EU is striving to boost its presence in the Indo-Pacific. It touted the Global Gateway project at a forum in Stockholm, where China wasn't invited. Is the world rethinking its dependence on China? Can the EU's Global Gateway compete with China's Belt & Road Initiative? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas Plus: Can EU's Global Gateway compete with China's Belt & Road Initiative?

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday visited damaged houses in northeast areas of the country after devastating floods claimed 14 lives, as per reports. This came after she left early from Japan post attending the G7 summit with other world leaders.&nbsp; 
 
She termed her experience from the visit a "moving" one. She also shook hands with mud-splattered property owners and volunteers, said the PM to the media personnel in Ravenna.

"You're doing a great job," the prime minister told a Ghibullo resident who was assisting people by donating food to people who became homeless due to the tragic floods.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gross-interference-china-summons-japanese-envoy-over-g7-communique-594902">'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique</a>

While 36,000 people were forced to leave Emilia Romagna earlier this week due to the nonstop rain, the area reported on Sunday that 10,000 or so had already been able to go back home. In a region that also produces grain and fruit like apricots and cherries, the catastrophic weather, which saw six months' worth of rainfall in only 36 hours, has left widespread devastation and taken a heavy toll on farmers.

Even though a red weather advisory was extended until Monday, the rain had mostly stopped by Sunday. Tuesday's cabinet meeting is anticipated to be used by Meloni to release the region's emergency funds that have been blocked.

<h2>EU mobilises emergency equipment to help Italian authorities</h2>

The EU has moblised pumping equipment from Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Germany, France, Slovenia, and Slovakia via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to assist the Italian authorities in dealing with floods in response to a fresh request for aid from Italy.

The request follows recent flooding and landslides in Italy brought on by extreme weather, which especially affected the Emilia Romagna area in the country's north-central region, according to a statement from the EU.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-at-indias-delhi-cinema-67-people-inside-hall-safely-evacuated-594909">Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated</a>

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was initiated by the Italian government on May 21. High-capacity pumping machinery from the European Civil Protection Pool was requested by the authorities.

The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been in constant contact with the Italian authorities, who are currently assessing the offers, and the EU stands ready to provide further help if needed.&nbsp;The EU's Copernicus programme has also provided emergency satellite mapping of the affected areas, following a request from the Italian civil protection authority on 16 May.

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday visited damaged houses in northeast areas of the country after devastating floods claimed 14 lives, as per reports.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday visited damaged houses in northeast areas of the country after devastating floods claimed 14 lives, as per reports. This came after she left early from Japan post attending the G7 summit with other world leaders. She termed her experience from the visit a "moving" one. She also shook hands with mud-splattered property owners and volunteers, said the PM to the media personnel in Ravenna. "You're doing a great job," the prime minister told a Ghibullo resident who was assisting people by donating food to people who became homeless due to the tragic floods. Also Read | 'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique While 36,000 people were forced to leave Emilia Romagna earlier this week due to the nonstop rain, the area reported on Sunday that 10,000 or so had already been able to go back home. In a region that also produces grain and fruit like apricots and cherries, the catastrophic weather, which saw six months' worth of rainfall in only 36 hours, has left widespread devastation and taken a heavy toll on farmers. Even though a red weather advisory was extended until Monday, the rain had mostly stopped by Sunday. Tuesday's cabinet meeting is anticipated to be used by Meloni to release the region's emergency funds that have been blocked. EU mobilises emergency equipment to help Italian authorities The EU has moblised pumping equipment from Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Germany, France, Slovenia, and Slovakia via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to assist the Italian authorities in dealing with floods in response to a fresh request for aid from Italy. The request follows recent flooding and landslides in Italy brought on by extreme weather, which especially affected the Emilia Romagna area in the country's north-central region, according to a statement from the EU. Also Read | Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was initiated by the Italian government on May 21. High-capacity pumping machinery from the European Civil Protection Pool was requested by the authorities. The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been in constant contact with the Italian authorities, who are currently assessing the offers, and the EU stands ready to provide further help if needed. The EU's Copernicus programme has also provided emergency satellite mapping of the affected areas, following a request from the Italian civil protection authority on 16 May. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support to Ukraine × As per EU, whenever an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country in Europe and beyond, the bloc can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. With this, the European Commission plays a significant role in coordinating the disaster response worldwide. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Italy's Meloni visits flood-hit areas as EU mobilises emergency equipment to help authorities

Facebook parent Meta was fined with a record amount of $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros), on Monday (May 22). The fine was levied for the company’s failure to comply with a warning by the top European Union court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States, said Ireland’s regulator.&nbsp;

The social media giant has also been given orders to stop transferring user data across the Atlantic by October.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is Facebook being fined?</h2>

According to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the EU, the social media giant failed&nbsp;to heed a top court warning aimed at protecting users’ data from the security services in the US&nbsp;once it’s shipped to servers across the Atlantic.&nbsp;

The commission also alleged that Meta continued data transfers to the US without addressing “the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of people whose data was being transferred to the US. The DPC had been investigating Meta Ireland’s transfer of personal data from the EU to the US since 2020.&nbsp;

The social media giant was given five months to “suspend any future transfer of personal data to the US” and six months to stop “the unlawful processing, including storage, in the US” of transferred personal EU data.

<h2>EU about the fine on Meta</h2>

The supposed privacy breach has prompted the largest fine “ever” under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), said the European Data Protection Board (EDPB).&nbsp;

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) chair Andrea Jelinek following the announcement said, Meta’s breach is “very serious since it concerns transfers that are systematic, repetitive and continuous.”

Jelinek also said that since Facebook has millions of users in Europe “the volume of personal data transferred is massive. The unprecedented fine is a strong signal to organizations that serious infringements have far-reaching consequences.”

The announcement also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the GDPR which is seen as the world’s benchmark for privacy.&nbsp;The penalty doled out for Meta surpassed the highest previous record fine imposed by the EU for Amazon $821 million (746 million euros). 
 
This comes after Amazon was forced to pay a fine of the previously mentioned amount by Luxembourg, in 2021 for similarly flouting the EU’s privacy standards.&nbsp;

<h2>Meta reacts to announcement</h2>

Meta following the announcement of the fine, on Monday, said it would appeal the decision, including the “unjustified and unnecessary fine,” and seek a stay of the orders through the courts.&nbsp;

Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg and chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead said the company was “disappointed to have been singled out,” and called the ruling “flawed”. Meta’s representatives also warned that the ruling sets a “dangerous precedent for the countless other companies”.&nbsp;

They added, “There is no immediate disruption to Facebook in Europe.”&nbsp;

The company which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram had also previously warned that suspending data transfers on the basis of (SCCs) could have “a far-reaching effect on businesses that rely on SCCs (Facebook and other tech giants) and on the online services many people and businesses rely on”.

Earlier this year, Meta reiterated that without SCCs or “other alternative means of data transfers” it would “likely” not be able to offer access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, across Europe.&nbsp;

<h2>DCP’s authority questioned</h2>

As per AFP, the Irish regulators only wanted to force Meta to suspend the offending data transfers and that the fine would “exceed the extent of powers that could be described as being ‘appropriate, proportionate and necessary’”. However, their EU counterpart, Concerned Supervisory Authorities (CSAs), disagreed and said, “All four CSAs took the view that Meta Ireland should be subject to an administrative fine.”&nbsp;

Since there was no consensus the matter was sent to the EDPB who ruled that Meta should not only stop the transfers but also pay the record amount of fine. Notably, this is the third fine imposed by the EU on Meta this year and the fourth one in the past six months.&nbsp;

Clegg and Newstead said the EDPB decision to overrule the DPC “raises serious questions,” adding that the US has done more than any other country to comply with EU’s standards and “their latest reforms, while transfers continue largely unchallenged to countries such as China.”&nbsp;

This comes as EU regulators back in December unveiled proposals to replace the previous “Privacy Shield” pact that had been rejected by the EU’s top court. This led to months of negotiations ending with US President Joe Biden’s executive order assuring EU citizens’ data is safe once it’s shipped across the Atlantic.&nbsp;

<h2>Why now?</h2>

The decision follows revelations by Edward Snowden, the former US National Security Agency contractor back in 2013 and a legal challenge brought by an Austrian privacy campaigner, Max Schrems.&nbsp;

Schrems has expressed concerns that European users’ data is not sufficiently protected from US’ intelligence agencies after Snowden disclosed that officials across the Atlantic have repeatedly accessed people’s information via tech companies like Facebook, Google, and so on.&nbsp;

Notably, Scherms’ lawsuit began a decade-long legal battle over the legality of transferring EU data to the US. According to Reuters, EU regulators led by Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon have also been in the midst of finalising the ban on a legal tool used by Facebook to transfer European user data.&nbsp;

This comes as the Irish DPC was given one month, back in April to chalk out the details of the order to block Facebook’s transatlantic data flows, as per which, the ban would take place sometime in mid-May, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Europe’s highest court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), also ruled in 2020 and repeatedly said that an agreement between the EU-US for data transfer was invalid and concluded that Washington does not have sufficient systems in place to protect European data.

However, the judges at the time did not strike down an alternative tool based on contractual clauses but prompted the Irish authorities to issue a preliminary order stating that Facebook can no longer move data to the US via this other method either.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Facebook parent Meta was fined with a record amount of $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros), on Monday (May 22). The fine was levied for the company’s failure to comply with a warning by the top European Union court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States, said Ireland’s regulator.

Facebook parent Meta was fined with a record amount of $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros), on Monday (May 22). The fine was levied for the company’s failure to comply with a warning by the top European Union court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States, said Ireland’s regulator. The social media giant has also been given orders to stop transferring user data across the Atlantic by October. Why is Facebook being fined? According to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the EU, the social media giant failed to heed a top court warning aimed at protecting users’ data from the security services in the US once it’s shipped to servers across the Atlantic. The commission also alleged that Meta continued data transfers to the US without addressing “the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of people whose data was being transferred to the US. The DPC had been investigating Meta Ireland’s transfer of personal data from the EU to the US since 2020. The social media giant was given five months to “suspend any future transfer of personal data to the US” and six months to stop “the unlawful processing, including storage, in the US” of transferred personal EU data. EU about the fine on Meta The supposed privacy breach has prompted the largest fine “ever” under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), said the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) chair Andrea Jelinek following the announcement said, Meta’s breach is “very serious since it concerns transfers that are systematic, repetitive and continuous.” Jelinek also said that since Facebook has millions of users in Europe “the volume of personal data transferred is massive. The unprecedented fine is a strong signal to organizations that serious infringements have far-reaching consequences.” The announcement also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the GDPR which is seen as the world’s benchmark for privacy. The penalty doled out for Meta surpassed the highest previous record fine imposed by the EU for Amazon $821 million (746 million euros). This comes after Amazon was forced to pay a fine of the previously mentioned amount by Luxembourg, in 2021 for similarly flouting the EU’s privacy standards. Meta reacts to announcement Meta following the announcement of the fine, on Monday, said it would appeal the decision, including the “unjustified and unnecessary fine,” and seek a stay of the orders through the courts. Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg and chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead said the company was “disappointed to have been singled out,” and called the ruling “flawed”. Meta’s representatives also warned that the ruling sets a “dangerous precedent for the countless other companies”. They added, “There is no immediate disruption to Facebook in Europe.” The company which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram had also previously warned that suspending data transfers on the basis of (SCCs) could have “a far-reaching effect on businesses that rely on SCCs (Facebook and other tech giants) and on the online services many people and businesses rely on”. Earlier this year, Meta reiterated that without SCCs or “other alternative means of data transfers” it would “likely” not be able to offer access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, across Europe. DCP’s authority questioned As per AFP, the Irish regulators only wanted to force Meta to suspend the offending data transfers and that the fine would “exceed the extent of powers that could be described as being ‘appropriate, proportionate and necessary’”. However, their EU counterpart, Concerned Supervisory Authorities (CSAs), disagreed and said, “All four CSAs took the view that Meta Ireland should be subject to an administrative fine.” Since there was no consensus the matter was sent to the EDPB who ruled that Meta should not only stop the transfers but also pay the record amount of fine. Notably, this is the third fine imposed by the EU on Meta this year and the fourth one in the past six months. Clegg and Newstead said the EDPB decision to overrule the DPC “raises serious questions,” adding that the US has done more than any other country to comply with EU’s standards and “their latest reforms, while transfers continue largely unchallenged to countries such as China.” This comes as EU regulators back in December unveiled proposals to replace the previous “Privacy Shield” pact that had been rejected by the EU’s top court. This led to months of negotiations ending with US President Joe Biden’s executive order assuring EU citizens’ data is safe once it’s shipped across the Atlantic. Why now? The decision follows revelations by Edward Snowden, the former US National Security Agency contractor back in 2013 and a legal challenge brought by an Austrian privacy campaigner, Max Schrems. Schrems has expressed concerns that European users’ data is not sufficiently protected from US’ intelligence agencies after Snowden disclosed that officials across the Atlantic have repeatedly accessed people’s information via tech companies like Facebook, Google, and so on. Notably, Scherms’ lawsuit began a decade-long legal battle over the legality of transferring EU data to the US. According to Reuters, EU regulators led by Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon have also been in the midst of finalising the ban on a legal tool used by Facebook to transfer European user data. This comes as the Irish DPC was given one month, back in April to chalk out the details of the order to block Facebook’s transatlantic data flows, as per which, the ban would take place sometime in mid-May, reported Reuters. Europe’s highest court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), also ruled in 2020 and repeatedly said that an agreement between the EU-US for data transfer was invalid and concluded that Washington does not have sufficient systems in place to protect European data. However, the judges at the time did not strike down an alternative tool based on contractual clauses but prompted the Irish authorities to issue a preliminary order stating that Facebook can no longer move data to the US via this other method either. (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 | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US

In pics | Moldova: Tens of thousands of people rally for EU membership

The head of the World Organisation&nbsp;for&nbsp;Animal Health&nbsp;(WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans.&nbsp;

<h2>Head of WOAH&nbsp;raises concerns about bird flu&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.”&nbsp;

The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.&nbsp;

“Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>France to begin vaccinations</h2>

The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy.&nbsp;

Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”.&nbsp;

Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.”&nbsp;

However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters. 
 
Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense.&nbsp;

<h2>A new pandemic in the making?</h2>

Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”.&nbsp;

Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo.&nbsp;

Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic.

The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans. Head of WOAH raises concerns about bird flu In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.” The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. “Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters. France to begin vaccinations The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy. Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”. Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.” However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters. Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense. A new pandemic in the making? Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”. Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo. Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening. (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.

Animal health body calls for vaccine for birds against avian flu amid pandemic concerns

India is likely to challenge the European Union's (EU) proposed carbon tax at the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing concerns over the potential impact on its economy, a Reuters report has said. &nbsp;

The move comes as the EU intends to implement 25 percent to 30 percent tariff on imports of high carbon goods such as steel, cement, aluminum, iron ore etc. The proposed carbon tax has raised concerns about its potential adverse impact on developing nations, particularly those that heavily rely on carbon-intensive industries.

The EU's carbon import tax, which is part of its broader climate change agenda, aims to encourage member-countries to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt greener practices.&nbsp;

Under the proposed tax, goods imported into the EU will be subject to a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), where a fee is imposed based on the carbon footprint associated with their production. The intention is to level the playing field for EU industries that already adhere to stringent emission regulations.

However, many developing countries, including India, worry that the proposed carbon tax could disproportionately affect their exports to the EU.&nbsp;

“In the name of environment protection, EU is introducing a trade barrier that would hit not only Indian exports but also of many other developing countries,” Reuters quoted a top government official with direct knowledge of the matter as saying.&nbsp;

India is likely to question the legality of the proposed tax, while arguing that it is already following the protocols pledged in the Paris climate agreement, reported Reuters.

India has also argued that the EU's proposed carbon tax lacks fairness and transparency and could hinder global trade. According to reports, the proposed tax could lead to declining export revenues, job losses, and economic instability in developing countries, including India.&nbsp;

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations has warned that the tax proposal could make India’s free trade agreements with other countries and a proposed pact with the EU “redundant” as the prices of many exported goods would rise by nearly one-fifth after the carbon tax.

(With agency inputs)

India is likely to challenge the European Union's (EU) proposed carbon tax at the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing concerns over the potential impact on its economy, a Reuters report has said.

India is likely to challenge the European Union's (EU) proposed carbon tax at the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing concerns over the potential impact on its economy, a Reuters report has said. The move comes as the EU intends to implement 25 percent to 30 percent tariff on imports of high carbon goods such as steel, cement, aluminum, iron ore etc. The proposed carbon tax has raised concerns about its potential adverse impact on developing nations, particularly those that heavily rely on carbon-intensive industries. The EU's carbon import tax, which is part of its broader climate change agenda, aims to encourage member-countries to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt greener practices. Under the proposed tax, goods imported into the EU will be subject to a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), where a fee is imposed based on the carbon footprint associated with their production. The intention is to level the playing field for EU industries that already adhere to stringent emission regulations. However, many developing countries, including India, worry that the proposed carbon tax could disproportionately affect their exports to the EU. “In the name of environment protection, EU is introducing a trade barrier that would hit not only Indian exports but also of many other developing countries,” Reuters quoted a top government official with direct knowledge of the matter as saying. India is likely to question the legality of the proposed tax, while arguing that it is already following the protocols pledged in the Paris climate agreement, reported Reuters. India has also argued that the EU's proposed carbon tax lacks fairness and transparency and could hinder global trade. According to reports, the proposed tax could lead to declining export revenues, job losses, and economic instability in developing countries, including India. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations has warned that the tax proposal could make India’s free trade agreements with other countries and a proposed pact with the EU “redundant” as the prices of many exported goods would rise by nearly one-fifth after the carbon tax. (With agency inputs)

India plans to challenge EU carbon tax at WTO: Report

The European Union will discuss the existing and future sanctions against Russia at the G7 summit scheduled to take place in Japan from May19-21. Watch the video to know more.

EU sanctions on China: Germany warns against EU hitting China with sanctions | World DNA

The European Union is working on what would be its 11th round of sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine last year and this time it is focused on cracking down on those breaking trade restrictions which are already in place and in order to achieve this, the European Union has proposed a new tool to limit trade.

EU sanctions more cautious on hitting China, working on 11th round of sanctions

Indian External affairs minister S Jaishankar has responded to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's call for action against Indian refined products from Russian crude. Jaishankar advised Borrell to refer to EU Council regulations, specifically Regulation 833/2014, which Jaishankar said recognises that Russian crude undergoes substantial transformation in a third country and is no longer treated as Russian.

Indian FM reminds EU of its own regulations, defends India's stance on Russian oil

Officials in Ukraine said on Tuesday (May 16) that they have detained the head of the country’s Supreme Court in a $2.7 million bribery inquiry. This comes as the war-torn country is pursuing anti-graft measures which are vital to meet the conditions for joining the European Union.&nbsp;

“The head of the Supreme Court has been detained,” said Oleksandr Omelchenko, a prosecutor who is a part of Kyiv’s Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). He also said that the detention was over a suspected bribery scheme which is awaiting a formal “notice of suspicion”.&nbsp;

However, the prosecutor named one of the two judges, Ukraine’s President of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Kniaziev while the other individual remains unknown. The head of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), Semen Kryvonos, called this the “biggest-ever case” which could implicate the country’s judiciary.&nbsp;

In a joint press conference with NABU, Omelchenko also said, “At this time, the head of the Supreme Court has been detained and measures are being taken to check other individuals for involvement in criminal activity”.&nbsp;

The anti-corruption officials have alleged that Ukrainian billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago, owner of Finance and Credit financial group, offered a bribe to court officials while a law firm acted as an intermediary. However, Zhevago has denied wrongdoing. The officials have also said that the Ukrainian billionaire had transferred $2.7 million to the lawyers, out of which $1.8 million was to be paid to Supreme Court justices, reported AFP. &nbsp;

Additionally, some $900,000 was given to lawyers for their “services as intermediaries”. Zhevago, who was also a member of the Ukrainian parliament, is currently detained in France on suspicion of money laundering and embezzling funds in Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Supreme Court conducted an emergency session where it condemned the corruption and said it would fully cooperate with the investigation.&nbsp;

Additionally, the court has also initiated a process for expressing no confidence in Kniaziev. According to the officials in Kyiv, Zhevago had hoped to bribe the court which could allow him to keep control of his shares which were in the centre of a dispute with former shareholders.&nbsp;

Notably, while Ukraine is in the midst of a conflict with Russia, it has ramped up its efforts to battle against corruption in a bid to join the EU. Earlier this year, multiple officials in Kyiv were dismissed or resigned following accusations of corruption.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Officials in Ukraine said on Tuesday (May 16) that they have detained the head of the country’s Supreme Court in a $2.7 million bribery inquiry. This comes as the war-torn country is pursuing anti-graft measures which are vital to meet the conditions for joining the European Union.

Officials in Ukraine said on Tuesday (May 16) that they have detained the head of the country’s Supreme Court in a $2.7 million bribery inquiry. This comes as the war-torn country is pursuing anti-graft measures which are vital to meet the conditions for joining the European Union. “The head of the Supreme Court has been detained,” said Oleksandr Omelchenko, a prosecutor who is a part of Kyiv’s Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). He also said that the detention was over a suspected bribery scheme which is awaiting a formal “notice of suspicion”. However, the prosecutor named one of the two judges, Ukraine’s President of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Kniaziev while the other individual remains unknown. The head of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), Semen Kryvonos, called this the “biggest-ever case” which could implicate the country’s judiciary. In a joint press conference with NABU, Omelchenko also said, “At this time, the head of the Supreme Court has been detained and measures are being taken to check other individuals for involvement in criminal activity”. The anti-corruption officials have alleged that Ukrainian billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago, owner of Finance and Credit financial group, offered a bribe to court officials while a law firm acted as an intermediary. However, Zhevago has denied wrongdoing. The officials have also said that the Ukrainian billionaire had transferred $2.7 million to the lawyers, out of which $1.8 million was to be paid to Supreme Court justices, reported AFP. Additionally, some $900,000 was given to lawyers for their “services as intermediaries”. Zhevago, who was also a member of the Ukrainian parliament, is currently detained in France on suspicion of money laundering and embezzling funds in Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Supreme Court conducted an emergency session where it condemned the corruption and said it would fully cooperate with the investigation. Additionally, the court has also initiated a process for expressing no confidence in Kniaziev. According to the officials in Kyiv, Zhevago had hoped to bribe the court which could allow him to keep control of his shares which were in the centre of a dispute with former shareholders. Notably, while Ukraine is in the midst of a conflict with Russia, it has ramped up its efforts to battle against corruption in a bid to join the EU. Earlier this year, multiple officials in Kyiv were dismissed or resigned following accusations of corruption. (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.

Ukraine detains Supreme Court chief in $2.7 million corruption case

France is hosting a meeting of ministers from 16 pro-nuclear European states. The meeting is aimed at coordinating the expansion of atomic power and urging the EU to recognise its role in meeting climate goals for 2050.

Nuclear power in the European Union

The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago.

The deal also faces uncertain situation in the US. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched legal action to block the acquisition. This was one of Washington's biggest-ever interventions to stop tech industry consolidation.

Xbox-owner Microsoft launched its gigantic bid for Activision Blizzard early last year to create the world's third biggest gaming firm by revenue after China's Tencent and Japan's PlayStation maker Sony, provoking antitrust concerns.

Activision Blizzard's hit titles include 'Candy Crush', 'World of Warcraft' and more. If Microsoft's acquisition bid goes ahead, it will be biggest ever deal in gaming.

The European Commission, the bloc's powerful antitrust authority, said the approval was "conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft".

"The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation," it added in a statement.

European Commission said that if Microsoft lives up to its promises, it will allow gamers to stream Activision's titles on any cloud gaming streaming services operating in Europe.

"The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services," Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith said.&nbsp;

"This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose."

AFP quoted experts who said that unless Microsoft wins appeal against UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it will be game over for the bid.

The CMA blocked the bid over concerns it could kill competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market, and lead to less choice for British gamers in the future.

"If Microsoft does not win the appeal in the CAT, it cannot proceed with the acquisition even if the European Commission now approves it," said Anne Witt, a professor of anti-trust law at EDHEC business school in France.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago.

The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago. The deal also faces uncertain situation in the US. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched legal action to block the acquisition. This was one of Washington's biggest-ever interventions to stop tech industry consolidation. Xbox-owner Microsoft launched its gigantic bid for Activision Blizzard early last year to create the world's third biggest gaming firm by revenue after China's Tencent and Japan's PlayStation maker Sony, provoking antitrust concerns. Activision Blizzard's hit titles include 'Candy Crush', 'World of Warcraft' and more. If Microsoft's acquisition bid goes ahead, it will be biggest ever deal in gaming. The European Commission, the bloc's powerful antitrust authority, said the approval was "conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft". "The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation," it added in a statement. European Commission said that if Microsoft lives up to its promises, it will allow gamers to stream Activision's titles on any cloud gaming streaming services operating in Europe. "The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services," Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith said. "This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose." AFP quoted experts who said that unless Microsoft wins appeal against UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it will be game over for the bid. The CMA blocked the bid over concerns it could kill competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market, and lead to less choice for British gamers in the future. "If Microsoft does not win the appeal in the CAT, it cannot proceed with the acquisition even if the European Commission now approves it," said Anne Witt, a professor of anti-trust law at EDHEC business school in France. (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 greenlights Microsoft takeover of Activision Blizzard

In a bid to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific, the European Union (EU) is offering closer political and investment ties to around 20 countries in the region.

The move comes as the bloc seeks more influence in the hotly-contested region, where China, India and the US have high stakes.

The announcement was made at a gathering of foreign ministers of the EU and the Indo-Pacific in Stockholm on Saturday, during which the speakers mooted a Global Gateway programme— Europe’s answer to China’s multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, reported Bloomberg.

Among the countries from the Indo-Pacific region that participated in the forum were India, Japan and Indonesia. The meeting was called on Saturday and noticeably, Beijing wasn’t invited.

“Our ambition is to work toward the preservation of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open, prosperous and inclusive region and to build partnerships between equals,” French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said in a speech.

The EU “refuses to enter a logic of blocs that would make escalation and, eventually, confrontation, inevitable,” she said.

<h2>'Indian Ocean is the core constituent of the Indo-Pacific', says S Jaishankar&nbsp;</h2>

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During the meeting, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar agreed that Europe has a stake in Indo-Pacific developments, and added that India will work together with the EU in the coming years.

“Globalization is the overwhelming reality of our times. However, far apart, regions and nations cannot be impervious to significant events elsewhere. Nor can we cherry-pick them to our convenience. The European Union has major stakes in Indo-Pacific developments, especially as they pertain to technology, connectivity, trade and finance," Jaishankar said.

In such an engagement with the Indo-Pacific, the EU will naturally seek like-minded partners. India is certainly among them. There may be historical and cultural divergences but at the end of the day, we are political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. Transformations underway in India, like digital public delivery or green growth initiatives, certainly merit EU’s attention. India is also rapidly expanding its global footprint and will intersect with that of the EU more in the coming years," he said.

The renewed push to focus on Indo-Pacific comes almost two years after France influenced the EU to adopt a common strategy for the region in 2021.

Last year, President Emanuel Macron hosted an EU summit to discuss cooperation with the region, two days before Russia’s invasion.

The EU late last year signed a partnership agreement with Thailand to foster a bilateral dialog on energy, climate change and other issues.

<h2>EU backs plan to reduce reliance on China</h2>

It comes at a time when the EU has been looking to break its reliance on Beijing ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping declared a “no limits” friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After Saturday’s forum, EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the bloc wants “to step up our engagement to deliver more concrete results on the ground.”

He said that the EU will pursue 20 Global Gateway projects in the Indo-Pacific “from investment in hydropower, solar energy plants to transportation infrastructure, railways, ports and airports.”

Borrell said that EU foreign ministers have backed a proposal reducing the bloc's economic dependence on China, but added that they are still figuring on how to implement it.

"Colleagues welcomed the paper that we presented. They agree on the basic lines of this re-calibration of our strategy on China," Borrell told reporters after their meeting in Stockholm.

"When a dependency is too big, it's a risk," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a bid to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific, the European Union (EU) is offering closer political and investment ties to around 20 countries in the region.

In a bid to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific, the European Union (EU) is offering closer political and investment ties to around 20 countries in the region. The move comes as the bloc seeks more influence in the hotly-contested region, where China, India and the US have high stakes. The announcement was made at a gathering of foreign ministers of the EU and the Indo-Pacific in Stockholm on Saturday, during which the speakers mooted a Global Gateway programme— Europe’s answer to China’s multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, reported Bloomberg. Among the countries from the Indo-Pacific region that participated in the forum were India, Japan and Indonesia. The meeting was called on Saturday and noticeably, Beijing wasn’t invited. “Our ambition is to work toward the preservation of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open, prosperous and inclusive region and to build partnerships between equals,” French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said in a speech. The EU “refuses to enter a logic of blocs that would make escalation and, eventually, confrontation, inevitable,” she said. 'Indian Ocean is the core constituent of the Indo-Pacific', says S Jaishankar During the meeting, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar agreed that Europe has a stake in Indo-Pacific developments, and added that India will work together with the EU in the coming years. “Globalization is the overwhelming reality of our times. However, far apart, regions and nations cannot be impervious to significant events elsewhere. Nor can we cherry-pick them to our convenience. The European Union has major stakes in Indo-Pacific developments, especially as they pertain to technology, connectivity, trade and finance," Jaishankar said. In such an engagement with the Indo-Pacific, the EU will naturally seek like-minded partners. India is certainly among them. There may be historical and cultural divergences but at the end of the day, we are political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. Transformations underway in India, like digital public delivery or green growth initiatives, certainly merit EU’s attention. India is also rapidly expanding its global footprint and will intersect with that of the EU more in the coming years," he said. The renewed push to focus on Indo-Pacific comes almost two years after France influenced the EU to adopt a common strategy for the region in 2021. Last year, President Emanuel Macron hosted an EU summit to discuss cooperation with the region, two days before Russia’s invasion. The EU late last year signed a partnership agreement with Thailand to foster a bilateral dialog on energy, climate change and other issues. EU backs plan to reduce reliance on China It comes at a time when the EU has been looking to break its reliance on Beijing ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping declared a “no limits” friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After Saturday’s forum, EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the bloc wants “to step up our engagement to deliver more concrete results on the ground.” He said that the EU will pursue 20 Global Gateway projects in the Indo-Pacific “from investment in hydropower, solar energy plants to transportation infrastructure, railways, ports and airports.” Borrell said that EU foreign ministers have backed a proposal reducing the bloc's economic dependence on China, but added that they are still figuring on how to implement it. "Colleagues welcomed the paper that we presented. They agree on the basic lines of this re-calibration of our strategy on China," Borrell told reporters after their meeting in Stockholm. "When a dependency is too big, it's a risk," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In Stockholm, EU promises to invest more in Indo-Pacific, pledges to cut reliance on China

India's minister of external affairs stated at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm that the EU has significant stakes in the developments in the Indo-Pacific and that the Forum's goal is to improve the collaboration between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region.

EU Indo-Pacific Meet 2023: Indian EAM S. Jaishankar addresses forum

Brussels has urged 27 EU nations to get on the same page on how they deal with China, as a more assertive Beijing asserts influence on the world stage. At a meet hosted by Sweden, EU officials said the bloc was sticking to its existing vision of China as simultaneously a partner, competitor, and rival. Eu foreign ministers agreed on the need to recalibrate the position on China, reducing dependencies and coaxing Beijing to take a tougher stance on Russia's war in Ukraine. Most pressing among the points of contention is China's refusal to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, or to press Moscow to stop its attack. Eu foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated it remained important to engage with Beijing at the same time as looking to cut the bloc's reliance. Polish deputy foreign minister said the EU 'should find a way to be a partner, not a client'. Echoing the sentiment, the Lithuanian foreign minister said, 'We cannot make the same mistakes as we've done when dealing with Russia'.

European Union looks to 'Re-Calibrate' position on China as Beijing grows assertive

China in the dock: EU looks to reduce dependency, coax Beijing to take tougher stance on Ukraine war

Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day. These clashes have threatened to derail the European Union-led peace talks which are scheduled to take place over the weekend.&nbsp;

Recent clashes

According to reports, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire with weapons including mortars and drones on their joint border, on Friday, after the clashes a day prior which were the latest in a series of border flare-ups. Both sides said they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for shooting first.&nbsp;

Addressing the latest skirmish, Armenia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces came under fire with mortars and small arms near the village of Sotk, near the border. It added drones were also deployed. “In the wake of enemy fire, the Armenian side has one killed in action and one wounded,” said the ministry, adding that “the intensity of fighting has decreased”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry said, “Armenian armed forces opened fire from trench mortars on Azerbaijani positions” at the border. It also reported that it managed to cut short a drone attack by Armenia on its positions in the Kalbajar district.&nbsp;

Peace talks in Brussels&nbsp;

These clashes come ahead of a meeting set to take place in Brussels, on Sunday, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev which will be led by European Council President Charles Michel.&nbsp;

According to the EU, rival leaders have also agreed to jointly meet the leaders of France and Germany on the sidelines of a European summit in Moldova in June. The EU-led effort follows Washington’s as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had invited Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers to the United States for talks, earlier this month.&nbsp;

Rise in tensions

The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, last month, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.&nbsp;

The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called 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;

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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day.

Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day. These clashes have threatened to derail the European Union-led peace talks which are scheduled to take place over the weekend. Recent clashes According to reports, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire with weapons including mortars and drones on their joint border, on Friday, after the clashes a day prior which were the latest in a series of border flare-ups. Both sides said they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for shooting first. Addressing the latest skirmish, Armenia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces came under fire with mortars and small arms near the village of Sotk, near the border. It added drones were also deployed. “In the wake of enemy fire, the Armenian side has one killed in action and one wounded,” said the ministry, adding that “the intensity of fighting has decreased”. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry said, “Armenian armed forces opened fire from trench mortars on Azerbaijani positions” at the border. It also reported that it managed to cut short a drone attack by Armenia on its positions in the Kalbajar district. Peace talks in Brussels These clashes come ahead of a meeting set to take place in Brussels, on Sunday, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev which will be led by European Council President Charles Michel. According to the EU, rival leaders have also agreed to jointly meet the leaders of France and Germany on the sidelines of a European summit in Moldova in June. The EU-led effort follows Washington’s as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had invited Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers to the United States for talks, earlier this month. Rise in tensions The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, last month, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called 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. 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. (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.

At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks

With US already tightening its noose around China over its potential help to Russia in the Ukraine war, European Union cautioned Beijing that it must use its influence with Moscow to end the conflict or else the already strained relations with the bloc&nbsp;will further deteriorate, as per reports.&nbsp;

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at a press conference in Sweden on Friday evening said, “Life is complicated." “If I don’t like your behaviour, you cannot expect to be good friends. It is as simple as that.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a>

This comes as China's special representative on Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, is all set to travel to Ukraine, Russia, and other European capitals next week to serve as an intermediary and try to resolve the conflict that has marred the Eastern European region for over a year now.&nbsp;

Though Borrell appreciated this visit by a Chinese representative, he did so with a subtle warning for China that if it does not follow suit it will end up worsening the relations between EU and Beijing.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-legalises-euthanasia-for-people-over-18-591849">Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18</a>

“It is so important that China understands that what is happening in Ukraine is an existential threat for us, and we expect that China will use its role and its responsibilities. If this is not the case, our relationship will not be so good," the EU foreign policy chief said.&nbsp;

In a separate conversation, Borrell told the Post, “We had been asking China to get involved with Ukraine, and this phone call with President Xi [Jinping] was the first small step. And this special envoy is another step towards China using its influence to stop this war."

However, he continued saying “we know China is practising pro-Russian neutrality”.

“So this [peace] initiative is important for us, because we cannot have a good relationship with China if China is clearly supporting Russia.”

Borrell comments came on the nine-page position document during his meeting with the EU’s 27 foreign ministers on Friday in Stockholm. The ministers mulled over the bloc's policy towards Beijing and its recalibration if China does not accede to its demands.&nbsp;

Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News

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It was a closed-door meeting where the ministers' pondered over bloc's ties with Beijing.&nbsp;The bloc ministers' warned of the increasing threat "nationalist" and ideological” rival, as per SCMP.&nbsp;

“The 27 are united behind the music of this text,” Borrell said. “I haven’t seen any concrete disagreement.”

“If we are to build new stability in our complex relations, the EU and its member states should remain firm but not confrontational. We should be clear-eyed about the nature of this relationship,” the position paper outlined.

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With US already tightening its noose around China over its potential help to Russia in the Ukraine war, European Union cautioned Beijing that it must use its influence with Moscow to end the conflict or else the already strained relations with the bloc will further deteriorate, as per reports.

With US already tightening its noose around China over its potential help to Russia in the Ukraine war, European Union cautioned Beijing that it must use its influence with Moscow to end the conflict or else the already strained relations with the bloc will further deteriorate, as per reports. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at a press conference in Sweden on Friday evening said, “Life is complicated." “If I don’t like your behaviour, you cannot expect to be good friends. It is as simple as that.” Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS This comes as China's special representative on Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, is all set to travel to Ukraine, Russia, and other European capitals next week to serve as an intermediary and try to resolve the conflict that has marred the Eastern European region for over a year now. Though Borrell appreciated this visit by a Chinese representative, he did so with a subtle warning for China that if it does not follow suit it will end up worsening the relations between EU and Beijing. Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 “It is so important that China understands that what is happening in Ukraine is an existential threat for us, and we expect that China will use its role and its responsibilities. If this is not the case, our relationship will not be so good," the EU foreign policy chief said. In a separate conversation, Borrell told the Post, “We had been asking China to get involved with Ukraine, and this phone call with President Xi [Jinping] was the first small step. And this special envoy is another step towards China using its influence to stop this war." However, he continued saying “we know China is practising pro-Russian neutrality”. “So this [peace] initiative is important for us, because we cannot have a good relationship with China if China is clearly supporting Russia.” Borrell comments came on the nine-page position document during his meeting with the EU’s 27 foreign ministers on Friday in Stockholm. The ministers mulled over the bloc's policy towards Beijing and its recalibration if China does not accede to its demands. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × It was a closed-door meeting where the ministers' pondered over bloc's ties with Beijing. The bloc ministers' warned of the increasing threat "nationalist" and ideological” rival, as per SCMP. “The 27 are united behind the music of this text,” Borrell said. “I haven’t seen any concrete disagreement.” “If we are to build new stability in our complex relations, the EU and its member states should remain firm but not confrontational. We should be clear-eyed about the nature of this relationship,” the position paper outlined. 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-China relations to worsen unless Beijing uses influence with Russia to end Ukraine war: Borrell

Europe is waging a war on Russia's Wagner group. France has asked the EU to declare the private army as a terrorist organisation. Britain is reportedly moving to blacklist the Wagner group.

Gravitas: Europe wages a war on Russia's Wagner group | Here are the details

The French parliament has urged the European Union ( EU) to formally label the Russian mercenary group Wagner as terrorists. The United Kingdom reportedly is also ready to designate the group as a terrorist organisation.

The French parliament collectively passed a non-binding resolution inclined towards motivating the 27 members of the EU to put Wagner on its official list of terrorist organisations.

“Wherever they work, Wagner members spread instability and violence,” Al Jazeera quoted French legislator Benjamin Haddad as saying in the parliament.

“They kill and torture. They massacre and pillage. They intimidate and manipulate with almost total impunity,” he said.

“Wagner fighters are not simple mercenaries driven by an appetite for money but they follow a broad strategy, from Mali to Ukraine, of supporting the aggressive policies of President (Vladimir) Putin’s regime towards our democracies,” he added.

Wagner has also been blamed for pushing anti-French propaganda operations in West Africa, particularly Mali.&nbsp;

They have also been responsible for helming Russia’s months-long attack on Bakhmut, situated in Ukraine’s industrial Donbas region.&nbsp;

Ukraine’s&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the French parliament and called other countries to follow the same path.&nbsp;

“Special thanks to the French parliament for today’s decision to recognise the Russian pseudo-private Wagner group as a terrorist organisation,” Zelensky said.

“This is something that should be adopted by the entire world – every manifestation of terrorism must be destroyed, and every terrorist must be convicted,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Britain poised to label Wagner group terrorist&nbsp;</h2>

Britain is poised to formally announce the Russian mercenary force Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation, according to The&nbsp;Times newspaper.

This would also result in the imposition of financial sanctions and other penalties, as a way of mounting pressure on Russia.

<h2>What happens after Wagner is labelled a terrorist organisation?</h2>

Firstly, EU members would be able to freeze the assets of the Wagner group and its members, with European companies and citizens being prohibited from all kinds of dealings with the group, as reported by The Guardian.&nbsp;

The Wagner group chief Prigozhin had his assets in the European Union frozen in 2020 and was placed on a visa blacklist over the deployment of Wagner fighters to war-ravaged&nbsp;&nbsp;Libya, a decision he unsuccessfully appealed against.

French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, admitted to lawmakers on Tuesday (May 9),&nbsp;that legally the EU terrorist label would not have any “direct supplemental effect” on the group and its actions, but “we should not underestimate the symbolic importance of such a designation, nor the dissuasive effect that it could have on states tempted to turn” to Wagner, she said.

&nbsp;

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The French parliament has urged the European Union ( EU) to formally label the Russian mercenary group Wagner as terrorists. The United Kingdom reportedly is also ready to designate the group as a terrorist organisation.

The French parliament has urged the European Union ( EU) to formally label the Russian mercenary group Wagner as terrorists. The United Kingdom reportedly is also ready to designate the group as a terrorist organisation. The French parliament collectively passed a non-binding resolution inclined towards motivating the 27 members of the EU to put Wagner on its official list of terrorist organisations. “Wherever they work, Wagner members spread instability and violence,” Al Jazeera quoted French legislator Benjamin Haddad as saying in the parliament. “They kill and torture. They massacre and pillage. They intimidate and manipulate with almost total impunity,” he said. “Wagner fighters are not simple mercenaries driven by an appetite for money but they follow a broad strategy, from Mali to Ukraine, of supporting the aggressive policies of President (Vladimir) Putin’s regime towards our democracies,” he added. Wagner has also been blamed for pushing anti-French propaganda operations in West Africa, particularly Mali. They have also been responsible for helming Russia’s months-long attack on Bakhmut, situated in Ukraine’s industrial Donbas region. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the French parliament and called other countries to follow the same path. “Special thanks to the French parliament for today’s decision to recognise the Russian pseudo-private Wagner group as a terrorist organisation,” Zelensky said. “This is something that should be adopted by the entire world – every manifestation of terrorism must be destroyed, and every terrorist must be convicted,” he added. Britain poised to label Wagner group terrorist Britain is poised to formally announce the Russian mercenary force Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation, according to The Times newspaper. This would also result in the imposition of financial sanctions and other penalties, as a way of mounting pressure on Russia. What happens after Wagner is labelled a terrorist organisation? Firstly, EU members would be able to freeze the assets of the Wagner group and its members, with European companies and citizens being prohibited from all kinds of dealings with the group, as reported by The Guardian. The Wagner group chief Prigozhin had his assets in the European Union frozen in 2020 and was placed on a visa blacklist over the deployment of Wagner fighters to war-ravaged Libya, a decision he unsuccessfully appealed against. French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, admitted to lawmakers on Tuesday (May 9), that legally the EU terrorist label would not have any “direct supplemental effect” on the group and its actions, but “we should not underestimate the symbolic importance of such a designation, nor the dissuasive effect that it could have on states tempted to turn” to Wagner, she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France urges EU to list Wagner as 'terrorist group', UK set to formalise classification

Top European Union official, Helena König, said that artificial intelligence will be among the key issues at the upcoming India EU trade and technology council (TTC) meeting that will take place in Brussels next week. König, who is the Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Affairs , European External Action Service, said, "In terms of technology India is very advanced, we're very advanced, so we'll work on it together."

India-EU Trade & Tech Council to Discuss AI at Brussels Meeting: Top EU Official

While speaking to WION's Siddhant Sibbal EU official Helena Konig said that India has an extremely important role to play in the world. She also added that India is a strong defender of the multilateral system.

India has an extremely important role to play in the world, says EU official Helena Konig

The European Union's proposed data act is drawing some unexpected backlash from German tech companies SAP and Siemens. The two German tech giants have joined the chorus of critics against the EU's proposed data laws.

Tech companies battle EU over data-sharing

The European Union has thrown down the gauntlet and taken a strong stance against the Chinese firms accused of aiding Russia's War efforts. The EU has added seven Chinese companies to the sanctions list and accused them of selling equipment that could be used to make weapons. The European Union is getting ready to impose sanctions on the Chinese firms accused of giving Russia War equipment.

EU takes aim at companies aiding Russia's war machine

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown,&nbsp;coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under&nbsp; Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency.&nbsp;

The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” &nbsp;

It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills.

Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”.

“A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved&nbsp;and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1).

“A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests.&nbsp;

Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.”&nbsp; 
 
She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency. The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills. Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland. The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”. “A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1). “A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests. Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.” She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.” (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.

US-Europe announce 288 arrests, seizures in crackdown on dark web drug trafficking

The European Commission said Friday that it has secured an 'in principle' agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member nations.

This comes after concerns were raised earlier by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia that grain from Ukraine intended for export to other nations had wound up in their domestic markets, driving down prices for local farmers.

Grain from Ukraine that couldn't be shipped through the Black Sea ports due to Russia's invasion was routed through the five nations.&nbsp;Millions of tonnes of grain were then stuck in bottlenecks in the nations bordering Ukraine, forcing local farmers to compete with a flood of cheap Ukrainian imports that farmers said the supply and demand were skewed which led to the chaos.

According to a tweet from Valdis Dombrovskis, vice president of the European Commission, the EU executive has agreed in principle with the five to address concerns of both farmers in neighbouring EU countries and Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-british-doctor-john-mcfall-worlds-first-para-astronaut-587168">Meet British doctor John McFall, world's first para-astronaut</a>

He claimed that safeguard measures for four products—wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seed—were included in the agreement. However, he did not reveal anything further.

According to Dombrovskis, the agreement also includes an assistance package for regional farmers worth 100 million euros ($110.25 million).

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had spoken to Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, on Friday to express his worries with what he called a detrimental prohibition on the export of agricultural goods.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-iran-to-reopen-embassies-in-each-others-capitals-within-days-587162">Saudi Arabia, Iran to reopen embassies in each other's capitals 'within days'</a>

"This gives the Kremlin dangerous hope, the hope that in our common European home someone's wrong decisions can prevail over common interests," he said in a video address.

Watch | After Russia's winter assault, Ukraine prepares for summer attack

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As per the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the pact "preserves both Ukraine's exports capacity so it can continue feeding the world, and our farmers' livelihoods."&nbsp;

Former Russian president and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, said last Sunday that if the G7 decided to impose export restrictions on Russia, Moscow would retaliate by cancelling the Black Sea Grain Agreement, which permits crucial grain shipments from Ukraine.

"This idea from the idiots at the G7 about a total ban of exports to our country by default is beautiful in that it implies a reciprocal ban on imports from our country, including categories of goods that are the most sensitive for the G7," Medvedev said in a post on his Telegram channel.

According to last week's report by the Japanese Kyodo news agency, which cited sources within the Japanese government, the Group of Seven (G7) nations are proposing a blanket ban on exports to Russia.

Russia has threatened on many occasions to withdraw from the grain agreement, which is set to expire on 18 May. "In such a case, the grain deal - and many other things that they need - will end for them," he added.

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The European Commission said Friday that it has secured an 'in principle' agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member nations.

The European Commission said Friday that it has secured an 'in principle' agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member nations. This comes after concerns were raised earlier by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia that grain from Ukraine intended for export to other nations had wound up in their domestic markets, driving down prices for local farmers. Grain from Ukraine that couldn't be shipped through the Black Sea ports due to Russia's invasion was routed through the five nations. Millions of tonnes of grain were then stuck in bottlenecks in the nations bordering Ukraine, forcing local farmers to compete with a flood of cheap Ukrainian imports that farmers said the supply and demand were skewed which led to the chaos. According to a tweet from Valdis Dombrovskis, vice president of the European Commission, the EU executive has agreed in principle with the five to address concerns of both farmers in neighbouring EU countries and Ukraine. Also Read | Meet British doctor John McFall, world's first para-astronaut He claimed that safeguard measures for four products—wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seed—were included in the agreement. However, he did not reveal anything further. According to Dombrovskis, the agreement also includes an assistance package for regional farmers worth 100 million euros ($110.25 million). Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had spoken to Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, on Friday to express his worries with what he called a detrimental prohibition on the export of agricultural goods. Also Read | Saudi Arabia, Iran to reopen embassies in each other's capitals 'within days' "This gives the Kremlin dangerous hope, the hope that in our common European home someone's wrong decisions can prevail over common interests," he said in a video address. Watch | After Russia's winter assault, Ukraine prepares for summer attack × As per the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the pact "preserves both Ukraine's exports capacity so it can continue feeding the world, and our farmers' livelihoods." Former Russian president and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, said last Sunday that if the G7 decided to impose export restrictions on Russia, Moscow would retaliate by cancelling the Black Sea Grain Agreement, which permits crucial grain shipments from Ukraine. "This idea from the idiots at the G7 about a total ban of exports to our country by default is beautiful in that it implies a reciprocal ban on imports from our country, including categories of goods that are the most sensitive for the G7," Medvedev said in a post on his Telegram channel. According to last week's report by the Japanese Kyodo news agency, which cited sources within the Japanese government, the Group of Seven (G7) nations are proposing a blanket ban on exports to Russia. Russia has threatened on many occasions to withdraw from the grain agreement, which is set to expire on 18 May. "In such a case, the grain deal - and many other things that they need - will end for them," he added. 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 nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine

The European Union has now agreed on a deal to set binding targets for airlines to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

EU strikes deal on aviation fuel targets

United State's proposal for the Group of Seven (G7) countries to ban all exports to Russia was met with resistance, ahead of a summit of the bloc. As per a report, the European Union (EU) and Japan pushed back against the proposal during negotiations ahead of a summit of the world's most advanced economies.

US' plan to ban all G7 exports to Russia hindered, EU and Japan says 'move not feasible'

Delegates from 19 countries in the European Union met in Bogota, Columbia to find an answer to that question. Representatives include those from the United States, who were in favour of easing the sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela political deadlock: US, UK & other nations agree to lift sanctions on Venezuela | WION

European Nations are under pressure to fulfil their climate promises. They vowed to stop relying on fossil fuels and to improve their energy security. To this end, a huge green energy project is being planned by UK and Netherlands in the North Sea. The deal was announced on Monday at an energy summit in Ostend, Belgium.

UK and Dutch governments sign deal for a huge green energy project

EU countries have given the last green flag to the biggest revamp to date of Europe's carbon market. This is set to sharpen the 27-member bloc's tools for cutting down on emissions. EU members agreed to a deal to reform the carbon market to cut the emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2030 which is designed to deliver the EU's emissions-cutting targets.

EU green flags biggest revamp of Europe's carbon market | WION Climate Tracker

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