Europe

Europe brings on charm and blue skies

Paris - Muslimchronicle

Chinese tourists are big spenders and with the numbers visiting Europe set to soar by nearly 70 percent over the next five years, the countries of the Old Continent are rolling out the red carpet to make the guests feel welcome. A total 12.4 million Chinese, mostly in guided tour groups, came to Europe in 2017, according to the EuropeanRead more

Sacked Catalan leader vows to form new government despite Spain 'threats'

Copenhagen - Muslimchronicle

Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on Monday vowed to form a new government despite "threats" from the central government in Madrid, after a Spanish judge refused to re-issue a European warrant for his arrest. Speaking at a debate on Catalonia at the University of Copenhagen, Puigdemont said: "We will not surrender to authoritarianism despite Madrid's threats." "Soon we will formRead more

China's waste import ban upends global recycling industry

Beijing - Muslimchronicle

For years China was the world's top destination for recyclable trash, but a ban on certain imports has left nations scrambling to find new dumping grounds for growing piles of garbage. The decision was announced in July and came into force on January 1, giving companies from Europe to the United States barely six months to look for other options, and forcingRead more

Women's rights protestors slam harassment, violence

London - Muslimchronicle

Women's rights protesters took to the streets in European cities on Sunday (Jan 21) to voice their frustration at sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women. Hundreds of people gathered in London chanting "Time's up! Time's up!", as similar demonstrations took place across the continent. "I am here today to say time is up on violence against women and girls all acrossRead more

Macron boosts Merkel ahead of key coalition vote

Paris - Muslimchronicle

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that his ambitious EU plans to reform the European Union needed German backing, as Chancellor Angela Merkel gears up for a crucial vote on forming a new coalition. "Our ambition cannot come to fruition alone," Macron told a joint press conference with Merkel before talks in Paris. "It needs to come together with Germany's ambition." On Sunday, someRead more

In VW's next-generation Golf

London - Muslimchronicle

New details have emerged regarding the next-generation VW Golf. According to Auto Express, which spoke to several Volkswagen honchos at a supplier meeting, the eighth-generation model will make its debut next year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Golf Mk. VIII will also spawn a plug-in hybrid model, GTI, and Golf R, but the e-Golf appears to have been shelved. BothRead more

Storm damage to cost Germany 500 mln euros

Berlin - Muslimchronicle

German insurers estimated Friday that ferocious gales that battered Germany caused 500 million euros ($614 million) in damages, as the number of dead across the country rose to eight. Trains on Germany's intercity lines gradually resumed operation a day after they were suspended due to the hurricane-force winds which caused transport chaos across northern Europe. Two more people were reportedRead more

IMF urges Germany to loosen purse strings

Frankfurt am Main - Muslimchronicle

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has joined calls on Germany to invest in future economic growth even at the cost of relaxing its cherished budgetary discipline, raising hackles in Europe's powerhouse. "There is an excess of savings over investments which suggests that Germany can afford to spend and invest more" Lagarde said at a Thursday conference with top economists and policymakers from aroundRead more

Six dead as huge storms batter Europe

Berlin - Muslimchronicle

Nine people including two firefighters were killed Thursday as violent gales battered northern Europe, snapping air and train links. Germany halted all long-distance rail traffic for at least a day, while numerous domestic flights were scrapped as hurricane-force winds lashed the country. The storm claimed six lives in Germany, including two firefighters deployed in emergency operations and two truck driversRead more

Storms bring travel chaos as they blast the Netherlands

The Hague - Muslimchronicle

Severe winter gales battered the Netherlands Thursday forcing Amsterdam airport to cancel all flights, while all Dutch trains were halted amid winds of up to 140 kilometres (86 miles) an hour. "Due to severe weather conditions: all air traffic has been suspended until further notice," Schiphol airport, one of Europe's busiest flight hubs, said in a tweet. The notice cameRead more