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The United States is working with the European Union to prevent any energy supply disruption resulting from the conflict between Ukraine and Russia,President BidenJoe BidenFormer chairman of Wisconsin GOP party signals he will comply with Jan. 6 committee subpoena Romney tests positive for coronavirus Pelosi sidesteps progressives' March 1 deadline for Build Back Better MORE and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement Friday.

Biden and von der Leyen said the U.S., which is the top supplier of liquified natural gas to the European Union, is working with the EU to circumvent any supply shock amid the Ukraine-Russia standoff.

We are collaborating with governments and market operators on supply of additional volumes of natural gas to Europe from diverse sources across the globe. [Liquefied natural gas (LNG)] in the short-term can enhance security of supply while we continue to enable the transition to net zero emissions, the statement reads. The European Commission will work for improved transparency and utilization of LNG terminals in the EU.

The two leaders also said they remain committed to integrating Ukraines gas and electricity supply into the EUs markets as the U.S. and EU work toward their respective goals on transitioning to renewable energy.

The Biden administration previously said it is working closely with other nations and energy companies for a contingency plan in case of a Russian invasion that hurts natural gas infrastructure.

Were working with countries and companies around the world to ensure the security of supply, to mitigate against price shocks affecting both the American people and the global economy, a senior administration official said Tuesday.

Russia is the source of more than 40 percent of European natural gas, much of which flows through Ukraine. In 2021, the Biden administration lifted some sanctions on Russian entities tied to construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was set to carry gas from Russia to Germany.

Critics said allowing the pipeline, which would circumvent Ukraine, would further isolate the smaller country from European allies. However, the administration said it had determined it would not be possible to prevent construction of the pipeline without sanctioning German and European entities as well.

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US, Europe working to avoid Ukraine-related energy 'supply shock' | TheHill - The Hill

On January 1 2022, France took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (FPEU). The Presidency's function is to chair meetings of the council, determine its agendas, set a work programme and facilitate dialogue both at Council meetings and with other EU institutions. The role rotates among the EU member states every six months.

But French outlet "Generation Frexit" reminded Mr Macron that he is not "President of the European Union", saying that his role is "purely symbolic".

Anthony Vera-Dobroas, writing for the outlet, mocked the leader for the "great fanfare" with which he anounced France's new role, noting that the French leader even has a website "dedicated" to the role.

He said: "Launched with great fanfare on 9 December by President Emmanuel Macron, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (FPEU) really began on 1 January 2022.

"With a great deal of communication, notably with the lighting of public buildings in the blue of the European flag, or the incursion of the flag with the golden stars over the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Elyse Palace wishes to make the beginning of 2022 'the year of Europe'.

"The media hype surrounding this presidency is therefore significant.

"A website is even dedicated to it."

To mark the start of the six-month presidency, Mr Macron illuminated historic buildings across France including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve.

Other observers have noted that the French logo for the presidency includes the letters U and E for "Union Europeene" with a grey arrow in the middle that appears to create a sideways M for Macron.

READ MORE:Macron the wimp! President accused of ducking debate with rival

"Also, it is France, as a State, and not Emmanuel Macron, that holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union."

President Macron has set out an ambitious agenda for the EU, saying in his New Year's Eve national address that "the year 2022 must be a turning point for Europe."

On 9 December, France established a list of "priorities" for its six-month presidency, including making the EU "more sovereign", "greener", "more digital", "more social" and "more humane".

Speaking about the French presidency of the EU, he said: "You can count on my complete commitment to ensuring that this period, which comes around every 13 years, is a time of progress for you".

Claire Demesay, an expert at the Marc-Bloch think-tank in Berlin said the presidency gives Mr Macron "welcome platform to put his European record to the forefront and differentiate himself from his rivals".

Pierre Sellal, a former French diplomat at the French mission to the European Union, added: "The French like nothing more than the image or impression of France being 'at the controls'".

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.

More:
'Not President of the EU!' Posturing Emmanuel Macron mocked for inflating 'symbolic' role - Daily Express

2021 was far from being a regular year for the automotive industry as the semiconductor shortage severely hampered production. Even in these less-than-ideal market conditions, the BMW Group managed to set a new all-time record by selling 2,521,525 cars. The BMW brand alone accounted for 2,213,795 yet another absolute record.

However, JATO Dynamics numbers show the 3 Series was eclipsed by the Tesla Model 3 in Europe. Sales of the German sports sedan dropped by 1.9% compared to the year before and by 4.9% vs 2019. BMW sold a total of 116,250 units in the last twelve months whereas the EV found 141,429 new homes. Americas idea of an M3 was an absolute hit on the Old Continent, with sales jumping by 64% compared to 2021.

The numbers dont reflect the entire continent as JATO Dynamics did the math for 25 countries part of the European Union. In addition, markets from the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland were included when generating the rankings. The Model 3 was the best-selling EV and made it to the overall top 25 by finishing in 17th place. As for the BMW 3 Series, it ended 2021 on the 25th spot.

One explanation for the gap has to do with the aforementioned microchip shortage. EV buyers last year had shorter lead times than those who were in the market for a combustion-engined car. The longer waiting times for an ICE car convinced some buyers to switch to zero emissions. The lack of semiconductors was a blessing in disguise for Tesla since it had fewer issues securing the necessary microchips. Add into the mix government incentives for electric vehicles, and the end result is not so surprising.

Teslas market share doubled between 2019 and 2021, with this year already shaping up quite nicely. The company will soon begin deliveries of the Model Y crossover from its new factory in Berlin, which should give the likes of the BMW iX3 and Audi Q4 E-Tron some serious headaches.

[Source: JATO Dynamics]

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BMW 3 Series Outsold By Tesla Model 3 In The European Union Last Year - BMWBLOG

Today, the European Commission has announced it will allocate 21 million for disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid in the Philippines, Nepal and other South East Asian countries. The funding will support people affected by natural hazards, COVID-19 and conflict.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, JanezLenarisaid: Most recently typhoon RAI has been a painful reminder thatcountries in South East Asia are experiencing first-hand the dramatic consequences of climate change.This is why the EU is further stepping up its humanitarian support to the most vulnerable affected by natural hazards in the Philippines, Nepal and the region. We also support those affected by protracted conflict in the Philippines, while further investing into the preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Funding will be provided as follows:

Beyond recurring natural hazards in the Philippines, the population is also affected by ongoing conflict between the government and armed groups in the southernmost island of Mindanao. The precarious situation in the country often results in significant loss of life, livelihoods and homes.

The European Commission has provided over 153.5 million in humanitarian funding to the Philippines since 1996.

Nepal is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its location and variable climatic conditions. Climate change and population density exacerbate the effects of natural hazards, which each year cause great loss of life and damage to homes and livelihoods.

The European Union continuously supports initiatives that reduce the risks of natural hazards and improve the disaster preparedness capacities of vulnerable populations, having allocated over 116 million in humanitarian aid since 2001.

Countries in the South East Asia region are frequently affected by natural hazards such as floods, droughts and typhoons. The European Union funds projects that focus on enhancing community resilience and disaster preparedness capacities in countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

See the article here:
Humanitarian aid: 21 million for assistance in Philippines, Nepal and South East Asia - European Commission

By AGGREY MUTAMBO

Kenya and the European Union on Friday launched vital talks to elevate their ties beyond aid and focus on issues of long-term peace and development.

At a meeting in Nairobi, Kenyas Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and visiting EU top diplomat Josep Borrell Fontelles signed a joint declaration to formally begin discussions on a Strategic Dialogue, a guiding document that could turn relations to common problems.

Mr Fontelles, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, arrived in Nairobi on Friday, just three weeks before the EU hosts African delegates in Brussels for the EU-AU Summit. But while the bloc wants to build ties with the entire continent, Mr Fontelles said the EU will first work with 'like-minded countries.'

We have been having, the European Union and Kenya, a long standing relationship. But we are no longer the donor of development aid. We are a strategic partner, Fontelles told a joint press conference in Nairobi.

There is no doubt that peace and security is at stake in this region and the whole world. And this requires that like-minded countries like the European Union and Kenya join their forces in order to work together in many fields.

The Strategic Dialogue, he said, will bring concrete results, because it will focus on delivering on commitments, actions, investments, and sharing objectives among our people.

Those commitments will target long-term peace and security in the region, fighting poverty through trade and investment, environmental conservation and fighting climate change, defending democracy and the rule of law, and human rights, as well as many sectors in Kenyas priority development agenda, Ms Omamo said.

The EU has traditionally been one of Kenyas biggest donors; supporting programmes for justice, humanitarian support for the displaced as well as in education. On Friday, Mr Fontelles launched the Kenya-European Union Cooperation programme.

Meant to last until 2027, the programme targets environmentally responsible investments in Kenya, human development and digital inclusion through computer literacy and internet service provision.

It will cost $361 million in the initial four years. It will deal with projects meant to preserve peace and stability with a special focus on women and youth, the dispatch said.

The final document from the Strategic Dialogue will guide the ties between the EU and Kenya for the next five years.

Ms Omamo said technical teams from both sides will draft agreements on peace and Security and Stability, Sustainable, Inclusive Development and SDGs and Economy, Trade and Investment, the three main pillars under discussion.

But while it is entirely bilateral, Ms Omamo said the pillars will be related to the goings-on in the region, including the humanitarian issues, security incidents and regional cooperation.

We need partnerships in all of our countries to tackle challenges of the day in a spirit of collaboration and in a spirit of partnership, she said.

We have a common spirit towards developmentand for countries that are able to deliver development goods to their people. that was the spirit of our conversation and they are in line with our conversation of the Strategic Dialogue.

The EU and Kenya have implemented a trade pact which was initially meant for the entire East African Community but which saw member states raise fears of a possible obstruction to nascent industries.

Mr Fontelles also met President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

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Kenya, EU launch talks to elevate ties beyond aid - The East African