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How US sanctions on Russia's Lukoil hit Bulgaria's largest refinery
How US sanctions on Russia's Lukoil hit Bulgaria's largest refinery
by  AFP

By taking over the Balkan's largest refinery from Lukoil, Bulgaria has for now avoided punishing US sanctions against the Russian oil giant, which enter into force on Friday. - On October 22, Washington announced it would impose sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil to stifle the financing of Russia's invasion of Ukraine that started in 2022.

Lithuania accuses Belarus of 'blackmail' over stranded trucks
Lithuania accuses Belarus of 'blackmail' over stranded trucks
by  AFP

Lithuania has reopened its border with Belarus but thousands of trucks are still stuck on the other side, the foreign ministry in Vilnius said, accusing Minsk of "blackmail" over millions of euros in stranded goods. It accused the government in Minsk -- a close ally of Russia -- of "coercion and blackmail".

Europe increasingly 'vulnerable' to shocks: ECB chief
Europe increasingly 'vulnerable' to shocks: ECB chief
by  AFP

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned Friday the region was increasingly "vulnerable" to shocks like US tariffs and is lagging behind in areas that will drive growth such as AI. The continent must urgently speed up its integration and overhaul a model of export-led growth that has faltered amid mounting geopolitical turmoil, she said in a speech to a banking conference.

Japan's Takaichi insists $135 bn stimulus fiscally 'responsible'
Japan's Takaichi insists $135 bn stimulus fiscally 'responsible'
by  AFP

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi insisted that a $135 billion stimulus package approved Friday was fiscally responsible and that she would reduce the country's colossal debt burden. Takaichi on Friday insisted that Tokyo's stance on Taiwan was "unchanged" and that she wanted "constructive and stable" relations with Beijing.

Tech firms lead Asian stock rout as AI bubble fears linger
Tech firms lead Asian stock rout as AI bubble fears linger
by  AFP

Tech firms led more steep losses across Asian markets Friday as investors struggled to shake off fears about an AI bubble and after a sell-off on Wall Street sparked by jobs data dealt a further blow to hopes for a US interest rate cut.

Scramble for Sudan's resources fuels brutal civil war
Scramble for Sudan's resources fuels brutal civil war
by  AFP

Behind the civil war tearing Sudan apart for more than two years lie the country's natural riches, with foreign powers vying for control of its gold, fertile farmland and coastline. - Farmland, trade corridor - The swathes of fertile farmland in Sudan, Africa's third-largest country and a potential agricultural breadbasket, have whetted the appetite of the desert Gulf countries across the Red Sea.

Livestream giant Twitch to ban under-16s in Australia
Livestream giant Twitch to ban under-16s in Australia
by  AFP

Livestream giant Twitch will be forced to remove all users under the age of 16 when Australia's strict social media laws take effect next month, Canberra's online regulator said Friday. From December 10, Australia will force social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines.