​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishGENERAL, EUNew concerns over possible drinking water sabotage at German army base16 August 2024 A new alert has been issued in Germany over the possible deliberate contamination of drinking water at an army base close to the site of a similar case two days ago reported a break-in at a drinking water treatment and distribution site that supplies a nearby army base “Due to an intrusion at the drinking water distribution site in the town of Mechernich it is possible that the drinking water has been contaminated in a way that is dangerous to health,” the municipality and the Mechernich health service said in a press release People in the area have been warned not to shower or drink tap water The security fence surrounding the water treatment system was cut to force entry said the intrusion had been discovered by an army patrol following the tightening of controls after recent suspicions of sabotage in Cologne The drinking water site has an alarm system but it did not work Fears of sabotage prompted security alerts at two military bases in the country on Wednesday the authorities discovered a hole in a fence surrounding a drinking water site supplying the barracks and sealed off the premises Checks have not yet confirmed any contamination NATO reported an attempted break-in at its Geilenkirchen airbase where AWACS reconnaissance aircraft are based but no link between the two incidents has been established “These incidents show that we must remain vigilant,” said Defence minister Boris Pistorius Several German politicians have suggested Russia’s possible responsibility in Wednesday’s incidents saying they could be part of a hybrid war linked to Berlin's support for Kyiv A police car ar the entrance to the Cologne-Wahn military base Copy linkGet updates in your mailboxYour email addressSubscribeBy clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media not to mention entertainment and lifestyle our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language businesses and various organisations that need reliable information Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs www.belganewsagency.eu your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt A town in western Germany was hit with a water contamination warning after authorities raised the alarm that the water supply might have been tampered with Following a preliminary analysis of water samples in Mechernich officials said on Friday morning that they could largely rule out the presence of foreign chemicals and biological substances but that residents should still take care when using any water This includes boiling water before consuming it and stockpiling drinking water as a precaution The town of Mechernich hosts facilities belonging to the Bundeswehr which are part of the same water reservoir The authorities were alerted to the possible tampering after a hole was found in the fence around the facility Mechernich is located just south of Cologne, where a similar incident took place on Wednesday The Bundeswehr's Cologne-Wahn base was put on alert and cordoned off following suspicions that its water supply had been sabotaged and damage to its fence was found in its perimeter Against the backdrop of the situation in Cologne Mechernich's 10,000 residents were put on high alert in case of a health hazard A spokesperson for Mechernich reportedly said that while the special fire brigade unit had confirmed the water had not been contaminated further tests would be needed to work out whether there were bacteria in the water supply German Federal Minister Volker Wissing has granted €7.3 million in funding for hydrogen projects in the Rheinische Revier region The funding will go towards the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station and an electrolyser at RVK Mechernich site (60 km from Cologne and Bonn) Both projects were approved under the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen […] Both projects were approved under the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP II) of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport It is worth mentioning that RVK has the largest fleet of hydrogen-powered Solaris buses in all of Europe.  In keeping with the funding guideline, the power supply for the electrolysis plant will be from 100% renewable sources such as wind power, biomass, and photovoltaics. The construction of the electrolysis plant will receive a grant of almost €1.4 million. An EU-wide tender is currently in progress for the construction of the refuelling station and the electrolysis plant. he AWM, which is due to be completed by 2027, will consist of an academy for education and training, a competency centre for local transport, an area for driving safety training, and an infrastructure for climate-neutral propulsion. RVK Managing Director Marcel Frank comments: “In consistent continuation of our “Zero Emission” project, we want to advance hydrogen technology in the region. And for this development, we must be ready to take unconventional paths.” © Copyright 2012 - 2025 | Vado e Torno Edizioni | All rights reserved | P.I. : 08514160152 News & Analysis on the Dairy Industry & Markets 30-Jun-2022 Last updated on 30-Jun-2022 at 06:35 GMT Three years after constriction commenced, Hochwald has officially opened its new plant in Mechernich. The €200m facility, described as the 'dairy plant of the future' is located on a 21.5-hectare property and has 60,000 square metres of floor space. It will employ around 250 people across a total of 17 different bottling plants. Setting new standards of digitalisation and automation CEO Detlef Latka said that the investment will help future proof Hochwald’s production footprint. “We set our strategic direction in line with the current and future requirements of the market five years ago,” he reflected. “A core element of this was the construction of a highly efficient and future-orientated plant – precisely what we are opening today.” When fully operational will turn 800m kilogrammes of raw milk per year into value added products including long-life milk, long-life cream, long-life milkshakes and condensed milk. It can produce up to 1.4bn packages of finished product per year. Production started to be phased in at the site in January as the company gradually re-located processing from its Erftsadt plant. Discussing the benefits of the new plant at the opening ceremony, Hochwald said it is setting ‘new standards’ in terms of automation and digitalisation. All the processes are ‘perfectly matched’ with each other and ‘extensively’ automated and digitalised. “This makes the Hochwald plant the most up-to-date dairy plant in Europe,” the company claimed. The dairy group was able to achieve this because it developed the facility from a greenfield site. According to Thorsten Oberschmidt, this was both a ‘great advantage’ and one of the ‘main challenges’ of the project. “An advantage in the sense that we could perfectly picture the resource flows in the new buildings and a challenge because with such an investment, we obviously wanted to retain a certain flexibility for future market developments.” Provision for future growth and the increased capacity that this would require has been taken into account with the opportunity to add bottling plants to the operation. “Mechernich signifies the start of a new phase of development for Hochwald,” Latka declared. Securing the future of regional dairy production “In many ways, the Mechernich plant is a flagship project,” chairman of the Hochwald Milch cooperative Peter Manderfeld added. “It demonstrates the resolve and capacity to act that a cooperative has. For us as milk producers, it ensures milk prodution in the region and contributes to a good milk price.” Addressing around 200 guests at the opening ceremony, Secretary of State for Agruculture of North Rhine Westphalia, Dr Heinrich Bottermann, said that investments like this will help secure the future of agricultural production in the region. “North Rhine Westphalia is a great location for the food industry. We are happy to see that the new dairy plant is helping to sustain it. Milk can be produced very sustainably and efficiently here,” he suggested. Nestlé and Hochwald start joint climate project09-Dec-2021By Jim CornallNestlé is launching its first ‘climate dairy farm’ in Germany. Hochwald issues 2020 financials05-Jul-2021By Jim CornallGerman dairy company Hochwald Foods GmbH has reported turnover of €1.65bn ($1.96bn) in 2020. Hochwald looking to strengthen Middle East market17-Feb-2020By Jim CornallHochwald Foods GmbH, Germany’s second largest dairy cooperative, said it is accelerating its efforts of targeting consumers in search of healthy on-the-go dairy products in the Middle East region. Ice cream for multi-sensorial experiences – new consumer trends Paid for and content provided by Cargill How the EU cheese category is driving innovation with quality schemes Paid for and content provided by European Union The quest for the perfect cheddar – solving challenges for efficiencies texture and flavorPaid for and in partnership with IFF “In order to design buildings with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction.” This quote from Peter Zumthor rings true in his design of Bruder Klaus Field Chapel where a mystical and thought-proving interior is masked by a very rigid rectangular exterior More on Bruder Klaus Field Chapel and Peter Zumthor after the break Bruder Klaus Field Chapel all began as a sketch, eventually evolving to become a very elegant yet basic landmark in Germany’s natural landscape. The design was constructed by local farmers who wanted to honor their patron saint, Bruder Klaus of the 15th century. © Samuel Ludwig www.samueltludwig.comArguably the most interesting aspects of the church are found in the methods of construction, beginning with a wigwam made of 112 tree trunks. Upon completion of the frame, layers of concrete were poured and rammed atop the existing surface, each around 50cm thick. When the concrete of all 24 layers had set, the wooden frame was set on fire, leaving behind a hollowed blackened cavity and charred walls. © Samuel Ludwig www.samueltludwig.comThe unique roofing surface of the interior is balanced by a floor of frozen molten lead. Gaze is pulled up by way of obvious directionality, to the point where the roof is open to the sky and night stars. This controls the weather of the chapel, as rain and sunlight both penetrate the opening and create an ambience or experience very specific to the time of day and year. On a sunny day, this oculus resembles the flare of a star that can be attributed to a reference of Brother Klaus’s vision in the womb. The very somber and reflective feelings that become inevitable in one’s encounter with the chapel make it one of the most striking pieces of religious architecture to date. With no plumbing, bathrooms, running water, electricity, and with it’s charred concrete and lead floors, the seemingly uninviting chapel remains an anticipated destination for many. © Samuel Ludwig www.samueltludwig.com“To me, buildings can have a beautiful silence that I associate with attributes such as composure, self-evidence, durability, presence, and integrity, and with warmth and sensuousness as well; a building that is being itself, being a building, not representing anything, just being.” © Thomas MayerRecognized around the world for his stunning architecture designs, Peter Zumthor was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2009 You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email which is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2026 is part of an innovation project for renewable energy sources in the region’s public transport network The two Quest One electrolysers will be utilised to produce store and fuel vehicles with green hydrogen directly on site Each ME450 has an electrolysis capacity of one megawatt and can produce 450 kilograms of grade 5.0 high-purity hydrogen from green electricity every day which can be used directly in hydrogen buses or other fuel cell vehicles RVK already operates the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe with over 100 hydrogen buses and is continuously expanding it to achieve its goal of “zero emissions” by 2030 Following its existing hydrogen filling stations in Meckenheim and Wermelskirchen the public transport provider now aims to build the first station including electrolysers for the on-site production of green hydrogen Ingenion is relying on Quest One's highly efficient electrolysers the filling station will also be accessible to the public “The decarbonisation of public transport is an important step for climate protection in municipalities” said Michael Meister “We are proud to contribute to this goal with the production of green hydrogen through our innovative electrolysers and to further advance green mobility by supporting climate-neutral public transport in the region with Ingenion.” The Hamburg-based project developer Ingenion was awarded the contract for the supply construction and commissioning of the hydrogen filling station With an increasing focus on projects in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation Ingenion has extensive project expertise in the areas of hydrogen “With the construction and design of the planned hydrogen station we can actively contribute to climate-friendly energy supply and strengthen the infrastructure in the region” added Heiko Iffland “Quest One is an experienced hydrogen expert with reliable service and expertise in on-site implementation and we look forward to our teams working closely together on this flagship project.” Quest One GEA Group AG and Hochwald Foods GmbH yesterday celebrated the first milk intake of a new highly efficient dairy near Cologne together with all employees of the large construction site The new plant in the German town of Mechernich will be the most modern dairy in Europe and will start commercial production as early as January 2022 is impressed by the project’s progress: “GEA has defied the challenges in Mechernich We kept this greenfield project on track through the Covid 19 period and the flood in summer 2021: we are on schedule and in exceptionally constructive cooperation with our long-standing customer.” In the meantime commissioning of the various process steps is underway “Hochwald’s new facility is a lighthouse project that we can all be proud of.” GEA’s highly efficient process technology lays the foundation for sustainable production of the new dairy the particularly short downtimes of the GEA plant ensure resource-saving operation the sophisticated cleaning-in-place (CIP) concept saves water Energy-efficient heat exchangers return the otherwise wasted waste heat from the process to an energy cycle for reuse elsewhere Hochwald Foods will process around 800 million liters of milk per year in the new plant into high-quality dairy products such as UHT milk UHT mixed milk products as well as condensed milk and UHT drinking yogurt takes the first milk intake as an opportunity to thank all those involved in the project for their outstanding adherence to deadlines and quality in the course of the project so far: “Four years ago the members of our cooperative paved the way for the construction of a new dairy with their resolution From the search for land to the planning and construction work the project is the result of a great team effort of which we can already be proud today We will also overcome the final hurdles together until the start of commercial production next year.” GEA’s contract includes the execution planning assembly and commissioning as well as acceptance of all process-related and operational treatment and processing machinery for the manufacturing of the various dairy products The Mechernich plant focusses on products with a long shelf life a benchmark field for GEA’s aseptic technology This ensures the quality and taste of food to last six months and longer – even without cooling and preservatives which in turn improves the environmental balance of the products Attention design lovers: Get ready to discover the hottest design predictions for the upcoming year Our curated selection of Airbnbs showcases the decorative trends experts predict* are set to dominate in 2024 From the timeless charm of Heritage Shaker to the captivating allure of ‘New’ Art Nouveau these stays offer the perfect opportunity to live out your dream interior design Browse through our selection below and find your favourite design inspiration.  This trend highlights opulent textiles and tapestries that portray captivating scenes adding a sense of grandeur to interior spaces as seen in Host Corinne’s charming Parisian apartment Black is back in 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French design magazine and creative agency GOODMOODS the magazine has been showcasing the newest developments in the design world through captivating mood boards celebrating creation and decoration in all its forms the LVR Open-Air Museum Kommern offers an extraordinary Advent programme that appeals to all the senses: traditional Christmas biscuits from the museum ovens lantern tours and productions on the history of the Christmas tree invite you to marvel and experience Visitors can experience how rural families prepared for Christmas Pre-Christmas house music can be heard in the farmhouse parlours of the museum houses The entire museum and the historic houses are bathed in a cosy light with natural light sources and lanterns and traditional stories are told guests also sing Advent carols together with the "farmer's wife" Children have the opportunity to make Christmas decorations and small gifts in the craft room grown-ups can practise their traditional handwriting for their Christmas cards in the old village school which housekeepers offer in the Lower Rhine farmsteads The many different craftspeople presenting their traditional skills also provide a unique experience: See how a broom is tied how a blacksmith makes tools or how a woodcarver works his wood which bathe the museum grounds in warm light at the small Advent market in and in front of the Pingsdorf dance hall freshly bound Advent wreaths and other treasures Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the historic ambience of the open-air museum and look forward to next year In addition to the "Advent for all the senses" the LVR Open-Air Museum Kommern also offers many other events throughout the year such as the popular "Jahrmarkt anno dazumal" Thanks to its lively presentation of history it is the ideal excursion destination for families with children of all ages The museum offers a reduced price for guests travelling by public transport Time: 10.00-18.00 Cost: €9.50, discount for those travelling by public transport Location: Mechernich-Kommern, LVR open-air museum Kommern, Eickser Str. Info-Tel.: 02443.99800 Email: kommern@lvr.de The Christmas markets in the Eifel are particularly beautiful when it has snowed in the low mountain range shortly beforehand: then there is not only a light white veil over the stalls meadows and forests put on their winter dress - a great sight The tranquil villages of the Eifel's natural landscape are also ideal for shorter excursions during Advent for example here: Advent for all the senses (30.11.2025) in Mechernich.  Let yourself be enchanted by the charming Christmas markets in the Eifel and have a look at the Rhineland-Palatinate events calendar; there you will find Christmas markets and events all over Rhineland-Palatinate To find out more about the Christmas markets in the Eifel and the entire Eifel holiday region, simply visit our website: Holidays in the Eifel​​​​​​​. 05-Jul-2021 Last updated on 05-Jul-2021 at 10:44 GMT In a year of crisis dominated by the pandemic, the company said it benefited from higher sales of dairy products via the retail sector. A total of €204.9m ($243m) was invested in the year under review, mostly in the new production facility in Mechernich. Despite the largest investment in a single business year in the history of the company, the equity ratio stands at 31%. The strategic objective of paying an above-average milk price has been achieved, widening the gap from the German average. The export ratio is 46%, and continually growing. Initially, the rapid global spread of the coronavirus pandemic prompted a collapse in prices for dairy products. Although this was followed by a quick recovery, the previous year’s level could not be matched, Hochwald said. The quantity of milk on the global market rose more strongly in 2020 than in the prior year, with the most significant rates of increase reported in North America and Oceania. In Germany, overall per capita consumption of dairy products rose during 2020; on average, people consumed more butter, cheese and fresh milk products than they did in the previous year. Milk producer prices also fell in Germany for the third year in succession. In 2020, the cooperative paid its milk suppliers an above-average milk price of €0.341/kg. Investments – amounting to the biggest investment project in the company’s history – were made in the construction of the dairy site at Mechernich in 2020. Detlef Latka, CEO of Hochwald, said, “The Mechernich project is proceeding on time and within budget, despite the coronavirus situation. Between the start of planning five years ago and final commissioning, we have only lost three months so far. This is a superb achievement on the part of our employees”. In total, €204.9m was invested. The Group’s equity increased from €218.9m ($237.5m) in the previous year to €236.7m ($281m), while the equity ratio stands at 31%. “As we moved into the new year and the spring of 2021, the coronavirus pandemic continued to define the global picture as second and third waves of infection swept across practically every region of the world. Prices of baby/infant food and eating-out products, for example, came under significant pressure.” With economies reviving in Asian countries especially, prices for basic commodities like skimmed milk powder, butter and whey rose sharply in the spring of 2021. In the course of 2021, higher prices will lead to rising milk prices. Latka said, “For Hochwald, rising prices have a delayed effect given the varying contract terms and the low proportion of powder and butter. We believe we will reach our target of paying above-average prices in 2021. In view of the significant increase in costs on dairy farms, higher milk prices are an urgently needed development.” Based on the sales trend for the opening months of the business year, the company said it expects annual turnover and consolidated profit to exceed the 2020 values in 2021. For many of the people of Rhineland-Palatinate Advent is the most wonderful time of the year As the fragrance of Christmas spices gently creeps through the village the streets and squares of the picture-postcard old towns gradually fill with life and the historic façades are bathed in twinkling lights then it is time for the Christmas markets in our wonderfully varied state to open their doors often prepared by the local winemakers themselves and thousands of years of history add up to create some unique historical settings within Rhineland-Palatinate Among the absolute highlights of the run-up to Christmas are events held against the impressive backdrops of the magnificent buildings across our region and we have put together a small selection of the most charming Christmas markets at our castles and palaces: On the third weekend of Advent, you can enjoy ‘Christmas at the Castle’ at the Reichsburg Castle which towers high above the Moselle in Cochem A climb up through the historic old town takes you first to the outer bailey where you are greeted by a shepherd in period costume He will lead you through the real-life Nativity scene a lovingly crafted re-enactment of the Christmas story featuring lay actors and real animals as you gently stroll past the different stalls perhaps picking up a little treat or two and enjoying the wonderful views of the twinkling lights on the ships and the festive decorations in the old town with the water and the steep slopes transforming the Moselle valley into a breathtaking sea of lights View of the illuminated Reichsburg Castle in Cochem in the evening But the life of a castle lord is not just about the courtyard, it is often a glimpse behind the centuries-old walls, which gives you a real feel for the life of the noblemen who once lived there. At Rheinstein Castle in the Middle Rhine Valley, visitors can explore the interior of the romantic palace. The ‘Magical Christmas Castle’ opens its doors throughout the Advent period sending you on a trip back in time to the world of daring knights The fairy-tale world in the knights’ hall is brought to life with hundreds of glittering lights and meanwhile the squire proves his mettle by fighting the dragon on the terrace you are treated to fine delicacies from the Romantic Rhine View of the "Magical Christmas Castle" Burg Rheinstein in Trechtingshausen Further north along the Rhine, the picturesque Arenfels Castle sits atop the hills above the village of Bad Hönningen. You can visit the ‘Romantic Christmas Market’ held here every weekend in Advent Your stroll around the festive forecourt and through the castle is accompanied by various musicians providing a perfect Christmas ambience and at most of the stalls you can watch talented craftsmen and old-fashioned tradesmen going about their delicate work The blacksmith and the turner even ply their trades against the stunning backdrop of the Rhine What could be better than soaking up the atmosphere with a steaming loaf of bread and perhaps warming your hands with a glass or two of mulled wine Romantic Christmas market at Arenfels Castle in Bad Hönningen One of the highlights is the Nativity scene in the costumes and language of the Hohenstaufen period The Christmas story is told in Latin and Middle High German the narrator is happy to translate everything into normal German The snow-covered Satzvey Castle in Mechernich at Castle Christmas colourful floristry and regional honey products are offered for sale at pretty stalls you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the illuminated castle ruins and stroll past the living nativity scene the Christmas castle singers or go in search of St Nicholas - he always has a gift ready for young and old!  Christmas-lit Niederburg Castle in the evening during Manderscheid Castle Christmas The modern open-air stage features a changing daily programme of musicians artists and actors until late into the evening As you wander through the stands of local crafts and foodie treats you may find yourselves involved in one of the spontaneous events around the Malakoffturm tower You are guided through the castle walls by the light of a lantern and given an in-depth insight into the background and history of the Burgkirche in Ingelheim Visitors at the Ingelheim Christmas Market at the Burgkirche Our Christmas events include Christmas markets Let yourself be impressed by the unique views of the winter landscapes of our holiday regions and discover our tour tips for your winter hiking pleasure here Discover more than 30 indoor offers from museums to spas that are certified as "Tourism for All" This guarantees a dry and warm excursion for everyone Cosy alleyways with small cafés and shops to stroll through historic buildings on historic squares and picturesque promenades - discover small old towns on short walks Find out here in which 'Tourism for All' certified wineries and vinotheques you can taste excellent wines even with a walker Start the year with a short hike and recharge your batteries in the fresh air after the holidays - from walking trails to hiking tours Germany: Email: info@communio-in-christo.de) Religion continues to inspire some of the world’s finest buildings, but these stunning non-traditional places of worship – from the South Korean Church of Water and Light to an award-winning Islamic cemetery in Austria – have rejected old-fashioned architecture and turned towards the light. Sacred Spaces a new book published by Phaidon on 20 April Religion continues to inspire some of the world’s finest buildings, but these stunning non-traditional places of worship – from the South Korean Church of Water and Light to an award-winning Islamic cemetery in Austria – have rejected old-fashioned architecture and turned towards the light. Sacred Spaces we’d like to thank you for joining the debate - we’re glad you’ve chosen to participate and we value your opinions and experiences Please choose your username under which you would like all your comments to show up Please keep your posts respectful and abide by the community guidelines - and if you spot a comment you think doesn’t adhere to the guidelines please use the ‘Report’ link next to it to let us know Please preview your comment below and click ‘post’ when you’re happy with it A city practically unknown outside the Czech Republic has topped a list of Europe’s 50 best “secret spot” locations Contrasted with the tourist hotspots of Prague and Cesky Krumlov the city of Olomouc (olla-moats) is “emerging as the travellers’ equivalent of a special restaurant that is your own little secret” While none of Malta’s lesser-known attractions made the list of “undiscovered and overlooked” destinations two in the top 10: Il Frantoio restaurant and inn in southeastern Ostuni came sixth – largely due to its spectacular locally-produced food – closely followed by Rome’s Lazio region at number eight The e-book advises: “When Rome starts to feel like the Eternal City for all the wrong reasons silent place where not much ever happens” – came in at a respectable 21st while in 37th place was the Sybillini Mountains described as epitomising “the best of Italy’s secret countryside combining great local food and jaw-dropping scenery” Italy’s final hidden gem is unexpected: surely everyone knows about Venice But wait: it’s a specific part of La Serenissima which probably won’t stay secret much longer The guide says: “In the Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci… head through the Palazzo Ducale’s hidden passageway unadorned Council of 10 Secret Headquarters.” Secret Europe can be downloaded as a free e-book from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/secret-europe please register for free or log in to your account.