The EU's top tech enforcer warned Elon Musk that Twitter must have enough resources to moderate dangerous content by August 25 or risk being in violation of the bloc's landmark rules to rein in big tech.

Twitter faces Europe's tough new big tech rules

<p>German Parliament on Friday (June 23) passed a reform to immigration law&nbsp;aimed at encouraging non-EU jobseekers to seek jobs in Germany.</p>

<p>"This draft law secures prosperity in Germany," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) as quoted by German news outlet DW. She presented the reforms in the parliament. She said that the reform would only work if bureaucratic hurdles were dismantled while implementing it.</p>

<p>"It's unacceptable that you have to fill in 17 different applications to bring a new care worker into the country," she said.</p>

<p>The opposition parties had some objections, though they welcomed some of the government's ideas. The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) criticised the government's plans to lower qualification hurdles for foreign workers. Andrea Lindholz of the CSU said plans to lower the required German language skills would encourage low-skilled workers.</p>

<p>Lindholz argued that reforms do nothing to tackle what she described as the main problem: Bureaucratic bottlenecks.</p>

<p>She added that plans to provide opportunities for asylum seekers who were already inside Germany had a risk of "turning the asylum process into a kind of state-financed job-seeking opportunity in Germany".</p>

<h2><strong>Far-right complains</strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-right party, opposed the reforms vehemently.</p>

<p>"What you have put together in a 100-page draft law could be summed up in one sentence," said Norbert Kleinwachter "Everyone gets in, but no one gets thrown out."</p>

<p>Kleinwachter was quoted by DW.</p>

<p>Green Party's Lamya Kaddor rejected AfD's assertions. She said that speaking German was not the most important prerequisite to working in Germany.</p>

<p>"You integrate best when you have to speak German at work — ever noticed?" she asked sarcastically.</p>

<p>"This is finally, finally, really good news for this country. In the competition with other successful countries of immigration like the US or Canada, we have made some crucial steps forward," she said.</p>

<p>The Free Democratic Party (FDP) which is part of the German government's three-party coalition, supported the law.</p>

<p>"It's ridiculous that it's easier in Germany today to emigrate into the asylum system than the job market," said the FDP's Konstantin Kuhle. "We're turning that around with this law."</p>

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German Parliament on Friday (June 23) passed a reform to immigration law aimed at encouraging non-EU jobseekers to seek jobs in Germany. "This draft law secures prosperity in Germany," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) as quoted by German news outlet DW.

German Parliament on Friday (June 23) passed a reform to immigration law aimed at encouraging non-EU jobseekers to seek jobs in Germany. "This draft law secures prosperity in Germany," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) as quoted by German news outlet DW. She presented the reforms in the parliament. She said that the reform would only work if bureaucratic hurdles were dismantled while implementing it. "It's unacceptable that you have to fill in 17 different applications to bring a new care worker into the country," she said. The opposition parties had some objections, though they welcomed some of the government's ideas. The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) criticised the government's plans to lower qualification hurdles for foreign workers. Andrea Lindholz of the CSU said plans to lower the required German language skills would encourage low-skilled workers. Lindholz argued that reforms do nothing to tackle what she described as the main problem: Bureaucratic bottlenecks. She added that plans to provide opportunities for asylum seekers who were already inside Germany had a risk of "turning the asylum process into a kind of state-financed job-seeking opportunity in Germany". Far-right complains Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-right party, opposed the reforms vehemently. "What you have put together in a 100-page draft law could be summed up in one sentence," said Norbert Kleinwachter "Everyone gets in, but no one gets thrown out." Kleinwachter was quoted by DW. Green Party's Lamya Kaddor rejected AfD's assertions. She said that speaking German was not the most important prerequisite to working in Germany. "You integrate best when you have to speak German at work — ever noticed?" she asked sarcastically. "This is finally, finally, really good news for this country. In the competition with other successful countries of immigration like the US or Canada, we have made some crucial steps forward," she said. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) which is part of the German government's three-party coalition, supported the law. "It's ridiculous that it's easier in Germany today to emigrate into the asylum system than the job market," said the FDP's Konstantin Kuhle. "We're turning that around with this law." 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 ×

German Parliament reforms immigration law in relief to non-EU jobseekers

<p>The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.</p>

<p>"I have called the leaders of Serbia &amp; Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU," Borrell tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have called the leaders of Serbia <a href="https://twitter.com/predsednikrs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@predsednikrs</a> &amp; Kosovo <a href="https://twitter.com/albinkurti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albinkurti</a> to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis<br />
<br />
We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU</p>
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1671753029257658368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers.</p>

<p>The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation.</p>

<p>Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p>Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region.</p>

<p>Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent flare-up in tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.

The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions. "I have called the leaders of Serbia & Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said. "We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU," Borrell tweeted. I have called the leaders of Serbia @predsednikrs & Kosovo @albinkurti to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 22, 2023 × The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers. The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation. Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations. Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region. Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries. Recent flare-up in tensions Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives. In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured. (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 attempts to ease Kosovo-Serbia tension, to hold talks with both sides

<p>The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day&nbsp;conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up".</p>

<p>Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)&nbsp;announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion&nbsp;commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK will also provide&nbsp;an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery.</p>

<h2><strong>US&nbsp;announces $1.3 billion additional aid</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.”</p>

<p>The&nbsp;top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU and others</strong></h2>

<p>European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Will it be enough?</strong></h2>

<p>A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmental-damage-from-ukraine-dam-breach-at-15-billion-says-kyiv-607053">cost of reconstruction</a> “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian PM&nbsp;urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as&nbsp;shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian president addresses the conference</strong></h2>

<p>“Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy.</p>

<p>“The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU announces new sanctions package against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries. ‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up". Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM. Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak. The UK will also provide an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery. US announces $1.3 billion additional aid Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.” The top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken. EU and others European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27. Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage. Will it be enough? A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion. Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London. He added, that the cost of reconstruction “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy. The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP. The Ukrainian PM urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Ukrainian president addresses the conference “Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy. “The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.” EU announces new sanctions package against Russia Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow. The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium. However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones. Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added. (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.

Explained | The West announces billions in aid for Ukraine's recovery. Will it be enough?

<p dir="ltr">Amid mounting geopolitical tensions and growing security concerns, Germany and China engaged in crucial trade talks, seeking to balance economic interests and national security, Reuters reported. The discussions, led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, highlighted the potential benefits of free trade but drew criticism from skeptics who question the appropriateness of such talks at this juncture. As both countries face complex challenges, the delicate relationship between Germany, China, and the wider European Union (EU) is under scrutiny.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Security Concerns and Technological Risks</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Germany's domestic intelligence agency issued a warning, underscoring China's ongoing campaign to acquire German technology for military purposes. The agency's annual report cited by Reuters highlighted the increasing risk of sophisticated cyber-spying operations, further raising concerns about national security and the potential compromise of sensitive technologies.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>EU's Economic Security Plan</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Simultaneously, the European Union's executive body unveiled an ambitious economic security plan. The plan aims to convince the 27 member states to adopt stricter controls on exports and emerging technologies that rival nations, including China, could utilize. While not explicitly naming China, the proposal emphasizes the need to reduce economic reliance and "de-risk" certain partnerships, signaling a shift in the EU's approach toward safeguarding strategic technologies.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Navigating the Balancing Act</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">As China's largest trading partner in Europe, Germany faces a delicate balancing act in formulating its China strategy. Despite China's significance as a vital market for German companies and a key source of materials for exports, concerns over national security and technology transfers have prompted a reevaluation of the relationship. The trade talks between Chancellor Scholz and Premier Li underscored the potential advantages of fair competition and open market access for achieving climate goals. Yet, critics argue that geopolitical tensions warrant a more cautious approach.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>EU Member States Dilemma</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The European Commission's economic security plan addresses the EU member states' concerns over certain nations' potential misuse of emerging technologies. However, implementing stricter export controls and screening outbound investments poses challenges, as nations are reluctant to relinquish their powers to grant export licenses, citing the need to balance economic interests with security considerations.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Future Debates and Funding</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The EU's economic security plan sets the stage for an upcoming summit in Brussels, where EU leaders will engage in a critical debate on relations with China. The discussions will shape the EU's stance and policies towards China moving forward, considering the intricate dynamics of economic cooperation and security risks. Additionally, the European Commission has called for an extra €10 billion in funding to support industry development in strategic technologies.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>(With Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Amid mounting geopolitical tensions and growing security concerns, Germany and China engaged in crucial trade talks, seeking to balance economic interests and national security, Reuters reported.

Amid mounting geopolitical tensions and growing security concerns, Germany and China engaged in crucial trade talks, seeking to balance economic interests and national security, Reuters reported. The discussions, led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, highlighted the potential benefits of free trade but drew criticism from skeptics who question the appropriateness of such talks at this juncture. As both countries face complex challenges, the delicate relationship between Germany, China, and the wider European Union (EU) is under scrutiny. Security Concerns and Technological Risks Germany's domestic intelligence agency issued a warning, underscoring China's ongoing campaign to acquire German technology for military purposes. The agency's annual report cited by Reuters highlighted the increasing risk of sophisticated cyber-spying operations, further raising concerns about national security and the potential compromise of sensitive technologies. EU's Economic Security Plan Simultaneously, the European Union's executive body unveiled an ambitious economic security plan. The plan aims to convince the 27 member states to adopt stricter controls on exports and emerging technologies that rival nations, including China, could utilize. While not explicitly naming China, the proposal emphasizes the need to reduce economic reliance and "de-risk" certain partnerships, signaling a shift in the EU's approach toward safeguarding strategic technologies. Navigating the Balancing Act As China's largest trading partner in Europe, Germany faces a delicate balancing act in formulating its China strategy. Despite China's significance as a vital market for German companies and a key source of materials for exports, concerns over national security and technology transfers have prompted a reevaluation of the relationship. The trade talks between Chancellor Scholz and Premier Li underscored the potential advantages of fair competition and open market access for achieving climate goals. Yet, critics argue that geopolitical tensions warrant a more cautious approach. EU Member States Dilemma The European Commission's economic security plan addresses the EU member states' concerns over certain nations' potential misuse of emerging technologies. However, implementing stricter export controls and screening outbound investments poses challenges, as nations are reluctant to relinquish their powers to grant export licenses, citing the need to balance economic interests with security considerations. Future Debates and Funding The EU's economic security plan sets the stage for an upcoming summit in Brussels, where EU leaders will engage in a critical debate on relations with China. The discussions will shape the EU's stance and policies towards China moving forward, considering the intricate dynamics of economic cooperation and security risks. Additionally, the European Commission has called for an extra €10 billion in funding to support industry development in strategic technologies. (With Inputs from Reuters)

Trading with the Dragon? Germany and China talk free trade amid geopolitical tensions

The European commission has introduced new measures to strengthen the EU sustainable finance framework. The aim is to support companies and the financial sector while encouraging private funding for transition projects and technologies. The package includes additions to the EU taxonomy and proposed regulations for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating providers.

EU Taxonomy: Guiding investments on a greener path

<p>Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU.</p>

<p>According to new guidelines, every battery intended to be used in electric vehicles, light means of transport and rechargeable industrial batteries (above 2kWh) must carry a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport. Also, devices such as smartphones, cameras and tablets must have batteries easily replaceable by ordinary users.</p>

<h2><strong>Law goes into effect in 2027</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, rechargeable batteries are sealed away by manufacturers and require special supervision and care by experts to safely access and replace them. Hence, the new regulations will force the sellers to rethink their design and hardware. According to media reports, the law is expected to go into effect in 2027; however, the deadline could be delayed if insisted by phone makers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU pushing to break Google's monopoly</strong></p>

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<p>Apple, along with other smartphone manufacturers, will need to address the issue of accessing the battery inside future iPhones due to the new regulations. The EU has already compelled Apple to switch from the Lightning port to a USB-C port on iPhones, and the upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to be the first to incorporate this change.</p>

<h2><strong>Regulation to collect material from old batteries</strong></h2>

<p>The new regulations set by the EU include stringent targets for waste collection and material recovery from old batteries. These targets will gradually increase between now and 2031. By 2031, the goal is to achieve 61 per cent waste collection and recover 95 per cent of materials from old portable batteries. Additionally, there will be requirements for minimum levels of recycled content in new batteries, but this will be implemented "eight years after the entry into force of the regulation."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-orders-google-to-break-up-ad-tech-practices-for-abusing-its-dominant-position-604489"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;EU orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’</strong></a></p>

<p>The European Parliament is also considering the phase-out of non-rechargeable portable batteries and plans to assess their viability by December 31, 2030.</p>

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Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU.

Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU. According to new guidelines, every battery intended to be used in electric vehicles, light means of transport and rechargeable industrial batteries (above 2kWh) must carry a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport. Also, devices such as smartphones, cameras and tablets must have batteries easily replaceable by ordinary users. Law goes into effect in 2027 Currently, rechargeable batteries are sealed away by manufacturers and require special supervision and care by experts to safely access and replace them. Hence, the new regulations will force the sellers to rethink their design and hardware. According to media reports, the law is expected to go into effect in 2027; however, the deadline could be delayed if insisted by phone makers. Watch: EU pushing to break Google's monopoly × Apple, along with other smartphone manufacturers, will need to address the issue of accessing the battery inside future iPhones due to the new regulations. The EU has already compelled Apple to switch from the Lightning port to a USB-C port on iPhones, and the upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to be the first to incorporate this change. Regulation to collect material from old batteries The new regulations set by the EU include stringent targets for waste collection and material recovery from old batteries. These targets will gradually increase between now and 2031. By 2031, the goal is to achieve 61 per cent waste collection and recover 95 per cent of materials from old portable batteries. Additionally, there will be requirements for minimum levels of recycled content in new batteries, but this will be implemented "eight years after the entry into force of the regulation." Read more: EU orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’ The European Parliament is also considering the phase-out of non-rechargeable portable batteries and plans to assess their viability by December 31, 2030. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU to force smartphone manufacturers to provide user-replaceable batteries by 2027

EU regulators have asked Google to sell parts of its digital marketing business. It says Google abuses its dominant position in AdTech. Will Google comply? Vikram Chandra brings you the details.

EU's crackdown on big tech

EU pushing to break Google's monopoly

The streets of the country's capital city Warsaw got lit up in the colours of rainbow. Thousands of LBTQ people demanded their rights and recognition for existence.

Warsaw faces concerns over democracy standards by EU

The EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service says that for the first time, global warming has breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. In the summer temperatures higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels have been observed before but only in the northern hemisphere winter and spring months until now. Keep watching to understand this better.

Warming breaches 1.5°C threshold in summer

<p>The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14). Additionally, the European Commission has also threatened the company with its harshest regulatory penalty to date.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the EU say about Google’s practices?</strong></h2>

<p>The 27-nation bloc’s executive branch and top antitrust regulators have set out charges against Google two years after opening an investigation into the tech giant’s behaviour over favouring its own advertising services. In line with this, the EU on Wednesday said Google has “abused its dominant positions” over ad tech to crush the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, on Wednesday, who called for Google to sell part of its ad tech business citing the investigation she believes that a behavioural remedy would not be effective at stopping the tech giant’s supposed anti-competitive practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eus-new-antitrust-charges-to-strike-googles-most-successful-ads-model-603673">EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model</a></strong></p>

<p>The commission said its preliminary view after the investigation is that “only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services” would satisfy the concerns it holds about the company’s advertising practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Of course, I know this is a strong statement but it is a reflection of the nature of the markets, how they function and also why a behavioural commitment seemed to be out of the question,” said Vestager, at a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In line with this, the EU antitrust chief also suggested that “Google could divest its sell-side tools, DFP and AdX. By doing so, we would put an end to the conflicts of interest.” The move could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-antitrust-probe-against-google-over-online-ads-393180">EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads</a></strong></p>

<p>The Commission has also said Google’s favouring of its own online services is detrimental to those of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s at stake for Google?</strong></h2>

<p>The stakes are high for Google as its ad tech business accounted for 79 per cent of its total revenue last year. Meanwhile, the fine against the company is reported to be as much as 10 per cent of Google’s annual global turnover.</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that Google, according to research firm Insider Intelligence, is the world’s dominant digital advertising platform with a 28 per cent market share of global ad revenue. Last year, Google’s total advertising revenue amounted to $224.5 billion, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-european-union-to-develop-ai-pact-ahead-of-new-artificial-intelligence-rules-says-eu-industry-chief-596140">Google, European Union to develop AI pact ahead of new Artificial Intelligence rules, says EU industry chief</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the EU will continue to investigate the tech giant’s introduction of a privacy sandbox set of tools which reportedly block third-party cookies on its Chrome browser and its plan to stop making the advertising identifier available to third parties on Android smartphones, said Vestager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes as the EU has recently expanded its crackdown on big tech companies including Facebook parent company Meta and Google with fines amounting to billions of dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How has Google responded to these accusations</strong>?</h2>

<p>In response to these charges, Google has said that it disagrees with the commission and will respond accordingly. In a statement, Dan Taylor, Google’s vice president of global ads, said “The Commission’s investigation focuses on a narrow aspect of our advertising business and is not new. We disagree with the EC’s view.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-parent-company-meta-to-face-more-than-800mn-fine-by-eu-over-data-transfer-to-us-reports-594857">Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>EU vs Google: An ongoing saga</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals’ access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes as Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of 4.34 billion euros ($4.7bn) for its management of the Android mobile operating system, which it is currently challenging in the highest court within the EU.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14).

The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14). Additionally, the European Commission has also threatened the company with its harshest regulatory penalty to date. What did the EU say about Google’s practices? The 27-nation bloc’s executive branch and top antitrust regulators have set out charges against Google two years after opening an investigation into the tech giant’s behaviour over favouring its own advertising services. In line with this, the EU on Wednesday said Google has “abused its dominant positions” over ad tech to crush the competition. The announcement was made by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, on Wednesday, who called for Google to sell part of its ad tech business citing the investigation she believes that a behavioural remedy would not be effective at stopping the tech giant’s supposed anti-competitive practices. ALSO READ | EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model The commission said its preliminary view after the investigation is that “only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services” would satisfy the concerns it holds about the company’s advertising practices. “Of course, I know this is a strong statement but it is a reflection of the nature of the markets, how they function and also why a behavioural commitment seemed to be out of the question,” said Vestager, at a press conference. In line with this, the EU antitrust chief also suggested that “Google could divest its sell-side tools, DFP and AdX. By doing so, we would put an end to the conflicts of interest.” The move could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action. ALSO READ | EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads The Commission has also said Google’s favouring of its own online services is detrimental to those of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers. What’s at stake for Google? The stakes are high for Google as its ad tech business accounted for 79 per cent of its total revenue last year. Meanwhile, the fine against the company is reported to be as much as 10 per cent of Google’s annual global turnover. It is also worth noting that Google, according to research firm Insider Intelligence, is the world’s dominant digital advertising platform with a 28 per cent market share of global ad revenue. Last year, Google’s total advertising revenue amounted to $224.5 billion, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Google, European Union to develop AI pact ahead of new Artificial Intelligence rules, says EU industry chief Meanwhile, the EU will continue to investigate the tech giant’s introduction of a privacy sandbox set of tools which reportedly block third-party cookies on its Chrome browser and its plan to stop making the advertising identifier available to third parties on Android smartphones, said Vestager. This also comes as the EU has recently expanded its crackdown on big tech companies including Facebook parent company Meta and Google with fines amounting to billions of dollars. How has Google responded to these accusations? In response to these charges, Google has said that it disagrees with the commission and will respond accordingly. In a statement, Dan Taylor, Google’s vice president of global ads, said “The Commission’s investigation focuses on a narrow aspect of our advertising business and is not new. We disagree with the EC’s view.” ALSO READ | Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US EU vs Google: An ongoing saga Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals’ access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use. This also comes as Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of 4.34 billion euros ($4.7bn) for its management of the Android mobile operating system, which it is currently challenging in the highest court within the EU. (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 orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’

<p>The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh. The&nbsp;shelling follows recent clashes and tensions flaring up between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Armenia say about the incident</strong>?</h2>

<p>The statement, posted on the Telegram messenger app by the Armenian Defence Ministry said that two Indian nationals were involved in construction work at a metallurgical plant in Yeraskh, which is close to the border with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has not confirmed the incident and the condition of those injured was not immediately known.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-ready-to-recognise-nagorno-karabakh-as-azeri-territory-amid-massive-protests-595145">Armenia ‘ready’ to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as Azeri territory amid massive protests</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the two nations have been locked in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region for three decades and witness&nbsp;regular exchange of fire across their shared borders but it does not usually affect foreign nations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Recent clashes and attempts at peace talk</strong>s&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last month, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire including mortars and drones on their border amid fresh clashes. The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, earlier this year, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move has since sparked outrage with Armenia calling&nbsp;it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-on-armenia-azerbaijan-border-ahead-of-peace-talks-591841">At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers.<br />
<br />
Notably, Russia, the United States and the European Union are separately trying to ensure permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the beginning of this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia's Security Council, according to the Russian news agency TASS said negotiations were very intensive and there is a chance that a peace deal could be signed with Azerbaijan by the end of 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-and-armenia-form-trilateral-grouping-to-deepen-ties-and-co-operation-584545">India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation</a></strong><br />
<br />
“If we can maintain this intensity and there is strong support from the international community to achieve progress, then there is a chance to have a peace treaty by the end of the year,” said Grigoryan, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan, last month, said&nbsp;his nation was willing to recognise the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in its entirety as a part of Azerbaijan given rights of ethnic Armenians living in the region are guaranteed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh.

The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh. The shelling follows recent clashes and tensions flaring up between the two countries. What did Armenia say about the incident? The statement, posted on the Telegram messenger app by the Armenian Defence Ministry said that two Indian nationals were involved in construction work at a metallurgical plant in Yeraskh, which is close to the border with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has not confirmed the incident and the condition of those injured was not immediately known. ALSO READ | Armenia ‘ready’ to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as Azeri territory amid massive protests Notably, the two nations have been locked in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region for three decades and witness regular exchange of fire across their shared borders but it does not usually affect foreign nations. Recent clashes and attempts at peace talks Last month, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire including mortars and drones on their border amid fresh clashes. The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, earlier this year, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage with Armenia calling it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. ALSO READ | At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. Notably, Russia, the United States and the European Union are separately trying to ensure permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the beginning of this year. Earlier this month, Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia's Security Council, according to the Russian news agency TASS said negotiations were very intensive and there is a chance that a peace deal could be signed with Azerbaijan by the end of 2023. ALSO READ | India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation “If we can maintain this intensity and there is strong support from the international community to achieve progress, then there is a chance to have a peace treaty by the end of the year,” said Grigoryan, as quoted by Reuters. Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan, last month, said his nation was willing to recognise the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in its entirety as a part of Azerbaijan given rights of ethnic Armenians living in the region are guaranteed. (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.

Armenia claims two Indian nationals wounded in shelling by Azerbaijan near border

<p>In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The voting has started the process of passing the Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union, which will be the first of its kind ever-introduced globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law has been drafted to protect fundamental civil rights and safeguard people from the threats they face to health and safety due to AI while fostering simultaneously innovation of the technology.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
During vote, the parliament adopted the AI Act with 499 votes in favour, 28 against and 93 abstentions. The regulation is far from becoming law, but it is likely to be one of the first formal rules for the technology globally.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-nuclear-weapon-of-software-wion-speaks-to-deepai-founder-kevin-baragona-602187">AI is the 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona</a></p>

<h2><strong>How will the new law work?</strong></h2>

<p>The measures, which have been in discussion since 2021, but gained momentum after the emergence of popular AI chatbots like the ChatGPT, would classify the systems based on AI based on the four levels of risk, which range from minimal to unacceptable.</p>

<p>The law is aimed at protecting people from social scoring systems that can judge them based on their appearance or their behaviour, and applications which can engage in vulnerable people's subliminal manipulation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials are also considering the predictive policing tools, that use data to forecast potential perpetrators of crimes in future, as a no-go, while the ban on remote facial recognition and biometric identification in public has been widened by the lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen to ChatGPT?</strong></h2>

<p>The majority of systems, based on AI, which has already become a part of the everyday lives of people, including video games, spam filters or text generators such as ChatGTP, &nbsp;have been kept in the low- or no-risk category.</p>

<p>"We don't want mass surveillance, we don't want social scoring, we don't want predictive policing in the European Union, full stop. That's what China does, not us," said Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian member of the European Parliament who is co-leading its work on the AI Act.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>How will the measures be enforced by the EU?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Companies found violating the laws will have to pay fines of up to €30 million ($33 million) or 6 per cent of their annual global revenue, which can go up to billions in the case of tech giants like Google and Microsoft.</p>

<p>The 27 member states of the EU will enforce the rules, which lawmakers believe will be seen as a constructive framework by the powerful AI developers within which they can further develop the technology.<br />
<br />
Generative AI developers will be required to submit their systems for review before releasing them commercially.</p>

<p>"We as a union are doing something that I think is truly historic, which is to bring about rules and guardrails for the evolution of a technology that has a lot of potential for good in our economies," lawmaker Tudorache said while speaking to DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the same time, we see more and more risks. What we're doing with this legislation is to try and curtail these risks, mitigate them and put very clear rules in place that will ensure transparency and trust," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>What will be the next steps?</strong></h2>

<p>The new AI laws of the EU still need final approval from national parliamentarians and member states, which is not likely to happen till 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's true that these laws will not come into effect by the elections next year, but we have other rules that are already in place. But if we craft this legislation right, if we articulate the obligations and the rights in these regulations the right way, they will stand the test of time. We are not regulating the technology itself, we are regulating the use of technology – and that transparency is the same and it's going to be the same now or in five years' time," said Tudorache.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday.

In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday. The voting has started the process of passing the Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union, which will be the first of its kind ever-introduced globally. The law has been drafted to protect fundamental civil rights and safeguard people from the threats they face to health and safety due to AI while fostering simultaneously innovation of the technology. During vote, the parliament adopted the AI Act with 499 votes in favour, 28 against and 93 abstentions. The regulation is far from becoming law, but it is likely to be one of the first formal rules for the technology globally. ALSO READ | AI is the 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona How will the new law work? The measures, which have been in discussion since 2021, but gained momentum after the emergence of popular AI chatbots like the ChatGPT, would classify the systems based on AI based on the four levels of risk, which range from minimal to unacceptable. The law is aimed at protecting people from social scoring systems that can judge them based on their appearance or their behaviour, and applications which can engage in vulnerable people's subliminal manipulation. The officials are also considering the predictive policing tools, that use data to forecast potential perpetrators of crimes in future, as a no-go, while the ban on remote facial recognition and biometric identification in public has been widened by the lawmakers. What will happen to ChatGPT? The majority of systems, based on AI, which has already become a part of the everyday lives of people, including video games, spam filters or text generators such as ChatGTP, have been kept in the low- or no-risk category. "We don't want mass surveillance, we don't want social scoring, we don't want predictive policing in the European Union, full stop. That's what China does, not us," said Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian member of the European Parliament who is co-leading its work on the AI Act. WATCH | European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules How will the measures be enforced by the EU? Companies found violating the laws will have to pay fines of up to €30 million ($33 million) or 6 per cent of their annual global revenue, which can go up to billions in the case of tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The 27 member states of the EU will enforce the rules, which lawmakers believe will be seen as a constructive framework by the powerful AI developers within which they can further develop the technology. Generative AI developers will be required to submit their systems for review before releasing them commercially. "We as a union are doing something that I think is truly historic, which is to bring about rules and guardrails for the evolution of a technology that has a lot of potential for good in our economies," lawmaker Tudorache said while speaking to DW. "At the same time, we see more and more risks. What we're doing with this legislation is to try and curtail these risks, mitigate them and put very clear rules in place that will ensure transparency and trust," he added. What will be the next steps? The new AI laws of the EU still need final approval from national parliamentarians and member states, which is not likely to happen till 2025. "It's true that these laws will not come into effect by the elections next year, but we have other rules that are already in place. But if we craft this legislation right, if we articulate the obligations and the rights in these regulations the right way, they will stand the test of time. We are not regulating the technology itself, we are regulating the use of technology – and that transparency is the same and it's going to be the same now or in five years' time," said Tudorache. 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

European Parliament votes in favour of regulating use of AI across bloc

European Union Parliament lawmakers passes the world's first sweeping rules on artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, aiming to curb potential harms while nurturing innovation.

European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules

<p>European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model.</p>

<p>It must be noted that Google generates about 80 per cent of its total revenues from the advertising business, and any rule by the EU targeting its ads model could have a major impact on the company’s performance.</p>

<h2><strong>The toughest ever anti-Google move by the EU</strong></h2>

<p>The EU’s recent move against Google is considered to be the toughest ever taken by the EU’s watchdog. Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals' access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under EU regulations, fines for antitrust violations can be as high as 10 per cent of a company's global sales. However, it is uncommon for penalties to reach such levels, and companies have the opportunity to defend themselves both before and after fines are imposed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Google updates its attendance policy</strong></p>

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<p>Google has held a dominant position in the industry, enabling it to gather data that facilitates targeted advertising, sell ad space, and provide the technology that connects advertisers with publishers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Google in hot water&nbsp;across nations</strong></h2>

<p>The UK's competition authority has also been examining Google's ad tech practices, while ongoing litigation against the company's conduct is underway in the United States.</p>

<p>Simultaneously, Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of €4.34 billion for its management of the Android mobile operating system. Last year, EU judges reduced the penalty to €4.125 billion; however, Google is currently challenging the case at the highest court within the EU.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/googlers-work-from-office-attendance-to-affect-employee-performance-reviews-602677"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Googlers work-from-office attendance to affect employee performance reviews</strong></a></p>

<p>The outcome of the EU investigation into Google's ad tech practices could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action.</p>

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European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model.

European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model. It must be noted that Google generates about 80 per cent of its total revenues from the advertising business, and any rule by the EU targeting its ads model could have a major impact on the company’s performance. The toughest ever anti-Google move by the EU The EU’s recent move against Google is considered to be the toughest ever taken by the EU’s watchdog. Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals' access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use. Under EU regulations, fines for antitrust violations can be as high as 10 per cent of a company's global sales. However, it is uncommon for penalties to reach such levels, and companies have the opportunity to defend themselves both before and after fines are imposed. Watch: Google updates its attendance policy × Google has held a dominant position in the industry, enabling it to gather data that facilitates targeted advertising, sell ad space, and provide the technology that connects advertisers with publishers. Google in hot water across nations The UK's competition authority has also been examining Google's ad tech practices, while ongoing litigation against the company's conduct is underway in the United States. Simultaneously, Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of €4.34 billion for its management of the Android mobile operating system. Last year, EU judges reduced the penalty to €4.125 billion; however, Google is currently challenging the case at the highest court within the EU. Also read: Googlers work-from-office attendance to affect employee performance reviews The outcome of the EU investigation into Google's ad tech practices could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model

<p>The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg. Sweden, which currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency, made the announcement of the agreement.</p>

<p>In order to go through, the deal needed approval from a majority of countries that represent at least 65 per cent of the bloc's population. The agreement has come through after years of wrangling over asylum policy.</p>

<p>European interior affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson hailed a "hugely significant step" for the EU on migration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These are not easy decisions for everyone around the table, but they are historic decisions," said German interior minister Nancy Faeser.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers</strong></p>

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<p>The proposal tabled at the meeting called for compulsory help between EU countries, but with an option of doing that in one of the&nbsp;two ways.</p>

<p>EU countries face priority to share hosting of asylum seekers who mainly arrive in countries on the bloc's outer rim, like Italy and Greece.</p>

<p>The agreement says that countries that refuse to host refugees would be required to pay 20,000 euros (USD 21,000) per person. The money will go to a fund managed by Brussels.</p>

<p>Poland and Hungary voted against the proposals, while Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania and Slovakia abstained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The preliminary agreement opens the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year.</p>

<p>Parliament president Roberta Metsola said lawmakers were "ready to start negotiations immediately to reach a deal".</p>

<h2><strong>Spike in number of asylum seekers</strong></h2>

<p>The number of asylum seekers has increased after a pause caused by Covid pandemic. The issue hence, has jumped up the priority list of the bloc.</p>

<p>The European Commission had put forth its suggestion of a new pact in 2020. This was based on quota system. But the plan was not accepted as countries like Hungary, Poland among others objected to it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-long-awaited-counteroffensive-to-reclaim-russian-occupied-territory-report-602192">Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Sweden, then put forth two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EU's external borders.</p>

<p>The second text makes EU member states put in place a fast track mechanism at the borders for arrivals from countries deemed as safe in order to facilitate their return. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"These files constitute the two main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and is key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity," the Swedish presidency tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg.

The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg. Sweden, which currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency, made the announcement of the agreement. In order to go through, the deal needed approval from a majority of countries that represent at least 65 per cent of the bloc's population. The agreement has come through after years of wrangling over asylum policy. European interior affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson hailed a "hugely significant step" for the EU on migration. "These are not easy decisions for everyone around the table, but they are historic decisions," said German interior minister Nancy Faeser. Watch | European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers × The proposal tabled at the meeting called for compulsory help between EU countries, but with an option of doing that in one of the two ways. EU countries face priority to share hosting of asylum seekers who mainly arrive in countries on the bloc's outer rim, like Italy and Greece. The agreement says that countries that refuse to host refugees would be required to pay 20,000 euros (USD 21,000) per person. The money will go to a fund managed by Brussels. Poland and Hungary voted against the proposals, while Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania and Slovakia abstained. The preliminary agreement opens the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year. Parliament president Roberta Metsola said lawmakers were "ready to start negotiations immediately to reach a deal". Spike in number of asylum seekers The number of asylum seekers has increased after a pause caused by Covid pandemic. The issue hence, has jumped up the priority list of the bloc. The European Commission had put forth its suggestion of a new pact in 2020. This was based on quota system. But the plan was not accepted as countries like Hungary, Poland among others objected to it. Also Read | Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports Sweden, then put forth two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EU's external borders. The second text makes EU member states put in place a fast track mechanism at the borders for arrivals from countries deemed as safe in order to facilitate their return. "These files constitute the two main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and is key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity," the Swedish presidency tweeted. (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 finally reaches deal on more equitable hosting of asylum seekers

European Union ministers agreed on how to share out the responsibility for looking after migrants and refugees, after 12 hours of negotiations got Italy and Greece to sign up to a deal that has eluded the bloc for nearly a decade.

European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers

<p>The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper,&nbsp;The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the British media report find?</strong></h2>

<p>The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server&nbsp;last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into&nbsp;UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-world-environment-day-5-international-deals-that-would-affect-environment-in-the-years-to-come-600963">Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come</a></strong></p>

<p>The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc".&nbsp;The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.”</p>

<p>In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal".</p>

<p>"An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said.</p>

<p>She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment</strong></h2>

<p>As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/arctic-could-be-ice-free-in-summer-by-2030s-expert-says-it-was-not-expected-601453">Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts</a></strong></p>

<p>After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A&nbsp;joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires.

The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai. What did the British media report find? The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest. The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc. The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous". ALSO READ | Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc". The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.” In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian. It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office. The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal". "An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said. She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian. Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.” It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations. (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.

UAE state oil firm was able to read email exchanges about COP28 climate summit: Report

<p>The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.</p>

<p>The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers.</p>

<p>The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives.</p>

<p>Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO.</p>

<p>"The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade.</p>

<p>Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government.</p>

<p>"I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent."</p>

<p>Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion".</p>

<h2><strong>Fresh elections?</strong></h2>

<p>The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy.</p>

<p>Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch&nbsp;backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.

The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo. The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers. The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives. Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO. "The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade. Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government. "I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday. "We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent." Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion". Fresh elections? The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy. Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations. (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 ×

Back down or face 'consequences', US and EU tell Kosovo authorities

<p>The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country.</p>

<p>"The destruction of the Kakhovka dam brings the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine to an unprecedented new level. And of course, the European Union condemns strongly this horrific and barbaric attack," Commission spokesperson Peter Stano told a news conference.</p>

<p>Ukraine and its Western allies condemned Russia for destroying the dam, calling it&nbsp;an intentional war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russian forces of destroying the dam saying that Russia had controlled the dam and hydroelectric plant for over a year.</p>

<p>"Tonight, they blew up the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. At 02:50, the explosion happened. It was an absolutely deliberate, prepared explosion," Zelensky said at&nbsp;the Bucharest Nine Meeting.</p>

<p>"It is physically impossible to blow it up somehow from the outside - with shelling. It was mined. It was mined by the Russian occupiers and blown up by them," he said.</p>

<p>However, Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine was the one that blew up the dam to divert attention from a counterattack Moscow asserts is sputtering.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-ukraine-war-documented-in-iconic-pictures-561861">The Russia-Ukraine war documented in iconic pictures</a></p>

<p>Some Russia-installed officials said that the dam burst on its own.</p>

<p>EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell in a written statement said that the explosion put the lives of civilians at risk and is affecting access to cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (ZNPP).</p>

<h2><strong>Destruction triggers evacuation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate 16,000 residents from the "critical zone".</p>

<p>Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language.</p>

<p>As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam</strong></h2>

<p>The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River.</p>

<p>It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah.</p>

<p>The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country.

The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country. "The destruction of the Kakhovka dam brings the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine to an unprecedented new level. And of course, the European Union condemns strongly this horrific and barbaric attack," Commission spokesperson Peter Stano told a news conference. Ukraine and its Western allies condemned Russia for destroying the dam, calling it an intentional war crime. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russian forces of destroying the dam saying that Russia had controlled the dam and hydroelectric plant for over a year. "Tonight, they blew up the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. At 02:50, the explosion happened. It was an absolutely deliberate, prepared explosion," Zelensky said at the Bucharest Nine Meeting. "It is physically impossible to blow it up somehow from the outside - with shelling. It was mined. It was mined by the Russian occupiers and blown up by them," he said. However, Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine was the one that blew up the dam to divert attention from a counterattack Moscow asserts is sputtering. Also read: The Russia-Ukraine war documented in iconic pictures Some Russia-installed officials said that the dam burst on its own. EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell in a written statement said that the explosion put the lives of civilians at risk and is affecting access to cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (ZNPP). Destruction triggers evacuation A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate 16,000 residents from the "critical zone". Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language. As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility. Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River. It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah. The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

European Union reacts to Ukraine dam blast, condemns Russia for 'taking aggression to new level'

The India-EU Global Gateway conference has begun in Meghalaya. The aim of the conference is to boost connectivity in the region & integrate India with its neighbours.

Gravitas: Why is the EU interested in North-East India?

<p>The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of&nbsp;war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine about its NATO bid</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the summit being held in Moldova?</strong></h2>

<p>The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit is also&nbsp;taking place with&nbsp;NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Moldova and Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from&nbsp;Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart&nbsp;during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.

The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius. Ukraine about its NATO bid Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania. “This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.” The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Why is the summit being held in Moldova? The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova. The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau. The summit is also taking place with NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes. Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president. In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova. Moldova and Ukraine While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies. The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion. “We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press. Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.” (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.

Zelensky joins European leaders summit in Moldova, asks for ‘clear’ decision on NATO membership

<p>The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.</p>

<p>The 49-year-old will also become the first openly gay president in the Baltic nation&nbsp;and will represent the European Union and NATO member nations at the security alliance’s upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.</p>

<h2><strong>Rinkevics’ election</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Rinkevics will serve a four-year term and is expected to be sworn in on July 8. Latvia’s long-time top diplomat received 52 votes from the 100-seat Saeima legislature, one&nbsp;more than what was required to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was contesting against businessman Uldis Pilens who managed to garner 25 votes in the third round of voting. Meanwhile, the third candidate, Elina Pinto, dropped out of the race. Rinkevics ran as the candidate of his and PM Karins’ New Unity party.</p>

<p>The incumbent President Egils Levits, who took office in 2019, did not seek re-election after Karins’ three-party coalition could not agree on a joint candidate. Reportedly, Levits said he would not run if that was the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the election, Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “I am honoured and humbled to be elected as President of the Republic of Latvia, I will do my best to serve the people of Latvia well. I thank Members of Parliament for their trust.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the&nbsp;president-elect?</strong></h2>

<p>Rinkevics has held multiple posts in the Latvian government, including that of state secretary and&nbsp;the defence ministry. According to reports, he also worked as a journalist at Latvian Radio in the 1990s. He has been a popular figure in Latvian politics as well as among the 1.9 million people of the Baltic nation, because of his tough stance against Russia and staunch support for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the elections, Rinkevics addressed a press conference and reiterated his unwavering support for the war-torn country and urged countries to give Ukraine possible signals and reassurance of NATO membership in the upcoming summit which will be held in July in Lithuania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country’s top diplomat since 2011 will also become the first openly gay president among the former Soviet nations. He&nbsp;announced in 2014 that he is “proudly” homosexual. The 49-year-old is set to take the largely ceremonial position and will become Latvia’s 11th head of state since its independence in 1918.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.

The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins. The 49-year-old will also become the first openly gay president in the Baltic nation and will represent the European Union and NATO member nations at the security alliance’s upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Rinkevics’ election Rinkevics will serve a four-year term and is expected to be sworn in on July 8. Latvia’s long-time top diplomat received 52 votes from the 100-seat Saeima legislature, one more than what was required to win. He was contesting against businessman Uldis Pilens who managed to garner 25 votes in the third round of voting. Meanwhile, the third candidate, Elina Pinto, dropped out of the race. Rinkevics ran as the candidate of his and PM Karins’ New Unity party. The incumbent President Egils Levits, who took office in 2019, did not seek re-election after Karins’ three-party coalition could not agree on a joint candidate. Reportedly, Levits said he would not run if that was the case. After the election, Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “I am honoured and humbled to be elected as President of the Republic of Latvia, I will do my best to serve the people of Latvia well. I thank Members of Parliament for their trust.” What do we know about the president-elect? Rinkevics has held multiple posts in the Latvian government, including that of state secretary and the defence ministry. According to reports, he also worked as a journalist at Latvian Radio in the 1990s. He has been a popular figure in Latvian politics as well as among the 1.9 million people of the Baltic nation, because of his tough stance against Russia and staunch support for Ukraine. After the elections, Rinkevics addressed a press conference and reiterated his unwavering support for the war-torn country and urged countries to give Ukraine possible signals and reassurance of NATO membership in the upcoming summit which will be held in July in Lithuania. The country’s top diplomat since 2011 will also become the first openly gay president among the former Soviet nations. He announced in 2014 that he is “proudly” homosexual. The 49-year-old is set to take the largely ceremonial position and will become Latvia’s 11th head of state since its independence in 1918. (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.

Latvia’s parliament elects popular foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the new president

<p>European Union and the United States on Wednesday said they expect a draft code of conduct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be released “within weeks”, adding that they are hopeful fellow democracies and like-minded nations will subscribe to it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voluntary code “would be open to all like-minded countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after having discussions with EU officials in Sweden.</p>

<p>“There’s almost always a gap when new technologies emerge,” Blinken said, adding that there was time “for governments and institutions to figure out how to legislate or regulate.”</p>

<h2><strong>India urged to get on board</strong></h2>

<p>European Commission Vice President and tech chief Margrethe Vestager said the draft could be drawn up within weeks. She said, “We think it’s really important that citizens can see that democracies can deliver.” She voiced hope “to do that in the broadest possible circle — with our friends in Canada, in the UK, in Japan, in India, bringing as many onboard as possible.”</p>

<p>India has emerged as a major player in the AI space globally, housing more than 1,500 AI-based start-ups with a funding of over $ 4 billion.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ai-images-of-billionaire-elon-musk-as-an-indian-groom-takes-internet-by-a-swarm-598676"><strong>In Pics | AI images of billionaire Elon Musk as an Indian groom take internet by storm</strong></a></p>

<p>Both EU and US said their approach towards AI was “risk-based” and they were committed “to advance trustworthy and responsible AI technologies”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When will the AI regulations enter into force?</strong></h2>

<p>While the draft regulations are expected to be drawn within weeks from now, they are not expected to enter into force until 2025. There is also a sense of urgency among Western powers due to rising threats from China. The communist country has made rapid progress in the AI arena and has demonstrated a willingness to export its authoritarian designs to its hardcore allies. The West fears that Beijing may set global AI standards without keeping it in the loop.</p>

<h2><strong>Co-operation on the G7 level already going on</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, G7 nations also called for the development of technical standards to regulate Artificial Intelligence. EU believes the West must take the lead in setting the standards and establishing a global consensus. "If the two of us take the lead with close friends, I think we can push something that will make us all much more comfortable with the fact that generative AI is now in the world and is developing at amazing speeds," Vestager was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

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European Union and the United States on Wednesday said they expect a draft code of conduct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be released “within weeks”, adding that they are hopeful fellow democracies and like-minded nations will subscribe to it.

European Union and the United States on Wednesday said they expect a draft code of conduct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be released “within weeks”, adding that they are hopeful fellow democracies and like-minded nations will subscribe to it. The voluntary code “would be open to all like-minded countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after having discussions with EU officials in Sweden. “There’s almost always a gap when new technologies emerge,” Blinken said, adding that there was time “for governments and institutions to figure out how to legislate or regulate.” India urged to get on board European Commission Vice President and tech chief Margrethe Vestager said the draft could be drawn up within weeks. She said, “We think it’s really important that citizens can see that democracies can deliver.” She voiced hope “to do that in the broadest possible circle — with our friends in Canada, in the UK, in Japan, in India, bringing as many onboard as possible.” India has emerged as a major player in the AI space globally, housing more than 1,500 AI-based start-ups with a funding of over $ 4 billion. In Pics | AI images of billionaire Elon Musk as an Indian groom take internet by storm Both EU and US said their approach towards AI was “risk-based” and they were committed “to advance trustworthy and responsible AI technologies”. When will the AI regulations enter into force? While the draft regulations are expected to be drawn within weeks from now, they are not expected to enter into force until 2025. There is also a sense of urgency among Western powers due to rising threats from China. The communist country has made rapid progress in the AI arena and has demonstrated a willingness to export its authoritarian designs to its hardcore allies. The West fears that Beijing may set global AI standards without keeping it in the loop. Co-operation on the G7 level already going on Earlier, G7 nations also called for the development of technical standards to regulate Artificial Intelligence. EU believes the West must take the lead in setting the standards and establishing a global consensus. "If the two of us take the lead with close friends, I think we can push something that will make us all much more comfortable with the fact that generative AI is now in the world and is developing at amazing speeds," Vestager was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU and US to release draft code of conduct on AI ‘within weeks’ amid threats from China

The global fight against fake news has received a big setback. Microblogging platform Twitter has exited the European Union's Disinformation code, which aims to fight harmful content and fake news.

EU's fight against fake news hit Twitter roadblock

<p>The global fight against fake news has received&nbsp;a big setback.</p>

<p>Microblogging platform Twitter has exited the European Union's disinformation code, which aims to fight harmful content and fake news.</p>

<p>According to a Bloomberg report, this development comes after Twitter became the only major tech company to not submit a complete report required under the disinformation code.</p>

<p>Though voluntary, Twitter had promised to follow the European Union's disinformation code. This was before Elon Musk completed the takeover process in October 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a bid to fight disinformation, bring greater transparency in political advertising, and empower fact checkers, the European Union introduced a Code of Practice on Disinformation in May 2022. A month later, 34 organisations, including Twitter, signed it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bloomberg reported that the microblogging platform's report to the European Union lacked data and did not include commitments that would empower fact checkers.</p>

<p>“You can run but you can’t hide. Our teams will be ready for enforcement," media reports quoted EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton as saying. Breton's statement indicates that obligations to fight fake news will remain despite Twitter's withdrawal from the disinformation code. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The coming months will be tough for Twitter.</p>

<p>Fighting disinformation will soon become a legal obligation under the EU's Digital Services Act.</p>

<p>However, Twitter's EU operations are in shambles amid the ongoing job cuts. This has raised doubts whether the company will be able to comply with the new law. Failing to follow the new law could lead to a hefty fine or an outright ban on the microblogging platform.&nbsp;</p>


The global fight against fake news has received a big setback. Microblogging platform Twitter has exited the European Union's disinformation code, which aims to fight harmful content and fake news.

The global fight against fake news has received a big setback. Microblogging platform Twitter has exited the European Union's disinformation code, which aims to fight harmful content and fake news. According to a Bloomberg report, this development comes after Twitter became the only major tech company to not submit a complete report required under the disinformation code. Though voluntary, Twitter had promised to follow the European Union's disinformation code. This was before Elon Musk completed the takeover process in October 2022. In a bid to fight disinformation, bring greater transparency in political advertising, and empower fact checkers, the European Union introduced a Code of Practice on Disinformation in May 2022. A month later, 34 organisations, including Twitter, signed it. Bloomberg reported that the microblogging platform's report to the European Union lacked data and did not include commitments that would empower fact checkers. “You can run but you can’t hide. Our teams will be ready for enforcement," media reports quoted EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton as saying. Breton's statement indicates that obligations to fight fake news will remain despite Twitter's withdrawal from the disinformation code. The coming months will be tough for Twitter. Fighting disinformation will soon become a legal obligation under the EU's Digital Services Act. However, Twitter's EU operations are in shambles amid the ongoing job cuts. This has raised doubts whether the company will be able to comply with the new law. Failing to follow the new law could lead to a hefty fine or an outright ban on the microblogging platform.

Elon Musk-owned Twitter exits European Union's Disinformation Code

<p>Twitter is about to withdraw from one of European Union's attempts to combat disinformation, as per a Politico report.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;two people with direct knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to speak about internal discussions between the company and the European Commission,&nbsp;the social networking giant&nbsp;owned by Elon Musk&nbsp;is expected to end its participation in the bloc's code of practice on&nbsp;disinformation in the coming days.</p>

<p>The code of conduct is a voluntary regulation that was updated last year and makes it an obligation for firms like Twitter, Meta, and Alphabet to track political advertising, limit the monetisation of disinformation, and provide outsiders more access to these platforms.</p>

<p>While participation in the code is voluntary, it was supposed to help offset some of these companies' duties under the separate, and required, Digital Services Act — new social media restrictions that entail fines of up to six per cent&nbsp;of a company's annual sales.</p>

<p>According to an EC official, because the code of practice was optional, it was up to individual enterprises to decide whether or not to join. Twitter had not met its commitments under the code thus far, according to the spokeswoman.</p>

<p>A poop&nbsp;emoji was provided in response to an email submitted to Twitter for feedback, reported Politico.</p>

<p>Twitter is anticipated to withdraw as a so-called co-signatory of the code of practice early next week once Musk formally signs off, a source told Politico.</p>

<p>Since the billionaire fired half of Twitter's employees last autumn, the company has significantly reduced its participation in Europe's online content rulebook, and it was the only tech giant to fail to meet its transparency obligations under the code of practice's quarterly reports.</p>

<p>Thierry Breton, Europe's internal markets commissioner, has openly declared that he will personally hold Musk accountable for complying with the bloc's content standards, notwithstanding Twitter's choice to withdraw from the code of practice on misinformation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Twitter's head of engineering resigns a day after DeSantis launch fiasco</strong></h2>

<p>A day after Twitter's technical glitches jeopardised&nbsp;Ron DeSantis's US presidential bid launch, the platform's head of engineering, Foad Dabiri, has resigned. It is still not known whether he was asked to leave&nbsp;by Elon Musk who faced severe criticism and embarrassment due to the glitches in DeSantis’ presidential bid announcement on Twitter, a first ever on any social media platform.</p>

<p>Foad Dabiri announced his exit on Twitter, "After almost four incredible years at Twitter, I decided to leave the nest yesterday. The combination of the fantastic community, the impact it has, and its limitless potential sets Twitter apart. So, here is my pseudo-obligatory gratitude thread: #LoveWhereYouWorked," he wrote.<br />
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Twitter is about to withdraw from one of European Union's attempts to combat disinformation, as per a Politico report. According to two people with direct knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to speak about internal discussions between the company and the European Commission, the social networking giant owned by Elon Musk is expected to end its participation in the bloc's code of practice on disinformation in the coming days.

Twitter is about to withdraw from one of European Union's attempts to combat disinformation, as per a Politico report. According to two people with direct knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to speak about internal discussions between the company and the European Commission, the social networking giant owned by Elon Musk is expected to end its participation in the bloc's code of practice on disinformation in the coming days. The code of conduct is a voluntary regulation that was updated last year and makes it an obligation for firms like Twitter, Meta, and Alphabet to track political advertising, limit the monetisation of disinformation, and provide outsiders more access to these platforms. While participation in the code is voluntary, it was supposed to help offset some of these companies' duties under the separate, and required, Digital Services Act — new social media restrictions that entail fines of up to six per cent of a company's annual sales. According to an EC official, because the code of practice was optional, it was up to individual enterprises to decide whether or not to join. Twitter had not met its commitments under the code thus far, according to the spokeswoman. A poop emoji was provided in response to an email submitted to Twitter for feedback, reported Politico. Twitter is anticipated to withdraw as a so-called co-signatory of the code of practice early next week once Musk formally signs off, a source told Politico. Since the billionaire fired half of Twitter's employees last autumn, the company has significantly reduced its participation in Europe's online content rulebook, and it was the only tech giant to fail to meet its transparency obligations under the code of practice's quarterly reports. Thierry Breton, Europe's internal markets commissioner, has openly declared that he will personally hold Musk accountable for complying with the bloc's content standards, notwithstanding Twitter's choice to withdraw from the code of practice on misinformation. Twitter's head of engineering resigns a day after DeSantis launch fiasco A day after Twitter's technical glitches jeopardised Ron DeSantis's US presidential bid launch, the platform's head of engineering, Foad Dabiri, has resigned. It is still not known whether he was asked to leave by Elon Musk who faced severe criticism and embarrassment due to the glitches in DeSantis’ presidential bid announcement on Twitter, a first ever on any social media platform. Foad Dabiri announced his exit on Twitter, "After almost four incredible years at Twitter, I decided to leave the nest yesterday. The combination of the fantastic community, the impact it has, and its limitless potential sets Twitter apart. So, here is my pseudo-obligatory gratitude thread: #LoveWhereYouWorked," he wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twitter set to pull out from EU code of practice to combat disinformation: Report

EU nations pushing to weaken pollution curbs for farms and methane emission limits.

Green laws hit resistance in Europe

<p>The European Union (EU) has immobilised more than €200 billion ($215 billion) in Russian central bank assets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the latest data suggests.&nbsp;EU nations reported fresh numbers on the blocked assets after the 10th sanctions package which forced banks to divulge information on the size of their holdings.</p>

<h2><strong>EU’s commitment to make Russia pay for&nbsp;damages caused in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>European Commission spokesperson&nbsp;Christian Wigand confirmed the number of immobilised assets in the Russian banks. Speaking on the issue during an interview, Wigand stated that “the EU is committed to ensuring that Russia pays for the damages caused in Ukraine. The EU is exploring ways of using Russian frozen and immobilised assets for that purpose.”</p>

<p>The EU and its allies have repeatedly said that Russia must pay for the damages it has inflicted on Ukraine. That belief was recently reaffirmed at the G-7 summit in Japan.</p>

<p>EU member states are also exploring ways to use some of the frozen assets to contribute towards Ukraine’s future reconstruction.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-has-shot-down-36-russian-drones-596275">Ukraine claims it has shot down 36 Russian drones</a></strong></p>

<p>As reported by Bloomberg, one option that is under discussion is to invest in the central bank and other Russian state assets and use any proceeds for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU freezes private assets of individuals&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>EU has also frozen €24.1 billion ($25.8 billion) in Russian private assets of sanctioned individuals and entities since the invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;almost 15&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EU has also sanctioned almost 1,500 individuals and restricted exports of hundreds of goods and technologies. Many of Russia’s key revenue sources have also been targeted by the EU. However, the EU has been unsuccessful so far in freezing the assets of sanctioned Russian billionaires.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>EU is working closely with international allies</strong></h2>

<p>In his recent statements, Wigand pointed out that “the European Commission is working closely with Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, to move discussions forward on proposed options to use frozen central bank assets”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EU is also discussing its proposed plans with its international allies to ensure the necessary coordination at the international level. However, these reflections are both legally and technically complex,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EU leaders are expected to discuss this further at their next meeting which is scheduled in the month of June this year.</p>

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The European Union (EU) has immobilised more than €200 billion ($215 billion) in Russian central bank assets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the latest data suggests.

The European Union (EU) has immobilised more than €200 billion ($215 billion) in Russian central bank assets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the latest data suggests. EU nations reported fresh numbers on the blocked assets after the 10th sanctions package which forced banks to divulge information on the size of their holdings. EU’s commitment to make Russia pay for damages caused in Ukraine European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand confirmed the number of immobilised assets in the Russian banks. Speaking on the issue during an interview, Wigand stated that “the EU is committed to ensuring that Russia pays for the damages caused in Ukraine. The EU is exploring ways of using Russian frozen and immobilised assets for that purpose.” The EU and its allies have repeatedly said that Russia must pay for the damages it has inflicted on Ukraine. That belief was recently reaffirmed at the G-7 summit in Japan. EU member states are also exploring ways to use some of the frozen assets to contribute towards Ukraine’s future reconstruction. ALSO READ | Ukraine claims it has shot down 36 Russian drones As reported by Bloomberg, one option that is under discussion is to invest in the central bank and other Russian state assets and use any proceeds for Ukraine. EU freezes private assets of individuals EU has also frozen €24.1 billion ($25.8 billion) in Russian private assets of sanctioned individuals and entities since the invasion of Ukraine almost 15 months ago. The EU has also sanctioned almost 1,500 individuals and restricted exports of hundreds of goods and technologies. Many of Russia’s key revenue sources have also been targeted by the EU. However, the EU has been unsuccessful so far in freezing the assets of sanctioned Russian billionaires. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine × EU is working closely with international allies In his recent statements, Wigand pointed out that “the European Commission is working closely with Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, to move discussions forward on proposed options to use frozen central bank assets”. The EU is also discussing its proposed plans with its international allies to ensure the necessary coordination at the international level. However, these reflections are both legally and technically complex,” he said. The EU leaders are expected to discuss this further at their next meeting which is scheduled in the month of June this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU has frozen over $215 billion in Russian central bank assets since Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The relations between the United States of America and China have reached its lowest in decades meanwhile China has grown to become the world's second biggest economic power house. The question is how will countries who depend on China respond to the worsening Sino-America relations?

Will worsening US relations with Beijing affect EU-China trade?

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