AFP
13876 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
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Ecuador backtracks on plan to send weapons to Ukraine
Ecuador's foreign minister said Monday the country did not plan to send Soviet-era weapons to Ukraine after the president's vow to do so sparked a spat with Moscow over banana and flower exports. On Friday Ecuador's Trade Minister Sonsoles Garcia said on X that the Russian embargo on five banana exporting companies had been lifted.
Italy takes over troubled steel mill
Following months of unsuccessful talks, the Italian government Monday launched a temporary state takeover of a troubled steel mill that that is majority-owned by steel giant ArcelorMittal, according to sources close to the situation. ArcelorMittal owns a 62 percent stake in the Taranto steel mill and the Italian state the remaining 38 percent.
EU launches probe into TikTok over child protection
The EU on Monday announced a formal investigation into TikTok over alleged breaches of its obligations to protect minors online, under a landmark new law on policing digital content. The new rules demand companies do more to police content online, but also expect digital retailers to act swiftly and effectively to protect shoppers online.
France 'probably' missed 2023 deficit target: source
France likely overshot its budget deficit target in 2023, a finance ministry official said on Monday. The cuts would help the government meet its deficit target for this year of 4.4 percent of GDP, Le Maire told reporters Monday.
Eiffel Tower closes as staff go on strike
The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's top tourist attractions, was closed Monday after staff went on strike, unions told AFP. The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, could be extended, they said. The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason.
China new year holiday spending surges past pre-pandemic levels
China's new year holiday spending last week surged past pre-pandemic levels, official figures showed, a rare bright spot for an economy struggling with sluggish consumption and deflation.
Asia stocks mixed as China enjoys Lunar New Year bump
Chinese stocks were buoyant after Lunar New Year but other Asian markets were mixed on Monday as a hot US inflation report rekindled worries over the timing of Fed rate cuts. Innes said investors in Chinese shares were optimistic about sustaining recent positive momentum in Asian markets despite last week's US inflation shock.
Natural pesticides gain ground in 'agri-tox' capital Brazil
Inspecting a thriving green field, Brazilian farmer Adriano Cruvinel is beaming: Using a fraction of the chemical products he used to, he is growing even more soy, thanks to natural pesticides. Agricultural powerhouse Brazil may be the world leader in chemical pesticide use, but Cruvinel is part of a growing trend of farmers turning to natural products known as "biopesticides."
China agrees to lift ban on Spanish beef imports
China has agreed to lift a ban on imports of Spanish beef, the foreign ministers of both nations said Sunday after talks. "It is good news, especially for Spanish farmers," Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told a joint news conference with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Cordoba in southern Spain.
AFP
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