Germany's government will not agree to European Union plans to effectively ban the sale of new cars with combustion engines from 2035, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said.

Germany rejects EU plan to ban new fossil-fuel cars from 2035

Kaliningrad – a Russian region between two European Union nations Poland and Lithuania – has been caught in a row between Russia and Lithuania. How does the row affect the Russian region?

Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania?

Ukraine is inching closer to its European Union dream as the bloc ministers backed its membership bid ahead of the summit in Brussels tomorrow. The European union minister supported the decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine.

EU backs decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine

Georgians 'March for Europe' in thousands to show support for EU bid

Ukraine has received candidate status to join the EU as it moves one step closer to joining amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, full membership still to take years.

Ukraine moves one step closer to joining the EU but full membership still to take years

EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen has recommended candidate status for Ukraine. What is the next step in Ukraine's proposed accession to the EU? Will EU membership make a difference in the war? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: EU chief recommends candidate status for Ukraine

European Commission has recommended that Ukraine should be granted European Union candidate status, a first step towards the membership for the war-torn country.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Top EU leaders back Kyiv membership bid

Leaders of four European nations are in Ukraine. Talks over Ukraine's EU membership will be held today. Germany, France, Italy and Romania are backing Kyiv.

Is Ukraine inching towards its European Union dream? Talks over Ukraine's EU membership today

European leaders have travelled to Kyiv. They pledged their support to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's EU bid has remained in focus.

European leaders travel to Kyiv as they pledge their support amid the ongoing Russian invasion

EU is stepping up its fight against the spread of disinformation on social media. Now, companies would have to be more vigilant about harmful content on their platforms and they would be held responsible for the societal effects of their content

EU innovates rule to stop misinformation, companies to sign digital services act

Amid a raging war between Russia and Ukraine, the European Union has signed gas deal with Israel and Egypt as the bloc claims that it has been blackmailed by Moscow for its gas supplies after siding with Kyiv.

EU signs gas deal with Israel, Egypt to reduce dependency on Russia

Toshiba, Sony and Samsung Electronics on Thursday lost their court fight against an EU cartel fine levied seven years ago for colluding in procurement tenders for optical disc drives.

The European Commission in 2015 fined five companies 116 million euros ($120.5 million), with the biggest fine of 41.3 million euros going to&nbsp;Toshiba&nbsp;Samsung Storage Technology, a joint venture of&nbsp;Toshiba&nbsp;and Samsung Electronics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-court-annuls-qualcomms-billion-euro-antitrust-fine-488650">European Union court annuls Qualcomm's billion-euro antitrust fine</a>

Hitachi-LG Data Storage was fined 37 million euros. Other sanctioned companies were Sony, Sony Optiarc which is a joint venture between Sony and NEC, and Quanta Storage. Philips avoided a fine as it alerted the cartel to the European Union&nbsp;competition enforcer.

The Commission said the collusion concerned optical disk drives for laptops and desktops produced by Dell and Hewlett Packard.

The General Court in 2019 agreed with the Commission's finding of a cartel and threw out the companies' challenge.

Watch |&nbsp;'Want to reduce dependence on Russia,' European Union turns to Israel for gas supply

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Sony, Sony Optiarc,&nbsp;Toshiba&nbsp;Samsung Storage Technology and Quanta Storage subsequently appealed to the European Union Court of Justice (CJEU), Europe's highest.

The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU), Europe's top court, backed the EU penalties.

"None of the elements relied on by the participants in the cartel, nor any ground of public policy, justifies it (CJEU)&nbsp;making use of its unlimited jurisdiction to reduce that amount," the CJEU said with regard to the fines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sony-to-build-space-lasers-with-new-satellite-services-unit-484639">Sony to build space lasers with new satellite services unit</a>

Judges however partially annulled some of the EU competition enforcer's decision.

"The Commission failed to satisfy its obligation to state reasons by finding that, in addition to their participation in a single and continuous infringement, the undertakings concerned also participated in several separate infringements," they said.

($1 = 0.9626 euros)

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Toshiba, Sony and Samsung Electronics on Thursday lost their court fight against an EU cartel fine levied seven years ago for colluding in procurement tenders for optical disc drives.

Toshiba, Sony and Samsung Electronics on Thursday lost their court fight against an EU cartel fine levied seven years ago for colluding in procurement tenders for optical disc drives. The European Commission in 2015 fined five companies 116 million euros ($120.5 million), with the biggest fine of 41.3 million euros going to Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology, a joint venture of Toshiba and Samsung Electronics. Also read | European Union court annuls Qualcomm's billion-euro antitrust fine Hitachi-LG Data Storage was fined 37 million euros. Other sanctioned companies were Sony, Sony Optiarc which is a joint venture between Sony and NEC, and Quanta Storage. Philips avoided a fine as it alerted the cartel to the European Union competition enforcer. The Commission said the collusion concerned optical disk drives for laptops and desktops produced by Dell and Hewlett Packard. The General Court in 2019 agreed with the Commission's finding of a cartel and threw out the companies' challenge. Watch | 'Want to reduce dependence on Russia,' European Union turns to Israel for gas supply Sony, Sony Optiarc, Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology and Quanta Storage subsequently appealed to the European Union Court of Justice (CJEU), Europe's highest. The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU), Europe's top court, backed the EU penalties. "None of the elements relied on by the participants in the cartel, nor any ground of public policy, justifies it (CJEU) making use of its unlimited jurisdiction to reduce that amount," the CJEU said with regard to the fines. Also read | Sony to build space lasers with new satellite services unit Judges however partially annulled some of the EU competition enforcer's decision. "The Commission failed to satisfy its obligation to state reasons by finding that, in addition to their participation in a single and continuous infringement, the undertakings concerned also participated in several separate infringements," they said. ($1 = 0.9626 euros) 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.

Toshiba, Sony lose court fight against EU cartel fine

In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages.

The framework deal signed with the European Union (EU) will be the first to allow "significant" exports of Israeli gas to Europe, Israel's energy ministry said. Under the agreement, the EU will encourage European companies to participate in Israeli and Egyptian exploration tenders.

European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen says, “And indeed, we’re experiencing a war on European soil and therefore we are now in the process of completely diversifying our energy supplies away from Russian fossil fuels to other trustworthy suppliers, and you are these trustworthy suppliers.”

Some Israeli gas is already sent by pipeline to liquefaction plants on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, from where it is re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Officials say they expect shipments of LNG from Egypt to Europe to increase under the agreement, though they have said it would likely take a couple of years before the exports can be significantly expanded.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-bids-farewell-to-its-war-heroes-488400">&nbsp;In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes</a>

Ursula says, “And I see it as a first step leading to a Mediterranean-wide agreement because I see that the energy supplies from traditional are from the most Northern part now are shifting towards the global south because you have an abundance of natural resources. You have the sun, you have the wind, you have partially the hydropower, so these are the pre-audition resources that will feed the global clean energy of the future.” 
Egypt is also a gas producer, but its exports have been limited by rising domestic demand.

The agreement recognizes that natural gas will have a central role in the EU's energy market until 2030. Following that, the use of natural gas is expected to decline in line with its commitment to becoming a zero-emission economy by 2050.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages.

In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages. The framework deal signed with the European Union (EU) will be the first to allow "significant" exports of Israeli gas to Europe, Israel's energy ministry said. Under the agreement, the EU will encourage European companies to participate in Israeli and Egyptian exploration tenders. European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen says, “And indeed, we’re experiencing a war on European soil and therefore we are now in the process of completely diversifying our energy supplies away from Russian fossil fuels to other trustworthy suppliers, and you are these trustworthy suppliers.” Some Israeli gas is already sent by pipeline to liquefaction plants on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, from where it is re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Officials say they expect shipments of LNG from Egypt to Europe to increase under the agreement, though they have said it would likely take a couple of years before the exports can be significantly expanded. Also Read: In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes Ursula says, “And I see it as a first step leading to a Mediterranean-wide agreement because I see that the energy supplies from traditional are from the most Northern part now are shifting towards the global south because you have an abundance of natural resources. You have the sun, you have the wind, you have partially the hydropower, so these are the pre-audition resources that will feed the global clean energy of the future.” Egypt is also a gas producer, but its exports have been limited by rising domestic demand. The agreement recognizes that natural gas will have a central role in the EU's energy market until 2030. Following that, the use of natural gas is expected to decline in line with its commitment to becoming a zero-emission economy by 2050. (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.

Israel and Egypt sign MoU with EU to boost gas exports to Europe

European Union has launched new legal proceedings against the United Kingdom over its plans to scrap parts of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol. Boris Johnson's administration published plans earlier this week to make changes to the 2020 deal that it signed with the bloc.

EU launches legal proceedings against UK's plans to scrap post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol

Amid a raging war between Russia and Ukraine, the European Union is now turning towards Israel for its natural gas supply needs. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the Kremlin has used our dependency on Russian fossil fuels to blackmail us.

Russia-Ukraine war: Europe looks to West Asia for gas supplies

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is triggering shifts in the smuggling routes for illegal drugs to Europe, the EU drugs agency warned on Tuesday.

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) director Alexis Goosdeel said the war had already had a "direct impact" on one of the heroin trafficking routes out of Afghanistan that used to pass through Ukraine and other neighbouring nations.

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"Drug traffickers have no interest to continue to use this route", he told an online news conference, adding there were already signs of increased trafficking on the borders between Turkey and Bulgaria and Turkey and Greece.

Goosdeel said the conflict was also forcing smugglers using the Black Sea to opt for other routes as some ports were now out of reach. He said it was likely trafficking would increase through the Greek islands and the southern Mediterranean.

Watch |&nbsp;Canada to decriminalize possession of certain drugs

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In its annual report, the Lisbon-based EMCDDA also said many people who had suffered "severe psychological stress" during the conflict may become more vulnerable to substance misuse problems, and that health services in European countries, especially those bordering Ukraine, were likely to become more strained as drug users fleeing the conflict required support.

"Continuity of treatment, language services and the provision of accommodation and social welfare support are likely to be key requirements", it said, adding that even those who were not drug users were at risk.

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The agency also said the difficult financial situation in Afghanistan that has been under Taliban control since August could make drug revenues a more important source of income and lead to an increase in heroin trafficking to Europe.

It said that despite a ban on the production, sale and trafficking of illicit drugs, poppy cultivation appeared to continue in Afghanistan.

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine is triggering shifts in the smuggling routes for illegal drugs to Europe, the EU drugs agency warned on Tuesday. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) director Alexis Goosdeel said the war had already had a "direct impact" on one of the heroin trafficking routes out of Afghanistan that used to pass through Ukraine and other neighbouring nations.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is triggering shifts in the smuggling routes for illegal drugs to Europe, the EU drugs agency warned on Tuesday. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) director Alexis Goosdeel said the war had already had a "direct impact" on one of the heroin trafficking routes out of Afghanistan that used to pass through Ukraine and other neighbouring nations. Also read | US planning to bring new rules to cut nicotine level in cigarettes, announcement soon: Report "Drug traffickers have no interest to continue to use this route", he told an online news conference, adding there were already signs of increased trafficking on the borders between Turkey and Bulgaria and Turkey and Greece. Goosdeel said the conflict was also forcing smugglers using the Black Sea to opt for other routes as some ports were now out of reach. He said it was likely trafficking would increase through the Greek islands and the southern Mediterranean. Watch | Canada to decriminalize possession of certain drugs In its annual report, the Lisbon-based EMCDDA also said many people who had suffered "severe psychological stress" during the conflict may become more vulnerable to substance misuse problems, and that health services in European countries, especially those bordering Ukraine, were likely to become more strained as drug users fleeing the conflict required support. "Continuity of treatment, language services and the provision of accommodation and social welfare support are likely to be key requirements", it said, adding that even those who were not drug users were at risk. Also read | Thailand becomes first Asian country to legalise consumption of marijuana The agency also said the difficult financial situation in Afghanistan that has been under Taliban control since August could make drug revenues a more important source of income and lead to an increase in heroin trafficking to Europe. It said that despite a ban on the production, sale and trafficking of illicit drugs, poppy cultivation appeared to continue in Afghanistan. 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 war forces switch in drug trafficking routes, EU body warns

Amazon&nbsp;has offered to share marketplace data with sellers and boost the visibility of rival products on its platform, trying to persuade EU antitrust regulators to close their investigations without a fine by the end of the year, people familiar with the matter said.

The world's largest online retailer is hoping its concessions will stave off a potential European Union fine that could be as much as 10 per cent&nbsp;of its global turnover.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-to-pull-the-plug-on-kindle-in-china-amid-growing-coemption-harsh-data-privacy-rules-484631">Amazon to pull the plug on Kindle in China amid growing coemption, harsh data privacy rules</a>

The European Commission 2020 charged&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;with using its size, power and data to push its own products and gain an unfair advantage over rival merchants that sell on its online platform.

It also launched an investigation into&nbsp;Amazon's possible preferential treatment of its own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use its logistics and delivery services.

Watch |&nbsp;Amazon stocks plunge as it reports $3.8 billion quarterly loss

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Amazon's process for choosing which retailer appears in the "buy box" on its website and which generates the bulk of its sales also came under the spotlight.

Amazon&nbsp;has now proposed to allow sellers access to some marketplace data while its commercial arm will not be able to use seller data collected by its retail unit, the people said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/employee-sues-amazon-after-being-fired-for-contracting-long-covid-and-asked-to-repay-12273-476148">Employee sues Amazon after being fired for contracting 'long Covid' and asked to repay $12,273</a>

The company will also create a second buy box for rival products in the event an&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;product appears in the first buy box, the people said.

The EU competition enforcer is expected to seek feedback from rivals and users in the coming weeks, which could lead to tweaks in the proposal and a final decision by the end of the year, the people said.

The Commission and&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;declined to comment.

The company had previously said it disagreed with the watchdog's assertions and that it represents less than 1 per cent&nbsp;of the global retail market.

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Amazon has offered to share marketplace data with sellers and boost the visibility of rival products on its platform, trying to persuade EU antitrust regulators to close their investigations without a fine by the end of the year, people familiar with the matter said.

Amazon has offered to share marketplace data with sellers and boost the visibility of rival products on its platform, trying to persuade EU antitrust regulators to close their investigations without a fine by the end of the year, people familiar with the matter said. The world's largest online retailer is hoping its concessions will stave off a potential European Union fine that could be as much as 10 per cent of its global turnover. Also read | Amazon to pull the plug on Kindle in China amid growing coemption, harsh data privacy rules The European Commission 2020 charged Amazon with using its size, power and data to push its own products and gain an unfair advantage over rival merchants that sell on its online platform. It also launched an investigation into Amazon's possible preferential treatment of its own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use its logistics and delivery services. Watch | Amazon stocks plunge as it reports $3.8 billion quarterly loss Amazon's process for choosing which retailer appears in the "buy box" on its website and which generates the bulk of its sales also came under the spotlight. Amazon has now proposed to allow sellers access to some marketplace data while its commercial arm will not be able to use seller data collected by its retail unit, the people said. Also read | Employee sues Amazon after being fired for contracting 'long Covid' and asked to repay $12,273 The company will also create a second buy box for rival products in the event an Amazon product appears in the first buy box, the people said. The EU competition enforcer is expected to seek feedback from rivals and users in the coming weeks, which could lead to tweaks in the proposal and a final decision by the end of the year, the people said. The Commission and Amazon declined to comment. The company had previously said it disagreed with the watchdog's assertions and that it represents less than 1 per cent of the global retail market. Watch WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon offers to share data, boost rivals to dodge EU antitrust fines

EU chief met Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss the membership of Ukraine. Zelensky has urged for an immediate accession to the Bloc and also appealed for additional military aid.

Zelensky says it is a decisive time for the country as Ukraine renews its call for the EU candidacy

EU chief meets Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss Ukraine's membership

The European Parliament has passed a bill that will ban all new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. Last year the European Commission unveiled its plan to stop the sale of vehicles that emit carbon dioxide

EU targets CO2 emitting cars in new plan

Europe will introduce a universal charger one standard cable for all devices. The proposal has been in making for quite some time and now European Union has given a go ahead to the proposal.

Decoding the Pros & Cons of EU's 'Universal Charger' move

European Parliament and lawmakers voted to support an effective EU ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. Carmakers will invest heavily in electrification.

Lawmakers back ban on new fossil-fuel cars

EU votes to ban petrol and diesel cars

In the face of strong conservative opposition, European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European&nbsp;Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035.

The Commission last year unveiled plans to stop the sale of vehicles using internal combustion engines as part of an ambitious climate target to cut emissions by more than half over this decade and 90 per cent by 2035.

The measure passed by 339 votes to 249 with 24 abstentions at a session in Strasbourg -- in practice limiting future sales to emissions-free all-electric models.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-agrees-for-40-women-quotas-on-corporate-boards-to-enhance-gender-equality-486460">European Union agrees for 40% women quotas on corporate boards to enhance gender equality</a>

Cars currently account for 12 percent of all CO2 emissions in the 27-member&nbsp;EU&nbsp;bloc, while transportation overall accounts for around a quarter.

The conservative European People's Party (EPP), the&nbsp;parliament's biggest group of lawmakers, had sought to push a compromise that would have diluted the proposals and allowed sales of hybrid vehicles to continue.

Their amendment was narrowly defeated while an ambitious attempt by the Greens to bring the measure deadline forward to 2030 also failed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024

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Conservatives were also unable to push through amendments on having a car's production-related carbon footprint taken into consideration as well -- potentially allowing carmakers credits for synthetic, so-called e-fuels, made with captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable sources.

After the vote,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;environmental committee chair Pascal Canfin triumphantly tweeted: "100 percent zero emission cars in 2035! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality."

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100% zero emission cars in 2035 ! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the <a href="https://twitter.com/Europarl_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Europarl_EN</a>. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenDeal</a>
— Pascal Canfin (@pcanfin) <a href="https://twitter.com/pcanfin/status/1534577051457441800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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German Green&nbsp;EU&nbsp;legislator Michael Bloss also hailed the vote as a move that would simultaneously protect the climate and jobs in the sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

French&nbsp;EPP lawmaker Agnes Evren was less impressed, however, with a decision she said would "condemn industrial activity and strongly penalise consumers".

She said the legislation would prevent the commercialisation of high-performance hybrid vehicles or vehicles using biofuels, whose production she said could potentially prove less expensive and less polluting than electric vehicles.

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In the face of strong conservative opposition, European Parliament lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035.

In the face of strong conservative opposition, European Parliament lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035. The Commission last year unveiled plans to stop the sale of vehicles using internal combustion engines as part of an ambitious climate target to cut emissions by more than half over this decade and 90 per cent by 2035. The measure passed by 339 votes to 249 with 24 abstentions at a session in Strasbourg -- in practice limiting future sales to emissions-free all-electric models. Also read | European Union agrees for 40% women quotas on corporate boards to enhance gender equality Cars currently account for 12 percent of all CO2 emissions in the 27-member EU bloc, while transportation overall accounts for around a quarter. The conservative European People's Party (EPP), the parliament's biggest group of lawmakers, had sought to push a compromise that would have diluted the proposals and allowed sales of hybrid vehicles to continue. Their amendment was narrowly defeated while an ambitious attempt by the Greens to bring the measure deadline forward to 2030 also failed. Watch | Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024 Conservatives were also unable to push through amendments on having a car's production-related carbon footprint taken into consideration as well -- potentially allowing carmakers credits for synthetic, so-called e-fuels, made with captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable sources. After the vote, EU environmental committee chair Pascal Canfin triumphantly tweeted: "100 percent zero emission cars in 2035! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality." 100% zero emission cars in 2035 ! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality. #GreenDeal — Pascal Canfin (@pcanfin) June 8, 2022 × German Green EU legislator Michael Bloss also hailed the vote as a move that would simultaneously protect the climate and jobs in the sector. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey French EPP lawmaker Agnes Evren was less impressed, however, with a decision she said would "condemn industrial activity and strongly penalise consumers". She said the legislation would prevent the commercialisation of high-performance hybrid vehicles or vehicles using biofuels, whose production she said could potentially prove less expensive and less polluting than electric vehicles. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035

Negotiators in the European Union agreed late on Tuesday (June 7) for the bloc’s first ever women quota in corporate boards, aiming to enhance gender equality in the 450 million strong bloc, the lawmakers said, reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

The rule requires all listed firms in 27 European Union member nations to have at least 40 per cent of women in non-executive seats, 33 per cent in executive and non-executive jobs by mid of 2026.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

The proposal had been dormant for a decade, but it regained steam this year with new backing from France and Germany.&nbsp;

However, there is no penalty for missing the target, companies that do meet it will be praised by the public. After the final round of the negotiators and EU member states, the parliament’s liberal Renew faction stated that this would raise pressure to comply.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024

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Gender representation for corporate board varies widely from nation to nation, with women holding only 9 per cent non-executive seats in Estonia and over 45 per cent in France. The latter has set its own target of 40 per cent and is the only nation to achieve it, reported by Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-pandemic-rebound-in-demand-leads-to-aviation-chaos-in-europe-485512">Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe</a>

As per the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), a European Union agency, that stated that these enforceable quotas have been proven to be more effective in improving the board balance that nations that enacted weaker measures or none at all.&nbsp;

As per the report, France, Germany and Italy set national goals in the year 2010, the female representation on boards in the EU increased. However, the progress has recently declined, with women accounting for less than a third of the non-executive board members in the union’s trading companies.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Negotiators in the European Union agreed late on Tuesday (June 7) for the bloc’s first ever women quota in corporate boards, aiming to enhance gender equality in the 450 million strong bloc, the lawmakers said, reported by Reuters.

Negotiators in the European Union agreed late on Tuesday (June 7) for the bloc’s first ever women quota in corporate boards, aiming to enhance gender equality in the 450 million strong bloc, the lawmakers said, reported by Reuters. The rule requires all listed firms in 27 European Union member nations to have at least 40 per cent of women in non-executive seats, 33 per cent in executive and non-executive jobs by mid of 2026. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey The proposal had been dormant for a decade, but it regained steam this year with new backing from France and Germany. However, there is no penalty for missing the target, companies that do meet it will be praised by the public. After the final round of the negotiators and EU member states, the parliament’s liberal Renew faction stated that this would raise pressure to comply. Watch | Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024 Gender representation for corporate board varies widely from nation to nation, with women holding only 9 per cent non-executive seats in Estonia and over 45 per cent in France. The latter has set its own target of 40 per cent and is the only nation to achieve it, reported by Reuters. Also read | Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe As per the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), a European Union agency, that stated that these enforceable quotas have been proven to be more effective in improving the board balance that nations that enacted weaker measures or none at all. As per the report, France, Germany and Italy set national goals in the year 2010, the female representation on boards in the EU increased. However, the progress has recently declined, with women accounting for less than a third of the non-executive board members in the union’s trading companies. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union agrees for 40% women quotas on corporate boards to enhance gender equality

European Union lawmakers agreed on a continental target to establish better gender balance in Europe's corporate boards. EU said that they found common ground on a proposal that was first made by the European commission in 2012.

European Union sets rules for better gender balance for corporates

European countries and EU lawmakers agreed to a single mobile charging port for mobile phones, cameras, and tablets. EU said, this move will save money and stifle innovation.

EU agrees to make single charging point for all devices

European Union lawmakers and representatives of the member countries are all set to meet on June 7th as they look to finalize an agreement to implement a single universal charging port law across the block.

EU Deal on the single mobile charging point: EU lawmakers to meet on June 7

Denmark is all set to join the European Union's defence policy following a referendum that reflects a shift in the security stance among the Nordic countries in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The referendum, which took place on Wednesday, saw people voting heavily in favour of the government’s proposal by 66.9 per cent to 33.1 per cent.

Denmark is the third Nordic country to shed its neutral status after its neighbours Finland and Sweden applies to join NATO last month.

Participation in the defence policy will allow Denmark, a founding NATO member, to take part in joint EU military operations, such as those in Bosnia, Mali and Somalia, and will allow Danish officials to stay in the room when EU colleagues discuss defence issues.

“When a freedom threat knocks on Europe's door and there is once again a war on our continent, then we cannot remain neutral. We support Ukraine and the people of Ukraine," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a speech on Wednesday evening, following the result, according to Reuters.

"Tonight, Denmark has sent a very important message. To our allies, to NATO, to Europe, and we have sent a clear message to Putin."

Denmark, historically critical of the EU, had been the only member of the 27 nation bloc not part of its Common Security and Defence Policy.

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The Scandinavian nation of nearly 6 million secured exemptions to that policy in a 1993 referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, which laid the groundwork for the modern EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-us-sending-rocket-systems-to-ukraine-will-increase-risk-of-direct-confrontation-484296" hreflang="en">Russia says US sending rocket systems to Ukraine will increase risk of direct confrontation</a>

The Danish PM called for the referendum barely two weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following reaching an agreement with a majority of parties in the parliament.

Apart from that, the Scandinavian country also pledged to increase its defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP, in line with NATO membership requirements, by 2033.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Denmark is all set to join the European Union's defence policy following a referendum that reflects a shift in the security stance among the Nordic countries in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Denmark is all set to join the European Union's defence policy following a referendum that reflects a shift in the security stance among the Nordic countries in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The referendum, which took place on Wednesday, saw people voting heavily in favour of the government’s proposal by 66.9 per cent to 33.1 per cent. Denmark is the third Nordic country to shed its neutral status after its neighbours Finland and Sweden applies to join NATO last month. Participation in the defence policy will allow Denmark, a founding NATO member, to take part in joint EU military operations, such as those in Bosnia, Mali and Somalia, and will allow Danish officials to stay in the room when EU colleagues discuss defence issues. “When a freedom threat knocks on Europe's door and there is once again a war on our continent, then we cannot remain neutral. We support Ukraine and the people of Ukraine," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a speech on Wednesday evening, following the result, according to Reuters. "Tonight, Denmark has sent a very important message. To our allies, to NATO, to Europe, and we have sent a clear message to Putin." Denmark, historically critical of the EU, had been the only member of the 27 nation bloc not part of its Common Security and Defence Policy. Also read | Russia advances on Severodonetsk, troops fight in streets The Scandinavian nation of nearly 6 million secured exemptions to that policy in a 1993 referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, which laid the groundwork for the modern EU. Also read | Russia says US sending rocket systems to Ukraine will increase risk of direct confrontation The Danish PM called for the referendum barely two weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following reaching an agreement with a majority of parties in the parliament. Apart from that, the Scandinavian country also pledged to increase its defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP, in line with NATO membership requirements, by 2033. (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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Denmark all set to join EU’s common defence policy after historic vote

Denmark will join the European Union's defence policy after a referendum on Wednesday, a new example of a country in Europe seeking closer defense links with allies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Denmark votes to join EU's common defence policy

Major oil producers led by OPEC hold talks Thursday on whether to adjust output, hard on the heels of an EU ban on Russian oil imports.

OPEC+ to debate oil output boost amid Russian isolation

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