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In Paris, a defamation lawsuit against the long-standing filmmaker Roman Polanski was scheduled to commence on Tuesday, brought forward by British actress Charlotte Lewis.

The lawsuit stems from Polanski’s remarks to Paris Match magazine in 2019, where he accused Lewis of fabricating a sexual assault allegation against him from four decades ago. Polanski, now 90, had fled the United States in 1978 after admitting to unlawful sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite numerous allegations of abuse from other women, Polanski has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Polanski, residing in Paris, has opted not to attend the trial personally, with his legal representation handling the proceedings. On the other hand, Lewis, currently living in the UK, was expected to be present.

Lewis initiated the legal action four years ago, expressing her readiness for the trial despite the prolonged and distressing process. In 2010, she had accused Polanski of assaulting her at the age of 16 during a casting trip to Paris in 1983, although she later appeared in one of his films.

Polanski’s defense in the defamation case refers to a 1999 article in a now-defunct British tabloid, where Lewis allegedly expressed admiration for him. However, Lewis maintains that the quotes attributed to her were inaccurate.

The defamation complaint led to automatic charges against Polanski under French law. The filmmaker, celebrated for works like “Chinatown” and “The Pianist,” has remained a controversial figure, evading extradition attempts by US authorities due to his French and Polish citizenship.

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Citigroup plans to cut approximately 20,000 jobs, equivalent to about 10% of its global workforce, within the next two years as part of a broader restructuring initiative led by CEO Jane Fraser. This move is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing layers of bureaucracy within the bank. Fraser, who assumed leadership in 2021, envisions 2024 as a pivotal year for the company.

Citi has already divested some of its overseas operations and initiated the listing of its Mexican unit as a standalone entity. Despite reporting a $1.8 billion loss in the last quarter of 2023, attributed to specific factors such as the devaluation of the Argentine peso and a government fee imposed on US banks, Fraser emphasized the progress made in implementing the bank’s strategic plan.

The restructuring is expected to cost around $1 billion in the current year, in addition to the $800 million incurred in the recent quarter. However, the bank anticipates saving $2.5 billion over the medium term. While specific details about job cuts in the UK and affected units were not disclosed, Citi’s workforce is projected to decrease from about 240,000 at the beginning of 2023 to approximately 180,000 by 2025 or 2026.

Citi, one of the largest banks in the US, has faced investor pressure to improve its performance, with profits trailing behind its peers. The recent quarterly loss was influenced by unique circumstances, and for the full year, revenue increased by 4% to $78.5 billion, while profits declined by 38% to $9.2 billion. In comparison, competitors like Wells Fargo and JP Morgan reported revenue growth of 11% and 23%, respectively, with corresponding profit increases. Following the announcement, Citi’s shares experienced a 1.4% decline.

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Russian energy giant Gazprom reportedly earned €45 million from its North Sea Sillimanite gas field in the past year, as revealed in financial accounts. The Sillimanite field, situated in UK and Dutch waters, has been operational since 2020 and is a joint venture between Gazprom and German firm Wintershall. While the arrangement is not deemed illegal, criticism has arisen, particularly from UK Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who deems it “totally unacceptable” that gas from UK territory supports “Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine.” The UK government has pledged to escalate economic pressure on Russia, aligning with international sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s funding for the conflict in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK, a Gazprom subsidiary, reported a pre-tax profit of €45 million in 2022, with dividends paid to its immediate owner in the Netherlands. Although Gazprom executives, including CEO Alexei Miller, face UK sanctions, Gazprom itself is not directly sanctioned. The company continues to supply reduced gas volumes to continental Europe. Concerns have been raised about Gazprom’s financial activities, given its association with the Russian state, which is accused of financing militias engaged in the Ukraine conflict.

The UK government’s response to Gazprom’s financial activities in the North Sea has been met with criticism. Global Witness, a campaign group, described it as “an indictment of the UK’s approach to Russian oil and gas.” Despite the UK’s condemnation of the war, Gazprom’s subsidiary continues to operate in the North Sea, enriching Putin’s regime. The government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to denying Russia access to goods or technologies aiding its war efforts, vowing to intensify economic pressure until peace is secured in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK’s financial disclosures reveal a total tax bill of €29 million, distributed between the UK and Dutch governments. This includes windfall taxes imposed in response to the surge in energy prices following the conflict in Ukraine. The company ceased its gas sale agreement with Wintershall, replacing it with a deal with the Swiss-based trading company Gunvor.

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Francisco José García de Zúñiga, a farmer in Jaén, Spain, is facing a challenging harvest season due to consecutive years of drought in 2022 and 2023. Jaén is a crucial region for olive oil production, with Spain being the world’s largest producer, contributing to 70% of European Union consumption and 45% globally.

The persistent lack of rain in olive-producing areas like Jaén has led to a significant impact on both the quantity and price of olive oil. Mr García de Zúñiga emphasizes that Spain’s challenges affect global production, adhering to the basic law of supply and demand. As Spain produces less oil, global supply decreases, and if demand remains constant, prices rise.

In Spain, olive oil prices have surged by over 70% this year, following a substantial increase in 2022. Factors contributing to this surge include rising costs of fuel, electricity, and fertilizers over the past two years, but the primary factor is the extended period of drought. The Nuestra Señora del Pilar cooperative, one of the world’s largest olive oil factories, experienced a severely low olive harvest in the 2022-23 season.

Cristóbal Gallego Martínez, the cooperative’s president, highlights the impact of climate change on traditional agricultural assumptions. Dry periods are lasting longer, and the usual cycle of poor and good harvests is disrupted. He calls for government measures, such as investing in irrigation systems, to address the changing climate patterns.

The rise in olive oil prices is not limited to Spain, as it has been observed across Europe. Some neighboring countries have seen a less sharp increase, leading to Spaniards crossing borders to purchase slightly cheaper oil. The UK and Ireland, for instance, have lower prices due to having bought oil at a lower cost several months ago.

Despite the economic considerations, experts warn against opting for cheaper alternatives, as olive oil is a vital component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. Lower-cost alternatives, such as sunflower oil, might lead to a loss in nutritional value. Fernando López-Segura, from Córdoba’s Reina Sofía hospital, underscores the cardiovascular benefits of consuming [virgin extra] olive oil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its place in the Mediterranean diet. However, current consumption trends are influenced not only by health considerations but also by the unpredictable patterns of rainfall.

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The European Space Agency (ESA) is introducing a new competition to develop a robotic capsule for transporting cargo to and from the International Space Station, with the maiden voyage planned for 2028. This marks a significant departure from ESA’s conventional project management approach. The winning company will receive some financial support and technical assistance from ESA but must operate the capsule commercially. It will be responsible for partially funding the development and providing the re-supply service to ESA, which will act as the primary customer.

If successful, the company may be tasked with upgrading the capsule to transport ESA astronauts, and potentially, it could be adapted for missions to other destinations such as the Moon. A dedicated team within ESA has been allocated an initial budget of €75m to initiate the competition.

The concept was well received by ESA member states at a summit in Seville, Spain. This procurement model emulates the successful strategy employed by NASA, which transitioned to outsourcing space vehicle services to private companies, leading to the emergence of SpaceX. ESA hopes to replicate NASA’s access to faster, more innovative, and cost-effective space technologies.

Anna Christmann, a leading aerospace policy figure in the German government, emphasized the shift in ESA’s approach, stating that while public funding initiates such competitions, it attracts private investment. ESA member states have also committed to adopting this approach for long-term rocket procurement, as current European launchers are facing significant challenges.

The Seville summit also highlighted the role of satellites in aiding European nations’ net-zero goals, including using space data to optimize air travel routes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, ESA introduced the Zero Debris Charter to promote responsible practices in space operations. The UK is championing a new regulatory framework to incentivize responsible behavior and create a market for orbital debris removal services.

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In an announcement by UEFA, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have been confirmed as the hosts for the 2028 European Championship. This joint bid became the sole contender after Turkey withdrew to concentrate on a joint bid with Italy for Euro 2032, which was also approved.

The choice of the UK and Ireland for Euro 2028 followed their decision to step away from being Europe’s preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. Key venues for Euro 2028 are expected to include London’s Wembley Stadium, which is slated to host the final, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the opening match.

While England has hosted major football tournaments before, this marks the first time that the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales will host such an event. Matches are planned at various stadiums, including Glasgow’s Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

With this decision, Europe continues its tradition of sharing hosting duties, ensuring football’s reach and impact across the continent.

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France is poised to implement a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, known locally as ‘puffs,’ due to concerns about their impact on the environment and public health. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced this move as part of a broader anti-smoking plan developed by the government, with the ban expected to take effect by year-end. Similar bans have been announced in several other European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Ireland, with the UK also reportedly considering such a prohibition.

These disposable vapes, available at tobacconists in France for approximately €9 (equivalent to £7.70), claim to provide around 600 puffs, roughly equivalent to 40 traditional cigarettes. However, France’s National Academy of Medicine has criticized them as a ‘deceptive lure for children and adolescents,’ arguing that they instill smoking-related behaviors in young users.

Critics accuse manufacturers, many of which are based in China, of deliberately targeting teenagers with colorful designs and a variety of flavors reminiscent of a candy store, such as marshmallow, chocolate, hazelnut, watermelon, and ice candy. According to the Alliance Against Tobacco (ACT), 13% of 13-16-year-olds in France have tried disposable e-cigarettes at least once, with most starting around the ages of 11 or 12.

Campaigners argue that the ban is a significant victory, as disposable e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to smoking for young people. Loïc Josseran, ACT president, emphasizes the tobacco industry’s role in this trend, describing it as a deliberate effort to entice children.

Environmental concerns have also been raised, as disposable e-cigarettes contribute to ecological damage. In the UK, a study by the environmental organization Material Focus found that over one million of these devices were discarded weekly. French doctors and environmentalists have called disposable e-cigarettes an ‘environmental plague,’ citing their plastic construction, non-removable lithium batteries, nicotine content, and traces of heavy metals.

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Queen Letizia of Spain is set to travel to Australia to witness the World Cup final between England and Spain in Sydney on Sunday. Notably, no British royals will be present at the event.

The match marks the first-ever final appearance for both England’s Lionesses and the Spanish team in the women’s tournament. Although Prince William, the President of the Football Association, will support the England team from the UK, he has opted out of making the long-distance journey to Australia due to his focus on climate change concerns.

In contrast, Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be attending the final, while King Felipe will be engaged in official obligations and won’t accompany them. The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed the queen’s participation, mentioning her prior visit to the team during training where she delivered a speech to the players and coaching staff.

Similarly, Prince William interacted with the Lionesses during training and awarded manager Sarina Wiegman an honorary CBE. Despite his absence from the event, Prince William is expected to watch the final on television. Both Prince William and King Charles conveyed their congratulations to the teams on their achievements and extended their best wishes for the upcoming final match.

Notably, England’s women had previously been awarded their medals by Prince William after winning the European championship, while Queen Elizabeth II had attended England’s men’s team’s World Cup final victory in 1966.

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Italy is currently experiencing extreme heat, leading to red alerts being issued for 15 cities, including Rome, Florence, and Bologna. This heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and longer heatwaves globally due to global warming.

The European Space Agency (ESA) predicts that Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland may face extreme conditions, with potential record temperatures. Greece has already been experiencing temperatures of 40°C or higher, leading to the closure of tourist attractions like the Acropolis. There are concerns about the increased risk of wildfires in Greece and other areas with high winds.

Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, are also affected by high temperatures. In contrast, the UK is experiencing heavy showers and cooler weather due to the southern shift of the jet stream. The current heatwave in Italy, named Cerberus, is expected to be followed by another heatwave called Charon, pushing temperatures above 40°C.

Heatwaves are also occurring in other parts of the world, including the US, China, North Africa, and Japan. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to global warming have become the new normal, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

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A scorching heatwave continues to affect several European countries, with temperatures expected to break records in the coming days. Parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Italy may experience temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), with Italy potentially reaching up to 48°C (118.4°F), which could be the highest ever recorded in Europe, according to the European Space Agency. A red alert warning has been issued for 10 cities, including Florence and Rome. Last month was reported as the hottest June on record by the EU’s climate monitoring service Copernicus.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that extreme weather events resulting from climate change are becoming the new norm. While periods of intense heat are part of natural weather patterns, they are increasingly becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged globally due to global warming.

The heatwave has impacted tourists in Europe, with visitors experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness in Athens. Efforts have been made to provide information on air-conditioned places for people to seek relief from the heat. Tragically, a man in Italy died from heat-related causes, and several visitors, including a British man in Rome, have suffered from heatstroke.

Authorities are advising people to stay hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water per day and to avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol. Tourists in Rome expressed surprise at the extreme heat and stated they were trying to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day. Some individuals emphasized the need for collective action to address climate change, urging governments and individuals to take responsibility and make changes such as reducing plastic usage, limiting air conditioning, and using electric cars.

The current heatwave, named Cerberus after the mythical three-headed dog from Dante’s Inferno, is expected to continue intensifying in the coming days. Spain has already experienced temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F), and the European Space Agency has predicted potential temperatures of 48°C (118.4°F) in Sicily and Sardinia, which could be the hottest ever recorded in Europe.

Additionally, other regions outside Europe, including parts of Canada, the United States, India, and China, have also witnessed record-breaking temperatures this summer. Sea temperatures in the Atlantic have reached record highs, while Antarctic sea ice is at its lowest extent on record. Furthermore, the development of El Niño, a weather pattern in the tropical Pacific, is expected to contribute to rising temperatures by an average of 0.2°C, exacerbating the effects of climate change, which has already increased average temperatures worldwide by approximately 1.1°C.

To put the current heatwave in historical context, scientists can analyze air bubbles trapped in ancient Antarctic ice, which suggests that the first week of July was the hottest week in around 125,000 years. During the Eemian period, which occurred over a million years ago, temperatures were estimated to be significantly higher, resulting in hippos inhabiting the Thames and sea levels being approximately 5 meters (16.4 feet) higher.

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