Gas reserves in storage facilities in France, the Netherlands fall below 50%

#Gas reserves in underground storage facilities (UGS) in France and the #Netherlands have fallen below 50%, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). As of January 15, UGS facilities in #France were 49.24% full, holding about 6.4 bln cubic meters of gas. Withdrawals from storage facilities in the country have reached their maximum since the beginning of the heating season.

Gas reserves in storage facilities in the Netherlands fell to 47.58%, in Croatia - to 47.74%. These are the lowest figures among all EU countries.

The highest level of storage capacity in Europe is currently reported in Portugal (almost 100%). Sweden (88.04%), Spain (77.48%), and Poland (77.35%) are also at the top of the list. Italy's UGS facilities are filled to 71.44%, Austria - to 70.31%, Germany - to 68.48%, Slovakia - to 67.59%, Bulgaria - to 65.18%, Hungary - to 62.68%. Reserves also fell below 60% in Latvia (59.92%), the Czech Republic (59.34%), Romania (56.38%), Belgium (55.81%), and Denmark (53.87%).

Hostages Deal - Ceasefire: The government will convene in less than two hours, for a meeting that will last into Shabbat.

Amit Segel reports now that there has been a change in plans and that the government meeting to approve the deal will be today at 3:30 pm local time.

Jan. 17th, 2025 - President Trump Statement

"January 20th cannot come fast enough! Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).
 
Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!
 
We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In. All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening.
 
Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Could US leave the World Health Organization next week?

It is estimated that the US will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) within the first days of Trump taking office. As you may recall, Trump already withdrew from the organization during his previous term, but Biden reversed the decision.

The US currently provides the #WHO with about a billion dollars a year, but since 80% of the organization's funding comes from private entities, it is estimated that the organization could function without American support.
A number of other countries, such as Slovenia and Austria, have also recently expressed concerns that the WHO could override the country's national sovereignty.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the Commission would do its best to support the WHO, within the limits of its budget.