Briefly: Sweden takes over the EU presidency | Record of migrant passage into the UK
Sweden takes over the EU presidency
LONDON – Sweden took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council from the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Sweden, which will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union until July 1, has identified which issues it will prioritize during its mandate.
According to documents drawn up by the Swedish presidency, security, competitiveness, environment and energy transition, democratic values and the rule of law are the main topics.
In foreign policy, Sweden will prioritize Russia. Stockholm is also keen to intensify contacts with the countries concerned. AA
Stamp in NY kills 10 in Uganda
KAMPALA – At least 10 people were killed in a storm in Uganda as they struggled to enter an entertainment center for New Year’s celebrations, police said on Sunday.
Police deputy spokesman Luke Oweyesigyire confirmed the death toll from Saturday night’s incident and said they are investigating whether there was negligence at the Freedom City Mall event on the outskirts of the capital, Kampala.
He said the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s master of ceremonies at a music show encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks. AA
Ukraine destroys 45 Russian UAVs
KYIV – Ukraine’s president announced on Sunday that the air force and anti-aircraft batteries destroyed 45 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Russian forces in an attack on the capital, Kyiv.
He noted that Russian forces have launched Iranian-made Shahed-131/136 kamikaze drones across the country.
“They cannot steal even a single year from Ukraine. They will not be able to take away our independence,” Zelenskyy said, adding that they will continue to fight for Ukraine’s independence. AA
Record of migrant passage into the UK
LONDON – More than 45,000 migrants crossed the Channel to Britain from mainland Europe in 2022, surpassing the previous year’s record of more than 17,000, according to government figures released on Sunday.
The issue has become a huge political problem for the Conservative government, which has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration and crack down on the smuggling gangs that carry out the crossings.
2022 also saw the highest number of migrants in a single day making the crossing, with 1,295 leaving on 22 August. AFP