US lawmakers: Nord Stream 2 ‘a terrible mistake’

The controversial pipeline has long been opposed by Washington, but Chancellor Angela Merkel had made its completion a key policy goal before she leaves office in September.

The Nord Stream pipeline between Russia and Germany has caused much transatlantic strife in its two-decade history. But Angela Merkel's dogged separation of trade and politics won out in the end.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Bangkok once again amid anger at the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The protesters, made up mainly of young people, want Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha to resign.

Germany's chancellor has met with the Ukrainian president as the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline complicates relations. Ukraine currently makes billions for allowing Russian gas to transit the country.

The first of October means Britain is taking back control. As of this Friday, European travellers to post-Brexit Great Britain can no longer bring a simple ID card – they will have to show a passport. However, as petrol shortages continue, tempers are running short as lines get long. This Friday, around one quarter of British service stations ran dry, leading to scenes of shouting, fist fights and motorists hoarding fuel in water bottles.

The 29-year-old Berlin resident was harassed by the attackers who sprayed irritant gas in his face and threw him to the ground. Police are investigating what they suspect to be a politically motivated crime.

Europe will need to negotiate new contracts with Russian oil giant Gazprom if it wants to receive more natural gas deliveries, the Kremlin said.

Speaking on state TV, Russia's deputy prime minister addressed Europe's gas supply crunch. Prices have increased 800% this year, which Russia blames on reserve shortfalls.

Russia and Germany are keen for full regulatory approval of the natural gas pipeline as European faces an energy crunch. Critics say the pipeline increases the EU's dependency on Russian gas.

A widespread cyberattack has hit gas stations and billboards across Iran, halting some fuel sales. Billboards have been altered to anti-regime messages challenging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Moldova has declared a state of emergency amid skyrocketing gas prices, after Russia decreased its exports of natural gas. It's not the first time the Kremlin has used its resources for political leverage.

Protesters against Sudan's coup aren't giving up their fight. Despite a deadly response from security forces, activists are calling for millions to turn out on Saturday. Uganda's President will reopen schools in January after nearly two years of COVID closures. But many teachers have found other jobs, as children have started working. And our reporter in Kenya tells you how the nation built a one billion dollar tech industry. With huge companies moving in, the demand for local talent has boomed.