A senior official of the European Union said that the member nations and lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on Tuesday (Jan 6) on the bloc's first rules to tackle violence against women.&nbsp;

Vera Jourova, European Commission vice president for values and transparency, said on social media platform X, "We have an agreement on combating violence against women and domestic violence."&nbsp;

She added, "For the first time ever, we criminalise wide-spread forms of cyberviolence, such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images." &nbsp;

She, however, does not include a definition of rape after opposition from member states including France and Germany.

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"EU legislators reached a provisional deal on rules to combat gender-based violence and protect its victims, especially women and victims of domestic violence," the European Parliament wrote, further mentioning that the member states shall work to promote "awareness that nonconsensual sex is a criminal crime".&nbsp;

Parliament and Council negotiators achieved an informal agreement that includes rape prevention measures, stronger cyber violence restrictions, and enhanced victim support.&nbsp;

For the first time, there will be EU-wide legislation criminalising specific forms of gender-based violence, as well as improved access to justice, protection, and preventative services.&nbsp;

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Frances Fitzgerald, who is an Irish politician and has been a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland, said "For the first time, the European Union sends a clear message that we take violence against women seriously as an existential threat to our security."&nbsp;

As quoted by the European Parliament, she further added, "Together, nearly 450 million people and three institutions say that we will not stand for it. While this Directive does not address everything that Parliament would wish to, including an offence of rape based on a lack of consent, it does make important strides on prevention, protection and prosecution."&nbsp;

Watch: Safer Internet Day 2024: Promoting responsible use of internet

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<h2>But EU remains split over how to define rape&nbsp;</h2>

EU member states and lawmakers are sharply divided over how to define rape. During the discussions, the issue of a common definition of rape has proven to be the most controversial during negotiations to reach a final agreement.&nbsp;

The proposed text defines rape as the absence of unambiguous consent, which is backed by the European Parliament and more than a dozen nations, including Belgium, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

But a dozen other countries, including France, Germany and Hungary, vehemently oppose defining rape in the text, arguing the EU has no competence in the matter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A senior official of the European Union said that the member nations and lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on Tuesday (Jan 6) on the bloc's first rules to tackle violence against women.

A senior official of the European Union said that the member nations and lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on Tuesday (Jan 6) on the bloc's first rules to tackle violence against women. Vera Jourova, European Commission vice president for values and transparency, said on social media platform X, "We have an agreement on combating violence against women and domestic violence." She added, "For the first time ever, we criminalise wide-spread forms of cyberviolence, such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images." She, however, does not include a definition of rape after opposition from member states including France and Germany. Also read: Google to shell out $350 million to settle data privacy lawsuit "EU legislators reached a provisional deal on rules to combat gender-based violence and protect its victims, especially women and victims of domestic violence," the European Parliament wrote, further mentioning that the member states shall work to promote "awareness that nonconsensual sex is a criminal crime". Parliament and Council negotiators achieved an informal agreement that includes rape prevention measures, stronger cyber violence restrictions, and enhanced victim support. For the first time, there will be EU-wide legislation criminalising specific forms of gender-based violence, as well as improved access to justice, protection, and preventative services. Also read: Middle East crisis: 32 Israeli hostages in Hamas custody dead, claims report Frances Fitzgerald, who is an Irish politician and has been a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland, said "For the first time, the European Union sends a clear message that we take violence against women seriously as an existential threat to our security." As quoted by the European Parliament, she further added, "Together, nearly 450 million people and three institutions say that we will not stand for it. While this Directive does not address everything that Parliament would wish to, including an offence of rape based on a lack of consent, it does make important strides on prevention, protection and prosecution." Watch: Safer Internet Day 2024: Promoting responsible use of internet × But EU remains split over how to define rape EU member states and lawmakers are sharply divided over how to define rape. During the discussions, the issue of a common definition of rape has proven to be the most controversial during negotiations to reach a final agreement. The proposed text defines rape as the absence of unambiguous consent, which is backed by the European Parliament and more than a dozen nations, including Belgium, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. But a dozen other countries, including France, Germany and Hungary, vehemently oppose defining rape in the text, arguing the EU has no competence in the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

EU nations and lawmakers agree first law combatting violence against women

From a ban on imperial measures to rules governing artificial intelligence, the UK government on Thursday announced a far-reaching review of EU-era legislation that it plans to ditch after Brexit.

When the UK's divorce from the European Union took full effect in January, "retained EU law" remained dominant to ensure continuity after five decades of membership of the bloc.

But the government said it was the right time for parliament and courts to reassert control over all legislation.

Brexit minister David Frost told the upper chamber House of Lords that the special status accorded retained EU law would be abolished as part of the review.

"But we are going to make this a comprehensive exercise and I want to be clear: our intention is eventually to amend, to replace, or to repeal all that retained EU law that is not right for the UK," he said.

The announcement came a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson reshuffled his cabinet, in part, he said, to maximise the opportunities of Brexit.

But the announcement risks new clashes with Brussels, with the government saying it intends to replace the EU's data protection regime with new UK-specific legislation.&nbsp;

GDPR -- the EU's General Data Protection Regulation -- has become a de facto global standard for companies trading online, and underpins an agreement allowing UK firms to exchange data held on EU customers.

Cars and farms

Should the UK's new data regime stray too far from GDPR, it risks being frozen out of the EU online market.&nbsp;

But Frost said: "We intend to create a pro-growth, trusted data rights regime, more proportionate and less burdensome than the EU's GDPR."

The UK overhaul will also encompass AI, including EU regulations that require a human review of companies' use of algorithms should customers seek one, for instance if they are turned down for a loan application.

Frost, however, said the government's first "National AI Strategy", currently in the works, would "set out our plans to supercharge the UK's AI ecosystem and set standards which will lead the world".

The review will look too at "modernising outdated EU vehicle standards", the government said, to leverage innovations in autonomous maritime vessels, self-driving cars and drones.

Farming will be another area for reform as the UK looks at EU-inherited regulations around gene-edited organisms, potentially easing the way for more post-Brexit trade deals with the United States and others.

And the government said it would review an EU ban on product markings and sales in imperial rather than metric units.&nbsp;

While in practice the pint glass for beer remains the standard for UK pubs, since 2007 the royal "crown stamp" was not allowed on new glasses, in preference to an EU "conformity" stamp.

The main opposition Labour party said instead of touting future legislative opportunities, the government should address current problems related to Brexit.

An exodus of EU nationals has created a shortage of lorry drivers in Britain, and businesses complain of stifling red tape now that the country is out of the bloc's single market.

From a ban on imperial measures to rules governing artificial intelligence, the UK government on Thursday announced a far-reaching review of EU-era legislation that it plans to ditch after Brexit.

From a ban on imperial measures to rules governing artificial intelligence, the UK government on Thursday announced a far-reaching review of EU-era legislation that it plans to ditch after Brexit. When the UK's divorce from the European Union took full effect in January, "retained EU law" remained dominant to ensure continuity after five decades of membership of the bloc. But the government said it was the right time for parliament and courts to reassert control over all legislation. Brexit minister David Frost told the upper chamber House of Lords that the special status accorded retained EU law would be abolished as part of the review. "But we are going to make this a comprehensive exercise and I want to be clear: our intention is eventually to amend, to replace, or to repeal all that retained EU law that is not right for the UK," he said. The announcement came a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson reshuffled his cabinet, in part, he said, to maximise the opportunities of Brexit. But the announcement risks new clashes with Brussels, with the government saying it intends to replace the EU's data protection regime with new UK-specific legislation. GDPR -- the EU's General Data Protection Regulation -- has become a de facto global standard for companies trading online, and underpins an agreement allowing UK firms to exchange data held on EU customers. Cars and farms Should the UK's new data regime stray too far from GDPR, it risks being frozen out of the EU online market. But Frost said: "We intend to create a pro-growth, trusted data rights regime, more proportionate and less burdensome than the EU's GDPR." The UK overhaul will also encompass AI, including EU regulations that require a human review of companies' use of algorithms should customers seek one, for instance if they are turned down for a loan application. Frost, however, said the government's first "National AI Strategy", currently in the works, would "set out our plans to supercharge the UK's AI ecosystem and set standards which will lead the world". The review will look too at "modernising outdated EU vehicle standards", the government said, to leverage innovations in autonomous maritime vessels, self-driving cars and drones. Farming will be another area for reform as the UK looks at EU-inherited regulations around gene-edited organisms, potentially easing the way for more post-Brexit trade deals with the United States and others. And the government said it would review an EU ban on product markings and sales in imperial rather than metric units. While in practice the pint glass for beer remains the standard for UK pubs, since 2007 the royal "crown stamp" was not allowed on new glasses, in preference to an EU "conformity" stamp. The main opposition Labour party said instead of touting future legislative opportunities, the government should address current problems related to Brexit. An exodus of EU nationals has created a shortage of lorry drivers in Britain, and businesses complain of stifling red tape now that the country is out of the bloc's single market.

UK launches post-Brexit review of EU laws

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

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would continue requiring people to accept targeted ads as a condition of using its service, a stance that may help keep its business model largely intact despite a new European Union privacy law.&nbsp

The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission.

Facebook Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman said the social network would begin seeking Europeans` permission this week for a variety of ways Facebook uses their data, but he said that opting out of targeted marketing altogether would not be possible.&nbsp

"Facebook is an advertising-supported service," Sherman said in a briefing with reporters at Facebook`s headquarters.&nbsp

Facebook users will be able to limit the kinds of data that advertisers use to target their pitches, he added, but "all ads on Facebook are targeted to some extent, and that`s true for offline advertising, as well."&nbsp

Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, will use what are known as "permission screens" - pages filled with text that require pressing a button to advance - to notify and obtain approval.&nbsp

The screens will show up on the Facebook website and smartphone app in Europe this week and globally in the coming months, Sherman said.&nbsp

The screens will not give Facebook users the option to hit "decline." Instead, they will guide users to either "accept and continue" or "manage data setting," according to copies the company showed reporters on Tuesday.

"People can choose to not be on Facebook if they want," Sherman said.

Regulators, investors and privacy advocates are closely watching how Facebook plans to comply with the EU law, not only because Facebook has been embroiled in a privacy scandal but also because other companies may follow its lead in trying to limit the impact of opt-outs.&nbsp

Last month, Facebook disclosed that the personal information of millions of users, mostly in the United States, had wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, leading to U.S. congressional hearings and worldwide scrutiny of Facebook`s commitment to privacy.&nbsp

Facebook Chief Financial Officer David Wehner warned in February the company could see a drop-off in usage due to the EU law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).&nbsp

The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would continue requiring people to accept targeted ads as a condition of using its service, a stance that may help keep its business model largely intact despite a new European Union privacy law. The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission. Facebook Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman said the social network would begin seeking Europeans` permission this week for a variety of ways Facebook uses their data, but he said that opting out of targeted marketing altogether would not be possible. "Facebook is an advertising-supported service," Sherman said in a briefing with reporters at Facebook`s headquarters. Facebook users will be able to limit the kinds of data that advertisers use to target their pitches, he added, but "all ads on Facebook are targeted to some extent, and that`s true for offline advertising, as well." Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, will use what are known as "permission screens" - pages filled with text that require pressing a button to advance - to notify and obtain approval. The screens will show up on the Facebook website and smartphone app in Europe this week and globally in the coming months, Sherman said. The screens will not give Facebook users the option to hit "decline." Instead, they will guide users to either "accept and continue" or "manage data setting," according to copies the company showed reporters on Tuesday. "People can choose to not be on Facebook if they want," Sherman said. Regulators, investors and privacy advocates are closely watching how Facebook plans to comply with the EU law, not only because Facebook has been embroiled in a privacy scandal but also because other companies may follow its lead in trying to limit the impact of opt-outs. Last month, Facebook disclosed that the personal information of millions of users, mostly in the United States, had wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, leading to U.S. congressional hearings and worldwide scrutiny of Facebook`s commitment to privacy. Facebook Chief Financial Officer David Wehner warned in February the company could see a drop-off in usage due to the EU law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Facebook says users must accept targeted ads even under new EU law

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EU nations and lawmakers agree first law combatting violence against women

UK launches post-Brexit review of EU laws

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

Facebook says users must accept targeted ads even under new EU law