The European Commission has termed Russian move to cut gas supply to European countries a 'blackmail'. On Wednesday, Russia cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria for refusing to pay in roubles. Gas prices soared on fears that more states could be hit, notably Germany, Europe's biggest economy, which last year bought more than half its gas from Russia.

President Vladimir Putin's demand for payment in roubles is designed to soften the effect of Western sanctions that include freezing hundreds of billions of dollars of Russian assets. Russia's top lawmaker said other "unfriendly" countries might also be cut off.

Though the EU has now accused Moscow of blackmail, the bloc issued an advisory to EU countries last week. The advisory mentioned options by which EU buyers may continue payments for gas without breach of sanctions. Uniper, Germany's main importer, said it could pay without violations.

Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland &amp; Bulgaria

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However, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Wednesday that Brussels was still advising companies to stick to the terms of their contracts, which usually specify payment in euros or dollars, and avoid paying in roubles.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-response-to-outside-intervention-will-be-lightning-fast-putin-on-ukraine-war-474481">Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war</a>

At a meeting on Wednesday, member state ambassadors asked the Commission for clearer guidance, four EU diplomats said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Gazprom, the state-controlled energy giant that supplies Europe with about 40% of its gas needs, said transit via Poland and Bulgaria - whose pipelines supply Germany, Hungary and Serbia - would be cut if fuel was siphoned off illegally.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission has termed Russian move to cut gas supply to European countries a 'blackmail'. On Wednesday, Russia cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria for refusing to pay in roubles.

The European Commission has termed Russian move to cut gas supply to European countries a 'blackmail'. On Wednesday, Russia cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria for refusing to pay in roubles. Gas prices soared on fears that more states could be hit, notably Germany, Europe's biggest economy, which last year bought more than half its gas from Russia. President Vladimir Putin's demand for payment in roubles is designed to soften the effect of Western sanctions that include freezing hundreds of billions of dollars of Russian assets. Russia's top lawmaker said other "unfriendly" countries might also be cut off. Though the EU has now accused Moscow of blackmail, the bloc issued an advisory to EU countries last week. The advisory mentioned options by which EU buyers may continue payments for gas without breach of sanctions. Uniper, Germany's main importer, said it could pay without violations. Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland & Bulgaria × However, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Wednesday that Brussels was still advising companies to stick to the terms of their contracts, which usually specify payment in euros or dollars, and avoid paying in roubles. Also Read | Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war At a meeting on Wednesday, member state ambassadors asked the Commission for clearer guidance, four EU diplomats said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Gazprom, the state-controlled energy giant that supplies Europe with about 40% of its gas needs, said transit via Poland and Bulgaria - whose pipelines supply Germany, Hungary and Serbia - would be cut if fuel was siphoned off illegally. (With inputs from agencies)

EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail'

Apple is facing heat from the European Union to ditch the lightning port in its devices in favour of universal USB-C ports. So, will Apple switch to USB-C ports? Watch this report to find out.

Apple faces pressure from the EU to ditch the lightning port

The number of COVID-19 cases have gone down in Europe in the past few months, and it seems like the European Commission will be entering a new post-emergency phase in their handling of the pandemic, according to a draft document that was accessed by Reuters.

The Reuters report stated that the European Commission will be moving away from the emergency phase and that may result into more targeted testing of the cases. The documents hinted at a comparatively lenient approach where the process will be somewhat similar to flu surveillance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-taiwan-strait-china-calls-it-provocative-action-474306">US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action'</a>

There has been a steady fall in COVID-19 cases and deaths the distribution of booster shots has resulted in the immunisation of almost 70 per cent of the total European population.

"This Communication puts forward an approach for the management of the pandemic in the coming months, moving from emergency to a more sustainable mode," the report said according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-putin-unwell-videos-of-russian-prez-appearing-fidgety-at-easter-cathedral-service-sparks-health-rumours-474293">Videos of Putin appearing fidgety at Easter service sparks health rumours</a>

The document, which was prepared by Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, also states that a new approach needs to be adopted with the change in the number of regular cases. As a result, mass testing can be a thing of the past with people getting tested only if they show certain symptoms.

Although the EU Commission is looking to change their approach towards the pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and there are a lot of countries like China and South Korea who are experiencing another surge in cases.

WATCH |&nbsp;China COVID surge: Mandatory mass testing enters 3rd day in Beijing

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(With inputs from agencies)</div>

The number of COVID-19 cases have gone down in Europe in the past few months, and it seems like the European Commission will be entering a new post-emergency phase in their handling of the pandemic, according to a draft document that was accessed by Reuters.

The number of COVID-19 cases have gone down in Europe in the past few months, and it seems like the European Commission will be entering a new post-emergency phase in their handling of the pandemic, according to a draft document that was accessed by Reuters. The Reuters report stated that the European Commission will be moving away from the emergency phase and that may result into more targeted testing of the cases. The documents hinted at a comparatively lenient approach where the process will be somewhat similar to flu surveillance. Also read | US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action' There has been a steady fall in COVID-19 cases and deaths the distribution of booster shots has resulted in the immunisation of almost 70 per cent of the total European population. "This Communication puts forward an approach for the management of the pandemic in the coming months, moving from emergency to a more sustainable mode," the report said according to Reuters. Also read | Videos of Putin appearing fidgety at Easter service sparks health rumours The document, which was prepared by Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, also states that a new approach needs to be adopted with the change in the number of regular cases. As a result, mass testing can be a thing of the past with people getting tested only if they show certain symptoms. Although the EU Commission is looking to change their approach towards the pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and there are a lot of countries like China and South Korea who are experiencing another surge in cases. WATCH | China COVID surge: Mandatory mass testing enters 3rd day in Beijing (With inputs from agencies)

EU set to embrace new COVID-19 pandemic phase with steady decrease in cases - Report

Days after British PM Boris Johnson wrapped up his visit, EU chief landed in New Delhi for a two-day jam-packed schedule. India and the EU have launched a trade and technology council

India, EU agrees to establish trade and technology council

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in India and today is her second day. She is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, the talks will likely focus on trade, security and climate.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

According to the report, the bloc, which comprises of 27 nations, must act fast to secure the supplies of crucial metals required for the green energy transition.

Amid the boycott of Russian fuel due to its invasion of Ukraine, "There is growing concern about the security of supply" as per the authors of the study.

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Lead author Liesbet Gregoir said, "Europe needs to decide urgently how it will bridge its looming supply gap for primary metals. Without a decisive strategy, it risks new dependencies on unsustainable suppliers."

EU is looking for alternative sources of fuel other than generating domestically renewable resources and using less energy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously announced that the bloc will reduce its greenhouse gases to a level where the amount produced is balanced out by the amount removed from the atmosphere in the next two decades.

It is partnering with pioneers to introduce more wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies that are eco-friendly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-gas-flows-to-europe-despite-putins-deadline-of-payment-in-roubles-467537">Also read |&nbsp;Russian gas flows to Europe despite Putin's deadline of payment in roubles</a>

To create, distribute and expand this clean power, the EU will require substantial inputs of raw materials as per the report.

The study, titled the "Metals for Clean Energy", states that the bloc will need "35 times more lithium" than it uses today to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to "net zero."

The report has been commissioned by Eurometaux, the European association of metal producers and recyclers.

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If Europe cuts red tape and invests heavily now in recycling infrastructure, it will be self-sufficient for almost 40 to 70 per cent of its clean energy.

To reduce its reliance on other countries, Europe needs to open new refineries and ore mines that have a "theoretical potential" to provide as high as 55 per cent of its raw metal needs. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. According to the report, the bloc, which comprises of 27 nations, must act fast to secure the supplies of crucial metals required for the green energy transition. Amid the boycott of Russian fuel due to its invasion of Ukraine, "There is growing concern about the security of supply" as per the authors of the study. Lead author Liesbet Gregoir said, "Europe needs to decide urgently how it will bridge its looming supply gap for primary metals. Without a decisive strategy, it risks new dependencies on unsustainable suppliers." EU is looking for alternative sources of fuel other than generating domestically renewable resources and using less energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously announced that the bloc will reduce its greenhouse gases to a level where the amount produced is balanced out by the amount removed from the atmosphere in the next two decades. It is partnering with pioneers to introduce more wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies that are eco-friendly. Also read | Russian gas flows to Europe despite Putin's deadline of payment in roubles To create, distribute and expand this clean power, the EU will require substantial inputs of raw materials as per the report. The study, titled the "Metals for Clean Energy", states that the bloc will need "35 times more lithium" than it uses today to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to "net zero." The report has been commissioned by Eurometaux, the European association of metal producers and recyclers. If Europe cuts red tape and invests heavily now in recycling infrastructure, it will be self-sufficient for almost 40 to 70 per cent of its clean energy. To reduce its reliance on other countries, Europe needs to open new refineries and ore mines that have a "theoretical potential" to provide as high as 55 per cent of its raw metal needs. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study

A report on EU's green energy goals suggest that the Union should recycle more. EU aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 at present.

Report on EU's green energy goals suggest it to recycle more

Fighting climate change is a global concern for all nations. EU Commission Chief is in India and watch this report to know more about India, EU's common climate challenges.

Fighting climate change: India, EU's common climate challenges

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

'Will step up cooperation in trade, technology and security' - EU Chief

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi have agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

Indian PM Modi & EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen agree to launch Trade and Technology council

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to meet EAM S. Jaishankar

Amid the ongoing tussle between the European Union and tech giants, Alphabet & Meta to strengthen their security policies. EU Vice President lauded the decision by tech giants.

Alphabet & Meta to strengthen their security policies, EU Vice President lauds the decision

In a significant move, the European Union(EU) finalised a new legislation named Digital Services Act (DSA) to regulate harmful content including hate speech, disinformation and child sexual abuse images.

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Today’s agreement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DSA</a> is historic. 
 
Our new rules will protect users online, ensure freedom of expression and opportunities for businesses. 
 
What is illegal offline will effectively be illegal online in the EU. 
 
A strong signal for people, business &amp; countries worldwide.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1517659833540878337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The regulation has been in the pipeline for the last two years. It is linked to Digital Markets Act (DMA) which involved anti-competitive practices.

What is Digital Services Act?

The new regulation bans targeted ads at children and other information related to religion, gender and race. It also prohibits websites from misleading users into giving personal information.&nbsp;

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🚨Breaking🚨 After 16 hours of negotiations, we have a deal on the Digital Services Act!! 
 
✅ swift removal of illegal content 
✅ safer online space for users and minors 
✅ more responsible tech platforms 
 
Press release coming soon.. <a href="https://t.co/ONptbzj5jt">pic.twitter.com/ONptbzj5jt</a>
— IMCO Committee Press (@EP_SingleMarket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EP_SingleMarket/status/1517658930545143808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The websites would have to quickly remove harmful and illegal content and social networking sites would have to ban users who repeatedly publish illegal content. It requires platforms to be transparent and their algorithms and AI tools to be auditable by the European body.

How will e-commerce companies comply?

The legislation also targets companies like &nbsp;Amazon to verify the identity of suppliers in a move to strike down counterfeit goods as e-commerce sites would have to "trace" traders.&nbsp;

It proposes to allow "trusted flaggers" to help identify fake goods as sites work to&nbsp;get them quickly removed from the net.

Will there be a fine for&nbsp;will digital companies?

Global digital companies including Google, Facebook's Meta and other tech giants could be fined 6 per cent of their global turnover if they violate the act and could be banned from operating in Europe if they repeatedly break the rules.

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a significant move, the European Union(EU) finalised a new legislation named Digital Services Act (DSA) to regulate harmful content including hate speech, disinformation and child sexual abuse images.

In a significant move, the European Union(EU) finalised a new legislation named Digital Services Act (DSA) to regulate harmful content including hate speech, disinformation and child sexual abuse images. Today’s agreement on #DSA is historic. Our new rules will protect users online, ensure freedom of expression and opportunities for businesses. What is illegal offline will effectively be illegal online in the EU. A strong signal for people, business & countries worldwide. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 23, 2022 × The regulation has been in the pipeline for the last two years. It is linked to Digital Markets Act (DMA) which involved anti-competitive practices. What is Digital Services Act? The new regulation bans targeted ads at children and other information related to religion, gender and race. It also prohibits websites from misleading users into giving personal information. 🚨Breaking🚨 After 16 hours of negotiations, we have a deal on the Digital Services Act!! ✅ swift removal of illegal content ✅ safer online space for users and minors ✅ more responsible tech platforms Press release coming soon.. pic.twitter.com/ONptbzj5jt — IMCO Committee Press (@EP_SingleMarket) April 23, 2022 × The websites would have to quickly remove harmful and illegal content and social networking sites would have to ban users who repeatedly publish illegal content. It requires platforms to be transparent and their algorithms and AI tools to be auditable by the European body. How will e-commerce companies comply? The legislation also targets companies like Amazon to verify the identity of suppliers in a move to strike down counterfeit goods as e-commerce sites would have to "trace" traders. It proposes to allow "trusted flaggers" to help identify fake goods as sites work to get them quickly removed from the net. Will there be a fine for will digital companies? Global digital companies including Google, Facebook's Meta and other tech giants could be fined 6 per cent of their global turnover if they violate the act and could be banned from operating in Europe if they repeatedly break the rules. (With inputs from Agencies)

Digital Services Act: What it means & and how EU will regulate tech giants

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies.

The act, named Digital Services Act (DSA) is focused on ensuring tougher consequences for online platforms that violate rules about banned content.

The text is the companion to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targeted anti-competitive practices among tech behemoths like Google and Facebook and was concluded in late March.&nbsp;

News Agency AFP cited a European source to say that Member of European Parliaments (MEPs) and EU countries were "very motivated" to reach agreement on the new regulation on Friday.

The act has been designed to tackle hate speech, disinformation, the selling of dangerous products. It also aimed agains other abusive online behaviour like spreading of so-called 'revenge porn'.

"What is allowed in everyday life will be allowed on the internet, but everything that is prohibited will be as well," EU internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton said earlier this year, describing the internet as the "Wild West".&nbsp;

Tech giants have been repeatedly called out for failing to police their platforms -- a New Zealand terrorist attack that was livestreamed on Facebook in 2019 caused global outrage, and the chaotic insurrection in the US last year was promoted online.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies.

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies. The act, named Digital Services Act (DSA) is focused on ensuring tougher consequences for online platforms that violate rules about banned content. The text is the companion to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targeted anti-competitive practices among tech behemoths like Google and Facebook and was concluded in late March. News Agency AFP cited a European source to say that Member of European Parliaments (MEPs) and EU countries were "very motivated" to reach agreement on the new regulation on Friday. The act has been designed to tackle hate speech, disinformation, the selling of dangerous products. It also aimed agains other abusive online behaviour like spreading of so-called 'revenge porn'. "What is allowed in everyday life will be allowed on the internet, but everything that is prohibited will be as well," EU internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton said earlier this year, describing the internet as the "Wild West". Tech giants have been repeatedly called out for failing to police their platforms -- a New Zealand terrorist attack that was livestreamed on Facebook in 2019 caused global outrage, and the chaotic insurrection in the US last year was promoted online. (With inputs from agencies)

EU may agree on stringent tech services regulation very soon

The world economy and industries across sectors are reeling under the impact of supply chain issues that coupled with Ukraine-Russia war and recent data from EU's auto association shows that European auto industry is not immune to it.

EU car sales dip for 9th straight month

In less than a week to go for the second phase of the French polls and the race at the Elysee Palace is now heating up with both the candidates centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right Marine Le Pen pulling all stops now to ensure they come on top.

EU anti-fraud body accuses far-right candidate Marine Le Pen of embezzlement

The European Union has imposed sanctions on those who are believed to be Vladimir Putin's daughters. This move came after the United States and the UK imposed strict restrictions on them earlier.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughters hit with EU sanctions

Top European leaders and diplomats have arrived in Kyiv to reassure membership. Europe will offer financial and moral support to Ukraine.

EU hints at giving membership to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

European Union chief and top diplomat to meet Zelensky

European Union has closed Bloc's ports to Russian vessels and will reduce dependence on Russia. On the other side, the EU has also rolled out additional funding to boost Ukraine's army.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: 'Russia faces a long descent into isolation,' says EU Prez

Breaking ranks with the European Union the newly re-elected Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that the country is actually ready to pay Russia in rubles for gas. Hungary which is highly dependent on Russian energy imports is the first European Union to make this move after Vladimir Putin had warned the European members will need have ruble accounts to pay for Russian gas that they import.

Hungary: Ready to pay for gas in rubles

Last week's summit between China and Europe was derailed by differences over the war in Ukraine. EU's top diplomat called it the "dialogue of the deaf". Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why this summit's failure was a foregone conclusion.

Gravitas: "Dialogue of the deaf": Europe on summit with China

Hungary is at risk of experiencing funding cuts from the European Union as Brussels launches a new disciplinary procedure against it.

Hungary at risk of EU funding cut as Brussels launches new disciplinary procedure

The Bucha massacre in Ukraine has shocked the entire world. The West has pledged to punish Russia for Bucha and European Union is planning to ban Russian coals completely.

European Union plans to ban Russian coals completely as West pledges to punish Russia for Bucha

Regulators&nbsp;are&nbsp;looking to update&nbsp;rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday.

Under the&nbsp;rules, known as Regulation 1/2003 and in force since 2004, the&nbsp;European Commission has taken on Alphabet unit Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Intel and imposed billions of&nbsp;euros in fines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800">Exclusive | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele</a>

The&nbsp;rules&nbsp;have also allowed the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;competition enforcer to go after car parts cartels, banks' manipulation of financial benchmarks and other illegal price-fixing groups, putting the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;agency in the forefront of&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;enforcement.

The Commission wants to maintain its leading position, Vestager said.

"I'm announcing today that in the coming months we are going to launch an evaluation of Regulation 1/2003, the central plank of our&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;enforcement framework," Vestager told a conference organised by economic consultancy CRA.

"It is important that we hear the views of stakeholders concerning what has worked well, and where there is scope for more efficient and effective procedures and enforcement tools; making sure Regulation 1 is truly 'fit for the digital age'," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-eu-train-out-of-russia-arrives-in-helsinki-466222">Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki</a>

Vestager said the updated&nbsp;rules&nbsp;would seek to make them more operational and useful to businesses.

Such procedural changes would relate to requests for information sent to companies, dawn raids, oral hearings where companies seek to defend their cases and the 10% cap on fines levied for breach of&nbsp;rules&nbsp;or non-compliance.

Watch |&nbsp;Berlin to pay for gas supplies in Euros; 'No change for EU,' Putin tells Scholz

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Regulators are looking to update rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday.

Regulators are looking to update rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday. Under the rules, known as Regulation 1/2003 and in force since 2004, the European Commission has taken on Alphabet unit Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Intel and imposed billions of euros in fines. Also read | Exclusive | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele The rules have also allowed the EU competition enforcer to go after car parts cartels, banks' manipulation of financial benchmarks and other illegal price-fixing groups, putting the EU agency in the forefront of antitrust enforcement. The Commission wants to maintain its leading position, Vestager said. "I'm announcing today that in the coming months we are going to launch an evaluation of Regulation 1/2003, the central plank of our antitrust enforcement framework," Vestager told a conference organised by economic consultancy CRA. "It is important that we hear the views of stakeholders concerning what has worked well, and where there is scope for more efficient and effective procedures and enforcement tools; making sure Regulation 1 is truly 'fit for the digital age'," she said. Also read | Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki Vestager said the updated rules would seek to make them more operational and useful to businesses. Such procedural changes would relate to requests for information sent to companies, dawn raids, oral hearings where companies seek to defend their cases and the 10% cap on fines levied for breach of rules or non-compliance. Watch | Berlin to pay for gas supplies in Euros; 'No change for EU,' Putin tells Scholz

EU regulators look to streamline antitrust rules

EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin who is in Delhi has said that war in Ukraine "does not reduce the resolve of the EU to act in the Indo pacific". During India visit, the envoy met Secretary West Sanjay Verma, Joint Secretary Indo Pacific Geetika Srivastava, Joint Secretary Sumit Seth and envoys of all EU countries on the grouping's role in the region and implication of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Visentin said, "price tag has been shown" for breaking of international order with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what is seen is "big Neighbour attacking a smaller Neighbour in an unprovoked way, not respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state." In February, France and EU co-hosted a foreign ministers meet on the Indo Pacific.

War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele

War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat

The European countries are expelling Russian diplomats amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now, Russia has retaliated by expelling 10 envoys from the Baltic states.

EU countries expel Russian diplomats, Russia retaliates & expels 10 envoys from Baltic states

In a bid to disallow golden visas for sanctioned Russians, European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules. Meanwhile, Moscow is planning retaliatory measures.

European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express&nbsp;train&nbsp;from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the&nbsp;last&nbsp;rail link between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;EU.

Finnish railway operator VR announced on Friday that it was suspending the Allegro service, which since&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been regularly sold-out&nbsp;with Russians eager to get&nbsp;out&nbsp;before Western sanctions make leaving all but impossible.

"Now that I've picked up my cats I don't have a reason to go back, I have everything that's most valuable to me," said Alex, who got off the&nbsp;train&nbsp;wheeling a carry case containing his two long-haired pets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refrain-from-publishing-russia-warns-media-says-dont-report-interview-with-zelensky-466209">'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky</a>

The Muscovite who has lived for some years in&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;gave only his first name.

"The situation in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has become more complicated," university student Ivan told AFP, travelling with his mother from Moscow where he studies back to his home in Portugal for the Easter holidays.

He is due to return to the Russian capital for his exams in a few weeks.&nbsp;

"I can't tell how I'm going to get back to Moscow, we'll see how this situation gets resolved," he said.

Despite a lack of official statistics, thousands of Russians are reported to have left their country since the invasion.

With airspace closures grounding direct flights to Europe, those wishing to leave&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;have turned to flights via Turkey and Belgrade, or to road and rail.

Since the February 24 invasion, around 700 passengers a day have packed the trains to Finland, with the service remaining open at the request of the Finnish authorities to allow Finns in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to exit the country if they wanted.

However, on Thursday the government informed VR that "operating the service was no longer appropriate" in light of the heavy sanctions against&nbsp;Russia, and all trains were cancelled from Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-conflict-with-russia-intensifies-mourners-defy-missile-threats-to-attend-ukrainian-military-funerals-466200">As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals</a>

Symbol of partnership&nbsp;

Run jointly by Finland and&nbsp;Russia's national railways, the cross-border Allegro&nbsp;train&nbsp;was a symbol of partnership between the two nations when it opened in 2010.

President Vladimir Putin and his then Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen travelled on the inaugural service, which cut travel times on the 400km (250 mile) journey between&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;and St Petersburg down by two hours to 3.5 hours.

"I hope it will operate normally again very soon," said Aliya, in her late 50s, who works in&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;but regularly visits her friends and family in St Petersburg.

The interruption of the service will make life more difficult but "people will find a way to make the journey anyway if they have the opportunity", she said.

Although many Russians have reportedly sought to leave since the start of the war, the Allegro link to&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;has only been open to a select few.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-split-ukraine-in-two-like-koreas-says-intelligence-chief-466187">Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief&nbsp;</a>

Moscow stipulates that passengers must be Russian or Finnish citizens, and a visa is required as well as proof of an&nbsp;EU-recognised Covid vaccination -- not the Sputnik dose which is most commonly given in&nbsp;Russia.

Most passengers arriving in the Finnish capital have therefore been Russians who live, work or study in Europe.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-466054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express train from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the last rail link between Russia and the EU.

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express train from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the last rail link between Russia and the EU. Finnish railway operator VR announced on Friday that it was suspending the Allegro service, which since Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been regularly sold-out with Russians eager to get out before Western sanctions make leaving all but impossible. "Now that I've picked up my cats I don't have a reason to go back, I have everything that's most valuable to me," said Alex, who got off the train wheeling a carry case containing his two long-haired pets. Also read | 'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky The Muscovite who has lived for some years in Helsinki gave only his first name. "The situation in Russia has become more complicated," university student Ivan told AFP, travelling with his mother from Moscow where he studies back to his home in Portugal for the Easter holidays. He is due to return to the Russian capital for his exams in a few weeks. "I can't tell how I'm going to get back to Moscow, we'll see how this situation gets resolved," he said. Despite a lack of official statistics, thousands of Russians are reported to have left their country since the invasion. With airspace closures grounding direct flights to Europe, those wishing to leave Russia have turned to flights via Turkey and Belgrade, or to road and rail. Since the February 24 invasion, around 700 passengers a day have packed the trains to Finland, with the service remaining open at the request of the Finnish authorities to allow Finns in Russia to exit the country if they wanted. However, on Thursday the government informed VR that "operating the service was no longer appropriate" in light of the heavy sanctions against Russia, and all trains were cancelled from Monday. Also read | As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals Symbol of partnership Run jointly by Finland and Russia's national railways, the cross-border Allegro train was a symbol of partnership between the two nations when it opened in 2010. President Vladimir Putin and his then Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen travelled on the inaugural service, which cut travel times on the 400km (250 mile) journey between Helsinki and St Petersburg down by two hours to 3.5 hours. "I hope it will operate normally again very soon," said Aliya, in her late 50s, who works in Helsinki but regularly visits her friends and family in St Petersburg. The interruption of the service will make life more difficult but "people will find a way to make the journey anyway if they have the opportunity", she said. Although many Russians have reportedly sought to leave since the start of the war, the Allegro link to Helsinki has only been open to a select few. Also read | Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief Moscow stipulates that passengers must be Russian or Finnish citizens, and a visa is required as well as proof of an EU-recognised Covid vaccination -- not the Sputnik dose which is most commonly given in Russia. Most passengers arriving in the Finnish capital have therefore been Russians who live, work or study in Europe. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015. But former US president Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018.

Revival of the deal would curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for lifting tough sanctions.

The nuclear talks had been close to an agreement until Russia made last-minute demands of the United States, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine should not affect its trade with Iran.

"We are very close but there are still some issues pending," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar.&nbsp;

"I cannot tell you when or how, but it is a matter of days."

Borrell made the comments when addressing the Doha Forum international conference on Saturday.

Enrique Mora, the EU coordinator for the nuclear talks said on Friday he will travel to Tehran on Saturday to meet Iran's chief negotiator.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said this week that a nuclear deal can be reached in the short term if the United States is pragmatic.

But US officials have been more cautious in their assessment of efforts to revive the accord.

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015.

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, said on Saturday that world powers and Iran were very close to agreement to reviving nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers including the US in the year 2015. But former US president Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018. Revival of the deal would curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for lifting tough sanctions. The nuclear talks had been close to an agreement until Russia made last-minute demands of the United States, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine should not affect its trade with Iran. "We are very close but there are still some issues pending," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar. "I cannot tell you when or how, but it is a matter of days." Borrell made the comments when addressing the Doha Forum international conference on Saturday. Enrique Mora, the EU coordinator for the nuclear talks said on Friday he will travel to Tehran on Saturday to meet Iran's chief negotiator. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said this week that a nuclear deal can be reached in the short term if the United States is pragmatic. But US officials have been more cautious in their assessment of efforts to revive the accord.

Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU

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