EU-DIGEST

The three parties about to form the next German government presented in Berlin its plans on Wednesday under the title "Risk More Progress," aiming to set itself off from the Merkel era by serving as an "alliance for freedom, justice, and sustainability," as the parties taglined their cooperation deal.

The key deal appeared to be between the two junior partners in the coalition: The Greens and neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP). While the environmentalists were able to secure the target of ending Germany's coal industry "ideally" by 2030 (eight years ahead of the German government's current target), the FDP got their hands on the second most powerful office in the land: their party leader, Christian Lindner, is now poised to take over the Finance Ministry. Green co-leader Robert Habeck is set to take over the Economy and Energy Ministry, whose portfolio is to be expanded into climate as well. The Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Free Democrats offered up several progressive steps in their new coalition contract announced Wednesday. But many climate activists had concerns, saying the deal comes up short.

Read more at: Germany: Post-Merkel coalition promises progressive agenda | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 24.11.2021

U.S. President Joe Biden declared Thursday he has reached a "historic economic framework" with Democrats in Congress on his sweeping domestic policy package, a hard-fought yet dramatically scaled-back deal announced hours before he departs for overseas summits.

Biden's remarks at the White House came after he traveled to Capitol Hill to make the case to House Democrats for the still robust domestic package -- US$1.75 trillion of social services and climate change programs the White House believes can pass the 50-50 Senate.

Read more at: U.S. President Biden announces 'historic' deal, asks Democrats for votes | CTV News

Wall Street, despite major social and political problems still upbeat about US Economy.

Read more at: Analysis: Wall Street brushes off political turmoil, looks to economic rebound | Reuters

For the complete report from the The Observer/Guardian click on this link

Government seeks secret of keeping us all happy - by Gaby Hinsliff

It is a simple question, but it may just reveal whether or not you will live to a ripe old age: does somebody love you? Those who can confidently answer 'yes' are significantly more likely to be alive for the next 10 years than those who feel all alone. For love is a more accurate factor than smoking in predicting life expectancy, according to David Halpern, a senior policy adviser in the Downing Street strategy unit.

While the biological relationship between happiness and health is unclear, research has shown happy people have lower blood pressure and are less likely to abuse drink or drugs. Being shown kindness can even produce a measurable surge of oxytocin - the 'bonding' hormone released by breastfeeding mothers and couples during orgasm - which has a de-stressing effect. Halpern's surprising findings are at the heart of the forthcoming policy review designed to establish Tony Blair's legacy. Ideas now being studied by ministers include proposals to stimulate kindness towards others - shown to make both giver and receiver happier - by offering special 'community credits' to those who do good works.