Eurotopics.net

The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) of Romania has announced it is launching an investigation against two former health ministers, Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihăilă, as well as former prime minister Florin Cîţu for abuse of office. They are suspected of having procured far more Covid vaccine doses than necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, causing billions in losses for the state. The national press takes stock.

The ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas has been extended by two days, according to Qatar. Ten of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip will now be exchanged for 30 Palestinian prisoners every day, according to Egyptian sources. In addition, more aid supplies are to be delivered to the Gaza Strip. Commentators discuss whether and how the ceasefire could lead to peace.

The 28th UN Climate Change Conference begins on Thursday in Dubai, with more than 190 countries attending. A package aimed at tripling renewable energy capacities is to be adopted and 20 countries are calling for a phase-out of all fossil fuels. Commentators question whether this can be agreed in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, of all places, and with oil company boss Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber as president.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has threatened to veto the initiation of EU accession talks with Ukraine. The decision is to be made at the EU summit in Brussels in mid-December, where a vote will also be held on whether to approve a further 50 billion euros in aid for Ukraine. Commentators voice annoyance.