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Nigeria floods kill 21 in Niger state after heavy rains
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
EU softens CO₂ emissions rules for European carmakers
Reuters
The European Parliament has approved a relaxation of car and van CO₂ emissions targets, giving automakers more time to comply and potentially avoid billions in fines, following concerns over their readiness to meet 2025 goals.
European carmakers will now have additional time to meet EU carbon emissions targets, after the European Parliament backed a proposal to soften the rules - potentially reducing fines estimated at up to €15 billion.
The move comes amid concerns that the original targets, which rely heavily on the rapid rollout of electric vehicles, would be difficult to meet given that many European automakers lag behind their Chinese and American competitors in EV sales.
In response to sustained lobbying from the industry, the European Commission proposed that carmakers be assessed on their average emissions over the 2025-2027 period, rather than solely in 2025. The Parliament voted 458 in favor, 101 against, with 14 abstentions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the decision, saying it would offer manufacturers “breathing space.” Despite the change, Volkswagen noted that the extended compliance window would still present a significant challenge in 2025.
However, critics argue that automakers have had ample time - seven years - to prepare for the targets, and claim the projected fines have been significantly overstated.
06:00
Turkic world think tanks gather in northern Cyprus for strategic forum
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
05:00
Morocco fights Tangier wildfires as heat, winds fuel spread
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
04:00
Macron visits Singapore for defense, AI and trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
03:30
Bessent: Big trade deals near, Trump-Xi call could happen soon
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
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