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The EU Council has warned Poland and Hungary that they could face consequences if they continue to challenge the primacy of EU law over national legal systems. The warning comes after both countries sought relief from EU regulations that require them to respect the judgements of the European Court of Justice. Poland’s prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki sent a letter to the commission stating that national constitutions take precedence over EU treaties. Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban also challenged the supremacy of EU law, stating that it should not override national constitutions. The EU Council’s president, Charles Michel, warned that any challenge to the primacy of EU law could lead to financial penalties and possible suspensions of voting rights. The issue will likely be a topic of discussion at the next EU summit in March.
In tech news, Facebook has launched a new feature called “Lead Generation in Messenger” that allows businesses to automate conversations with customers and gather leads for their products or services. The feature, available for both organic and paid lead generation campaigns, is designed to help businesses connect with potential customers in a more interactive and engaging way. It allows businesses to create automated conversations that can qualify leads, provide information about products or services, and capture contact information for follow-up. The feature is currently in beta testing and will be rolled out to more businesses in the coming months. Facebook has been focusing on expanding its messaging capabilities as part of its broader strategy to drive more commerce through its platforms.
In entertainment news, actor Will Smith has been announced as the host of the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony. This will be Smith’s first time hosting the Oscars, and he is expected to bring his signature charm and humor to the event. The decision comes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced backlash for its previous decision to present several awards off-air as part of its efforts to shorten the length of the broadcast. Smith is a beloved and accomplished actor, known for his roles in films such as “Ali”, “Pursuit of Happyness”, and “Men in Black”. His hosting of the Oscars is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the event and attract a broader audience.
Turning to international news, tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine following reports of a buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border. The US and its allies have expressed concern over the situation, calling on Russia to de-escalate tensions and engage in diplomatic talks with Ukraine. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation and find a peaceful resolution. The US and other Western countries have warned Russia of severe consequences if it chooses to invade Ukraine, including economic sanctions and possible military support for Ukraine. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaging in military drills and issuing strong statements. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In sports news, the Winter Olympics in Beijing have come to a close, with Norway finishing on top of the medal table. The Norwegian team won a total of 37 medals, including 16 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze. The US finished in second place with 34 medals, followed by China with 21 medals. The games featured a number of memorable moments, including record-breaking performances in figure skating, snowboarding, and skiing. The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of the athletes and highlighted the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. The next Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in Milan-Cortina in 2026.
