CBS News program: CBS recently fired executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Draggan Mihailovich and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and Anderson Cooper stepped down last month. Reuters reported that Skydance Media, run by David Ellison, acquired Paramount in August, installed Weiss in October and had promised regulators that CBS would reflect the "varied ideological perspectives" of American viewers. Weiss told staff Wednesday that newsroom work requires "trust and mutual respect" and that leaders could not "find a way back" with Pelley. Pelley rejected that account, saying no CBS executive offered him steps toward a resolution during the Tuesday meeting. CBS News had not issued a public statement beyond Bilton's letter and staff memo as of Wednesday.

Scott Pelley, anchor of "CBS Evening News," at the CBS Upfront in New York, May 15, 2013.

Highlights:

  • Business stakes: "60 Minutes" remains one of broadcast news's most prominent programs, and NPR described it as CBS's most prestigious and profitable news program.
  • Leadership change: Bilton is a technology journalist and filmmaker with no traditional broadcast news experience, according to the AP account carried by WWAY and WGN.
  • Deal context: Before the Paramount-Skydance transaction, Paramount paid $16 million to settle President Trump's 2024 lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, Reuters reported.
  • Regulatory backdrop: NPR reported that Larry and David Ellison became co-owners of TikTok's U.S. operations in January and are seeking approval from Trump administration regulators to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company.
I hope I speak, I know I speak for myself, and I hope I speak for everyone here when I say that I’m only interested in working in a newsroom that is built on trust and mutual respect. We cannot do our work without it - Bari Weiss

Perspectives:

  • Bari Weiss: Weiss told CBS staff that Pelley had broken the newsroom's foundation of trust and mutual respect, and said the network did not want his exit but that it was "the path that he chose." (The New York Times)
  • Scott Pelley: Pelley said Weiss misled staff about his firing, contending that CBS executives were openly hostile in the Tuesday meeting and never suggested steps that could let him remain. (People)
  • Nick Bilton: Bilton told staff he had tried to speak directly with Pelley over the weekend and again sought common ground Tuesday, but said Pelley had not chosen that path. (CBS News)
  • President Trump: President Trump criticized Pelley in a New York Post podcast interview released after the firing, saying Pelley had "his own problems" and calling him "terrible." (The Hill)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> CBS News fired longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday after a tense staff meeting where he criticized CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton, the program's new executive producer, who had been installed the previous week. Bilton told Pelley in a termination letter that he had "hijacked" Bilton's first staff meeting by disparaging his qualifications and intentions. Pelley said in a statement that the program had "lost its DNA" under new management and accused executives of asking him to include falsehoods and bias in his work, without giving specific examples. The firing followed other changes at the CBS News program: CBS recently fired executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Draggan Mihailovich and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and Anderson Cooper stepped down last month. Reuters reported that Skydance Media, run by David Ellison, acquired Paramount in August, installed Weiss in October and had promised regulators that CBS would reflect the "varied ideological perspectives" of American viewers. Weiss told staff Wednesday that newsroom work requires "trust and mutual respect" and that leaders could not "find a way back" with Pelley. Pelley rejected that account, saying no CBS executive offered him steps toward a resolution during the Tuesday meeting. CBS News had not issued a public statement beyond Bilton's letter and staff memo as of Wednesday.

Scott Pelley, anchor of "CBS Evening News," at the CBS Upfront in New York, May 15, 2013.

Highlights:

  • Business stakes: "60 Minutes" remains one of broadcast news's most prominent programs, and NPR described it as CBS's most prestigious and profitable news program.
  • Leadership change: Bilton is a technology journalist and filmmaker with no traditional broadcast news experience, according to the AP account carried by WWAY and WGN.
  • Deal context: Before the Paramount-Skydance transaction, Paramount paid $16 million to settle President Trump's 2024 lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, Reuters reported.
  • Regulatory backdrop: NPR reported that Larry and David Ellison became co-owners of TikTok's U.S. operations in January and are seeking approval from Trump administration regulators to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company.
I hope I speak, I know I speak for myself, and I hope I speak for everyone here when I say that I’m only interested in working in a newsroom that is built on trust and mutual respect. We cannot do our work without it - Bari Weiss

Perspectives:

  • Bari Weiss: Weiss told CBS staff that Pelley had broken the newsroom's foundation of trust and mutual respect, and said the network did not want his exit but that it was "the path that he chose." (The New York Times)
  • Scott Pelley: Pelley said Weiss misled staff about his firing, contending that CBS executives were openly hostile in the Tuesday meeting and never suggested steps that could let him remain. (People)
  • Nick Bilton: Bilton told staff he had tried to speak directly with Pelley over the weekend and again sought common ground Tuesday, but said Pelley had not chosen that path. (CBS News)
  • President Trump: President Trump criticized Pelley in a New York Post podcast interview released after the firing, saying Pelley had "his own problems" and calling him "terrible." (The Hill)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[U.N. weather agency warns El Niño could intensify extremes]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2230394?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F36f9aa4a-8927-4569-8425-d7e715102689%2Fscience%2F5&from=rss laacz Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:22:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2230394 The World Meteorological Organization said El Niño conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific and put the likelihood of an event forming between June and August 2026 at 80%, rising to near or above 90% for continuation until at least November if it forms. The U.N. weather agency said unusually warm tropical Pacific waters are expected to influence global temperature and rainfall patterns, with most forecast models pointing to an event that would be at least moderate and possibly strong. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said governments should prepare for a potentially strong event that could worsen drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves on land and in the ocean. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called it an urgent climate warning. The WMO seasonal outlook also indicated above-average temperatures in nearly all regions from June to August. NOAA separately warned that the expected El Niño could contribute to another mass coral bleaching event, with high bleaching risk this summer across much of the northern Pacific, including Hawaii, and possible risks around Florida and the Caribbean.

WMO-linked El Niño/La Niña update graphic for June-August 2026.

Highlights:

  • Ocean heat: Reports citing WMO data said subsurface temperatures in parts of the tropical Pacific were more than 6°C above average, a warm-water signal forecasters are watching for surface development.
  • Regional patterns: WMO said El Niño can bring wetter conditions to southern South America, the southern United States, parts of the Horn of Africa and central Asia, while increasing drought risk in Australia, Central America, Indonesia and parts of South Asia.
  • Australia outlook: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said models pointed toward the first El Niño since spring 2023, with hotter and drier conditions historically more likely in eastern Australia, while noting local impacts also depend on other climate drivers.
  • New Zealand risk: Earth Sciences New Zealand put the chance of El Niño conditions over winter at 95% and said peak conditions were expected during the 2026-27 austral summer, with risks of drought, very hot days and wildfire.
  • Coral stress: NOAA said a new global bleaching episode would be the fifth recorded global coral bleaching event if it materializes, after the previous event’s recent conclusion.

Perspectives:

  • World Meteorological Organization: Celeste Saulo said El Niño matters because its footprint extends beyond the Pacific, affecting agriculture, energy supplies, trade, water resources, supply chains and livelihoods across regions. (European Sting)
  • U.N. Secretary-General: António Guterres urged governments to protect vulnerable people, expand early warning systems and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels in response to the expected event. (Caribbean News Global)
  • NOAA Coral Reef Watch: Derek Manzello said ongoing heat stress has made mass bleaching harder to define because reefs now bleach on a near-annual basis. (CBS News)
  • Australia Bureau of Meteorology: Senior climatologist Felicity Gamble said models are aligning toward El Niño, but the bureau still needs to see the atmospheric response before declaring the event established. (The Guardian)
  • Météo-France: Climatologist Lauriane Batté said France and Europe should remain cautious about attributing local summer weather to El Niño, with any influence more likely late this year or early next year. (20 Minutes)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> The World Meteorological Organization said El Niño conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific and put the likelihood of an event forming between June and August 2026 at 80%, rising to near or above 90% for continuation until at least November if it forms. The U.N. weather agency said unusually warm tropical Pacific waters are expected to influence global temperature and rainfall patterns, with most forecast models pointing to an event that would be at least moderate and possibly strong. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said governments should prepare for a potentially strong event that could worsen drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves on land and in the ocean. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called it an urgent climate warning. The WMO seasonal outlook also indicated above-average temperatures in nearly all regions from June to August. NOAA separately warned that the expected El Niño could contribute to another mass coral bleaching event, with high bleaching risk this summer across much of the northern Pacific, including Hawaii, and possible risks around Florida and the Caribbean.

WMO-linked El Niño/La Niña update graphic for June-August 2026.

Highlights:

  • Ocean heat: Reports citing WMO data said subsurface temperatures in parts of the tropical Pacific were more than 6°C above average, a warm-water signal forecasters are watching for surface development.
  • Regional patterns: WMO said El Niño can bring wetter conditions to southern South America, the southern United States, parts of the Horn of Africa and central Asia, while increasing drought risk in Australia, Central America, Indonesia and parts of South Asia.
  • Australia outlook: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said models pointed toward the first El Niño since spring 2023, with hotter and drier conditions historically more likely in eastern Australia, while noting local impacts also depend on other climate drivers.
  • New Zealand risk: Earth Sciences New Zealand put the chance of El Niño conditions over winter at 95% and said peak conditions were expected during the 2026-27 austral summer, with risks of drought, very hot days and wildfire.
  • Coral stress: NOAA said a new global bleaching episode would be the fifth recorded global coral bleaching event if it materializes, after the previous event’s recent conclusion.

Perspectives:

  • World Meteorological Organization: Celeste Saulo said El Niño matters because its footprint extends beyond the Pacific, affecting agriculture, energy supplies, trade, water resources, supply chains and livelihoods across regions. (European Sting)
  • U.N. Secretary-General: António Guterres urged governments to protect vulnerable people, expand early warning systems and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels in response to the expected event. (Caribbean News Global)
  • NOAA Coral Reef Watch: Derek Manzello said ongoing heat stress has made mass bleaching harder to define because reefs now bleach on a near-annual basis. (CBS News)
  • Australia Bureau of Meteorology: Senior climatologist Felicity Gamble said models are aligning toward El Niño, but the bureau still needs to see the atmospheric response before declaring the event established. (The Guardian)
  • Météo-France: Climatologist Lauriane Batté said France and Europe should remain cautious about attributing local summer weather to El Niño, with any influence more likely late this year or early next year. (20 Minutes)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[UN weather agency says El Niño likely by August]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2230273?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F9cd37627-ef3e-4198-8b46-8af672551735%2Fscience%2F1&from=rss laacz Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:11:50 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2230273 The World Meteorological Organization said El Niño conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific, with an 80% chance they will emerge during June-August 2026 and probabilities near or above 90% that they will persist until at least November. The UN weather agency said most forecast models point to at least a moderate event, possibly a strong one, though uncertainty remains over peak strength and timing. The WMO linked the forecast shift to unusually warm Pacific waters, including subsurface temperatures more than 6C above average in parts of the tropical Pacific, and said El Niño is expected to affect global temperature and rainfall patterns. The agency forecast above-average temperatures in nearly all parts of the world from June to August and warned of higher risks of drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves on land and in the ocean. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the WMO update “an urgent climate warning” and said El Niño conditions would “pour fuel on the fire of a warming world”.

The World Meteorological Organisation warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months.

Highlights:

  • Regional rainfall: El Niño is usually linked with wetter conditions in parts of South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa and central Asia, and drier conditions in Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia.
  • Australia outlook: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology expects a transition to El Niño during winter and says eastern Australia historically faces higher odds of hotter and drier conditions during such events.
  • Monsoon risk: News18 and Firstpost reported that India faces concern over weaker southwest monsoon conditions because El Niño is known to negatively affect monsoon rainfall there.
  • Storm basins: Warm El Niño waters can support hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific while tending to suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic basin.
Exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean - Celeste Saulo

Perspectives:

  • World Meteorological Organization: The WMO said its update draws on models from WMO Global Producing Centres, national meteorological and hydrological services, climate prediction centers and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. (KXAN)
  • Australian Bureau of Meteorology: Senior BoM climatologist Felicity Gamble said models were aligning toward El Niño, but that an established event also requires an atmospheric response. She said signs were present but not yet complete. (The Guardian)
  • Spain’s AEMET: Spain’s state meteorological agency said on X that El Niño does not have a clear and direct correlation with effects in Spain, noting that local influences are less direct than in some other regions. (Europa Press)
  • Brazilian climatologist Francisco Aquino: Aquino cited Brazil’s 2024 El Niño season, when floods killed more than 180 people, damaged an estimated 2,400 homes and affected roughly 2.3 million lives. (Gizmodo)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> The World Meteorological Organization said El Niño conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific, with an 80% chance they will emerge during June-August 2026 and probabilities near or above 90% that they will persist until at least November. The UN weather agency said most forecast models point to at least a moderate event, possibly a strong one, though uncertainty remains over peak strength and timing. The WMO linked the forecast shift to unusually warm Pacific waters, including subsurface temperatures more than 6C above average in parts of the tropical Pacific, and said El Niño is expected to affect global temperature and rainfall patterns. The agency forecast above-average temperatures in nearly all parts of the world from June to August and warned of higher risks of drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves on land and in the ocean. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the WMO update “an urgent climate warning” and said El Niño conditions would “pour fuel on the fire of a warming world”.

The World Meteorological Organisation warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months.

Highlights:

  • Regional rainfall: El Niño is usually linked with wetter conditions in parts of South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa and central Asia, and drier conditions in Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia.
  • Australia outlook: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology expects a transition to El Niño during winter and says eastern Australia historically faces higher odds of hotter and drier conditions during such events.
  • Monsoon risk: News18 and Firstpost reported that India faces concern over weaker southwest monsoon conditions because El Niño is known to negatively affect monsoon rainfall there.
  • Storm basins: Warm El Niño waters can support hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific while tending to suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic basin.
Exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean - Celeste Saulo

Perspectives:

  • World Meteorological Organization: The WMO said its update draws on models from WMO Global Producing Centres, national meteorological and hydrological services, climate prediction centers and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. (KXAN)
  • Australian Bureau of Meteorology: Senior BoM climatologist Felicity Gamble said models were aligning toward El Niño, but that an established event also requires an atmospheric response. She said signs were present but not yet complete. (The Guardian)
  • Spain’s AEMET: Spain’s state meteorological agency said on X that El Niño does not have a clear and direct correlation with effects in Spain, noting that local influences are less direct than in some other regions. (Europa Press)
  • Brazilian climatologist Francisco Aquino: Aquino cited Brazil’s 2024 El Niño season, when floods killed more than 180 people, damaged an estimated 2,400 homes and affected roughly 2.3 million lives. (Gizmodo)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[Anthony Joshua sets July return against Kristian Prenga]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2230155?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fe246d2be-2d1a-4ea1-9878-3d8093bcdfbc%2Fsports%2F7&from=rss laacz Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:15:23 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2230155 Anthony Joshua will return to boxing against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a comeback bout expected to precede a contracted fight with Tyson Fury later this year. The fight was first announced for Riyadh but was moved to Jeddah, with Asharq Al-Awsat identifying Jeddah Superdome as the venue. Joshua spoke publicly for the first time since a December car crash in Nigeria that killed two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, saying he has focused on supporting their parents rather than centering his own grief. He said boxing has given him a way back to work and purpose, while also stressing that signing for a Fury fight is not enough: “Winning is the only true success”. Joshua must first beat Prenga before the long-discussed Fury meeting can proceed as planned, with Fury also preparing for a possible warm-up fight on August 1 in Dublin. Sky Sports reported that Joshua said Fury is “just one of the many” names in his line-up and that retirement is not on his immediate agenda.

Anthony Joshua will return to the ring against Kristian Prenga on July 25

Highlights:

  • Eddie Hearn concern: Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed concern about Joshua's mental state before the comeback, calling the crash a 'horror' and saying it would be a major test for the fighter.
  • Mental reset: Joshua told Sky Sports he is working to become stronger physically and mentally, saying he feels “solid” and grateful to be doing what he loves.
  • Fury exchange: Joshua used an expletive two-word label for Fury after Fury cited Dubois's 2024 KO of Joshua as evidence.
Everyone’s different. Me, I have to put my emotions to the side because I focus on the parents. My emotions can come at a later stage. - Anthony Joshua

Perspectives:

  • Anthony Joshua: Joshua described the comeback as work rather than a celebration, saying satisfaction comes only after victory and that training hard remains his life. (Punch)
  • Kristian Prenga: Prenga said he respects Joshua as a great boxer but believes this is his moment to prove himself to the world after his most serious and focused training camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
  • Tyson Fury: Fury pointed to Dubois dropping Joshua as evidence in pre-fight comments, prompting Joshua to respond that Fury was riding another fighter’s success. (Yahoo Sports)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> Anthony Joshua will return to boxing against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a comeback bout expected to precede a contracted fight with Tyson Fury later this year. The fight was first announced for Riyadh but was moved to Jeddah, with Asharq Al-Awsat identifying Jeddah Superdome as the venue. Joshua spoke publicly for the first time since a December car crash in Nigeria that killed two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, saying he has focused on supporting their parents rather than centering his own grief. He said boxing has given him a way back to work and purpose, while also stressing that signing for a Fury fight is not enough: “Winning is the only true success”. Joshua must first beat Prenga before the long-discussed Fury meeting can proceed as planned, with Fury also preparing for a possible warm-up fight on August 1 in Dublin. Sky Sports reported that Joshua said Fury is “just one of the many” names in his line-up and that retirement is not on his immediate agenda.

Anthony Joshua will return to the ring against Kristian Prenga on July 25

Highlights:

  • Eddie Hearn concern: Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed concern about Joshua's mental state before the comeback, calling the crash a 'horror' and saying it would be a major test for the fighter.
  • Mental reset: Joshua told Sky Sports he is working to become stronger physically and mentally, saying he feels “solid” and grateful to be doing what he loves.
  • Fury exchange: Joshua used an expletive two-word label for Fury after Fury cited Dubois's 2024 KO of Joshua as evidence.
Everyone’s different. Me, I have to put my emotions to the side because I focus on the parents. My emotions can come at a later stage. - Anthony Joshua

Perspectives:

  • Anthony Joshua: Joshua described the comeback as work rather than a celebration, saying satisfaction comes only after victory and that training hard remains his life. (Punch)
  • Kristian Prenga: Prenga said he respects Joshua as a great boxer but believes this is his moment to prove himself to the world after his most serious and focused training camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
  • Tyson Fury: Fury pointed to Dubois dropping Joshua as evidence in pre-fight comments, prompting Joshua to respond that Fury was riding another fighter’s success. (Yahoo Sports)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[Powell warns political pressure could erode Fed credibility]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2230020?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fe9bf022a-c02b-4eca-977c-fbba602d7c29%2Fbusiness%2F3&from=rss laacz Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:21:43 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2230020 Jerome Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s independence in a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award speech in Boston on Sunday, saying the central bank’s credibility is a “priceless asset” built over decades and warning that removing Fed officials over policy disputes would damage public trust. Powell, who stepped down as Fed chair in May and was succeeded by Kevin Warsh, remains a Federal Reserve governor. Powell did not name President Trump or Fed Governor Lisa Cook, but said that if any administration found a way to remove Fed officials over policy differences, later administrations would do the same and “the public would lose faith” that the central bank acts in Americans’ best interests. His remarks followed President Trump’s attempt last August to fire Cook, a move awaiting a Supreme Court ruling, and repeated public criticism of Powell over interest-rate policy.

US Federal Reserve governor Jerome Powell during the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 31.

Highlights:

  • Institutional scope: Powell grouped the Fed with universities, courts, Congress and the Constitution, calling them institutions undergoing a “stress test”.
  • Legal protections: Powell said the Fed’s structure was designed to keep monetary-policy decisions separate from political debate and that administrations of both parties had respected those protections.
  • Justice inquiry: The Justice Department dropped an investigation involving Fed building-renovation costs and passed it to the Fed’s inspector general, according to Fast Company and RTHK.
Our credibility has been built and sustained over many decades, and we have a duty to safeguard that priceless asset for our fellow citizens and for generations to come - Jerome Powell

Perspectives:

  • John F. Kennedy Library Foundation: The foundation gave Powell the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award “for protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve.” (RTHK)
  • President Trump: President Trump sought to remove Lisa Cook over mortgage-fraud allegations and has accused Powell of being too slow to cut interest rates. (RTHK)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> Jerome Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s independence in a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award speech in Boston on Sunday, saying the central bank’s credibility is a “priceless asset” built over decades and warning that removing Fed officials over policy disputes would damage public trust. Powell, who stepped down as Fed chair in May and was succeeded by Kevin Warsh, remains a Federal Reserve governor. Powell did not name President Trump or Fed Governor Lisa Cook, but said that if any administration found a way to remove Fed officials over policy differences, later administrations would do the same and “the public would lose faith” that the central bank acts in Americans’ best interests. His remarks followed President Trump’s attempt last August to fire Cook, a move awaiting a Supreme Court ruling, and repeated public criticism of Powell over interest-rate policy.

US Federal Reserve governor Jerome Powell during the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 31.

Highlights:

  • Institutional scope: Powell grouped the Fed with universities, courts, Congress and the Constitution, calling them institutions undergoing a “stress test”.
  • Legal protections: Powell said the Fed’s structure was designed to keep monetary-policy decisions separate from political debate and that administrations of both parties had respected those protections.
  • Justice inquiry: The Justice Department dropped an investigation involving Fed building-renovation costs and passed it to the Fed’s inspector general, according to Fast Company and RTHK.
Our credibility has been built and sustained over many decades, and we have a duty to safeguard that priceless asset for our fellow citizens and for generations to come - Jerome Powell

Perspectives:

  • John F. Kennedy Library Foundation: The foundation gave Powell the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award “for protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve.” (RTHK)
  • President Trump: President Trump sought to remove Lisa Cook over mortgage-fraud allegations and has accused Powell of being too slow to cut interest rates. (RTHK)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[China factory activity slows as May PMI hits 50]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2229956?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F40812609-c98a-4868-9083-d87fb3c000ec%2Fbusiness%2F1&from=rss laacz Sun, 31 May 2026 13:04:18 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2229956 China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 50.0 in May from 50.3 in April, putting factory activity at the threshold between expansion and contraction after two months of growth, National Bureau of Statistics data showed. The new orders sub-index dropped to 49.9 from 50.6, production eased to 51.2 from 51.5, and raw material stockpiles fell to 48.6 from 49.3. A private survey showed faster expansion than the official gauge but also slowed: the RatingDog China General Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, declined to 51.8 from 52.2, above the 51.6 forecast in a Reuters poll and marking a sixth straight month of expansion. The private report said new export business slipped, manufacturing employment contracted marginally and input prices fell month on month for the first time in six months, although costs remained elevated because of raw materials, energy prices and supply-chain disruptions. Official data also showed differences by sector and company size: high-tech manufacturing stood at 52.9, equipment manufacturing at 52.1 and large enterprises at 51.1, while medium and small firms remained below 50 at 48.6 and 48.5. Non-manufacturing activity rose to 50.1 in May, and the composite PMI output index increased to 50.5, according to official data.

Workers attend to a production line manufacturing tank containers at a factory in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China on April 7, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Price gauges: The raw material purchasing price index and ex-factory price index each fell 3.2 percentage points but stayed above 50, at 60.5 and 51.9, indicating prices continued to rise at a slower pace.
  • Export pressure: The official new export orders index fell 1.7 points to 48.6, dropping back into contraction, while private survey data also pointed to softer overseas demand.
  • Holiday effect: Bloomberg and RTHK cited disruptions from China’s five-day Labour Day Golden Week break as a factor weighing on the May factory reading.
  • Services: The services business activity index rose to 50.3, returning to expansion and reaching its highest level since August, according to RTHK’s summary of official data.
While the rate of growth eased, it remained among the highest observed over the past five years - Yao Yu

Perspectives:

  • National Bureau of Statistics: Chief statistician Huo Lihui said manufacturing production and operations remained generally stable, with production still expanding and market demand softening. (Beijing Bulletin)
  • ING Greater China: Lynn Song wrote that mixed PMI data suggested the economy was muddling through, with the stronger RatingDog reading pointing to external demand outperforming domestic demand. (Seeking Alpha)
  • China Galaxy Securities: The brokerage said a return to manufacturing expansion depends on domestic-demand policy implementation, export-order stability and whether lower costs translate into profit repair. (Ming Pao)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 50.0 in May from 50.3 in April, putting factory activity at the threshold between expansion and contraction after two months of growth, National Bureau of Statistics data showed. The new orders sub-index dropped to 49.9 from 50.6, production eased to 51.2 from 51.5, and raw material stockpiles fell to 48.6 from 49.3. A private survey showed faster expansion than the official gauge but also slowed: the RatingDog China General Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, declined to 51.8 from 52.2, above the 51.6 forecast in a Reuters poll and marking a sixth straight month of expansion. The private report said new export business slipped, manufacturing employment contracted marginally and input prices fell month on month for the first time in six months, although costs remained elevated because of raw materials, energy prices and supply-chain disruptions. Official data also showed differences by sector and company size: high-tech manufacturing stood at 52.9, equipment manufacturing at 52.1 and large enterprises at 51.1, while medium and small firms remained below 50 at 48.6 and 48.5. Non-manufacturing activity rose to 50.1 in May, and the composite PMI output index increased to 50.5, according to official data.

Workers attend to a production line manufacturing tank containers at a factory in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China on April 7, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Price gauges: The raw material purchasing price index and ex-factory price index each fell 3.2 percentage points but stayed above 50, at 60.5 and 51.9, indicating prices continued to rise at a slower pace.
  • Export pressure: The official new export orders index fell 1.7 points to 48.6, dropping back into contraction, while private survey data also pointed to softer overseas demand.
  • Holiday effect: Bloomberg and RTHK cited disruptions from China’s five-day Labour Day Golden Week break as a factor weighing on the May factory reading.
  • Services: The services business activity index rose to 50.3, returning to expansion and reaching its highest level since August, according to RTHK’s summary of official data.
While the rate of growth eased, it remained among the highest observed over the past five years - Yao Yu

Perspectives:

  • National Bureau of Statistics: Chief statistician Huo Lihui said manufacturing production and operations remained generally stable, with production still expanding and market demand softening. (Beijing Bulletin)
  • ING Greater China: Lynn Song wrote that mixed PMI data suggested the economy was muddling through, with the stronger RatingDog reading pointing to external demand outperforming domestic demand. (Seeking Alpha)
  • China Galaxy Securities: The brokerage said a return to manufacturing expansion depends on domestic-demand policy implementation, export-order stability and whether lower costs translate into profit repair. (Ming Pao)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[Europe heat dome breaks May temperature records]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2229776?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F8f856784-41da-47a9-8998-074488029370%2Fscience%2F4&from=rss laacz Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2229776 A late-May heat wave broke temperature records across Western Europe as a persistent high-pressure system, widely described as a heat dome, trapped hot air from North Africa over the region. Scientific American reported at least 18 deaths linked to the hot weather, while France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal and other countries recorded temperatures normally associated with midsummer. The United Kingdom reached 35.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday, surpassing a May record set one day earlier, and Ireland recorded 28.8C at Killarney and Clonmel. France registered 37.8C at Angoulême-La Couronne on Thursday. Météo-France called the episode "unprecedented, historic and exceptional" for May, and temperatures in many areas ran nearly 15C above late-May averages. Climate scientists cited by Deutsche Welle and The New York Times linked the event to human-caused global warming, while noting that event-specific attribution for the latest heat wave had not yet been completed. The heat also affected schools, forests, transport and water systems, with The New York Times reporting that hotter periods increasingly overlap with the academic calendar and Phys.org reporting that repeated heat and drought have pushed European trees into survival responses that can kill them.

The United Kingdom, France and Spain faced record heat before summer, with authorities reporting deaths, fires and extreme temperatures.

Highlights:

  • French records: More than half of France experienced at least one monthly record for minimum or maximum temperature during the episode, Météo-France climatologist Matthieu Sorel said.
  • School exposure: A school in Soustons, France, ended classes early during the heat wave, illustrating how early-season heat can affect classrooms before summer closures.
  • Night heat: Temperatures in Camborne in southwest England fell only to 21.4C overnight on Tuesday, meeting the threshold for a tropical night and setting a record-high minimum.
  • Forecast shift: Météo-France forecast a gradual decline in temperatures across France from Sunday after the peak of the heat wave.

Perspectives:

  • Friederike Otto, Imperial College London: Otto said temperatures at this level were once exceptional even in peak summer and identified climate change as a factor in the record-breaking heat. (Deutsche Welle)
  • French government: A spokesperson said heat had been responsible for seven deaths in France during the week. (The Guardian)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> A late-May heat wave broke temperature records across Western Europe as a persistent high-pressure system, widely described as a heat dome, trapped hot air from North Africa over the region. Scientific American reported at least 18 deaths linked to the hot weather, while France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal and other countries recorded temperatures normally associated with midsummer. The United Kingdom reached 35.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday, surpassing a May record set one day earlier, and Ireland recorded 28.8C at Killarney and Clonmel. France registered 37.8C at Angoulême-La Couronne on Thursday. Météo-France called the episode "unprecedented, historic and exceptional" for May, and temperatures in many areas ran nearly 15C above late-May averages. Climate scientists cited by Deutsche Welle and The New York Times linked the event to human-caused global warming, while noting that event-specific attribution for the latest heat wave had not yet been completed. The heat also affected schools, forests, transport and water systems, with The New York Times reporting that hotter periods increasingly overlap with the academic calendar and Phys.org reporting that repeated heat and drought have pushed European trees into survival responses that can kill them.

The United Kingdom, France and Spain faced record heat before summer, with authorities reporting deaths, fires and extreme temperatures.

Highlights:

  • French records: More than half of France experienced at least one monthly record for minimum or maximum temperature during the episode, Météo-France climatologist Matthieu Sorel said.
  • School exposure: A school in Soustons, France, ended classes early during the heat wave, illustrating how early-season heat can affect classrooms before summer closures.
  • Night heat: Temperatures in Camborne in southwest England fell only to 21.4C overnight on Tuesday, meeting the threshold for a tropical night and setting a record-high minimum.
  • Forecast shift: Météo-France forecast a gradual decline in temperatures across France from Sunday after the peak of the heat wave.

Perspectives:

  • Friederike Otto, Imperial College London: Otto said temperatures at this level were once exceptional even in peak summer and identified climate change as a factor in the record-breaking heat. (Deutsche Welle)
  • French government: A spokesperson said heat had been responsible for seven deaths in France during the week. (The Guardian)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[Iceland sets Aug. 29 referendum on EU accession talks]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229675?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F0983969f-e924-432b-9fa9-3b245e553473%2Feurope%2F5&from=rss laacz Thu, 28 May 2026 21:54:45 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229675 Iceland's parliament voted Thursday to hold an Aug. 29 referendum on whether to resume European Union accession negotiations, backing the centre-left government's two-stage plan for a possible path to membership in the 27-nation bloc later this decade. The measure passed 34-8, with 14 abstentions and seven of the 63 lawmakers absent. Under the government plan, a majority "yes" vote would authorize renewed negotiations with Brussels, but the final terms of membership would need approval in a second referendum; a majority "no" vote would end the effort to restart talks. Interest in EU membership has risen again in Iceland after increases in the cost of living and Russia's war in Ukraine, according to accounts citing opinion polling. VRT, citing Icelandic public broadcaster RÚV, reported that the referendum was brought forward from an earlier 2027 timetable.

Highlights:

  • Public split: A RÚV poll in early February found Icelandic public opinion roughly split over EU membership.
  • Rejected amendments: Parliament rejected three opposition amendments to delay the vote, change the referendum wording and require public information on Iceland's negotiating objectives before the ballot.
  • Existing ties: Iceland already belongs to the European single market, the Schengen area, the European Free Trade Association and NATO.
  • North Atlantic: ERR reported that Iceland has about 400,000 residents and that membership would extend the EU's reach further into the North Atlantic.
This parliamentary proposal has been a mess from start to finish, both in its preparation and in the way it was presented to Parliament without the legally required consultation before being brought forward for debate - Sigríður Á. Andersen

Perspectives:

  • Olafur Thordur Hardarson, University of Iceland: The political science professor said many undecided voters may support the first referendum because they want to see the specific terms of any eventual EU agreement before deciding on membership. (ERR)
  • Independence Party: Party leader Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir said the government lacked a clear mandate and broad consensus, and compared the handling of the issue to what she called past mistakes by Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and Össur Skarphéðinsson. (Iceland Monitor)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Iceland's parliament voted Thursday to hold an Aug. 29 referendum on whether to resume European Union accession negotiations, backing the centre-left government's two-stage plan for a possible path to membership in the 27-nation bloc later this decade. The measure passed 34-8, with 14 abstentions and seven of the 63 lawmakers absent. Under the government plan, a majority "yes" vote would authorize renewed negotiations with Brussels, but the final terms of membership would need approval in a second referendum; a majority "no" vote would end the effort to restart talks. Interest in EU membership has risen again in Iceland after increases in the cost of living and Russia's war in Ukraine, according to accounts citing opinion polling. VRT, citing Icelandic public broadcaster RÚV, reported that the referendum was brought forward from an earlier 2027 timetable.

Highlights:

  • Public split: A RÚV poll in early February found Icelandic public opinion roughly split over EU membership.
  • Rejected amendments: Parliament rejected three opposition amendments to delay the vote, change the referendum wording and require public information on Iceland's negotiating objectives before the ballot.
  • Existing ties: Iceland already belongs to the European single market, the Schengen area, the European Free Trade Association and NATO.
  • North Atlantic: ERR reported that Iceland has about 400,000 residents and that membership would extend the EU's reach further into the North Atlantic.
This parliamentary proposal has been a mess from start to finish, both in its preparation and in the way it was presented to Parliament without the legally required consultation before being brought forward for debate - Sigríður Á. Andersen

Perspectives:

  • Olafur Thordur Hardarson, University of Iceland: The political science professor said many undecided voters may support the first referendum because they want to see the specific terms of any eventual EU agreement before deciding on membership. (ERR)
  • Independence Party: Party leader Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir said the government lacked a clear mandate and broad consensus, and compared the handling of the issue to what she called past mistakes by Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and Össur Skarphéðinsson. (Iceland Monitor)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Hungary’s Magyar seeks release of €18 billion EU funds]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229676?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F0983969f-e924-432b-9fa9-3b245e553473%2Feurope%2F4&from=rss laacz Thu, 28 May 2026 15:31:07 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229676 Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is in Brussels for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday as Budapest seeks the release of EU money frozen during Viktor Orbán’s years in power over rule-of-law, corruption and rights concerns. Magyar has said a deal is “very close,” while the Commission has taken a more cautious position before the meeting. The blocked money includes about €10.4 billion from EU funds. Hungary faces an end-of-August deadline to complete dozens of reforms tied to the funds, including judicial and anti-corruption changes. Magyar has said Hungary intends to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, describing the move as one of his Tisza party’s campaign pledges and part of anti-corruption measures aimed at unlocking EU funds. His Brussels visit also includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greets Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar before a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels.

Highlights:

  • Reform pledges: The new government has introduced early constitutional and anti-corruption measures, but some Brussels requirements could be difficult to meet before the August deadline.
  • Open issues: The sides agree on many issues, but questions remain over anti-corruption measures.
  • Ukraine file: EUobserver said the fund talks are also tied to issues including Hungary’s reliance on Russian fuel and Ukraine, while Euractiv reported Magyar maintained Hungary’s veto threat over Ukraine’s EU accession.
We have arrived in Brussels for the most important talks of recent years. Access to many thousands of billions of forints is at stake - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said in a Facebook video from Brussels that 'everyone is working on releasing EU funds for Hungary' and that his ministers were holding preparatory negotiations to settle outstanding issues ahead of Friday's meeting. (tvorimevropu.cz, euronews.com)
  • Commission official cited by POLITICO: The official said Brussels did not expect agreement on everything because a country cannot be reformed overnight. The official said some elements could be agreed while work continued on other issues. (Google News)
  • EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos: Kos said Brussels had seen goodwill from Hungary’s new government on Ukraine’s EU accession and that the narrative around the issue had changed. (VG.hu)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is in Brussels for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday as Budapest seeks the release of EU money frozen during Viktor Orbán’s years in power over rule-of-law, corruption and rights concerns. Magyar has said a deal is “very close,” while the Commission has taken a more cautious position before the meeting. The blocked money includes about €10.4 billion from EU funds. Hungary faces an end-of-August deadline to complete dozens of reforms tied to the funds, including judicial and anti-corruption changes. Magyar has said Hungary intends to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, describing the move as one of his Tisza party’s campaign pledges and part of anti-corruption measures aimed at unlocking EU funds. His Brussels visit also includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greets Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar before a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels.

Highlights:

  • Reform pledges: The new government has introduced early constitutional and anti-corruption measures, but some Brussels requirements could be difficult to meet before the August deadline.
  • Open issues: The sides agree on many issues, but questions remain over anti-corruption measures.
  • Ukraine file: EUobserver said the fund talks are also tied to issues including Hungary’s reliance on Russian fuel and Ukraine, while Euractiv reported Magyar maintained Hungary’s veto threat over Ukraine’s EU accession.
We have arrived in Brussels for the most important talks of recent years. Access to many thousands of billions of forints is at stake - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said in a Facebook video from Brussels that 'everyone is working on releasing EU funds for Hungary' and that his ministers were holding preparatory negotiations to settle outstanding issues ahead of Friday's meeting. (tvorimevropu.cz, euronews.com)
  • Commission official cited by POLITICO: The official said Brussels did not expect agreement on everything because a country cannot be reformed overnight. The official said some elements could be agreed while work continued on other issues. (Google News)
  • EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos: Kos said Brussels had seen goodwill from Hungary’s new government on Ukraine’s EU accession and that the narrative around the issue had changed. (VG.hu)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Arsenal set £20m Jesus price, pursue Alvarez]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229560?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F0ab5e8d3-73b6-4149-a5cf-6ff1dd19ceb0%2Fsports%2F8&from=rss laacz Wed, 27 May 2026 22:27:34 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229560 Arsenal are reported to be willing to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer for up to £20m, with several clubs said to have shown interest and the forward under contract through 2027. The Brazil international has fallen behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s striker options, while Arsenal prepare for a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Arsenal are also being linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with PSG and Barcelona also named among interested clubs. Eye Football reported that Alvarez’s representatives have given Arsenal encouragement but that no formal talks with Atletico have begun, while Atletico are expected to demand at least £120m. Sports Mole, citing Radio Marca journalist Roberto Gomez, reported that Atletico want the matter settled early and do not want negotiations to run close to the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season on August 16.

Arsenal-linked transfer activity follows Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title-winning season.

Highlights:

  • Rogers interest: Arsenal are reported to be pursuing Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers, who had 14 goals and 12 assists this season and has been linked to valuations starting around £80m and potentially rising toward £100m.
  • Gyokeres scrutiny: Michael Owen told Football365 that Arsenal are “not happy” with Viktor Gyokeres and would “move heaven and earth” for a striker in the mould of Thierry Henry.
  • Valuation split: Metro reported a much lower potential £5m Jesus exit price, while The Athletic’s David Ornstein, as cited by GiveMeSport and others, put Arsenal’s asking price at up to £20m.
  • Full-back market: Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, under contract until 2029 and valued at €40m-€60m, has drawn interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Inter Milan, with City described as frontrunners.
If you have an offer, make it now. Don't wait here until August 14th or 15th at midnight. - Roberto Gomez

Perspectives:

  • Michael Owen: Owen argued that Arsenal’s striker search shows dissatisfaction with Gyokeres and said the club would pursue a forward capable of transforming the attack. (Football365)
  • Mikel Arteta: Sports Mole, citing talkSPORT, reported that Arteta is personally leading Arsenal’s push for Rogers after the Premier League title win. (Sports Mole)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> Arsenal are reported to be willing to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer for up to £20m, with several clubs said to have shown interest and the forward under contract through 2027. The Brazil international has fallen behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s striker options, while Arsenal prepare for a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Arsenal are also being linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with PSG and Barcelona also named among interested clubs. Eye Football reported that Alvarez’s representatives have given Arsenal encouragement but that no formal talks with Atletico have begun, while Atletico are expected to demand at least £120m. Sports Mole, citing Radio Marca journalist Roberto Gomez, reported that Atletico want the matter settled early and do not want negotiations to run close to the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season on August 16.

Arsenal-linked transfer activity follows Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title-winning season.

Highlights:

  • Rogers interest: Arsenal are reported to be pursuing Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers, who had 14 goals and 12 assists this season and has been linked to valuations starting around £80m and potentially rising toward £100m.
  • Gyokeres scrutiny: Michael Owen told Football365 that Arsenal are “not happy” with Viktor Gyokeres and would “move heaven and earth” for a striker in the mould of Thierry Henry.
  • Valuation split: Metro reported a much lower potential £5m Jesus exit price, while The Athletic’s David Ornstein, as cited by GiveMeSport and others, put Arsenal’s asking price at up to £20m.
  • Full-back market: Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, under contract until 2029 and valued at €40m-€60m, has drawn interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Inter Milan, with City described as frontrunners.
If you have an offer, make it now. Don't wait here until August 14th or 15th at midnight. - Roberto Gomez

Perspectives:

  • Michael Owen: Owen argued that Arsenal’s striker search shows dissatisfaction with Gyokeres and said the club would pursue a forward capable of transforming the attack. (Football365)
  • Mikel Arteta: Sports Mole, citing talkSPORT, reported that Arteta is personally leading Arsenal’s push for Rogers after the Premier League title win. (Sports Mole)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano for European trophy]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229436?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F0831dadd-657e-4952-b252-20c7e9928907%2Fsports%2F4&from=rss laacz Wed, 27 May 2026 06:58:08 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229436 Crystal Palace play Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 27, with kickoff listed at 8 p.m. BST. Both clubs are seeking a first European trophy: Palace are in their first UEFA club campaign, and Rayo are chasing the Madrid club’s first continental title. The match is Oliver Glasner’s final game as Palace manager after the club won the FA Cup last year and the Community Shield in August 2025. A Palace win would also put the club into next season’s Europa League after UEFA moved them from the Europa League to the Conference League this season because of multi-club ownership rules involving John Textor’s interests in Palace and Lyon. Rayo had gone unbeaten in nine games before the final.

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano meet in the Conference League final.

Highlights:

  • Selection concerns: Palace have Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure ruled out, while Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and Borna Sosa were listed as doubts before kickoff.
  • Rayo absences: Rayo were expected to be without Luiz Felipe because of a hamstring injury, with Ilias Akhomach, Carlos Martin and Diego Mendez listed as doubts.
  • Rayo's semi-final shutout: Rayo kept clean sheets in both legs to beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate and reach the final.
  • Fan movement: Palace supporters travelled by plane, train, camper van and other routes to reach Leipzig for one of the club’s biggest matches.
You gave us one of the best days of our lives - Steve Parish

Perspectives:

  • Oliver Glasner: Glasner urged Palace to win the final and secure the Europa League place the club says it earned before UEFA moved it into the Conference League. He also said the match would be his last in charge. (The Guardian)
  • Dean Henderson: Palace captain Dean Henderson urged the squad to “finish the movie off” after the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield successes under Glasner. (RTÉ)
  • Iñigo Pérez: Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Pérez said his team could win by keeping its playing identity and called the final against Palace a big match. (Cumhuriyet)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> Crystal Palace play Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 27, with kickoff listed at 8 p.m. BST. Both clubs are seeking a first European trophy: Palace are in their first UEFA club campaign, and Rayo are chasing the Madrid club’s first continental title. The match is Oliver Glasner’s final game as Palace manager after the club won the FA Cup last year and the Community Shield in August 2025. A Palace win would also put the club into next season’s Europa League after UEFA moved them from the Europa League to the Conference League this season because of multi-club ownership rules involving John Textor’s interests in Palace and Lyon. Rayo had gone unbeaten in nine games before the final.

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano meet in the Conference League final.

Highlights:

  • Selection concerns: Palace have Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure ruled out, while Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and Borna Sosa were listed as doubts before kickoff.
  • Rayo absences: Rayo were expected to be without Luiz Felipe because of a hamstring injury, with Ilias Akhomach, Carlos Martin and Diego Mendez listed as doubts.
  • Rayo's semi-final shutout: Rayo kept clean sheets in both legs to beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate and reach the final.
  • Fan movement: Palace supporters travelled by plane, train, camper van and other routes to reach Leipzig for one of the club’s biggest matches.
You gave us one of the best days of our lives - Steve Parish

Perspectives:

  • Oliver Glasner: Glasner urged Palace to win the final and secure the Europa League place the club says it earned before UEFA moved it into the Conference League. He also said the match would be his last in charge. (The Guardian)
  • Dean Henderson: Palace captain Dean Henderson urged the squad to “finish the movie off” after the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield successes under Glasner. (RTÉ)
  • Iñigo Pérez: Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Pérez said his team could win by keeping its playing identity and called the final against Palace a big match. (Cumhuriyet)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[Iceland sets August vote on EU accession talks]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229284?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F154cf929-9a4f-476d-8d1b-151cdf091ec5%2Feurope%2F8&from=rss laacz Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:51 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2229284 Iceland will hold a national referendum on Aug. 29 on whether to restart negotiations for European Union membership, reopening a question that has divided the North Atlantic country for years. The governing coalition says EU membership has become a geopolitical issue, while opponents say accession would reduce national sovereignty and weaken Icelandic control over agriculture and fishing. The debate has drawn new attention after President Donald Trump’s statements about Greenland prompted concern in Reykjavik, according to The New York Times and Independent Türkçe. Polling remains split: a Morgunblaðið survey found 52% in favor of continuing accession talks and 48% opposed, while Viðskiptablaðið found 54% opposed to joining the EU and 46% in favor.

Image published with The New York Times report on Iceland’s EU membership debate.

Highlights:

  • Security link: The EU and Iceland signed a Security and Defence Partnership in March covering cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, critical infrastructure protection and economic security.
  • Economic concern: Independent Türkçe put Iceland’s inflation at 5.2%, nearly twice the EU level, and noted that euro adoption has been cited in the debate because the krona has long been volatile.
  • Trade argument: Former Foreign Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson said Iceland already gets many EU trade benefits through existing arrangements and argued its current trade deals include wider zero-tariff access than EU agreements would provide.
  • Campaign timing: Euractiv reported that both the pro-EU and anti-EU camps were only beginning to mobilize with less than 100 days before the referendum.

Perspectives:

  • Icelandic governing coalition: The coalition backing the vote has acknowledged that fisheries and agriculture are the most sensitive issues for voters. (Euractiv)
  • Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson: The former foreign minister and Independence Party politician opposes EU membership, arguing Iceland would lose legislative and executive authority because EU law and courts would override national sovereignty. (Euronews)
  • Maximilian Conrad: The University of Iceland professor said support for continuing negotiations has fallen since the referendum was announced in March and that voters want to see the terms of any membership package. (Euractiv)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Iceland will hold a national referendum on Aug. 29 on whether to restart negotiations for European Union membership, reopening a question that has divided the North Atlantic country for years. The governing coalition says EU membership has become a geopolitical issue, while opponents say accession would reduce national sovereignty and weaken Icelandic control over agriculture and fishing. The debate has drawn new attention after President Donald Trump’s statements about Greenland prompted concern in Reykjavik, according to The New York Times and Independent Türkçe. Polling remains split: a Morgunblaðið survey found 52% in favor of continuing accession talks and 48% opposed, while Viðskiptablaðið found 54% opposed to joining the EU and 46% in favor.

Image published with The New York Times report on Iceland’s EU membership debate.

Highlights:

  • Security link: The EU and Iceland signed a Security and Defence Partnership in March covering cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, critical infrastructure protection and economic security.
  • Economic concern: Independent Türkçe put Iceland’s inflation at 5.2%, nearly twice the EU level, and noted that euro adoption has been cited in the debate because the krona has long been volatile.
  • Trade argument: Former Foreign Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson said Iceland already gets many EU trade benefits through existing arrangements and argued its current trade deals include wider zero-tariff access than EU agreements would provide.
  • Campaign timing: Euractiv reported that both the pro-EU and anti-EU camps were only beginning to mobilize with less than 100 days before the referendum.

Perspectives:

  • Icelandic governing coalition: The coalition backing the vote has acknowledged that fisheries and agriculture are the most sensitive issues for voters. (Euractiv)
  • Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson: The former foreign minister and Independence Party politician opposes EU membership, arguing Iceland would lose legislative and executive authority because EU law and courts would override national sovereignty. (Euronews)
  • Maximilian Conrad: The University of Iceland professor said support for continuing negotiations has fallen since the referendum was announced in March and that voters want to see the terms of any membership package. (Euractiv)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[AC Milan fires Allegri and three senior executives]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229232?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F69c1cb84-f16f-4c08-8735-411bf598c1fe%2Fsports%2F5&from=rss laacz Mon, 25 May 2026 19:25:33 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2229232 AC Milan dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri, chief executive Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada on Monday after missing out on a place in next season’s Champions League. RedBird Capital, the club’s U.S. owner, called the season an “unequivocal failure,” saying the mandate was to return to the Champions League and build a consistent title contender in Serie A. The decision came a day after Milan lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari in their final league match, a result that left the 19-time Italian champions one point short of a Champions League place. Allegri, 58, had returned to Milan last May, 11 years after his first spell ended, but his second tenure lasted one season. The club said further appointments would be announced “in due course” so the new structure can be ready for next season.

Massimiliano Allegri.

Highlights:

  • Late slide: Milan spent much of the season in Serie A’s top two but took only 10 points from the final 30 available.
  • Como qualify: Como took the final Champions League place after a final-day win at Cremonese, with players lifting coach Cesc Fàbregas after securing qualification.
  • Europa League: Milan and Juventus will play in the Europa League next season, while Inter, Napoli, Roma and Como took Italy’s Champions League places.
  • Squad uncertainty: ESPN’s Transfer Talk said Milan’s leadership overhaul and Champions League miss cast doubt on Christian Pulisic’s future.

Perspectives:

  • RedBird Capital: RedBird described the departures as a football-operations reset, saying the club’s target had been a Champions League return and that it needed “a comprehensive reorganisation.” (RTHK)
  • Massimiliano Allegri: Before the dismissal, Allegri accepted responsibility for the Champions League miss, saying he had made mistakes and should have found solutions after the Cagliari defeat. (Avisen Danmark)
  • The Guardian: Nicky Bandini contrasted Milan and Juventus missing out with Como’s qualification in a Serie A final day that also sent Roma into the Champions League. (The Guardian)
  • Italian football media: Today.it reported that Zlatan Ibrahimovic remained in place while Milan dismissed the rest of the club’s top sporting structure, with Gerry Cardinale intending to start again from a new base. (Today.it)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> AC Milan dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri, chief executive Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada on Monday after missing out on a place in next season’s Champions League. RedBird Capital, the club’s U.S. owner, called the season an “unequivocal failure,” saying the mandate was to return to the Champions League and build a consistent title contender in Serie A. The decision came a day after Milan lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari in their final league match, a result that left the 19-time Italian champions one point short of a Champions League place. Allegri, 58, had returned to Milan last May, 11 years after his first spell ended, but his second tenure lasted one season. The club said further appointments would be announced “in due course” so the new structure can be ready for next season.

Massimiliano Allegri.

Highlights:

  • Late slide: Milan spent much of the season in Serie A’s top two but took only 10 points from the final 30 available.
  • Como qualify: Como took the final Champions League place after a final-day win at Cremonese, with players lifting coach Cesc Fàbregas after securing qualification.
  • Europa League: Milan and Juventus will play in the Europa League next season, while Inter, Napoli, Roma and Como took Italy’s Champions League places.
  • Squad uncertainty: ESPN’s Transfer Talk said Milan’s leadership overhaul and Champions League miss cast doubt on Christian Pulisic’s future.

Perspectives:

  • RedBird Capital: RedBird described the departures as a football-operations reset, saying the club’s target had been a Champions League return and that it needed “a comprehensive reorganisation.” (RTHK)
  • Massimiliano Allegri: Before the dismissal, Allegri accepted responsibility for the Champions League miss, saying he had made mistakes and should have found solutions after the Cagliari defeat. (Avisen Danmark)
  • The Guardian: Nicky Bandini contrasted Milan and Juventus missing out with Como’s qualification in a Serie A final day that also sent Roma into the Champions League. (The Guardian)
  • Italian football media: Today.it reported that Zlatan Ibrahimovic remained in place while Milan dismissed the rest of the club’s top sporting structure, with Gerry Cardinale intending to start again from a new base. (Today.it)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[Hungarian premier seeks deal on €17 billion EU funds]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228864?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fa9ed4504-588b-41c6-8d77-44abe9c3955d%2Feurope%2F11&from=rss laacz Sat, 23 May 2026 20:21:43 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228864 Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Saturday that talks with the European Commission on releasing suspended EU funds were “progressing well” and that he planned to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28. Magyar told RTL he had discussed the issue and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with details of the agreement to be announced Thursday. The talks concern roughly €17 billion in EU funds frozen during Viktor Orbán’s government over corruption and rule-of-law concerns, with a key €10.4 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility package facing an Aug. 31 deadline. Von der Leyen previously said the new Hungarian government needed quick decisions on reforms, rule of law and alignment with EU values before the funds could be unblocked. In his first major interview as prime minister, Magyar also made domestic fiscal and welfare pledges: a 100,000-forint back-to-school payment for eligible families in August, a pensioner SZÉP Card benefit in the autumn, cuts to top political salaries and 2026 growth of about 2% or slightly more. Bloomberg reported that Magyar said public finances left by his predecessor made firm forecasts impossible.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, pictured in a Reuters image used by HRT for its report on EU funds talks.

Highlights:

  • Reform disputes: Pension and tax reforms remain key obstacles, with Budapest saying the fiscal situation and short timeline make implementation before deadlines difficult.
  • Budget review: Magyar said the government was reviewing all obligations inherited from the Orbán administration, while VG reported he described the economy as worse than the previous government had presented.
  • Investigations planned: Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said examinations of alleged misuse of public and EU funds could start within days.
Worse than expected - Prime Minister Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Prime Minister Péter Magyar: Magyar told RTL that a political agreement on paying suspended EU funds would be signed next Thursday and also said the government planned VAT and tax reductions, alongside significant salary cuts for top public officials. (Hirado)
  • Foreign Minister Anita Orbán: Orbán said Hungary’s new government was preparing investigations into alleged misuse of public money and EU resources under the previous administration, with legal proceedings possible within days. (Daily News Hungary)
  • European Commission officials: Commission officials believe the new Hungarian government is reluctant to implement pension and tax reforms because they would put more pressure on the state budget, Daily News Hungary reported, citing Euronews. (Daily News Hungary)
  • Hungarian government economic team: Transport and investment minister Dávid Vitézy said a review of handover documents found 286 billion forints in transport spending not listed in this year’s budget. (Portfolio)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Saturday that talks with the European Commission on releasing suspended EU funds were “progressing well” and that he planned to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28. Magyar told RTL he had discussed the issue and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with details of the agreement to be announced Thursday. The talks concern roughly €17 billion in EU funds frozen during Viktor Orbán’s government over corruption and rule-of-law concerns, with a key €10.4 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility package facing an Aug. 31 deadline. Von der Leyen previously said the new Hungarian government needed quick decisions on reforms, rule of law and alignment with EU values before the funds could be unblocked. In his first major interview as prime minister, Magyar also made domestic fiscal and welfare pledges: a 100,000-forint back-to-school payment for eligible families in August, a pensioner SZÉP Card benefit in the autumn, cuts to top political salaries and 2026 growth of about 2% or slightly more. Bloomberg reported that Magyar said public finances left by his predecessor made firm forecasts impossible.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, pictured in a Reuters image used by HRT for its report on EU funds talks.

Highlights:

  • Reform disputes: Pension and tax reforms remain key obstacles, with Budapest saying the fiscal situation and short timeline make implementation before deadlines difficult.
  • Budget review: Magyar said the government was reviewing all obligations inherited from the Orbán administration, while VG reported he described the economy as worse than the previous government had presented.
  • Investigations planned: Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said examinations of alleged misuse of public and EU funds could start within days.
Worse than expected - Prime Minister Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Prime Minister Péter Magyar: Magyar told RTL that a political agreement on paying suspended EU funds would be signed next Thursday and also said the government planned VAT and tax reductions, alongside significant salary cuts for top public officials. (Hirado)
  • Foreign Minister Anita Orbán: Orbán said Hungary’s new government was preparing investigations into alleged misuse of public money and EU resources under the previous administration, with legal proceedings possible within days. (Daily News Hungary)
  • European Commission officials: Commission officials believe the new Hungarian government is reluctant to implement pension and tax reforms because they would put more pressure on the state budget, Daily News Hungary reported, citing Euronews. (Daily News Hungary)
  • Hungarian government economic team: Transport and investment minister Dávid Vitézy said a review of handover documents found 286 billion forints in transport spending not listed in this year’s budget. (Portfolio)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Hungary’s new premier seeks release of €17 billion in EU funds]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228677?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F913962d2-6520-495e-912b-61687c36fe86%2Feurope%2F10&from=rss laacz Sat, 23 May 2026 20:21:43 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228677 Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said negotiations with the European Commission over frozen EU funds are “progressing well” and that he plans to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28, to release funds allocated to Hungary. Magyar made the comments in an RTL interview and said he had discussed the issue and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Magyar said details of the agreement would be announced on Thursday. The talks concern about €17 billion frozen under Viktor Orbán’s government over corruption and rule-of-law concerns. The European Commission has linked any release to rapid decisions on reforms. Reports on the negotiations identified pension and tax reforms as key sticking points. Magyar also used the interview to describe Hungary’s public finances as worse than expected after the previous government. He said firm forecasts were difficult, but still projected about 2% economic growth this year. He announced planned domestic measures including a HUF 100,000 back-to-school payment from August, pensioner SZÉP Card support in the autumn and salary reductions for senior elected and government officials.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar during European-related talks in May 2026.

Highlights:

  • Recovery package: Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said gaining access to Hungary’s €10.4 billion recovery and resilience package is an early priority; the administration faces an August 31 deadline to formally request the money.
  • Erasmus issue: Reports on the negotiations said the Erasmus Programme could be unblocked even as Brussels and Budapest continued to dispute pension and tax conditions.
  • State audit: Magyar said government reviews of the state’s economic condition could be completed around August 20, after transfer documents and previous obligations are examined.
  • Ukraine condition: The new Hungarian government separately said Ukraine should restore rights for its Hungarian minority before EU accession talks proceed.
Worse than expected - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar’s government: Magyar said the suspended-funds negotiations were advancing and set Thursday, May 28, as the planned date for signing a political agreement in Brussels. (HRT)
  • European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen said the new government needed to move quickly on restoration, realignment and reforms, including restoring rule of law and aligning with common European values, before frozen EU funds could be released. (Antena 3)
  • Radosław Sikorski: Poland’s foreign minister said Hungary would lift vetoes affecting European funds for Poland after Magyar’s visit to Poland. (Wprost)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said negotiations with the European Commission over frozen EU funds are “progressing well” and that he plans to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28, to release funds allocated to Hungary. Magyar made the comments in an RTL interview and said he had discussed the issue and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Magyar said details of the agreement would be announced on Thursday. The talks concern about €17 billion frozen under Viktor Orbán’s government over corruption and rule-of-law concerns. The European Commission has linked any release to rapid decisions on reforms. Reports on the negotiations identified pension and tax reforms as key sticking points. Magyar also used the interview to describe Hungary’s public finances as worse than expected after the previous government. He said firm forecasts were difficult, but still projected about 2% economic growth this year. He announced planned domestic measures including a HUF 100,000 back-to-school payment from August, pensioner SZÉP Card support in the autumn and salary reductions for senior elected and government officials.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar during European-related talks in May 2026.

Highlights:

  • Recovery package: Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said gaining access to Hungary’s €10.4 billion recovery and resilience package is an early priority; the administration faces an August 31 deadline to formally request the money.
  • Erasmus issue: Reports on the negotiations said the Erasmus Programme could be unblocked even as Brussels and Budapest continued to dispute pension and tax conditions.
  • State audit: Magyar said government reviews of the state’s economic condition could be completed around August 20, after transfer documents and previous obligations are examined.
  • Ukraine condition: The new Hungarian government separately said Ukraine should restore rights for its Hungarian minority before EU accession talks proceed.
Worse than expected - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar’s government: Magyar said the suspended-funds negotiations were advancing and set Thursday, May 28, as the planned date for signing a political agreement in Brussels. (HRT)
  • European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen said the new government needed to move quickly on restoration, realignment and reforms, including restoring rule of law and aligning with common European values, before frozen EU funds could be released. (Antena 3)
  • Radosław Sikorski: Poland’s foreign minister said Hungary would lift vetoes affecting European funds for Poland after Magyar’s visit to Poland. (Wprost)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Hungary premier seeks €17 billion EU funds deal]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228730?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Ff5c59f10-b89d-4bf9-9122-f463ad4be9de%2Feurope%2F10&from=rss laacz Sat, 23 May 2026 20:21:43 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228730 Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Saturday that talks with the European Commission on releasing suspended EU funds were “progressing well” and that he planned to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28, to unlock money allocated to Hungary. Romanian reports citing Reuters and Agerpres put the funds at about €17 billion. Magyar told RTL he had spoken and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and said details of the agreement would be announced Thursday. Von der Leyen had previously said Hungary’s new government needed quick decisions on reforms before the money could be released, citing restoration of the rule of law, alignment with EU values and reforms tied to European investment. The funds were suspended during Viktor Orbán’s government, when Brussels clashed with Budapest over rule-of-law concerns and Hungary’s positions on Ukraine and LGBT-related measures, according to the same reports. Magyar also used his first major interview as prime minister to say Hungary’s economy was in worse condition than the previous government had stated. He projected about 2% growth this year and warned that public finances made firm forecasts difficult.

Image accompanying HRT coverage of Péter Magyar’s expected EU funds agreement.

Highlights:

  • Policy talks: Hungary-EU negotiations also cover taxes, pensions and the Erasmus Programme, with Magyar described as reluctant to make large tax and pension changes.
  • Budget review: Magyar said his government was conducting a full review of state operations and all commitments made by the Orbán government.
  • Domestic pledges: Magyar said needy families would receive 100,000 forints in school-start support in August, while low-income pensioners would get support through SZÉP cards in the autumn.
  • Political pay: Magyar said salaries would be significantly reduced for the president, prime minister, ministers, members of parliament and mayors.
O muncă rapidă trebuie făcută pentru restaurare, realinere şi reforme. Restabilirea statului de drept. Realinierea la valorile noastre europene comune. Şi reforme, pentru a debloca oportunităţile oferite de investiţiile europene - Ursula von der Leyen

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said negotiations were advancing well, that he had discussed the issue with Ursula von der Leyen, and that agreement details would be made public on Thursday. (Digi24)
  • European Commission: Von der Leyen said Hungary’s new government had to move quickly on rule-of-law restoration, alignment with EU values and reforms before frozen funds could be released. (HotNews.ro)
  • Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski: Sikorski said after Magyar’s visit to Poland that Hungary would lift vetoes affecting Poland’s access to European funds, and linked the change to defeats of populist governments in Poland and Hungary. (Wprost)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Saturday that talks with the European Commission on releasing suspended EU funds were “progressing well” and that he planned to sign an agreement in Brussels on Thursday, May 28, to unlock money allocated to Hungary. Romanian reports citing Reuters and Agerpres put the funds at about €17 billion. Magyar told RTL he had spoken and exchanged letters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and said details of the agreement would be announced Thursday. Von der Leyen had previously said Hungary’s new government needed quick decisions on reforms before the money could be released, citing restoration of the rule of law, alignment with EU values and reforms tied to European investment. The funds were suspended during Viktor Orbán’s government, when Brussels clashed with Budapest over rule-of-law concerns and Hungary’s positions on Ukraine and LGBT-related measures, according to the same reports. Magyar also used his first major interview as prime minister to say Hungary’s economy was in worse condition than the previous government had stated. He projected about 2% growth this year and warned that public finances made firm forecasts difficult.

Image accompanying HRT coverage of Péter Magyar’s expected EU funds agreement.

Highlights:

  • Policy talks: Hungary-EU negotiations also cover taxes, pensions and the Erasmus Programme, with Magyar described as reluctant to make large tax and pension changes.
  • Budget review: Magyar said his government was conducting a full review of state operations and all commitments made by the Orbán government.
  • Domestic pledges: Magyar said needy families would receive 100,000 forints in school-start support in August, while low-income pensioners would get support through SZÉP cards in the autumn.
  • Political pay: Magyar said salaries would be significantly reduced for the president, prime minister, ministers, members of parliament and mayors.
O muncă rapidă trebuie făcută pentru restaurare, realinere şi reforme. Restabilirea statului de drept. Realinierea la valorile noastre europene comune. Şi reforme, pentru a debloca oportunităţile oferite de investiţiile europene - Ursula von der Leyen

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said negotiations were advancing well, that he had discussed the issue with Ursula von der Leyen, and that agreement details would be made public on Thursday. (Digi24)
  • European Commission: Von der Leyen said Hungary’s new government had to move quickly on rule-of-law restoration, alignment with EU values and reforms before frozen funds could be released. (HotNews.ro)
  • Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski: Sikorski said after Magyar’s visit to Poland that Hungary would lift vetoes affecting Poland’s access to European funds, and linked the change to defeats of populist governments in Poland and Hungary. (Wprost)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[IEA warns oil market may enter 'red zone']]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228529?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F5124b566-ccef-4989-97eb-762f1dcdf750%2Fbusiness%2F10&from=rss laacz Fri, 22 May 2026 04:31:22 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228529 International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol warned Thursday that global oil markets could enter a "red zone" in July or August as peak summer fuel demand begins, Middle East exports remain constrained and inventories decline. Birol said fully and unconditionally reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be the main step to ease the supply shock. Oil prices rose Friday as traders weighed U.S.-Iran talks and supply risks. Brent crude climbed $1.66, or 1.6%, to $104.24 a barrel by 0405 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose $1.11, or 1.2%, to $97.46, though both benchmarks remained lower for the week. On Thursday, prices swung sharply after Reuters reported, citing two senior Iranian sources, that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had ordered near-weapons-grade enriched uranium to stay inside Iran, a stance that complicates a central U.S. demand in negotiations. Negotiators also face a dispute over controls in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that gaps with Washington had narrowed, but U.S. and regional diplomacy had not produced a breakthrough.

Oil market story image used with Reuters credit

Highlights:

  • Reserve release: The IEA's 32 member countries have coordinated a 400 million-barrel strategic reserve release that is flowing at about 2.5 million to 3 million barrels per day.
  • Supply loss: Attacks on energy infrastructure and Iran's effective closure of Hormuz have removed more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East oil supply, Business Recorder reported from Reuters.
  • Price forecasts: UBS raised its oil forecasts by $10 a barrel, projecting Brent at $105 and WTI at $97 in September, while ING forecast Brent averaging $104 this quarter.
  • Worst-case scenario: Wood Mackenzie said a prolonged Hormuz closure could push oil prices to $200 a barrel by late 2026.
We may be entering the red zone in July or August if we don’t see that there are some improvements in the situation - Fatih Birol

Perspectives:

  • International Energy Agency: Birol said a prewar market surplus, strategic reserve releases and commercial stock draws were not enough to solve the crisis. (Business Recorder)
  • Iran: Iran was working with Oman on a framework for a permanent toll system that would formalize its control over maritime traffic through Hormuz. (Plusinfo)
  • Capital Economics: David Oxley, the firm's chief commodities economist, said oil prices would trend lower only when fundamentals materially improve, which he said looked likely to stretch into 2027. (Hum English)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol warned Thursday that global oil markets could enter a "red zone" in July or August as peak summer fuel demand begins, Middle East exports remain constrained and inventories decline. Birol said fully and unconditionally reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be the main step to ease the supply shock. Oil prices rose Friday as traders weighed U.S.-Iran talks and supply risks. Brent crude climbed $1.66, or 1.6%, to $104.24 a barrel by 0405 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose $1.11, or 1.2%, to $97.46, though both benchmarks remained lower for the week. On Thursday, prices swung sharply after Reuters reported, citing two senior Iranian sources, that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had ordered near-weapons-grade enriched uranium to stay inside Iran, a stance that complicates a central U.S. demand in negotiations. Negotiators also face a dispute over controls in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that gaps with Washington had narrowed, but U.S. and regional diplomacy had not produced a breakthrough.

Oil market story image used with Reuters credit

Highlights:

  • Reserve release: The IEA's 32 member countries have coordinated a 400 million-barrel strategic reserve release that is flowing at about 2.5 million to 3 million barrels per day.
  • Supply loss: Attacks on energy infrastructure and Iran's effective closure of Hormuz have removed more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East oil supply, Business Recorder reported from Reuters.
  • Price forecasts: UBS raised its oil forecasts by $10 a barrel, projecting Brent at $105 and WTI at $97 in September, while ING forecast Brent averaging $104 this quarter.
  • Worst-case scenario: Wood Mackenzie said a prolonged Hormuz closure could push oil prices to $200 a barrel by late 2026.
We may be entering the red zone in July or August if we don’t see that there are some improvements in the situation - Fatih Birol

Perspectives:

  • International Energy Agency: Birol said a prewar market surplus, strategic reserve releases and commercial stock draws were not enough to solve the crisis. (Business Recorder)
  • Iran: Iran was working with Oman on a framework for a permanent toll system that would formalize its control over maritime traffic through Hormuz. (Plusinfo)
  • Capital Economics: David Oxley, the firm's chief commodities economist, said oil prices would trend lower only when fundamentals materially improve, which he said looked likely to stretch into 2027. (Hum English)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[UK chancellor cuts VAT on attractions to 5%]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228530?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F5124b566-ccef-4989-97eb-762f1dcdf750%2Fbusiness%2F9&from=rss laacz Thu, 21 May 2026 19:15:51 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228530 UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £300 million “Great British summer savings” package to ease cost-of-living pressures that the government linked to the war in Iran and renewed inflation pressures. The package cuts VAT from 20% to 5% on qualifying summer attractions and children’s meals from 25 June to 1 September, and includes free bus travel for under-16s in England during August. Reeves also postponed fuel duty increases scheduled for September and December and said the government would suspend import tariffs on some foods, including chocolate and biscuits. To help fund the measures, the Treasury said it would close a tax loophole used by multinationals, including oil and gas companies, to reduce UK tax liability through corporate structures involving foreign branches.

Visitors queue as a rollercoaster passes overhead at the Fantasy Island theme park in Skegness, U.K., on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Highlights:

  • Ticket eligibility: Adults visiting without children would pay the full rate; at venues that sell separate adult and child tickets, only children’s tickets receive the discount, while a qualifying family bundle can bring the whole bundled admission under the lower rate.
  • Venue implementation: ianVisits noted that some attractions may need quick pricing-policy changes to offer the reduction, and that not every venue may be able to do so immediately.
  • Rejected plan: Retailers rejected a proposal that would have linked fixed prices for staple foods to eased regulatory burdens.
I expect supermarkets to pass these savings on in full to their customers. - Rachel Reeves

Perspectives:

  • BBC political analysis: BBC political editor Chris Mason said the VAT cut on summer activities was the part of Reeves’s package that had not leaked beforehand, while questioning whether the measures would be enough for families facing higher costs. (BBC News)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £300 million “Great British summer savings” package to ease cost-of-living pressures that the government linked to the war in Iran and renewed inflation pressures. The package cuts VAT from 20% to 5% on qualifying summer attractions and children’s meals from 25 June to 1 September, and includes free bus travel for under-16s in England during August. Reeves also postponed fuel duty increases scheduled for September and December and said the government would suspend import tariffs on some foods, including chocolate and biscuits. To help fund the measures, the Treasury said it would close a tax loophole used by multinationals, including oil and gas companies, to reduce UK tax liability through corporate structures involving foreign branches.

Visitors queue as a rollercoaster passes overhead at the Fantasy Island theme park in Skegness, U.K., on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Highlights:

  • Ticket eligibility: Adults visiting without children would pay the full rate; at venues that sell separate adult and child tickets, only children’s tickets receive the discount, while a qualifying family bundle can bring the whole bundled admission under the lower rate.
  • Venue implementation: ianVisits noted that some attractions may need quick pricing-policy changes to offer the reduction, and that not every venue may be able to do so immediately.
  • Rejected plan: Retailers rejected a proposal that would have linked fixed prices for staple foods to eased regulatory burdens.
I expect supermarkets to pass these savings on in full to their customers. - Rachel Reeves

Perspectives:

  • BBC political analysis: BBC political editor Chris Mason said the VAT cut on summer activities was the part of Reeves’s package that had not leaked beforehand, while questioning whether the measures would be enough for families facing higher costs. (BBC News)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[UK chancellor Reeves to set out £100m bus fare plan]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228361?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F495721e5-1872-4db6-b768-6bdd6ae7eb42%2Fbusiness%2F7&from=rss laacz Wed, 20 May 2026 23:30:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3257/2228361 UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to set out a cost-of-living package in the House of Commons on Thursday, with measures reported to include free local bus travel for children in England and cuts to import tariffs on selected foods. The package is intended to help households facing higher costs linked to the Iran war. Several outlets described the announcement as a near-term consumer package focused on food and transport, with details on energy bills and winter support expected later.

Rachel Reeves during a visit to a petrol station near Leeds, UK, on May 20.

Highlights:

  • Tariff scale: The planned import-duty suspension covers more than 100 product types and is expected to save consumers more than £150 million a year.
  • Inflation timing: The Guardian said Reeves' statement is aimed at cushioning consumers from an expected rise in inflation later this year.
  • Fuel-duty backdrop: The Guardian said the launch came after Keir Starmer postponed a planned fuel duty increase.
My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs. - Rachel Reeves

Perspectives:

  • ChronicleLive: Regional coverage emphasized that the national bus proposal drew on the North East Mayor's Kids Go Free bus initiative. (ChronicleLive)
  • Financial Times: The Financial Times described the package as aimed not only at household costs but also at winning back voters. (Financial Times)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to set out a cost-of-living package in the House of Commons on Thursday, with measures reported to include free local bus travel for children in England and cuts to import tariffs on selected foods. The package is intended to help households facing higher costs linked to the Iran war. Several outlets described the announcement as a near-term consumer package focused on food and transport, with details on energy bills and winter support expected later.

Rachel Reeves during a visit to a petrol station near Leeds, UK, on May 20.

Highlights:

  • Tariff scale: The planned import-duty suspension covers more than 100 product types and is expected to save consumers more than £150 million a year.
  • Inflation timing: The Guardian said Reeves' statement is aimed at cushioning consumers from an expected rise in inflation later this year.
  • Fuel-duty backdrop: The Guardian said the launch came after Keir Starmer postponed a planned fuel duty increase.
My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs. - Rachel Reeves

Perspectives:

  • ChronicleLive: Regional coverage emphasized that the national bus proposal drew on the North East Mayor's Kids Go Free bus initiative. (ChronicleLive)
  • Financial Times: The Financial Times described the package as aimed not only at household costs but also at winning back voters. (Financial Times)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Business

]]> <![CDATA[NASA Psyche probe completes Mars gravity-assist flyby]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2228391?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F495721e5-1872-4db6-b768-6bdd6ae7eb42%2Fscience%2F3&from=rss laacz Wed, 20 May 2026 23:26:57 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2228391 NASA’s Psyche spacecraft made a close approach to Mars on May 15, passing within 2,864 miles (4,609 kilometers) of the planet’s surface during a gravity-assist maneuver toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. Ars Technica said the encounter was the spacecraft’s most significant boost since launch and put the probe on a path to intercept its target in the asteroid belt. During the flyby, Psyche’s multispectral imager captured views of Mars, including a crescent view, the double-ring Huygens crater and the heavily cratered southern highlands. NASA said Psyche is scheduled to arrive at its target in August 2029, enter orbit, map the asteroid and gather science data.

Crescent Mars captured on May 15, 2026, by NASA’s Psyche mission as it approached the planet for a gravity assist.

Highlights:

  • Image geometry: Psyche’s crescent Mars image was taken at a high phase angle, and the crescent appeared brighter and wider than mission specialists expected because sunlight scattered through the dusty Martian atmosphere.
  • Orbital change: EarthSky reported the Mars encounter added about 1,000 mph (1,600 kph) to Psyche’s speed and shifted its orbit by about 1 degree.
  • Surface details: One Mars view showed wind streaks in the Syrtis Major region extending about 30 miles (50 kilometers), with an image scale of nearly 1,200 feet (360 meters) per pixel.
  • Crater view: An enhanced-color image showed Huygens crater, a double-ring feature about 290 miles (470 kilometers) wide, with color variations likely tied to differences in dust, sand and bedrock composition.

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> NASA’s Psyche spacecraft made a close approach to Mars on May 15, passing within 2,864 miles (4,609 kilometers) of the planet’s surface during a gravity-assist maneuver toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. Ars Technica said the encounter was the spacecraft’s most significant boost since launch and put the probe on a path to intercept its target in the asteroid belt. During the flyby, Psyche’s multispectral imager captured views of Mars, including a crescent view, the double-ring Huygens crater and the heavily cratered southern highlands. NASA said Psyche is scheduled to arrive at its target in August 2029, enter orbit, map the asteroid and gather science data.

Crescent Mars captured on May 15, 2026, by NASA’s Psyche mission as it approached the planet for a gravity assist.

Highlights:

  • Image geometry: Psyche’s crescent Mars image was taken at a high phase angle, and the crescent appeared brighter and wider than mission specialists expected because sunlight scattered through the dusty Martian atmosphere.
  • Orbital change: EarthSky reported the Mars encounter added about 1,000 mph (1,600 kph) to Psyche’s speed and shifted its orbit by about 1 degree.
  • Surface details: One Mars view showed wind streaks in the Syrtis Major region extending about 30 miles (50 kilometers), with an image scale of nearly 1,200 feet (360 meters) per pixel.
  • Crater view: An enhanced-color image showed Huygens crater, a double-ring feature about 290 miles (470 kilometers) wide, with color variations likely tied to differences in dust, sand and bedrock composition.

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[EU advances US trade pact before Trump deadline]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228380?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F495721e5-1872-4db6-b768-6bdd6ae7eb42%2Feurope%2F0&from=rss laacz Wed, 20 May 2026 10:17:31 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228380 European Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement early on May 20 on two regulations to implement the EU’s tariff commitments under the EU-US Joint Statement of Aug. 21, 2025. The texts would eliminate EU tariffs on US industrial goods and give preferential access to certain US agricultural and seafood products, while the United States keeps a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU exports under last year’s accord. The agreement followed pressure from President Trump, who gave the EU until July 4 to ratify the pact and threatened to raise tariffs on European cars and trucks from 15% to 25% if it did not. EU lawmakers added conditions including safeguards, a suspension option and an end-2029 review point, rather than leaving the tariff preferences open-ended. The texts now go to Parliament and Council for formal adoption in the coming weeks to allow rapid entry into force.

Discussions on tariffs with the United States at the European Parliament in Brussels on May 19, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Steel conditionality: Parliament tied EU preferences to the steel and aluminium derivatives dispute, allowing them to be paused if Washington keeps derivative duties above the agreed ceiling.
  • Added categories: The European Parliament said the US added 407 product categories to its list of derivative steel and aluminium goods subject to tariffs in August 2025.
  • Negotiating limits: MEPs scaled back implementation conditions after EU governments rejected tougher safeguards, according to Euractiv.
  • Reporting cadence: 20 Minutos said the compromise requires the Commission to issue quarterly reports tracking whether the agreement is distorting EU markets.
Together, we can ensure stable, predictable, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade - Ursula von der Leyen

Perspectives:

  • Bernd Lange, European Parliament trade committee chair: Lange described the Turnberry arrangement as unbalanced but said Parliament had added safeguards and warned that other EU countermeasures were ready if Washington disregarded the deal. (Euronews)
  • Michael Damianos, Cyprus trade minister: Damianos, speaking for the Cypriot EU presidency, said the compromise showed the EU was keeping its side of the bargain. (L'Opinion)
  • European Commission: The Commission welcomed the political agreement and said cheaper, more readily available US goods could benefit EU industry and consumers without compromising EU sensitivities. (The European Sting)
  • EU debate: Altinget reported that supporters viewed the compromise as necessary to avert new US tariffs, while critics described it as political capitulation. (Altinget)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> European Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement early on May 20 on two regulations to implement the EU’s tariff commitments under the EU-US Joint Statement of Aug. 21, 2025. The texts would eliminate EU tariffs on US industrial goods and give preferential access to certain US agricultural and seafood products, while the United States keeps a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU exports under last year’s accord. The agreement followed pressure from President Trump, who gave the EU until July 4 to ratify the pact and threatened to raise tariffs on European cars and trucks from 15% to 25% if it did not. EU lawmakers added conditions including safeguards, a suspension option and an end-2029 review point, rather than leaving the tariff preferences open-ended. The texts now go to Parliament and Council for formal adoption in the coming weeks to allow rapid entry into force.

Discussions on tariffs with the United States at the European Parliament in Brussels on May 19, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Steel conditionality: Parliament tied EU preferences to the steel and aluminium derivatives dispute, allowing them to be paused if Washington keeps derivative duties above the agreed ceiling.
  • Added categories: The European Parliament said the US added 407 product categories to its list of derivative steel and aluminium goods subject to tariffs in August 2025.
  • Negotiating limits: MEPs scaled back implementation conditions after EU governments rejected tougher safeguards, according to Euractiv.
  • Reporting cadence: 20 Minutos said the compromise requires the Commission to issue quarterly reports tracking whether the agreement is distorting EU markets.
Together, we can ensure stable, predictable, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade - Ursula von der Leyen

Perspectives:

  • Bernd Lange, European Parliament trade committee chair: Lange described the Turnberry arrangement as unbalanced but said Parliament had added safeguards and warned that other EU countermeasures were ready if Washington disregarded the deal. (Euronews)
  • Michael Damianos, Cyprus trade minister: Damianos, speaking for the Cypriot EU presidency, said the compromise showed the EU was keeping its side of the bargain. (L'Opinion)
  • European Commission: The Commission welcomed the political agreement and said cheaper, more readily available US goods could benefit EU industry and consumers without compromising EU sensitivities. (The European Sting)
  • EU debate: Altinget reported that supporters viewed the compromise as necessary to avert new US tariffs, while critics described it as political capitulation. (Altinget)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[EU lawmakers advance US trade pact before deadline]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228227?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F4aacf347-fc0e-4137-9eec-1bcc2b5dbc81%2Feurope%2F0&from=rss laacz Wed, 20 May 2026 05:04:09 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2228227 European Parliament and EU member-state negotiators reached a provisional agreement early Wednesday on two regulations to implement the tariff elements of the EU-US joint statement adopted on 21 August 2025. The package would remove remaining EU customs duties on US industrial goods, grant preferential access for some non-sensitive US agricultural and seafood products, and extend the suspension of tariffs on lobster, including processed lobster. The agreement came after President Trump gave the EU until July 4 to ratify the pact and threatened to raise tariffs on European cars and trucks from 15% to 25% if it did not. Under the framework, the EU accepts tariff reductions on many US imports while the United States maintains a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU exports. The European Parliament said the text also adds time limits, suspension powers and safeguards for EU industry and agriculture.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, on July 27, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Sunset clause: The main regulation expires on 31 December 2029 unless renewed after a Commission assessment of trade effects on industry, agriculture, SMEs and third-country trade patterns.
  • Steel trigger: The Commission can suspend EU tariff preferences if the United States continues to apply rates above 15% on EU steel and aluminium derivatives after 31 December 2026.
  • Suspension power: The final text also allows suspension if the United States fails to address EU concerns over tariff treatment of EU exports that had benefited from previous tariff relief until 24 February 2026.
  • Next vote: The provisional text still needs formal approval, with a plenary vote in Strasbourg scheduled for 15-18 June.
Aujourd’hui, l’Union européenne tient ses engagements - Michael Damianos

Perspectives:

  • European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc was moving toward delivering its side of the bargain and urged completion of the remaining implementation steps. (CNBC, Malay Mail)
  • Cyprus EU Council presidency: Cypriot minister Michael Damianos said a stable, predictable and balanced transatlantic partnership was in both sides’ interest. (L'Opinion)
  • European Parliament negotiators: MEPs accepted weaker implementation conditions after governments rejected tougher safeguards, but the final text retained conditional mechanisms. (Euractiv)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> European Parliament and EU member-state negotiators reached a provisional agreement early Wednesday on two regulations to implement the tariff elements of the EU-US joint statement adopted on 21 August 2025. The package would remove remaining EU customs duties on US industrial goods, grant preferential access for some non-sensitive US agricultural and seafood products, and extend the suspension of tariffs on lobster, including processed lobster. The agreement came after President Trump gave the EU until July 4 to ratify the pact and threatened to raise tariffs on European cars and trucks from 15% to 25% if it did not. Under the framework, the EU accepts tariff reductions on many US imports while the United States maintains a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU exports. The European Parliament said the text also adds time limits, suspension powers and safeguards for EU industry and agriculture.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, on July 27, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Sunset clause: The main regulation expires on 31 December 2029 unless renewed after a Commission assessment of trade effects on industry, agriculture, SMEs and third-country trade patterns.
  • Steel trigger: The Commission can suspend EU tariff preferences if the United States continues to apply rates above 15% on EU steel and aluminium derivatives after 31 December 2026.
  • Suspension power: The final text also allows suspension if the United States fails to address EU concerns over tariff treatment of EU exports that had benefited from previous tariff relief until 24 February 2026.
  • Next vote: The provisional text still needs formal approval, with a plenary vote in Strasbourg scheduled for 15-18 June.
Aujourd’hui, l’Union européenne tient ses engagements - Michael Damianos

Perspectives:

  • European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc was moving toward delivering its side of the bargain and urged completion of the remaining implementation steps. (CNBC, Malay Mail)
  • Cyprus EU Council presidency: Cypriot minister Michael Damianos said a stable, predictable and balanced transatlantic partnership was in both sides’ interest. (L'Opinion)
  • European Parliament negotiators: MEPs accepted weaker implementation conditions after governments rejected tougher safeguards, but the final text retained conditional mechanisms. (Euractiv)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Fernandes matches assist record as United secure third place]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2227833?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F5b73205d-fb42-4ee3-87ba-854f2545e029%2Fsports%2F2&from=rss laacz Sun, 17 May 2026 21:18:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3260/2227833 Bruno Fernandes recorded his 20th Premier League assist of the season as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on May 17, drawing level with the single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandes’ drilled cross set up Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal. Luke Shaw and Matheus Cunha also scored for the home side, while Morato and Morgan Gibbs-White replied for Forest. The win secured third place for Manchester United in their final home game of the campaign, which was also Casemiro’s Old Trafford farewell. Forest objected to United’s second goal after Bryan Mbeumo appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to Cunha’s strike, but referee Michael Salisbury allowed the goal to stand after a VAR review. Fernandes has one league match left, away to Brighton, to move clear of Henry and De Bruyne.

Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record for a single season in the win over Nottingham Forest.

Highlights:

  • First-half chances: United had chances to stretch a 1-0 lead before the interval, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the upright in the 21st minute.
  • Fernandes’ form: Fernandes has been named Manchester United Player of the Year for a fifth time and was also described as the new FWA Footballer of the Year.
  • Mbeumo’s finish: Mbeumo missed first-half chances but later scored the decisive goal, which RTHK said was his first since February.
  • Home run: United are unbeaten in their last 400 home league matches in which they have led at half-time, a run beginning in August 1984.
We're speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I’m very grateful and I'm very happy to do it. It's a very proud moment. - Bruno Fernandes

Perspectives:

  • Bruno Fernandes: He said he wanted Bryan Mbeumo to celebrate the decisive goal rather than make the moment about the assist record, adding that the milestone depended on teammates finishing the chances he created. (Yahoo Sports)
  • Vitor Pereira: The Nottingham Forest manager said he accepted the referee’s decision but did not agree with it, calling United’s second goal “a pity for the game” after the handball review. (BBC Sport)
  • BBC Sport pundits Mark Schwarzer and Dion Dublin: Schwarzer and Dublin said Mbeumo’s use of his arm to control the ball before Cunha’s goal gave Manchester United an “unfair advantage.” (BBC Sport)
  • Gary Neville: Neville called the decision to let Cunha’s goal stand “ridiculous,” a reaction highlighted in coverage of the Premier League Match Centre’s explanation of the call. (Metro)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> Bruno Fernandes recorded his 20th Premier League assist of the season as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on May 17, drawing level with the single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandes’ drilled cross set up Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal. Luke Shaw and Matheus Cunha also scored for the home side, while Morato and Morgan Gibbs-White replied for Forest. The win secured third place for Manchester United in their final home game of the campaign, which was also Casemiro’s Old Trafford farewell. Forest objected to United’s second goal after Bryan Mbeumo appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to Cunha’s strike, but referee Michael Salisbury allowed the goal to stand after a VAR review. Fernandes has one league match left, away to Brighton, to move clear of Henry and De Bruyne.

Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record for a single season in the win over Nottingham Forest.

Highlights:

  • First-half chances: United had chances to stretch a 1-0 lead before the interval, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the upright in the 21st minute.
  • Fernandes’ form: Fernandes has been named Manchester United Player of the Year for a fifth time and was also described as the new FWA Footballer of the Year.
  • Mbeumo’s finish: Mbeumo missed first-half chances but later scored the decisive goal, which RTHK said was his first since February.
  • Home run: United are unbeaten in their last 400 home league matches in which they have led at half-time, a run beginning in August 1984.
We're speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I’m very grateful and I'm very happy to do it. It's a very proud moment. - Bruno Fernandes

Perspectives:

  • Bruno Fernandes: He said he wanted Bryan Mbeumo to celebrate the decisive goal rather than make the moment about the assist record, adding that the milestone depended on teammates finishing the chances he created. (Yahoo Sports)
  • Vitor Pereira: The Nottingham Forest manager said he accepted the referee’s decision but did not agree with it, calling United’s second goal “a pity for the game” after the handball review. (BBC Sport)
  • BBC Sport pundits Mark Schwarzer and Dion Dublin: Schwarzer and Dublin said Mbeumo’s use of his arm to control the ball before Cunha’s goal gave Manchester United an “unfair advantage.” (BBC Sport)
  • Gary Neville: Neville called the decision to let Cunha’s goal stand “ridiculous,” a reaction highlighted in coverage of the Premier League Match Centre’s explanation of the call. (Metro)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Sports

]]> <![CDATA[French prosecutors hear from 10 new suspected Epstein victims]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2227863?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F5b73205d-fb42-4ee3-87ba-854f2545e029%2Fworld%2F8&from=rss laacz Sun, 17 May 2026 19:44:07 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2227863 Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said about 10 suspected victims previously unknown to investigators have come forward in France’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network, bringing to about 20 the number of people who contacted prosecutors after her February appeal for witnesses. French magistrates opened an investigation into human trafficking after the U.S. Justice Department released another cache of Epstein files in January. Investigators are examining possible offences committed in France or involving French nationals who may have facilitated Epstein’s crimes. Beccuau told RTL that investigators’ immediate step was to hear from the suspected victims, some of whom live abroad, while scheduling meetings around their ability to travel to Paris. She said investigators had not yet questioned potential suspects and would interview them once they had a fuller picture of Epstein’s relations with others in the French network. Investigators are reviewing the Epstein files for names mentioned by alleged victims and have again retrieved Epstein’s computer, telephone records and address books, Beccuau said. French investigators searched Epstein’s luxury Paris apartment in September 2019, after he was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau at the Tribunal de Paris in March 2026.

Highlights:

  • Known witnesses: Some suspected victims were already known to investigators through inquiries involving former European model agency boss Gerald Marie and the late model agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
  • Marie inquiry: Fifteen women urged French authorities in March to investigate Gerald Marie for possible wrongdoing, Dawn reported.
  • Facilitation example: Investigators are seeking to identify people who may have helped Epstein in France by introducing him to victims.
  • International assistance: Beccuau said her team would request international legal assistance as the case develops.

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said about 10 suspected victims previously unknown to investigators have come forward in France’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network, bringing to about 20 the number of people who contacted prosecutors after her February appeal for witnesses. French magistrates opened an investigation into human trafficking after the U.S. Justice Department released another cache of Epstein files in January. Investigators are examining possible offences committed in France or involving French nationals who may have facilitated Epstein’s crimes. Beccuau told RTL that investigators’ immediate step was to hear from the suspected victims, some of whom live abroad, while scheduling meetings around their ability to travel to Paris. She said investigators had not yet questioned potential suspects and would interview them once they had a fuller picture of Epstein’s relations with others in the French network. Investigators are reviewing the Epstein files for names mentioned by alleged victims and have again retrieved Epstein’s computer, telephone records and address books, Beccuau said. French investigators searched Epstein’s luxury Paris apartment in September 2019, after he was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau at the Tribunal de Paris in March 2026.

Highlights:

  • Known witnesses: Some suspected victims were already known to investigators through inquiries involving former European model agency boss Gerald Marie and the late model agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
  • Marie inquiry: Fifteen women urged French authorities in March to investigate Gerald Marie for possible wrongdoing, Dawn reported.
  • Facilitation example: Investigators are seeking to identify people who may have helped Epstein in France by introducing him to victims.
  • International assistance: Beccuau said her team would request international legal assistance as the case develops.

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[Hungary’s new government dismantles Orbán-era media controls]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2227229?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fea80b573-2929-46dc-a630-ad2e3a090d40%2Feurope%2F4&from=rss laacz Fri, 15 May 2026 17:35:05 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2227229 Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has begun reversing parts of Viktor Orbán’s system in his first days in office, including by ordering the removal of barriers around the former prime ministerial offices at the Carmelite Monastery on Budapest’s Castle Hill. Magyar personally joined the removal of cordons around the complex and announced that the historic building would open to the public from the weekend. Orbán’s media network is also changing after the April election defeat, with senior figures removed from prominent pro-Orbán media and the tone of public service media shifting before Magyar formally took power, Reuters reported in accounts carried by Czech, Serbian, Bosnian, Polish and other European publications. Magyar has pledged to restore press freedom and overhaul media regulation after describing public media as a “lie factory”. The new government also lifted Orbán-era blocks on EU sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers and on a long-delayed £78 billion loan to Ukraine, according to The Guardian. The Economist reported that Magyar has made access to EU funds blocked over corruption concerns under Orbán a priority, while The Guardian said about £17 billion in EU development funds for Hungary remained unavailable and that Hungary needed to reach agreement on around £10 billion by the end of August.

Hungary’s new prime minister removes fences erected around Viktor Orbán’s former offices.

Highlights:

  • Election margin: Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party won a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the April 12 election, giving it the votes needed to reverse Orbán-era constitutional changes.
  • Emergency powers: Magyar abolished the state of emergency introduced by Orbán in response to the threat of war, Montenegrin public broadcaster RTCG reported.
  • Severance dispute: Magyar said Orbán would have been entitled to 38 million forints in severance but would not receive it, according to Index.
Nařídil jsem kompletní rozebrání plotu, který zde stál od roku 2021 - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said he wanted “genuinely balanced and objective” news coverage as the media system changes under the new government. (Forum 24)
  • Dávid Vitézy: The transport minister criticized the previous government for spending on government buildings on Castle Hill while suburban railway development was halted, saying Hungarians were not asked whether they wanted the projects. (Forum 24)
  • Hungarian voters: Forum 24’s Reuters-based account said economic stagnation and corruption allegations contributed to the opposition’s sweeping win. (Forum 24)
  • The Guardian editorial board: The board said Magyar’s fast start “bodes well” for Hungary and Europe. (The Guardian)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has begun reversing parts of Viktor Orbán’s system in his first days in office, including by ordering the removal of barriers around the former prime ministerial offices at the Carmelite Monastery on Budapest’s Castle Hill. Magyar personally joined the removal of cordons around the complex and announced that the historic building would open to the public from the weekend. Orbán’s media network is also changing after the April election defeat, with senior figures removed from prominent pro-Orbán media and the tone of public service media shifting before Magyar formally took power, Reuters reported in accounts carried by Czech, Serbian, Bosnian, Polish and other European publications. Magyar has pledged to restore press freedom and overhaul media regulation after describing public media as a “lie factory”. The new government also lifted Orbán-era blocks on EU sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers and on a long-delayed £78 billion loan to Ukraine, according to The Guardian. The Economist reported that Magyar has made access to EU funds blocked over corruption concerns under Orbán a priority, while The Guardian said about £17 billion in EU development funds for Hungary remained unavailable and that Hungary needed to reach agreement on around £10 billion by the end of August.

Hungary’s new prime minister removes fences erected around Viktor Orbán’s former offices.

Highlights:

  • Election margin: Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party won a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the April 12 election, giving it the votes needed to reverse Orbán-era constitutional changes.
  • Emergency powers: Magyar abolished the state of emergency introduced by Orbán in response to the threat of war, Montenegrin public broadcaster RTCG reported.
  • Severance dispute: Magyar said Orbán would have been entitled to 38 million forints in severance but would not receive it, according to Index.
Nařídil jsem kompletní rozebrání plotu, který zde stál od roku 2021 - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: Magyar said he wanted “genuinely balanced and objective” news coverage as the media system changes under the new government. (Forum 24)
  • Dávid Vitézy: The transport minister criticized the previous government for spending on government buildings on Castle Hill while suburban railway development was halted, saying Hungarians were not asked whether they wanted the projects. (Forum 24)
  • Hungarian voters: Forum 24’s Reuters-based account said economic stagnation and corruption allegations contributed to the opposition’s sweeping win. (Forum 24)
  • The Guardian editorial board: The board said Magyar’s fast start “bodes well” for Hungary and Europe. (The Guardian)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Lietuvā rosina referendumu par ģimenes definīciju Konstitūcijā: kas jāzina iedzīvotājiem]]> https://nekur.lv/out/138/2227178?final=https%3A%2F%2Fikdiena.lv%2Flietuva-rosina-referendumu-par-gimenes-definiciju-konstitucija-kas-jazina-iedzivotajiem%2F&from=rss laacz Fri, 15 May 2026 15:38:34 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/138/2227178

Lietuvas parlamentā (Seimā) saasinājies strīds par ģimenes jēdziena definēšanu valsts pamatlikumā. Grupa deputātu ir iniciējusi diskusiju par konsultatīva referenduma rīkošanu, lai ļautu valsts pilsoņiem tiešā veidā izteikties par to, kas uzskatāms par ģimenes pamatu. Šis solis tiek sperts kā reakcija uz Lietuvas Konstitucionālās tiesas lēmumiem, kurus daļa likumdevēju uzskata par iejaukšanos parlamenta funkcijās.

Iniciatīvas pamatā ir 2026. gada maija vidū plānotā apaļā galda diskusija „Referendums par ģimenes izpratni Konstitūcijā: vai ļausim tautai teikt savu vārdu?”. Diskusijas rīkotāji, kuru vidū ir deputāti Vītauts Sinica, Aušrine Norkiene, Ligita Girskeine un Audronis Ažubalis, uzsver, ka gadiem ilgušās debates starp sabiedrību, parlamentu un tiesu varu ir sasniegušas punktu, kurā galīgais lēmums būtu jāpieņem suverēnajai varai – Lietuvas tautai.

Konstitucionālās tiesas lēmums kā katalizators

Saspīlējums starp varas atzariem Lietuvā pastiprinājās pēc Konstitucionālās tiesas 2025. gada 17. aprīļa lēmuma. Pēc referenduma iniciatoru domām, tiesa šajā spriedumā faktiski uzņēmusies likumdevēja lomu, norādot Seimam, kā tam būtu jārisina ģimenes un partnerattiecību jautājumi. Deputāti norāda, ka šāda situācija rada tiesisku disonansi, jo konstitucionālo normu interpretācija sāk dominēt pār sabiedrības vairākuma gribu un parlamentāro procesu.

Diskusijas mērķis ir atklāts dialogs starp politiķiem, tiesību ekspertiem un sabiedrību. Galvenais jautājums, uz kuru tiek meklēta atbilde: kā demokrātiskā republikā būtu jāatrisina ieilgušais strīds par ģimenes politiku, lai netiktu ignorētas valsts pamatvērtības un pilsoņu viedoklis.

Referenduma juridiskais spēks un starptautiskais konteksts

Viens no centrālajiem diskusijas punktiem ir atšķirība starp konsultatīvu un obligātu referendumu. Kamēr konsultatīvs referendums kalpo kā politisks signāls un sabiedrības viedokļa indikators, obligāts referendums tiešā veidā mainītu Konstitūcijas tekstu. Seima deputāti vēlas skaidrot sabiedrībai abu šo instrumentu priekšrocības un riskus, īpaši ņemot vērā pieaugošo starptautisko spiedienu un saistības ģimenes tiesību jomā.

Lietuvas politiskajā telpā izskan bažas par to, kā sabalansēt nacionālās intereses ar starptautiskajām saistībām, nezaudējot suverenitāti jautājumos, kas skar sabiedrības morālo un etisko pamatu. Referenduma atbalstītāji uzskata, ka Tautas tiesības izteikties par svarīgākajiem Konstitūcijas jautājumiem ir neatņemamas un tās nedrīkst aizstāt ar tiesu varas lēmumiem.

Aktualitāte Latvijas lasītājam

Lietuvā notiekošie procesi spoguļo līdzīgas debates Latvijā. Arī Latvijas sabiedrībā un politiskajā vidē pēdējos gados ir vērojama asa viedokļu sadursme saistībā ar Satversmes tiesas spriedumiem par ģimenes jēdziena paplašināšanu un Civilās savienības likuma virzību. Abās valstīs vērojama tendence, kur tiesu vara ar saviem nolēmumiem būtiski ietekmē sociālpolitiskos procesus, kas tradicionāli bijuši likumdevēja kompetencē.

Lietuvas piemērs ar referenduma iniciatīvu rāda iespējamo ceļu, kā politiskie spēki mēģina atgriezt lēmumu pieņemšanu pie vēlētājiem, kad parlamentā nav panākta vienprātība vai kad tiesu varas iejaukšanās tiek uztverta kā pārāk liela. Latvijas auditorijai šis kaimiņvalsts piemērs kalpo kā indikators tam, ka diskusija par ģimenes definīciju nav tikai lokāls strīds, bet gan plašāks reģionāls jautājums par varas līdzsvaru un demokrātiskas valsts pamatiem.

Tālākie soļi un sabiedrības iesaiste

Pirmdien, 18. maijā, Seima Spiedes konferenču zālē plānotā diskusija būs pirmais solis plašākā kampaņā, lai pamatotu referenduma nepieciešamību. Organizatori uzsver, ka ir būtiski nepasaldēt šo jautājumu dažādu partiju un starptautisko interešu virpulī. Sabiedrības nerims un oponentu kritika liecina, ka tēma ir ārkārtīgi jūtīga, tādēļ nepieciešami argumentēti skaidrojumi par referenduma mērķiem.

Lēmums par referenduma izsludināšanu prasīs plašu politisko atbalstu Seimā, un gaidāmā diskusija parādīs, cik gatavi Lietuvas politiķi ir nodot šo jautājumu tiešai tautas balsošanai. Neatkarīgi no iznākuma, šis process Lietuvā būs nozīmīgs precedents visai Baltijas reģiona tiesību sistēmai un politiskajai kultūrai.

Avots: ELTA

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Ikdiena

]]>

Lietuvas parlamentā (Seimā) saasinājies strīds par ģimenes jēdziena definēšanu valsts pamatlikumā. Grupa deputātu ir iniciējusi diskusiju par konsultatīva referenduma rīkošanu, lai ļautu valsts pilsoņiem tiešā veidā izteikties par to, kas uzskatāms par ģimenes pamatu. Šis solis tiek sperts kā reakcija uz Lietuvas Konstitucionālās tiesas lēmumiem, kurus daļa likumdevēju uzskata par iejaukšanos parlamenta funkcijās.

Iniciatīvas pamatā ir 2026. gada maija vidū plānotā apaļā galda diskusija „Referendums par ģimenes izpratni Konstitūcijā: vai ļausim tautai teikt savu vārdu?”. Diskusijas rīkotāji, kuru vidū ir deputāti Vītauts Sinica, Aušrine Norkiene, Ligita Girskeine un Audronis Ažubalis, uzsver, ka gadiem ilgušās debates starp sabiedrību, parlamentu un tiesu varu ir sasniegušas punktu, kurā galīgais lēmums būtu jāpieņem suverēnajai varai – Lietuvas tautai.

Konstitucionālās tiesas lēmums kā katalizators

Saspīlējums starp varas atzariem Lietuvā pastiprinājās pēc Konstitucionālās tiesas 2025. gada 17. aprīļa lēmuma. Pēc referenduma iniciatoru domām, tiesa šajā spriedumā faktiski uzņēmusies likumdevēja lomu, norādot Seimam, kā tam būtu jārisina ģimenes un partnerattiecību jautājumi. Deputāti norāda, ka šāda situācija rada tiesisku disonansi, jo konstitucionālo normu interpretācija sāk dominēt pār sabiedrības vairākuma gribu un parlamentāro procesu.

Diskusijas mērķis ir atklāts dialogs starp politiķiem, tiesību ekspertiem un sabiedrību. Galvenais jautājums, uz kuru tiek meklēta atbilde: kā demokrātiskā republikā būtu jāatrisina ieilgušais strīds par ģimenes politiku, lai netiktu ignorētas valsts pamatvērtības un pilsoņu viedoklis.

Referenduma juridiskais spēks un starptautiskais konteksts

Viens no centrālajiem diskusijas punktiem ir atšķirība starp konsultatīvu un obligātu referendumu. Kamēr konsultatīvs referendums kalpo kā politisks signāls un sabiedrības viedokļa indikators, obligāts referendums tiešā veidā mainītu Konstitūcijas tekstu. Seima deputāti vēlas skaidrot sabiedrībai abu šo instrumentu priekšrocības un riskus, īpaši ņemot vērā pieaugošo starptautisko spiedienu un saistības ģimenes tiesību jomā.

Lietuvas politiskajā telpā izskan bažas par to, kā sabalansēt nacionālās intereses ar starptautiskajām saistībām, nezaudējot suverenitāti jautājumos, kas skar sabiedrības morālo un etisko pamatu. Referenduma atbalstītāji uzskata, ka Tautas tiesības izteikties par svarīgākajiem Konstitūcijas jautājumiem ir neatņemamas un tās nedrīkst aizstāt ar tiesu varas lēmumiem.

Aktualitāte Latvijas lasītājam

Lietuvā notiekošie procesi spoguļo līdzīgas debates Latvijā. Arī Latvijas sabiedrībā un politiskajā vidē pēdējos gados ir vērojama asa viedokļu sadursme saistībā ar Satversmes tiesas spriedumiem par ģimenes jēdziena paplašināšanu un Civilās savienības likuma virzību. Abās valstīs vērojama tendence, kur tiesu vara ar saviem nolēmumiem būtiski ietekmē sociālpolitiskos procesus, kas tradicionāli bijuši likumdevēja kompetencē.

Lietuvas piemērs ar referenduma iniciatīvu rāda iespējamo ceļu, kā politiskie spēki mēģina atgriezt lēmumu pieņemšanu pie vēlētājiem, kad parlamentā nav panākta vienprātība vai kad tiesu varas iejaukšanās tiek uztverta kā pārāk liela. Latvijas auditorijai šis kaimiņvalsts piemērs kalpo kā indikators tam, ka diskusija par ģimenes definīciju nav tikai lokāls strīds, bet gan plašāks reģionāls jautājums par varas līdzsvaru un demokrātiskas valsts pamatiem.

Tālākie soļi un sabiedrības iesaiste

Pirmdien, 18. maijā, Seima Spiedes konferenču zālē plānotā diskusija būs pirmais solis plašākā kampaņā, lai pamatotu referenduma nepieciešamību. Organizatori uzsver, ka ir būtiski nepasaldēt šo jautājumu dažādu partiju un starptautisko interešu virpulī. Sabiedrības nerims un oponentu kritika liecina, ka tēma ir ārkārtīgi jūtīga, tādēļ nepieciešami argumentēti skaidrojumi par referenduma mērķiem.

Lēmums par referenduma izsludināšanu prasīs plašu politisko atbalstu Seimā, un gaidāmā diskusija parādīs, cik gatavi Lietuvas politiķi ir nodot šo jautājumu tiešai tautas balsošanai. Neatkarīgi no iznākuma, šis process Lietuvā būs nozīmīgs precedents visai Baltijas reģiona tiesību sistēmai un politiskajai kultūrai.

Avots: ELTA

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Ikdiena

]]> <![CDATA[Drought drives early wildfire risk across U.S. regions]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2227061?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F0d801b3c-2973-4e0e-9dbc-7e057ab33100%2Fscience%2F6&from=rss laacz Wed, 13 May 2026 21:21:53 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2227061 Wildfires have hit parts of Florida, Georgia and the Southeast timber belt after a record-breaking drought, destroying homes and timber plantations, The New York Times reported. The National Interagency Fire Center forecast elevated wildfire potential across much of the West and many Southeast states through August, ZME Science reported. Outside the United States, NRK reported that fires burned an area four times the size of Norway in the first four months of 2026 and that conditions are expected to worsen later in the year. Politico Pro reported that early 2026 wildfires overwhelmed fire crews in Argentina, Chile and Japan and fueled historic blazes in the United States and Southeast Asia, as El Niño threatens.

A firefighter from Pembroke Pines, Fla., on Monday.

Highlights:

  • Team availability: Fewer than 38 complex incident management teams are expected to be available nationwide; some teams are no longer fully staffed.
  • Coastal conditions: Extremely low humidity and high winds created dangerous fire-weather conditions along parts of the Oregon and Washington coast.
  • Coordination duties: Large-fire teams coordinate strategy, evacuations and community communication.
A dry winter and historically low snowpack have set the stage for a potentially severe 2026 fire season. But the deeper problem is that the nation’s capacity to respond to wildfire has eroded. - Writers on the Range

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> Wildfires have hit parts of Florida, Georgia and the Southeast timber belt after a record-breaking drought, destroying homes and timber plantations, The New York Times reported. The National Interagency Fire Center forecast elevated wildfire potential across much of the West and many Southeast states through August, ZME Science reported. Outside the United States, NRK reported that fires burned an area four times the size of Norway in the first four months of 2026 and that conditions are expected to worsen later in the year. Politico Pro reported that early 2026 wildfires overwhelmed fire crews in Argentina, Chile and Japan and fueled historic blazes in the United States and Southeast Asia, as El Niño threatens.

A firefighter from Pembroke Pines, Fla., on Monday.

Highlights:

  • Team availability: Fewer than 38 complex incident management teams are expected to be available nationwide; some teams are no longer fully staffed.
  • Coastal conditions: Extremely low humidity and high winds created dangerous fire-weather conditions along parts of the Oregon and Washington coast.
  • Coordination duties: Large-fire teams coordinate strategy, evacuations and community communication.
A dry winter and historically low snowpack have set the stage for a potentially severe 2026 fire season. But the deeper problem is that the nation’s capacity to respond to wildfire has eroded. - Writers on the Range

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[Lietuvas “ģimenes referendums”: brīdina par bīstamu sabiedrības šķirošanu]]> https://nekur.lv/out/138/2226758?final=https%3A%2F%2Fikdiena.lv%2Flietuvas-gimenes-referendums-bridina-par-bistamu-sabiedribas-skirosanu%2F&from=rss laacz Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:37 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/138/2226758

Lietuvas Seima Liberāļu kustības frakcija ir nākusi klajā ar asu paziņojumu, norādot, ka iecerētais konsultatīvais referendums par ģimenes jēdziena nostiprināšanu Konstitūcijā ir ne tikai diskriminējošs, bet arī pazemojošs plašām sabiedrības grupām. Šī iniciatīva, kas paredz ģimeni definēt vienīgi kā savienību starp vīrieti un sievieti, kā arī uz laulību un vecāku statusu balstītu vienību, saskaņā ar kritiķu teikto, rada mākslīgu hierarhiju starp “valsts aizsardzības cienījamām” un “nepilnvērtīgām” ģimenēm.

Frakcijas pārstāvji uzsver, ka pati ziņa par šāda referenduma rīkošanu jau tagad negatīvi ietekmē sabiedrības noskaņojumu, radot spriedzi un atstumtības sajūtu tiem iedzīvotājiem, kuri neiekļaujas šaurajā definīcijā. Šis jautājums kļuvis īpaši aktuāls pēc tikšanās ar Lietuvas vienlīdzīgu iespēju kontrolieri Biruti Sabatauskaiti, kura norādīja uz nopietniem riskiem cilvēktiesību jomā.

Hierarhija starp “pilnvērtīgām” un “nepilnām” ģimenēm

Viena no galvenajām bažām, ko paudusi vienlīdzīgu iespēju kontroliere, ir referenduma iniciatoru tieksme šķirot ģimenes kategorijās. Sabatauskaite uzsver, ka šī iniciatīva tiešā veidā skar ne tikai viendzimuma pārus, bet arī ievērojamu daļu heteroseksuālu ģimeņu, kuras dažādu iemeslu dēļ neatbilst tradicionālajam modelim.

“Referenduma vēstījums uzreiz sadala ģimenes tajās, kuras ir pelnījušas valsts aizsardzību, un tajās, kuras nav. Problēma ir tāda, ka referenduma sludinātāji tiecas šķirot ģimenes ‘pilnās’ un ‘nepilnās’, un tas tās pazemo,” pēc tikšanās ar kontrolieri norādīja Liberāļu kustības frakcijas vadītāja Viktorija Čmilīte-Nilsena. Viņa uzsvēra, ka šāda pieeja ir pretrunā ar mūsdienu izpratni par valsts pienākumu aizsargāt visus savus pilsoņus neatkarīgi no viņu dzīves veida vai ģimenes struktūras.

Īpaši smagi šis vēstījums skar vientuļos vecākus. Sabatauskaite norāda, ka, lai gan iniciatīva formāli varētu šķist vērsta uz citu mērķi, vientuļās mātes un tēvi to uztver kā tiešu signālu, ka valsts viņu ieguldījumu bērnu audzināšanā nevērtē tikpat augstu kā laulātu pāru sniegumu. Turklāt retorika, ka vientuļie vecāki pieprasīs vairāk valsts pakalpojumu, tiek raksturota kā papildu devalvācijas veids.

Valsts kā “ciems” bērnu audzināšanā

Diskusijas laikā tika aktualizēts arī jautājums par mūsdienu sabiedrības struktūras maiņu. Kontroliere atzīmēja, ka tradicionālais lauku modelis, kurā plašāka kopiena jeb “ciems” palīdzēja ģimenēm audzināt bērnus, vairs nepastāv. Šādos apstākļos valstij būtu jāuzņemas šī atbalstošā loma, nevis jārada papildu birokrātiski vai ideoloģiski šķēršļi.

“Tā kā mums vairs nav tradicionālā ciema, kas palīdz ģimenēm audzināt bērnus, valstij zināmā mērā ir jābūt tam ciemam. Valstij ir jāatbalsta visas ģimenes, kas audzina nākamo paaudzi, nevis jānodarbojas ar to šķirošanu pēc formālām pazīmēm,” sacīja Sabatauskaite. Šī metafora uzsver nepieciešamību pēc iekļaujošas sociālās politikas, kas orientēta uz bērna labklājību, nevis vecāku juridisko statusu.

Politiska pretestība un turpmākā gaita

Liberāļu kustības frakcijas seniūnes vietniece Edita Rudeliene pauda bažas, ka pašreizējais valdošais vairākums Lietuvas Seimā pastiprināti mēģina nostiprināt šauru ģimenes izpratni ne tikai ar referenduma palīdzību, bet arī caur dažādiem citiem likumprojektiem. Viņasprāt, tā ir bīstama tendence, kas var novest pie sabiedrības tālākas polarizācijas un noteiktu grupu tiesību ierobežošanas.

Jāatzīmē, ka 9. aprīlī, kad Seimā tika iesniegts konsultatīvā referenduma projekts, visi Liberāļu kustības deputāti balsoja pret to. Viņu nostāja paliek nemainīga: ģimenes definīcijai jābūt tādai, kas atspoguļo reālo situāciju sabiedrībā un nodrošina vienlīdzīgu aizsardzību visiem bērniem, neatkarīgi no tā, kādā ģimenes modelī viņi aug.

Šis strīds Lietuvā atspoguļo plašākas reģionālās tendences Austrumeiropā un Baltijā, kur politiskie spēki bieži izmanto “tradicionālo vērtību” aizstāvību kā instrumentu politiskajai mobilizācijai, nereti upurējot mazāk aizsargāto sabiedrības grupu intereses un tiesisko drošību. Referenduma tālākā virzība un tā ietekme uz Lietuvas tiesisko sistēmu joprojām ir karstu debašu objekts.

Avots: ELTA

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Ikdiena

]]>

Lietuvas Seima Liberāļu kustības frakcija ir nākusi klajā ar asu paziņojumu, norādot, ka iecerētais konsultatīvais referendums par ģimenes jēdziena nostiprināšanu Konstitūcijā ir ne tikai diskriminējošs, bet arī pazemojošs plašām sabiedrības grupām. Šī iniciatīva, kas paredz ģimeni definēt vienīgi kā savienību starp vīrieti un sievieti, kā arī uz laulību un vecāku statusu balstītu vienību, saskaņā ar kritiķu teikto, rada mākslīgu hierarhiju starp “valsts aizsardzības cienījamām” un “nepilnvērtīgām” ģimenēm.

Frakcijas pārstāvji uzsver, ka pati ziņa par šāda referenduma rīkošanu jau tagad negatīvi ietekmē sabiedrības noskaņojumu, radot spriedzi un atstumtības sajūtu tiem iedzīvotājiem, kuri neiekļaujas šaurajā definīcijā. Šis jautājums kļuvis īpaši aktuāls pēc tikšanās ar Lietuvas vienlīdzīgu iespēju kontrolieri Biruti Sabatauskaiti, kura norādīja uz nopietniem riskiem cilvēktiesību jomā.

Hierarhija starp “pilnvērtīgām” un “nepilnām” ģimenēm

Viena no galvenajām bažām, ko paudusi vienlīdzīgu iespēju kontroliere, ir referenduma iniciatoru tieksme šķirot ģimenes kategorijās. Sabatauskaite uzsver, ka šī iniciatīva tiešā veidā skar ne tikai viendzimuma pārus, bet arī ievērojamu daļu heteroseksuālu ģimeņu, kuras dažādu iemeslu dēļ neatbilst tradicionālajam modelim.

“Referenduma vēstījums uzreiz sadala ģimenes tajās, kuras ir pelnījušas valsts aizsardzību, un tajās, kuras nav. Problēma ir tāda, ka referenduma sludinātāji tiecas šķirot ģimenes ‘pilnās’ un ‘nepilnās’, un tas tās pazemo,” pēc tikšanās ar kontrolieri norādīja Liberāļu kustības frakcijas vadītāja Viktorija Čmilīte-Nilsena. Viņa uzsvēra, ka šāda pieeja ir pretrunā ar mūsdienu izpratni par valsts pienākumu aizsargāt visus savus pilsoņus neatkarīgi no viņu dzīves veida vai ģimenes struktūras.

Īpaši smagi šis vēstījums skar vientuļos vecākus. Sabatauskaite norāda, ka, lai gan iniciatīva formāli varētu šķist vērsta uz citu mērķi, vientuļās mātes un tēvi to uztver kā tiešu signālu, ka valsts viņu ieguldījumu bērnu audzināšanā nevērtē tikpat augstu kā laulātu pāru sniegumu. Turklāt retorika, ka vientuļie vecāki pieprasīs vairāk valsts pakalpojumu, tiek raksturota kā papildu devalvācijas veids.

Valsts kā “ciems” bērnu audzināšanā

Diskusijas laikā tika aktualizēts arī jautājums par mūsdienu sabiedrības struktūras maiņu. Kontroliere atzīmēja, ka tradicionālais lauku modelis, kurā plašāka kopiena jeb “ciems” palīdzēja ģimenēm audzināt bērnus, vairs nepastāv. Šādos apstākļos valstij būtu jāuzņemas šī atbalstošā loma, nevis jārada papildu birokrātiski vai ideoloģiski šķēršļi.

“Tā kā mums vairs nav tradicionālā ciema, kas palīdz ģimenēm audzināt bērnus, valstij zināmā mērā ir jābūt tam ciemam. Valstij ir jāatbalsta visas ģimenes, kas audzina nākamo paaudzi, nevis jānodarbojas ar to šķirošanu pēc formālām pazīmēm,” sacīja Sabatauskaite. Šī metafora uzsver nepieciešamību pēc iekļaujošas sociālās politikas, kas orientēta uz bērna labklājību, nevis vecāku juridisko statusu.

Politiska pretestība un turpmākā gaita

Liberāļu kustības frakcijas seniūnes vietniece Edita Rudeliene pauda bažas, ka pašreizējais valdošais vairākums Lietuvas Seimā pastiprināti mēģina nostiprināt šauru ģimenes izpratni ne tikai ar referenduma palīdzību, bet arī caur dažādiem citiem likumprojektiem. Viņasprāt, tā ir bīstama tendence, kas var novest pie sabiedrības tālākas polarizācijas un noteiktu grupu tiesību ierobežošanas.

Jāatzīmē, ka 9. aprīlī, kad Seimā tika iesniegts konsultatīvā referenduma projekts, visi Liberāļu kustības deputāti balsoja pret to. Viņu nostāja paliek nemainīga: ģimenes definīcijai jābūt tādai, kas atspoguļo reālo situāciju sabiedrībā un nodrošina vienlīdzīgu aizsardzību visiem bērniem, neatkarīgi no tā, kādā ģimenes modelī viņi aug.

Šis strīds Lietuvā atspoguļo plašākas reģionālās tendences Austrumeiropā un Baltijā, kur politiskie spēki bieži izmanto “tradicionālo vērtību” aizstāvību kā instrumentu politiskajai mobilizācijai, nereti upurējot mazāk aizsargāto sabiedrības grupu intereses un tiesisko drošību. Referenduma tālākā virzība un tā ietekme uz Lietuvas tiesisko sistēmu joprojām ir karstu debašu objekts.

Avots: ELTA

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Ikdiena

]]> <![CDATA[Former Thai premier Thaksin released after eight months]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2226445?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F9c666c43-c1f5-41a1-a7a4-d3fa435bd64f%2Fworld%2F5&from=rss laacz Mon, 11 May 2026 03:00:53 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2226445 Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole from Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on Monday after serving eight months of a one-year sentence linked to corruption and abuse-of-power cases. The 76-year-old telecommunications billionaire must wear an electronic monitor during a four-month probation period, Thai corrections authorities said, according to reports. Thaksin left the prison in a white shirt and blue pants, embraced family members including his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and greeted supporters outside the Bangkok prison. His release follows a Supreme Court ruling in September 2025 that he had wrongly stayed in hospital after returning from exile and must serve jail time; he returned to Thailand in 2023 after about 15 years abroad and had an eight-year sentence later reduced to one year by royal commutation. Thaksin governed from 2001 until a 2006 military coup and built the political network that became Pheu Thai, which has long drawn rural support and opposed Thailand’s pro-military and pro-royalty establishment. His release came after Pheu Thai recorded its weakest election performance on record earlier this year, while Paetongtarn was removed as prime minister by a court order in August 2025.

Thaksin Shinawatra reacts after being released on parole at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok, Thailand.

Highlights:

  • Morning logistics: Thai PBS reported that police and corrections officials set up barriers and a designated media area outside Klong Prem, with security arrangements planned through midday.
  • Parole basis: Thai media reported that parole approval cited Thaksin’s age, health conditions, past contributions, good behavior and completion of two-thirds of his sentence.
  • Special-treatment dispute: After his 2023 return, Thaksin stayed in a private hospital room while serving time, prompting speculation that he had benefited from special treatment as his party returned to power.
  • Family network: Four Thai prime ministers have belonged to the Shinawatra political dynasty, including Thaksin, his sister Yingluck and his daughter Paetongtarn.

Perspectives:

  • Thai Department of Corrections: The department said Thaksin’s parole followed legal procedures and that officials had found no disciplinary breach during his imprisonment. (Thai PBS)
  • Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Paetongtarn said after a final prison visit that she had not discussed politics with her father and had spoken only about family matters. (Le Temps)
  • New York Times: The paper reported on what Thaksin might do next and said he still held influence through Pheu Thai’s role in the governing coalition. (The New York Times)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole from Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on Monday after serving eight months of a one-year sentence linked to corruption and abuse-of-power cases. The 76-year-old telecommunications billionaire must wear an electronic monitor during a four-month probation period, Thai corrections authorities said, according to reports. Thaksin left the prison in a white shirt and blue pants, embraced family members including his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and greeted supporters outside the Bangkok prison. His release follows a Supreme Court ruling in September 2025 that he had wrongly stayed in hospital after returning from exile and must serve jail time; he returned to Thailand in 2023 after about 15 years abroad and had an eight-year sentence later reduced to one year by royal commutation. Thaksin governed from 2001 until a 2006 military coup and built the political network that became Pheu Thai, which has long drawn rural support and opposed Thailand’s pro-military and pro-royalty establishment. His release came after Pheu Thai recorded its weakest election performance on record earlier this year, while Paetongtarn was removed as prime minister by a court order in August 2025.

Thaksin Shinawatra reacts after being released on parole at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok, Thailand.

Highlights:

  • Morning logistics: Thai PBS reported that police and corrections officials set up barriers and a designated media area outside Klong Prem, with security arrangements planned through midday.
  • Parole basis: Thai media reported that parole approval cited Thaksin’s age, health conditions, past contributions, good behavior and completion of two-thirds of his sentence.
  • Special-treatment dispute: After his 2023 return, Thaksin stayed in a private hospital room while serving time, prompting speculation that he had benefited from special treatment as his party returned to power.
  • Family network: Four Thai prime ministers have belonged to the Shinawatra political dynasty, including Thaksin, his sister Yingluck and his daughter Paetongtarn.

Perspectives:

  • Thai Department of Corrections: The department said Thaksin’s parole followed legal procedures and that officials had found no disciplinary breach during his imprisonment. (Thai PBS)
  • Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Paetongtarn said after a final prison visit that she had not discussed politics with her father and had spoken only about family matters. (Le Temps)
  • New York Times: The paper reported on what Thaksin might do next and said he still held influence through Pheu Thai’s role in the governing coalition. (The New York Times)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[Hungary's Peter Magyar sworn in after Orban's 16-year rule]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2226288?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Ff8c93f55-7153-4f38-93a9-0afc1b3f5120%2Feurope%2F0&from=rss laacz Sat, 09 May 2026 16:24:17 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2226288 Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday in Budapest, ending Viktor Orban’s 16 years in office after Magyar’s center-right Tisza party won the April 12 parliamentary election. Parliament elected Magyar by 140 votes to 54, with one abstention, at the inaugural session of the new legislature. Tisza holds 141 seats in Hungary’s 199-seat parliament, a two-thirds majority that gives the government the numbers needed for constitutional changes. Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider, said in his first speech that Hungarians had voted not only for a change of government but for a change of system. He pledged to restore checks and balances, strengthen democratic institutions and fight alleged corruption. Magyar has signalled a reset with Brussels after years of disputes between the European Union and Orban’s government over rule-of-law issues. His cabinet begins work on reforms tied to democratic standards and closer EU cooperation.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar applauds in front of the Hungarian Parliament after taking his oath of office in Budapest on May 9, 2026.

Highlights:

  • EU flag: The EU flag flew again at Hungary’s Parliament for the first time in about a decade after the incoming speaker reversed an Orban-era removal.
  • Frozen funds: Magyar wants to secure about €10 billion in EU funds frozen over human rights and rule-of-law concerns, with Brussels awaiting reform steps before an August deadline cited by Politico.
  • Resignation demand: In his inaugural address, Magyar called on President Tamás Sulyok and other senior officials he described as remnants of the previous system to leave office by May 31.
  • Opposition seats: Fidesz-KDNP fell to 52 seats in the 199-seat parliament, while the far-right Mi Hazánk party holds six seats.
I will not rule, I will serve my country. - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: In an outdoor address after the parliamentary ceremony, Magyar told supporters that “every freedom-loving person in the world would like to be Hungarian a little” and said ordinary citizens had defeated tyranny. (The Malta Independent)
  • Viktor Orban: Politico reported that Orban appeared on a Hungarian-language YouTube channel before the handover and said he would face any investigation into his conduct. (Politico Europe)
  • Hungarian media: Courrier International cited local questions about whether Magyar could prove that “regime change” was more than a campaign slogan. (Courrier International)
  • Public mood: Le Monde described jubilation around Magyar’s inauguration, while Tagesschau reported that tens of thousands celebrated outside the parliament building. (Le Monde, Tagesschau)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday in Budapest, ending Viktor Orban’s 16 years in office after Magyar’s center-right Tisza party won the April 12 parliamentary election. Parliament elected Magyar by 140 votes to 54, with one abstention, at the inaugural session of the new legislature. Tisza holds 141 seats in Hungary’s 199-seat parliament, a two-thirds majority that gives the government the numbers needed for constitutional changes. Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider, said in his first speech that Hungarians had voted not only for a change of government but for a change of system. He pledged to restore checks and balances, strengthen democratic institutions and fight alleged corruption. Magyar has signalled a reset with Brussels after years of disputes between the European Union and Orban’s government over rule-of-law issues. His cabinet begins work on reforms tied to democratic standards and closer EU cooperation.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar applauds in front of the Hungarian Parliament after taking his oath of office in Budapest on May 9, 2026.

Highlights:

  • EU flag: The EU flag flew again at Hungary’s Parliament for the first time in about a decade after the incoming speaker reversed an Orban-era removal.
  • Frozen funds: Magyar wants to secure about €10 billion in EU funds frozen over human rights and rule-of-law concerns, with Brussels awaiting reform steps before an August deadline cited by Politico.
  • Resignation demand: In his inaugural address, Magyar called on President Tamás Sulyok and other senior officials he described as remnants of the previous system to leave office by May 31.
  • Opposition seats: Fidesz-KDNP fell to 52 seats in the 199-seat parliament, while the far-right Mi Hazánk party holds six seats.
I will not rule, I will serve my country. - Péter Magyar

Perspectives:

  • Péter Magyar: In an outdoor address after the parliamentary ceremony, Magyar told supporters that “every freedom-loving person in the world would like to be Hungarian a little” and said ordinary citizens had defeated tyranny. (The Malta Independent)
  • Viktor Orban: Politico reported that Orban appeared on a Hungarian-language YouTube channel before the handover and said he would face any investigation into his conduct. (Politico Europe)
  • Hungarian media: Courrier International cited local questions about whether Magyar could prove that “regime change” was more than a campaign slogan. (Courrier International)
  • Public mood: Le Monde described jubilation around Magyar’s inauguration, while Tagesschau reported that tens of thousands celebrated outside the parliament building. (Le Monde, Tagesschau)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[EU officials weigh AI sovereignty against supply chains]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2226044?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2Fa50fd2e2-117c-4b17-848f-bb6001e4ee97%2Feurope%2F8&from=rss laacz Thu, 07 May 2026 18:36:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2226044 European Union officials and policy forums this week focused on how the bloc should compete in artificial intelligence while keeping regulation, data protection and supply-chain risks in view. At the Brussels Economic Forum, EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis argued that Europe could compete by drawing on its research base, industrial capacity and manufacturing know-how. The debate also covered implementation of the EU AI Act and the bloc's regulatory posture. European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiórowski linked the AI debate to data-protection oversight, while Romanian broadcaster Stirile ProTV described the EU's challenge as balancing tougher AI rules with innovation. Czech outlet Hospodářské noviny framed the issue around whether regulation is pushing promising technology companies outside the bloc.

Highlights:

  • Competition stakes: Dombrovskis said AI competition will define the 21st century.
  • AI Act timing: Eunews noted that provisions on high-risk AI in the Artificial Intelligence Act were due to come into force in August.
  • Digital sovereignty: Business AM said Europe's data-sovereignty debate is often framed as a choice between full autonomy from non-European technology and the view that such autonomy is not economically or technologically realistic.
Europe is in the race for leadership in the field of artificial intelligence - Valdis Dombrovskis

Perspectives:

  • Valdis Dombrovskis, EU economy commissioner: Dombrovskis said the EU was not starting from scratch in new technologies, including AI, and told businesses and investors that the bloc can be a winner in the competition. (Eunews)
  • Wojciech Wiewiórowski, European Data Protection Supervisor: Wiewiórowski said the EDPS has all the tools to guide EU administration in AI use and that not every risk can be eliminated. (Eunews)
  • EU innovation chief: Politico reported that the EU innovation chief warned that technology-sovereignty efforts should not disrupt tech supply chains. (Politico via Google News)
  • Hospodářské noviny: The Czech outlet said EU countries have relatively few leading technology firms even as they have moved to regulate artificial intelligence. (Hospodářské noviny)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> European Union officials and policy forums this week focused on how the bloc should compete in artificial intelligence while keeping regulation, data protection and supply-chain risks in view. At the Brussels Economic Forum, EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis argued that Europe could compete by drawing on its research base, industrial capacity and manufacturing know-how. The debate also covered implementation of the EU AI Act and the bloc's regulatory posture. European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiórowski linked the AI debate to data-protection oversight, while Romanian broadcaster Stirile ProTV described the EU's challenge as balancing tougher AI rules with innovation. Czech outlet Hospodářské noviny framed the issue around whether regulation is pushing promising technology companies outside the bloc.

Highlights:

  • Competition stakes: Dombrovskis said AI competition will define the 21st century.
  • AI Act timing: Eunews noted that provisions on high-risk AI in the Artificial Intelligence Act were due to come into force in August.
  • Digital sovereignty: Business AM said Europe's data-sovereignty debate is often framed as a choice between full autonomy from non-European technology and the view that such autonomy is not economically or technologically realistic.
Europe is in the race for leadership in the field of artificial intelligence - Valdis Dombrovskis

Perspectives:

  • Valdis Dombrovskis, EU economy commissioner: Dombrovskis said the EU was not starting from scratch in new technologies, including AI, and told businesses and investors that the bloc can be a winner in the competition. (Eunews)
  • Wojciech Wiewiórowski, European Data Protection Supervisor: Wiewiórowski said the EDPS has all the tools to guide EU administration in AI use and that not every risk can be eliminated. (Eunews)
  • EU innovation chief: Politico reported that the EU innovation chief warned that technology-sovereignty efforts should not disrupt tech supply chains. (Politico via Google News)
  • Hospodářské noviny: The Czech outlet said EU countries have relatively few leading technology firms even as they have moved to regulate artificial intelligence. (Hospodářské noviny)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> <![CDATA[Alaska landslide triggered 481-meter tsunami in Tracy Arm]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2225885?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F407e111a-fa9c-42a5-8cdd-fa139abb1ed5%2Fscience%2F0&from=rss laacz Wed, 06 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3259/2225885 A landslide in Tracy Arm fjord in southeastern Alaska on Aug. 10, 2025, generated a tsunami with a maximum runup of 481 meters, or 1,578 feet, researchers reported in a study published in Science. The height made it the second-highest recorded tsunami. The wave struck a narrow fjord in the Tongass National Forest, a cruise and sightseeing area south of Juneau. The study linked the event to a massive rockslide near South Sawyer Glacier, where retreating ice had reduced support for a steep mountain slope. Researchers said glacier retreat driven by warming conditions is increasing the risk of landslide-generated tsunamis in steep coastal terrain. No deaths or injuries were reported because the slide occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time, when no ships were in the immediate area. Researchers said the timing meant cruise ships, recreational boaters and kayakers who commonly visit Tracy Arm during the day were not exposed to the wave.

A U.S. Geological Survey field photo taken during a reconnaissance trip following the Tracy Arm Fjord landslide shows the aftermath of a tsunami that occurred three days earlier, within the Tongass National Forest, south of Juneau, Alaska, U.S., August 13, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Rock volume: The slope released about 64 million cubic meters of rock into the fjord.
  • Tour-ship decision: TV 2 reported that one captain stayed outside Tracy Arm because of unusual water conditions and dense fog before the aftermath became visible.
  • Field evidence: The tsunami stripped vegetation from fjord walls and left bare rock marking the maximum runup zone.

Perspectives:

  • Science study authors: The researchers said Tracy Arm offers lessons for steep landscapes near glaciers beyond the single fjord. (Columbia Climate School)
  • Kristian Svennevig, GEUS: Svennevig told TV 2 that the fjord can have heavy cruise traffic and described the episode as very close to a catastrophe. (TV 2)
  • Cruise operators: Alaska Earthquake Center researchers wrote in The Conversation that some cruise lines began avoiding Tracy Arm in the months after the event. (The Conversation)
  • Kayakers in Tracy Arm: A group of kayakers reported waking around 5:45 a.m. to water flowing past their campsite and carrying away a kayak and much of their gear. (Popular Science)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> A landslide in Tracy Arm fjord in southeastern Alaska on Aug. 10, 2025, generated a tsunami with a maximum runup of 481 meters, or 1,578 feet, researchers reported in a study published in Science. The height made it the second-highest recorded tsunami. The wave struck a narrow fjord in the Tongass National Forest, a cruise and sightseeing area south of Juneau. The study linked the event to a massive rockslide near South Sawyer Glacier, where retreating ice had reduced support for a steep mountain slope. Researchers said glacier retreat driven by warming conditions is increasing the risk of landslide-generated tsunamis in steep coastal terrain. No deaths or injuries were reported because the slide occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time, when no ships were in the immediate area. Researchers said the timing meant cruise ships, recreational boaters and kayakers who commonly visit Tracy Arm during the day were not exposed to the wave.

A U.S. Geological Survey field photo taken during a reconnaissance trip following the Tracy Arm Fjord landslide shows the aftermath of a tsunami that occurred three days earlier, within the Tongass National Forest, south of Juneau, Alaska, U.S., August 13, 2025.

Highlights:

  • Rock volume: The slope released about 64 million cubic meters of rock into the fjord.
  • Tour-ship decision: TV 2 reported that one captain stayed outside Tracy Arm because of unusual water conditions and dense fog before the aftermath became visible.
  • Field evidence: The tsunami stripped vegetation from fjord walls and left bare rock marking the maximum runup zone.

Perspectives:

  • Science study authors: The researchers said Tracy Arm offers lessons for steep landscapes near glaciers beyond the single fjord. (Columbia Climate School)
  • Kristian Svennevig, GEUS: Svennevig told TV 2 that the fjord can have heavy cruise traffic and described the episode as very close to a catastrophe. (TV 2)
  • Cruise operators: Alaska Earthquake Center researchers wrote in The Conversation that some cruise lines began avoiding Tracy Arm in the months after the event. (The Conversation)
  • Kayakers in Tracy Arm: A group of kayakers reported waking around 5:45 a.m. to water flowing past their campsite and carrying away a kayak and much of their gear. (Popular Science)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Science

]]> <![CDATA[U.S. budget carrier Spirit shuts down, affecting 17,000]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2225571?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F2d183ed5-cdfb-4854-b344-72eac81dc10b%2Fworld%2F4&from=rss laacz Mon, 04 May 2026 06:12:17 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3256/2225571 Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday, May 2, canceling all flights and beginning to wind down operations after last-minute talks with creditors and the White House failed. The U.S. budget carrier said “all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available,” leaving passengers and crew stranded around the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. The company had been in bankruptcy since August 2025, its second bankruptcy in less than a year, and said a sharp rise in oil prices and other pressures had hurt its financial outlook. Sources described the failed rescue effort as a proposed $500 million federal bailout or government-backed rescue plan, while Spirit’s collapse followed a sharp rise in jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war. Spirit said Sunday that it had almost finished refunding customers for canceled flights. U.S. carriers including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier offered reduced or “rescue” fares, added capacity on some routes, or opened hiring pathways for stranded Spirit workers.

A JetBlue plane taxis past grounded Spirit Airlines aircraft in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after Spirit canceled all flights and began winding down.

Highlights:

  • Fuel shock: Spirit’s restructuring plan assumed jet fuel at $2.24 a gallon in 2026 and $2.14 in 2027, but La Jornada said the price had reached as much as $4.51 a gallon.
  • Airport disruption: At Chicago O’Hare, Terminal 2 screens told passengers Spirit was no longer operating, and CBS reported that some travelers arrived unaware and had to rebook on the spot.

Perspectives:

  • World Socialist Web Site: The publication argued that Washington’s decision not to rescue Spirit shifted the costs of the Iran war and energy shock onto workers. (World Socialist Web Site)
  • Spirit workers: Former flight attendant Yeneshia Thomas said some employees first heard the news from their union before the company email. She described the closure as a blow to workers who had just finished shifts or remained on the road. (Business Insider)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday, May 2, canceling all flights and beginning to wind down operations after last-minute talks with creditors and the White House failed. The U.S. budget carrier said “all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available,” leaving passengers and crew stranded around the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. The company had been in bankruptcy since August 2025, its second bankruptcy in less than a year, and said a sharp rise in oil prices and other pressures had hurt its financial outlook. Sources described the failed rescue effort as a proposed $500 million federal bailout or government-backed rescue plan, while Spirit’s collapse followed a sharp rise in jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war. Spirit said Sunday that it had almost finished refunding customers for canceled flights. U.S. carriers including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier offered reduced or “rescue” fares, added capacity on some routes, or opened hiring pathways for stranded Spirit workers.

A JetBlue plane taxis past grounded Spirit Airlines aircraft in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after Spirit canceled all flights and began winding down.

Highlights:

  • Fuel shock: Spirit’s restructuring plan assumed jet fuel at $2.24 a gallon in 2026 and $2.14 in 2027, but La Jornada said the price had reached as much as $4.51 a gallon.
  • Airport disruption: At Chicago O’Hare, Terminal 2 screens told passengers Spirit was no longer operating, and CBS reported that some travelers arrived unaware and had to rebook on the spot.

Perspectives:

  • World Socialist Web Site: The publication argued that Washington’s decision not to rescue Spirit shifted the costs of the Iran war and energy shock onto workers. (World Socialist Web Site)
  • Spirit workers: Former flight attendant Yeneshia Thomas said some employees first heard the news from their union before the company email. She described the closure as a blow to workers who had just finished shifts or remained on the road. (Business Insider)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - World

]]> <![CDATA[French leftist Mélenchon enters 2027 presidential race]]> https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2225519?final=https%3A%2F%2Fkite.kagi.com%2F2d183ed5-cdfb-4854-b344-72eac81dc10b%2Feurope%2F0&from=rss laacz Sun, 03 May 2026 22:43:00 +0000 https://nekur.lv/out/3261/2225519 Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the 74-year-old leading figure of La France insoumise, said on TF1 on Sunday, May 3, that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, his fourth bid for the Élysée after campaigns in 2012, 2017 and 2022. The vote will choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron, who is barred by term limits from seeking another mandate. Mélenchon justified the decision by citing what he called the national and international “context and urgency,” including geopolitical, economic and environmental risks. Politico said the most recent polling showed Mélenchon at between 10.5 percent and 13 percent of the vote, with a possible path to a runoff against the far right depending on which other candidates run. Édouard Philippe, Macron’s first prime minister in 2017, is also set to run from the center-right, while Marine Le Pen faces a possible ban.

La France insoumise leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon poses ahead of a TF1 evening-news interview in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, on May 3, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Policy line: Politico listed his proposals as caps on inheritances, withdrawal from NATO and lowering the minimum retirement age to 60.
  • Previous pledge: BFMTV recalled that Mélenchon said in August 2021 that the next presidential election would be his last candidacy.
Yes, I am a candidate - Jean-Luc Mélenchon

Perspectives:

  • Jean-Luc Mélenchon: He said LFI had “a team, a programme, a single candidate” and identified the Rassemblement National as his main opponent. (Le Temps)
  • Clémence Guetté, LFI deputy: Guetté defended the announcement, saying it was time for someone on the left to offer an alternative and a credible candidacy. (BFMTV)
  • Pierre Jouvet, Socialist Party: Jouvet said “no one wants Jean-Luc Mélenchon anymore, neither on the left nor in the country,” and called him the country’s most disliked politician. (Franceinfo)
  • Arthur Delaporte, Socialist Party deputy: Delaporte said Mélenchon was not the best option for defeating the far right. (BFMTV)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

]]> Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the 74-year-old leading figure of La France insoumise, said on TF1 on Sunday, May 3, that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, his fourth bid for the Élysée after campaigns in 2012, 2017 and 2022. The vote will choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron, who is barred by term limits from seeking another mandate. Mélenchon justified the decision by citing what he called the national and international “context and urgency,” including geopolitical, economic and environmental risks. Politico said the most recent polling showed Mélenchon at between 10.5 percent and 13 percent of the vote, with a possible path to a runoff against the far right depending on which other candidates run. Édouard Philippe, Macron’s first prime minister in 2017, is also set to run from the center-right, while Marine Le Pen faces a possible ban.

La France insoumise leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon poses ahead of a TF1 evening-news interview in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, on May 3, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Policy line: Politico listed his proposals as caps on inheritances, withdrawal from NATO and lowering the minimum retirement age to 60.
  • Previous pledge: BFMTV recalled that Mélenchon said in August 2021 that the next presidential election would be his last candidacy.
Yes, I am a candidate - Jean-Luc Mélenchon

Perspectives:

  • Jean-Luc Mélenchon: He said LFI had “a team, a programme, a single candidate” and identified the Rassemblement National as his main opponent. (Le Temps)
  • Clémence Guetté, LFI deputy: Guetté defended the announcement, saying it was time for someone on the left to offer an alternative and a credible candidacy. (BFMTV)
  • Pierre Jouvet, Socialist Party: Jouvet said “no one wants Jean-Luc Mélenchon anymore, neither on the left nor in the country,” and called him the country’s most disliked politician. (Franceinfo)
  • Arthur Delaporte, Socialist Party deputy: Delaporte said Mélenchon was not the best option for defeating the far right. (BFMTV)

Sources:

Šis ieraksts ir pārpublicēts nekur.lv no Kagi News - Europe

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