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A gas leak from Nord stream 1 is seen in the Swedish economic zone in the Baltic Sea in this picture taken from the Swedish Coast Guard aircraft on September 28, 2022. The European Union is investigating the cause of the leaks in the Gazprom-led (GAZP.MM) Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines under the Baltic Sea and has said it suspects sabotage. "The attack on strategic infrastructure means that the strategic infrastructure in the entire EU has to be protected," the EU official in Brussels said. Russia had halted deliveries via Nord Stream 1, saying Western sanctions had hampered operations. Nord Stream 2 had not started commercial operations.

☆ The CIA warned Germany weeks ago about a possible attack on the Nord Stream natural-gas pipelines, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Kate Duffy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The CIA told Germany weeks ago the Nord Stream pipelines could be attacked, sources told Der Spiegel. The pipelines were intended to be the main artery of natural-gas supply from Russia to Europe. On Monday, three severe leaks were discovered on the four Nord Stream pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream AG, the operator of the pipelines, said Tuesday the damage they'd sustained was "unprecedented." German media earlier Tuesday reported government officials as saying they believed the damage to the Nord Stream pipelines wasn't accidental.

☆ EU lawmakers on Brazil's Bolsonaro: Respect vote or face sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The EU should state that it will use different levers, including trade, to defend Brazil's democracy and human rights," they added. Later on Wednesday, the United States Senate passed a resolution urging Brazil's government to ensure a "free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful" election. He has claimed without evidence that electoral authorities will rig the vote against him and that electronic voting cannot be trusted. A recent IPEC poll shows Lula increased his lead to 17 points with 48% support versus 31% for Bolsonaro. read moreRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Anthony Boadle; Additional reporting by Peter Siqueira; Editing by Paul Simao and Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

CNN —Leaders of several Western countries have said leaks in two Russian gas pipelines are likely the result of sabotage, vowing a strong response as investigations continue. “The destruction that occurred on the same day simultaneously on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system is unprecedented,” said the pipeline’s operator Nord Stream AG. The incident has sank any remaining expectations that Europe could receive gas via Nord Stream 1 before the winter, as gas prices soar and countries hunt for alternative energy supplies. Russia halted all gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 1 in August, blaming Western sanctions for causing technical difficulties – which European politicians say is just a pretext to stop supplying gas. The new Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not yet entered commercial operation.

☆ Top EU officials to make statement on Russia sanctions at 1400 GMT
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BRUSSELS, Sept 28 (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will make an announcement at 1600 CET (1400 GMT) on Wednesday on plans for a tightening of sanctions against Russia. Ukraine has urged the European Union to impose economic sanctions on Russia to punish it for staging annexation votes in four occupied regions. The bloc is looking at an oil price cap, tighter curbs on high-tech exports to Russia and more sanctions against individuals, diplomats have said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Editing by Gabriela BaczynskaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Gas bubbles from the Nord Stream 2 leak reaching surface of the Baltic Sea in the area shows disturbance of well over one kilometre diameter near Bornholm, Denmark, September 27, 2022. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he discussed the "sabotage" of the pipelines at a meeting with Danish Defence Minister Morten Bødskov in Brussels. "We addressed the protection of critical infrastructure in NATO countries," the chief of the Western military alliance that also includes most EU countries said on Twitter. The EU, meanwhile, issued a strong warning to anybody attempting to attack the energy backbones of the 27-nation bloc. Borrell announced the bloc would step up the protection of its energy infrastructure following the incidents.

☆ EU sees sabotage of Nord Stream, warns against attacks on 'active infrastructure'
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BRUSSELS, Sept 27 (Reuters) - European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said the leaks of the Nord Stream pipelines were caused by sabotage, and warned of the "strongest possible response" should active European energy infrastructure be attacked. "Spoke to (Danish Prime Minister Mette) Frederiksen on the sabotage action Nordstream," von der Leyen said on Twitter, adding it was paramount now to investigate the incidents to get full clarity on the "events and why." "Any deliberate disruption of active European energy infrastructure is unacceptable and will lead to the strongest possible response," she warned. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Sabine Siebold Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ An ex-Morgan Stanley employee has been repping staffers with bias claims against the bank. In a new suit, a top exec is accused of 'racist rants.'
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Danielle Walker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Blackburn Law, PLLC. "Essentially, Morgan Stanley gave me the seed money to start my practice," Blackburn said of his resolved legal dispute with the bank. A Morgan Stanley spokesman declined to comment on Blackburn's employment at the firm. Hornbach allegedly tasked von der Schmidt with producing the research publication in December 2019, months into his employment at Morgan Stanley. He said it was experiences at Morgan Stanley that put him on the path to being a litigator.

Giorgia Meloni, a nationalist accused by political rivals and experts of spreading white supremacist ideas, was on Monday set to become Italy's first far-right leader since World War II. The results confirm her party’s rise from a radical fringe group to the driving force in right-wing Italian politics. Meloni, who would be Italy's first female leader, and the Brothers of Italy advocate naval blockades to stop unauthorized migration from Africa. Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy, in Rome on Monday. Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni casts her vote at a polling station in Rome on Sunday.

☆ Factbox: Potential flashpoints in Italy's new rightist coalition
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Here are some of the main potential sources of tension between Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI), Matteo Salvini's League and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia. The League leader has urged caution over sanctions while Berlusconi sparked outrage on Friday when he said Putin had invaded Ukraine to install a government of "decent people." Forza Italia, by contrast, has called for it to be increased, with a close Berlusconi aide saying it should be "doubled" for the poorest recipients. PERSONAL RIVALRIESRelations between Meloni and Salvini have often been strained as the fortunes of their parties have swung. If Salvini survives as party leader, he will have to find a way to counter Meloni's growing popularity, which is likely to cause friction.

☆ The far-right win big in Italy. Here's what that means for Europe
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Giorgia Meloni seen speaking during the campaign. Fratelli d'Italia's runaway success means that Giorgia Meloni is likely to become Italy's next prime minister and the country's first female leader. Speaking as the results emerged, Giorgia Meloni said the party would "govern for everyone" and would not "betray" the country's trust. "We are dealing with a right-wing coalition and we need to understand what type of right-wing coalition," Francesco Galietti, chief executive and co-founder of political risk consultancy Policy Sonar, told CNBC Monday. Fratelli d'Italia has argued for a slimmed down, less bureaucratic EU and has championed the primacy of Italian law in domestic issues.

☆ Ukraine's Zelenskiy: fierce battles along frontline, with some 'positive results'
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterUkraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a joint news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 15, 2022. REUTERS/Valentyn OgirenkoLVIV, Ukraine, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that heavy fighting is taking place with Russian forces in many places along the frontline, some with "positive results" for Kyiv. This is the Kherson region, and also the Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. "We have positive results in several directions." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting in Lviv by Nick Starkov; Writing in Melbourne by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ EU's von der Leyen delivers veiled warning to Italy's right wing
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends the 77th United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/David 'Dee' DelgadoBRUSSELS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned Italy of consequences should it veer away from democratic principles, issuing a barely veiled threat ahead of Sunday's election that a rightist bloc led by Giorgia Meloni is expected to win. Matteo Salvini, the head of the League and a part of Meloni's conservative alliance, denounced her comments as "shameful arrogance". "Respect the free, democratic and sovereign vote of the Italian people!" Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission, told reporters in Brussels that von der Leyen had not been looking to interfere in Italian politics.

Centre-left Democratic Party (PD) supporters gather before the electoral campaign closing event of Enrico Letta, secretary of PD, in Piazza del Popolo, ahead of the general election, in Rome, Italy, September 23, 2022. Pollsters say his relentless message has particularly resonated in the poorer south, where hundreds of thousands live off welfare, and could yet prevent a right-wing landslide. BERLUSCONI FIRESTORMBarely 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) away, Italy's main centre-left group, the Democratic Party (PD), wrapped up what critics say has been an underwhelming campaign, accusing the right of looking to isolate the country in Europe. Voting runs from 7 a.m to 11 p.m. (0500-2100 GMT) on Sunday, with exit polls released when balloting ends. The complex calculations required by a hybrid proportional/first-past-the-post electoral law mean it may be many hours before a precise count of parliamentary seats is available.

Three EU diplomats in Brussels said new sanctions would centre around an oil price cap to match that agreed by the G7 most industrialised global powers - a gathering where EU states France, Germany and Italy also sit. The person added the oil cap should take effect from December, along with the EU's embargo on Russian coal, while tighter export restrictions for high-tech products are meant to hamstring Russia's battlefield capabilities. Further curbs on luxury goods exports to Russia were also on the table. Others, however, warned the latter was unlikely to get the unanimous backing of all EU countries necessary to introduce sanctions. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterWriting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Kirsten DonovanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ EU approves up to $5.2 billion in public funding for hydrogen projects
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for hydrogen during her State of the Union address on Sept. 14The European Commission on Wednesday approved up to 5.2 billion euros (roughly $5.2 billion) in public funding for hydrogen projects, a move it said could unlock a further 7 billion euros of investments from the private sector. The executive arm of the EU said the bloc's flagship project to support the research, deployment and construction of hydrogen infrastructure, referred to as IPCEI Hy2Use, had been prepared by 13 member states that will supply the public funding. According to the commission, IPCEI Hy2Use will see 29 businesses participate in 35 projects. The commission said IPCEI Hy2Use would support the construction of "large-scale electrolysers and transport infrastructure, for the production, storage and transport of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen." "The IPCEI is expected to boost the supply of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, thereby reducing dependency on the supply of natural gas," the commission said.

☆ 'Path to oblivion': Ukraine military gains could deepen Russia's economic problems
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Foreign Ministry Of Uzbekistan | via ReutersUkraine's counteroffensive, which has seen vast swathes of Russian-occupied territory get recaptured, could be compounding Russia's economic troubles, as international sanctions continue to hammer its fortunes. Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg, said the recently Ukrainian military gains could hit Russia's economy hard. "Even more so than before, the Russian economy looks set to descend into a gradually deepening recession," Schmieding said in a note last week. Statistics are scarce on the true state of the Russian economy, with the Kremlin keeping its cards relatively close to its chest. She added that the Kremlin had "put Russia's economy on that path to oblivion" and vowed that sanctions were "here to stay."

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference in New York, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Leah MillisUNITED NATIONS/NEW YORK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria on Wednesday reached $14.25 billion pledged as world leaders seek to fight the killer diseases after progress was knocked off course by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Fund said the $14.25 billion figure is likely to increase as more donations are expected. We will end AIDS, we will end tuberculosis, we will end malaria – once and for all," she said. Nigeria pledged $13.2 million, the Netherlands pledged 180 million euros and Indonesia pledged $15.5 million, alongside private sector pledges.

☆ U.N. secretary general says ‘polluters must pay,’ calls for extra tax on fossil fuel profits
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

The U.N. secretary general said Tuesday that developed economies should impose an extra tax on the profits of fossil fuel firms, with the funds diverted to countries affected by climate change and households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. But it’s high time to put fossil fuel producers, investors and enablers on notice.”“Polluters must pay. Back in May, for example, the U.K.’s former finance minister, Rishi Sunak, announced details of what he called a “temporary, targeted energy profits levy” on oil and gas firms. And therefore, our proposal also includes the fossil fuel electricity producers, who have to give a crisis contribution.”Overall, von der Leyen said the proposal would raise over 140 billion euros, or around $140.1 billion. “And transition means transition — it means it takes some time.”“The idea that we can turn off the taps and end fossil fuels tomorrow, it’s obviously ridiculous and naive,” Winters said.

☆ UN secretary general says 'polluters must pay,' calls for extra tax on fossil fuel profits
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

On Tuesday, he said fossil fuel firms and their "enablers" needed to be held to account. Fossil fuel firms and their "enablers" needed to be held to account, he went on to state. It also included what he called "the massive public relations machine raking in billions to shield the fossil fuel industry from scrutiny." But it's high time to put fossil fuel producers, investors and enablers on notice." And today, I am calling on all developed economies to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies."

☆ Rationing is coming: Europe could introduce mandatory limits on electricity use as its standoff with Russia intensifies
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-13 | by ( Ben Winck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The EU is set to unveil mandatory energy use cuts as its standoff with Russia pushes supply lower. The plan also includes an "exceptional and temporary" tax on companies in the oil, gas, coal, and refining sectors based on the firms' extra profits. Yet with energy prices still elevated and Russia slashing exports to Europe even further in recent weeks, the plan's authors argue urgency is paramount. Energy prices have skyrocketed in the UK and the EU as Russia retaliates against sanctions and cuts its exports of oil and natural gas to western Europe. The shift has forced them to quickly adopt measures boosting domestic energy supply and easing demand to avoid rolling blackouts and even more intense inflation.

☆ Factbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. Jack Hill/Pool via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth's state funeral will take place in London on Monday and a host of world leaders, royalty and other dignitaries will attend. Countries that have not been invited include Syria and Venezuela because London does not have normal diplomatic relations with those states. Britain has also not invited representatives from Russia, Belarus or Myanmar after it imposed economic sanctions on those countries. Related ContentFactbox: Plans for Queen Elizabeth's state funeral on MondayFactbox: Comments from crowds in London on Queen ElizabethFactbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeralFactbox: Order of service for Queen Elizabeth's state funeralWindsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's home and now final resting placeWestminster Abbey - traditional church for royals in life and death(This story was refiled to correct spelling of first name of Belize governor general)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterCompiled by Farouq Suleiman and Kate Holton Editing by Deepa Babington and Frances KerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Taliban on the cusp of securing wheat, gas, and oil deal with Russia, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-31 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Taliban-led Afghanistan is set to strike a deal with Moscow soon on imports of oil and gas. Reuters cited a spokesperson from Afghanistan's ministry of economy, Habiburahman Habib, who confirmed that the officials were negotiating contracts for wheat, gas, and oil. The European Union has similarly urged its members to split from Russian oil, coal, and gas, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying that EU countries "simply cannot rely on a supplier who explicitly threatens us." Afghanistan is not the only country to have boosted its energy imports from Russia. Saudi Arabia doubled its Russian oil imports in July, while Cuba started buying Russian oil that same month.

☆ Ukraine's Independence Day darkened by deadly missile strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-23 | by ( Tara John | Yulia Kesaieva | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The day was darkened by a missile strike on an eastern Ukrainian train station which killed at least 22 people -- fulfilling warnings by Ukrainian officials. On the eve of Independence Day, crowds of people were seen in Khreshchatyk, inspecting the display. "I don't feel festive about (Independence Day), I rather feel sad," she added. International solidarityUS President Joe Biden marked Ukraine's Independence Day Wednesday by reiterating the US' commitment to Ukraine with a new $2.98 billion investment in security assistance. Daria is also worried about an attack on Independence Day.

☆ Kremlin says Russia is reliable gas supplier, blames Europe for problems
▼ + stars: | 2022-07-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Pipes at the landfall facilities of the 'Nord Stream 1' gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. read moreThursday's flows were back at 40% capacity, Nord Stream figures showed. In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia remains "a very important and indispensable part of European energy security". He rebuffed accusations by some Western politicians, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, that Russia was using energy supplies to "blackmail" Europe. He said that because of sanctions imposed by the European Union, Nord Stream 1 faced challenges in equipment maintenance.

Persons: Hannibal Hanschke, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Putin, Ursula von der Leyen, Peskov, David Goodman, Philippa Fletcher Organizations: REUTERS, Gazprom, Moscow, Siemens Energy, European, European Union, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Lubmin, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Russian, Canada, Nord

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