BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Spain’s left-wing government wants the massive coronavirus windfall it will be receiving from the European Union to transform the nation after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.
Spain is set to receive 140 billion euros ($166 billion) half in direct payments, half in loans from the 750 billion-euro ($908 billion) recovery plan adopted by EU leaders last year as the continent’s economy reeled under lockdown restrictions, job losses and reduced consumer spending.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the leader of Spain’s Socialists, unveiled his coalition government’s plans for 70 billion ($83 billion) in direct aid that it hopes to invest over the next three years. In line with EU priorities, they place a heavy emphasis on creating a greener economy, digitalizing business and public administrations and boosting productivity, all while fighting gender inequality and ensuring Spain’s underpopulated rural areas don’t get left behind.
The European Medicines Agency says it is assessing the rare blood clots reported by six people in the U.S. after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
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MUMBAI â Indiaâs worst-hit and richest state Indiaâs worst-hit and richest state Maharashtra will impose stricter restrictions for 15 days on Wednesday in an effort to stem the surge of coronavirus infections that is threatening to overcome hospitals.
Top Maharashtra state officials stressed that the closure of most industries, businesses, public places and limits on the movement of people didnât constitute a lockdown.
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