<p>The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc. The rules also seek to limit the number of migrants coming on the shores of EU nations.</p>

<p>The agreement, called the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was arrived at after all-night talks. The rules should come into effect next year.</p>

<p>The provisions in the law have in their purview, screening of irregular migrants upon their arrival in the EU, processing of asylum applications and rules to determine which EU country is responsible for handling applications.</p>

<p>Europe has been dealing with the issue of migrants for nearly a decade. Especially countries like Italy, who are at the borders of the bloc, have seen scores of migrants landing on their shores after making perilous sea journey on vessels that are hardly seaworthy. Such countries have been demanding that responsibility of tackling the migrant issue should not fall on their shoulders alone.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | France Immigration Bill passed amidst deep divisions within Macron's party</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of migrants arriving in EU are down from the peak of 1 million (in year 2015) but after a low in the year 2020, the numbers have steadily crept up. This year till November, about 255,000 migrants arrived. More than half of these came from Africa and arrived in Italy.</p>

<p>After EU countries agreed on&nbsp;rules of the pact, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed the development as a "great success" for Europe and for Italy. He said that countries like Italy who are on EU border would no longer feel alone.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-couple-lose-court-battle-over-rare-african-ngil-mask-worth-46mn-671741">French couple lose court battle over rare African Ngil mask worth $4.6 million</a></strong></p>

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the agreement as well. He said that the pact was important to relieve countries which are affected due to migrant flow, including Germany.</p>

<h2><strong>What do the new rules say?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the new system, countries that are not at the border of EU should choose between two options. They can handle their share of 30,000 asylum applications or contribute at least 20,000 euros ($21,870) per person into a European Union fund.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hermes-heir-decides-to-leave-half-of-its-fortune-to-hi-ex-gardener-671789">Hermès heir decides to leave half of its fortune to his ex-gardener</a></strong></p>

<p>The new rules also seek to create a screening system that will be able to effectively distinguish between asylum seeker who are genuinely in need of international protection and those who are not in such a situation.</p>

<p>The rules also seek to speed up the processing of applications.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc.

The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc. The rules also seek to limit the number of migrants coming on the shores of EU nations. The agreement, called the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was arrived at after all-night talks. The rules should come into effect next year. The provisions in the law have in their purview, screening of irregular migrants upon their arrival in the EU, processing of asylum applications and rules to determine which EU country is responsible for handling applications. Europe has been dealing with the issue of migrants for nearly a decade. Especially countries like Italy, who are at the borders of the bloc, have seen scores of migrants landing on their shores after making perilous sea journey on vessels that are hardly seaworthy. Such countries have been demanding that responsibility of tackling the migrant issue should not fall on their shoulders alone. Watch | France Immigration Bill passed amidst deep divisions within Macron's party × The number of migrants arriving in EU are down from the peak of 1 million (in year 2015) but after a low in the year 2020, the numbers have steadily crept up. This year till November, about 255,000 migrants arrived. More than half of these came from Africa and arrived in Italy. After EU countries agreed on rules of the pact, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed the development as a "great success" for Europe and for Italy. He said that countries like Italy who are on EU border would no longer feel alone. Also Read | French couple lose court battle over rare African Ngil mask worth $4.6 million German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the agreement as well. He said that the pact was important to relieve countries which are affected due to migrant flow, including Germany. What do the new rules say? As per the new system, countries that are not at the border of EU should choose between two options. They can handle their share of 30,000 asylum applications or contribute at least 20,000 euros ($21,870) per person into a European Union fund. Also Read | Hermès heir decides to leave half of its fortune to his ex-gardener The new rules also seek to create a screening system that will be able to effectively distinguish between asylum seeker who are genuinely in need of international protection and those who are not in such a situation. The rules also seek to speed up the processing of applications. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Great success’: EU countries reach agreement on fresh rules on migrant hosting

<p>Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-air-strikes-hit-kyiv-other-regions-far-from-front-lines-606608">Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p>Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector."&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.

Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units. The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces." The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel. Also read: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027 The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war. For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday. According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry. The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy. Watch this report: × "If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said. Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector." At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kyiv says EU countries to train 30,000 Ukraine troops in 2023

<p>A coordinated action taken in the shadow of Moscow's war in Ukraine has seen Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and the Czech Republic expel dozens of Russian diplomats suspected of spying.</p>

<p>Russia said it would respond in kind.</p>

<p>Belgium has expelled 21 diplomats from Russia's embassy in Brussels and consulate in Antwerp. They have two weeks to leave, said Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scepticism-greets-russian-pledge-to-deescalate-around-kyiv-466850" hreflang="en">Scepticism greets Russian pledge to deescalate around Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>Her ministry said the move was made in coordination with the neighbouring Netherlands, whose foreign ministry had expelled 17 Russian diplomats considered "secretly active" as intelligence officers.</p>

<p>Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said four "senior officials" from the Russian embassy in Dublin were asked to leave for violating "international standards of diplomatic behaviour" -- which is code for spying.</p>

<p>The Czech foreign ministry announced that a Russian diplomat had been given 72 hours to leave the embassy in Prague. The diplomat is believed to be Russia's deputy ambassador.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-single-out-and-detain-us-citizens-state-dept-issues-another-travel-advisory-466846" hreflang="en">‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory</a></strong></p>

<p>"Together with our Allies, we are reducing the Russian intelligence presence in the EU," the Czech foreign ministry tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, the MFA informed the Russian Embassy in Prague that one of its diplomatic staff had been declared persona non grata and was requested to leave Czechia within 72 hours. Together with our Allies, we are reducing the Russian intelligence presence in the EU.</p>
— Czech MFA (@CzechMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CzechMFA/status/1508811502169513993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, while talking to AFP said that "Responses will be provided on the basis of the principle of reciprocity."</p>

<p>She did not provide further details.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💬 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zakharova?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zakharova</a>: On March 29, the Netherlands declared 17 diplomats from the Russian Embassy in The Hague persona non grata.<br />
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❗️The responsibility for the implications of this arbitrary behaviour lies in full with the Dutch authorities.<br />
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🔗 <a href="https://t.co/UthU7PPKBB">https://t.co/UthU7PPKBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/biZehrVzHi">pic.twitter.com/biZehrVzHi</a></p>
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1508888573377974285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Russian foreign ministry criticized Hague's decision to expel Russian diplomats. It called it an "unfriendly step" and evidence that Hague had no interest "in maintaining normal diplomatic channels".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-allies-remain-cautious-as-russia-pledges-to-reduce-attacks-amid-the-russian-invasion-466831/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"The Dutch have outdone themselves in their desire to 'hit' the Russian embassy in a more painful way," the ministry added.</p>

<p>The expulsions announced Tuesday heightened Western blows directed at Russia following its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Russia's economy has already been badly affected by several rounds of sanctions primarily imposed by the EU and the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A coordinated action taken in the shadow of Moscow's war in Ukraine has seen Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and the Czech Republic expel dozens of Russian diplomats suspected of spying.

A coordinated action taken in the shadow of Moscow's war in Ukraine has seen Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and the Czech Republic expel dozens of Russian diplomats suspected of spying. Russia said it would respond in kind. Belgium has expelled 21 diplomats from Russia's embassy in Brussels and consulate in Antwerp. They have two weeks to leave, said Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes. Also read | Scepticism greets Russian pledge to deescalate around Kyiv Her ministry said the move was made in coordination with the neighbouring Netherlands, whose foreign ministry had expelled 17 Russian diplomats considered "secretly active" as intelligence officers. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said four "senior officials" from the Russian embassy in Dublin were asked to leave for violating "international standards of diplomatic behaviour" -- which is code for spying. The Czech foreign ministry announced that a Russian diplomat had been given 72 hours to leave the embassy in Prague. The diplomat is believed to be Russia's deputy ambassador. Also read | ‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory "Together with our Allies, we are reducing the Russian intelligence presence in the EU," the Czech foreign ministry tweeted. Today, the MFA informed the Russian Embassy in Prague that one of its diplomatic staff had been declared persona non grata and was requested to leave Czechia within 72 hours. Together with our Allies, we are reducing the Russian intelligence presence in the EU. — Czech MFA (@CzechMFA) March 29, 2022 × Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, while talking to AFP said that "Responses will be provided on the basis of the principle of reciprocity." She did not provide further details. 💬 #Zakharova: On March 29, the Netherlands declared 17 diplomats from the Russian Embassy in The Hague persona non grata. ❗️The responsibility for the implications of this arbitrary behaviour lies in full with the Dutch authorities. 🔗 https://t.co/UthU7PPKBB pic.twitter.com/biZehrVzHi — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 29, 2022 × Russian foreign ministry criticized Hague's decision to expel Russian diplomats. It called it an "unfriendly step" and evidence that Hague had no interest "in maintaining normal diplomatic channels". Watch | Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion "The Dutch have outdone themselves in their desire to 'hit' the Russian embassy in a more painful way," the ministry added. The expulsions announced Tuesday heightened Western blows directed at Russia following its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Russia's economy has already been badly affected by several rounds of sanctions primarily imposed by the EU and the US. (With inputs from agencies)

European nations up the ante, expel dozens of Russian diplomats for spying

European Union countries eager to revive their economies are prepared to bar entry to Americans because the United States has failed to control the coronavirus pandemic

EU countries may bar US travellers due to coronavirus failures

Europe's largest economies Germany and France have proposed a $545 billion recovery fund that would offer grants to European Union regions and sectors hit hardest by the Coronavirus pandemic.

France and Germany propose $545 billion rescue fund to fight Covid 19

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‘Great success’: EU countries reach agreement on fresh rules on migrant hosting

Kyiv says EU countries to train 30,000 Ukraine troops in 2023

European nations up the ante, expel dozens of Russian diplomats for spying

EU countries may bar US travellers due to coronavirus failures

France and Germany propose $545 billion rescue fund to fight Covid 19