EU’s Russia sanctions deal collapses over business loophole spat – POLITICO

EU’s Russia sanctions deal collapses over business loophole spat – POLITICO

The rest of the package focuses mostly on sanctioning companies and vessels involved in circumventing existing EU penalties on Russia. A draft list seen by POLITICO shows plans to more than double the number of oil and gas tankers on its blacklist, bringing the total to 75. Yet talks fell apart, two of the diplomats said, after … Read more

Where can he still go in Europe? – POLITICO

Where can he still go in Europe? – POLITICO

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that he will not only defy the court, but wants to roll out the red carpet for Netanyahu, inviting the Israeli leader to Budapest. “This is wrong in itself,” Orbán said in an interview with Hungarian state radio, referring to the ruling. “So there is no other choice here: … Read more

Sex workers and former addicts in Czech Republic’s capital show tourists city’s dark side

Sex workers and former addicts in Czech Republic’s capital show tourists city’s dark side

Every Friday, Lada leaves her small apartment to take tourists around Prague’s underworld. “I pass on my cautionary tale,” says the 54-year-old sex worker as she chain-smokes her way through Wenceslas Square in the Czech capital. “At least my ruined life can be useful. I can make a clean breast of it. It’s a relief.” … Read more

Former Taiwanese leader’s trip to security summit in Canada raises ire in Beijing

Former Taiwanese leader’s trip to security summit in Canada raises ire in Beijing

Former Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit Canada on Wednesday in yet another overseas trip expected to provoke a strong reaction from Beijing. “[Tsai] will highlight the unwavering commitment of the Taiwanese people to safeguarding democracy and freedom and reaffirm Taiwan’s determination to collaborate with the international community in contributing to global stability … Read more

Czech politicians trade insults over price surge – POLITICO

Czech politicians trade insults over price surge – POLITICO

As butter prices continue to surge across Europe, Czech politicians have decided to tackle the situation in the most effective way — by bickering on social media. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, ruling out any government intervention, blamed the high prices of butter on the market structure, with small number of firms controlling the prices … Read more

China complains to Prague about EU duties on EVs and asks for help – POLITICO

China complains to Prague about EU duties on EVs and asks for help – POLITICO

Ling Ji, China’s vice minister of commerce, told Czech officials on Sunday that “China disagrees with and does not accept” this decision, according to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. He also said that Beijing hopes that the Prague government will “play an active role” in creating “political will and negotiation sincerity … Read more

Czech cops level charges in megabucks toast EU fraud case – POLITICO

Czech cops level charges in megabucks toast EU fraud case – POLITICO

“The suspects are formally accused of submitting false data and concealing substantial information,” the EPPO added in a press release, while not specifying the names of anyone involved. Czech authorities seized real estate of the company to compensate for the damage to the national budget, national anti-corruption police said in a statement. In a striking … Read more

Tiny European town that looks like it’s in a fairytale – with medieval castle and huge summer festival

Tiny European town that looks like it’s in a fairytale – with medieval castle and huge summer festival

A TINY town in Europe looks like it’s been plucked from a fairytale, with a winding river and colourful castle. Český Krumlov in Czechia is not too far away from the Czech Republic‘s capital city, Prague. 4 Český Krumlov in Czechia is not too far away from PragueCredit: Alamy 4 One travel expert said the town … Read more

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to strengthen Europe ties in first overseas trip since stepping down

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to strengthen Europe ties in first overseas trip since stepping down

Former Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen will leave on a trip to the Czech Republic and two other European countries this week as part of an eight-day visit to reinforce the island’s ties with Europe, despite likely objections from Beijing. Tsai will depart on Saturday for her first overseas trip since leaving office. The visit was … Read more

Brit dad, 31, dies in Prague stag do after being hit on the head with vodka bottle in horror ‘blind attack’

Brit dad, 31, dies in Prague stag do after being hit on the head with vodka bottle in horror ‘blind attack’

A BRITISH dad has died after being struck on the head with a vodka bottle while on a stag do in Prague. David Richards, 31, tragically died in hospital on Saturday after the “blind attack” in the Czech capital’s streets the night before. 5 David ‘Dai’ Richards with his partner Jola SimmsCredit: WALES NEWS SERVICE … Read more