Morning bird: The threat of United States intervention in Iran is intensifying. Germany advocates a two-speed Europe
Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating. Protests broke out in this Islamic republic at the end of December due to citizens' dissatisfaction with the sharp devaluation of the currency, which quickly evolved into anti-government demonstrations. A new block of six European countries is to speed up work on a savings and investment union to create better conditions for financing European businesses. It aims to strengthen the euro's role, reduce bureaucracy and bolster sovereignty in the area of payments.
Iranian protests have claimed over 6,000 victims
At least 6,159 people have died in anti-government protests that broke out in Iran at the end of December, according to human rights activists. Meanwhile, the exchange rate of the Iranian currency has plummeted to a record of about 1.5 million rials per dollar. Iran yesterday warned Europe of "devastating consequences" if the European Union were to include the Iranian Revolutionary Guards on the list of terrorist organizations. US President Donald Trump also threatened Iran with military intervention and on Monday he sent the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers to the region of Southwest Asia, reported by Ceskenoviny.cz.
A two-speed Europe is supposed to help solve the main problems of the union
Germany is advocating a two-speed European Union to improve decision-making processes and revitalize the union's economy. It plans to establish a new format in the form of a block of six leading economies. They would cooperate, for example, in the field of capital markets, defense investments, and ensuring key raw materials. This is according to a letter from German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. In the letter, the minister invited partners from France, Poland, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands to today's video conference. They should discuss an ambitious and concrete program to strengthen the sovereignty, resilience, and competitiveness of Europe, the server Ceskenoviny.cz stated.
India and EU announce free trade agreement
India and the European Union have reached a free trade agreement aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties, reported yesterday by the AP agency. The agreement could affect up to 2 billion people. However, it will take several months before it comes into effect.
The agreement between the two largest world markets comes at a time when the United States is imposing high import duties on both the Asian power and the EU block, thereby disrupting established trade practices. This is pushing large economies to seek alternative partnerships.
"This agreement will bring great opportunities for the people of India and Europe. It represents 25 percent of the world's gross domestic product and one third of world trade,"
said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Babiš invited Pavel and Macinka for a joint meeting
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš invited President Petr Pavel and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka for a joint meeting. He does not consider the current conflict between them correct, reported the portal Ceskenoviny.cz.
"I would like to invite both gentlemen to a joint discussion, it is always resolved better and quicker at the table than through strong messages in the media at press conferences,"
Babiš said.
Macinka delivered to Pavel through the president's advisor Petr Kolář messages that the head of state considers extremely serious and an attempt at blackmail. Macinka also announced that at the summer summit of the North Atlantic Alliance in Turkey, Pavel should not lead the Czech delegation.
Outrage grows in Italy over the deployment of American immigration and customs agents at the Olympics
The deployment of American Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Winter Olympics in Italy, which are taking place in February, is causing increasing resentment, according to CNN. Local lawmakers urged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to intervene and block the agents' presence. The reason is two fatal shootings that occurred in Minneapolis. ICE agents will perform a “security role” at the Olympics, not, of course, enforcing immigration regulations in a foreign country, as their spokesperson reassured.
Sources: Ceskenoviny.cz, CNN, AP
