German government, regions tussle over reopening from lockdowns
Germany’s central and regional governments sparred on Monday over when and how far to ease social-distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks a new wave of coronavirus infections.
Putin back in Kremlin, Russia looks to ease lockdown in some regions
President Vladimir Putin made a rare lockdown appearance in the Kremlin on Monday after officials said improvements in the coronavirus situation may allow Russia to re-open some tourist resorts soon and relax restrictions in many regions.
Denmark to let cross-border couples meet – if they show photos, love letters
Denmark eased its border controls with other Nordic countries and Germany on Monday, allowing cross-border couples separated by the coronavirus lockdown to meet again if they can prove they have been in a relationship for at least six months.
Bust-up over climate weighs on EU-UK talks, risks trade rifts
Britain’s refusal to seal climate commitments in a new deal with the European Union to govern their relations after Brexit has become a stumbling block in their deadlocked talks and raises the risk of future trade disputes.
‘What planet are they on?’ No respite for UK’s Johnson and aide
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s closest adviser will make a public statement on Monday after coming under pressure to quit over accusations that he flouted the coronavirus lockdown by driving 250 miles from London to northern England.
Aide to British PM at centre of scandal to make statement: media
Dominic Cummings, a close adviser to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is facing calls for his resignation over a trip that many believe broke coronavirus lockdown rules, will make a public statement on Monday, Sky News and ITV reported.
Palestinians easing coronavirus restrictions in West Bank
Mosques, churches and businesses in the occupied West Bank will reopen on Tuesday in an easing of coronavirus restrictions, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said on Monday.
Syria records 20 new coronavirus cases in largest single-day increase
Syria reported 20 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, the largest single-day increase to date, the health ministry said.
France to clamp down on illegal motorbike ‘rodeo’ rides
The French government is to step up plans to clamp down on illegal motorbike “rodeo” rides, which often spark conflict between youths and the police in poor areas, it said on Monday.
Kidnapped captain of Portugal-flagged ship freed-Bulgaria
The Bulgarian captain of a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship who was kidnapped along with seven other sailors by pirates off the coast of Benin last month, has been freed, Bulgaria’s foreign ministry said on Monday.
