The European Union&nbsp;is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Belgium and Spain ranked second and third, respectively, in Russian LNG purchases after China during the first seven months of the year, according to data analysed by Global Witness.

"Spain is now the second largest buyer of Russian LNG worldwide, with Belgium close behind. During the first seven months of 2023, Spain took 18 per cent of Russia’s total sales, while Belgium took 17 per cent. China bought 20 per cent. During the same period in 2021, Spain ranked 5th and Belgium 7th," Global Witness said in an official statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wildly-popular-indias-favourability-takes-hit-in-europe-survey-630633">PM Modi wildly popular, India’s favourability takes hit in Europe: Survey</a>

In comparison to the same period in 2021, European Union imports of LNG surged by 40 per cent&nbsp;between January and July this year.

This increase contrasts with the global average rise in Russian LNG imports, which stood at 6 per cent during that time.

Also watch |&nbsp;US &amp; Europe reliant on Nuclear fuel exports &amp; Russia's revenue boost | World News | WION

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Global Witness, while citing data from&nbsp;an industry analytics firm Kpler, noted that the European Union imported about 1.7 per cent more Russian LNG than its previous record high last year.

The cost of LNG imports from January to July totalled €5.29 billion (USD 5.78 billion) at spot market prices.

The majority of Russian LNG comes from the Yamal LNG joint venture, primarily owned by Russian company Novatek, alongside stakes held by other companies.

This venture remains exempted from export duties.

The rise in imports leaves the EU vulnerable to potential supply cuts by Russia, and while EU officials aim to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, an outright ban on LNG imports could lead to an energy crisis.

<h2>But isn't EU advocating phase-out of Russian energy imports?</h2>

Yes, it is. And quite vehemently at that.&nbsp;

But in contrast to its public commitments, instead of phasing out its energy imports from Russia, they in fact have gone up.&nbsp;

"Europe’s fossil gas-based energy system is a climate disaster and security risk, funding warmongering regimes and fueling deadly extreme weather. That national capitals are buying more LNG from Russia than before the war shows that we are simply not moving fast enough to replace gas with renewables. Governments need to wake up to the reality of our dependence on fossil gas and come up with an emergency plan for a full phase-out – starting with a ban on the trade of the Russian gas which is lining Putin’s pockets,"&nbsp;Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuel campaigner at Global Witness said in an official statement.&nbsp;

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The European Union is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

The European Union is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Belgium and Spain ranked second and third, respectively, in Russian LNG purchases after China during the first seven months of the year, according to data analysed by Global Witness. "Spain is now the second largest buyer of Russian LNG worldwide, with Belgium close behind. During the first seven months of 2023, Spain took 18 per cent of Russia’s total sales, while Belgium took 17 per cent. China bought 20 per cent. During the same period in 2021, Spain ranked 5th and Belgium 7th," Global Witness said in an official statement. Also read | PM Modi wildly popular, India’s favourability takes hit in Europe: Survey In comparison to the same period in 2021, European Union imports of LNG surged by 40 per cent between January and July this year. This increase contrasts with the global average rise in Russian LNG imports, which stood at 6 per cent during that time. Also watch | US & Europe reliant on Nuclear fuel exports & Russia's revenue boost | World News | WION × Global Witness, while citing data from an industry analytics firm Kpler, noted that the European Union imported about 1.7 per cent more Russian LNG than its previous record high last year. The cost of LNG imports from January to July totalled €5.29 billion (USD 5.78 billion) at spot market prices. The majority of Russian LNG comes from the Yamal LNG joint venture, primarily owned by Russian company Novatek, alongside stakes held by other companies. This venture remains exempted from export duties. The rise in imports leaves the EU vulnerable to potential supply cuts by Russia, and while EU officials aim to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, an outright ban on LNG imports could lead to an energy crisis. But isn't EU advocating phase-out of Russian energy imports? Yes, it is. And quite vehemently at that. But in contrast to its public commitments, instead of phasing out its energy imports from Russia, they in fact have gone up. "Europe’s fossil gas-based energy system is a climate disaster and security risk, funding warmongering regimes and fueling deadly extreme weather. That national capitals are buying more LNG from Russia than before the war shows that we are simply not moving fast enough to replace gas with renewables. Governments need to wake up to the reality of our dependence on fossil gas and come up with an emergency plan for a full phase-out – starting with a ban on the trade of the Russian gas which is lining Putin’s pockets," Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuel campaigner at Global Witness said in an official statement. 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.

European doublespeak? EU imports of Russian gas this year surged by 40 per cent till July

Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasizes a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said "As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work... but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right"

EU Trade Commissioner: Substance over deadlines in India-EU FTA talks

As scores of armed police guard the national results center, the scene of terrible violence during the previous election five years ago, Zimbabweans wait anxiously for the results of the general elections.

EU: Acts of violence and intimidation amid elections | Zimbabwe Elections

Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, "As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work... but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right."&nbsp;

The commissioner, who is also the EU’s executive vice president, outlined the comprehensive nature of the negotiations, emphasising the EU's intention to craft a thorough agreement. "From the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including on sustainable development," he explained.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/with-massive-compensation-for-flyers-saudi-arabia-brings-new-aviation-rules-to-combat-flight-disruptions-629394">With massive compensation for flyers, Saudi Arabia brings new aviation rules to combat flight disruptions</a>

Dombrovskis also advocated for the overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to match contemporary challenges. He highlighted the need to address novel issues arising from China's economic model, such as industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprise roles.

Here's the full interview:

WION: You are coming from Jaipur where the G20 trade ministers met, what kind of conversations took place, what is your assessment?

Valdis Dombrovskis: First of all, I would like to congratulate India on a very successful G20 trade ministers' meeting. So, indeed we had a very good trade ministers meeting. But I'm hearing this also from other ministerial meetings... about the organisation of meetings and indeed also reaching substantial agreements. So as regards our G20 trade ministerial meetings over a number of topics we covered including insurance, resilience of supply chains in a current more conflictual geopolitical context, discussing digital tools to facilitate trade, participation, and trade related to small and medium-sized enterprises. And we're making progress across all sectors.

WION: Sir, any update on the India-EU FTA? This is something that has been part of the conversation as one of the key things when it comes to the EU-India relationship.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-aircraft-reportedly-linked-to-prigozhin-not-linked-to-wagner-629402">Second aircraft linked to Prigozhin had no connection to Wagner: Report</a>

Valdis Dombrovskis: Indeed, I'm using this visit also to have bilateral discussions including on the progress we're making on the free trade agreement, and investment protection agreement..to achieve agreement as soon as possible. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Also, in terms of the scope of the agreement, because, from the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including sustainable development to avoid a situation where trade is causing harm to the environment or leads to lower labor standards. So we'll need to discuss how to properly address all those topics.&nbsp;

WION: Any deadline when it comes to FTA talks? I know when it comes to FTA talks, these aren't easy conversations. So any deadline you're looking at?

Valdis Dombrovskis: As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work.. but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right.

WION: So India has been calling for reforms of the World Trade Organization. What is your take? On the reforms of the body?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, that's very much also the EU's view. This was also one of the topics we discussed at G20. And I think the G20 can be an important player in this regard in preparation for the WTO ministerial meeting and it is something that was being agreed also among broader WTO membership in the last ministerial conference that we need to work on this WTO reform. We need to bring WTO into the 21st century, with ways to address climate change, with ways to function in a digital economy, and also to address new challenges stemming from the socio-economic model of China like questions on industrial subsidies and transparency of industrial subsidies, the role of state-owned enterprises and property rights. And when we discuss WTO, another important element for WTO reform is the restoration of the functioning of the dispute settlement system which we.. as we know currently... is not working because the appellate body is blocked.

Watch | Ex-French president faces corruption charges

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WION: Movement of people from India to EU especially skilled migration, what kind of conversation has been happening? Are you looking at a mobility pact with India? Several EU countries have signed a pact... eager to sign. For example, Italy.&nbsp;

Valdis Dombrovskis: It must be said this is not an area that I'm covering in the European Commission. As regards our free trade agreement negotiations, they are covering some specific aspects of mobility like the mobility of professionals in the provision of services. So these discussions, we are obviously going to have in the context of our negotiations.&nbsp;

WION: So the import of refined oil products from India to the European Union, what sort of policy you have, because there have been comments coming from the EU especially the refined products, which are made from Russian crude oil..

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, it's a new phenomenon and indeed we are currently assessing it. I'd say it's a cause of concern because we have introduced sanctions against Russia and the largest revenue source for the Russian budget is oil and oil products export. So with the EU oil embargo, with G7 plus price cap, we aim to reduce Russia's oil revenue. We know that Russia is actively seeking new markets. But now when we see a situation where many refined products are arriving into the EU market, which are made from Russian oil, that actually defeats the purpose of why those sanctions were put in place originally, so we're currently assessing what can be responsible.&nbsp;

WION: And have you raised the matter with the Indian side ever? Do you plan to raise? Is it part of the conversation, not in the context of your conversation which perhaps is happening, but otherwise, as well?&nbsp;

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, obviously, we're raising it with our Indian counterparts. And I would also say the broader question of avoidance of sanctions and conventions by Russia is something we are in discussions with quite a number of countries.&nbsp;

WION: Have you raised with your counterpart?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I have been raising this. This is not part of our FTA negotiation but it's something we are obviously flagging. It's a topic we are currently assessing.

WION: You will be holding the EU-India High-Level Dialogue on Trade and Investment with Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal, what will be discussed?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Number of areas which we need to cover. Obviously, we'll take stock of the progress of our FTA negotiations, but we are also discussing the state of play over our existing trade and investment relations. Trade irritants, what can be done to remove them, what can be done to facilitate trade, also in a current context, before we have an FTA.

WION: And what irritants can you talk about?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I think there are a number of topics that are well-known from both sides, which we need to discuss. Maybe I will not go into detail. I will be raising it directly with my counterparts. I will say, that's a fact when you have intensive trade relations between countries, regions inevitably some issues which are emerging. So what is important is not the issues but there is a willingness to resolve those issues from both sides and we try to do so.&nbsp;

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Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, "As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work... but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right." The commissioner, who is also the EU’s executive vice president, outlined the comprehensive nature of the negotiations, emphasising the EU's intention to craft a thorough agreement. "From the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including on sustainable development," he explained. Also Read | With massive compensation for flyers, Saudi Arabia brings new aviation rules to combat flight disruptions Dombrovskis also advocated for the overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to match contemporary challenges. He highlighted the need to address novel issues arising from China's economic model, such as industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprise roles. Here's the full interview: WION: You are coming from Jaipur where the G20 trade ministers met, what kind of conversations took place, what is your assessment? Valdis Dombrovskis: First of all, I would like to congratulate India on a very successful G20 trade ministers' meeting. So, indeed we had a very good trade ministers meeting. But I'm hearing this also from other ministerial meetings... about the organisation of meetings and indeed also reaching substantial agreements. So as regards our G20 trade ministerial meetings over a number of topics we covered including insurance, resilience of supply chains in a current more conflictual geopolitical context, discussing digital tools to facilitate trade, participation, and trade related to small and medium-sized enterprises. And we're making progress across all sectors. WION: Sir, any update on the India-EU FTA? This is something that has been part of the conversation as one of the key things when it comes to the EU-India relationship. Also Read | Second aircraft linked to Prigozhin had no connection to Wagner: Report Valdis Dombrovskis: Indeed, I'm using this visit also to have bilateral discussions including on the progress we're making on the free trade agreement, and investment protection agreement..to achieve agreement as soon as possible. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Also, in terms of the scope of the agreement, because, from the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including sustainable development to avoid a situation where trade is causing harm to the environment or leads to lower labor standards. So we'll need to discuss how to properly address all those topics. WION: Any deadline when it comes to FTA talks? I know when it comes to FTA talks, these aren't easy conversations. So any deadline you're looking at? Valdis Dombrovskis: As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work.. but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right. WION: So India has been calling for reforms of the World Trade Organization. What is your take? On the reforms of the body? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, that's very much also the EU's view. This was also one of the topics we discussed at G20. And I think the G20 can be an important player in this regard in preparation for the WTO ministerial meeting and it is something that was being agreed also among broader WTO membership in the last ministerial conference that we need to work on this WTO reform. We need to bring WTO into the 21st century, with ways to address climate change, with ways to function in a digital economy, and also to address new challenges stemming from the socio-economic model of China like questions on industrial subsidies and transparency of industrial subsidies, the role of state-owned enterprises and property rights. And when we discuss WTO, another important element for WTO reform is the restoration of the functioning of the dispute settlement system which we.. as we know currently... is not working because the appellate body is blocked. Watch | Ex-French president faces corruption charges × WION: Movement of people from India to EU especially skilled migration, what kind of conversation has been happening? Are you looking at a mobility pact with India? Several EU countries have signed a pact... eager to sign. For example, Italy. Valdis Dombrovskis: It must be said this is not an area that I'm covering in the European Commission. As regards our free trade agreement negotiations, they are covering some specific aspects of mobility like the mobility of professionals in the provision of services. So these discussions, we are obviously going to have in the context of our negotiations. WION: So the import of refined oil products from India to the European Union, what sort of policy you have, because there have been comments coming from the EU especially the refined products, which are made from Russian crude oil.. Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, it's a new phenomenon and indeed we are currently assessing it. I'd say it's a cause of concern because we have introduced sanctions against Russia and the largest revenue source for the Russian budget is oil and oil products export. So with the EU oil embargo, with G7 plus price cap, we aim to reduce Russia's oil revenue. We know that Russia is actively seeking new markets. But now when we see a situation where many refined products are arriving into the EU market, which are made from Russian oil, that actually defeats the purpose of why those sanctions were put in place originally, so we're currently assessing what can be responsible. WION: And have you raised the matter with the Indian side ever? Do you plan to raise? Is it part of the conversation, not in the context of your conversation which perhaps is happening, but otherwise, as well? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, obviously, we're raising it with our Indian counterparts. And I would also say the broader question of avoidance of sanctions and conventions by Russia is something we are in discussions with quite a number of countries. WION: Have you raised with your counterpart? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I have been raising this. This is not part of our FTA negotiation but it's something we are obviously flagging. It's a topic we are currently assessing. WION: You will be holding the EU-India High-Level Dialogue on Trade and Investment with Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal, what will be discussed? Valdis Dombrovskis: Number of areas which we need to cover. Obviously, we'll take stock of the progress of our FTA negotiations, but we are also discussing the state of play over our existing trade and investment relations. Trade irritants, what can be done to remove them, what can be done to facilitate trade, also in a current context, before we have an FTA. WION: And what irritants can you talk about? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I think there are a number of topics that are well-known from both sides, which we need to discuss. Maybe I will not go into detail. I will be raising it directly with my counterparts. I will say, that's a fact when you have intensive trade relations between countries, regions inevitably some issues which are emerging. So what is important is not the issues but there is a willingness to resolve those issues from both sides and we try to do so. 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. ×

Stress on substance over deadlines in India-EU FTA talks: EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis

The comprehensive Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union imposes new regulations on content moderation, user privacy, and transparency, putting more than a dozen of the largest tech companies in the world under unprecedented legal scrutiny.

A number of internet giants, including Meta’s&nbsp;Facebook and Instagram, Apple’s online App Store, and a few Google services, will be subject to new regulations in the EU, starting on Friday. These regulations include preventing the spread of harmful content, prohibiting or restricting certain user-targeting techniques, and sharing some internal data with regulators and related researchers.

With other comprehensive pieces of legislation, including the Digital Markets Act and the AI Act, on the horizon, the EU is regarded as the global leader in digital regulation. The introduction of comparable laws around the world will be influenced by how successfully the bloc implements these regulations.

Researchers have questioned whether these businesses have gone above and beyond what is required of them by the law.

For the time being, the regulations are applicable to 19 of the biggest internet sites, those with more than 45 million EU users. But starting in mid-February, they will be applicable to all online outlets, regardless of size.

Any company found to be in violation of the DSA faces a fine of up to 6% of its annual global revenue, and repeat offenders risk being barred from doing business in Europe.

E-commerce behemoth Amazon and German fashion retailer Zalando are the two businesses picked out for early regulation, and both are now refuting their inclusion on the list in court.

“We can expect that platforms will fight tooth and nail to defend their practices,” Reuters quoted Kingsley Hayes, the head of data and privacy litigation at law firm Keller Postman, as saying. “Especially when new compliance rules encroach on their core business models," he added.&nbsp;

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The comprehensive Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union imposes new regulations on content moderation, user privacy, and transparency, putting more than a dozen of the largest tech companies in the world under unprecedented legal scrutiny.

The comprehensive Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union imposes new regulations on content moderation, user privacy, and transparency, putting more than a dozen of the largest tech companies in the world under unprecedented legal scrutiny. A number of internet giants, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Apple’s online App Store, and a few Google services, will be subject to new regulations in the EU, starting on Friday. These regulations include preventing the spread of harmful content, prohibiting or restricting certain user-targeting techniques, and sharing some internal data with regulators and related researchers. With other comprehensive pieces of legislation, including the Digital Markets Act and the AI Act, on the horizon, the EU is regarded as the global leader in digital regulation. The introduction of comparable laws around the world will be influenced by how successfully the bloc implements these regulations. Researchers have questioned whether these businesses have gone above and beyond what is required of them by the law. For the time being, the regulations are applicable to 19 of the biggest internet sites, those with more than 45 million EU users. But starting in mid-February, they will be applicable to all online outlets, regardless of size. Any company found to be in violation of the DSA faces a fine of up to 6% of its annual global revenue, and repeat offenders risk being barred from doing business in Europe. E-commerce behemoth Amazon and German fashion retailer Zalando are the two businesses picked out for early regulation, and both are now refuting their inclusion on the list in court. “We can expect that platforms will fight tooth and nail to defend their practices,” Reuters quoted Kingsley Hayes, the head of data and privacy litigation at law firm Keller Postman, as saying. “Especially when new compliance rules encroach on their core business models," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Big tech companies brace for EU’s Digital Services Act regulations 

The Rules of Engagement are changing for the Giants of of the online realm from Facebook to Google and Amazon to Apple. The Titans are now under the spotlight of eu's latest regulations well the European Union's Digital Services Act or DSA is rolling out a framework that will reshape big tech operations effective today.

European Union's Digital Services Act takes effect

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Today is the third and final day of the BRICS Summit which is underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the second day of the summit, the manner and the nature of the expansion of the grouping topped the agenda.

Russia extends jailed US reporter's detention, Australia-EU agreement on minerals | WION Speed News

In pics | Dozens evacuated from hospital as Greece wildfires rage for fourth day

Leader of Turkish Cypriot Ersin Tatar, on Saturday (August 19), called the road project which has triggered a rare tension with the United Nations peacekeepers in the region, “essential”. Meanwhile, Turkey’s ruling party spokesman called the UN peacekeepers’ response “unacceptable” which blocked the construction in the buffer zone dividing Cyprus.

<h2>Turkey and Turkish Cypriots criticise UN</h2>

The criticism by Turkey comes a day after a scuffle broke out between UN peacekeepers and Turkish Cypriot security personnel when the peacekeepers tried to block construction of a controversial road in Pyla, an ethnically mixed village. The area, the UN says, is a part of the buffer zone and under its jurisdiction.&nbsp;

The area in question is between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus in the south and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot statelet in the north. On Saturday, Turkish Cypriot officials accused the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) of overstepping its boundaries.

“It is unfortunate that an attempt was made by UNFICYP to obstruct the development of the road being carried out by a civilian contractor, within the sovereign territory of the TRNC,” said Tatar, in a statement to Reuters, referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a breakaway state recognised only by Ankara. 
 
Similarly, Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AKP party defended the road project and slammed the UN’s move. “The attitude of the UN peacekeeping force serving in Cyprus...was unacceptable and extremely wrong,” said the Celik, on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

He also said that the UN peacekeepers’ attitude “aimed at pleasing the Greek Cypriot side has damaged the reputation” of the UN mission in Cyprus. Notably, Pyla is the only village where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live side by side.

Authorities in TRNC have also defended the project and said it had a “humanitarian objective” and aimed at providing ease of access to TRNC territory for our citizens” living in the village.&nbsp;

Tatar, also the president of the TRNC, told Reuters the road was essential for purely humanitarian grounds to address economic and transportation issues for Turkish Cypriots living in that village.&nbsp;

<h2>UN responds to accusations</h2>

The UN mission on the east Mediterranean island, addressing the incident, said that their peacekeepers were assaulted as they tried to block “unauthorised construction work” near Pyla. The scuffle has since drawn condemnation from the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union.&nbsp;

The UN has also said that just under half of the 11.5 kilometres falls within the Turkish Cypriot-controlled territory. A spokesperson for UNFICYP told Reuters, that there was no construction underway on Saturday, and peacekeepers remained in the area, which was “firmly” within the buffer zone.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Leader of Turkish Cypriot Ersin Tatar, on Saturday (August 19), called the road project which has triggered a rare tension with the United Nations peacekeepers in the region, “essential”.

Leader of Turkish Cypriot Ersin Tatar, on Saturday (August 19), called the road project which has triggered a rare tension with the United Nations peacekeepers in the region, “essential”. Meanwhile, Turkey’s ruling party spokesman called the UN peacekeepers’ response “unacceptable” which blocked the construction in the buffer zone dividing Cyprus. Turkey and Turkish Cypriots criticise UN The criticism by Turkey comes a day after a scuffle broke out between UN peacekeepers and Turkish Cypriot security personnel when the peacekeepers tried to block construction of a controversial road in Pyla, an ethnically mixed village. The area, the UN says, is a part of the buffer zone and under its jurisdiction. The area in question is between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus in the south and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot statelet in the north. On Saturday, Turkish Cypriot officials accused the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) of overstepping its boundaries. “It is unfortunate that an attempt was made by UNFICYP to obstruct the development of the road being carried out by a civilian contractor, within the sovereign territory of the TRNC,” said Tatar, in a statement to Reuters, referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a breakaway state recognised only by Ankara. Similarly, Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AKP party defended the road project and slammed the UN’s move. “The attitude of the UN peacekeeping force serving in Cyprus...was unacceptable and extremely wrong,” said the Celik, on X (formerly Twitter). He also said that the UN peacekeepers’ attitude “aimed at pleasing the Greek Cypriot side has damaged the reputation” of the UN mission in Cyprus. Notably, Pyla is the only village where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live side by side. Authorities in TRNC have also defended the project and said it had a “humanitarian objective” and aimed at providing ease of access to TRNC territory for our citizens” living in the village. Tatar, also the president of the TRNC, told Reuters the road was essential for purely humanitarian grounds to address economic and transportation issues for Turkish Cypriots living in that village. UN responds to accusations The UN mission on the east Mediterranean island, addressing the incident, said that their peacekeepers were assaulted as they tried to block “unauthorised construction work” near Pyla. The scuffle has since drawn condemnation from the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. The UN has also said that just under half of the 11.5 kilometres falls within the Turkish Cypriot-controlled territory. A spokesperson for UNFICYP told Reuters, that there was no construction underway on Saturday, and peacekeepers remained in the area, which was “firmly” within the buffer zone. (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.

Turkey slams UN approach to Cyprus row; Turkish Cypriot calls disputed road project ‘essential’

The Times says the European Union has rejected attempts by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to get a new deal on returning migrants who arrive in the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats.

EU rejects new deal for return of migrants

The climate observatory of the European Union declared Tuesday that July was the hottest month ever measured on Earth. The previous month, which was 0.33 degrees Celsius warmer than the record set in July 2019 when the average temperature was 16.63C (32 Fahrenheit), was characterized by heatwaves and fires all around the world, it said.

July hottest month on record :EU Climate Observatory

At least six people were killed in Slovenia currently witnessing the worst floods on record which have swept away homes and clogged villages with debris, while the clean-up operations continued&nbsp;on Monday (August 7), said the local officials and media.&nbsp;

<h2>Record-breaking rains and floods</h2>

Heavy rains in central and northern Slovenia have led to flash floods and landslides which began on Thursday and have since submerged large parts of the region, cutting off access to villages and disrupting traffic.

So far, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-amid-heavy-rains-floods-in-slovenia-and-austria-622506">two Dutch men</a> believed struck by lightning and four Slovenians have been killed or drowned in the chaos, since Friday, reported state news agency STA citing police.&nbsp;

Emergency workers recovered the body of a 35-year-old man in a river near the village of Mirna Perc, on Sunday. According to the police, another man, who was a part of the clean-up operations, was found dead after falling into a cesspit near the town of Kamnik.&nbsp;

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/slovenia-pm-worst-disaster-in-our-history-622951">described</a> the torrential rains and severe flooding, that the country of two million is witnessing, as its worst natural disaster since independence three decades ago.

In an update, on Monday, reports said that the rescue workers were in the midst of trying to reopen roads to the isolated places and were also assessing the damage. The Slovenian Environment Agency said floods were starting to recede on Monday, but some areas were still cut off.

Meanwhile, civil protection authorities were keeping an eye on flood-hit areas where landslides pose a threat to infrastructure and houses. This comes as residents from villages along the river Mura had to be evacuated on Sunday night after a part of the levee collapsed.

The body of a man was also recovered in the neighbouring country Austria from a river in Carinthia state, parts of which have also been affected due to heavy rains and floods.&nbsp;

<h2>What’s the damage?</h2>

According to reports, the damage to buildings and bridges caused by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-not-a-typical-flood-event-heavy-rains-landslides-hit-in-parts-of-slovenia-austria-622517">floods</a> is worth around $549 million. “The material damage is not so important. The important thing is we saved our lives on time,” said Drago Hudofisk, in the village of Prevalje, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

As per the media report, Hudofisk is part of an eight-member family home that was swept away by a river over the weekend. “You know, nature fights back against everything (we do). Water has the power, it destroys everything,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>EU countries help disaster-hit Slovenia</h2>

Slovenia, a European Union member, has asked for help from the 27-nation bloc and sought heavy machinery, such as excavators and engineering units. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will visit Slovenia on Wednesday, “to witness on the ground the destruction caused by the floods and discuss EU support.”&nbsp;

Slovenia also requested helicopters, soldiers and prefabricated bridges from NATO. Meanwhile, the first truck carrying humanitarian help and food arrived from Hungary late Sunday, followed by a helicopter.&nbsp;

Croatia also provided a military helicopter to help close and secure a broken levee on the Mura River. Germany said it is sending emergency workers and expressed “dismay” over the “terrible flood catastrophe in Slovenia and Austria.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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At least six people were killed in Slovenia currently witnessing the worst floods on record which have swept away homes and clogged villages with debris, while the clean-up operations continued on Monday (August 7), said the local officials and media.

At least six people were killed in Slovenia currently witnessing the worst floods on record which have swept away homes and clogged villages with debris, while the clean-up operations continued on Monday (August 7), said the local officials and media. Record-breaking rains and floods Heavy rains in central and northern Slovenia have led to flash floods and landslides which began on Thursday and have since submerged large parts of the region, cutting off access to villages and disrupting traffic. So far, two Dutch men believed struck by lightning and four Slovenians have been killed or drowned in the chaos, since Friday, reported state news agency STA citing police. Emergency workers recovered the body of a 35-year-old man in a river near the village of Mirna Perc, on Sunday. According to the police, another man, who was a part of the clean-up operations, was found dead after falling into a cesspit near the town of Kamnik. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has described the torrential rains and severe flooding, that the country of two million is witnessing, as its worst natural disaster since independence three decades ago. In an update, on Monday, reports said that the rescue workers were in the midst of trying to reopen roads to the isolated places and were also assessing the damage. The Slovenian Environment Agency said floods were starting to recede on Monday, but some areas were still cut off. Meanwhile, civil protection authorities were keeping an eye on flood-hit areas where landslides pose a threat to infrastructure and houses. This comes as residents from villages along the river Mura had to be evacuated on Sunday night after a part of the levee collapsed. The body of a man was also recovered in the neighbouring country Austria from a river in Carinthia state, parts of which have also been affected due to heavy rains and floods. What’s the damage? According to reports, the damage to buildings and bridges caused by the floods is worth around $549 million. “The material damage is not so important. The important thing is we saved our lives on time,” said Drago Hudofisk, in the village of Prevalje, as quoted by Reuters. As per the media report, Hudofisk is part of an eight-member family home that was swept away by a river over the weekend. “You know, nature fights back against everything (we do). Water has the power, it destroys everything,” he added. EU countries help disaster-hit Slovenia Slovenia, a European Union member, has asked for help from the 27-nation bloc and sought heavy machinery, such as excavators and engineering units. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will visit Slovenia on Wednesday, “to witness on the ground the destruction caused by the floods and discuss EU support.” Slovenia also requested helicopters, soldiers and prefabricated bridges from NATO. Meanwhile, the first truck carrying humanitarian help and food arrived from Hungary late Sunday, followed by a helicopter. Croatia also provided a military helicopter to help close and secure a broken levee on the Mura River. Germany said it is sending emergency workers and expressed “dismay” over the “terrible flood catastrophe in Slovenia and Austria.” (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.

Death toll rises to six after Slovenia’s worst floods on record, EU and NATO to send aid

The EU has launched an antitrust investigation into tech giant Microsoft, and it all revolves around their bundling tactics. The EU's concerns revolve around Microsoft's bundling of its video and chat application, teams, together with its other office products. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, suspects that this practice may be tipping the scales in favor of teams, potentially denying customers the freedom to choose whether to include the app when subscribing to office 365.

Microsoft faces EU antitrust heat

Shovelling sand onto a truck in&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir&nbsp;(PoK) valley, says a man, who shares only his surname Butt, and adds that he ended his treacherous bid for a better life when an overloaded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece last month.

Up to 350 Pakistanis were believed to be among the 600 who drowned, including 24 from Butt's hometown of Khuiratta in the lush PoK valley.

"Looking back, I realise that the risk I took was not worth it," Butt told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-women-in-pakistans-sindh-province-forced-to-marry-their-abductors-618275">Hindu women in Pakistan's Sindh province forced to marry their abductors</a>

Butt is one of several men from Khuiratta who told AFP the disaster prompted them to give up on the journey after reaching Libya.

"Life is defined by the quality time you spend with your children and spouse, not the amount of money you possess," he said.

Tens of thousands of young men have handed over family fortunes to agents who smuggle them to Europe, from where remittances -- even more valuable since Pakistan's economy slumped into crisis last year -- can be wired home.

Butt sought help from friends and family, and his wife sold her wedding jewellery to collect 2.2 million rupees (around $7,500) he needed to pay the human traffickers organising the trip.

The first legs&nbsp;of his journey were uneventful -- commercial flights to Dubai and Egypt, then overland to Libya, where his ordeal really started.

He spent two months in a makeshift shanty camp with 600 other migrants, waiting for the day they would be put on a cargo ship to make the journey across the Mediterranean.

<h2>The anguish of families</h2>

Instead, they were crowded onto a rickety fishing boat and spent eight days floundering in international waters, where they were first fired on, then rammed, by a Libyan naval vessel, Butt said.

They only stayed afloat because the navy ship abandoned them when a storm struck, he added -- but it returned days later to tow them back to port, where they were thrown in jail.

"They gave us the minimal amount of food to keep us alive... a plate of macaroni or boiled rice would be shared among five people," Butt said.

"They were brutal people."

While he was in jail, news reached his hometown of the migrant boat sinking off Greece, causing heartbreak and distress.

"I can't explain the pain and anguish I went through for a week," Butt's wife Mehwish Matloob told AFP.

"I felt as though my entire world had crumbled before me," the 31-year-old said, clutching a shawl.

Butt finally got out of jail and was able to contact his family to tell them he was alive.

His mother, 76-year-old Razia Latif, says she now regrets the danger he endured.

"We thought that others were making it to Europe, so why not send him too," she said.

"We would have preferred begging had we known it was that difficult."

<h2>'Greed' and risk</h2>

The International Organization for Migration has declared the Mediterranean passage the world's most perilous migration route.

Around 1,728 migrants have gone missing there this year alone -- surpassing the 1,417 disappearances recorded in 2022.

But families that do get one or more of their young men abroad can prosper from the money sent back.

The noticeable disparity between families with relatives in Europe and those without is causing envy, said Zafar Iqbal Ghazi of Kashmir's Human Rights Forum group.

"If someone has a single-storey home, right next to it you will find a three-storey home, and bigger mansions, and so on," he said.

And the promise of untold riches abroad attracts those even well off by local standards.

Hamza Bhatti was earning 200,000 rupees a month (around $700) as a driver in Saudi Arabia -- enough to comfortably support his wife and their eight-month-old son -- but he still saw greener pastures in Europe.&nbsp;

"I believed that life in Europe would be more vibrant and colourful compared to my experience in Saudi Arabia," the 29-year-old told AFP.

Bhatti was jailed after his boat was returned to port by Libyan authorities and he found himself alongside Butt as news of the sinking broke.

"It was my greed that took me to the brink of death," he said.

<h2>Smuggling agents arrested</h2>

Ghazi said more than 175 youngsters from Khuiratta alone left illegally for Europe last year, and he believes any recent pause after the boat incident in Greece will only be temporary.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said 69 smuggling agents had been arrested since a crackdown was launched last month, but prosecutions will be difficult.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-boats-with-over-200-migrants-rescued-in-spains-canary-islands-in-a-day-607534">Five boats with over 300 migrants rescued near Spain’s Canary Islands in a day</a>

"The challenge lies in the fact that most of these youngsters possess valid visas for Dubai, which they use as a starting point to reach Libya," one FIA official said, speaking anonymously to AFP.

"This is not a new phenomenon, and it will not end after the Greece boat tragedy."

European Union lawmakers have urged Brussels to provide support to member states to strengthen their capacity to carry out sea rescues, but attitudes towards migrants are hardening across Europe, with Greece steadily slashing benefits for asylum seekers.

Mehwish says her husband Butt will never again attempt the journey -- even though traffickers refunded part of his payment in the hope they wouldn't be reported.

"I don't regret losing the gold, and I am content to live in poverty as long as he is with me," she said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Shovelling sand onto a truck in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) valley, says a man, who shares only his surname Butt, and adds that he ended his treacherous bid for a better life when an overloaded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece last month.

Shovelling sand onto a truck in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) valley, says a man, who shares only his surname Butt, and adds that he ended his treacherous bid for a better life when an overloaded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece last month. Up to 350 Pakistanis were believed to be among the 600 who drowned, including 24 from Butt's hometown of Khuiratta in the lush PoK valley. "Looking back, I realise that the risk I took was not worth it," Butt told AFP. Also read | Hindu women in Pakistan's Sindh province forced to marry their abductors Butt is one of several men from Khuiratta who told AFP the disaster prompted them to give up on the journey after reaching Libya. "Life is defined by the quality time you spend with your children and spouse, not the amount of money you possess," he said. Tens of thousands of young men have handed over family fortunes to agents who smuggle them to Europe, from where remittances -- even more valuable since Pakistan's economy slumped into crisis last year -- can be wired home. Butt sought help from friends and family, and his wife sold her wedding jewellery to collect 2.2 million rupees (around $7,500) he needed to pay the human traffickers organising the trip. The first legs of his journey were uneventful -- commercial flights to Dubai and Egypt, then overland to Libya, where his ordeal really started. He spent two months in a makeshift shanty camp with 600 other migrants, waiting for the day they would be put on a cargo ship to make the journey across the Mediterranean. The anguish of families Instead, they were crowded onto a rickety fishing boat and spent eight days floundering in international waters, where they were first fired on, then rammed, by a Libyan naval vessel, Butt said. They only stayed afloat because the navy ship abandoned them when a storm struck, he added -- but it returned days later to tow them back to port, where they were thrown in jail. "They gave us the minimal amount of food to keep us alive... a plate of macaroni or boiled rice would be shared among five people," Butt said. "They were brutal people." While he was in jail, news reached his hometown of the migrant boat sinking off Greece, causing heartbreak and distress. "I can't explain the pain and anguish I went through for a week," Butt's wife Mehwish Matloob told AFP. "I felt as though my entire world had crumbled before me," the 31-year-old said, clutching a shawl. Butt finally got out of jail and was able to contact his family to tell them he was alive. His mother, 76-year-old Razia Latif, says she now regrets the danger he endured. "We thought that others were making it to Europe, so why not send him too," she said. "We would have preferred begging had we known it was that difficult." 'Greed' and risk The International Organization for Migration has declared the Mediterranean passage the world's most perilous migration route. Around 1,728 migrants have gone missing there this year alone -- surpassing the 1,417 disappearances recorded in 2022. But families that do get one or more of their young men abroad can prosper from the money sent back. The noticeable disparity between families with relatives in Europe and those without is causing envy, said Zafar Iqbal Ghazi of Kashmir's Human Rights Forum group. "If someone has a single-storey home, right next to it you will find a three-storey home, and bigger mansions, and so on," he said. And the promise of untold riches abroad attracts those even well off by local standards. Hamza Bhatti was earning 200,000 rupees a month (around $700) as a driver in Saudi Arabia -- enough to comfortably support his wife and their eight-month-old son -- but he still saw greener pastures in Europe. "I believed that life in Europe would be more vibrant and colourful compared to my experience in Saudi Arabia," the 29-year-old told AFP. Bhatti was jailed after his boat was returned to port by Libyan authorities and he found himself alongside Butt as news of the sinking broke. "It was my greed that took me to the brink of death," he said. Smuggling agents arrested Ghazi said more than 175 youngsters from Khuiratta alone left illegally for Europe last year, and he believes any recent pause after the boat incident in Greece will only be temporary. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said 69 smuggling agents had been arrested since a crackdown was launched last month, but prosecutions will be difficult. Also read | Five boats with over 300 migrants rescued near Spain’s Canary Islands in a day "The challenge lies in the fact that most of these youngsters possess valid visas for Dubai, which they use as a starting point to reach Libya," one FIA official said, speaking anonymously to AFP. "This is not a new phenomenon, and it will not end after the Greece boat tragedy." European Union lawmakers have urged Brussels to provide support to member states to strengthen their capacity to carry out sea rescues, but attitudes towards migrants are hardening across Europe, with Greece steadily slashing benefits for asylum seekers. Mehwish says her husband Butt will never again attempt the journey -- even though traffickers refunded part of his payment in the hope they wouldn't be reported. "I don't regret losing the gold, and I am content to live in poverty as long as he is with me," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistani migrants perished in Greece boat tragedy, survivors abandoned journey to Europe

Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24). The investigation coordinated by Europol and Interpol also led to the arrest of 62 people, out of which 25 were Cuban nationals.

<h2>About the operation</h2>

The operation was conducted by Germany’s Bundespolizei (Federal Police); Hellenic Police and Coast Guard (Greece); Interior Ministry of North Macedonia; Policía Nacional (Spain); and Serbian Interior Ministry and Criminal Police Directorate, Service for Combating Organized Crime.&nbsp;

The investigation began back in October 2021 when the Serbian, Greek, North Macedonian and Finnish authorities reported a rise in the number of Cuban citizens trying to enter Europe with “falsified documentation”. In January 2023, multiple European agencies, including Europol, issued a joint intelligence notification on the trend.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-hosts-migration-conference-as-pm-meloni-eu-hope-to-extend-tunisia-deal-to-other-nations-618682">Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations</a>

The investigation revealed a “complex criminal infrastructure” which was set up in Spain, Greece and Serbia. The operation also led to the seizure of 18 pieces of real estate, 33 vehicles and 144 bank accounts, alongside vast sums of cash in various currencies, said Europol.&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies believe that the criminal network has successfully smuggled around 5,000 Cuban nationals into the EU and generated a profit of $49 million (45 million euros).&nbsp;

<h2>Modus operandi of smugglers</h2>

According to the European intelligence agency, the alleged smugglers used a “well-known messaging application”, which was not named, to advertise their “illicit services” to Cubans in vulnerable situations. The members of the migrant smuggling network would charge $9,969 (9,000 euros) and organise the trip, and transfers, and provide false documentation, said Europol.&nbsp;

The European agencies in their notification, issued earlier this year, also noted the effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the criminal network’s operations.&nbsp;

Previously, Cuban nationals would fly to Russia on commercial flights and from there they could either cross the Finnish-Russian border to enter the EU or fly to Serbia and travel through central or southern Europe.&nbsp;

However, since the conflict began back in February 2022, Cuban nationals have been flown to Serbia via Germany and upon their arrival in Belgrade the smugglers would facilitate their “irregular entry” into North Macedonia and Greece by land.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">Nearly 300 children died this year trying to cross Mediterranean Sea: UN</a>

Once the migrants reached Greece they would either apply for asylum or travel to other EU countries organised by the criminal network, like flights to Spain or sea transport to Italy. They would also provide forged documents to travel within the EU.

<h2>Risks of the journey</h2>

According to the European intelligence agency, during land journeys smugglers would direct large groups of migrants and make them walk in the dark without supplies for hours.&nbsp;

“In addition to these arduous conditions, the criminals would take advantage of the most vulnerable migrants, including minors, and subject them to scams, robberies, and extortion,” said Europol, in a statement. &nbsp;

It added, “In some cases, women were transferred to other criminal groups for sexual exploitation.” 
&nbsp;

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Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24).

Law enforcement agencies from five countries disrupted an intercontinental criminal network involved in smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union, said Europol, in a statement, on Monday (July 24). The investigation coordinated by Europol and Interpol also led to the arrest of 62 people, out of which 25 were Cuban nationals. About the operation The operation was conducted by Germany’s Bundespolizei (Federal Police); Hellenic Police and Coast Guard (Greece); Interior Ministry of North Macedonia; Policía Nacional (Spain); and Serbian Interior Ministry and Criminal Police Directorate, Service for Combating Organized Crime. The investigation began back in October 2021 when the Serbian, Greek, North Macedonian and Finnish authorities reported a rise in the number of Cuban citizens trying to enter Europe with “falsified documentation”. In January 2023, multiple European agencies, including Europol, issued a joint intelligence notification on the trend. ALSO READ | Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations The investigation revealed a “complex criminal infrastructure” which was set up in Spain, Greece and Serbia. The operation also led to the seizure of 18 pieces of real estate, 33 vehicles and 144 bank accounts, alongside vast sums of cash in various currencies, said Europol. Law enforcement agencies believe that the criminal network has successfully smuggled around 5,000 Cuban nationals into the EU and generated a profit of $49 million (45 million euros). Modus operandi of smugglers According to the European intelligence agency, the alleged smugglers used a “well-known messaging application”, which was not named, to advertise their “illicit services” to Cubans in vulnerable situations. The members of the migrant smuggling network would charge $9,969 (9,000 euros) and organise the trip, and transfers, and provide false documentation, said Europol. The European agencies in their notification, issued earlier this year, also noted the effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the criminal network’s operations. Previously, Cuban nationals would fly to Russia on commercial flights and from there they could either cross the Finnish-Russian border to enter the EU or fly to Serbia and travel through central or southern Europe. However, since the conflict began back in February 2022, Cuban nationals have been flown to Serbia via Germany and upon their arrival in Belgrade the smugglers would facilitate their “irregular entry” into North Macedonia and Greece by land. ALSO READ | Nearly 300 children died this year trying to cross Mediterranean Sea: UN Once the migrants reached Greece they would either apply for asylum or travel to other EU countries organised by the criminal network, like flights to Spain or sea transport to Italy. They would also provide forged documents to travel within the EU. Risks of the journey According to the European intelligence agency, during land journeys smugglers would direct large groups of migrants and make them walk in the dark without supplies for hours. “In addition to these arduous conditions, the criminals would take advantage of the most vulnerable migrants, including minors, and subject them to scams, robberies, and extortion,” said Europol, in a statement. It added, “In some cases, women were transferred to other criminal groups for sexual exploitation.” 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.

62 alleged migrant smugglers arrested in Europol-Interpol human trafficking crackdown

European Union member Italy&nbsp;is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration. The EU deal with the North African country has left human rights groups and migrant charities fuming.&nbsp;

<h2>Italy’s PM reverses stance on migrants</h2>

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the talks in Rome and said that the meetings with presidents&nbsp;and ministers of various nations will focus on illegal and legal immigration, refugee support and “the most important...wide cooperation to support development in Africa.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, in contrast to her past rhetoric, Meloni also said that the country would be open to taking in more people through legal routes as “Europe and Italy needed immigration.”&nbsp;

She added, “Mass illegal immigration harms each and every one of us. No one benefits from this, except criminal groups who get rich at the expense of the most fragile and use their strength even against the governments”.&nbsp;

The Italian PM called for action to prevent the migrants from taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">dangerous Mediterranean Sea route</a> to reach Europe. The conference is also hosting representatives from Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Libya and the EU.&nbsp;

UAE has pledged $100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration, reported the state news agency WAM, on Sunday. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is reportedly in the midst of attending the conference in Rome.&nbsp;

<h2>EU and Tunisia’s ‘strategic partnership’ deal</h2>

Last week,&nbsp;the EU and Tunisia signed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-give-tunisia-over-1-billion-to-combat-trafficking-support-economy-report-615809">“strategic partnership”</a> which will include a crackdown on human traffickers and tighten&nbsp;border security. The 27-nation bloc has pledged $1.1 billion (one billion euros) in aid to support the North African country’s battered economy.&nbsp;

Echoing a similar view&nbsp;as Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said, “We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future. For partnerships with other countries in the region.”&nbsp;

<h2>Pope calls on governments to act</h2>

Addressing the crowd gathered near St. Peter’s Square, earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis called on European and African governments to help migrants fleeing poverty and conflict and ensure that the Mediterranean never again becomes “a theatre of death” for those trying to cross it. &nbsp;

<h2>More countries to join&nbsp;EU-Tunisia like deal?</h2>

A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the EU has sought similar partnership deals with Egypt and Morocco as the one it recently struck with Tunisia. “We must cooperate with the countries of North Africa, even if to do so we have to accept that they are not perfect democracies,” the Rome-based ambassador told AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Human rights groups fume over deal</h2>

While the EU chief has called the deal with Tunisia a “blueprint for the future,” human rights groups and migrant charities have called it a “new low” for the 27-nation bloc’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

In a statement, Human Rights Watch called the deal “a new low in the European Union’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals at any cost” that “pays only lip service to human rights.” It added, “It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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European Union member Italy is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration.

European Union member Italy is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration. The EU deal with the North African country has left human rights groups and migrant charities fuming. Italy’s PM reverses stance on migrants Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the talks in Rome and said that the meetings with presidents and ministers of various nations will focus on illegal and legal immigration, refugee support and “the most important...wide cooperation to support development in Africa.” Furthermore, in contrast to her past rhetoric, Meloni also said that the country would be open to taking in more people through legal routes as “Europe and Italy needed immigration.” She added, “Mass illegal immigration harms each and every one of us. No one benefits from this, except criminal groups who get rich at the expense of the most fragile and use their strength even against the governments”. The Italian PM called for action to prevent the migrants from taking the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route to reach Europe. The conference is also hosting representatives from Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Libya and the EU. UAE has pledged $100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration, reported the state news agency WAM, on Sunday. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is reportedly in the midst of attending the conference in Rome. EU and Tunisia’s ‘strategic partnership’ deal Last week, the EU and Tunisia signed a “strategic partnership” which will include a crackdown on human traffickers and tighten border security. The 27-nation bloc has pledged $1.1 billion (one billion euros) in aid to support the North African country’s battered economy. Echoing a similar view as Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said, “We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future. For partnerships with other countries in the region.” Pope calls on governments to act Addressing the crowd gathered near St. Peter’s Square, earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis called on European and African governments to help migrants fleeing poverty and conflict and ensure that the Mediterranean never again becomes “a theatre of death” for those trying to cross it. More countries to join EU-Tunisia like deal? A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the EU has sought similar partnership deals with Egypt and Morocco as the one it recently struck with Tunisia. “We must cooperate with the countries of North Africa, even if to do so we have to accept that they are not perfect democracies,” the Rome-based ambassador told AFP. Human rights groups fume over deal While the EU chief has called the deal with Tunisia a “blueprint for the future,” human rights groups and migrant charities have called it a “new low” for the 27-nation bloc’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals, reported news agency AFP. In a statement, Human Rights Watch called the deal “a new low in the European Union’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals at any cost” that “pays only lip service to human rights.” It added, “It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya.” (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.

Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations

According to Reuters, Western nations, including those that are members of the G7, are planning to appeal to Beijing to stop North Korea from evading sanctions by using its territorial waters. This comes as the West hardens its stance on Pyongyang over its ongoing missile launches.

G7, EU and others plan to urge China to help maintain sanctions

The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday (July 20) put forward a proposal of a 20 billion euro (USD 22.4 billion) fund for weapons, ammunitions and other military help for Ukraine. However, the plan would need more scrutiny from EU governments before it can go ahead. High Representative Josep Borrell presented the plan in EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. This was part of an effort to put European support for Ukraine on a longer-term footing. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is in its second year now.

The proposal comes amid an international drive to give Ukraine long-term security assurances, as announced by members of the G7 on the sidelines of last week's NATO summit in Vilnius.

"We proposed the creation of a dedicated section under the European Peace Facility to provide up to 5 billion euros a year for the next four years for the defence needs of Ukraine," Borrell told a news conference after the meeting.

Gravitas: Why are Wagner mercenaries training near Poland?

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"This is the evaluation of the needs and the cost of our long-term security commitments to Ukraine," he said.

The European Peace Facility (EPF) was created in 2021. It is meant to finance actions that seek to prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security. The EPF was initially worth 5.7 billion euros. It has since grown to 12 billion.

The facility is used to reimburse EU countries for at least part of the cost of weapons, ammunition and other military aid that they give to nations outside the bloc.

<h2>A welcome idea</h2>

The idea of longer-term military aid for Ukraine was welcomed by several ministers at the meeting but they said that the details about the funding would be subject to further discussions. Their governments would have to pay for any boost to the fund.

"A fund for the defence of Ukraine is going to be developed," Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho told reporters. "As for the amounts, we are not there yet."

Borrell said that detailed talks among EU foreign and defence ministers on this fund will take place during a ministerial meeting which will take place at the end of August in Spain.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-starts-firing-cluster-munitions-against-russian-forces-amid-criticism-617861">Ukraine starts using cluster munitions against Russian forces amid criticism</a>

It was a landmark decision last year when the European Union decided to finance arms supply to Ukraine. Before that, the EU focused only on economic and political co-operation. It avoided involvement in armed conflicts.

But the debate on the new proposal are unlikely to be straightforward.

Hungary is holding up the disbursement of 500 million euros in current EPF funds for Ukraine aid, demanding that Hungarian bank OTP first be removed from a Ukrainian blacklist.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest would take the same stance with the new proposal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday (July 20) put forward a proposal of a 20 billion euro (USD 22.4 billion) fund for weapons, ammunitions and other military help for Ukraine.

The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday (July 20) put forward a proposal of a 20 billion euro (USD 22.4 billion) fund for weapons, ammunitions and other military help for Ukraine. However, the plan would need more scrutiny from EU governments before it can go ahead. High Representative Josep Borrell presented the plan in EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. This was part of an effort to put European support for Ukraine on a longer-term footing. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is in its second year now. The proposal comes amid an international drive to give Ukraine long-term security assurances, as announced by members of the G7 on the sidelines of last week's NATO summit in Vilnius. "We proposed the creation of a dedicated section under the European Peace Facility to provide up to 5 billion euros a year for the next four years for the defence needs of Ukraine," Borrell told a news conference after the meeting. Gravitas: Why are Wagner mercenaries training near Poland? × "This is the evaluation of the needs and the cost of our long-term security commitments to Ukraine," he said. The European Peace Facility (EPF) was created in 2021. It is meant to finance actions that seek to prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security. The EPF was initially worth 5.7 billion euros. It has since grown to 12 billion. The facility is used to reimburse EU countries for at least part of the cost of weapons, ammunition and other military aid that they give to nations outside the bloc. A welcome idea The idea of longer-term military aid for Ukraine was welcomed by several ministers at the meeting but they said that the details about the funding would be subject to further discussions. Their governments would have to pay for any boost to the fund. "A fund for the defence of Ukraine is going to be developed," Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho told reporters. "As for the amounts, we are not there yet." Borrell said that detailed talks among EU foreign and defence ministers on this fund will take place during a ministerial meeting which will take place at the end of August in Spain. Also Read | Ukraine starts using cluster munitions against Russian forces amid criticism It was a landmark decision last year when the European Union decided to finance arms supply to Ukraine. Before that, the EU focused only on economic and political co-operation. It avoided involvement in armed conflicts. But the debate on the new proposal are unlikely to be straightforward. Hungary is holding up the disbursement of 500 million euros in current EPF funds for Ukraine aid, demanding that Hungarian bank OTP first be removed from a Ukrainian blacklist. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest would take the same stance with the new proposal. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU kicks off talks on 20 billion euro military fund for Ukraine

Greek wildfires continue till third day, EU allies send aid

Opening of the EU-CELAC summit between Europeans and Latin Americans after eight years of absence. It was held in Brussels on Monday. This meeting comes in light of the EU's decision to strengthen its ties with these countries.

EU seeks to renew ties among amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war

The European Union and Tunisia have signed a memorandum of understanding for a “strategic and comprehensive partnership” aimed at combatting irregular migration and boosting economic ties between the bloc and the North African country, which lies on a major route for migrants and refugees traveling to Europe.

Tunisia and EU sign a 'partnership' on economy and migration

A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the deal about?</h2>

The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation.&nbsp;

The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia.&nbsp;

The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy.&nbsp;

The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;

This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”.&nbsp;

The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisian-president-calls-for-expulsion-of-migrants-as-wave-of-crackdowns-on-dissents-continues-565946">accused</a> illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography.

This has led many to leave Tunisia via the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">dangerous Mediterranean Sea route</a> to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia.&nbsp;

In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-rutte-longest-serving-pm-of-netherlands-calls-it-quits-after-govt-collapse-613875">quit</a>&nbsp;after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration.&nbsp;

Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>Rights groups urge support for migrants</h2>

On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city.&nbsp;

Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-mulls-new-cemeteries-as-hundreds-of-dead-refugees-wash-up-on-coast-587777">hundreds</a> were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday.&nbsp;

Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days.&nbsp;

Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.

A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal. What is the deal about? The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation. The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia. The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy. The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea. This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”. The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied accused illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography. This has led many to leave Tunisia via the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia. In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, quit after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration. Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens. Rights groups urge support for migrants On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city. Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, hundreds were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday. Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days. Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians. (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.

EU to give Tunisia over $1 billion to combat trafficking, support economy: Report

Hope for Sweden’s imminent entry into the NATO security alliance began to fade on Monday when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan introduced a last-minute hurdle by linking his approval of the Nordic country’s bid to Turkey’s long-sought accession to the European Union. But just hours later, he made a surprise U-turn by dropping his opposition, paving the way for NATO to expand its fortification against a belligerent Russia as Moscow fights a war in Ukraine. But what caused this sudden change of heart in Turkiye?

Explained - Why Turkiye agreed to approve Sweden's NATO bid

Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover&nbsp;of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval. &nbsp;

Illumina was forced to seek EU competition watchdog's approval in 2021 despite the deal fell short of the bloc's turnover threshold for scrutiny. Illumina has been fighting with the competition watchdog on several fronts since&nbsp;then.

In September 2022, the deal was eventually blocked. Regulators were concerned that Illumina, after acquiring Grail, would have an incentive to cut off Grail's rivals from accessing its technology to develop blood-based early cancer detection tests to compete with Grail.

The European Commission said that the size of the fine amounts to 10 per cent of Illumina's global revenue and it is the maximum allowed under EU merger rules for such infringements. The EC said that this underscored the seriousness of the offence and aimed to deter such conduct.&nbsp;

By closing the deal prematurely, Illumina was able to exercise a decisive influence over Grail, which it did, the EU enforcer said, calling the move unprecedented and a very serious infringement.

"If companies merge before our clearance, they breach our rules. Illumina and Grail knowingly and deliberately did so by implementing their tie-up as we were still investigating," EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

For its active role in the infringement, Grail was given a symbolic 1,000 euro fine. This marks the first time a target company has been sanctioned.

<h2>Fine unlawful, disproportionate, says Illumina&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Illumina has criticised the fine as "unlawful, inappropriate, and disproportionate". The company has said that it would appeal the penalty. It has set aside USD 458 million which represents 10 per cent of its consolidated annual revenue in fiscal year 2022.

"We closed the transaction in 2021 because there was no impediment to closing in the U.S. and the deal timeframe would have expired before the EC could reach a decision on the merits," the company said in a statement.

"The deal timeframe relied on the EC's public statements that it would not assert jurisdiction over mergers of this type until new guidelines were issued, yet the EC nonetheless asserted jurisdiction over the merger before issuing the promised guidelines."

Illumina has challenged the EU veto of the deal as well as its decision to examine the deal despite it not meeting the EU merger criteria and also the EU order to keep the Grail separate so that the deal con be unwound.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval.

Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval. Illumina was forced to seek EU competition watchdog's approval in 2021 despite the deal fell short of the bloc's turnover threshold for scrutiny. Illumina has been fighting with the competition watchdog on several fronts since then. In September 2022, the deal was eventually blocked. Regulators were concerned that Illumina, after acquiring Grail, would have an incentive to cut off Grail's rivals from accessing its technology to develop blood-based early cancer detection tests to compete with Grail. The European Commission said that the size of the fine amounts to 10 per cent of Illumina's global revenue and it is the maximum allowed under EU merger rules for such infringements. The EC said that this underscored the seriousness of the offence and aimed to deter such conduct. By closing the deal prematurely, Illumina was able to exercise a decisive influence over Grail, which it did, the EU enforcer said, calling the move unprecedented and a very serious infringement. "If companies merge before our clearance, they breach our rules. Illumina and Grail knowingly and deliberately did so by implementing their tie-up as we were still investigating," EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. For its active role in the infringement, Grail was given a symbolic 1,000 euro fine. This marks the first time a target company has been sanctioned. Fine unlawful, disproportionate, says Illumina Illumina has criticised the fine as "unlawful, inappropriate, and disproportionate". The company has said that it would appeal the penalty. It has set aside USD 458 million which represents 10 per cent of its consolidated annual revenue in fiscal year 2022. "We closed the transaction in 2021 because there was no impediment to closing in the U.S. and the deal timeframe would have expired before the EC could reach a decision on the merits," the company said in a statement. "The deal timeframe relied on the EC's public statements that it would not assert jurisdiction over mergers of this type until new guidelines were issued, yet the EC nonetheless asserted jurisdiction over the merger before issuing the promised guidelines." Illumina has challenged the EU veto of the deal as well as its decision to examine the deal despite it not meeting the EU merger criteria and also the EU order to keep the Grail separate so that the deal con be unwound. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU slaps record $476 million fine on Illumina for Grail deal without antitrust approval

EU chief Charles Michel and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on Monday to seek closer cooperation after the Turkish leader demanded a return to European Union membership talks.

The pair met in Vilnius on the eve of a NATO summit, after Erdogan declared that Turkey would not approve Sweden's bid to join the alliance without a revival of Ankara's EU ambitions.

In a tweet, Michel hailed a "good meeting", adding that they had "explored opportunities ahead to bring EU-Turkey cooperation back to the forefront and re-energise our relations."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigation-into-greek-shipwreck-suggests-coastguard-responsible-for-sinking-report-613990">Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report</a>

Turkey has been a formal candidate to join the European Union since 2005, and an aspirant since long before that, but talks have long been stalled with little sign of life.

Separately, NATO member Turkey has been blocking Sweden's attempt to join the military alliance, accusing Stockholm of harbouring Kurdish activists accused by Ankara of terrorism.

On Monday, in a surprise move ahead of Tuesday's NATO summit, Erdogan linked the two diplomatic logjams, demanding that the NATO allies that are also EU members clear Turkey's path.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a>

"First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland," he said, before flying to Lithuania.

Watch | 'Safeguarding reefs': Theme of Florida Music Festival

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Once in Vilnius, Erdogan broke off talks with NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg to hold an unplanned one-on-one with the EU's Michel -- before then meeting Swedish premier Ulf Kristersson.

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EU chief Charles Michel and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on Monday to seek closer cooperation after the Turkish leader demanded a return to European Union membership talks.

EU chief Charles Michel and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on Monday to seek closer cooperation after the Turkish leader demanded a return to European Union membership talks. The pair met in Vilnius on the eve of a NATO summit, after Erdogan declared that Turkey would not approve Sweden's bid to join the alliance without a revival of Ankara's EU ambitions. In a tweet, Michel hailed a "good meeting", adding that they had "explored opportunities ahead to bring EU-Turkey cooperation back to the forefront and re-energise our relations." Also Read | Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report Turkey has been a formal candidate to join the European Union since 2005, and an aspirant since long before that, but talks have long been stalled with little sign of life. Separately, NATO member Turkey has been blocking Sweden's attempt to join the military alliance, accusing Stockholm of harbouring Kurdish activists accused by Ankara of terrorism. On Monday, in a surprise move ahead of Tuesday's NATO summit, Erdogan linked the two diplomatic logjams, demanding that the NATO allies that are also EU members clear Turkey's path. Also Read | 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan "First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland," he said, before flying to Lithuania. Watch | 'Safeguarding reefs': Theme of Florida Music Festival × Once in Vilnius, Erdogan broke off talks with NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg to hold an unplanned one-on-one with the EU's Michel -- before then meeting Swedish premier Ulf Kristersson. 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. ×

Michel, Erdogan agree to 're-energise' EU-Turkey ties

Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.&nbsp;

The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes.

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Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user&nbsp;data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power.

At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities.

Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU.

<h2>'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta</h2>

In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course."

The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.

The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law".

The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation".

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The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office.

"Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters.

His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter.

Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law.

"You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said.

The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU.

"Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said.

Graf was quoted by Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.

Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches. The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes. Watch | Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook × Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power. At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities. Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU. 'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course." The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law". The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation". Also Read | Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office. "Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters. His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter. Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law. "You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU. "Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said. Graf was quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Blow to Meta as top EU court backs German antitrust regulator on privacy breaches

In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported. The ruling grants antitrust regulators greater power to investigate privacy breaches, potentially leading to more extensive probes into the practices of Big Tech companies.

The case revolved around an order issued by the German cartel office in 2019, which directed Meta (formerly known as Facebook) to cease collecting user data without explicit consent, citing the practice as an abuse of market power. Meta challenged the finding, prompting a German court to seek guidance from the CJEU. The central question was whether the German antitrust agency had overstepped its authority by employing antitrust measures to address concerns related to data protection, an area typically within the purview of national data protection authorities.

Meta, the parent company of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, contested the ruling. Reuters cited a Meta spokesperson who responded to the CJEU's decision, stating, 'We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course.'

In its ruling, the CJEU judges stated that during antitrust investigations, it might be necessary for the relevant competition authority of a member state to examine whether the conduct of a company complies with regulations beyond those pertaining to competition law. However, the CJEU also emphasised that antitrust regulators must consider any decisions or investigations carried out by competent supervisory authorities under relevant data protection regulations.

The German cartel office welcomed the ruling, with its head, Andreas Mundt, highlighting the significance of data in establishing market power, Reuters reported. He stated, 'The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law.'

Legal experts, however, remain cautious about the extent to which antitrust authorities will delve into privacy laws. Reuters cited Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, who explained that it would still be necessary to demonstrate the relevance of privacy law to antitrust issues, including proving restrictive effects and abuse. Coordination with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) authorities would also be essential. The GDPR is an EU privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organizations targeting or collecting data related to individuals within the EU.

The ruling, identified as C-252/21 Meta Platforms and others (User conditions for a social network), marks a significant development in the intersection of antitrust and data protection law. As antitrust authorities gain greater leeway to investigate privacy concerns, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations while assessing potential abuses by major tech companies.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported.

In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported. The ruling grants antitrust regulators greater power to investigate privacy breaches, potentially leading to more extensive probes into the practices of Big Tech companies. The case revolved around an order issued by the German cartel office in 2019, which directed Meta (formerly known as Facebook) to cease collecting user data without explicit consent, citing the practice as an abuse of market power. Meta challenged the finding, prompting a German court to seek guidance from the CJEU. The central question was whether the German antitrust agency had overstepped its authority by employing antitrust measures to address concerns related to data protection, an area typically within the purview of national data protection authorities. Meta, the parent company of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, contested the ruling. Reuters cited a Meta spokesperson who responded to the CJEU's decision, stating, 'We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course.' In its ruling, the CJEU judges stated that during antitrust investigations, it might be necessary for the relevant competition authority of a member state to examine whether the conduct of a company complies with regulations beyond those pertaining to competition law. However, the CJEU also emphasised that antitrust regulators must consider any decisions or investigations carried out by competent supervisory authorities under relevant data protection regulations. The German cartel office welcomed the ruling, with its head, Andreas Mundt, highlighting the significance of data in establishing market power, Reuters reported. He stated, 'The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law.' Legal experts, however, remain cautious about the extent to which antitrust authorities will delve into privacy laws. Reuters cited Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, who explained that it would still be necessary to demonstrate the relevance of privacy law to antitrust issues, including proving restrictive effects and abuse. Coordination with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) authorities would also be essential. The GDPR is an EU privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organizations targeting or collecting data related to individuals within the EU. The ruling, identified as C-252/21 Meta Platforms and others (User conditions for a social network), marks a significant development in the intersection of antitrust and data protection law. As antitrust authorities gain greater leeway to investigate privacy concerns, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations while assessing potential abuses by major tech companies. (With Inputs from Reuters)

Privacy Prevails: European court upholds German order against Meta's data collection

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A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27). However, it was later found that the government had incorrectly sent him the notification. The incident has since left the 39-year-old in a “state of disbelief”.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The 39-year-old&nbsp;Dutch research scientist&nbsp;Bobby Stuijfzand received a letter from the British Home Office&nbsp;earlier this month&nbsp;which informed him that his skilled migrant visa is being cancelled and he has to leave the country in August.&nbsp;

This comes after Stuijfzand had reportedly switched to a family visa over a year ago being a father of his six-year-old British daughter Malou to legally stay in the UK. The notification in question quoted by British media outlets said that his skilled worker visa which granted him entry clearance had been removed as he “stopped working for your sponsor”.&nbsp;

But this was also not the case since Stuijfzand is still employed by the same company. The letter added, “You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission to stay.”&nbsp;

<h2>‘State of disbelief’: Stuijfzand about the mix-up</h2>

The 39-year-old moved near London, England from Switzerland in 2021, so that his&nbsp;daughter, who was born in Bristol, could be closer to his&nbsp;English wife’s relatives after she passed away due to cancer.&nbsp;

At the time, he was not able to apply for the European Union settled status, which was an immigration option for EU citizens after Brexit, as&nbsp;he fell short of the requirement of five years of residency since his family moved to Switzerland in 2018.&nbsp;

Furthermore, he still works for the Behavioural Insights Team and while his skilled migrant visa has expired, Stuijfzand no longer requires it to stay in the UK since he switched to a parental visa 18 months before the notification was sent to him.&nbsp;

Speaking to the UK-based media outlet, Standard, Stuijfzand, said he was in a “state of disbelief” after the Home Office sent him the letter. He also took to Twitter after the government’s blunder and wrote, “I have two months this summer to pack up, leave my job, find my daughter a new school in the Netherlands and cross the North Sea.”&nbsp;

He initially suspected that there had been an error and after multiple attempts to inform the Home Office failed, Stuijfzand&nbsp;wrote them an email informing them that he believes there has been a mistake.&nbsp;

Stuijfzand also spoke about how he was shocked at the accusatory and “threatening” tone of the letter which said he could be detained, prosecuted, fined and imprisoned, removed and banned from returning to the UK, as per the Guardian. Additionally, he was also told that his earnings could be seized and assets confiscated, and bank accounts frozen, if he worked illegally.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the UK Home Office respond to the incident?</h2>

When media outlets began contacting the Home Office about the incident, they confirmed that they made a mistake and would get in touch with Stuijfzand. “Unfortunately a visa cancellation letter was issued to Dr Stuijfzand in error. We have issued a retraction and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused him and his family,” said the government&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

However, while the error has been fixed, they have not contacted the Dutch scientist, as of Tuesday. “I don’t think I’ll be very rested until I’ve received that confirmation,” he told the Standard. 
 
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A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27).

A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27). However, it was later found that the government had incorrectly sent him the notification. The incident has since left the 39-year-old in a “state of disbelief”. What happened? The 39-year-old Dutch research scientist Bobby Stuijfzand received a letter from the British Home Office earlier this month which informed him that his skilled migrant visa is being cancelled and he has to leave the country in August. This comes after Stuijfzand had reportedly switched to a family visa over a year ago being a father of his six-year-old British daughter Malou to legally stay in the UK. The notification in question quoted by British media outlets said that his skilled worker visa which granted him entry clearance had been removed as he “stopped working for your sponsor”. But this was also not the case since Stuijfzand is still employed by the same company. The letter added, “You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission to stay.” ‘State of disbelief’: Stuijfzand about the mix-up The 39-year-old moved near London, England from Switzerland in 2021, so that his daughter, who was born in Bristol, could be closer to his English wife’s relatives after she passed away due to cancer. At the time, he was not able to apply for the European Union settled status, which was an immigration option for EU citizens after Brexit, as he fell short of the requirement of five years of residency since his family moved to Switzerland in 2018. Furthermore, he still works for the Behavioural Insights Team and while his skilled migrant visa has expired, Stuijfzand no longer requires it to stay in the UK since he switched to a parental visa 18 months before the notification was sent to him. Speaking to the UK-based media outlet, Standard, Stuijfzand, said he was in a “state of disbelief” after the Home Office sent him the letter. He also took to Twitter after the government’s blunder and wrote, “I have two months this summer to pack up, leave my job, find my daughter a new school in the Netherlands and cross the North Sea.” He initially suspected that there had been an error and after multiple attempts to inform the Home Office failed, Stuijfzand wrote them an email informing them that he believes there has been a mistake. Stuijfzand also spoke about how he was shocked at the accusatory and “threatening” tone of the letter which said he could be detained, prosecuted, fined and imprisoned, removed and banned from returning to the UK, as per the Guardian. Additionally, he was also told that his earnings could be seized and assets confiscated, and bank accounts frozen, if he worked illegally. How did the UK Home Office respond to the incident? When media outlets began contacting the Home Office about the incident, they confirmed that they made a mistake and would get in touch with Stuijfzand. “Unfortunately a visa cancellation letter was issued to Dr Stuijfzand in error. We have issued a retraction and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused him and his family,” said the government in a statement. However, while the error has been fixed, they have not contacted the Dutch scientist, as of Tuesday. “I don’t think I’ll be very rested until I’ve received that confirmation,” he told the Standard. 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.

Dutch widower with British daughter asked to leave UK after Home Office blunder: Here's what happened

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Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe.

These developments come just a few weeks after Twitter boss Elon Musk said that the platform is exiting the European Union's voluntary code of practice on disinformation.

It was the first exercise of its kind as European Commission officials checked Twitter's ability to combat fake news, Russian disinformation and online crimes, including sexual exploitation of children.

European Union's Digital Services Act comes into force in August. The bloc has introduced a code of practice to help companies prepare themselves before the law comes into force.

“When it comes to online crime, there can be no half-measures. Very large online platforms need to put the necessary internal controls and resources in place to be ready for the new European rules,” said Thierry Breton, the commissioner responsible for enforcement of the act.

Breton welcomed Twitter's readiness to undergo the test

Media reports suggest that the European Union had been unsure as to how willing Twitter would be to follow the new law.

Forty-four companies, including Facebook and Google, are participating in the EU's code of practice. The bloc had warned Elon Musk that if Twitter doesn't comply with European laws, it would face a complete ban in the continent or fines of up to six&nbsp;per cent of its global revenue.&nbsp;

“Twitter is taking the exercise seriously and has identified the key areas on which it needs to focus to comply with the DSA. With two months to go before the new EU regulation kicks in, work needs to continue for the systems to be in place and work effectively and quickly," said Breton after the recent exercise.

“I told Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino [Twitter’s chief executive] that Twitter should be very diligent in preparing to tackle illegal content in the European Union.

“Fighting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will also be a focus area in particular as we are entering a period of elections in Europe.”

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Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe.

Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe. These developments come just a few weeks after Twitter boss Elon Musk said that the platform is exiting the European Union's voluntary code of practice on disinformation. It was the first exercise of its kind as European Commission officials checked Twitter's ability to combat fake news, Russian disinformation and online crimes, including sexual exploitation of children. European Union's Digital Services Act comes into force in August. The bloc has introduced a code of practice to help companies prepare themselves before the law comes into force. “When it comes to online crime, there can be no half-measures. Very large online platforms need to put the necessary internal controls and resources in place to be ready for the new European rules,” said Thierry Breton, the commissioner responsible for enforcement of the act. Breton welcomed Twitter's readiness to undergo the test Media reports suggest that the European Union had been unsure as to how willing Twitter would be to follow the new law. Forty-four companies, including Facebook and Google, are participating in the EU's code of practice. The bloc had warned Elon Musk that if Twitter doesn't comply with European laws, it would face a complete ban in the continent or fines of up to six per cent of its global revenue. “Twitter is taking the exercise seriously and has identified the key areas on which it needs to focus to comply with the DSA. With two months to go before the new EU regulation kicks in, work needs to continue for the systems to be in place and work effectively and quickly," said Breton after the recent exercise. “I told Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino [Twitter’s chief executive] that Twitter should be very diligent in preparing to tackle illegal content in the European Union. “Fighting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will also be a focus area in particular as we are entering a period of elections in Europe.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Twitter agrees to follow EU's tough anti-disinformation laws

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