Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

WION Speed News: Russia acknowledges China's proposal | Russia slams EU sanctions package

In a move to shift towards a greener future, the European parliament gave its final approval to a ban on new sales of carbon-emitting petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

Are some EU Nations against ban on fossil fuel cars?

On Monday, the leaders of Britain and the European Union will meet in London to finalise a fresh agreement to address the trade disruption and political unrest brought on by Brexit in Northern Ireland.

UK PM Sunak to meet EU chief for NI talks

Electric car maker Tesla is now reworking on its manufacturing plans, in latest, Tesla has passed plans to produce entire batteries in Brandenburg plant in Germany, it will instead carry out some manufacturing in US, where tax incentives are more favourable.

Tesla scales back German battery plans, changes EU manufacturing plan | World Business News

Even after an year, the canvas of the Russia- Ukraine war is expanding dangerously. European Unions Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto and Ukranian Envoy Ivan Konovalov speaks to WION over Russia-Ukraine War.

EU Ambassador & Ukraine top diplomat speak to Wion on 1-year of Russia-Ukraine conflict

Foreign Ministers of European Union nations meet in Brussels to discuss the war in Ukraine and a potential new sanctions package against Russia. EU Ministers pledge to provide Ukraine military support.

EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs meet in Brussels

A new study has warned that Europe's insatiable appetite for frog legs could drive the Amphibians to 'irreversible extinction'.

EU puts frogs at the risk of extinction

Putting a bleak picture of Afghanistan, European Union's special envoy Tomas Niklasson has said that "situation will only get worse" in the country even as he called on "Taliban to think carefully about the consequences their decision is having on the people of Afghanistan". His comments come even as reports emerged of foreign embassies in Kabul removing its diplomats from the country amid security concerns. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, Niklasson explained, "already harbor quite a number of Jihadis or militant organizations. That is also clear from my conversations here in India, that remains the primary concern of India and many of its Neighbours". He acknowledged India's positive impact on the country over the decades and the strong links between the two nations. The also spoke on going Taliban-Islamabad issues over terror attacks in Pakistan, role of Russia, China etc.

In Delhi, EU Special Envoy says, Afghanistan situation will only get worse

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made some strong points as he addressed the European Union leaders and the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday (February 9). Zelensky said that&nbsp;Europe wouldn't be free without a free Ukraine as he urged allies to accelerate the promised delivery of modern long-range weapons.

The Ukrainian president is on a rare visit, only his second foreign trip since Russia's full-scale invasion started last year in February, causing food and fuel crises globally.&nbsp;

Zelensky was in London on Wednesday where he met United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and British monarch King Charles III and also addressed the nation's parliament. After that, he went to Paris.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president lobbied the allies in Europe to provide modern fighter jets and long-range missiles. Zelensky then flew to Brussels to address EU leaders and the European parliament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-prevents-ukraine-from-using-starlink-internet-for-controlling-drones-560371">SpaceX prevents Ukraine from using Starlink internet for controlling drones</a>&nbsp;

Zelensky told MEPs, "We are defending against the most anti-European force of the modern world -- we are defending ourselves, we Ukrainians on the battlefield, along with you."&nbsp;

Zelensky received a standing ovation during the parliamentary address and after that, he joined the 27 leaders of the EU member states as the special guest at their regular summit, where he made an opening address.&nbsp;

"I have to thank you personally for your unwavering support of our country and our aspirations, our aspirations to live in a united, free Europe," he told them.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia: US should pay compensation to countries affected&nbsp;

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He again said that Ukraine needs artillery, munitions, modern tanks, long-range missiles and fighter jets "faster than the aggressor" can prepare what he said would be a dangerous new offensive.&nbsp;

Zelensky said after the meeting that "there are positive signals, concerning the respective weapons. I really want these signals to move to concrete sounds to concrete voice, the voice that is not afraid that Russia will hear."&nbsp;

<h2 data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="EU's Michel: We need to provide maximum support for Ukraine">'Provide maximum support for Ukraine'&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel told reporters that the EU must continue to provide maximum support to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Michel said during a joint press conference with Zelensky and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: "We consider that the coming weeks and months will probably be decisive... It’s not the time to tremble. It’s time to remain rational and time to deploy maximum support."&nbsp;

<h2>'Ukraine should become an EU member'</h2>

Zelensky said&nbsp;Ukraine should become an EU member, arguing the bloc wouldn't be whole without his country being its integral part.&nbsp;

But Michel told Zelensky that he would first need to have all member states agree to it when he told the news conference that "when I say this year I mean this year, 2023".&nbsp;

Michel stressed that "the road to peace, reconstruction and membership will be a long, hard road," before adding: "We'll be with you every step of the way."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made some strong points as he addressed the European Union leaders and the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday (February 9).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made some strong points as he addressed the European Union leaders and the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday (February 9). Zelensky said that Europe wouldn't be free without a free Ukraine as he urged allies to accelerate the promised delivery of modern long-range weapons. The Ukrainian president is on a rare visit, only his second foreign trip since Russia's full-scale invasion started last year in February, causing food and fuel crises globally. Zelensky was in London on Wednesday where he met United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and British monarch King Charles III and also addressed the nation's parliament. After that, he went to Paris. The Ukrainian president lobbied the allies in Europe to provide modern fighter jets and long-range missiles. Zelensky then flew to Brussels to address EU leaders and the European parliament. ALSO READ | SpaceX prevents Ukraine from using Starlink internet for controlling drones Zelensky told MEPs, "We are defending against the most anti-European force of the modern world -- we are defending ourselves, we Ukrainians on the battlefield, along with you." Zelensky received a standing ovation during the parliamentary address and after that, he joined the 27 leaders of the EU member states as the special guest at their regular summit, where he made an opening address. "I have to thank you personally for your unwavering support of our country and our aspirations, our aspirations to live in a united, free Europe," he told them. WATCH | Russia: US should pay compensation to countries affected × He again said that Ukraine needs artillery, munitions, modern tanks, long-range missiles and fighter jets "faster than the aggressor" can prepare what he said would be a dangerous new offensive. Zelensky said after the meeting that "there are positive signals, concerning the respective weapons. I really want these signals to move to concrete sounds to concrete voice, the voice that is not afraid that Russia will hear." 'Provide maximum support for Ukraine' Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel told reporters that the EU must continue to provide maximum support to Ukraine. Michel said during a joint press conference with Zelensky and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: "We consider that the coming weeks and months will probably be decisive... It’s not the time to tremble. It’s time to remain rational and time to deploy maximum support." 'Ukraine should become an EU member' Zelensky said Ukraine should become an EU member, arguing the bloc wouldn't be whole without his country being its integral part. But Michel told Zelensky that he would first need to have all member states agree to it when he told the news conference that "when I say this year I mean this year, 2023". Michel stressed that "the road to peace, reconstruction and membership will be a long, hard road," before adding: "We'll be with you every step of the way." (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.

There's no free Europe without free Ukraine, says Zelensky at EU summit

Finance Ministers of France and Germany have kicked off high-stakes talks with U.S. officials to underscore Europe's concerns over U.S. President Joe Biden's ambitious climate action plan. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the impact of the inflation reduction act on European industry. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

EU ministers tackle green subsidies with US |  WION Climate Tracker

The shortage of antibiotics in Europe made headlines late last year, with most manufacturers citing supply-chain issues and a rise in demand across the continent for medicines. However, a report by Reuters published on Wednesday (February 8), suggests that their problems might not be over just yet. The news agency spoke to 13 European manufacturers and six generic drug industry associations and trade groups and noted that many firms are struggling to make enough money to continue to justify making antibiotics.&nbsp;

What has happened so far?

In December, pharmacies across the United Kingdom and France reported they are running out of key antibiotics which came amid a surge of post-Covid winter infections like strep throat. Some of these medicines included amoxicillin (used to treat a number of respiratory infections) as well as the common painkiller paracetamol.&nbsp;

However, even at the time, the phenomenon was not unheard of as a similar situation took place during the COVID-19 pandemic while the recent one was also attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and supply chain issues. Additionally, it was also attributed to the fact that India and China produced at least 60 to 80 per cent of the world’s active pharmaceutical ingredients and with this kind of market concentration comes risks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctors-show-concern-as-countries-across-europe-face-shortages-of-antibiotics-542094">Doctors show concern as countries across Europe face shortages of antibiotics</a>

As China was still facing Covid-related restrictions, even though they were later dropped, to some extent it delayed the European procurement of ingredients, packaging and other components needed to manufacture medicines. Additionally, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, Europe also faced a spike in energy costs which made energy-intensive production difficult to maintain.&nbsp;

According to a survey of 29 European countries including the EU members and Turkiye, Kosovo, Norway and North Macedonia, reported a shortage of some 600 medicines while 20 per cent reported a shortage of at least 200-300 drugs, as per Politico. Additionally, the survey conducted between mid-November and December 31, last year, also showed that three-quarters of those countries that responded witnessed worse shortages this winter when compared to 2021’s winter.&nbsp;

EMA decides antibiotic shortage not a “major event”

Since the beginning of the year, many reports regarding the antibiotic shortage in Europe continue to emerge as seasonal infections saw a surge after all COVID-19 restrictions ended and people went back to their daily lives. Experts attributed this rise in seasonal infections to our weaker immune systems not used to the germs we encounter in day-to-day life. This surge of infections also caught drugmakers off guard who were also largely unprepared for the rise in demand.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antibiotics-shortage-is-getting-scary-is-it-really-significant-know-everything-about-it-542341">Antibiotics shortage is getting scary, is it really significant? Know everything about it</a>

On January 26, the drug regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA) termed the antibiotic shortage on the continent not a “major event”. However, if the situation was to be categorised it would allow EMA to coordinate action with countries across Europe as well as increase the reporting obligations of manufacturers. Notably, the drug regulatory body’s decision accounted for shortages of certain widely used antibiotics, including amoxicillin.&nbsp;

The EMA did acknowledge that nearly all European countries are currently witnessing antibiotic shortages. Furthermore, reports suggest that drugmakers also cut output when the demand decreased at the height of the Covid pandemic. Prior to the release of the statement by EMA, a group of patient and consumer groups wrote to the regulatory body and said there was not enough action being taken to tackle the shortages.&nbsp;

Additionally, they also noted, the use of alternative antibiotics was affecting the supplies of other medicines and called for the EMA to declare the situation as a “major event”. They also acknowledged that although it would not solve the crisis immediately it would at least offer some regulator visibility into the extent to which the antibiotics shortage is affecting different countries across the continent, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

What are the drug manufacturers saying about the shortage this time around?

According to a report by Reuters, drug manufacturers are reluctant to increase production with prices of generics regulated at a time when the conflict in Ukraine has led to an increase in the cost of virtually everything including components like energy to run the factories, cardboard for packaging and even aluminium for bottle caps.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-hit-by-shortage-of-antibiotics-doctors-and-officials-express-concern-542051">Europe hit by shortage of antibiotics; doctors and officials express concern</a>

“We cannot keep this capped pricing when all of our production, logistics and regulatory compliance costs are increasing at double digits or more”, said the director general of lobby group Medicines for Europe, Adrian van den Hoven to Reuters. The group represents makers of generic drugs in the region and this reluctance suggests that the issue of antibiotic shortages is not going to be tackled any time soon or even worsen.&nbsp;

How is the cost of generic medicine decided?

According to Medicines for Europe, generic medicines account for nearly 70 per cent of all dispensed medicines in the continent but only 29 per cent of the money is spent on drugs by national health agencies. Prior to launching tenders, many European governments compare the price of generic medicines to other markets in the region or similar ones within the country which then becomes the reference price and also serves as a benchmark for negotiations with suppliers, as per Reuters. Therefore, the contract typically goes to those who offer the lowest price which, according to the drugmakers, puts pressure on prices in tenders that come after.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-uk-reports-shortage-in-supply-of-antibiotics-doctors-to-recommend-shorter-courses-542105">Europe: UK reports shortage in supply of antibiotics; doctors to recommend shorter courses</a>

Reportedly, over the past decade or so, this has led many European companies to either cut output or move the manufacturing of this type of medicine and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) out of the continent. This includes countries like India and China where the costs are much lower and where the production is now concentrated.&nbsp;

The European generic medicine makers have attributed this tender system and regulated prices to their downfall while also saying that they are being undercut by suppliers from Asia. Therefore, industry experts have called for an overhaul of pricing schemes which could encourage production in Europe to both avoid future shortages and reduce dependency on Asian countries for essential medicines, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The shortage of antibiotics in Europe made headlines late last year, with most manufacturers citing supply-chain issues and a rise in demand across the continent for medicines.

The shortage of antibiotics in Europe made headlines late last year, with most manufacturers citing supply-chain issues and a rise in demand across the continent for medicines. However, a report by Reuters published on Wednesday (February 8), suggests that their problems might not be over just yet. The news agency spoke to 13 European manufacturers and six generic drug industry associations and trade groups and noted that many firms are struggling to make enough money to continue to justify making antibiotics. What has happened so far? In December, pharmacies across the United Kingdom and France reported they are running out of key antibiotics which came amid a surge of post-Covid winter infections like strep throat. Some of these medicines included amoxicillin (used to treat a number of respiratory infections) as well as the common painkiller paracetamol. However, even at the time, the phenomenon was not unheard of as a similar situation took place during the COVID-19 pandemic while the recent one was also attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and supply chain issues. Additionally, it was also attributed to the fact that India and China produced at least 60 to 80 per cent of the world’s active pharmaceutical ingredients and with this kind of market concentration comes risks. ALSO READ | Doctors show concern as countries across Europe face shortages of antibiotics As China was still facing Covid-related restrictions, even though they were later dropped, to some extent it delayed the European procurement of ingredients, packaging and other components needed to manufacture medicines. Additionally, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, Europe also faced a spike in energy costs which made energy-intensive production difficult to maintain. According to a survey of 29 European countries including the EU members and Turkiye, Kosovo, Norway and North Macedonia, reported a shortage of some 600 medicines while 20 per cent reported a shortage of at least 200-300 drugs, as per Politico. Additionally, the survey conducted between mid-November and December 31, last year, also showed that three-quarters of those countries that responded witnessed worse shortages this winter when compared to 2021’s winter. EMA decides antibiotic shortage not a “major event” Since the beginning of the year, many reports regarding the antibiotic shortage in Europe continue to emerge as seasonal infections saw a surge after all COVID-19 restrictions ended and people went back to their daily lives. Experts attributed this rise in seasonal infections to our weaker immune systems not used to the germs we encounter in day-to-day life. This surge of infections also caught drugmakers off guard who were also largely unprepared for the rise in demand. ALSO READ | Antibiotics shortage is getting scary, is it really significant? Know everything about it On January 26, the drug regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA) termed the antibiotic shortage on the continent not a “major event”. However, if the situation was to be categorised it would allow EMA to coordinate action with countries across Europe as well as increase the reporting obligations of manufacturers. Notably, the drug regulatory body’s decision accounted for shortages of certain widely used antibiotics, including amoxicillin. The EMA did acknowledge that nearly all European countries are currently witnessing antibiotic shortages. Furthermore, reports suggest that drugmakers also cut output when the demand decreased at the height of the Covid pandemic. Prior to the release of the statement by EMA, a group of patient and consumer groups wrote to the regulatory body and said there was not enough action being taken to tackle the shortages. Additionally, they also noted, the use of alternative antibiotics was affecting the supplies of other medicines and called for the EMA to declare the situation as a “major event”. They also acknowledged that although it would not solve the crisis immediately it would at least offer some regulator visibility into the extent to which the antibiotics shortage is affecting different countries across the continent, reported Reuters. What are the drug manufacturers saying about the shortage this time around? According to a report by Reuters, drug manufacturers are reluctant to increase production with prices of generics regulated at a time when the conflict in Ukraine has led to an increase in the cost of virtually everything including components like energy to run the factories, cardboard for packaging and even aluminium for bottle caps. ALSO WATCH | Europe hit by shortage of antibiotics; doctors and officials express concern “We cannot keep this capped pricing when all of our production, logistics and regulatory compliance costs are increasing at double digits or more”, said the director general of lobby group Medicines for Europe, Adrian van den Hoven to Reuters. The group represents makers of generic drugs in the region and this reluctance suggests that the issue of antibiotic shortages is not going to be tackled any time soon or even worsen. How is the cost of generic medicine decided? According to Medicines for Europe, generic medicines account for nearly 70 per cent of all dispensed medicines in the continent but only 29 per cent of the money is spent on drugs by national health agencies. Prior to launching tenders, many European governments compare the price of generic medicines to other markets in the region or similar ones within the country which then becomes the reference price and also serves as a benchmark for negotiations with suppliers, as per Reuters. Therefore, the contract typically goes to those who offer the lowest price which, according to the drugmakers, puts pressure on prices in tenders that come after. ALSO WATCH | Europe: UK reports shortage in supply of antibiotics; doctors to recommend shorter courses Reportedly, over the past decade or so, this has led many European companies to either cut output or move the manufacturing of this type of medicine and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) out of the continent. This includes countries like India and China where the costs are much lower and where the production is now concentrated. The European generic medicine makers have attributed this tender system and regulated prices to their downfall while also saying that they are being undercut by suppliers from Asia. Therefore, industry experts have called for an overhaul of pricing schemes which could encourage production in Europe to both avoid future shortages and reduce dependency on Asian countries for essential medicines, reported Reuters. (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: Is Europe’s antibiotic shortage going to get worse? Here’s what we know

European Union member states along with G7 countries and Australia have reached an agreement on the price caps for Russian Petroleum products. The move is the latest part of a push to limit Russian President Vladimir Putin's war chest.

EU, G7 and Australia announces price cap; Russia lashes out at EU over price cap | World News | WION

EU and the US, talking alongside Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and told them don't treat EU worse than Mexico and Canada over subsidies.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz say, 'We don't want global subsidy race'

US-EU subsidy spat: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's stern message to US | World News | WION

Washington is facing some backlash from its European allies - European Union, Britain and others on settled by parts of a US law. The multi-billion dollar company inflation reduction act, subsidies and tax cuts for US purchases of electric vehicle if they 'buy American'.

U.S.-EU spat over America's Inflation Reduction Act

After a request from Belgian authorities, the European Union's Parliament on Thursday voted unanimously and removed the protective immunity of two lawmakers who were linked to one of the biggest ever corruption scandals.

Qatargate Scandal: Four MEPs under Belgian official's radar

The European Union and Iran have been locked in a war of words and after a lot of back and forth, it seems like the European Union is choosing the easier part.

Iran: New wave of sanctions against the country's human rights violation

European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss another military aid of $545 million. The European Union's foreign policy chief hopes that the ministers will approve the military aid.

EU minister to discuss $545 million Ukraine aid

The European Union can’t declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—which has been clamping down on Mahasa Amini death protesters—a terrorist entity until the directive comes from a court of the EU member, its foreign policy&nbsp;chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

He made his remarks in response to a joint call by the European Parliament last week asking the EU Council to declare IRGC a terrorist organisation, accusing them of supplying drones to Russia and for the crackdown on anti-regime agitators.

"It is something that cannot be decided without a court, a court decision first. You cannot say I consider you a terrorist because I don't like you," Josep Borrell told reporters before a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

He added that the court of an EU member had to issue a concrete legal condemnation before the EU itself could act.

"It is something that cannot be decided without a court, a court decision first. You cannot say I consider you a terrorist because I don't like you," Borrell told reporters ahead of the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, reports Reuters news agency.

<h2>Iran: Massive security buildup in Zahedan worries protesters of another crackdown</h2>

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He, however, said that sanctions against individual Iranians could be considered by the council.

On Saturday, the IRGC warned the EU against committing any such “mistake” and told them to prepare for consequences if they move forward with the proposal.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday warned the European Union against making a “mistake” by listing it as a terror group, after the bloc’s parliament called for the measure.

“If the Europeans make a mistake, they must accept the consequences,” IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami said, according to the Guards’ Sepah News website.

The European Union “thinks that with such statements it can shake this huge army,” Salami said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union can’t declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—which has been clamping down on Mahasa Amini death protesters—a terrorist entity until the directive comes from a court of the EU member, its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

The European Union can’t declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—which has been clamping down on Mahasa Amini death protesters—a terrorist entity until the directive comes from a court of the EU member, its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday. He made his remarks in response to a joint call by the European Parliament last week asking the EU Council to declare IRGC a terrorist organisation, accusing them of supplying drones to Russia and for the crackdown on anti-regime agitators. "It is something that cannot be decided without a court, a court decision first. You cannot say I consider you a terrorist because I don't like you," Josep Borrell told reporters before a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. He added that the court of an EU member had to issue a concrete legal condemnation before the EU itself could act. "It is something that cannot be decided without a court, a court decision first. You cannot say I consider you a terrorist because I don't like you," Borrell told reporters ahead of the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, reports Reuters news agency. Iran: Massive security buildup in Zahedan worries protesters of another crackdown He, however, said that sanctions against individual Iranians could be considered by the council. On Saturday, the IRGC warned the EU against committing any such “mistake” and told them to prepare for consequences if they move forward with the proposal. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday warned the European Union against making a “mistake” by listing it as a terror group, after the bloc’s parliament called for the measure. “If the Europeans make a mistake, they must accept the consequences,” IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami said, according to the Guards’ Sepah News website. The European Union “thinks that with such statements it can shake this huge army,” Salami said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EU can’t declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, says foreign policy chief Borrell

Days after the European Parliament approved a resolution calling on the Block to consider a terrorist designation for Iran's Islamic revolutionary guard Corps, Tehran says it is planning to designate the Armed Forces of the EU States as terrorists.

Iran Prez Raisi: We will take 'reciprocal' measures against European Union

The European parliament president Roberta Metsola has disclosed a list of 142 gifts. Is this a desperate attempt to regain credibility after the Qatar graft scandal?

Gravitas: EU parliament head's gift haul

Key suspect in the EU Qatargate corruption scandal, Pier Antonio Panzeri has cut a deal with the Belgian authorities and has agreed to share details of an alleged cash flow influence scheme in exchange of a reduced sentence.

EU Qatargate Scandal: Pier Antonio Panzeri admits guilt, signs repentance agreement | WION

EU Qatargate Scandal: Pier Antonio Panzeri admits guilt, signs repentance agreement

EU Parliament chief vows to review laws and trips in search for undue influence. EU tightens probe into cash-for-favours scandal. Watch further to know more.

Probe widens into EU Corruption Scandal, immunity reviewed of 2 MEPs

European Parliament seems to be haunted by endless scandals including high-profile members. After the corruption scandal last year involving its former Vice President Eva Kaili, her partner and other two members, this time the person in focus is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Scandals haunt European Parliament, President of European Commission under radar

According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”. Additionally, last year was the fifth-warmest year for the planet since records began in the 19th century while also Europe witnessed its warmest summer in 2022 and the second warmest year overall, said the report.&nbsp;

Scientists have attributed this average rise in temperatures throughout the year in 2022 to an unprecedented number of natural disasters which brought record heat waves across Europe, India and Pakistan, followed by Islamabad facing deadly floods, and a near-record low amount of Antarctic sea ice. “2022 was yet another year of climate extremes across Europe and globally,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-faces-climate-change-heat-with-warm-winters-549184">Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records</a>

She added, “These events highlight that we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of our warming world.” The temperatures in Europe have increased by more than twice the global average over the past three decades marked by the highest rate of increase than any other continent in the world, the report noted.&nbsp;

The annual average temperature reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, marking the eighth consecutive time that the temperatures were at least one degree above the 1850-1900 reference period, said the report. In this context, the report also mentions the La Niña phenomenon, which has been witnessed consecutively for the past three years as it typically leads to cooler global average temperatures. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-counting-the-cost-of-climate-change-in-2022-547114">WION Climate Tracker: Counting the cost of climate change in 2022</a>

This comes after most countries had agreed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement of 2015, at the time scientists had said it would limit climate impacts to manageable levels. The limit was also identified as a key threshold, the breach of which could lead to a significant rise in extreme weather events and make irreversible changes to the planet.&nbsp;

According to Copernicus, the hottest years on record starting from the warmest one seven years ago, have been 2016, 2020, 2019, 2017, and 2022. The negative effects of global warming were seen across the world last year, as China and western Europe reported the adverse effects of weather conditions on their agriculture, energy management, and river transport.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merciless-weather-owed-to-climate-change-thrashed-the-world-in-2022-540733">Merciless weather owed to climate change thrashed the world in 2022</a>

For the first time in over six decades, the temperature recorded at Antarctica’s Vostok Station in March 2022 did not have a negative reading which is typically measured in Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, northern India and Pakistan witnessed a two-month heatwave in spring with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, said the report. European countries like France, Britain, Spain and Italy, recorded new average high-temperature records last year while the continent faced its second hottest year ever.&nbsp;

The EU climate monitoring service also highlighted the rise in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and methane which are said to be the two main greenhouse gases which significantly contribute to global warming. According to the report, carbon dioxide levels increased to 417 parts per million, the highest in over two million years and methane rose to 1,894 parts per billion which was the highest level in the past 800,000 years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-induced-climate-change-made-summer-drought-at-least-20-times-more-likely-study-finds-523077">Human-induced climate change made summer drought ‘at least 20 times’ more likely, study finds</a>

A report by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released on Tuesday, noted how the country witnessed 18 disasters last year which cost more than $1 billion. To put this into perspective, the number was the highest since 1980 and the agency expects to see similar patterns in the upcoming year.&nbsp;

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According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”.

According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”. Additionally, last year was the fifth-warmest year for the planet since records began in the 19th century while also Europe witnessed its warmest summer in 2022 and the second warmest year overall, said the report. Scientists have attributed this average rise in temperatures throughout the year in 2022 to an unprecedented number of natural disasters which brought record heat waves across Europe, India and Pakistan, followed by Islamabad facing deadly floods, and a near-record low amount of Antarctic sea ice. “2022 was yet another year of climate extremes across Europe and globally,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. ALSO READ | Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records She added, “These events highlight that we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of our warming world.” The temperatures in Europe have increased by more than twice the global average over the past three decades marked by the highest rate of increase than any other continent in the world, the report noted. The annual average temperature reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, marking the eighth consecutive time that the temperatures were at least one degree above the 1850-1900 reference period, said the report. In this context, the report also mentions the La Niña phenomenon, which has been witnessed consecutively for the past three years as it typically leads to cooler global average temperatures. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Counting the cost of climate change in 2022 This comes after most countries had agreed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement of 2015, at the time scientists had said it would limit climate impacts to manageable levels. The limit was also identified as a key threshold, the breach of which could lead to a significant rise in extreme weather events and make irreversible changes to the planet. According to Copernicus, the hottest years on record starting from the warmest one seven years ago, have been 2016, 2020, 2019, 2017, and 2022. The negative effects of global warming were seen across the world last year, as China and western Europe reported the adverse effects of weather conditions on their agriculture, energy management, and river transport. ALSO READ | Merciless weather owed to climate change thrashed the world in 2022 For the first time in over six decades, the temperature recorded at Antarctica’s Vostok Station in March 2022 did not have a negative reading which is typically measured in Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, northern India and Pakistan witnessed a two-month heatwave in spring with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, said the report. European countries like France, Britain, Spain and Italy, recorded new average high-temperature records last year while the continent faced its second hottest year ever. The EU climate monitoring service also highlighted the rise in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and methane which are said to be the two main greenhouse gases which significantly contribute to global warming. According to the report, carbon dioxide levels increased to 417 parts per million, the highest in over two million years and methane rose to 1,894 parts per billion which was the highest level in the past 800,000 years. ALSO READ | Human-induced climate change made summer drought ‘at least 20 times’ more likely, study finds A report by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released on Tuesday, noted how the country witnessed 18 disasters last year which cost more than $1 billion. To put this into perspective, the number was the highest since 1980 and the agency expects to see similar patterns in the upcoming year. 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.

Last eight years have been the warmest on record across the world: Report

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met EU Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič to discuss the issues of Northern Ireland following the Post-Brexit Trade Agreement. The UK agreed on sharing live data with European Union on trade with Northern Ireland

European Union and UK discuss Northern Ireland Post-Brexit trading problems

After becoming the largest customer in the global liquefied natural gas market in 2022, the European Union's Imports for LNG are rapidly increasing this in order to replace dwindling Russian Pipeline gas supplies before 2022.

EU expands LNG imports to replace Russian gas supplies

US social media giant Meta has been hit with 412 million dollars worth of fines for breaching European Union's personal data laws. The company has been asked to bring its data processing operations into compliance within three months.

Meta fined $412 mn for EU data breaches; Europe's data rules violated, says Irish regulator

U.S. social media giant Meta has been hit with more than 400 million dollars worth of fines for breaching the European Union's personal data loss. The company has been asked to bring its data processing operations into compliance within 3 months.

Meta fined more than $400 million over European Union data breaches

Regulators in the 27-nation bloc of the European Union fined Facebook parent firm Meta hundreds of millions of euros for privacy breaches on Wednesday and banned the company from persuading users to accept tailored advertisements based on their online behaviour.

In two incidents that might upend Meta's business model of targeting people with adverts based on what they do online, Ireland's Data Protection Commission levied two fines totalling 390 million euros ($414 million). The business claims to be appealing.

The European Union has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, which have put pressure on Meta and other big tech corporations. Four further penalties totaling more than 900 million euros have already been levied against Meta by Irish regulators for data privacy violations since 2021, and several other lawsuits against other Silicon Valley businesses are still pending.

The EU antitrust regulators in Brussels who are stretching their muscles against digital companies are another regulatory worry for Meta: They charged the business with manipulating the classified ad market last month.

This month's end is when the third case regarding Meta's WhatsApp messaging service is anticipated to be resolved.

The Irish watchdog, which serves as Meta's lead European data privacy regulator due to the fact that its regional headquarters is in Dublin, fined the company 210 million euros for violating Facebook's EU data privacy rules and an additional 180 million euros for violating Instagram's EU data privacy rules.

The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, the privacy regulations adopted by the 27-nation bloc in May 2018, is what led to the judgement.

Prior to this, Meta relied on users' informed consent to handle their personal data in order to deliver tailored or behavioural adverts to them that are based on their internet searches, the websites they visit, or the videos they watch.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Regulators in the 27-nation bloc of the European Union fined Facebook parent firm Meta hundreds of millions of euros for privacy breaches on Wednesday and banned the company from persuading users to accept tailored advertisements based on their online behaviour.

Regulators in the 27-nation bloc of the European Union fined Facebook parent firm Meta hundreds of millions of euros for privacy breaches on Wednesday and banned the company from persuading users to accept tailored advertisements based on their online behaviour. In two incidents that might upend Meta's business model of targeting people with adverts based on what they do online, Ireland's Data Protection Commission levied two fines totalling 390 million euros ($414 million). The business claims to be appealing. The European Union has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, which have put pressure on Meta and other big tech corporations. Four further penalties totaling more than 900 million euros have already been levied against Meta by Irish regulators for data privacy violations since 2021, and several other lawsuits against other Silicon Valley businesses are still pending. The EU antitrust regulators in Brussels who are stretching their muscles against digital companies are another regulatory worry for Meta: They charged the business with manipulating the classified ad market last month. This month's end is when the third case regarding Meta's WhatsApp messaging service is anticipated to be resolved. The Irish watchdog, which serves as Meta's lead European data privacy regulator due to the fact that its regional headquarters is in Dublin, fined the company 210 million euros for violating Facebook's EU data privacy rules and an additional 180 million euros for violating Instagram's EU data privacy rules. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, the privacy regulations adopted by the 27-nation bloc in May 2018, is what led to the judgement. Prior to this, Meta relied on users' informed consent to handle their personal data in order to deliver tailored or behavioural adverts to them that are based on their internet searches, the websites they visit, or the videos they watch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta hit with US$413 million fine over EU privacy breach

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