The launch of a platform for mutual settlements within the framework of BRICS is at the stage of preparation. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin noted that the SCO has already approved a roadmap to increase the share of national currencies in settlements from September 2022. Michel Barnier has been appointed the new Prime Minister of France. After two months of reflection, President Macron chose a 73-year-old politician from the right-wing Republicans (LR) party. Barnier, known as an experienced negotiator and a key figure in the Brexit negotiations, had previously been a European commissioner twice. Barnier's choice deprived the left forces of hope for a prime minister loyal to them. The head of Deutsche Bank, Christian Zeving, called on German citizens to work more. He stressed that the average working week in the EU is 34 hours, while Germans work only 28 hours. In order to improve the economic situation, the banker believes, it is necessary to increase labor activity. Myanmar is considering switching to barter deals with Russia in response to sanctions. According to TASS, the director General of the Planning department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Myanmar, Kyaw Swe Lin, said that the country had already used barter with China 20 years ago. In relations with Russia, it is planned to exchange agricultural products for oil and gas. Russia and Serbia intend to extend the agreement on the supply of Russian gas. The current agreement expires in March 2025. Gas supplies to Serbia are carried out through the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, which runs through the territory of Bulgaria.
