Lunchtime News Tuesday 29th March 2022

News

Citizens urged to refrain from joining Ukrainian military - Seven European Union countries, including France, have urged their citizens to refrain from joining the Ukrainian military resistance against Russia’s invading troops. The justice ministers of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and Belgium have said in a statement that they "have unanimously discouraged Europeans from joining" the ranks of voluntary fighters heading to the war in Ukraine, following an appeal by Ukrainian President. After Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February, Zelensky invited foreigners to join an "International Legion" that would fight alongside Ukrainians. On 6th March the Ukrainian foreign ministry said around 20,000 foreigners, mostly Europeans, had answered the call.

Petrol prices in France - The price of petrol in French service stations has started to rise again with the litre of diesel and Super SP 95 going back above 2 euros. Faced with the high price of fuel, the French government has announced a discount of 15 to 18 centimes per litre from Friday April 1st for a period of 4 months. This measure affects individuals as well as dependent professionals whose activity depends on fuel. The cost is estimated at 3 billion euros.

Deadline for High school students wishing to apply for higher education - High school students across France have until this evening to submit their wishes for orientation in higher education. The demand is through Parcoursup, the post-baccalaureate admission platform created in 2018 and similar to that of UCAS in the UK. Candidates can indicate up to ten wishes, with the possibility of sub-wishes depending on the choices. They can also make ten additional wishes for apprenticeship training. For those who may have any questions, the platform indicates that it is possible to contact the messaging service, directly on Parcoursup, or to call the toll-free number 0800 400 070. The next step will be April 7th, which is the last day to confirm each of the wishes and finalize the file with the elements requested by the establishment concerned. It will be necessary in particular to include a letter of motivation to explain in a few lines what motivates the candidate for the course or training. Note that after the results of the baccalaureate, on July 5th, and as soon as a course is definitively accepted, it will then be imperative to carry out the administrative registration before going on vacation, which is the last stage before the start of the school year.

Biggest pan-bagnat in the world – Finally, the federation of bakers of the Alpes-Maritimes has created what could be the largest pan-bagnat in the world. The world record breaker was presented on Monday at the trade fair for hotels and restaurants which is on in Nice until tomorrow Wednesday 30th March. Measuring more than one metre in diameter it is hoping to make it into the Guinness Book of Records. The pan-bagnat is a speciality of Nice and consists of a sandwich of the classic salade niçois. It has historically been prepared as a use for day-old bread.

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