American president Joe Biden has departed for Brussels. The aim of this trip is to assert Western unity and announce more sanctions against Russia.

US president Joe Biden leaves for Brussels to set unity among Western nations

US President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Brussels next week to meet with NATO leaders to discuss Russia`s war in Ukraine, U.S. and foreign sources familiar with the situation said on Monday. 
 
The plan, which is still being finalized, calls for Biden to meet with other leaders from the NATO alliance in Brussels on March 23, said three of the sources. 
 
They cautioned that the plans could still change given the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-might-be-planning-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-us-nato-un-echo-the-concern-462340">Also read | UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern</a> 
 
The meeting comes as Russian forces continue to escalate their attacks on Ukraine. 
 
One source said Biden could also travel to NATO member Poland, where concerns are running high after a Russian attack on a large Ukrainian base just miles from the border killed 35 people. 
 
NATO members are worried about being drawn into a military conflict with nuclear power Russia. Biden has repeatedly said that the United States will not send forces into Ukraine, but will defend "every inch" of NATO territory. 
 
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the United States was closely engaged with its NATO partners and European allies but that there had not been any final decision about a presidential trip. 
 
Since Russia`s invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, the United States and its allies have coordinated broad sanctions against Moscow and President Vladimir Putin as punishment.

US President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Brussels next week to meet with NATO leaders to discuss Russia`s war in Ukraine, U.S. and foreign sources familiar with the situation said on Monday.

US President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Brussels next week to meet with NATO leaders to discuss Russia`s war in Ukraine, U.S. and foreign sources familiar with the situation said on Monday. The plan, which is still being finalized, calls for Biden to meet with other leaders from the NATO alliance in Brussels on March 23, said three of the sources. They cautioned that the plans could still change given the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine. Also read | UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern The meeting comes as Russian forces continue to escalate their attacks on Ukraine. One source said Biden could also travel to NATO member Poland, where concerns are running high after a Russian attack on a large Ukrainian base just miles from the border killed 35 people. NATO members are worried about being drawn into a military conflict with nuclear power Russia. Biden has repeatedly said that the United States will not send forces into Ukraine, but will defend "every inch" of NATO territory. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the United States was closely engaged with its NATO partners and European allies but that there had not been any final decision about a presidential trip. Since Russia`s invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, the United States and its allies have coordinated broad sanctions against Moscow and President Vladimir Putin as punishment.

Biden expected to meet with NATO leaders in Brussels on Russia-Ukraine: Sources

Ahead of the Foreign Ministers' meet, NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg stated that the defence alliance condemns Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Stoltenberg also called on Russia President Vladimir Putin to stop the war.

NATO Chief Stoltenberg calls on Putin to stop the war

NATO foreign ministers are set to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The allies have been bolstering their Eastern flank since Russia began deploying its troops near Ukraine weeks before the invasion.

NATO FMs to meet in Brussels on March 4

After the Canadian citizens halted key routes, the Belgian federal and local police forces neutralized the “Freedom Convoy” procession of cars that planned to gridlock Brussels with a protest across the city center.

Heavy police deployment across Brussels to block “Freedom Convoy” protest

Brussels' police said 1,600 people took part in a march against the Belgian federal government's COVID restrictions on Sunday (January 30).

"I'm standing here because I don't want to be controlled by the government. If I don't want to get vaccinated, it's my right not to get vaccinated," said psychology student Sebastiaan Braents, 23.

Holding banners reading "Together for freedom" and placards such as "No to mandatory vaccination. Vaccine must remain a choice", the protesters walked from centre of the Belgian capital to the iconic Atomium, located on the outskirts of the city.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bruxelles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bruxelles</a>/ Dimanche 23 janvier/ Manifestation européenne contre les privations de liberté imposées par les gouvernements dans le cadre de la crise sanitaire 
 
Album: <a href="https://t.co/dIjkx3xEqM">https://t.co/dIjkx3xEqM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brussel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brussel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PassVacinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PassVacinal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greenpass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greenpass</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/protest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#protest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoPass</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBhz7CDA3H">pic.twitter.com/OBhz7CDA3H</a>
— Marjorie Es (@ma_jo_ie) <a href="https://twitter.com/ma_jo_ie/status/1487819838101901323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedForFreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedForFreedom</a>: is organizing the event just one week after protesters clashed with police during a similar demonstration. During the protest, police used water cannons &amp; tear gas <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brussels?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brussels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belgium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belgium</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PassVaccinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PassVaccinal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PasseSanitaire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PasseSanitaire</a> <a href="https://t.co/zgTqjVH3XA">https://t.co/zgTqjVH3XA</a> 
Last Week⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/k9gGXfNoj3">pic.twitter.com/k9gGXfNoj3</a>
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The peaceful march came a week after violence erupted during a demonstration that drew 50,000 people to the streets of the Belgian and European Union capital with some demonstrators coming from neighbouring France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Belgium announced a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions on January 21 despite record infections, but also said people must have booster shots after five months to keep passes for bars, cinemas and many other public spaces.

Belgium is facing a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, with the peak expected soon. Some 29,000 people have died from the disease since the start of the pandemic according to Belgium's public health body Sciensano.

As of January 29, some 76% of Belgian adults were fully vaccinated and 56% had also received a booster shot according to Sciensano.

Brussels' police said 1,600 people took part in a march against the Belgian federal government's COVID restrictions on Sunday (January 30). "I'm standing here because I don't want to be controlled by the government.

Brussels' police said 1,600 people took part in a march against the Belgian federal government's COVID restrictions on Sunday (January 30). "I'm standing here because I don't want to be controlled by the government. If I don't want to get vaccinated, it's my right not to get vaccinated," said psychology student Sebastiaan Braents, 23. Holding banners reading "Together for freedom" and placards such as "No to mandatory vaccination. Vaccine must remain a choice", the protesters walked from centre of the Belgian capital to the iconic Atomium, located on the outskirts of the city. #Bruxelles/ Dimanche 23 janvier/ Manifestation européenne contre les privations de liberté imposées par les gouvernements dans le cadre de la crise sanitaire Album: https://t.co/dIjkx3xEqM#Brussel #PassVacinal #greenpass #protest #NoPass pic.twitter.com/OBhz7CDA3H — Marjorie Es (@ma_jo_ie) January 30, 2022 × #UnitedForFreedom: is organizing the event just one week after protesters clashed with police during a similar demonstration. During the protest, police used water cannons & tear gas #Brussels #Belgium #PassVaccinal #PasseSanitaire https://t.co/zgTqjVH3XA Last Week⤵️ pic.twitter.com/k9gGXfNoj3 — 🌎 Sarwar 🌐 (@ferozwala) January 30, 2022 × The peaceful march came a week after violence erupted during a demonstration that drew 50,000 people to the streets of the Belgian and European Union capital with some demonstrators coming from neighbouring France, Germany and the Netherlands. Belgium announced a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions on January 21 despite record infections, but also said people must have booster shots after five months to keep passes for bars, cinemas and many other public spaces. Belgium is facing a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, with the peak expected soon. Some 29,000 people have died from the disease since the start of the pandemic according to Belgium's public health body Sciensano. As of January 29, some 76% of Belgian adults were fully vaccinated and 56% had also received a booster shot according to Sciensano.

Brussels: Demonstrators protest over coronavirus rules

Thousands of demonstrators have took to the streets of Brussels to protest against the latest government imposed covid-19 restrictions.

Thousands stage protest in Brussels over covid-19 restrictions; police fire water canon, tear gas

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks.

A few thousand protesters initially marched peacefully through the centre of Belgian capital to the neighbourhood which hosts the headquarters of European Union institutions, where the demonstration reached its endpoint.

A group of protesters, wearing black hoods and chanting "liberte" (freedom) started to throw stones at the police when the protest march reached EU quarter.

Demonstrators were protesting rules imposed in October that oblige people to show COVID-19 passes to access bars and restaurants.

"I can't bear discrimination in any form, and now there's the vaccine pass which is discriminatory, sanctions for (unvaccinated) carers which are discriminatory too, there's mandatory vaccination which is heading our way," one protestor, martial arts teacher Alain Sienaort, said.

"That's all discrimination, so we have to fight it. We don't want a dictatorship."

The protest followed new measures announced on Friday to curb one of Europe's highest infection rates, including mandatory mask wearing for most primary school children and a lengthening of the school holidays.

In late November, a much larger number of demonstrators clashed violently with the police in Brussels. That led to dozens of arrests, injuries among police officers and widespread property damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks.

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks. A few thousand protesters initially marched peacefully through the centre of Belgian capital to the neighbourhood which hosts the headquarters of European Union institutions, where the demonstration reached its endpoint. A group of protesters, wearing black hoods and chanting "liberte" (freedom) started to throw stones at the police when the protest march reached EU quarter. Demonstrators were protesting rules imposed in October that oblige people to show COVID-19 passes to access bars and restaurants. "I can't bear discrimination in any form, and now there's the vaccine pass which is discriminatory, sanctions for (unvaccinated) carers which are discriminatory too, there's mandatory vaccination which is heading our way," one protestor, martial arts teacher Alain Sienaort, said. "That's all discrimination, so we have to fight it. We don't want a dictatorship." The protest followed new measures announced on Friday to curb one of Europe's highest infection rates, including mandatory mask wearing for most primary school children and a lengthening of the school holidays. In late November, a much larger number of demonstrators clashed violently with the police in Brussels. That led to dozens of arrests, injuries among police officers and widespread property damage. (With inputs from agencies)

Brussels: Protest march against Covid restrictions turns violent

The European Union and Iran officials are set to meet in Brussels this week for talks on restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear deal. This comes after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran is once again expanding its Uranium enrichment program beyond the allowed limit.

Iran, EU to hold nuclear talks in Brussels this week

The Belgian capital has decided to restore the polluted Senne river and bring back nature to the city. Senne river became a victim of the Industrial Revolution and a dumping ground for industrial waste.

Brussels: Senne river became a dumping ground for industrial waste

Uber said the suspension was "exceptional and unprecedented" in Europe and that it stood with the 2,000 independent drives who use its app daily and who "fear for their work and are worried for their future."

Uber joins protest of drivers in Brussels as drivers using app risk losing their vehicles

Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has lauded his country's ties with India calling them "strong strategic, and indispensable" and highlighted how his country can become a "gateway for Europe" for Indian businesses and other people-to-people engagement.

Support enhancement of ties between Brussels & New Delhi: Cyprus FM Nikos Christodoulides

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties.

"Poland has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law," the court said in its ruling on a contested reform concerning disciplinary cases involving judges in Poland.

"Where the court finds that there has been a failure to fulfil obligations, the member state concerned must take the measures necessary to rectify the situation," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-polands-plan-to-discipline-judges-274146">Thousands protest against Poland's plan to discipline judges</a>

Warsaw and Brussels have been at loggerheads for years over reforms pushed through by the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;government, which is led by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;law on reforming the judiciary, which came into force in February last year, prevents judges from referring questions of law to the European Court of Justice.

It set up a "disciplinary chamber" to oversee&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;judges, with the power to lift their immunity to expose them to criminal proceedings or cut their salaries.

The EU court ruling comes a day after the same court ordered Poland to cease all activities of the "disciplinary chamber".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-legal-action-against-hungary-poland-over-lgbtq-rights-398260">EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights</a>

If Poland fails to comply, it could face financial penalties.

Government spokesman Piotr Muller told public broadcaster TVP1 on Thursday that with its rulings, the European court was "attempting to acquire the competences of the member states" on judicial matters.

"It's an attempt to give EU institutions competences beyond what they have been granted in the treaties," he said.

The government argues the reforms are necessary to tackle corruption and end Communist-era legacies in the judiciary.

But the European Commission says they undermine rule of law and has sought to bring Poland, as well as Hungary, back into line with what it sees as European democratic norms.

Poland's Constitutional Court on Wednesday defied Brussels with its own ruling saying that any interim measures from the EU court against Poland's judicial reforms were "not in line" with the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;constitution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-is-becoming-undemocratic-warns-human-rights-chief-who-was-recently-ordered-to-quit-381943">Poland is becoming 'undemocratic', warns human rights chief who was recently ordered to quit</a>

Government critics said that ruling constituted a departure from the EU's legal order, dubbing it a kind of "Polexit".

Former EU chief Donald Tusk, head of the opposition Civic Platform party, accused PiS of "leaving the EU".

"Only we Poles can successfully oppose this," he tweeted.

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties.

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties. "Poland has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law," the court said in its ruling on a contested reform concerning disciplinary cases involving judges in Poland. "Where the court finds that there has been a failure to fulfil obligations, the member state concerned must take the measures necessary to rectify the situation," it said. Also read | Thousands protest against Poland's plan to discipline judges Warsaw and Brussels have been at loggerheads for years over reforms pushed through by the Polish government, which is led by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. The Polish law on reforming the judiciary, which came into force in February last year, prevents judges from referring questions of law to the European Court of Justice. It set up a "disciplinary chamber" to oversee Polish judges, with the power to lift their immunity to expose them to criminal proceedings or cut their salaries. The EU court ruling comes a day after the same court ordered Poland to cease all activities of the "disciplinary chamber". Also read | EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights If Poland fails to comply, it could face financial penalties. Government spokesman Piotr Muller told public broadcaster TVP1 on Thursday that with its rulings, the European court was "attempting to acquire the competences of the member states" on judicial matters. "It's an attempt to give EU institutions competences beyond what they have been granted in the treaties," he said. The government argues the reforms are necessary to tackle corruption and end Communist-era legacies in the judiciary. But the European Commission says they undermine rule of law and has sought to bring Poland, as well as Hungary, back into line with what it sees as European democratic norms. Poland's Constitutional Court on Wednesday defied Brussels with its own ruling saying that any interim measures from the EU court against Poland's judicial reforms were "not in line" with the Polish constitution. Also read | Poland is becoming 'undemocratic', warns human rights chief who was recently ordered to quit Government critics said that ruling constituted a departure from the EU's legal order, dubbing it a kind of "Polexit". Former EU chief Donald Tusk, head of the opposition Civic Platform party, accused PiS of "leaving the EU". "Only we Poles can successfully oppose this," he tweeted.

Polish judicial reform 'not compatible' with EU law, court rules

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283">Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a>

A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros.

The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement.

But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro&nbsp;bill&nbsp;for 2021 had been paid on time and in full.

"The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-touts-great-win-in-britains-first-post-brexit-trade-deal-391605">Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal</a>

He said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years."

Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds.

The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes.&nbsp;

"It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters.

Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatever-it-takes-uk-pm-johnson-warns-eu-over-post-brexit-trade-391152">'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade</a>

But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials.

The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June.

"Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said

British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed. Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years. Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the bill still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros. The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement. But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro bill for 2021 had been paid on time and in full. "The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement. Also read | Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal He said the bill amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years." Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds. The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes. "It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters. Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc. Also read | 'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials. The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June. "Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

Brussels warns UK its Brexit bill is final

The NATO Summit has begun in Brussels with 30 allies gathering to deliberate on a wide range of issues with Russia and China high on the agenda. The summit started with a socially distanced family photo and a futuristic video.

The 31st NATO Summit in Brussels: Leaders welcomed with futuristic video

The NATO Summit has begun in Brussels with 30 allies gathering to deliberate on a wide range of issues with Russia and China high on the agenda. The summit started with official greetings by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Official greetings by NATO Secretary General in Brussels

The NATO Summit has begun in Brussels with 30 allies gathering to deliberate on a wide range of issues with Russia and China high on the agenda.

30 NATO allies gather to deliberate a range of issues in Brussels

The EU has suspended efforts to ratify an investment deal with China because of tensions between Brussels and Beijing. The agreement was reached in principle last December but had yet to receive the necessary endorsement from EU institutions.

EU suspends efforts to ratify investment deal with China

Police broke up an anti-lockdown party in Brussels on Saturday using water canon and tear gas. The assembly took place in Brussels park and was attended by several hundred people.

The crowd of mostly young people responded to a post on Facebook announcing the unauthorised party. It took place a month after police cleared 2,000 people who gathered in the same Bois de la Cambre park for la Boum (the party), an event that had begun as an April Fool's joke.

The follow-up Boum 2 event on May 1, a traditional day for demonstrations, was held a week before the Belgian government allows cafe and bar terraces to open and lets groups of more than four people meet outside in a relaxation of COVID-19 rules.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Friday urged Belgians to stay united and not "fall into this trap".

Facebook also took down the Boum 2 post on Thursday after a request from Belgian prosecutors, who warned partygoers they risked being detained or fined

Police said several hundred people still attended.

Emile Breuillot, a 23-year-old dental student, said he had come to see people enjoy themselves and to defend their rights to gather.

After a calm start with groups chanting "freedom", the police announced on social media that attendees were not observing public safety measures and that they would intervene. Many people were not wearing masks, a requirement anywhere in public in the Belgian capital.

Hundreds of people also marched in central Brussels and through the eastern city of Liege demanding a relaxation of coronavirus measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police broke up an anti-lockdown party in Brussels on Saturday using water canon and tear gas. The assembly took place in Brussels park and was attended by several hundred people.

Police broke up an anti-lockdown party in Brussels on Saturday using water canon and tear gas. The assembly took place in Brussels park and was attended by several hundred people. The crowd of mostly young people responded to a post on Facebook announcing the unauthorised party. It took place a month after police cleared 2,000 people who gathered in the same Bois de la Cambre park for la Boum (the party), an event that had begun as an April Fool's joke. The follow-up Boum 2 event on May 1, a traditional day for demonstrations, was held a week before the Belgian government allows cafe and bar terraces to open and lets groups of more than four people meet outside in a relaxation of COVID-19 rules. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Friday urged Belgians to stay united and not "fall into this trap". Facebook also took down the Boum 2 post on Thursday after a request from Belgian prosecutors, who warned partygoers they risked being detained or fined Police said several hundred people still attended. Emile Breuillot, a 23-year-old dental student, said he had come to see people enjoy themselves and to defend their rights to gather. After a calm start with groups chanting "freedom", the police announced on social media that attendees were not observing public safety measures and that they would intervene. Many people were not wearing masks, a requirement anywhere in public in the Belgian capital. Hundreds of people also marched in central Brussels and through the eastern city of Liege demanding a relaxation of coronavirus measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Police break up anti-lockdown party in Brussels

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should work, bringing the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;closer&nbsp;to launching a document to open up&nbsp;travel&nbsp;within the bloc.

Europe intends to have a&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;showing the bearer's vaccination status,&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period.

While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;is recognised across all 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament.

The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green&nbsp;certificate" they want to call it an "EU&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;certificate",&nbsp;to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport".

They said the document should "neither serve as&nbsp;travel&nbsp;document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months.

Stressing that the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that&nbsp;Covid-19 tests for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states.

The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions.

'Safe&nbsp;travel'

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the&nbsp;certificate.

"The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green&nbsp;Certificate&nbsp;is a key step towards free and safe&nbsp;travel&nbsp;this summer," she tweeted.

She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;(virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems."

Initially, the plan is for&nbsp;EU&nbsp;citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU&nbsp;travel&nbsp;that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic.

Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'.&nbsp;

Later on, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU&nbsp;countries for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member Britain.

A&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection.

The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

They say individual&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc. Europe intends to have a certificate showing the bearer's vaccination status, Covid test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period. While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the certificate is recognised across all 27 EU member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament. The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green certificate" they want to call it an "EU Covid-19 certificate", to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport". They said the document should "neither serve as travel document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months. Stressing that the certificate should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that Covid-19 tests for travel should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states. The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions. 'Safe travel' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the certificate. "The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green Certificate is a key step towards free and safe travel this summer," she tweeted. She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the EU (virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems." Initially, the plan is for EU citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the certificate to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU travel that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic. Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'. Later on, the EU intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU countries for travel by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former EU member Britain. A certificate trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all EU countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection. The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. They say individual EU countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to Brussels this week for discussions on Iran, Afghanistan and Russian activities directed at Ukraine, a US official said.&nbsp;

Blinken will join US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Brussels. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity on Saturday, did not release additional details on the trip. &nbsp;

Austin was scheduled to visit NATO headquarters in Belgium on a trip that started on Saturday and also includes Israel, Germany and Britain, the Pentagon said last week.&nbsp;

The trip by two of President Joe Biden's Cabinet members coincides with increasing tensions over Russian activities near Ukraine's eastern border, where Washington says Russia has amassed more troops than at any time since 2014, when it annexed Crimea.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine on Friday of "dangerous provocative actions" in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region.&nbsp;

Turkey, a NATO ally, said on Friday the United States would deploy two warships to the Black Sea from April 14-15.&nbsp;

Blinken first visited Brussels in March for talks with European Union and NATO allies and pledged to rebuild and revitalise trans-Atlantic alliances.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to Brussels this week for discussions on Iran, Afghanistan and Russian activities directed at Ukraine, a US official said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to Brussels this week for discussions on Iran, Afghanistan and Russian activities directed at Ukraine, a US official said. Blinken will join US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Brussels. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity on Saturday, did not release additional details on the trip. Austin was scheduled to visit NATO headquarters in Belgium on a trip that started on Saturday and also includes Israel, Germany and Britain, the Pentagon said last week. The trip by two of President Joe Biden's Cabinet members coincides with increasing tensions over Russian activities near Ukraine's eastern border, where Washington says Russia has amassed more troops than at any time since 2014, when it annexed Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine on Friday of "dangerous provocative actions" in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region. Turkey, a NATO ally, said on Friday the United States would deploy two warships to the Black Sea from April 14-15. Blinken first visited Brussels in March for talks with European Union and NATO allies and pledged to rebuild and revitalise trans-Atlantic alliances.

Blinken to return to Brussels for talks on Ukraine, Afghanistan 

The French government has reached the outline of a deal with the European Commission on a state-backed refinancing package to help strengthen Air France-KLM’s balance sheet.

World Business Watch:  Reports say France, Brussels agree on Air France-KLM refinancing

Belgian prosecutors opened an investigation on Wednesday (March 31) into those behind an April Fools' prank which saw thousands invited to a fake open air concert, as sunny weather encouraged some people to socialise outdoors in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions.

Authorities warn Belgians against attending April fools’ party hoax

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