European politicians on Tuesday questioned Maros Sefcovic, the proposed EU green deal chief, about his views on Russia after a pro-Kremlin candidate won a general election in his home country Slovakia.
Slovakia accused Moscow of interfering in its election at the weekend that was won by populist Robert Fico, who pledged to end military help for Ukraine.
The dispute came as a European Parliament committee on Monday postponed a decision on whether to accept former Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra as the EU's new climate change policy chief, after he sought their backing in a three-hour hearing.
The decision on Mr Hoekstra, a centre-right conservative, is now due on Tuesday afternoon following a hearing of Mr Sefcovic, a social-democrat who is the nominee to take on the job of co-ordinating the EU's overall green policies.
Some EU officials said scheduling the hearings of Mr Hoekstra and of Mr Sefcovic during the same week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg was a way for opposing political groups to make sure their rival's candidate only gets approved if their own candidate does. Each needs support from two-thirds of the committee to pass.
The hearings of the two recently appointed EU Commission climate officials reflect deep divisions within the European Parliament.
The European People's Party's attempt at blocking a flagship nature conservation law this summer caused anger among the greens and social democrats.
Mr Hoekstra, a centre-right Dutch politician, faced tough questioning on Monday night as left and centre-left politicians repeatedly raised doubts about his credibility.
If the European Parliament refuses to back Mr Hoekstra, the EU will lack a chief negotiator at the coming Cop28 UN climate negotiations in late November.
Meanwhile, some EU legislators have portrayed Mr Sefcovic as influenced by internal politics in his home country.
Mr Sefcovic, who tried but failed to become Slovakia's president in 2019, is viewed as an experienced technocrat in Brussels, where he occupied various posts as commissioner since 2009.
The recent criticism seemed to reflect the MEPs' intention to question his suitability to lead the European Commission's work on its green deal – an ambitious set of climate policies that aim to make the continent carbon neutral by 2050.
Mr Sefcovic is from the same political party as general election winner Mr Fico, who campaigned by promising to shift Slovakia, an EU and Nato member state, closer to Hungary in challenging the bloc's consensual support of Ukraine against Russia.
Mr Fico now has two weeks to try to form a coalition government.
Peter Liese, an MEP of the European People's Party, asked Mr Sefcovic about his neutrality amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence in Slovakia.
“I was very shocked listening to Mr Fico. He is mainly a friend of Putin as I see it,” said Mr Liese.
“How strong will you be if Mr Fico is in office again?”
Another German EPP politician, Christian Ehler, was even more aggressive in his questioning of Mr Sefcovic.
“In 2019, you took money from Robert Fico for your campaign,” he said.
"You stated: 'I don't view Russia as a threat but a strategic challenge,' added Mr Ehler, who said that his own father was "beaten half to death by the Russians."
“Do you stand for the sanctions, for the ban of gas, for European solidarity also in your home country – also if you risk that Mr Fico being in government means that you're not appointed next time as commissioner?” asked Mr Ehler.
Pointing his finger directly at Mr Ehler, a visibly exasperated Mr Sefcovic defended his track record in the European Commission, where he has overseen the EU's efforts at joint gas purchasing after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, while hinting at Germany's past support for the Nordstream gas pipelines that increased Europe's reliance on Russia.
“You know who was pushing me very hard to get it approved, and I don’t need to elaborate more because you know what I’m talking about,” he said, in a reference to Nordstream.
“When it comes to the elections in Slovakia, I can tell you that this was one of the most polarising, tough campaigns,” he said.
“I can ensure you that whatever the result of the formation of the government may be, I'll always defend the European general interest as I did since 2019.”
Mr Sefcovic added that he was a “friend” of Ukraine and pointed at a medal he received from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in October 2020. “I was there when they needed me,” he told the hearing.
A fair transition
The political tensions cast a shadow over Mr Sefcovic's attempts to steer the question and answers session towards climate policies.
In his opening statements, he said that he wanted to focus on engaging with industry and the support of European citizens for the green deal to ensure a “fair and socially just transition.”
He added that he supported Mr Hoekstra's goal to strive reach the recommended target of 90 per cent net reduction in greenhouse emissions in the EU by 2040.
The European right and far-right has said that some climate policies, including the nature restoration law, endangers food security and the livelihoods of farmers in Europe – a claim rejected as “fake news” by the left.
Conservative legislators such as Alexandr Vondra from the Czech Republic expressed distaste for Mr Sefcovic's predecessor, Dutch politician Frans Timmermans, who quit the job in August to participate in a national election.
Mr Timmermans used to be both executive vice president for the European Green Deal and was also responsible for climate action – a job that will be divided between Mr Sefcovic and Mr Hoekstra, should the European Parliament approve their appointments.
While acknowledging political polarisation on climate, Mr Sefcovic pitched himself as a safe pair of hands, saying that he “believed in dialogue, in exchange of views and in concrete projects.”
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow? a) More than $102 b) Exactly $102 c) Less than $102 d) Do not know e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account? a) More than today b) Exactly the same as today c) Less than today d) Do not know e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.” a) True b) False d) Do not know e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers:Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un shake hands ahead of one-on-one discussion
US and North Korean teams sit down for bilateral summit
Kim: “I believe this is a good prelude for peace."
Trump: “We will solve it, we will be successful.”
All times UTC 4
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors Power: 659hp Torque: 1075Nm On sale: Available for pre-order now Price: On request
BlacKkKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver
Five stars
Credits
Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and Eros Now Director: Mudassar Aziz Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jassi Gill, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty, Aparshakti Khurrana Star rating: 2.5/5
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
The biog
Fast facts on Neil Armstrong’s personal life:
Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio
He earned his private pilot’s license when he was 16 – he could fly before he could drive
There was tragedy in his married life: Neil and Janet Armstrong’s daughter Karen died at the age of two in 1962 after suffering a brain tumour. She was the couple’s only daughter. Their two sons, Rick and Mark, consulted on the film
After Armstrong departed Nasa, he bought a farm in the town of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1971 – its airstrip allowed him to tap back into his love of flying
In 1994, Janet divorced Neil after 38 years of marriage. Two years earlier, Neil met Carol Knight, who became his second wife in 1994
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
