The Daily Dominion

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Next Generation Network Alliance Officially Releases DAGK Protocol to the Public

VERINTENO - The NGNA, a joint committee of the Duxburian Central Bank and Federal Blockchain Alliance, has now launched their highly advanced DAGK 1.0 consensus protocol. Programmed by world-renowned computer science experts Grandmaster Brandeus Devoy, Grandmaster Andres Marian, and Master Kade Nelson, DAGK utilizes much higher mathematical algorithms than previous partially-synchronus, directed acrylic graph of blocks protocols such as LINK X and Ripple X.

The permissionless, paramaterless protocol's transaction ordering logic is agnostic to its network latency, enabling it to scale to the size of the hardware that runs it, rendering its transactions-per-second cap theoretically infinite. DAGK's capabilities are limited only by the speed, size, and power of the internet itself. The protocol can finalize some closer transactions at speeds under 50 milliseconds vs the 2-5 second window of the older Ripple X network.

DAGK is published as an open source specification that anyone may use free for any purpose. The Duxburian government and financial sector plan on implementing a closed-source version of the protocol for payments processing by the end of the year, while some smaller credit alliances may be up and running with it far sooner.

The FBA will now deprecate the LINK X network, although as a decentralized specification, any entity running it may continue to run it indefinitely.

The Union of Duxburian Dominions always welcomes more competition in payment processing. We tried this in the past with the Eurocard idea, but it didn't gain traction as councillors did not want to use a private contractor. In the time since then, payment processing has really advanced with mobile pay, direct ID card pay, Ripple X, BDAG, and now the cutting edge DAGK protocol. In order to be successful, EuroPay needs to have the flexibility to change and adapt with such massive leaps in technological sophistication. Payments, especially inter-bank, are no longer linear transmissions of money, they are massively parallel transmissions of asset-agnostic, platform-agnostic data. The idea of a consumer-facing retail bank itself is on the cusp of becoming obsolete.

Most of the proposed act does seem to account for changes in technology that would keep the network relevant. That said, I agree that the new technologies clause could be struck since it shouldn't limit itself to anything specific, plus if the network needs updating, it'll just get updated, enumerating such is unnecessary. Councillor Tilkanas holds a very outdated view of what the crypto world actually is these days, but that's a debate for some other act and some other time.

I agree with striking the sanctions clause. My government still holds sanctions as a step akin to declaring war with prejudice, and as it expects full military retaliation for any sanctions issued...it will simply never agree to issue any.

The Union of Duxburian Dominions lacks a conventional "chargeback" system since that would interfere with the infinite outbound scalability of the DAGK protocol, however, the clause allows for refunds to be issued as separate transactions so nothing needs to be amended there.

Chip and pin is far too antiquated to use, but again we don't need an amendment with how it's worded.

I do want to propose some minor amendments:

Amendment Four:
Change all references of "banks" to "financial institutions".

Amendment Five:
V.The network shall be funded by a percentage of transaction payment processing fee up to a cap and per card card issuing an origination fee charged to issuing financial institutions banks for every physical card tradeline number issued on the EuroPay network.

Physical cards aren't really a thing anymore and banks are not the only entities that may be authorized to originate cards, so these clauses should have more flexibility. It's important to note that a "tradeline number" does not include one-time use virtual privacy numbers or the user-changeable numbers on modern card accounts that don't have default card numbers baked in. A tradeline number is the overarching identifier for whatever form their core "card" takes and the fee only needs to be paid again when that overarching "card" needs to be re-issued.

Everything else about the act seems fine to me.

Wesley Greene
Councillor-General of the Duxburian Union

Nik Asgard amte primo mani, Master-General of Land

Nik Asgard finally arrived in Europolis after sailing across the strait and then taking various public transit to reach the city. It took forever and made him arrive later than other dignitaries, but gotta practice what you preach, right? Of course, he had help from random people who recognized him not as a government official, but as a rare descendant of the first men of Azrekko. There was no hiding his visual heritage - the skin complexion of the greatest of all men who built the ancient Azrekkian world with nothing but their hands. Nik's heritage had already helped him become a huge hit among the rural Duxburians he needed to connect with as the new Master-General of Land, the Duxburian equivalent of a Ministry of Interior. Rural Duxburians, so hard for most government officials to reach and understand, practically revered the first men as the ultimate "masculine tough guys" of the desert, and thus they embraced Nik as one of their own despite being young and pretty ordinary all things considered. He alone could persuade them to do various things that liberal nanny men couldn't make them do, and that is why the government had decided to send him to the environmental conference over other, more well-known Duxburians.

However, Nik was far from any kind of tough guy in Europolis, shivering in the temperate air. Gawd, this place was soooooooooo fucking cold. Nik hailed from one of the hottest places on earth, the Valley of the Sun, which sat well below sea level in far southeastern Azrekko. According to legend, the Sun Kings of Azrekko built a forbidden city in the inhospitable valley for safely storing the gold reserve of their kingdom. While the forbidden city did indeed exist, and continues to exist due to an oasis (the invention of air conditioning helped too), the treasury was lost and never found, remaining one of the great mysteries of the country. Nik's Asgard bloodline never managed to leave this place, thus he was born to tolerate its scorching weather.

Layers, layers! Nik put on another jacket. One of the reasons he was here was concern that the climate was warming too rapidly, but now he wasn't so sure! He also didn't expect much from the conference. He was unlikely to see eye-to-eye with the rest of Europe on things like ICE vehicles (when gasoline still cost less than water), or preventing the spread of agriculture (with some of the largest food-producing regions of anywhere), and especially the continued lack of any real transition plan for workers and skills. However, the modern Duxburian Union wasn't all that far away from the European nanny libs in many categories like energy generation and recycling, so signing a deal was a very real possibility. Either way, it was worth his time. If nobody acted, his home of thousands of years would become uninhabitably hot, the desert could expand, and the food supply could be threatened.

Nik briefed his translator on what he planned to talk about. He could technically speak 4 languages fluently on his own, but his 2 best were ancient ones and his English came with an accent some thousands of years older than English itself that probably made it almost unintelligible to native speakers. Ah, the joys of coming from such an isolated time capsule of a place.

It would soon be time to meet the nanny libs and hear what wild ideas they have this go-around...

Alberto laughed when Fornithias mentioned how often he eats Iberian Ham, as he found it funny. He wanted to clarify that, despite the strange arrival the Sertians had performed, there had been no inconvenients: «The creative entry has not been an inconvenient to anyone, Mr. Cranst. The Gibraltarean Government even told me you gave them less trouble than some ships do when going through the Strait!», Feijóo added, laughing.

Then, the Spanish President proceeded to address the immigration topic: «I am pretty aware of the Sertian potential, and specially of its capabilities to go through an industrial revolution. Spain is open to any investment in the region, I must say, and certain enterprises like Iberdrola are interested in bringing clean sources of energy into the island. You know, useful things for everyone that also save the planet. But as we both know, we need to adapt to the Caribbean needs, and it is known by mostly everyone in Spain that there is a slower rythym there than here. I can see why many new soliders choose Sertia as their destinarion, and the feedback we are receiving is good, right General Brown?». Carlos then nodded at the question the President asked, and smiled.

«However, and as you may be aware of, I cannot force anyone to move into Sertia, Mr. Cranst. Yet, there are certain ways to make the move to Sertia more attractive than it is right now. Maybe some tax deductions for those willing to move there and work might be useful, at least for the first year, whatever you can afford. Also, we could increase conectivity between Spain and Sertia, with more flights between our nations. Sadly, ferries are not over the table, due to the long distance between us. It is also important to mention that there is free movement and trade between our nations, thanks to the agreements that Spain signed with Nofoaga and that were then taken by the CCCC once your nation and Nofoaga unified certain political matters, so that is also an advantage. Have you thought on something else? Is this okay to you?», Feijóo inquired.

Then, Feijóo put another topic over the table, as he thought that using turns to speak about the topics on the agenda was the best way to handle a summit: «I believe I have introduced you before, but in case I haven't, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Benedicto, the Director-General of the Spanish Space Agency. He is accompaning us today as he wanted to meet the Sertian astronaut that alongside the two Spanish astronauts and the Nofoagan astronaut, is going to be on that rocket that we will launch from Sertia to the Moon. He also insisted on allowing him to explain to you some mission details», Feijóo said.

Francisco then started to speak: «Mr. Cranst, first allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of the whole AEE for allowing Spain to build a spaceport in Sertia, as well as for the trust you Government has deposited on us. That said, it is an honour to meet you, as it is to meet the astronaut that will represent your country in this adventure, and as President Feijóo said, I wanted to give you some details of our Mission to the Moon. As you might have already seen on the news, the mission will take place on January 2025. I can now tell you that we will make our first attempt on January 11th, and if weather conditions allow us, that will be the start date. On January 15th, we expect that the crew lands in the Moon, placing the Spanish, Nofoagan, Sertian and the Spanish Space Agency flags, as well as a commemorative flag designed for the occasion. The day after, on January 16th, after approximately 20 hours on the Moon and performing some tests and collecting some rocks, the crew will take off from the Moon. They are expected to land on January 19th in any sea of the European Union, but our intention is that they land somewhere where we will not be disturbed, that is, the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans. If you want to know anything more, make any objections or add anything, your comments are really welcomed», Francisco said, proceeding to drink some water from his glass.

«His concessions are dangerous, and I share the sentiment of him always being anxious about everything. Just look at that CCTV policy of his, with facial recognition, it reminds me to some utopic novels about dictatorships. At least the United Duchies remains democratic, for now...», Alberto said. «I also believe that Simon Bridges would be more dangerous outside of the European Union than inside it, and if it were to be a nuclear Reitzmag, I doubt certain powers would allow it. Spain would not, that is for sure: any nation that does not lie under the ENAA's regulations is a threat to us, and to regional peace. But they seem to be leaving soon over the Right to Divorce recognition, so I doubt they are authorised considering the ENAA does not like erratic behaviours».

Feijóo then decided to address the request from the Istkalenian Prime Minister: «The Kingdom of Spain is open to increase its military coordination with Istkalen, as it is to sell arms and our many military products. Our Defence Ministers will be able to sort that out: tell the team at the Ministry to send us a list, and we will get into it. I am glad that you agree with the sentiment that Minister Mordaunt and I share, and I believe that even if the current international order may be falling, it is our duty to avoid its defeat to lies. Correct me if I am wrong, but some rumours have arrived to Moncloa recently about certain wish of the Istkalenian Government to join the Treaty of Telum. Are these rumours correct or are they just rumours? By the way, for the delivery of the equipment, we could just get them into Istkalen through the Inimican base if needed. Pretty sure Emperor Artabanos will authorise it, mostly to the strong ties between both nations».

«I also wanted to speak about trade. In the last summit between our nations, my team has notified me that President Aguilar and President Rikkalek agreed on free trade in the electronics sectors, as well as lower controls on the exports of cobalt and uranium to Spain. They agreed to talk about lumber on a future summit that never happened, but first I wanted to know if these agreements are still in place -the President said, stopping to drink some water- If they are, which I guess they are as we have not received any notification stating the opposite, I would like to reaffirm my Government's compromise with those agreements. I was wondering about what else Istkalen has to offer in exports, and if you would be interested on any Spanish products. Furthermore, would it be possible to explore some sort of extra supply of REM from Istkalen? We actually receive our REM from Czech Slavia, which is of amazing quality, I must confess. But the military is pushing to get another secret source of REM, for the sake of diversification», Alberto explained. During Aguilar's Presidency, the former President had created a national reserve of those materials, which received new amounts every month. Getting to know if Istkalen was willing to supply REM to Spain in secret was important to continue with those plans.

NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA TO ENTER IN PLACE ON AUGUST 1ST

A digital nomad, in the Canary Islands

The Spanish Government has announced the creation of a new type of visa for digital nomads, which will allow freelancers and remote workers from nations with no free movement agreements with Spain to live and work in the country for up to five years, starting August 1st, using exclusively computer telematics and telecommunication media and systems; making it the first country of the European Union to have these types of visas available. According to Minister of Industry, Trade, Tourism and Energy, Thierry Breton; the introduction of this new type of visa will make Spain one of the "most attractive destinations" for nomads.

To apply for this type of visa, interested individuals shall submit their application at their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. The first step to be able to request this visa is showing that the work you do can be done remotely and working for a company that has been in business for at least one year. When it comes to self-employed citizens willing to become digital nomads in Spain, they have to show that you are well-established and have a steady stream of clients. In addition, they can work with Spain-based companies as long as it doesn't make up more than 20% of your overall workload. The Spanish Government has set other requirements for these nomads, such as holding a bachelor's or master's degree from a legitimate university, college, or business school, or have at least three years of relevant work experience in their current professional field; being financially stable (with an income of 2,280€ per month or 30,840€ per year) and having a clean criminal record. The application fee is 80€ and if they are approved, nomads will have to apply for their NIF and NIE. Taxation for these nomads is also attractive: these non-residents will be subject to a 24% tax rate, applicable up to 600,000€ per year, with any earning above this amount being taxed at a 48%.

Many regions are already expecting a growth in their foreign residents stats, specially the well-known Spanish tourist hotspots, like Andalucía, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands; or some quieter places, like the Spanish Micronesia, Puerto Rico or the islands that belong to Portugalia. In San Juan (Puerto Rico), citizens are not concerned about the arrival of these wealthy workers: «if their arrival contributes to the well-being of our island, and to tackle down housing prices while improving our public services, we will welcome them with open hands», said Juliana, a 30-year old woman with a child. In the Spanish Micronesia, where space is severely limited, the hotels are expected to receive the bigger influx of digital nomads: «we are eager to see if this new visas bring some more dynamism to the local economy, while having higher incomes», says Asou, the owner of a little hostel in the main island of the region.

«Mr. Cranst! Welcome to the Palacio de la Moncloa, it is an honour to meet you», Alberto said while both leaders shook hands. Cranst had disembarked in Gibraltar, and the roadtrip to Madrid had been long. Then, both proceeded to the Salón Tapiès, where two glasses of water and a cooled room thanks to air conditioning awaited. After the press left them alone, the members of both delegations entered the room, with Feijóo and Fornithias greeting them: on the Spanish side, the President was joined by General Carlos Brown, the Agencia Espacial Española Director-General, Francisco-Javier Benedicto Ruiz; and the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Esteban González Pons; who joined at the last minute after Moncloa received information about the presence of the Sertian Councillor, Éduditalle Dína.

Once everyone has been greeted, and all sat down, Feijóo proceeded to talk: «I believe this is the first time I see this room so crowded, -he laughed slightly- and I am very glad that this happens alongside our Sertian friends and allies. Before we start dealing with the several topics we have in our agendas, I wanted to personally convey you my Government's and I personal commitment with the Caribbean and its interests. We will never let your nation down, Mr. Cranst. Do you like Iberian Ham, by the way? I told my attendants about the idea of gifting you and your family a leg of Jamón, so if you like it, we can personally leave it on the tallship and you could enjoy it on your way back to Sertia». After that, the President smiled.

«Now, let's get into business, shouldn't we?», asked Feijóo. «I would like you to go first, Mr. Cranst. What topics would you like to discuss?», inquired the President once more.

My excuses for the delay. Voting on the amendments has concluded. The voting results are the following:

• With 1 vote FOR and 2 votes AGAINST, Amendment I has FAILED.
• With 2 votes FOR and 1 vote AGAINST, Amendment II has PASSED.

The proposal has been updated accordingly.

Final voting begins NOW and will last until 09:46 GMT on July 25th, 2024.

On behalf of the Kingdom of Spain, I vote FOR this Budget.

Donald Tusk
Council Speaker and Councillor for Spain

Debate begins NOW and will continue until 09:45 GMT on July 25th, 2024.

Donald Tusk
Council Speaker and Councillor for Spain

BREAKING - PUIGDEMONT, ARRESTED

Puigdemont had been 'in exile' since 2017, from where he campaigned in the last Catalan Election

According to sources from the Mossos d'Escuadra, former President of Catalonia and one of the individuals responsible of the 2017 illegal Independence Referendum, has been arrested today after he crossed the border from the Republic of California to Catalonia. The car in which he travelled was intercepted by a unit of the Catalan police, as cameras from the autonomical television, TV3, were transmiting live his arrival into Spanish land after his runaway in 2017. The cameras have also recorded his arrest, which has not been violent and to which he has put no opposition. Puigdemont is now in Barcelona, where he awaits to be transfered to Madrid, where he will have to appear in court.

Carles Puigdemont is the leader of the conservative pro-independence party Junts per Catalunya, and ran for the Catalan Presidency in the last election, which took place on May 12th. However, despite getting 35 seats, he lost the election to the PSOE's candidate, Salvador Illa, who is still negotiating with leftist secessionist party Esquerra Republicana and Comuns-Sumar to form a left-wing Government. Puigdemont had, on the other hand, called for unity between pro-independence forces, and his comeback may be a strategy to force the collapse of negotiations between the PSOE and Esquerra, in an attempt to force a new election and try to win it. His arrest does not mean, however, that he cannot attend parliamentary sessions or become President -he is still able to do that until a sentence is pronounced-, which reinforces the previously exposed theory.

Through a statement, other Catalan politicians in jail have already condemned his arrest, affirming that Spain is "a fascist state". Several protestors are gathering in Barcelona, where civil unrest could take place. The arrest of the Catalan leader comes in the poorest moment for Catalan secessionism, with just a 40% of the Catalan population supporting to leave Spain, and a 53% rejecting it. Puigdemont now faces charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds, from which he will have to defend himself in the Supreme Court. Secessionist parties have called for peaceful demonstrations in the streets, while the radical far-left party Candidatura d'Unitat Popular and the far-right party Aliança Catalana have urged their supporters to "take the streets". Major national parties have still not reacted to Puigdemont's arrest.

PRESIDENT FEIJÓO: "THE RULE OF LAW HAS PREVAILED"

President Alberto Núñez Feijóo, in this morning's Press Conference

"The Spanish rule of law has prevailed". With those words, the President of the Spanish Government has summed up what the arrest of Carles Puigdemont signifies for the nation. Feijóo has congratulated his Government efforts to keep the borders safe and thanked the Catalan police, the Mossos d'Escuadra, for their loyalty to the Spanish rule of law. While the President has not made his thoughts about what Puigdemont can expect from Monday in his judicial battle (he will appear in the Supreme Court on Monday), it is likely for him to be judged by the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Catalunya, as he is a member of the Catalan Parliament.

«The capture of Carles Puigdemont puts an end to seven years of escapism and rebellion, as to the whole Catalan Independence plot, known as the Procès. It died in the last autonomical election, in which the pro-independence parties did not have a majority for the first time in decades, and we bury it today. Everyone has to pay for their actions, and Puigdemont is not an exception», President Feijóo has stated this morning. VOX has also celebrated Puigdemont's arrest, calling him a "traitor". On the other hand, left-wing parties have not shown any happiness about the escapee's arrest, with Sumar leader Yolanda Díaz saying that "political revenge through the judiciary power is illegal" and that "Puigdemont shall receive guarantees of a free and impartial trial"; while a spokesperson of the PSOE has stated the party supports "a new era for Catalonia" in which the politicians that were responsible of the referendum are "forgiven".

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, a pro-independence demonstration has begun at 12:00, calling for Puigdemont's immediate release, alongisde the other "political prisoners". The Catalan Police has encouraged tourists to stay away from the demonstration, as it could turn violent. The precedent of these kind of demonstrations after controversial happenings like this have always ended up in civil unrest by the extremist side of the pro-independence movement.