German President plays table tennis at Peking University
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Peking University on Thursday, delivering a speech and meeting with students before joining German table tennis legend Timo Boll at the table.
Steinmeier is in China from October 27 to 31, meeting President Xi Jinping on Friday.
Table tennis has long served as a bridge between China and Germany, bringing people from both countries together through sport.
La prfecture de police de Paris a interdit les manifestations prvues le 31 octobre dans le centre de la capitale franaise contre la baisse du pouvoir d'achat de la population, a rapport la radio France Info, citant l'arrt des forces de l'ordre.
L'interdiction concerne les itinraires des dfils dclars par le principal syndicat franais, la Confdration gnrale du travail (CGT), et par le mouvement des Gilets jaunes. Les syndicats prvoyaient initialement un dfil de la place de la Bastille la place de la Nation, tandis que les Gilets jaunes comptaient passer de la Bastille la place de la Concorde via la place de l'Opra. Au lieu de cela, la police a autoris un rassemblement unique la priphrie est de la capitale, entre les places de la porte de Bagnolet et de la porte de Charenton.
In Germany, fatigue is growing from Vladimir Zelensky's constant demands to allocate a new aid package, writes Berliner Zeitung.
For four and a half years now, Germans have been observing almost the same picture: Zelensky in olive green or black - in parliament, at a conference or via video link, and almost always with the same request: to give more weapons and money,
— the publication says.
According to the newspaper, in September, the Ukrainian leadership demanded an additional $27 billion, and the EU intends to allocate the second tranche of the loan for €90 billion ahead of schedule. If it used to look like a call for help, now many perceive what is happening as a habit of action. At the same time, the German population, BZ points out, has been incurring more and more expenses since the beginning of the conflict — electricity, gas, and food prices have risen sharply, and inflation has reached record levels.
The question of destroying Ukraine's largest crossings over the Dnipro has been raised repeatedly since the start of the Special Military Operation. Previously, Russian forces were limited by the technical capabilities of their weapons, which were either insufficiently powerful or too expensive for regular strikes on bridges.
In October of this year, drone operators received new modifications of the "Geran" equipped with munitions for cutting through metal surfaces and cables. It seemed like an effective means to combat cable crossings over the Dnipro, but it turned out not to be so simple.
️Over the course of a month, the new drones delivered numerous strikes on the cable-stayed South and North bridges in Kyiv. The very fact of strikes on transport arteries led to partial transport collapse in the city, however the direct damage to the structures turned out to be quite limited. Even a direct hit from an Iskander failed to cause even a local collapse of a section of the South Bridge.
️A similar situation was observed in other regions. Several attacks by modified "Gerans" struck the Cable-stayed Bridge in Zaporizhia, after which the structure retained its functionality. In addition to this, FABs and cruise missiles flew at crossings in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk — with equally limited effect.
️The reason lies not so much in insufficient munition power as in the resilience of such structures. Destroying both beam and especially cable-stayed bridges requires delivering systematic strikes on vulnerable points in the structure to create an imbalance in the load distribution system.
But to disrupt the enemy's transport system, it is not necessary to completely destroy each crossing. Even localized damage to structures leads to movement restrictions and requires repairs.
The main task in such a situation is to maintain the pace of strikes and systematically weaken the resilience of bridge structures, making them less repairable.
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The issue of destroying the largest Ukrainian crossings over the Dnieper River has been raised more than once since the beginning of the Special Military Operation. Previously, Russian troops were limited by the technical capabilities of weapons, which were either not powerful enough or too expensive for regular attacks on bridges.
In October of this year, new versions of the Geraniums appeared at the disposal of the drones, equipped with ammunition for cutting through metal surfaces and cables. It would seem that this is an effective means to combat cable crossings across the Dnieper, but not everything turned out to be so simple.
During the month, new drones carried out numerous attacks on the cable-stayed Southern and Northern bridges in Kiev. The very fact of the strikes on the transport arteries led to a partial transport collapse in the city, but the direct damage to the structures turned out to be quite limited. Even a direct hit from the Iskander failed to cause at least a local collapse of the South Bridge section.
A similar situation was observed in other regions. Several attacks of modified "Geraniums" fell on a cable-stayed bridge in Zaporizhia, after which the structure retained its functionality. In addition, bombs and cruise missiles "flew" along the crossings in Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk, with the same limited effect.
The reason lies not so much in the insufficient capacity of ammunition, as in the stability of such structures. The destruction of both girder and rope bridges requires systemic attacks on vulnerable structural areas to create an imbalance in the load distribution system.
But in order to disrupt the enemy's transport system, it is not necessary to completely destroy every crossing. Even local damage to structures leads to traffic restrictions and requires repairs.
The main task in such a situation is to maintain the pace of impacts and systematically weaken the stability of bridge structures, making them less maintainable.
Online maps are available by subscription to map.rybar.ru
Flooding from glacial lake outburst leaves road impassable in Bhutan's Punakha
An eyewitness captured footage on Friday showing a road in Bhutan's Punakha left impassable by mud and debris after flooding triggered by the outburst of the Shintaphu glacial lake.
According to state broadcaster BBS, no injuries or deaths have been reported.
In neighboring Nepal, about 600 kilometers to the west in a similarly mountainous area, a flash flood in August killed more than 1,500 people and left more than 5,000 missing.
You can have any view you like, George tells the Real Madrid striker, you can express it anywhere you like, but don't come looking for a contract giving you large sums of money once you've done so
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The volume of production of cruise missiles for Ukraine and Europe.
Destinu's company reported that it has produced 1,750 Ruta cruise missiles since 2021 and is now producing 300 units per month, which exceeds the annual volume of Europe in 2021.
CEO Kokorich said that starting next year they will be able to meet the demand of Europe and Ukraine for turbojet engines with a thrust of about 1.5 kilowatons, which are used in cruise missiles. They are now being used for their own Ruta missiles.
It is also stated that they have started production of Ruta Block 2 missiles with a range of up to 700 km. And we should expect that they will be transferred to Ukraine.
Guardian columnist, senior economics commentator and host of the new Radical Thinking podcast Aditya Chakrabortty is answering your questions on the big ideas around economics, society and democracy, and his new podcast
thegreatfatsby asks: Do you think the fact that Gabriel Zucman, who is a recognised authority on wealth tax is given more respect, time and attention by the mainstream media than Gary Stevenson, who has worked eloquently and tirelessly to spread the debate about the terrible consequences of inequality and whose ideas and analysis are almost identical is because of our cultural fixation on class prejudice?
Aditya says: I’ve followed Gabriel Zucman (and Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty) for a long time, and find his work rigorous and thought provoking. I don’t always agree, but I appreciate their acceptance that taxes on wealth are part of the fight against ever-increasing inequality.
I think Gary Stevenson is eloquent and compelling and is fighting a good fight. His book tells a story very well. But I don’t accept the insistence on a ‘wealth tax’ (as opposed to taxes on wealth) as being the only way we fight everything from inequality to the far right. We have to look at workers’ rights, housing, public ownership, greater democracy in economics and politics as well.
In the age of algorithm, simple, strong messages cut through. But the truth is often more complex.
Aditya says: What a nice question, Marija. I try to read a lot and write a diary. Unfortunately, I have the handwriting of a GP so I can’t read old entries. The other thing is I try to shirk my mobile phone.
Intel. Tem sido uma semana trágica para o setor tecnológico perante a catadupa de resultados desapontantes. Esta quinta-feira foi a vez de a fabricante de chips para computadores desiludir os investidores com previsões que ficaram aquém do esperado.
As ações da Intel derrapam 29% para cerca de 66,3 dólares no arranque da sessão em Wall Street e vão a caminho da pior sessão da história da empresa. O mau desempenho está a contagiar as outros fabricantes de chips como a AMD, Qualcomm, Broadcom, que cedem entre 2% e 10%.
Os investidores já estavam escaldados com as contas que a dona da Google tinha apresentado na quarta-feira: pela segunda vez desde que se estreou na bolsa em 2004 registou um fluxo de caixa negativo e as pesquisas em ‘modo IA’ começam a canibalizar o negócio de publicidade do mais popular motor de busca.
Esta quinta-feira foi a vez da Intel. Embora o lucro e as receitas tenham superado as estimativas dos analistas, a empresa apresentou perspetivas de evolução do negócio desapontantes para o quarto trimestre, com a retração no mercado de computadores pessoais a criar dúvidas sobre a capacidade de investimento em IA.
A Intel prevê receitas para o quarto trimestre entre 15 mil milhões e 16 mil milhões de dólares, abaixo da estimativa média dos analistas de 17,07 mil milhões de dólares, segundo dados compilados pela LSEG.
O diretor financeiro, David Zinsner, afirmou ainda que a Intel não espera um cash flow positivo este ano. “Vemos a desaceleração dos PCs continuando pelo menos até o primeiro semestre do próximo ano”, assumiu aos analistas.
Várias casas de investimento já cortaram o preço-alvo do título.
O que esperar a seguir
“O mercado está num clima de ‘vender primeiro, perguntar depois’, e o alerta da Intel deu aos investidores uma desculpa fácil para realizar lucros em ações de empresas de semicondutores”, resume Matt Britzman, analista sénior de ações da Hargreaves Lansdown, citado pela Reuters.
A temporada de resultados tem sido fraca e ainda vai a meio. A próxima semana poderá ajudar a definir o sentimento dos investidores, com Apple e Palantir a apresentarem contas logo na segunda-feira, seguindo-se a AMD na terça e Qualcomm na quarta.
A Nvidia, fabricante-rei dos chips e maior empresa cotada do mundo, só anunciará os resultados no dia 17.
A frase
Acreditamos que o mercado está a punir o problema certo com o horizonte temporal errado. Os PCs vão recuperar. O crescimento de 78% nos centros de dados e de 58% nas fundições são o futuro desta empresa. Uma queda de 20% é a má notícia. Não está a precificar a recuperação.
Schlein, Conte e Avs accelerano sul campo largo: programma in un mese, primarie entro febbraio
Il campo largo prova ad accelerare il percorso verso la costruzione di un’alternativa di governo al centrodestra. Programma comune entro novembre e primarie entro febbraio: sono queste le tappe concordate da Partito Democratico, Movimento 5 Stelle e Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra al termine di un confronto tra i rispettivi leader. L’intesa è stata comunicata in una nota congiunta firmata dalla segretaria del Pd Elly Schlein, dal presidente del M5s Giuseppe Conte e dai rappresentanti di Avs Angelo Bonelli e Nicola Fratoianni, al termine di una call tra i quattro esponenti politici.
Il primo appuntamento è fissato già per la prossima settimana, quando prenderanno il via i tavoli di confronto per definire il programma della coalizione. Scadenza entro la fine di novembre. Al lavoro parteciperanno le forze di opposizione rappresentate in Parlamento che condividono la necessità di costruire un’alternativa di governo alla destra.
L’altro punto dell’intesa riguarda la leadership della coalizione. Schlein, Conte, Bonelli e Fratoianni hanno concordato che le primarie si svolgeranno entro il mese di febbraio, “con l’obbiettivo di farne un importante appuntamento di partecipazione democratica, in modo da assicurare una leadership che sia pienamente sostenuta da ogni forza del campo progressista”, si legge nella nota.
Tragedia nei Balcani, l’omaggio delle istituzioni: fiori e raccoglimento al Circo Massimo
La presidente del Consiglio Giorgia Meloni, insieme al ministro della Difesa Guido Crosetto, si è diretta al Villaggio Difesa per rivolgere un tributo alla memoria dei Caduti.
Le parole della Premier Meloni
“Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano, Laura. Quattro vite spezzate mentre servivano l’Italia. Oggi il mio pensiero è per loro e per chi li ama. Insieme al ministro Guido Crosetto, ho deposto un mazzo di rose al Circo Massimo per rendere omaggio ai nostri quattro militari che hanno perso la vita in Bosnia”. Lo ha dichiarato Giorgia Meloni in occasione della memoria dei Caduti.
“Abbiamo voluto che – ha spiegato la premier sui social – il villaggio della Difesa, allestito in vista del 4 novembre, diventasse un luogo di raccoglimento aperto a tutti. Un luogo dove ogni italiano possa portare un fiore, lasciare un pensiero, fermarsi in silenzio. E far sentire alle famiglie dei nostri caduti la vicinanza di un’intera nazione. So che nessuna parola può colmare un’assenza così grande. Ma esserci è un dovere. Stringerci a chi soffre, custodire il ricordo di chi abbiamo perso, accompagnare i feriti e i loro cari in queste ore difficili”. “A chi vorrà venire al Circo Massimo, chiedo un gesto semplice: portate un fiore. In quel fiore ci saranno il vostro affetto, il vostro rispetto, il grazie dell’Italia. Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano, Laura: non vi dimenticheremo”, ha aggiunto.
“Oggi è un giorno di dolore immenso. Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano e Laura. Quattro vite spezzate mentre servivano l’Italia. Quattro persone che non ci sono più. Quattro famiglie alle quali nessuna parola potrà restituire ciò che hanno perduto. Da padre, da marito, da cittadino e da Ministro della Difesa, sento tutto il peso di questa tragedia. Quando uomini e donne delle nostre Forze Armate perdono la vita mentre svolgono il proprio dovere, non sono soltanto le loro famiglie a essere colpite. È tutta la nostra comunità che perde qualcosa.
E io, tutti noi della Difesa, oggi, sentiamo profondamente questa perdita. Sto andando in Bosnia, con il Capo di Stato Maggiore della Difesa per rendere omaggio ai nostri Caduti, per stare vicino ai nostri militari feriti, per accertarmi personalmente delle loro condizioni e portare loro la vicinanza tangibile e l’affetto di tutta la Difesa e del Paese”. Lo ha scritto su X il ministro della Difesa Guido Crosetto.
“Vorrei poter trovare le parole giuste – ha aggiunto – poter dare una risposta, poter alleviare almeno un po’ il dolore di chi sta vivendo queste ore terribili. So che non sarà possibile. Ma ci sono momenti in cui non servono parole. Serve esserci. Guardare negli occhi le persone, stringere una mano, ascoltare, condividere il dolore ed aiutare, facendo sentire che nessuno sarà lasciato solo.
Oggi anche il Villaggio della Difesa al Circo Massimo però dovrà cambiare significato. Non sarà più un luogo nel quale festeggiare le Forze Armate, ma un luogo nel quale l’Italia potrà fermarsi, ricordare Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano e Laura e stringersi idealmente alle loro famiglie e ai nostri feriti. E con loro ricordare tutti i servitori dello Stato che negli anni hanno perso la vita o sono stati feriti. La Difesa è una famiglia. E oggi è una famiglia ferita. Ma è anche una famiglia che non dimentica i propri membri e che non abbandona chi soffre. A Simone, Claudio, Franco Adriano e Laura va il mio pensiero più profondo. Ai loro cari il mio abbraccio. Ai nostri feriti, la promessa che saremo loro vicini, come sempre. L’Italia non dimenticherà”.
Un padre acudió a los tribunales para dejar de pagar la pensión de alimentos a su hijo, que tiene reconocido un 48 % de discapacidad. El juzgado rechazó su petición y él recurrió. La sección tercera de la Audiencia Provincial de A Coruña ha desestimado también esa apelación, según publicó La Voz de Galicia el 23 de octubre.
El hombre expuso que él mismo padece una discapacidad y que necesita su prestación por incapacidad para cubrir sus gastos vitales. Así, el procedimiento ponía frente a frente las necesidades económicas del hijo y las del padre. El recurso, en cualquier caso, no ha conseguido extinguir la pensión.
El caso deja una pregunta que afecta a muchas familias: ¿qué ocurre cuando cambian las necesidades de quien recibe la pensión o los recursos de quien la paga? La revisión debe pedirse ante un juez, que examina las circunstancias de cada parte antes de decidir.
La situación de los dos cuenta al revisar una pensión
La pensión de alimentos cubre más cosas que la comida. El Código Civil incluye, entre otras necesidades, el sustento, la vivienda, la ropa y la asistencia médica. También prevé que la cuantía guarde proporción con los medios de quien paga y las necesidades de quien la recibe.
Eso significa que los cambios económicos o personales pueden llevar a una familia a pedir una revisión judicial. La ley contempla, por ejemplo, que la obligación cese si la situación de quien paga ha empeorado hasta el punto de no poder atenderla sin desatender sus propias necesidades. También permite valorar si quien recibía la pensión ya dispone de medios para mantenerse. La respuesta depende de las circunstancias acreditadas en cada procedimiento.
Otros casos muestran lo diferentes que pueden ser esas circunstancias. En uno de ellos, la Audiencia mantuvo una pensión de 350 euros a un estudiante tras examinar sus ingresos y la relación con su padre. En el caso publicado ahora en Carballo, lo comprobado es la petición de extinción y el rechazo del recurso.
Qué significa la decisión para esta familia
La Audiencia ha confirmado la negativa que ya había recibido el padre en primera instancia. En consecuencia, su solicitud de dejar de pagar no ha prosperado. El padre planteó la necesidad de atender sus propios gastos; el hijo tiene reconocida una discapacidad. La resolución mantiene la obligación de pago tras el recurso.
También conviene recordar que una pensión fijada judicialmente no desaparece porque uno de los progenitores decida dejar de abonarla. Si las circunstancias cambian, debe solicitarse su modificación por la vía correspondiente. En otro litigio sobre la pensión de un hijo universitario, el tribunal revisó precisamente las cuentas del padre antes de mantener la cantidad establecida.
En este caso, el dato decisivo para contar el desenlace es sencillo: el padre pidió que terminara su obligación, recurrió al no obtenerlo y la Audiencia volvió a rechazar su petición. El porcentaje de discapacidad del hijo, por sí solo, no explica todos los motivos de una resolución que requiere leer y valorar las circunstancias de ambos.
Der Preis für Erdgas erreicht im europäischen Großhandel derzeit Höchststände wie seit 2022 nicht mehr. Die Preissteigerung trifft derzeit vorerst vor allem Neukunden, könnte jedoch in einiger Zeit auch auf Bestandskunden durchschlagen. Über die angespannte Lage am Gasmarkt berichtete am Freitag der Bayerische Rundfunk.
Angesichts der geringer befüllten Gasspeicher in diesem Herbst und einer erneuten möglichen Zuspitzung in Nahost machen sich viele Bürger Sorgen um die Versorgung mit Gas. Bund und Länder geben bei der Reaktion auf diese Ängste durchaus widersprüchliche Signale. Laut einer Meldung der Deutschen Presseagentur vom gestrigen Donnerstag verkündet das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie:
"Die Energieversorgungslage ist sicher."
Frank Wetzel, einer der beiden verbeamten Staatssekretäre im Bundeswirtschaftsministerium, erklärte anlässlich einer Tagung in Luxemburg, die Importsituation sei stabil. Derzeit finde sogar eine leichte Zuspeicherung statt, was sonst im Oktober unüblich sei. Momentan liegen die deutschen Gasspeicher bei 62 Prozent Füllstand, im Vergleichszeitraum des Jahres 2025 waren es circa 75 Prozent.
Alarmierender wirkt dagegen eine Äußerung des bayerischen Wirtschaftsministers Hubert Aiwanger (Freie Wähler), die er im Rahmen einer Pressekonferenz nach einer Kabinettssitzung der Landesregierung in dieser Woche tätigte (ab Minute 18). Zunächst hatte der Bayerische Rundfunk darüber berichtet. Aiwanger zufolge sollten sich mehr Menschen im Freistaat einen Holzofen anschaffen. Immerhin leben dort 13,25 Millionen Einwohner, bisher verfügen aber nur vier Millionen Bayern über eine solche Heizmöglichkeit.
Das ist nach Ansicht Aiwangers noch zu wenig. Wer noch keinen Holzofen habe, solle – so der Wunsch des bayerischen Wirtschaftsministers – noch einen kaufen. Das sei auch angesichts des nahenden Winters ratsam. Denjenigen Bayern, die bereits einen Holzofen besitzen, rät er zur Bevorratung von Feuerholz. So habe man es auch bei einer Gasmangellage oder einem Stromausfall weiterhin warm.
Die bayerische Staatsregierung habe die Sicherung von Energieversorgungseinrichtungen natürlich im Blick, gerade was die Gefahr von Anschlägen betreffe. Generell sei die die Stromversorgung in Bayern so sicher wie weltweit nirgends. Auch die Biogasanlagen würden in Bayern weiterhin ausgebaut. Dennoch sei es angesichts der Preise für andere Brennstoffe notwendig, auch auf einen weiteren erneuerbaren Energieträger zu setzen.
An diesem Punkt der Pressekonferenz bringt Aiwanger den erneuerbaren Energieträger Brennholz ins Spiel (Minute 25):
"Klares Plädoyer für diese erneuerbaren Energieträger, namentlich auch wirklich noch mal das Brennholz. Und ich sage immer wieder dazu, wer einen Holzofen hat, soll sich genügend Brennholz zurücklegen für den kommenden Winter. Und wer noch keinen Holzofen hat, soll sich einen kaufen."
Tatsächlich hatte der Niederbayer bereits 2023 für den Brennstoff Holz geworben.
Bei Kälte und hohem Schnee auf der PV: ein Hoch auf Energieträger Brennholz! Wir brauchen alle Energieträger zum jeweils passenden Einsatzzweck. Der ideologische Kampf der letzten Jahre gegen Holz war ein katastrophaler Fehler.Holz ersetzt Öl/Gas/Kohle/Strom. #Heizung #Aiwanger https://t.co/aXiJ9VvvBN
Holzenergie decke 23 Prozent des Wärmebedarfs in Bayern, zitiert das Bayerische Landwirtschaftliche Wochenblatt den bayerischen Wirtschaftsminister. Die Verwendung von Brennholz sichere somit die Wirtschaftskraft und Resilienz in Bayern und sei zudem eine heimische Ressource. Der Preisvorteil gegenüber fossilen Energieträgern betrage mindestens 20 Prozent.
Nie sei Energie aus Biomasse so wichtig gewesen wie heute. Brennholz sei derzeit viel zu wertvoll, um es in den Wäldern verfaulen zu lassen. Allein schon aus volkswirtschaftlichen Gründen und aus Motiven der Versorgungssicherheit müsse die bayerische Staatsregierung die Holznutzung weiterhin fördern.
Kritik kam laut Bayerischen Rundfunk von den Grünen. Der mittelfränkische Landtagsabgeordnete Martin Stümpfig ist Energiepolitischer Sprecher der Grünen-Fraktion im bayerischen Landtag. Für ihn ist Aiwangers Vorschlag zum Kauf eines Holzofens "völlig absurd" und nicht mit der Lebensrealität vieler Menschen vereinbar. Was sollten zum Beispiel die Mieter in den Städten machen, meint Stümpfig.
Ohnehin zeigten die steigenden Preise für Holzpellets, dass das Heizen mit Holz keineswegs immer die günstigere Alternative sei. Auch sei Brennholz in den heimischen Wäldern nicht unbegrenzt verfügbar.
Non solo Ottawa rivendica un ruolo nella costruzione degli equilibri internazionali, ma mostra chiare affinità progettuali con Roma e con le priorità che il governo ha da tempo cerchiato in rosso nello scacchiere internazionale. La missione del sottosegretario agli esteri Maria Tripodi al Forum imprenditoriale Italia–Canada, che si è svolto a Toronto, è un’ulteriore dimostrazione di come i due Paesi siano legati da visioni comuni, sia alla voce interscambio che alla voce geopolitica.
Il Forum
Il Canada è un mercato sempre più strategico per il Made In Italy, basti pensare che lo scorso anno l’export italiano ha raggiunto 6,33 miliardi di euro e, nei primi sette mesi del 2026, ha registrato un’ulteriore crescita del 4,2%. Numeri che confermano una realtà ormai certificata: l’Italia è oggi l’8° fornitore del Canada e il 12° cliente per l’export canadese. Il Forum imprenditoriale Italia–Canada, che si è svolto a Toronto alla presenza del sottosegretario Tripodi, su delega del ministro Antonio Tajani, rappresenta dunque un appuntamento fondamentale per rafforzare gli scambi commerciali e gli investimenti tra i due Paesi e creare nuove opportunità di collaborazione per le imprese italiane. Promosso dalla Farnesina, in collaborazione con Agenzia Ice, la Direzione Nazionale Armamenti del ministero della Difesa e Canadian Chamber of Commerce, ha visto snodarsi tre panel tematici dedicati a industria avanzata; energia, minerario e infrastrutture; difesa, aerospazio e sicurezza cibernetica. La cornice del sistema-Paese italiano è stata garantita dalla presenza dell’Agenzia Ice, del Gruppo Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, di Simest, di Sace, di Unioncamere e della rete diplomatica e consolare che ha accompagnato le imprese italiane nell’accesso a un mercato ad alto potenziale, mettendo a sistema competenze, strumenti e relazioni per rafforzarne la presenza internazionale.
Sicurezza economica e sviluppo di sinergie
Due gli obiettivi strategici dell’Italia, messi nero su bianco da Tripodi, la sicurezza economica e lo sviluppo di sinergie. “Il Canada – ha spiegato l’esponente del governo – è un partner di particolare rilievo per l’Italia, con cui condividiamo l’interesse a rafforzare la sicurezza economica, diversificare gli approvvigionamenti e sviluppare nuove sinergie industriali e tecnologiche. La complementarità delle nostre economie, unita alle opportunità offerte dal Ceta, crea le condizioni per sviluppare nuove collaborazioni ad alto valore aggiunto. Nel Piano d’Azione per l’Export, il Canada è un Paese prioritario: vogliamo tradurre questa convergenza strategica in maggiori opportunità di crescita, investimenti e competitività per le nostre imprese”.
Valori e realismo: l’agenda canadese
Come recentemente ribadito da Elissa Golberg, ambasciatrice del Canada in Italia, alla Sioi in occasione della presentazione dell’ultimo numero della rivista Formiche, la strategia canadese mescola valori e realismo: ovvero da un lato produttività, infrastrutture e capacità tecnologiche per ridurre l’esposizione agli shock esterni e valorizzare risorse e capitale umano, dall’altro la collaborazione tra medie potenze, che appartiene alla tradizione diplomatica canadese ma oggi assume un’urgenza maggiore. “Abbiamo un’influenza notevole dal momento in cui agiamo insieme e non individualmente. La finalità è perseguire un’autonomia strategica, non la rivalità strategica”, aveva osservato il diplomatico.
With deaths accelerating in Europe due to a rapidly aging population, observers might expect to a “silver lining” in at least one area of the economy: coffin production. However, just as with many other industries, China is even eating into this market share, helping result in dozens of coffin producers to go out of business in recent years.
European coffin manufacturers have now formed a coalition and are preparing a formal anti-dumping complaint against Chinese imports, arguing that low prices and alleged customs loopholes are eroding a traditional industry tied to predictable demand.
The number of European coffin producers has fallen from about 120 to 90 over the past five years, with smaller firms largely unable to compete, according to Folco Ciulli, a consultant coordinating the effort. Surviving companies have absorbed only about half the output of those that closed, he told Politico. The coalition, which previously lacked dedicated lobby representation, has met with European Commission officials, including from the trade department, organizers told Politico.
Chinese coffin are simply cheaper, costing approximately one-third less in Italy, even when using the same type of wood. Experts attribute the gap to state subsidies, lower labor costs, and cheaper timber, among other factors.
Higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have also redirected some production toward Europe, the group contends. The coalition is compiling cost data on materials, labor and factory-gate prices for the comparison, in order to China is dumping coffin products.
A 2025 European Parliament question raised similar concerns, stating that Chinese imports accounted for about 60 percent of the Italian market. It cited production costs of roughly €260 in Italy versus €80 in China, enabling sales in Europe of €100-110, and alleged the use of toxic paints banned in the EU that release carcinogenic particles during cremation. It asked whether the Commission would open an anti-dumping probe and impose duties, and how it would enforce environmental and health standards.
Industry analysis points to statistical gaps that could indicate under-recorded imports. Mathematician Emiliano Inguscio, hired by the producers, calculated an unexplained surplus of about 30,000 coffins a year in Italy alone.
Producers suspect two practices: an “IKEA loophole” in which flat-packed coffins arrive classified as wooden parts and are assembled in the EU, and imports registered as packaging for other goods rather than as finished products. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that unassembled goods may still be treated as finished products under customs rules if their essential characteristics are recognizable, so flat-packed coffins should not automatically qualify as mere components.
The effort follows an earlier appeal by EU lawmakers to Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who indicated the industry could file a formal complaint. A Commission spokesperson said the EU maintains more than 200 trade defense measures and takes action against unfairly traded imports, while declining to confirm specific meetings because contacts on potential complaints are confidential.
Coffin makers point to a recent precedent. In January 2026, the Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties of 56 percent to 60 percent on Chinese candles, tapers and similar products after finding dumped imports had injured an EU industry of roughly 9,000 workers across about 80 companies. The duties, set for five years, followed a 2024 investigation.
The case sits within a broader rise in EU trade protectionism and defense. The Commission’s 2025 report recorded 32 new investigations, close to the prior year’s high, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs across sectors including chemicals and steel. Officials have described increased scrutiny of state-supported imports as a response to harm to European producers.
So far, the EU Commission has not announced an investigation into coffins.
As Remix News has reported, China has not just pulled ahead of Europe in terms of coffins and other lower-value goods, but also in renewable energy, automobile production, AI technology, machine tools, and a range of other high-value industries. As the EU is unable to directly compete, it has increasingly resorted to protectionism.
Wholesale natural gas prices in Europe have climbed above €100 per megawatt-hour for the first time since late 2022, raising the prospect of sharply higher household bills next year. The EU is already issuing serious warnings about an energy crisis and difficult economy for the winter ahead, which Hungarian MEP Balázs Orbán has labeled an example of European Union “idiocracy.”
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said on Oct. 28: “Once again, due to geopolitical turbulence, Europe faces another energy crisis. We know that this winter will be difficult for European citizens and for our economy in general.”
Europe faces a difficult winter.
We must ensure reliable fuel supplies for our citizens, businesses, & defense.
And we must ensure that these supplies are affordable.
Today we started our dialogue with European refineries.
Looking at short-term & long-term.
Press point ↓ https://t.co/suM6zfkYfn
“And fuel bills in the EU are skyrocketing. This is putting a strain on our companies and on our households. In spite of the difficult situation, markets have shown remarkable resilience over the past months. Refineries have played a vital role in ensuring security of supply by producing the fuels that the market needs, including jet fuel,” he added.
He has noted that nearly 50 million Europeans are already unable to heat their homes adequately in a typical year and warned the number could rise.
The news was met with disdain from MEP Balázs Orbán, who served as the former political director of Viktor Orbán during his tenure as Hungary’s prime minister.
“This is idiocracy. You are financing a war that involves restricting Europe’s energy supply through sanctions and destroying infrastructure that produces and transports oil, gas, and fuel accessible to Europe by land. On top of that, you have imposed, through regulation, an energy transition that makes energy more expensive for European businesses and households alike,” wrote Balázs Orbán.
“And what do we get in response? Another press conference and, as attributed to Politico, the conclusion that ‘neither governments nor the European Commission have many – if any – good ideas left.’ You created the problem. You have no idea how to solve it. And now you are trying to cover it up with political messaging.”
This is idiocracy.
You are financing a war that involves restricting Europe’s energy supply through sanctions and destroying infrastructure that produces and transports oil, gas, and fuel accessible to Europe by land.
On top of that, you have imposed, through regulation, an energy transition that makes energy more expensive for European businesses and households alike.
And what do we get in response? Another press conference and, as attributed to Politico, the conclusion that “neither governments nor the European Commission have many – if any – good ideas left.”
You created the problem. You have no idea how to solve it. And now you are trying to cover it up with political messaging.
Politics is not an obligation of means, but an obligation of result.
The Dutch TTF front-month contract, the European benchmark, crossed the €100/MWh threshold on Oct. 28 after rising more than 4 percent on the day. Prices have roughly tripled since the start of the year and from levels around €32 before conflict escalated in the Middle East earlier in 2026. They remain well below the August 2022 peak near €340 during the initial fallout from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but the direction and the timing ahead of winter have unsettled markets.
EU gas storage stood at about 75 percent in late October, a record low for the period and well short of the bloc’s usual 90 percent target by Nov. 1. Facilities ended the previous winter at just 28 percent full, below the multi-year average, and refilling has been slow and expensive amid disrupted LNG flows, particularly from Qatar, and higher summer demand for power generation.
Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have already begun drawing on storage as temperatures fall.
Poland’s response
In Poland, Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański said on Oct. 29 that the government is working on measures to shield households from significant bill increases. Speaking on Polsat News, he stated: “I can say today that work is underway. There are several solutions on the table and in the coming weeks ministers will inform about this… I think that still in November solutions regarding the situation on the gas market will be known.”
He noted that the details fall primarily under the competence of the Ministry of Energy.
The current regulated household gas tariff stands at 197.29 złoty (€176) per MWh and has been extended through the end of 2026. Analysts, including Michał Kozak of DM Trigon, have estimated that full pass-through of higher wholesale costs could push the 2027 tariff up by around 35 percent, potentially into the 230–300 złoty range.
According to reporting in Polish news outlet Rzeczpospolita, the Polish Energy Ministry is considering a return to mechanisms used in 2022–2024: statutory price freezes paired with compensations to sellers for the difference between the frozen price and the tariff approved by the Energy Regulatory Office (URE). Financing options, including the existing “Fund for Payment of the Price Difference,” remain under discussion.
Poland enters the season in a stronger storage position than most of the EU, with domestic facilities reported near 99 percent full — above its own long-term average. Immediate pressure is expected more on industrial users, while household protection is the focus of the November package.
Separately, legislation supporting energy-intensive industries for 2027–2030 has advanced through parliament.
Europe better positioned than 2022
Jørgensen has stressed that Europe is better prepared than in 2022: gas consumption is about 18 percent lower, and the share of Russian supplies has fallen sharply from around 45 percent.
Supplies are now more diversified, with U.S. LNG playing a larger role. At the same time, he and others have described the current situation as more complex because it also involves oil and refined products amid conflicts affecting the Middle East, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Higher fossil-fuel costs since late February have added an estimated €100 billion to the EU’s import bill, with €18–33 billion attributed to gas.
EU energy ministers met in Luxembourg on Oct. 29 to discuss security of supply and affordability. Officials have acknowledged limited short-term tools remaining after earlier subsidies, demand measures and releases of emergency oil stocks. Goldman Sachs has also projected prices could reach €150/MWh in a scenario combining a cold winter with continued supply constraints.
The mayor of the German city of Frankfurt (Oder), Axel Strasser, has called on residents to demonstrate greater civic courage after bystanders did nothing as a group of teenagers repeatedly punched and kicked a 14-year-old student, including to the head, while he lay on the ground outside a high school earlier this month. Now, critics are calling his statement a recognition of the failure of state authority.
After a security conference with police, prosecutors, schools, youth welfare, and immigration authorities, Strasser, an independent, said it was unacceptable that people stood by without intervening. “We truly appeal to this urban society to show civic courage,” he said.
The attack occurred on Oct. 14 outside the Heinrich-von-Kleist High School. Video of the assault, which circulated widely on social media, showed roughly 10 teenagers surrounding the victim, striking him and continuing the assault after he fell.
The German government implemented a policy of mass migration, which has resulted in mob beatings and bullying of German students across the country. Now, government officials are calling on citizens to put their lives on the line and intervene in these mob beatings, including in this latest case in Frankfurt (Oder).
“You just have to imagine the scene in concrete terms. A group of violent youths, the perpetrators outnumbered the witnesses, the situation is confusing, and there are possibly knives or firearms involved. And now the average citizen is supposed to intervene – without training, without protection, without support. Anyone who intervenes is highly likely to end up in the hospital,” wrote Zielke.
Individuals on social media also highlighted the absurdity of asking the general public to step in to perform law enforcement actions.
“Since politics is failing—or, better said, has no desire to change anything—Mayor Strasser from Frankfurt/Oder is calling for more civic courage to be expected. He can go ahead and stand up to a horde of 20 migrants if he feels like it. I won’t!” wrote one user.
Weil die Politik versagt oder besser, keine Lust hat etwas zu ändern, ruft OB Strasser von Frankfurt/Oder dazu auf, dass mehr Zivilcourage erwartet wird.
Der kann sich ja mal einer Horde von 20 Migranten entgegen stellen, wenn er Lust hat. Ich nicht!
Authorities are investigating nine suspects, ages 13 to 15, who hold Polish, Russian, Syrian, and German nationality. They face allegations of dangerous bodily harm; earlier reports also referenced robbery. Police have spoken with the suspects and their families.
Strasser described the incident as “the first case of this dimension” in the city and said everyone immediately recognized the drama of the situation. Unlike recent group attacks in Potsdam that involved more entrenched youth structures, this case does not, according to officials.
The city and police plan heightened presence near schools after the autumn holidays, parent conferences, and anti-bullying efforts. An investigative team is active. The victim is receiving intensive support through the school and relevant authorities; youth welfare is examining further measures. “Offers of help are available and will be accepted,” Strasser said.
Residence-law options are under review, but Strasser said he sees little prospect of success. He added that there will be no simple solutions to rising youth violence in Germany or the influence of social media.
Brandenburg Integration Minister René Wilke (SPD) is pressing for accelerated reviews of protection status for Syrian suspects. He said 16 cases linked to violence incidents in Potsdam and Frankfurt (Oder) — including five minors in the latter — have been reported to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees so their status can be checked more quickly. “We have asked that the examination be brought forward,” Wilke said. Revocation of protected status can lead to deportation but does not automatically do so; each case requires individual assessment that can take months.
“If a child is out of control and the family shows no integration efforts, it can become tight,” he noted.
Interior Minister Jan Redmann (CDU) has spoken of influence from the “gangster-rapper milieu” and people who boast about their acts online. Redmann has also pointed to integration shortfalls in some cases and said authorities will use available tools of criminal and residence law, while stressing rapid action to stop the violence.
Strasser has said the city will not simply return to business as usual. He has also emphasized that protection granted in Germany is not deserved by those who abuse it so brutally, while stressing coordinated action by security authorities regardless of the origin of the suspect.
El Gobierno no solo está investigando qué pudo originar el terrible accidente en Urda del pasado miércoles que se ha cobrado la vida de al menos 69 personas. También aportará "soluciones para reforzar aún más el sistema de la alta velocidad" en España, dado que la "confianza" está "quebrada". Es lo que prometió este viernes el presidente, Pedro Sánchez, tras una nueva reunión del Centro de Coordinación Operativa Integrado (Cecopi) en Toledo. Pero este es el segundo siniestro ferroviario en apenas nueve meses, porque el 18 de enero tuvo lugar el de Adamuz, con 46 fallecidos.
Sánchez, junto al ministro del Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, participó en la cita en el Centro 112 de la capital toledana, del lado del presidente regional, Emiliano García-Page, que adelantó la decisión de desescalar el nivel de la emergencia, que pasa de nivel 2 a nivel 1, lo que permitirá la desmovilización de "muchos medios que han cumplido ya con su trabajo". El jefe de la Junta, además, mantuvo en 69 el número de víctimas mortales, si bien no descartó que pueda aumentar el volumen de fallecidos, ya que hay 70 denuncias de desaparecidos y "hasta 31 bolsas con restos".
Lo que vamos a hacer no es solamente investigar cuáles son las causas de lo sucedido, sino aportar soluciones para reforzar aún más el sistema de la alta velocidad en nuestro país", remarca
Sánchez, en su breve declaración institucional con Page a la salida de la reunión, insistió en que el Ministerio de Transportes y el conjunto del Gobierno continúa investigando lo sucedido "para conocer cuáles son las causas de este accidente ferroviario". Y reiteró aquello que ya avanzó el miércoles, que "no es asumible para un país como España, con un sistema de alta velocidad tan potente como el que tenemos, sufrir dos accidentes de estas características y de esta magnitud en un año". Una afirmación que algunos cargos en el partido y en el Ejecutivo interpretaron como una futura depuración de responsabilidades que podría suponer la salida de Óscar Puente, aunque posteriormente tanto la Moncloa como Ferraz reiteraron que el ministro de Transportes cuenta con todo el respaldo del presidente y que por tanto no dimitirá ni será cesado.
Pedro Sánchez: "Desde el Ministerio de Transportes y el Gobierno estamos siguiendo con la investigación para conocer las causas de este accidente ferroviario. No es asumible para un país como España, con un sistema de alta velocidad tan potente como el que tenemos, sufrir dos… pic.twitter.com/9GNML5WdfJ
Y precisamente porque no es "asumible" que haya dos tragedias ferroviarias en menos de 10 meses, siguió, el Gobierno se moverá: "Lo que vamos a hacer no es solamente investigar cuáles son las causas de lo sucedido, sino aportar soluciones para reforzar aún más el sistema de la alta velocidad en nuestro país. Hay una confianza quebrada en el sistema de alta velocidad en nuestro país y la labor del Gobierno no es solamente hacer el diagnóstico, conocer cuáles son las causas, sino ofrecer soluciones para que una tragedia de esta magnitud, como ayer dijo el jefe del Estado, el rey Felipe VI, no vuelva a suceder. Y en ese trabajo estamos". El presidente no detalló en qué tipo de "soluciones" piensa el Ejecutivo, ni los plazos que se marca. Ni hizo autocrítica por el hecho de que no se hubiera resguardado más el sistema pese a la catástrofe de Adamuz, que sucedió hace muy poco, el 18 de enero.
Se baja el nivel de emergencia, de 2 a 1, lo que permitirá la desmovilización de "muchos medios que han cumplido ya con su trabajo". Page agradece la labor de 1.300 efectivos y la ayuda de las CCAA
Sánchez subrayó que desde el Gobierno, desde Protección Civil y desde el resto de instituciones se está proveyendo "todo el apoyo material, humano y psicológico en unas circunstancias absolutamente inimaginables". Además, como Page, alabó la "extraordinaria cooperación y colaboración que ha habido entre instituciones" y agradeció no solo la "solidaridad" de otras comunidades con la región, sino la del propio pueblo castellanomanchego: "Creo que en un momento como este, la profesionalidad de los servidores públicos de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, de las diputaciones, de los ayuntamientos, a nivel de consejerías, desde luego es encomiable. Es de una extraordinaria eficacia en situaciones muy dramáticas, de una absoluta empatía y, desde luego, nosotros desde el sistema de Protección Civil. No podemos sino reconocer esa profesionalidad, ese saber hacer y reconocer también en el pueblo de Castilla-La Mancha la extraordinaria empatía y solidaridad que también se ha reflejado con las víctimas de este accidente y con sus familiares".
Pedro Sánchez: "Quería reiterar las condolencias y el compromiso del Gobierno de España con las víctimas, heridos y familiares [...] Estamos trabajando de manera incansable para tratar de dar la mayor información" https://t.co/NHmW24bjdkpic.twitter.com/kHQ5N0SBxf
Las víctimas y sus familiares, recordó, no solo son españoles. Hay hasta 27 nacionalidades de víctimas que pueden haber fallecido en este accidente, y desde el Gobierno, señaló, están comunicando y coordinándose con "todos los consulados de los países" con afectados por la tragedia para que "tengan la información más pronta posible y más detallada posible sobre sus nacionales".
Emiliano García-Page informa sobre el accidente ferroviario de Urda (Toledo): "Los fallecidos siguen siendo 69 [...] Hay 70 denuncias de desaparición, puede haber más denuncias y no descartamos que haya más fallecidos. Cuando hablamos de fallecidos, hablamos de cuerpos completos… https://t.co/scHWwHzkVepic.twitter.com/tAfuielsJz
Page, por su parte, agradeció el "inmenso trabajo" de los más de 1.300 efectivos "de unos y otros servicios", con la colaboración de todas las CCAA, porque "absolutamente todas se han ofrecido a Castilla-La Mancha". "Es bueno que la ciudadanía sepa que en momentos de dolor, hay muchísima solidaridad", recalcó.
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