Germany’s development minister has suggested food tainted with horsemeat should be distributed to the poor. Dirk Niebel said he supported the proposal by a member of the governing CDU party, and concluded: “We can’t just throw away good food.” The opposition dismissed the idea, but a priest said it should be considered. Meanwhile, traces of… Continue reading Horsemeat found in products packaged by Italian group Primia
Category: Europe News
Europe news
Vatican denies Pope Benedict XVI resigned after being presented with a dossier of a network of blackmailed priests
The Vatican has criticized the media for reporting “misinformation” about the Catholic Church in many of Pope Benedict XVI resignation articles. Vatican’s chief spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said some were trying to profit from a time of disorientation in the Catholic Church to spread “gossip” and “calumny”. Federico Lombardi made the comments on Vatican radio.… Continue reading Vatican denies Pope Benedict XVI resigned after being presented with a dossier of a network of blackmailed priests
Inaki Urdangarin questioned in Mallorca over corruption scandal
Inaki Urdangarin, King Juan Carlos of Spain’s son-in-law, is being questioned by a judge in Mallorca over a growing corruption scandal that has embarrassed the royal family. Inaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, is suspected of misusing millions of euros in public funds that were given to a charitable foundation he ran. The duke has… Continue reading Inaki Urdangarin questioned in Mallorca over corruption scandal
Pope Benedict XVI resignation linked to a secret dossier from three cardinals, claims La Repubblica
Italian media claims Pope Benedict XVI resignation has been linked to a secret dossier from three cardinals claiming a “gay network” inside the Vatican. The cardinals uncovered an underground network of senior clergy who have organized gay homosexual parties and faced blackmail, according to newspaper La Repubblica. The paper claims the explosive allegations were made… Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI resignation linked to a secret dossier from three cardinals, claims La Repubblica
Moody’s cuts UK credit rating from AAA to Aa1
The UK has lost its top AAA credit rating for the first time since 1978 on expectations that growth will “remain sluggish over the next few years”. Moody’s became the first ratings agency to cut the UK from its highest rating, to Aa1. It said the UK government’s debt reduction programme faced significant “challenges” ahead.… Continue reading Moody’s cuts UK credit rating from AAA to Aa1
Yulia Tymoshenko well enough to return to prison
Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is well enough to return to prison after spending nine months in hospital, the Ukrainian health ministry has said. Yulia Tymoshenko was being treated for back problems after being jailed in 2011 for abuse of office. Her supporters regard that conviction as politically motivated. Last year Yulia Tymoshenko claimed to… Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko well enough to return to prison
Eurozone recession will persist in 2013, says European Commission
The European Commission has said Spain, France and Portugal have failed to cut overspending to agreed targets. Spain’s government deficit was 10.2% of the country’s economic output in 2012, well above the agreed 6.3% target, and will stay far above target into 2014. Meanwhile, the Commission joined other major international organizations in admitting that the… Continue reading Eurozone recession will persist in 2013, says European Commission
Athens flooded after hours of torrential rainfall
Greek capital Athens has been hit by heavy rain and a thunderstorm for several hours, leaving flooded roads and homes, causing traffic jams and disrupting the train and tram network, officials say. The deluge inundated basements and forced authorities to close underpasses and a central subway station. The fire department said it had received at… Continue reading Athens flooded after hours of torrential rainfall
Max Shatto death: US warns Russia over sensational exploitations of adoption tragedy
US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul has warned against “the sensational exploitations of human tragedy” after Russian officials accused an American woman of murdering her adopted Russian son, Max Shatto. Michael McFaul said the US had been working behind the scenes with Russian diplomats after Max Shatto’s death. Three-year-old Max Shatto died in January. He… Continue reading Max Shatto death: US warns Russia over sensational exploitations of adoption tragedy
Russia is losing billions illegally, says central bank governor Sergei Ignatiev
Sergei Ignatiev, Russia’s central bank governor, has said that $49 billion left the country illegally last year. The capital flight, some 2.5% of Russia’s annual economic output, was controlled by “one well-organized group of individuals.” Sergei Ignatiev told a Russian newspaper that the money transfers could have been used to pay for supplies of narcotics,… Continue reading Russia is losing billions illegally, says central bank governor Sergei Ignatiev
Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas on Swiss ski holiday
On the slopes of the Verbier ski resort, Prince Harry and his society girlfriend Cressida Bonas seem to be closer than ever. The very public display of affection, in front of dozens of fellow skiers, came only a few hours after even more intimate revelries at a restaurant in the town. Fellow diners in the… Continue reading Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas on Swiss ski holiday
Silvio Berlusconi tax letter sent to voters sparks outrage among rivals
Former PM Silvio Berlusconi is trying to buy votes in Italy’s election on Sunday by sending out letters promising a tax rebate, his rivals have alleged. Centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani labelled it a “scam”, while the leader of a smaller party accused Silvio Berlusconi of committing a crime. The letter was sent to voters… Continue reading Silvio Berlusconi tax letter sent to voters sparks outrage among rivals
Bulgarian government resigns after nationwide protests against electricity prices
Bulgarian government is resigning after nationwide protests against high electricity prices and austerity, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov has announced. “I will not participate in a government under which police are beating people,” Boiko Borisov told parliament. Tens of thousands have protested across Bulgaria, the EU’s poorest country, against high electricity bills. PM Boiko Borisov tried… Continue reading Bulgarian government resigns after nationwide protests against electricity prices
Gigantic haul of diamonds stolen at Brussels Airport
Armed robbers have made off with a “gigantic” haul of diamonds after a rapid raid at Brussels Airport. They broke through a fence on Monday evening and stole gems which could be worth 50 million euros ($67 million), as they were being loaded from a Brinks security van onto a Swiss-bound plane. They escaped back… Continue reading Gigantic haul of diamonds stolen at Brussels Airport
Nestle finds horsemeat in beef pasta meals
Swiss-based firm Nestle has removed beef pasta meals from shelves in Italy and Spain after tests revealed traces of horse DNA. Nestle, the world’s biggest food company, halted deliveries of products containing meat from a German supplier. The company is the latest in a string of major food producers to find traces of horsemeat in… Continue reading Nestle finds horsemeat in beef pasta meals
Iberia workers begin 5-day strike over jobs and salaries cuts
Spanish airline Iberia workers have begun a five-day strike in protest at planned cuts to jobs and salaries. Iberia has cancelled more than 400 flights out of 1,000 scheduled for this week, with cabin crew and baggage handlers staging the walk-out. A lack of services at Spanish airports are expected to affect more than 1,000… Continue reading Iberia workers begin 5-day strike over jobs and salaries cuts
Sergei Magnitsky case: Russia holds posthumous trial
A Russian court has held a pre-trial hearing in the case against late anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. The court said the trial would start on March 4. It is believed to be the first time in Soviet or Russian history a defendant has been tried posthumously. Sergei Magnitsky was arrested in 2008 after accusing officials… Continue reading Sergei Magnitsky case: Russia holds posthumous trial
Meteorite fragments found near Chebarkul Lake in Chelyabinsk region
Fragments from the meteorite that struck Russia’s Urals region on Friday, injuring some 1,200 people, have been found around a frozen lake, Russian scientists say. The fragments were detected around a frozen lake near Chebarkul, a town in the Chelyabinsk region, where the meteorite is believed to have landed. Viktor Grohovsky, of the Urals Federal… Continue reading Meteorite fragments found near Chebarkul Lake in Chelyabinsk region
Pope Benedict XVI Angelus prayer attended by thousands of pilgrims
Tens of thousands of pilgrims have attended Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square in Rome, one of the pontiff’s final public appearances. Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down on February 28. The Pope recited the Angelus prayer and thanked all those who had prayed for him and shown him support over the… Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI Angelus prayer attended by thousands of pilgrims
Cyprus presidential election: Nicos Anastasiades has a 15-point lead in the polls over his rival Stavros Malas
People in the Republic of Cyprus have begun voting for a new president as centre-right leader Nicos Anastasiades has a 15-point lead in the polls over his main rival, leftist Stavros Malas. However, Nicos Anastasiades is not predicted to win more than 50% of the vote, which would be required to avoid a run-off vote… Continue reading Cyprus presidential election: Nicos Anastasiades has a 15-point lead in the polls over his rival Stavros Malas
Was Pope Benedict XVI pushed to resign?
Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to become the first leader of the Catholic Church to resign since the Middle Ages has left a slew of unanswered questions. In an official statement, Pope Benedict blamed his resignation on advancing years, saying declining health had left him unable to properly lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. “Having repeatedly… Continue reading Was Pope Benedict XVI pushed to resign?
Vatican considers early pope vote
The Vatican is considering calls from cardinals to hold a papal conclave earlier than planned, after Pope Benedict XVI steps down on February 28. Catholic Church officials want a successor to be in place before the start of Holy Week on March 24 – the most important event in the Christian calendar. Under current rules,… Continue reading Vatican considers early pope vote
Russia meteor strike: Clean-up operation is going on in Ural region
Russia starts a big rescue and clean-up operation involving more than 9,000 workers in the Ural Mountains following Friday’s meteor strike, Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov says. President Vladimir Putin ordered the operation to help some 1,200 people who were injured, including 200 children, mostly by shattered glass. The shockwave damaged an estimated 200,000 sq m… Continue reading Russia meteor strike: Clean-up operation is going on in Ural region
Woman breaks up with boyfriend on Valentine’s Day using a billboard sign
One girlfriend used Valentine’s Day to break up with her boyfriend – with a cold-hearted message on a petrol station’s advertising board. “Laura” paid to display the message at an Esso garage in Manchester because she knew her boyfriend went there every day for his lunch so he would see it. Not only did she… Continue reading Woman breaks up with boyfriend on Valentine’s Day using a billboard sign
Russia meteor explosion UPDATE: at least 985 people injured in Ural Mountains region
The meteor crashing in Russia’s Ural Mountains has injured at least 985 people, as the shockwave blew out windows and rocked buildings. Most of those hurt, in the Chelyabinsk region where the meteor fell, suffered cuts and bruises but at least 46 remain in hospital. A fireball streaked through the clear morning sky, followed by… Continue reading Russia meteor explosion UPDATE: at least 985 people injured in Ural Mountains region