A severe train collision occurred in eastern Slovakia on Monday, resulting in injuries to dozens of passengers, two of whom are in critical condition, according to officials. The incident took place near Rožňava shortly after 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), as reported by Slovak Railways. Approximately 80 passengers were on board at the time of the crash, though further details were not immediately available. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok confirmed that two individuals sustained critical injuries, while the remaining injuries were less severe. Visuals from the scene depicted significant damage to the front of one train engine, with the other train derailed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with Šutaj Eštok hinting that human error could be a contributing factor.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Germany’s president accepts invitation for state visit to UK in December
In a significant diplomatic move, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender are set to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom from December 3 to 5. Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit on Monday, announcing that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the distinguished guests at Windsor Castle. This marks the first state visit by a German head of state to the UK in 27 years and only the fifth since 1958, underscoring the rarity and importance of such ceremonial occasions. State visits are characterized by elaborate British traditions, including military salutes, carriage processions, and opulent banquets, designed to honor the guest nation and strengthen bilateral ties. These events not only celebrate longstanding alliances but also serve as strategic tools to influence diplomatic relations. The invitation for this visit was extended by King Charles, following the UK government’s recommendation. Earlier this year, Charles made his inaugural foreign trip as monarch to Germany, emphasizing the deep historical, cultural, and economic connections between the two nations. His efforts to foster closer UK-EU relations echo the diplomatic legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Steinmeier’s visit is expected to further solidify the partnership between the UK and Germany, highlighting their shared interests in areas such as trade, science, and defense.
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A nation pauses: Ukraine’s daily moment of remembrance endures through intensified Russian attacks
Every morning at 9 a.m., Ukraine comes to a standstill. Traffic lights turn red, and the rhythmic sound of a metronome fills the air, signaling a minute of collective reflection. Drivers step out of their vehicles, bowing their heads in silence. From cafes and schools to the front lines, Ukrainians pause to honor those who have lost their lives in Russia’s full-scale invasion. This daily ritual, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, has become a profound national tradition, uniting the country in grief and resilience. In Kyiv’s Maidan Square, a growing memorial adorned with flags, photos, and candles serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. Among the mourners are four friends holding signs that read, “Stop. Honor.” Their bond is tied to Iryna Tsybukh, a 25-year-old combat medic killed by a landmine in eastern Ukraine last year. Her death galvanized the nation and deepened the significance of the daily observance. Kateryna Datsenko, co-founder of the civic group Vshanuy, emphasizes that the ritual is not about death but about celebrating the lives and passions of the fallen. Despite escalating Russian missile and drone attacks, Ukrainians continue to gather each morning, finding strength in shared grief and solidarity. City officials have synchronized Kyiv’s traffic lights to ensure the capital joins the nationwide pause. For many, like activist Daria Kolomiec, the moment is both collective and deeply personal, a reminder of the resilience and unity that define Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
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Nobel economics prize goes to 3 researchers for explaining innovation-driven economic growth
STOCKHOLM (AP) — The 2023 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their pioneering contributions to understanding innovation-driven economic growth. The trio’s work has shed light on the mechanisms of ‘creative destruction,’ a concept central to economic progress, where new innovations displace older technologies and businesses. Mokyr, from Northwestern University, Aghion, affiliated with the College de France and the London School of Economics, and Howitt, from Brown University, were recognized for their efforts to quantify and explain this phenomenon. The Nobel Committee highlighted their research as essential for sustaining long-term economic growth and avoiding stagnation. Aghion, expressing his astonishment at the honor, emphasized his commitment to reinvesting the prize money into his research laboratory. He also voiced concerns about protectionist policies, particularly in the U.S., warning that such measures could hinder global growth and innovation. The laureates’ work builds on the foundational ideas of economist Joseph Schumpeter, who first articulated the concept of creative destruction in his 1942 book, ‘Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy.’ Aghion and Howitt’s 1992 mathematical model further advanced the understanding of this process. The prize, valued at 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), was split equally between Mokyr and the duo of Aghion and Howitt. The award, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968 and has since been awarded to 96 laureates, only three of whom have been women. While technically not one of the original Nobel Prizes, it is presented alongside them on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Last year’s economics prize honored researchers who explored the disparities between rich and poor nations, emphasizing the role of open societies in fostering prosperity. This year’s announcement follows last week’s Nobel honors in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace.
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Trump says he may send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine
In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. This move, described by Trump as ‘a new step of aggression,’ could dramatically enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory. The consideration follows a recent phone conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Zelensky emphasized the need for advanced military capabilities to counter Russian offensives. Tomahawk missiles, with a striking range of 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), would place Moscow within Ukraine’s reach, potentially altering the strategic dynamics of the war. However, Moscow has previously cautioned Washington against such actions, warning that it would escalate tensions and further strain U.S.-Russian relations. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, indicated that he might discuss the matter with Russia, stating, ‘Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.’ The potential deployment of these missiles comes as Ukraine faces relentless Russian attacks on its cities and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, which have caused widespread power outages. Last month, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that the U.S. president had authorized strikes deep into Russian territory, asserting that ‘there are no such things as sanctuaries’ in this conflict. Despite these developments, the Kremlin has downplayed the impact of Tomahawks, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that such weapons ‘won’t be able to change the dynamic’ of the war.
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Floods trap people in cars in Spain’s Catalonia region
Torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods in Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region, leaving numerous individuals stranded in their vehicles, according to officials. Dramatic footage circulating on social media depicts muddy torrents surging through the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara in Tarragona province, sweeping away everything in their path. Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has issued a red alert—the highest level of warning—for the coastal province. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries thus far. Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency has advised residents in Tarragona’s Ebro Delta to remain indoors, as AEMET predicts up to 180mm (7 inches) of rainfall within a 12-hour period. ‘The situation is complex, and additional rainfall is expected,’ stated Cristina Vicente, a senior official at the agency, in an interview with La Vanguardia newspaper. The severe weather has disrupted train services along the Mediterranean Corridor, with departures from Barcelona and Valencia suspended indefinitely. This flooding follows days of heavy rains and inundation in several south-eastern Spanish regions, including the Balearic Islands. The extreme conditions are attributed to Storm Alice, which has been active in the western Mediterranean.
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France’s newly re-appointed prime minister names new Cabinet in bid to quell political turmoil
In a bid to stabilize France’s political landscape, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu unveiled a new government on Sunday. The reshuffle comes as Lecornu faces mounting pressure to address pressing issues, including crafting a viable budget and restoring confidence among businesses and investors. The Cabinet features a mix of seasoned politicians from President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance and conservative allies, alongside fresh faces from outside the political arena. However, the longevity of this administration remains uncertain, given Macron’s lack of a parliamentary majority and calls from opposition leaders for new elections or his resignation. Lecornu, a 39-year-old centrist and Macron confidant, must navigate a deeply divided National Assembly, where far-right, centrist, and left-wing factions vie for influence. Key appointments include Catherine Vautrin as Defense Minister, tasked with managing France’s military support for Ukraine and addressing European security threats posed by Russia. Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez, who secured the 2024 Olympics, steps into the role of Interior Minister, while Roland Lescure takes on the critical Finance Ministry portfolio amid concerns over rising debt and poverty. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot retains his position, accompanying Macron to Egypt for an international ceremony marking the Gaza ceasefire.
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Presidential candidate calls for Irish unity preparation
In a heated presidential debate broadcast by RTÉ, the two candidates vying for the Irish presidency, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, addressed critical issues such as Irish unity, neutrality, and foreign policy. Connolly, backed by a coalition of left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, urged the Irish government to prepare for a united Ireland, citing the Good Friday Agreement and Article 3 of the Irish Constitution as foundational frameworks. She emphasized the need for a green paper and cross-party collaboration to outline steps toward unity, lamenting the lack of progress thus far. Connolly also pledged to make her first presidential visit to Northern Ireland if elected. Humphreys, representing the Fine Gael party, stressed the importance of building trust across communities in Northern Ireland, drawing on her personal experiences and relationships across the border. She highlighted the persistent divisions despite the peace process and expressed her commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding. The debate also saw the candidates clash over the government’s proposal to remove the ‘triple lock’ mechanism, which currently requires UN approval, government decision, and parliamentary vote for deploying Irish troops abroad. Connolly argued for a referendum to protect Ireland’s neutrality, while Humphreys supported the government’s stance, questioning the need for foreign powers to veto Irish peacekeeping missions. Both candidates reaffirmed their commitment to Ireland’s neutrality, though they differed on the specifics of its implementation.
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Portugal holds municipal elections with attention on Lisbon after streetcar crash
LISBON, Portugal — Voters in Portugal headed to the polls on Sunday for local elections, with the mayoral race in Lisbon drawing significant attention following a tragic streetcar accident last month. The contest pits incumbent Mayor Carlos Moedas, leading a right-of-center coalition, against left-of-center candidate Alexandra Leitão, a law professor, for a four-year term. The September 3 crash, which claimed 16 lives—including 11 tourists—sparked public outrage, though Moedas has denied responsibility and declined to resign. The streetcar service, operated by Carris, falls under the oversight of the Lisbon City Council. However, many voters emphasized that their decisions were shaped more by pressing urban issues such as housing affordability, waste management, and the strain of tourism on the city’s infrastructure. José Rosa, a 72-year-old resident, lamented the chaotic traffic and garbage accumulation, stressing the need for proactive governance. Sandra Almeida, another voter, highlighted the housing crisis, stating that locals are being priced out of their own city. While the streetcar crash remains under investigation, with officials probing potential maintenance failures, Moedas has dismissed any political accountability, calling it a mechanical issue. Despite the tragedy, some voters, like Ana Btelho, saw the incident as a reflection of poor leadership. Moedas, a rising star in Portugal’s center-right Social Democratic Party, is seen as a potential future prime minister, with his tenure as mayor often viewed as a steppingstone to higher office.
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Russia attacks Ukraine’s power grid as Moscow worries over US Tomahawk missiles
Russia has escalated its assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, launching a series of drone and missile strikes overnight into Sunday. This marks a continuation of its strategy to destabilize Ukraine’s power grid ahead of the harsh winter months. The attacks targeted critical energy facilities across multiple regions, including Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv, leaving two employees of Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, wounded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, labeling them as “aerial terror” and revealing that Russia had deployed over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and approximately 1,360 glide bombs in the past week alone. Zelenskyy also emphasized the need for stricter sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, stating that such measures are crucial to cutting off funding for the war. In a separate development, Zelenskyy reported a “very productive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which they discussed bolstering Ukraine’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities. The conversation also touched on potential U.S. military aid, including the provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles, a topic that has drawn “extreme concern” from the Kremlin. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed skepticism about the U.S. delivering such weapons, suggesting that Trump’s rhetoric might not translate into immediate action. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s energy sector remains a focal point of the conflict, with Russian strikes causing widespread damage and blackouts. Ukrainian officials have described the recent attacks as among the largest concentrated strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure. As winter approaches, Russia’s strategy appears aimed at undermining public morale by disrupting essential services. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting or jamming 103 of 118 Russian drones launched overnight, while Russia claimed to have shot down 32 Ukrainian drones over its territory.