Rally in Tel Aviv calls for return of deceased hostage Ran Gvili
Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sg...
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe, urging improved stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe in response to various potential crises, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and geopolitical threats, such as armed aggression against EU member states. In its newly released EU Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission emphasized the importance of improving the stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of proactive preparation, particularly for families living in flood-prone areas and those in regions susceptible to wildfires. "Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time," von der Leyen stated.
The strategy outlines several key measures to ensure the EU is better equipped to handle emergencies. One of the primary focuses is on bolstering early warning systems, which would allow for quicker responses to crises and give communities more time to prepare and evacuate if necessary. The strategy also prioritizes the continuity of essential services such as healthcare, drinking water, and energy, which are critical in maintaining public safety and well-being during emergencies.
In addition to governmental measures, the Commission is urging citizens to take responsibility for their own preparedness. The strategy stresses the need for individuals and families to have emergency kits and supplies ready in case of disruptions to normal services.
The EU’s new strategy comes as part of an ongoing effort to improve the resilience of the bloc in the face of increasing global instability and unpredictable threats. By focusing on readiness and response, the European Commission aims to ensure that both governments and citizens are equipped to handle a wide range of potential emergencies, from climate-related disasters to cyberattacks and military conflicts.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised address to urge people across the country to take part in cancer screening programmes, officials confirmed.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms could be addressed at a later stage.
Greek farmers blocked the Port of Thessaloniki on Friday (12 December) as part of nationwide protests demanding delayed European Union subsidies and compensation for rising production costs and livestock losses.
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