Rob Schmitz appears in the following:
Nobel Peace Prize: Human rights activists in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus are honored
Friday, October 07, 2022
The winners are human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, as well as the Russian human rights organization Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties.
Germany is preparing for a rough winter of sky-high energy costs
Thursday, October 06, 2022
The German government is setting aside 5% of its annual GDP to help the country get through what promises to be a tough winter — as energy prices climb to unprecedented levels.
The theories of what caused the Nord Stream leaks
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
It has become clear to European leaders that the leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines that run from Russia to Germany were an act of sabotage. Natural gas has been leaking into the Baltic Seas.
What caused 2 key natural gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea to rupture?
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
European officials have raised "sabotage" concerns after seismologists say explosions preceded leaks in Russian-owned Nord Stream gas pipelines on Monday.
EU debates whether to take in those fleeing Russia
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The European Union is split over whether to give refuge to Russians fleeing after President Vladimir Putin announced last week that men with military experience would be called up to fight in Ukraine.
Seismologists suspect explosions damaged undersea pipelines that carry Russian gas
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The events on Monday in the Baltic Sea resembled blasts from depth charges or mines, according to a Swedish researcher. They caused major leaks from the inactive Nord Stream pipelines.
Amid an energy crisis, Germany turns to the world's dirtiest fossil fuel
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Coal-fired power plants across Germany were scheduled to be shut down by the end of the year. But with Russia cutting gas deliveries, Germany is turning to coal.
Struggling with its past, Germany's 1,000-year-old choir admits girls for the 1st time
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Since its founding over 1,000 years ago, this Catholic music school and song group in Regensburg, Germany, has been boys only. Until now.
A 1,000-year-old German boys choir is now accepting girls
Monday, September 12, 2022
Since its founding in 975 A.D., the Regensburg Cathedral boys choir has only admitted boys. But starting on September 12, it will allow girls.
Germany announces a multibillion dollar inflation relief package
Monday, September 05, 2022
The German government has announced a $65 billion dollar relief package to help citizens facing soaring inflation and surging energy costs as Russia cuts off its gas supplies to Europe.
At Latvia's border with Russia, the line grows long, and tempers short
Sunday, September 04, 2022
European sanctions on Russia over Ukraine have caused major traffic backups along the Latvian border. And truckers can feel the mounting tension between Russia and NATO members like Latvia.
Germany's energy options are dwindling as it tries to break ties with Russia
Monday, August 29, 2022
Millions of Germans are worried about efforts to wean the country off of Russian natural gas and possibly not having heat this winter. But energy experts say German industry should be more concerned.
Long lines of trucks at the Latvia-Russia border show immense toll of war
Saturday, August 27, 2022
European sanctions on Russia have caused massive traffic back-ups along the Latvian border. The war has also put the region's inhabitants in the middle of two hostile power blocs.
In Latvia there is a debate over whether Soviet-era monuments should be destroyed
Thursday, August 18, 2022
As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, former Soviet Republics like Latvia plan to destroy Soviet-era monuments. Some believe they should remain as tributes to the fight against Nazis in World War II.
Germany's Rhine is at one of its lowest levels. That's trouble for the top EU economy
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
A hot, dry summer has meant the water level on the Rhine River, Western Europe's most important waterway, is at a record low, making it too shallow for many ships to pass.
Shallow Rhine River has a devastating effect on commercial traffic
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
A hot, dry summer has made parts of one of Europe's most important waterways, the Rhine River, too shallow for fully laden ships to pass.
Latvia is growing its military as Russia becomes increasingly aggressive
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Latvia is gearing up for the possibility they could be next after Ukraine. Officials say their military are drastically understaffed, so the country plans to bring back compulsory military service.
The EU agrees to plan that aims to cut gas consumption across Europe by 15%
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Russia claims mechanical issues are the reason for the supply cut. Germany's economy minister accused Russia's president of playing a "duplicitous game."
The EU has agreed to cut gas consumption by 15% in order to reduce reliance on Russia
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Russia's gas company Gazprom has once again reduced the flow of natural gas to Europe. To counter that move, the EU has agreed to reduce its gas usage by 15%. But that's easier said than done.
Germany bails out its largest energy company after Russia cut off gas supply
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Natural gas is flowing again between Russia and Germany. But Berlin isn't sure how long that may last, and is shoring up its gas supplies while looking for other energy options.