UK, US to donate 30 million vaccines to poorer countries
Britain and the United States have announced plans to deliver coronavirus vaccines to some of the world’s poorest countries. The Guardian says US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the pledges ahead of the G7 meetings which begin today. Johnson said they aim to vaccinate the world by 2022. The US has already pledged to supply 500 million vaccines which are part of the total of one billion of the entire G7.
EU calls for investigation into COVID-19 origins
The European Union has called for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19, adding pressure on China. According to Reuters, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was necessary to know the origins of the virus and that “investigators need to have full access to sites which could shed light on the matter”. The first COVID-19 case was detected in China before it spread around the world, infecting 175 million people and causing more than 3.8 million deaths.
WHO urges Europeans to practice ‘summer sense’
The World Health Organization has urged Europeans to travel responsibly during the summer holiday season and warned the continent was “by no means out of danger” in the battle against COVID-19. Ekstra Bladet quotes WHO’s European head Hans Kluge advising people on how to make the most of the warmer weather while staying protected from COVID-19.
China approves law to counter foreign sanctions
China has approved a new law aimed at countering sanctions imposed by other countries, while Beijing tries in every way to face the growing pressure of the United States and the EU on trade and human rights. Xinhua News Agency says the countermeasures include “the refusal of visas, the prohibition of entry, the expulsion, seizure and freezing of assets of individuals or companies that adhere to foreign sanctions against Chinese companies or officials”.
Pope rejects Cardinal Max’s resignation
Pope Francis has rejected the offer of resignation from the Archbishop of Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx. Avvenire says the Pope told him that it was up to every bishop to take responsibility for the “catastrophe” of the abuse crisis. Cardinal Marx had not been accused of sexual abuse himself, but called it a “matter of sharing responsibility”.
EURO 2020 kicks off tonight
The EURO 2020 tournament kicks off tonight with a virtual performance of ‘We Are The People’. UEFA says state-of-the-art technology will bring Martin Garrix, Bono and The Edge together for a celebratory opening, moments before kick-off of the tournament’s first match between Italy and Turkey. Meanwhile, Ansa announes Andrea Bocelli will be the musical protagonist of the opening ceremony. Symbolically accompanied by the 24 national teams, Bocelli will open the European event on the notes of “Nessun Dorma”, followed by an aerial display by the Frecce Tricolori and an explosion of colored pyrotechnic effects to occupy the entire stadium roof.
Copa America to go ahead on Sunday
O Globo announces that Brazil’s Supreme Court has given its green light for the country to stage the Copa America by rejecting appeals requesting the suspension of the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has left almost 482,000 dead. At least six of the eleven magistrates of the court, the minimum required, voted in favour of authorising the championship, which will kick off on Sunday with the clash between the ‘Seleçao’ and Venezuela at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasilia.
