At the same time, Russian troops are making gains. Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities during rush hour on Friday morning, Kiev said. Explosions were reported in Odessa and other cities in western Ukraine. The attack targeted substations and gas plants, causing prolonged power outages. Around half of the customers of the energy company Yasno were affected. Damage was also confirmed in the western Ukrainian region of Lviv. This is part of an ongoing Russian strategy to disrupt Ukraine's energy supply. Ukraine's foreign minister again called for the delivery of Western air defense systems. At the same time, Russian troops are making progress in the Donbas region.
China is seeking negotiations with the USA to prevent Donald Trump from imposing new tariffs. Beijing is relying on leverage such as export restrictions and investigations against US companies, but remains dependent on American technologies. Concessions such as the purchase of oil and gas are intended to promote dialog, while political tensions, for example over fentanyl, could exacerbate the situation.
The UK economy contracted for the second consecutive month in October, with GDP falling by 0.1%. It is the first double contraction since the COVID-19 pandemic. While the service sector stagnated, manufacturing and construction declined. The weak figures come ahead of the new government's first budget, which provides for higher taxes and investments. Exports and imports also fell, with exports to the EU higher than to the rest of the world for the first time in almost a year.
Donald Trump signals support for around 45,000 US dock workers whose collective bargaining talks on automation have stalled. The ILA union rejects automation as it puts jobs at risk, while employers insist it is necessary to remain competitive. Trump has criticized automation projects and called on companies to invest their profits in jobs rather than machines. The talks must be completed by January 15, shortly before Trump's inauguration. However, employers emphasize that modern technologies increase efficiency and safety and strengthen supply chains.
Switzerland is planning to modernize its network of nuclear bunkers from the Cold War era at a cost of CHF 220 million. According to a 1963 law, every resident is entitled to a shelter. The measures are intended to repair old shelters, but not to signal war plans. Public interest in bunkers increased after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but many are currently unusable. Owners have to repair defects or pay for public spaces. Switzerland has emphasized its neutrality since 1815 and sees the bunkers as a precautionary measure for times of crisis.
Vaccination readiness declines: Only 21% of one-year-olds are fully vaccinated against polio, 64% against diphtheria. Experts warn of the consequences, as many are no longer aware of the dangers of diseases such as measles or polio.
Following the upheaval in Syria, the outgoing Biden administration is striving for stability and reconstruction. President Biden has ordered attacks on IS and is examining cooperation with the Islamist HTS, which controls large parts of Syria. Initial signals, such as the protection of minorities, could lead to a relaxation of tensions. The future Trump administration is likely to maintain the US presence in Syria, partly because of its support for the Kurds, who control important resources such as oil. However, this is in conflict with Turkey, which rejects Kurdish aspirations for autonomy. In the long term, the situation remains fragile, as major powers often exacerbate instability in crisis areas, warns political scientist Jouejati.
Turkish President Erdoğan announced a joint declaration signed by Somalia and Ethiopia. We are taking the first step towards a new beginning based on peace between Somalia and Ethiopia,” Erdoğan said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new operation to investigate a deadly, previously unknown disease that has emerged in Africa and has been dubbed “Disease X” by the United Nations (UN). This new killer virus poses a major puzzle for doctors and scientists.
US Secretary of State Blinken has arrived in Ankara for talks with Turkish President Erdoğan.
According to a DIHK study, Germany will lack 560,000 skilled workers for the expansion of solar, wind energy and hydrogen technology over the next ten years. The shortage affects around 250 professions and could delay the energy transition.
ECB lowers key interest rate by 0.25, SNB by 0.5 percentage points. The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points - meaning that it will now fall from 3.25% to 3% for savings deposits (check your savings accounts). The Swiss National Bank (SNB) lowered its interest rate by 0.5 percentage points to 0.5%. The Fed will also decide before Christmas. (FAZ)
- ECB: lowers key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points (FAZ)
- German economy: Will shrink by 0.1% in 2024 according to Ifo - and will only grow by 0.4% in 2025 (WSJ)
- Windhorst: FSG and Nobiskrug shipyards file for insolvency (HB)
- Gas prices: Rising from 2025 (TGS)
- OMV: Austrian energy company terminates supply contract with Gazprom (TGSMeta: Donates $1m to Trump's inauguration fund (FT)
- Turkey: Economy slowly stabilizing (WSJ)
- NASDAQ: US court invalidates board diversity criteria
- (FT) Trump: Top US CEOs optimistic about 2025 (AXS)
- HSBC: Considers opening retail business outside Hong Kong and UK for the first time (FT))
Comments
Post a Comment