Latest news with #French-German
Fibre2Fashion
6 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Germany's BASF to take full control of Alsachimie joint venture
BASF and DOMO Chemicals have signed an agreement giving BASF the right to take over DOMO Chemicals' 49 per cent share of the Alsachimie joint venture, in which BASF currently holds 51 per cent. According to applicable laws, the intended transaction is subject to consultations with the relevant social bodies of Alsachimie, following which both companies would enter into a binding purchase agreement. Pending these consultations, BASF and DOMO Chemicals expect to close the transaction by mid-2025. BASF will acquire DOMO Chemicals' 49 per cent stake in Alsachimie, gaining full ownership by mid-2025, pending social body consultations. The move boosts BASF's polyamide 6.6 operations in Chalampé, France, enhancing integration and supply reliability. Alsachimie, formed in 2020, makes key precursors like KA-oil and AH salt. DOMO will focus on tailored polyamide solutions in key sectors. For BASF, the 100 per cent ownership of Alsachimie would be a strategic step to complement the company's strong footprint at the site in Chalampé, France, its European hub for polyamide (PA) 6.6 precursor production. As the sole owner of Alsachimie, BASF would be able to further strengthen its production setup and maximize backward integration into key raw materials in the PA 6.6 value chain. 'As a key supplier for polyamide 6.6 precursors, it is our priority to ensure the reliable supply in Europe,' said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE . 'By taking over the shares of our partner DOMO Chemicals, we are further strengthening our leading position and long-term commitment to the polyamide 6.6 value chain and paving the way for future growth with our customers in industries such as automotive and textiles.' 'For DOMO Chemicals, the intended transaction aligns with our strategy to continue to focus on delivering tailored polyamide solutions in the core segments automotive, consumer goods, industrial and electrical & electronics industries,' said Yves Bonte, CEO DOMO Chemicals. Alsachimie was founded in February 2020 as a joint venture between BASF (51 per cent) and DOMO Chemicals (49 per cent). The company is located at the French-German border and produces essential precursors for polyamides, including KA-oil, adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine adipate (AH salt). Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marcel Ophuls, Oscar-winning director of 'The Sorrow and the Pity', dies aged 97
Marcel Ophuls, the acclaimed French-German documentary filmmaker whose probing explorations of history and memory helped shaped the genre for decades, has died at the age of 97. His grandson, Andreas-Benjamin Seyfert, confirmed that he "died peacefully" on Saturday. Ophuls' life and career focus was shaped enormously by his own experience of war and exile. Born in Frankfurt in 1927 to German-Jewish parents - actor Hilde Wall and celebrated director Max Ophuls - he was just six years old when the family were forced to flee due to the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933. They found temporary refuge in France, only to be forced away again in 1940 as German forces advanced across Europe. They escaped across the Pyrenees into Spain, and eventually reached the United States in December 1941. After finishing college in Los Angeles, Ophuls served in a U.S. Army theatrical unit in occupied Japan in 1946. In 1950, he returned to France and began his film career as an assistant to renowned directors Julien Duvivier and Anatole Litvak. After early forays into fiction, including the 1964 comedy-thriller hit Banana Peel starring Jeanne Moreau and Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ophuls turned to documentaries. Ophuls' most renowned work, The Sorrow and the Pity (1969), was a groundbreaking documentary that questioned France's postwar narrative of noble resistance. Across four hours, the film focuses on the town of Clermont-Ferrand and pulls together a collection of interviews with Resistance fighters, collaborators, Nazi officers, and seemingly ordinary citizens to expose an uneasy truth: that complicity with the occupiers had permeated every level of French society, from local hairdressers to aristocrats. The blow to national self-image was so profound that French television banned the documentary for more than a decade, refusing to air it until 1981. While making pioneering waves in historical documentary circles, the film also left its mark on pop culture. In Annie Hall, Woody Allen famously uses the film as an unlikely first-date movie. Ophuls continued to tackle the shadows of the 20th century. In 1988, he won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie, a chilling investigation into the Nazi war criminal known as the "Butcher of Lyon." In later years, he remained outspoken on political issues, turning his attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2014, he began crowdfunding Unpleasant Truths, a documentary co-directed with Israeli filmmaker Eyal Sivan that sought to explore the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in Europe. Initially conceived as a collaboration with French New Wave pioneer Jean-Luc Godard - who later withdrew but appears briefly in the film - the project was ultimately stalled by financial and legal complications and remains unfinished.
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Marcel Ophuls, director of 'The Sorrow and the Pity', dies aged 97
Marcel Ophuls, the acclaimed French-German documentary filmmaker whose probing explorations of history and memory helped shaped the genre for decades, has died at the age of 97. His grandson, Andreas-Benjamin Seyfert, confirmed that he "died peacefully" on Saturday. Ophuls' life and career focus was shaped enormously by his own experience of war and exile. Born in Frankfurt in 1927 to German-Jewish parents - actor Hilde Wall and celebrated director Max Ophuls - he was just six years old when the family were forced to flee due to the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933. They found temporary refuge in France, only to be forced away again in 1940 as German forces advanced across Europe. They escaped across the Pyrenees into Spain, and eventually reached the United States in December 1941. After finishing college in Los Angeles, Ophuls served in a U.S. Army theatrical unit in occupied Japan in 1946. In 1950, he returned to France and began his film career as an assistant to renowned directors Julien Duvivier and Anatole Litvak. After early forays into fiction, including the 1964 comedy-thriller hit Banana Peel starring Jeanne Moreau and Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ophuls turned to documentaries. Ophuls' most renowned work, The Sorrow and the Pity (1969), was a groundbreaking documentary that questioned France's postwar narrative of noble resistance. Across four hours, the film focuses on the town of Clermont-Ferrand and pulls together a collection of interviews with Resistance fighters, collaborators, Nazi officers, and seemingly ordinary citizens to expose an uneasy truth: that complicity with the occupiers had permeated every level of French society, from local hairdressers to aristocrats. The blow to national self-image was so profound that French television banned the documentary for more than a decade, refusing to air it until 1981. While making pioneering waves in historical documentary circles, the film also left its mark on pop culture. In Annie Hall, Woody Allen famously uses the film as an unlikely first-date movie. Ophuls continued to tackle the shadows of the 20th century. In 1988, he won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie, a chilling investigation into the Nazi war criminal known as the "Butcher of Lyon." In later years, he remained outspoken on political issues, turning his attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2014, he began crowdfunding Unpleasant Truths, a documentary co-directed with Israeli filmmaker Eyal Sivan that sought to explore the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in Europe. Initially conceived as a collaboration with French New Wave pioneer Jean-Luc Godard - who later withdrew but appears briefly in the film - the project was ultimately stalled by financial and legal complications and remains unfinished. Anything you can think of, we bet it has a day dedicated to it. For example, today is —checks notes — National Blueberry Cheesecake Day and World Dracula Day. Indeed, most are dubious in origin and officialdom — but admittedly quite handy if you've been looking for an excuse to eat cheesecake in a cape. They're also a good excuse to share some themed suggestions, and although World Goth Day and International Museum Day have now passed, angsty art and zany curations live on forever. And speaking of zany — this week's Agenda is markedly so, with a UK cheese rolling contest taking place today, and Wes Anderson's new film The Phoenician Scheme beginning its own rollout across cinemas. Providing balance is the wistful photography of filmmaker Wim Wenders, and a rousing group exhibition in London that explores memory, belonging and place. But if you're just here to party, Lyon is calling with its umph umph umph annual electro takeover at Nuits Sonores. Unfortunately, we're not that cool — so will likely be watching And just Like That... while pretending it's World Eat A Large Pizza In Bed Day, or something. Lastly, if you're still debating seeing Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, check out our latest culture catch-up for critic David Mouriquand's thoughts.* (spoiler: He hated it.) Here are this week's highlights. Wim Wenders: Nearby and Far Away. Photography Where: Galerie Bastian (Berlin, Germany) When: Until 26 July 2025 The German filmmaker behind classics like Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire, Wim Wenders has always had an incredible ability to capture the echoing expanse of human dreams. Richly metaphorical and quietly revelatory, his films transform people and places into moving poetry. It's a quality that's visible in his photography, too. On display at Berlin's Galerie Bastian, his series of snapshots taken across China depict the sweeping shapes and static figures of distant landscapes. For fans of Wenders' work, it's a must-see — with a major retrospective of his photography set to follow at the Bundeskunsthalle in August 2025. Finding My Blue Sky (A group show curated by Dr Omar Kholeif) Where: Lisson Gallery (London, UK) When: 30 May – 26 July 2025 Ahead of London Gallery Weekend (6-8 June), the prestigious Lisson Gallery is bringing over 20 artists together for a major new multimedia group exhibition, which spans both its Bell Street and Lisson Street spaces. Those involved include British artist Lubaina Himid, Nigerian visual artist Otobong Nkanga, and Lebanese painter and sculptor, Huguette Caland. Together, they have created a diverse and emotive ode to London that explores personal entwinements with places — how we shape them, and they, in turn, shape us. Bonus head's up: British virtual band Gorillaz have announced a new immersive exhibition titled 'House of Kong', set to open in August in London. Tickets are available now and likely to sell fast — don't be left On Melancholy Hill! Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Festival Where: Cooper's Hill (Gloucestershire, UK) When: 26 May 2025 A whole day dedicated to cheese rolling? You'd feta believe it! Although the cheese of choice is actually a chunky wheel of Double Gloucester. This kooky annual event has been taking place since roughly 1826 — although the exact origins are murky and thought to date back even further. Hosted on Coopers Hill in the English county of Gloucestershire, participants must race to catch their cheeses — no easy feat when the wheels can reach speeds of up to 70mph. The first race begins at 12pm BST (1pm CEST), and to all those rolling with their homies: Gouda luck. Nuits Sonores 'Nights of Sound' Festival A post shared by Nuits sonores (@nuits_sonores) Where: Lyon, France When: 28 May - 1 June 2025 One of the biggest electro-music events in France, Nuits Sonores takes place across the vibrant city of Lyon for five days every year. From English trip hoppers Massive Attack, to American DJ Honey Dijon, to French electro duo Cassius and techno icon Jeff Mills — the line-up is well and truly stacked. Most of the major events will be held at Les Grandes Locos in the day, and La Sucrière at night, both former industrial spaces-turned cultural beacons. Grab your bucket hats and pour yourself a strong coffee — it's gonna be a late one. The Phoenician Scheme Where: UK cinemas When: 30 May (with a wider theatrical release 6 June) Fresh off the Cannes Film Festival circuit is Wes Anderson's latest confection, starring (as usual) an all-star ensemble that includes regulars Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Benedict Cumberbatch. Set in the 1950s, we follow suave businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) and his trainee nun daughter, Sister Liesl (Mia Threapleton) as they try to secure investments for a fictional place called Phoenicia — all while dodging a band of eccentric tycoons. Lots of pastel, perfectly poised mischief ensues in this frenetic family adventure, which will either delight Anderson fans — or exhaust them. And Just Like That… (Season 3) Where: Sky and NOW When: 30 May 2025 As a new season of the Sex and the City spin-off returns, I couldn't help but wonder: Why? That's a lie, actually — cringeworthy as the show is, it's also frustratingly addictive. Continuing to follow the lives of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) as they navigate their 50s alongside a host of new characters, it's got about as much substance as a Manolo Blahnik shoe. But fans know what they're in for here. And even if we're still reeling over that stupid season 2 ending in which Aidan asked Carrie to wait five years for him (as if!), the show's familiar template and superficial sheen encourage your brain to happily melt. Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful When: 30 May 2025 In the nearly 20 years since her breakout role as teen pop idol Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus has done everything to break free from her Disneyfication. Giant wrecking balls were straddled, and twerking routines performed. But through the struggle of growing up in the limelight, Miley emerged as an artist whose strength is in constantly evolving — and those powerhouse vocals. Following 'Endless Summer Vacation', from which 'Flowers' became Spotify's most-streamed song of 2023, she returns with her eighth output: 'Something Beautiful'. Inspired by Pink Floyd's groundbreaking concept album 'The Wall', Miley has also produced and directed a companion film, set to be released some time in June.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Netherlands buys 46 Leopard tanks from KNDS for more than $1 billion
PARIS — The Netherlands signed a contract to buy 46 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from French-German defense firm KNDS for more than €1 billion (US$1.1 billion), following through on a plan to re-establish a heavy armor component for its land forces. The Dutch are buying the tanks from KNDS Deutschland through the framework contract established by Germany's Bundeswehr equipment office, with an option for an additional six tanks, according to statements from the Ministry of Defense and KNDS on Wednesday. The first tank will be handed over in 2028, with deliveries finalized in 2031, according to the Netherlands. 'With the current threat of large-scale conflict, the tank is an indispensable tool,' Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said. 'A force that, combined with smart tactics, is difficult to stop. The Leopard remains the king of the battlefield.' The Dutch disbanded their last tank battalions in 2011 during an era of defense cuts, selling their remaining Leopard 2A6 tanks to Finland in 2014. The Netherlands have been leasing 2A6 tanks from Germany since 2015, providing one of the four companies in the mixed German-Dutch 414 Tank Battalion based at Germany's Bergen-Hohne military training area. The new fully Dutch battalion will remain based at Bergen-Hohne, where the Dutch says there is enough space for realistic training, something that is lacking in the Netherlands, one of Europe's most densely populated countries. The Leopard 2 is used by 15 European countries, according to KNDS. The Netherlands said the fact that other countries such as Lithuania, Norway and Sweden have ordered the Leopard makes international cooperation easier. The Leopard is 'the best tank available,' Tuinman said, describing the tracked vehicle as 'pure combat power,' with advanced systems and sensors creating a unit with 'formidable firepower.' The 2A8 features significant improvements compared to the version operated previously by the Dutch, with an improved barrel, better protection against improvised explosive devices, superior sensors, active protection and an upgraded transmission, according to the ministry. The 2A8 version of the Leopard will be fitted with an active protection system, the MoD said, without providing details. In Germany's case, that's the EuroTrophy system developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and designed as a hard-kill measure against anti-tank missiles. The Dutch plan to include an unmanned component in the future tank battalion, which will still have about 500 troops, according to the ministry. The Netherlands will decide in 2027 whether to exercise the option for an additional six tanks. The total budget, including spare parts, specialized tools, factory training and documentation amounts to between €1 billion and €2.5 billion, the Dutch MoD said. The Netherlands is also buying four Leopard 2A8 driver training vehicles. The Netherlands had announced its tank-buying plans in September, as part of increased defense spending, providing details on the future tank fleet the next month. The country increased its 2025 defense budget to €22 billion from €21.4 billion last year, with plans to go to around €24 billion a year. The Netherlands also signed a contract for Saab's Carl Gustav M4 anti-tank weapon, with first deliveries planned by the end of this year and continuing through to 2028. The M4 will replace the Panzerfaust-3 in service with the Dutch forces, which the MoD says has a maximum range of 600 meters and has become obsolete.
Euronews
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Brussels, my love? Merz stumbles into office - can he recover?
Shock and embarrassment in Berlin! Friedrich Merz was only elected as the new German Chancellor by the Bundestag in the second round of voting. This never happened before in the history of the Federal Republic. Is he already damaged goods before he can bring the show on the road? Can his coalition still work together in a spirit of trust? And what about his ambitious plans for Europe? Questions for our panel in this edition from the European Parliament: Damian Boeselager, from the German Volt Party sitting with the Greens, Anna Stürgkh from Renew Europe (Austria) and Siegfried Mureșan, from the European Poeple's Party (Romania). The era Friedrich Merz started with a bang. The 69-year old did not receive the required majority of 316 votes in the first round. Nobody expected this! In the three months after the snap elections that turned his Christian Democrats into the biggest force in the Bundestag, Merz has already come under sustained attacks from fellow conservatives and their media allies for giving too much away to the Social Democrats, his coalition partner. And that was even before he entered the chancellery! The question is: who were the dissenters, Christian Democrats or Social Democrats - or both? Some called them traitors. One thing is certain: the new government will start with a serious amount of mistrust within its own ranks. Too bad, as there are huge expectations in Berlin and Brussels that Merz revives the economy, brings Europe back on track, repairs the sputtering French-German engine, reigns in Trump and tames migration. Will it finally come to all that? The second topic was the political thriller in Romania where the far-right Eurosceptic George Simion has won the first round of the Romanian presidential election rerun. The rerun was necessary after the highest court of the country had annulled last December's election due to attempted Russian manipulation. A decision that was sharply criticized by the global far right, including the Trump administration. A victory for Simion could have a serious impact on Europe, say political observers. On May 18th, voters will face a stark choice between two radically different candidates, Simion and Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. Simion, the leader of the Nationalist Alliance for Romanian Unity Party, has increasingly aligned his rhetoric and position with those sympathetic to the Kremlin interest. In a recent and widely criticized statement, Simion claimed that Russia poses no threat to NATO. His opponent is Dan, an independent candidate with a background in mathematics and a strong pro-European progressive orientation. Voters, therefore, must decide between two fundamentally different visions. Will Romanians maintain the country's pro-European course? Or will anti-EU forces prevail? Finally, the panel discussed the aftermath of the big blackout that struck the Iberian peninsula and parts of France recently. Traffic lights failed, elevators stopped, electronic payments broke down – and across cities, people stepped in to help one another. The blackout was likely triggered by technical issues, although the exact cause remains unclear. Could it happen again elsewhere in Europe? Are we prepared for a major energy security crisis?
