English

Alice Tidey

France

France's top court orders government to reopen places of worship

The Council of State said the blanket ban on gatherings at places of worship is "disproportionate" and infringes on a fundamental right.

World News

Macron and Merkel back EU bond to raise €500bn for Europe's recovery

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has already indicated that his position and that of several member states collectively known as the Frugal Four "remains unchanged", signalling that the proposal will face strong resistance.

United Kingdom

Dozens wrongly charged in UK under coronavirus law

In April, all court cases brought under the Coronavirus Act in the UK were withdrawn.

World News

New Zealand's debt to soar to counter COVID-19. Europe's will too.

In the euro area, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to jump to 97.4% in 2020 from below 85% in 2019, according to the International Monetary Fund.

ADVERTISEMENT

France

French pharma giant irks Paris with US first for vaccine comment

Edouard Philippe, France's prime minister, said "equal access for everyone to the vaccine is not negotiable". It came after French pharma giant Sanofi suggested the US would be first in line for any cure.

France

Coronavirus: France records sharp drop in crime during lockdown

Recorded cases of thefts, sexual violence and burglaries fell across France since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but intrafamilial violence is a dark spot.

Belgium

'The Western Balkans belong in the EU', says Ursula von der Leyen

"The EU is determined to further intensify its engagement at all levels to support the region's political, economic and social transformation," EU leaders said on Wednesday after a summit with Western Balkans countries.

Poland

Poland's presidential election cancelled with just four days to go

With only four days to go, Poland's presidential election has been cancelled. The opposition had voiced fears about its legitimacy during the currrent pandemic and whether sufficient infrastructure for postal voting could be put in place in time.

World News

COVID-19 live: UK overtakes Italy to become worst-hit nation in Europe

Follow all the latest updates on COVID-19 and the response against it.

World News

France and Italy in recession as Spain sees record GDP decline

The devastating impact of the coronavirus lockdowns came into sharp focus today when the latest economic data was released.

Poland

Poland's all-postal election 'undermines democracy', warns HRW

Poland's government has moved ahead with plans to hold the presidential election on May 10 via a new mail-in system. Human Rights Watch says the moved would not deliver "free, and fair" elections.

France

What are the key points of France's lockdown exit plan?

France will begin easing lockdown restrictions on May 11 if the country continues making progress on coronavirus, said PM Édouard Philippe.

United Kingdom

Could COVID-19-related Kawasaki Disease be major threat to children?

Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation are common features of this infection.

France

France launches AI phone line to help keep track of COVID-19 spread

Over 1,000 "intelligent virtual agents" have been designed to help detect cases of the deadly virus.

France

Coronavirus: France drastically limits sale of nicotine products

The measure comes after a study found that "nicotine may be suggested as a potential preventive agent against Covid-19 infection."

United Kingdom

Coronavirus: Global death toll exceeds 200,000

The UK became the fifth country in the world to record more than 20,000 fatalities on Saturday after the US, Italy, Spain, and France.

Switzerland

Coronavirus: WHO warns against 'immunity passports'

The World Health Organisation stressed that there is currently "no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 are immune to a second infection.

World News

Coronavirus could make rising global hunger worse, warns new report

More than 130 million people worldwide suffered from acute food insecurity last year. COVID-19 could push that number higher, a new report has warned.

France

Coronavirus: Infections in France too low 'to avoid second wave'

The Institut Pasteur estimated that 3.7 million people — 5.7% of the population — will have been infected with COVID-19 by May 11 but that 70% is needed for herd immunity.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso officers killed 31 unarmed detainees, says HRW

The victims, all from the nomadic Muslim Peuhl or Fulani community, were reportedly killed within hours of being arrested in the northern town of Djibo on April 9, HRW said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT