Omicron cases rise as Europe heads toward Christmas

At least 34 people have died due to the storm, which has engulfed most of the US during the Christmas weekend. Buffalo, in New York, was hardest hit on Christmas Day with power outages and people trapped in cars.

Security forces in El Salvador surrounded Tutunichapa, a poor neighborhood of the nation's capital, after a vow from President Nayib Bukele to root out drug gangs.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a defiant Christmas message amid the somber background of Russia's war. "We will not wait for a miracle, we will do it ourselves," he said.

Bucha was one of the earliest targets of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Christmas for the survivors of the war crimes committed there is bittersweet. But it's a chance to celebrate the survival of Ukrainian traditions.

While ASEAN and the EU want to deepen their ties, a raft of disagreements — from the Ukraine conflict to trade protectionism — could make next year a challenging one for both sides.

Gas prices in Europe have fallen to pre-Ukraine invasion levels and it seems we might avoid a full-blown energy crisis this winter. But experts expect a tough winter 2023/24.

The top envoys said they wanted African countries to be part of a more unified front against Russia. Many African nations have shown a reluctance to condemn Russia's invasion.

The EU's Economic Commissioner said the bloc had encouraging economic news and may avoid a much-feared deep recession in 2023.

Wednesday at the World Economic Forum brought speeches from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among others. France 24 Business Editor Kate Moody spoke with French Minister for European Affairs Laurence Boone about Europe's green energy future and how European businesses can stay competitive.

As the European Union races to diversify its hydrocarbon imports and electrify its economy, what impact will the ongoing energy crisis have on Europe’s climate ambitions and on the bloc's industrial competitiveness? FRANCE 24 Business Editor Kate Moody asks a prestigious panel of guests at Davos, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

Ankara cited recent anti-Muslim and anti-Turkish activities in Europe as reasons for the travel warning. The move comes after four European countries updated their travel advice for Turkey.

For months, European leaders have sought a united response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. That plan, announced by the White House last year, favours American-made climate technology through subsidies and tax credits. But EU chiefs say the policy discriminates against Washington's closest partner, Europe.