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☆ Swiss National Bank adjusts interest on bank deposits
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ZURICH, Oct 30 (Reuters) - The Swiss National Bank on Monday said it was adjusting the interest it pays with money commercial banks lodged with the central bank overnight. Sight deposits which are held to meet the minimum reserve requirements will no longer be remunerated, while it adjusted the level that different interest rates applied. From Dec. 1, banks will be paid the SNB's policy rate, currently 1.75%, on deposits equivalent to 25 times their minimum reserve requirements. Previously they were paid interest for cash held at 28 times the requirement. Sight deposits held above the bank's individual threshold will be paid the SNB's policy rate, minus a discount of 0.5 percentage points.

Persons: John Revill, Miranda Murray Organizations: Swiss National Bank, Thomson Locations: ZURICH

Looking ahead, the ongoing pass-through of the European Central Bank's monetary policy tightening, still no reversal of the inventory cycle and new geopolitical uncertainties will continue weighing on the German economy, Brzeski said. "The German economy looks set to remain in the twilight zone between minor contraction and stagnation not only this year but also next year," Brzeski said. The contraction in the third quarter is not seen as an outlier as Commerzbank expects the German economy to contract again in the winter half-year. Economists will pay close attention to national inflation data from Germany and Spain, as they are published one day before the euro zone inflation data release. Euro zone inflation is expected to ease to 3.2% in October from 4.3% in September, according to economists polled by Reuters.

Persons: Arnd, Carsten Brzeski, Brzeski, optimists, Joerg Kraemer, Claus Vistesen, Maria Martinez, Miranda Murray, Rachel More, Miral Fahmy, Angus MacSwan Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Gross, Reuters, ING, European Central, Macroeconomics, Thomson Locations: Konstanz, Germany, Spain

☆ Volkswagen plans job cuts, further launch delays at software unit -manager magazin
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Volkswagen logo is pictured at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) wants to cut 2,000 jobs at its troubled software unit Cariad as part of a restructuring plan which will see its long-awaited new software architectures delayed even further, news outlet manager magazin reported on Friday. There is no concrete information on where positions should be cut in terms of structure and tasks," a Volkswagen works council spokesperson said. A Cariad spokesperson declined to comment on the article, but said Cariad CEO Peter Bosch has been working on a "comprehensive transformation plan" for "repositioning" the company since the summer. Volkswagen appointed Bosch, formerly Bentley production chief, as head of the unit earlier this year in an effort to get Cariad back on track.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, magazin, Peter Bosch, Herbert Diess, Miranda Murray, Friederike Heine, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: New York, REUTERS, Rights, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volkswagen, Bosch, Bentley, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S

Strategizing an outfit for a concert, the 40-year-old communications professor at UNC Wilmington had gotten as far as a black stretch-knit dress from Susana Monaco. “But in photos on Instagram, a plain black dress doesn’t pop,” she said. Jones strapped on a $188 leather belt with an etched silver buckle, debonairly looping it around her dress’s slinky fabric. In the ’80s and ’90s, branded Gucci and Chanel belt buckles served as signal flares for yuppie shoppers. And gutsy dressers are cinching and sculpting sweaters, dresses, shawls and blouses with no belt loops at all.

Persons: KELLY JONES, Susana Monaco, ”, Jones, Halston, Tiffany, Elsa Peretti, Gucci, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Lopez Organizations: UNC Wilmington, “

Overall EU support for Ukraine has totalled almost 83 billion euros since Russia invaded in February 2022, the Brussels-based executive European Commission said this week. Slovakia's Robert Fico, attending his first EU summit since being appointed for his fourth term as prime minister on Wednesday, adopted a similar line. Orban has also said he would not endorse in its current form the proposed EU budget revision, which includes the 50 billion in new aid for Kyiv. Fico said there was endemic corruption in Ukraine and demanded that any new EU aid include guarantees that the funds not be misappropriated, according to a statement from his office. "The questions are, what type of aid and how it is used, how we are sure, the European Union is sure, that this aid is used efficiently," he said.

Persons: Fico, Orban, Olaf Scholz, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Vladimir Putin, Nikolai Denkov, Jan Strupczewski, Phil Blenkinsop, Bart Meijer, Tassilo Hummel, Marine Strauss, Krisztina, Jason Hovet, Miranda Murray, Gabriela Baczynska, Philippa Fletcher Organizations: Ukraine New, Union, EU, Ukraine, European Commission, Russia, Kyiv, European Union, European, Bulgarian, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Ukraine New Slovak, Ukraine BRUSSELS, Russian, Hungary, Slovakia, Brussels, Russia, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY Hungary, Budapest, Bratislava, European Union

☆ Siemens Energy shares slide 39% after company seeks guarantees from German govt
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The logo of energy technology company Siemens Energy is displayed during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. The weekly said Siemens Energy is seeking up to 15 billion euros in guarantees. Siemens remains an anchor investor in Siemens Energy, retaining a 25.1% stake. The government was ready to help Siemens Energy while stakeholders also will have to play their role, they said. J.P. Morgan said in a note that the energy transition will require substantially higher rates of investments, which will bring commercial opportunities for Siemens Energy and sector peers.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Siemens Gamesa, WirtschaftsWoche, Morgan, Matthias Inverardi, Christian Kraemer, Alexander Huebner, Vera Eckert, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray, Sabine Wollrab, Rachel More, Jan Harvey, Susan Fenton Organizations: Siemens Energy, REUTERS, Companies Company, Siemens, Siemens AG, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Spiegel, European Commission, Siemens Gamesa, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada, BERLIN, Berlin

“It is truly crazy because I went to school to be an accountant,” Moroney tells The Associated Press. All roads lead to the career-making “Tennessee Orange," where Moroney, a Georgia Bulldog through and through, puts on University of Tennessee colors for a partner. It's a football love song, one about the concessions people make in the name of affection and intimacy — and the track that fast-tracked Moroney into the country spotlight. “It's, like, not a conventional love song,” she says. But yeah, I definitely don’t belong in Tennessee Orange as a Georgia Bulldog.”For that reason, she didn't expect “Tennessee Orange” to be her breakout hit.

Persons: Tennessee Orange ”, Megan Moroney, ” Moroney, Moroney, John Langston, Miranda Lambert, Chase Rice, ”, “, Sugarland's Kristian Bush, who'd, she'd, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon, Lucky ”, Johnny Cash, Carter, Johnny ”, I'm, Z Taylor Swift, It's, —, I’m Organizations: ANGELES, Tennessee Orange, University of Georgia, Associated Press, Georgia, Sad People, Southeastern Conference, SEC, Tennessee, Georgia Bulldog, University of Tennessee, “ Tennessee Orange Locations: Nashville, Georgia, Tennessee Orange

☆ Audi puts planned Formula One entry under review - Spiegel
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A logo of Audi is seen outside an Audi car dealer in Brussels, Belgium March 13, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Audi has placed its plans to enter Formula One under review, German news outlet Spiegel reported on Thursday. Citing sources at parent company Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), Spiegel said the plans were being "analysed in detail" in the wake of a management change and cost-cutting measures. Asked for official comment by Spiegel, Audi said the plan for Formula One entry had been agreed by its management and supervisory boards as well as its parent company, and that the timetable remained unchanged. Audi announced last year that it would enter Formula One from 2026 with one of the sport's existing teams and using a new power unit to be built in Germany.

Persons: Yves Herman, Spiegel, Audi, Markus Duesmann, Duesmann, Gernot Doellner, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray Organizations: Audi, REUTERS, Rights, Formula, Spiegel, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, Germany

☆ Porsche confirms outlook on strong sales in North America, Europe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A Porsche Mission X is displayed during an event a day ahead of the official opening of the 2023 Munich Auto Show IAA Mobility, in Munich, Germany, September 4, 2023. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Porsche AG (P911_p.DE) reported nine-month results in line with its annual forecast on Wednesday as strong demand in North America and Europe compensated for lower China sales. The luxury carmaker reported an 18.3% return on sales with operating profit up 9% to 5.5 billion euros ($5.83 billion), even as it faced added costs of preparing for four upcoming product launches next year. Its 2023 forecast expects a 17-19% return on sales of 40 to 42 billion euros, betting on the resilience of luxury demand even amid high inflation and an uncertain global economy. ($1 = 0.9436 euros)Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, Editing by Friederike Heine and Miranda MurrayOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Angelika Warmuth, Victoria Waldersee, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Porsche AG, Thomson Locations: Munich, Germany, North America, Europe, China

☆ My autoimmune disease made traveling a challenge, but accessible tech in the hospitality industry is making tourism more inclusive
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Shayna Conde | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Some hospitality businesses are becoming more inclusive with accessible tech for disabled travelers. Digital and physical tech has helped improve accessible travel experiences, but more can be done. Lawrence Sumulong/Lincoln CenterImproving accessible tech for the future of travelThe hospitality industry has a long way to go when it comes to accessibility. Two of the biggest issues with increasing accessible tech in this field are documentation of its benefits and the price of acquiring and integrating the tech. Many hotels and destinations either have trouble notating, or simply do not document, how much revenue they've made because of the accessible tech and services they provide.

Persons: —, neuromyelitis optica, Conde, Terrell Lopez, that's, Isabelle Ducharme, Ducharme, Rod Stewart, Kéroul, it's, Simon Clark, Steve Freihon, Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center . Lawrence Sumulong, Lincoln Center Miranda Hoffner, Hoffner, Lawrence Sumulong, Brian Brennan, Brennan Organizations: Service, Kéroul, Ministry of Tourism, Tourism, Quebec Ministry of Tourism, Bonjour, Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center ., Lincoln, MMGY Global Locations: Quebec, Mexico, Stoneham, Playa Del Carmen, Atlantic City , New Jersey, New York, York City

☆ Several missing after freighters collide in German North Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Several people are missing after two freighters collided near the German North Sea island of Heligoland, the central command for maritime emergencies said on Tuesday. The Polesie and Verity vessels collided at around 0300 GMT about 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) southwest of Heligoland, likely causing the Verity to sink, central command said in a statement. One person was rescued from the water and is receiving medical treatment, while several others are still missing, it added. The rescue operation includes a rescue cruiser, police boats, a sensor aircraft and a helicopter, among other vessels. Writing by Friederike Heine Editing by Miranda Murray and Rachel MoreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Verity, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray, Rachel More Organizations: La Coruna, Thomson Locations: Heligoland, Bremen, Immingham, Hamburg, Spain

☆ German business activity slump suggests recession 'well underway' -PMI
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The HCOB German Flash Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, fell to 45.8 in October from September's 46.4, below the 46.7 forecast by economists. A reading below the 50 level points to a contraction in business activity. The composite PMI index tracks the services and manufacturing sectors that together account for more than two-thirds of the German economy, Europe's biggest. Business activity in the services sector was unexpectedly back in contraction territory after slight growth the month before, with the reading falling to 48.0 from 50.3 in September. Well there are, especially in the manufacturing sector," said de la Rubia, pointing to improvements in new orders and output, as well as an increase in stocks of purchases.

Persons: Wolfgang Rattay, Cyrus de la Rubia, la, Miranda Murray, Hugh Lawson Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, P Global, Hamburg Commercial Bank, PMI, Reuters, Thomson Locations: ThyssenKrupp, Duisburg, Germany, September's, Hamburg

REUTERS/George Frey Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Several people were hospitalised in Austria after using suspected fake versions of the diabetes drug Ozempic, the country's health safety body said, the first report of harm to users in a widening European hunt for counterfeiters. Regional regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), last week warned about pre-filled injection pens falsely labelled as Ozempic, which has seen surging demand for its weight-loss benefits. The maker of the drug, Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), has flagged a surge in online offers of fake versions of Ozempic as well as its weight-loss drug Wegovy, both based on semaglutide. The BASG did not provide an exact number of people harmed by the fake Ozempic, or say how long-lasting the adverse effects would be on their health. That person likely did not procure the fakes from an official pharmacy, it said, warning that fake injection pens may still be in circulation.

Persons: George Frey, Ozempic, BASG, Wegovy, Miranda Murray, Ludwig Burger, Alexandra Schwarz, Angus MacSwan, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Novo Nordisk, Pharmacy, REUTERS, Rights, European Medicines Agency, EMA, Thomson Locations: Provo , Utah, U.S, Austria, Danish, Germany, Britain, British, Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna

NEW YORK (AP) — Palestinian artist Nida Sinnokrot, one of 18 artists receiving the 2023 Soros Arts Fellowships from the Open Society Foundations on Tuesday, says that art provides hope and resilience, even in the midst of war. This year's class of Soros Arts Fellows is the largest since the program launched in 2018. This is the launchpad of something new — a new realm of direct action in the arts.”Molemo Moiloa also plans to incorporate community action in her art project in Johannesburg, South Africa, for her Soros Arts fellowship. “One of the reasons I still feel hope is that there is powerful solidarity around the world that embraces this ethos,” he said. “And that’s what’s so amazing about this year’s (Soros Arts Fellows) and their communities.

Persons: Nida Sinnokrot, “, ”, Sinnokrot, Tatiana Mouarbes, George Soros, Alex — Mouarbes, Jordan Weber, ” “, Weber, ” Molemo Moiloa, Moiloa, Nelson Mandela's, we’ve, it’s, Fellows, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Carolina Caycedo, Chemi, Dalton Paula, Deborah Jack, Kenan Darwich, Sami Rustom, Ixchel Tonāntzin, Martha Atienza, Molemo Moiloa, Mónica de Miranda, Omar Berrada, Rijin Sahakian, Sari Dennise, Yto Barrada Organizations: Open, Massachusetts Institute, Technology’s, Technology, Soros Arts Fellows, Open Society, Culture, Society, Soros Arts, South, Soros, Fehras, Associated, Lilly Endowment Inc, AP Locations: Palestinian, York, ”, Detroit, Johannesburg, South Africa, Israel, Palestine, Guinea, Hidatsa, Lakota, United States, Carolina, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, St, Maarten, Syria, Germany, Philippines, Portugal, Morocco, Iraq, Mexico

☆ Germany's economy ministry plans 50 bln euros boost for industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck holds a press conference about the autumn economic forecasts, in Berlin, Germany, October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Germany's economy ministry is planning 50 billion euros ($53 billion) in tax breaks over the next four years to help industry and businesses cope with high energy prices, according to a new industrial strategy to be presented Tuesday. The move is part of government efforts to support domestic industry in the face of high energy costs and the draw of incentive programmes in countries such as the United States. He also urged a quick agreement on discounted electricity prices for some parts of industry through state subsidies, a proposal that has been rejected by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The government last year introduced electricity and gas price caps to shield industry and households from rising energy prices, but energy-intensive companies in Germany say electricity prices are still too high.

Persons: Robert Habeck, Liesa, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Christian Kraemer, Miranda Murray, Rachel More, Mark Potter Organizations: Climate, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, United States, Russia, Ukraine

Oct 20 (Reuters) - New car sales in the European Union rose 9.2% in September, helped by a jump in sales of electric and hybrid vehicles, which together accounted for more than half of car sales last month, industry data showed on Friday. Together, fully-electric cars, plug-in hybrids and full hybrids accounted for just over 50% of sales, the data showed. As recently as 2015, diesel vehicles comprised more than 50% of new car sales in the EU. Car sales in Europe have been steadily recovering from pandemic-related supply chain problems, most notably a global shortage of semiconductor chips. Despite 14 straight months of growth, car sales for the first nine months of 2023 remain 20% below the same period in 2019 before the pandemic.

Persons: Miranda Murray, Matthias Williams, Susan Fenton Organizations: Union, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Diesel, Volkswagen, Renault, European Free Trade Association, Thomson Locations: Europe, EU, Britain

But the recent shift toward e-cigarettes that can’t be refilled has created a new environmental dilemma. U.S. teens and adults are buying roughly 12 million disposable vapes per month. But the quantities used in vaping devices are too small to warrant salvage. Disposable e-cigarettes currently account for about 53% of the multi-billion U.S. vaping market, according to U.S. government figures, more than doubling since 2020. The company has incinerated more than 1.6 million pounds of vaping waste in recent years, mostly unsold inventory or discontinued products.

Persons: ”, Yogi Hale Hendlin, Michael Garland, ” Garland, Brian King, “, New York Sheriff Anthony Miranda, Bob Cappadona, Daniel Ryan, Shelly Fuller, ” Fuller, Joseph Frederick, Matthew Perrone Organizations: WASHINGTON, University of California, Environmental, Agency, EPA, FDA, Regulators, New, Veolia, Centaurus High, ”, Twitter, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP Locations: U.S, San Francisco, Monroe County , New York, Arkansas, New York City, New York , California, Monroe County, “, New York, Gum Springs , Arkansas, Boulder County , Colorado, Boulder

☆ ECB's Nagel: possible to pay with digital euro in roughly 5 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Joachim Nagel, Bundesbank president and European Central Bank policymaker, prepares for an interview at the Jackson Lake Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the Kansas City Fed holds its annual economic symposium, August 24, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Saphir/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 19 (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymaker Joachim Nagel said on Thursday that he assumes it will be possible to pay with the digital euro in roughly five years. The president of Germany's Bundesbank told the Deutschlandfunk radio station that the digital version of the euro, which will let people in the 20 countries that share the single currency make electronic payments securely and free of charge, was "a huge IT project." Reporting by Frank Siebelt, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike HeineOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joachim Nagel, Ann Saphir, Central Bank policymaker Joachim Nagel, Germany's Bundesbank, Frank Siebelt, Miranda Murray, Friederike Heine Our Organizations: European Central Bank policymaker, Kansas City Fed, REUTERS, Rights, Central Bank, Thomson Locations: Jackson, Jackson Hole , Wyoming

☆ Pfizer, BioNTech shares fall on lower COVID product sales forecast
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Ludwig Burger | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 16 (Reuters) - Shares of Pfizer (PFE.N) and German partner BioNTech (22UAy.DE) fell on Monday after the U.S. drugmaker slashed the sales forecast for its COVID vaccine and therapy last week, and some analysts said the reduction was bigger than expectations. The COVID sales forecast cut was bigger than expected, Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal said, adding that Wall Street's COVID sales estimates for the next few years may come down. Shares in BioNTech, which is also developing cancer treatments, were down 6.7% at a two-month low in Frankfurt. Its U.S.-listed shares fell 6.8% in premarket trading, while Pfizer's shares fell 2%. The news also dragged down shares of rival COVID vaccine maker Moderna (MRNA.O) by 4.7%.

Persons: Dado, BioNTech, drugmaker, Wells, Mohit Bansal, Ludwig Burger, Rachel More, Miranda Murray, Jason Neely, Shounak Organizations: COVID, Institute for Health, Food, REUTERS, Pfizer, U.S, Its U.S, Moderna, Manas Mishra, Thomson Locations: Zenica, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Wells Fargo, BioNTech, Frankfurt, Its, Bengaluru

☆ Porsche: deliveries up in every region but China in first 9 months of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

A Porsche logo is seen on a vehicle displayed during an event a day ahead of the official opening of the 2023 Munich Auto Show IAA Mobility, in Munich, Germany, September 4, 2023. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG FollowBERLIN, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Porsche (P911_p.DE) said on Friday that deliveries worldwide for the first nine months of 2023 were up 10% on the year, reaching 242,722 vehicles, with growth seen in every region but China. China sales fell 12% in the same January to September period, reaching 60,748 vehicles, due to the continuing challenging economic situation in the region, it said. Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike HeineOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Angelika Warmuth, Ing, Miranda Murray, Friederike Heine Our Organizations: REUTERS, Ing hc F Porsche, BERLIN, Porsche, Thomson Locations: Munich, Germany, China

☆ Barcelona restricts cruise ship access, plans to increase tourist taxes
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —As overtourism continues to throttle European cities, one destination has taken a step against cruise ships, restricting access to the port. Barcelona has closed its northern port terminal to cruise traffic, after an agreement with the local authorities to move ships further out of town. Cruise ships must now dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is the furthest from the city center. Manfred Gottschalk/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty ImagesBarcelona is Europe’s biggest cruise port. In contrast, the city’s population is just over 1.6 million, according to 2023 data by the local authorities.

Persons: overtourism, Moll, Lluís Salvadó, Salvadó, Ciutat Vella, Manfred Gottschalk, ” Albert Dalmau Miranda, Jaume Collboni, ”, Collboni Organizations: CNN, Trade, Cruises, World Trade, ”, Barcelona, New, Spanish, El Pais Locations: Barcelona, La, Port, ”, Barcelona’s, Europe’s, “, Airbnbs

☆ Germany Bans Pro-Palestinian Group Samidoun
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany will ban the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Thursday, adding that its members were celebrating Islamist Hamas "terror" in Israel on German streets. And we, as a strong constitutional state, will draw this sword," Scholz said in an address to parliament in Berlin. The group, which identifies as a Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, posted photos on Instagram on Sunday of pro-Palestinian activists distributing sweets in Berlin in celebration of Saturday's Hamas attack in Israel. The group has been organising pro-Palestinian protests and is now monitored by Berlin's domestic intelligence agency, according to German magazine Der Spiegel. (Reporting by Riham Alkousaa, Miranda Murray and Thomas Escritt; Editing by Rachel More)

Persons: Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Scholz, Der Spiegel, Riham Alkousaa, Miranda Murray, Thomas Escritt, Rachel More Organizations: BERLIN, Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network Locations: Germany, Israel, Berlin

☆ Bankruptcies in Europe to level off late next year at earliest -Scope
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The number of companies in Europe that go insolvent will keep growing until at least late next year as higher interest rates and tougher financing conditions weigh on businesses, according to a Scope Ratings analysis seen by Reuters on Thursday. European companies will be on the hook for about 8.2 billion euros ($8.71 billion) in additional interest payments in refinancing maturing capital-market debt next year, it said. Those extra interest costs from durably higher borrowing rates are set to increase again in 2025 and 2026, it said. Assuming a similar scenario for bank debt, extra annual interest paid in 2024 will grow to more than 40 billion euros. ($1 = 0.9414 euros)Reporting by Rene Wagner, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike Heine, Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rene Wagner, Miranda Murray, Friederike Heine, Robert Birsel Organizations: Reuters, European Union, Thomson Locations: Europe

☆ Google to pay German publishers 3.2 mln eur per year on interim basis
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A woman passes the logo from the web search engine provider Google during the digital society festival 're:publica', at the Arena Berlin in Berlin, Germany June 9, 2022. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Google (GOOGL.O) has agreed to pay German publishers 3.2 million euros ($3.38 million) a year for its publication of news content pending a decision from the German patent office (DPMA) on the issue, the sides said in separate statements on Thursday. The U.S. search engine operator reached the agreement with Corint Media, an umbrella organisation that represents the interests of German and international publishers including Sat.1, ProSieben, RTL, Axel Springer and CNBC. The sides had previously agreed on a one-off payment of 5.8 million euros by Google for the period since the introduction of new press ancillary copyright legislation in 2021. ($1 = 0.9481 euros)Reporting by Klaus Lauer, Writing by Friederike Heine, Editing by Miranda MurrayOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Annegret, Axel Springer, Christine Jury, Fischer, Klaus Lauer, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray Organizations: Google, Arena, REUTERS, Rights, Corint Media, Sat, RTL, CNBC, Spiegel, Zeit, Corint, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, U.S

☆ Germany's anti-discrimination agency quits X over anti-minority posts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo for social media platform X, following the rebranding of Twitter, is seen covering the old logo in this illustration taken, July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency said it would close its account on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, because of increasing intolerance of minorities expressed by users on the site, and urged other bodies to follow suit. Due to a surge in racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, trans and queer hostility and other misanthropic content, "X is no longer a sustainable environment for a public agency", the agency's commissioner, Ferda Ataman, said in a statement. X officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment on the Germany agency's decision. Germany's foreign, economy and finance ministries, as well as the government still maintain profiles on X, though Economy Minister Robert Habeck has not had a presence there since 2019.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Ferda Ataman, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, couldn't, X, Ataman, Robert Habeck, Miranda Murray, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Twitter, REUTERS, Rights, Discrimination Agency, Elon, European Union, Thomson Locations: Israel, Germany

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