News | 20 October 2017

EU paves way for trade talks to begin +++ Kurz to start negotiations to form a new government

EU paves way for trade talks to begin +++ Kurz to start negotiations to form a new government +++ Spain’s government agrees to hold elections in Catalonia +++ Pollution linked to premature deaths +++ Obama and Bush decry deep US divisions +++ Babis favourite to win Czech polls +++ The Weather

20. November 2017, 02:00

News | 20 October 2017

EU paves way for trade talks to begin

The European Council President Donald Tusk says European Union leaders have agreed to let officials prepare for the second phase of the Brexit negotiations - looking at the future trading relationship. But the summit in Brussels concluded there had not been enough progress in the first phase of talks to move onto trade, at present. The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, acknowledged there was still work to do: "I am ambitious and positive for Britain's future and for these negotiations, but I know we still have some way to go. Both sides have approached these talks with professionalism and a constructive spirit, and we should recognise what has been achieved to date."

Kurz to start negotiations to form a new government

In Austrian news: President Alexander van der Bellen has given the head of the ÖVP, Sebastian Kurz, the task of starting negotiations aimed at forming a new government in the wake of Sunday's election, in which his party emerged as the clear winner. The move follows the announcement last night of the final result of the poll which includes all absentee votes.

Spain’s government agrees to hold elections in Catalonia

The opposition Socialists in Spain say they will back the government if it decides to hold regional elections in Catalonia in January - as part of measures to take over some of the region's autonomous powers. Senior socialist party member Carmen Calvo said the Socialist leader had made it clear that he would back fresh elections. She appealed to the Catalan leader, Carles Puigdemont, to call them of his own accord.

Pollution linked to premature deaths

An international study estimates that pollution was linked to 9 million premature deaths worldwide, in 2015. Air pollution was by far the biggest factor, followed by water pollution. Almost all early deaths occurred in low and middle income countries. Richard Fuller is one of the authors of the report: "The financial costs are absolutely enormous. It costs, just in lost productivity, about 2 percent of global GDP. Most of this cost is being borne by people in very, very poor countries. In some countries, 25 percent of deaths are the result of pollution - it's just a staggering amount."

Obama and Bush decry deep US divisions

Two former US Presidents have expressed their concern about the current political climate in the US. Neither mentioned President Trump by name, but Barack Obama urged voters to reject what he called the politics of division and fear. George W. Bush criticised bullying and prejudice in today's public life in the US.

Babis favourite to win Czech polls

The Czech Republic is holding parliamentary elections today and tomorrow. A record 31 political parties are fielding candidates. Opinion polls point to an election victory for the ANO, or Yes party of Andrej Babis.