Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing - Dec. 18, 2021

ANKARA

Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments in Turkey, around the world, and the coronavirus pandemic.

World

The European Union made it clear that it would impose severe sanctions on Russia if it makes a military move against Ukraine.

The EU placed an order for more than 180 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer coronavirus vaccine adapted for the omicron variant, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

An ex-defense contractor has been arrested in an FBI undercover operation and charged with attempted espionage, the US Justice Department announced.

European countries have accelerated the vaccination of children aged 5 - 11 amid surging cases of the coronavirus.

The Colombian government accused Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega of being a “dictator" and urged the international community to apply sanctions against his government.

Developments in Turkey

Turkey's Central Bank intervened in foreign exchange markets for the fifth time this month, citing "unhealthy price formations."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Elon Musk, the founder of electric carmaker Tesla and space exploration company SpaceX, for helping with the launch of Turksat 5A, a Turkish communications satellite.

Turkey said recent decisions adopted by the EU at the bloc’s General Affairs Council once again have shown that the EU does not approach enlargement with a strategic approach but rather one based on membership solidarity.

Turkey rejected a new US State Department report on terrorism, saying it did not fairly evaluate Ankara's fight against terror groups.

The Turkish parliament approved the government's 2022 budget following a 12-day marathon session.