Europe and Azerbaijan energy deal signed to phase out Russian reliance

Jul 19 2022

President Ursula Von der Leyen signed a Memorandum of Understanding on an energy partnership with Azerbaijan as the Commission seeks to ensure a constant gas supply to the bloc.

The newly struck deal means Azerbaijan would be doubling its capacity of delivery to Europe through the southern gas corridor. The country will be delivering 20 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

The agreement states that both parties would be increasing their renewal energy objectives in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

The deal is intended to phase out the reliance on Russian gas for energy supplies following the start of the war in Ukraine. This comes after European Parliament Roberta Metsola stated in May that Europe shouldn’t go from one unreliable partner to another.

The news of the deal was commented upon by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who said that Europe is following in Malta’s footsteps when looking for energy.

He compared this to his own seeking of relationships with Azerbaijan during his time in power, as well as ex-prime minister Don Mintoff’s connection with China.

The deal also raises local history as former Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi had signed an agreement with Azerbaijan state owned oil company Socar to run the Delimara power station. Controversy struck when one of the shareholders, Yorgen Fenech, was charged with ordering the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

#MaltaDaily

UK reaches new temperature records at 40.2°C at Heathrow

Jul 19 2022

Britain has just recorded its highest temperature ever as it soared above the 40°C mark for the first time at Heathrow airport.

The previous record of 38.7°C, registered in 2019, was broken when 39.1°C was reached on Tuesday morning at Charlwood in Surrey. It was then broken again at 12:50pm at 40.2°C at Heathrow.

The records were broken as firefighters struggled to battle a blaze which broke out in the West Midlands. Households were told to save water by switching off washing machines.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that it would take decades to make road and rail infrastructure enough to cope with the heating climate. And it’s only set to get worse over the upcoming years.

Professor of Climate System Science at the University of Reading Nigel Arnell called for urging planning to upgrade infrastructure and buildings to cope with the scorching conditions.

Meanwhile, a massive blaze at Mickey Hills country park scorched the surrounding earth and trees as it spread across 50,000 square metres.

#MaltaDaily

US woman travels to Malta from New Jersey to adopt stray cat

Jul 19 2022

The Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) recounted the wholesome story of a US woman who went the extra mile (literally, travelling from the US to Malta) to adopt a stray cat she just couldn’t forget about.

The woman contacted the AAA, saying that she met the poor cat and simply could not leave him behind in the streets when she got back to her country.

Despite the AAA normally dealing with stray dogs, this woman’s determination to adopt Charlie the cat was so potent that they took it upon themselves to unite the owner and pet.

‘We cannot admit any cats in a sanctuary full of dogs but we also knew that this is the cat’s only chance to live as a pet with a human mother who loves animals and also volunteers in her country’ they explained.

They explained how a volunteer took Charlie with her other two cats and two daughters. Filling out the necessary papers and documents, the journey was complete with Charlie leaving Malta with his new human mother.

‘All the way from Malta to Munich to Newark. And then another short trip to another part in New Jersey.’ This woman was also by extent an inspiration to anyone wishing to go the extra mile to adopt animals.

#MaltaDaily

WATCH: Mae Muller with special message ahead of Isle of MTV performance!

Jul 19 2022

Ahead of her massive performance tonight at Isle of MTV Malta, Mae Muller took a moment to give an exclusive comment to Malta Daily!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

The British pop star said that this is her first time in Malta and she is loving it so far, going on to express how excited she is to perform tonight.

Muller will perform hit singles like Better Days & When You’re Out and will join fellow headliners bbno$, Shaun Farrugia, French Montana and Marshmello!

#MaltaDaily