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REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies Federal Reserve interest rate decision due at 1800 GMTNEW YORK, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, with investors uncertain when rates will peak and how that will affect energy demand. WTI crude futures for November , which will soon be the U.S. front-month, was up about 18 cents to $90.30. Investors were awaiting the Fed's interest rate decision at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) to assess the outlook for economic growth and fuel demand. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates steady, but the focus will be on its projected policy path. Interest rate hikes to tame inflation can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.

Persons: Pedro Nunes, Brent, WTI, Edward Moya, refiners, Goldman Sachs, Robert Harvey, Yuka Obayashi, Emily Chow, Nicole Jao, Kim Coghill, Jason Neely, Louise Heavens, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, U.S . Energy Information Administration, . West Texas, U.S . Energy, Administration, Bank of England, Thomson Locations: Lisbon, Portugal, U.S . Federal, U.S, WTI, ., Japan, London, Tokyo, Singapore, New York

☆ Oil falls ahead of Fed rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Robert Harvey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies Federal Reserve interest rate decision due at 1800 GMTLONDON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, with investors uncertain when peak rates will be hit and how much of an impact it will have on energy demand. Investors are awaiting the Fed's interest rate decision at 1800 GMT on Wednesday to assess the outlook for economic growth and fuel demand. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold, but the focus will be on its projected policy path, which is unclear. Prices fell despite U.S. crude oil stockpiles falling last week by about 5.25 million barrels, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Goldman Sachs said it expects the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday as a result of the fall.

Persons: Pedro Nunes, Edward Moya, Tamas Varga, Brent, Goldman Sachs, Robert Harvey, Yuka Obayashi, Emily Chow, Kim Coghill, Jason Neely, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, Brent, . U.S . West Texas, American Petroleum Institute, bbl, Bank of England, Thomson Locations: Lisbon, Portugal, U.S . Federal, U.S, ., London, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ JIP says $14 bln tender offer for Toshiba set to succeed
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Makiko Yamazaki | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Sept 20 (Reuters) - A $14 billion tender offer to take Toshiba (6502.T) private is set to succeed, private equity firm Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) said on Wednesday, clearing the way for Japan's biggest deal this year. JIP's tender offer, which closed on Wednesday, ends Toshiba's 74-year history as a listed firm and puts the electronics-to-power stations maker in domestic hands after years of battles with overseas activist shareholders. "It is forecasted that the tender offer will be successful," JIP said in a statement, suggesting that at least two-thirds of shareholders have tendered their shares. The final results of the tender offer will be announced once they are finalised, JIP added. Now that JIP has gained a two-third majority, the remaining shareholders would be squeezed out upon a vote at a planned emergency shareholder meeting.

Persons: Androniki, JIP, JIP's, LSEG, Makiko Yamazaki, Louise Heavens, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Toshiba Corporation, REUTERS, Rights, Toshiba, Japan Industrial Partners, Japan's, Effissimo Capital Management, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: Kawasaki, Japan, Asia

Akasa told the court it cancelled 600 flights in August and would be forced to cancel up to 700 more in September if the resignations continue, the person added. Akasa has dragged the pilots, many of whom have joined rival Air India Express, to court and initiated legal proceedings against the aviation regulator to enforce the notice period. The notice period ranges between 6-12 months, depending on the pilot's rank, according to the aviation regulator. "All our actions are aimed at creating a durable and reliable airline for the long run," Akasa said in a statement. "Akasa is a well-run airline with strong finances and a solid plan," he said.

Persons: Vinay Dube, Akasa, Dube, Aditya Ghosh, Aditi Shah, Varun Vyas, Aditya Kalra, Louise Heavens, Christian Schmollinger, Kim Coghill, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Akasa, Air India Express, IndiGo, country's, Tata, Air India, Go Air, Boeing, Thomson Locations: DELHI, Delhi

☆ Apple France workers call strike ahead of iPhone 15 launch
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] An Apple logo is pictured outside an Apple store in Lille, France, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Unions at the Apple (AAPL.O) France stores have called for a strike on Friday and Saturday ahead of the iPhone 15 launch, demanding better pay and working conditions. "Management having decided to ignore our perfectly legitimate demands and concerns, the four unions of Apple Retail France ...call for a strike on Sept. 22 and 23," CGT Apple Retail said in a union front statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. CGT Apple Retail union member Karine Chouchane told French daily Liberation that Apple France workers may mobilise in three quarters of Apple's stores in France. Apple France could not immediately be reached for comment.

Persons: Stephanie Lecocq, Paris Opera Garnier, Karine Chouchane, Apple, Geert De Clercq, Louise Heavens Organizations: Apple, REUTERS, Rights, Management, Apple Retail France, Apple Retail, Paris Opera, Thomson Locations: Lille, France, Paris, Liberation, Apple France

☆ Volvo to end diesel car production by early 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Nick Carey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Volvo reveals their new Volvo EX30 fully-electric small SUV vehicle during an event in Milan, Italy June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Volvo Cars (VOLCARb.ST) said on Tuesday that it will end production of any remaining diesel models by early 2024 as it heads towards becoming an all-electric carmaker. "In a few months from now, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first legacy car makers to take this step," the Swedish company said in a statement. Sales of diesel models have declined rapidly in Europe since Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) emission-cheating scandal and carmakers have been gradually reducing the number of diesel models available in their model lineups. Diesel vehicles comprised more than 50% of Europe's new car sales in 2015, but accounted for just over 14% of sales in July.

Persons: Claudia Greco, China's Geely, Nick Carey, Louise Heavens Organizations: Volvo, REUTERS, HK, Diesel, Thomson Locations: Milan, Italy, Swedish, Europe

☆ China central bank, FX regulator meet foreign firms in capital drive
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, is pictured in Beijing, China, February 3, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 18 (Reuters) - China's central bank and forex regulator met with foreign financial institutions and companies on Monday, as Beijing strives to attract overseas investment to support its recovery. China will improve its policies, and create a market-oriented and international-level business climate, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng was quoted as saying in the statement. China has sought to court foreign capital as its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic slows in the face of tepid overseas demand and property weakness. Actualised foreign direct investment into China fell 5.1% year-on year to 847.2 billion yuan ($116 billion) in the first eight months of 2023, the commerce ministry said on Friday.

Persons: Jason Lee, Morgan Stanley, Pan Gongsheng, Pan, Ellen Zhang, Ethan Wang, Bernard Orr, Louise Heavens, Alexander Smith Organizations: People's Bank of China, REUTERS, Rights, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Council, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING

☆ China's industry ministry to work on standards for the metaverse
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Josh Ye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The ministry released a draft proposal to form a working group for the metaverse, shared virtual worlds accessible via the internet, on Monday. The proposal said that the metaverse is one of the nine emerging tech sectors which China should strive to establish standards for. "[The metaverse industry] faces many challenges," the MIIT said, "It is urgent to promote healthy and orderly development of the metaverse industry through standardization and guidance." It added that the metaverse industry suffers from a lack of clear definitions, which had allowed some capitalists and companies to drum up speculation in the market. Reporting by Josh Ye in Hong Kong and Beijing newsroom, Editing by Louise Heavens and Emelia Sithole-MatariseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Refik Anadol, Tyrone Siu, Josh Ye, Louise Heavens, Emelia Organizations: Art, REUTERS, Tyrone, Rights, China's Ministry of Industry, Information Technology, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, China, Rights BEIJING, Beijing

☆ Naspers/Prosus CEO steps down, M&A chief Tu takes the helm
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Tosterling Tannur Anders | Tannur Anders | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But it coincides with a restructuring in Naspers/Prosus relations, with Prosus no longer holding shares in Naspers. Analysts said he was the most likely candidate to succeed Van Dijk permanently. At 0910 GMT, Prosus shares were trading down 0.9% in Amsterdam, while Naspers' shares were 1.5% lower in Johannesburg. Tencent shares closed down 1.6% in China. Van Dijk oversaw Prosus's 2019 IPO and the company's stock boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persons: Bob van Dijk, Siphiwe, Ervin Tu, Naspers, Prosus, Van Dijk's, Van Dijk, Koos Bekker, Tannur Anders, Promit Mukherjee, Toby Sterling, Radhika Anilkumar, Louise Heavens, Mark Potter Organizations: REUTERS, HK, Vision, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Johannesburg, South Africa, Tencent, JOHANNESBURG, AMSTERDAM, Naspers, Naspers ., Amsterdam, China, Prosus, Bengaluru

☆ Naspers & Prosus CEO steps down, M&A chief Ervin Tu is successor
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Bob van Dijk, CEO of e-commerce group Naspers, poses for a photograph in front of the company logo after holding a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 9, 2019. The companies named investment chief Ervin Tu, a previous VisionBank manager and Goldman Sachs technology banker, as interim CEO. However it coincides with the unwinding Monday of a cross-structure between Prosus and Naspers. Van Dijk oversaw Prosus's 2019 IPO and the company's stock boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However he struggled to close a valuation gap between Prosus, Naspers and the value of their biggest asset: Chinese software giant Tencent(0700.HK) .

Persons: Bob van Dijk, Siphiwe, Ervin Tu, Goldman Sachs, Naspers, Van Dijk's, van Dijk, Van Dijk, Prosus, Tannur Anders, Toby Sterling, Radhika Anilkumar, Sherry Jacob, Phillips, Stephen Coates, Michael Perry, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Prosus NV, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, HK, Thomson Locations: Johannesburg, South Africa, Rights JOHANNESBURG, Prosus, Tencent, Russia, Ukraine, Amsterdam, Bengaluru

☆ EU Urges Iran to Reconsider Barring of IAEA Inspectors
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union urged Iran on Sunday to reconsider its decision to bar multiple International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors assigned to oversee Tehran's atomic activities, noting such oversight was part of the Iran nuclear deal. Iran's move was a response to a call led by the United States, Britain, France and Germany at the IAEA last week for Tehran to cooperate immediately with the IAEA on issues including explaining uranium traces found at undeclared sites. "The European Union is highly concerned by the ... decision by Iran to withdraw the official designation of several experienced IAEA inspectors to monitor and verify its nuclear programme," the spokesman for EU foreign affairs Peter Stano said in a statement. The EU urges Iran to reconsider its decision without delay," the statement said. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski, Editing by Louise Heavens)

Persons: Iran's, Peter Stano, Jan Strupczewski, Louise Heavens Organizations: European Union, Atomic Energy, IAEA, Union Locations: BRUSSELS, Iran, United States, Britain, France, Germany, Tehran, EU

☆ EU urges Iran to reconsider barring of IAEA inspectors
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 5, 2023. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBRUSSELS, Sept 17 (Reuters) - The European Union urged Iran on Sunday to reconsider its decision to bar multiple International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors assigned to oversee Tehran's atomic activities, noting such oversight was part of the Iran nuclear deal. "The European Union is highly concerned by the ... decision by Iran to withdraw the official designation of several experienced IAEA inspectors to monitor and verify its nuclear programme," the spokesman for EU foreign affairs Peter Stano said in a statement. The EU urges Iran to reconsider its decision without delay," the statement said. Reporting by Jan Strupczewski, Editing by Louise HeavensOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Leonhard Foeger, Iran's, Peter Stano, Jan Strupczewski, Louise Heavens Organizations: International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, REUTERS, Rights, European Union, Atomic Energy, Union, Thomson Locations: Vienna, Austria, Rights BRUSSELS, Iran, United States, Britain, France, Germany, Tehran, EU

☆ Ukraine general says Klishchiivka village near Bakhmut recaptured
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A sniper of Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade takes a position during a reconnaissance mission, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near Bakhmut, Ukraine September 7, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 17 (Reuters) - The general in command of Ukraine's ground forces said on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had recaptured the eastern village of Klishchiivka on the southern flank of Bakhmut, which the Russians claimed control of in January. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also confirmed on Telegram that the village was recaptured in heavy fighting by the "Liut" national police united assault brigade, the 80th airborne assault brigade and the 5th assault brigade. The Ukrainian military said earlier on Sunday that Kyiv's troops "achieved success in the Klishchiivka district of the Donetsk region, forcing the enemy out of their positions." Ukrainian military analysts said this week the liberation of settlements near Bakhmut would allow the military to advance from the southern flank in the Bakhmut area, gaining control of the heights.

Persons: Stringer, Klishchiivka, Alexander Syrskyi, Ihor Klymenko, Andriy Yermak, Yermak, Bakhmut, Pavel Polityuk, Elaine Monaghan, Louise Heavens, Christina Fincher Organizations: Assault Brigade, REUTERS, Reuters, Bakhmut, Ukrainian, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Bakhmut, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Ukrainian, Donetsk

☆ BBC is 'urgently looking' into issues raised by Brand report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Britain's BBC said on Sunday it was "urgently looking into the issues" raised by allegations of sexual assault made against the broadcaster's former employee, British comedian and actor Russell Brand, who denies the accusations. Brand, 48, the former husband of U.S. singer Katy Perry, worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008. A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: "The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years. Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised." "Russell Brand categorically and vehemently denied the allegation made in 2020, but we now believe we were horribly misled by him," it said.

Persons: Russell Brand, Brand, Katy Perry, Tavistock Wood, Elizabeth Piper, Louise Heavens Organizations: BBC, Sunday Times, The Times, Trevi, Brand, London's Metropolitan Police, Thomson Locations: British, Los Angeles, London's

☆ EU chief pledges migrant action plan in Italy's Lampedusa
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Yara Nardi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Yara Nardi Acquire Licensing RightsLAMPEDUSA, Italy Sept 17 (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is struggling with a surge in migrant arrivals, and promised a 10-point EU action plan to help Italy deal with the situation. Nearly 126,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year, almost double the figure by the same date in 2022. Von der Leyen was accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the car carrying them to Lampedusa's migrant reception centre was briefly blocked by locals protesting over the burden facing the island. The plan includes using the EU's external borders agency Frontex to identify migrants arriving in Italy and repatriate those not eligible for asylum. Frontex would also step up sea and aerial surveillance of migrant boats and help crack down on people-smugglers, von der Leyen said, adding that she had already spoken to several EU leaders about the plan and was confident of their support.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni's, Yara, Von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, Meloni, von der Leyen, Frontex, Tony Colapinto, Gavin Jones, Louise Heavens Organizations: Italian, REUTERS, Sunday, Meloni, coastguard, Thomson Locations: Lampedusa, Italy, European, Tunisia, Tunis, Europe

☆ Airbus nears decision on new planemaking leadership - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Tim Hepher | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] An Airbus logo is pictured at the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 19, 2023. Industry sources said a final decision on the shake-up was likely in coming weeks, capping weeks of speculation after Reuters reported the looming reorganisation in July. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even had earlier been cited as a possible candidate for the top planemaking role. But the focus of speculation has widened to Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer, a veteran of the Airbus planemaking business who has also had stints at the Defence division and in running turboprop joint-venture ATR, industry sources said. His appointment would herald broad continuity at the company's main planemaking business, which accounts for most of the company's revenue.

Persons: Benoit Tessier, Christian Scherer, Guillaume Faury, Bruno, Scherer, Tim Hepher, Louise Heavens Organizations: Airbus, Paris, REUTERS, Rights, Industry, Reuters, Airbus Helicopters, Defence, France, Jefferies, Bombardier, Pratt, Whitney, Airbus Defence & Space, Military Air Systems, FCAS, Thomson Locations: Le Bourget, Paris, France, Ukraine, Germany, United States

The Japanese conglomerate put in its offer to the European Commission on Thursday, the same day it requested EU clearance for the deal, an EU regulatory filing showed on Friday. The EU competition enforcer, which set a Nov. 6 deadline for its decision, did not provide details of the remedies in line with its policy. The company had sought EU approval in October last year but withdrew its application a month later. The deal underscores the consolidation in the rail industry, with independent players teaming up with bigger industrial groups. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in August narrowed its concerns, saying the deal would not substantially lessen competition in the supply of communications-based train control signalling systems in the UK.

Persons: Arnd, Foo Yun Chee, David Evans, Louise Heavens Organizations: Hitachi, REUTERS, Companies Hitachi Ltd, Thales, Follow, European, UK Competition, Markets Authority, EU, Thomson Locations: Zurich, Switzerland, France, Germany

☆ Unions call for one-day strike at Stellantis' Melfi plant in Italy over new models
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Stellantis sign at the entrance of the carmaker's factory in Hordain, France, July 7, 2021. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMILAN, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Unions called for a one-day strike at Stellantis' (STLAM.MI) Melfi plant in southern Italy on Sept. 18 over lack of new details by the carmaker about its future production there, UILM, FIM-CISL, Fismic and Uglm said on Friday. The Franco-Italian group in June said it planned to produce five new models in Melfi - where it employs more than 5,000 workers - with the fifth one "subject to performance improvement". Marco Lomio, the local head of UILM, said Melfi workers are called to an 8 hour strike on each of Monday's three scheduled shifts, with a total halt of the facility on that day. The strike is not related to the ongoing action by United Auto Workers in the U.S. at three factories owned by General Motors (GM.N), Ford Motor (F.N) and Chrysler parent Stellantis.

Persons: Pascal, Melfi, Uglm, Marco Lomio, Stellantis, Giulio Piovaccari, Federico Maccioni, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler, Thomson Locations: Hordain, France, Italy, Italian, Melfi, U.S

REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Blockchain researchers say North Korea-linked hackers are likely behind a $70 million theft from crypto exchange CoinEx. Blockchain research firm Elliptic said that "a number of factors" indicate that the Lazarus Group - a hacker group associated with North Korea - was responsible for the attack. Another blockchain research firm, Chainalysis, told Reuters on Thursday it had "medium-high confidence" that North Korea was behind the attack. North Korea stepped up its cryptocurrency theft last year, using sophisticated techniques to steal more in 2022 than any other year, according to a United Nations report. Sanctions monitors have previously accused North Korea of using cyberattacks to help fund its nuclear and missile programs.

Persons: Kacper, CoinEx, Chainalysis, Elizabeth Howcroft, Raphael Satter, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, Lazarus, Reuters, Lazarus Group, United Nations, United, Thomson Locations: North Korea, Hong Kong, New York, United Nations, Korea

☆ EU to investigate 'flood' of Chinese electric cars, weighing tariffs
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Philip Blenkinsop | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

"Global markets are now flooded with cheaper electric cars. It is also unusual in that it is brought by the European Commission itself, rather than in response to an industry complaint. GRINDING GEARSThe influx of cheaper Chinese electric vehicles has already prompted some European carmakers to take action. At the same time Von der Leyen stressed the importance of electric vehicles to the EU's ambitious environmental objectives. The founder of Nio warned in April that Chinese EV makers should brace for the possibility that foreign governments would impose protectionist policies.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, BYD, EVs, Nio, Mercedes Benz, Stellantis, France's, Tesla, VDA, Von der Leyen, Simone Tagliapietra, Kingsmill Bond, Foo Yun Chee, Philip Blenkinsop, Kim Miyoung, Brenda Goh, Anne Marie Roantree, Nick Carey, Kate Abnett, Gabriela Baczynska, Louise Heavens Organizations: EU, Investigation, European EV, European Commission, European Union, Renault, BMW, HK, China Passenger Car Association, Dynamics, Volvo, EV, VW, France's Renault, Japan, Rocky Mountain Institute, Thomson Locations: BRUSSELS, Brussels, China, Moscow, Ukraine, Germany, France, Europe, U.S

☆ EU's von der Leyen pledges more support for wind industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Kate Abnett | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers the State of the European Union address to the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, September 13, 2023. We will focus on skills, access to finance and stable supply chains," von der Leyen said in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday. But Europe's offshore wind power industry has warned governments it is not big enough to deliver green power goals and requires a jump in policy support to get on track - particularly if new wind farms are to be manufactured in Europe. "The future of our clean tech industry has to be made in Europe," von der Leyen said. Von der Leyen vowed to "stay the course" on Europe's green agenda, promising talks with industries - including agriculture - concerned about their role in the green transition.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, Yves Herman Acquire, von der Leyen, Eurelectric, von der, Von der Leyen, Kate Abnett, Gabriela Baczynska, Louise Heavens Organizations: European, European Union, REUTERS, Renewables, Energy, Thomson Locations: Strasbourg, France, Europe, BRUSSELS, EU

☆ Hungary signals national ban on Ukrainian grain imports beyond Sept 15
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBUDAPEST, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Hungary has agreed with Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria to impose bans on Ukrainian grain imports to protect their markets if the EU does not extend a ban that expires on Sept. 15, Hungary's farm minister said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a parliamentary committee adopted a draft decision for Bulgaria to lift the ban on Ukrainian imports of certain products after Sept. 15. As a result, farmers in neighbouring states - Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia - have faced increased competition and bottlenecks in their own markets. The European Commission announced "temporary preventive measures" in May that would ban sales into Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia while allowing transit to non-EU markets, mainly in Africa. The EU agriculture commissioner said on Tuesday he believes the European Commission should extend its temporary ban on Ukraine imports into these five states as the measure helped boost exports outside the bloc.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Nikolay Denkov, Denkov, Agriculture Istvan Nagy, Nagy, Krisztina, Louise Heavens, David Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Bulgarian, Agriculture, Romanian, European Commission, Thomson Locations: Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bulgarian, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Hungarian, Slovak, Brussels, EU, Africa

☆ VIEW Reactions to EU probe of Chinese electric cars imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN"Global markets are now flooded with cheaper electric cars. "So I can announce today that the Commission is launching an anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles coming from China. UK TRADE MINISTER KEMI BADENOCH"I think it just highlights the difficulties that all countries are having with the supply chain for electric vehicles. "China's apparent advantage and cost-competitive imports are already impacting European auto makers' domestic market share, with a massive surge in electric vehicle imports in recent years. At the same time, the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is also a game-changer in the electric vehicle value chain.

Persons: Annegret, URSULA VON DER, LAURENCE BOONE, BRUNO LE MAIRE, Von der, KEMI BADENOCH, MATTEO SALVINI, SIGRID DE VRIES, AIWAYS, ALEXANDER KLOSE, Aiways, KINGSMILL, they've, They've, STUART COLE, AJ BELL, DANNI HEWSON, Josephine Mason, Catherine Evans, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, European Commission, European Union, FRENCH FINANCE, EU, League, GENERAL, Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla, INSTITUTE SENIOR, CITI, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, China, Europe, Brussels

Still, oil demand at the world's biggest oil importer has so "far remained remarkably unaffected by its economic downturn", the IEA said. Estimates of global demand and supply this year and next differ markedly depending on the forecaster. The IEA estimates 2023 global demand to grow by 2.2 million bpd, while OPEC expects growth of 2.44 million bpd. The IEA expects growth to slow sharply to 1 million bpd, while OPEC has a far rosier estimate of 2.25 million bpd. Meanwhile, the U.S government's Energy Information Administration has forecast demand growth at 1.81 million bpd for 2023 and 1.36 million bpd next year.

Persons: Jean, Paul Pelissier, Tamas Varga, PVM, Natalie Grover, Alex Lawler, Louise Heavens, Jason Neely Organizations: REUTERS, Rights Companies, Rights Companies Danang Petroleum Machinery Technology JSC, International Energy Agency, OPEC, Brent, IEA, U.S government's Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: Marseille, France, Rights Companies Danang, Saudi Arabia, Russia, OPEC, United States, Brazil, Iran, China, Asia, Africa, Latin America, London

☆ Berlin blocks complete takeover of satellite startup by Chinese firm - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Andreas Rinke | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The German government on Wednesday forbid the complete takeover of satellite startup KLEO Connect by a Chinese firm, two government sources told Reuters. The cabinet agreed a decision by the economy ministry not to let Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, which already has 53% of the company, acquire the 45% minority stake of German company EightyLeo, according to the sources. Berlin last November blocked prospective Chinese investment in two domestic semiconductor producers after the moves raised concerns over national security and the flow of sensitive technological know-how to Beijing. The United states and the European Commission had also warned against the deal that had been long in the pipeline, according to sources and media reports. Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing Sarah Marsh; Editing by Friederike Heine and Louise HeavensOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Elon Musk, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Andreas Rinke, Sarah Marsh, Friederike Heine, Louise Heavens Organizations: Wednesday, Reuters, Shanghai, Satellite Technology, KLEO Connect, SpaceX, HK, United, European Commission, Thomson Locations: Ukrainian, Sevastopol, Germany, China, Berlin, Beijing, Hamburg

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