EU&nbsp;leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make&nbsp;joint&nbsp;gas&nbsp;purchases&nbsp;for the&nbsp;bloc&nbsp;as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Friday. &nbsp;

"What we decided, for the first time, is that the European&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;will have a&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;to do&nbsp;joint&nbsp;procurement, which is exactly what we decided, remember, for vaccines at the time of the Covid crisis,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told journalists after an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit in Brussels.

Discussions on energy dominated Friday's final session of the two-day summit, which on Thursday was given over to a show of Western unity against Russia by US President Joe Biden participating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-main-goal-is-the-liberation-of-donbass-says-russian-general-465577">Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general</a>

On Friday, Biden and European&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for Washington and Brussels to work together to source US and other alternative natural&nbsp;gas&nbsp;sources for Europe as it weans itself off Russian&nbsp;gas. &nbsp;

Formal conclusions from the second day of the summit said the&nbsp;joint-purchasing plan for&nbsp;gas&nbsp;and other&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;steps to mitigate high market prices would be "voluntary" and "time limited".

The&nbsp;joint&nbsp;purchases&nbsp;of&nbsp;gas&nbsp;would also be open to Ukraine and other non-EU&nbsp;countries, including Western Balkans ones and Georgia and Moldova.

EU&nbsp;leaders recognised that, inside the&nbsp;bloc, the needs and energy mixes of the&nbsp;bloc's 27 nations varied widely.

Some, in the east, were deeply dependent on Russian&nbsp;gas, while others such as Spain and Portugal found themselves less connected to the rest of Europe in terms of supply lines.

"It's a bit tricky," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, explaining that it would fall on private companies across Europe that have existing contracts to buy&nbsp;gas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-negotiators-agree-landmark-law-to-curb-big-tech-465332">EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech</a>

Summit discussions on the issue were very technical and dragged out because, as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte put it, it involves "literally thousands of contracts, hundreds of parties and also has a very big difference between regions, between member states".

The&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;has been told to come back to leaders with a "comprehensive and ambitious plan" on how to phase out Russian coal and&nbsp;gas&nbsp;while not exacerbating price hikes by the end of May.

Short-term measures such as energy tax cuts and price capping are to be looked at -- but with the proviso that the fundamentals of market trading were not undercut.

EU&nbsp;officials admitted that, even with alternative&nbsp;gas&nbsp;sources being hunted for, Europe faced a very tight market and supply risks -- especially with the debate over expanding sanctions to Russian&nbsp;gas&nbsp;still kicking around.

They predicted that&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders would soon have to put forward measures to encourage dampening demand -- something that could be felt by European households next winter as heating bills shoot up.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for 7 days

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-youtube-blocks-wion-for-7-days-465574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

EU leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make joint gas purchases for the bloc as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.

EU leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make joint gas purchases for the bloc as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday. "What we decided, for the first time, is that the European Commission will have a mandate to do joint procurement, which is exactly what we decided, remember, for vaccines at the time of the Covid crisis," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels. Discussions on energy dominated Friday's final session of the two-day summit, which on Thursday was given over to a show of Western unity against Russia by US President Joe Biden participating. Also read | Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general On Friday, Biden and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for Washington and Brussels to work together to source US and other alternative natural gas sources for Europe as it weans itself off Russian gas. Formal conclusions from the second day of the summit said the joint-purchasing plan for gas and other Commission steps to mitigate high market prices would be "voluntary" and "time limited". The joint purchases of gas would also be open to Ukraine and other non-EU countries, including Western Balkans ones and Georgia and Moldova. EU leaders recognised that, inside the bloc, the needs and energy mixes of the bloc's 27 nations varied widely. Some, in the east, were deeply dependent on Russian gas, while others such as Spain and Portugal found themselves less connected to the rest of Europe in terms of supply lines. "It's a bit tricky," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, explaining that it would fall on private companies across Europe that have existing contracts to buy gas. Also read | EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech Summit discussions on the issue were very technical and dragged out because, as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte put it, it involves "literally thousands of contracts, hundreds of parties and also has a very big difference between regions, between member states". The Commission has been told to come back to leaders with a "comprehensive and ambitious plan" on how to phase out Russian coal and gas while not exacerbating price hikes by the end of May. Short-term measures such as energy tax cuts and price capping are to be looked at -- but with the proviso that the fundamentals of market trading were not undercut. EU officials admitted that, even with alternative gas sources being hunted for, Europe faced a very tight market and supply risks -- especially with the debate over expanding sanctions to Russian gas still kicking around. They predicted that EU leaders would soon have to put forward measures to encourage dampening demand -- something that could be felt by European households next winter as heating bills shoot up. Watch | Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for 7 days

EU Commission to get mandate for bloc's joint gas purchases: Emmanuel Macron

EU floats landmark law against big tech in an attempt to ease accountability in the digital market sphere. Europe will get stronger monitoring power.

EU floats landmark law against big tech in an attempt to ease accountability in digital market

European leaders have assembled in Brussels to establish trust funds for Ukrainians. U.S. President Joe Biden has also sealed the energy deal to help Europe and said that the U.S. will provide natural gas to Europe.

EU holds special summit on energy crisis in a bid to reduce dependence on Russian oil

US President Joe Biden attended an emergency NATO summit as well as a gathering of the Group of Seven industrialised nations and a summit of the 27 members of the European Union.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Joe Biden meets leaders from NATO, G7 and EU

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Meeting in Brussels the lawmakers nailed down a long list of do's and don'ts that will single out the world's most iconic web giants as internet "gatekeepers" subject to special rules.

The "Digital Markets Act" (DMA) has sped through the bloc's legislative procedures and is designed to protect consumers and give rivals a better chance to survive against the world's powerful&nbsp;tech&nbsp;juggernauts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsettling-influences-australia-reacts-sharply-to-chinese-military-moves-in-solomon-islands-465323">Unsettling influences: Australia reacts sharply to Chinese military moves in Solomon Islands</a>

"The agreement ushers in a new era of&nbsp;tech&nbsp;regulation worldwide," said German MEP Andreas Schwab, who led the negotiations for the European Parliament.

"The Digital Markets Act puts an end to the ever-increasing dominance of&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;companies," he added.&nbsp;

The main point of the&nbsp;law&nbsp;is to avert the years of procedures and court battles needed to punish&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech's monopolistic behaviour where cases can end with huge fines but little change in how the giants do business.

Once implemented, the&nbsp;law&nbsp;will give Brussels unprecedented authority to keep an eye&nbsp;on&nbsp;decisions by the giants, especially when they pull out the chequebook to buy up promising startups.

"The gatekeepers -- they now have to take responsibility," said the&nbsp;EU's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager.

"A number of things they can do, a number of things they can't do, and that of course gives everyone a fair chance," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hacker-group-anonymous-hacks-into-printers-all-across-russia-to-print-anti-war-sentiment-465081">Hacker group Anonymous&nbsp;hacks into printers ‘all across Russia’ to print anti-war sentiment</a>

Concrete impacts

The&nbsp;law&nbsp;contains about 20 rules that in many cases target practices by&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;that have gone against the bloc's rules on competition, but which Brussels has struggled to enforce.

The DMA imposes myriad obligations&nbsp;on&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech,&nbsp;including forcing Apple to open up its App Store to alternative payment systems, a demand that the iPhone maker has opposed fiercely, most notably in its feud with Epic games, the maker of Fortnite.

Google will be asked to clearly offer users of Android-run smartphones alternatives to its search engine, the Google Maps app or its Chrome browser.

A Google spokesperson told AFP that the US internet giant will "take time to study the final text and work with regulators to implement it."

"While we support many of the&nbsp;DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, we remain concerned that some of the rules could reduce innovation and the choice available to Europeans," the spokesperson said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-google-over-inauthentic-information-on-ukraine-war-465012">Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war</a>

Apple would also be forced to loosen its grip&nbsp;on&nbsp;the iPhone, with users allowed to uninstall its Safari web browser and other company-imposed apps that users cannot currently delete.

In a statement, Apple swiftly expressed regret over the&nbsp;law, saying it was "concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users".

After a furious campaign by influential MEPs, the&nbsp;law&nbsp;also forces messaging services such as Meta-owned WhatsApp to make themselves available to users&nbsp;on&nbsp;other services such as Signal or Apple's iMessage, and vice-versa.

France, which holds the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;presidency and negotiated&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of the bloc's 27 member states, said the&nbsp;law&nbsp;would deliver "concrete impacts&nbsp;on&nbsp;the lives of European citizens".

"We are talking about the goods you buy online, the smartphone you use every day, and the services you use every day," said France's digital affairs minister, Cedric O.

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Comply or Challenge

Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of a company's annual global sales and even 20 percent for repeat offenders.

The DMA "will have a profound impact&nbsp;on&nbsp;the way some gatekeepers' operations are currently conducted," said lawyer Katrin Schallenberg, a partner at Clifford Chance.

"Clearly, companies affected... are already working&nbsp;on&nbsp;ways to comply with or even challenge the regulation," she added.

The&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;companies have lobbied hard against the new rules and the firms have been defended in Washington, where it is alleged that the new&nbsp;law&nbsp;unfairly targets US companies.&nbsp;

With the deal now&nbsp;reached by&nbsp;negotiators, the DMA now faces final votes in a full session of the European Parliament as well as by ministers from the&nbsp;EU's 27 member states.

The rules could come into place starting&nbsp;on&nbsp;January 1, 2023, though&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies are asking for more time to implement the&nbsp;law.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia’s war exposes rifts in Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russias-war-exposes-rifts-in-europe-463619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple. Meeting in Brussels the lawmakers nailed down a long list of do's and don'ts that will single out the world's most iconic web giants as internet "gatekeepers" subject to special rules. The "Digital Markets Act" (DMA) has sped through the bloc's legislative procedures and is designed to protect consumers and give rivals a better chance to survive against the world's powerful tech juggernauts. Also read | Unsettling influences: Australia reacts sharply to Chinese military moves in Solomon Islands "The agreement ushers in a new era of tech regulation worldwide," said German MEP Andreas Schwab, who led the negotiations for the European Parliament. "The Digital Markets Act puts an end to the ever-increasing dominance of Big Tech companies," he added. The main point of the law is to avert the years of procedures and court battles needed to punish Big Tech's monopolistic behaviour where cases can end with huge fines but little change in how the giants do business. Once implemented, the law will give Brussels unprecedented authority to keep an eye on decisions by the giants, especially when they pull out the chequebook to buy up promising startups. "The gatekeepers -- they now have to take responsibility," said the EU's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager. "A number of things they can do, a number of things they can't do, and that of course gives everyone a fair chance," she added. Also read | Hacker group Anonymous hacks into printers ‘all across Russia’ to print anti-war sentiment Concrete impacts The law contains about 20 rules that in many cases target practices by Big Tech that have gone against the bloc's rules on competition, but which Brussels has struggled to enforce. The DMA imposes myriad obligations on Big Tech, including forcing Apple to open up its App Store to alternative payment systems, a demand that the iPhone maker has opposed fiercely, most notably in its feud with Epic games, the maker of Fortnite. Google will be asked to clearly offer users of Android-run smartphones alternatives to its search engine, the Google Maps app or its Chrome browser. A Google spokesperson told AFP that the US internet giant will "take time to study the final text and work with regulators to implement it." "While we support many of the DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, we remain concerned that some of the rules could reduce innovation and the choice available to Europeans," the spokesperson said. Also read | Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war Apple would also be forced to loosen its grip on the iPhone, with users allowed to uninstall its Safari web browser and other company-imposed apps that users cannot currently delete. In a statement, Apple swiftly expressed regret over the law, saying it was "concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users". After a furious campaign by influential MEPs, the law also forces messaging services such as Meta-owned WhatsApp to make themselves available to users on other services such as Signal or Apple's iMessage, and vice-versa. France, which holds the EU presidency and negotiated on behalf of the bloc's 27 member states, said the law would deliver "concrete impacts on the lives of European citizens". "We are talking about the goods you buy online, the smartphone you use every day, and the services you use every day," said France's digital affairs minister, Cedric O. Also read | Netflix rival NENT to offer live sports in Britain after launch Comply or Challenge Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of a company's annual global sales and even 20 percent for repeat offenders. The DMA "will have a profound impact on the way some gatekeepers' operations are currently conducted," said lawyer Katrin Schallenberg, a partner at Clifford Chance. "Clearly, companies affected... are already working on ways to comply with or even challenge the regulation," she added. The Big Tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules and the firms have been defended in Washington, where it is alleged that the new law unfairly targets US companies. With the deal now reached by negotiators, the DMA now faces final votes in a full session of the European Parliament as well as by ministers from the EU's 27 member states. The rules could come into place starting on January 1, 2023, though tech companies are asking for more time to implement the law. Watch | Gravitas: Russia’s war exposes rifts in Europe

EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act. The plan has been in the pipeline for two years.

This plan underwent a last-minute rewrite to increase the focus on the threat from Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It's not the answer to the Ukrainian war, but it is part of the answer," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the bloc's foreign and defence ministers.&nbsp;

"When we started working, we couldn't imagine that at the last moment of approval the situation would be so bad and Europe would be facing such a big challenge."

EU leaders have described Russia's assault on Ukraine as a wake-up call that their 27 nations have to take a more muscular approach to their security.

US-led military alliance NATO has for decades provided the bedrock for European defence and the war in Ukraine has reinforced the instinct among many EU members to keep Washington close.&nbsp;

But there has also been a push led by France for the bloc to bolster its own capacity to act.&nbsp;

The new strategy is designed to strike that balancing act while boosting defence cooperation between EU states.&nbsp;

"The more hostile security environment requires us to make a quantum leap forward and increase our capacity and willingness to act, strengthen our resilience, and invest more and better in our defence capabilities," the EU said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The objective of the Strategic Compass is to make the EU a stronger and more capable security provider." &nbsp;

Central to the plan is the establishment, by 2025, of an "EU Rapid Deployment Capacity" of up to 5,000 troops that could be sent into hostile environments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act.

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act. The plan has been in the pipeline for two years. This plan underwent a last-minute rewrite to increase the focus on the threat from Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine. "It's not the answer to the Ukrainian war, but it is part of the answer," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the bloc's foreign and defence ministers. "When we started working, we couldn't imagine that at the last moment of approval the situation would be so bad and Europe would be facing such a big challenge." EU leaders have described Russia's assault on Ukraine as a wake-up call that their 27 nations have to take a more muscular approach to their security. US-led military alliance NATO has for decades provided the bedrock for European defence and the war in Ukraine has reinforced the instinct among many EU members to keep Washington close. But there has also been a push led by France for the bloc to bolster its own capacity to act. The new strategy is designed to strike that balancing act while boosting defence cooperation between EU states. "The more hostile security environment requires us to make a quantum leap forward and increase our capacity and willingness to act, strengthen our resilience, and invest more and better in our defence capabilities," the EU said in a statement. "The objective of the Strategic Compass is to make the EU a stronger and more capable security provider." Central to the plan is the establishment, by 2025, of an "EU Rapid Deployment Capacity" of up to 5,000 troops that could be sent into hostile environments. (With inputs from agencies)

EU aims to form a rapid reaction force

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon.

AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation.

"We really expect that we can reach an agreement on Thursday, that we can endorse the Digital Markets Act," said French MEP Stephanie Yon-Courtin, a key backer of the law.

This is a "a historic text that will clearly change the rules of the game," she added.

Once adopted, it would give regulators in Brussels unparallelled power to take a close and up-to-the-minute look at business decisions by the giants, especially when they acquire promising startups.

The rules would also set a list of do’s and don’ts including forcing Apple to open up its app store to competing payment systems -- a demand the iPhone maker has resisted arduously in courts for years.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) could also force Google and Meta-owned Facebook to reveal precious information from their world-dominating ad platforms, potentially leaving them vulnerable to new rivals.

In their final push, lawmakers from the European Parliament would also like to impose interoperability between messaging systems such as WhatsApp, Signal or Apple’s iMessage.

Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of annual global sales with some MEPs calling for even tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

The big tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon. AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation.

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon. AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation. "We really expect that we can reach an agreement on Thursday, that we can endorse the Digital Markets Act," said French MEP Stephanie Yon-Courtin, a key backer of the law. This is a "a historic text that will clearly change the rules of the game," she added. Once adopted, it would give regulators in Brussels unparallelled power to take a close and up-to-the-minute look at business decisions by the giants, especially when they acquire promising startups. The rules would also set a list of do’s and don’ts including forcing Apple to open up its app store to competing payment systems -- a demand the iPhone maker has resisted arduously in courts for years. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) could also force Google and Meta-owned Facebook to reveal precious information from their world-dominating ad platforms, potentially leaving them vulnerable to new rivals. In their final push, lawmakers from the European Parliament would also like to impose interoperability between messaging systems such as WhatsApp, Signal or Apple’s iMessage. Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of annual global sales with some MEPs calling for even tougher penalties for repeat offenders. The big tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules. (With inputs from agencies)

EU gives final touches to law on Big Tech 

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership.

Klympush-Tsintsadze, who is also the former Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on matters of European integration, said ''We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership.''

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We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership, says Ukrainian MP <a href="https://twitter.com/IKlympush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IKlympush</a> 
 
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She added that countries in Versailles had decided that Ukraine is indeed a European state and has the right to apply for membership in the European Union.

''We have been proving that not only in words that we are a European state but also we are paying every single day with our lives for our desire to live in a free democratic country in the bloc.''

''With our behaviour, readiness to withhold Russian aggression and stand up for our values, we will make sure EU responds positively to our choice,'' said Klympush-Tsintsadze.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/critics-question-us-govt-policy-as-the-country-has-only-admitted-several-hundred-ukrainian-refugees-so-far-463409" hreflang="en">Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far</a>

France's president said on Thursday&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine had delivered an "electric shock" to the NATO alliance and given it a new strategic clarity that it was lacking.

Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters as he launched his campaign for re-election, was responding to a question about whether he regretted describing NATO as "brain dead" around two years ago.

"Russia has given us a wake-up call," Macron said. "I always considered that we needed a strategic clarification, and we are in the process of getting it."

He said events in Ukraine had given NATO that clarity because it brought it back to its origins.

Macron said the situation in late 2019, when he made his remark, was different from today, and that the alliance was indispensable for dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Macron said that he didn't exclude going to Kyiv, but that his priority was to continue discussions with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, with whom he would speak again in the coming hours.

"Without something tangible, going would be in vain... I will do it when it would be useful," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership.

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership. Klympush-Tsintsadze, who is also the former Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on matters of European integration, said ''We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership.'' We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership, says Ukrainian MP @IKlympush For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/hjDqB06rZa — WION (@WIONews) March 17, 2022 × She added that countries in Versailles had decided that Ukraine is indeed a European state and has the right to apply for membership in the European Union. ''We have been proving that not only in words that we are a European state but also we are paying every single day with our lives for our desire to live in a free democratic country in the bloc.'' ''With our behaviour, readiness to withhold Russian aggression and stand up for our values, we will make sure EU responds positively to our choice,'' said Klympush-Tsintsadze. Also see | Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far France's president said on Thursday Russia's invasion of Ukraine had delivered an "electric shock" to the NATO alliance and given it a new strategic clarity that it was lacking. Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters as he launched his campaign for re-election, was responding to a question about whether he regretted describing NATO as "brain dead" around two years ago. "Russia has given us a wake-up call," Macron said. "I always considered that we needed a strategic clarification, and we are in the process of getting it." He said events in Ukraine had given NATO that clarity because it brought it back to its origins. Macron said the situation in late 2019, when he made his remark, was different from today, and that the alliance was indispensable for dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Macron said that he didn't exclude going to Kyiv, but that his priority was to continue discussions with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, with whom he would speak again in the coming hours. "Without something tangible, going would be in vain... I will do it when it would be useful," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Appalling': Ivanna Klympush slams Macron for ruling out fast-tracking EU membership for Ukraine

The European union has now adopted a fourth package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

New curbs to further isolate Russia, EU adopts 4th package of sanctions

The European Union has stalled the ongoing talks on the revival of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal just days after confirming that the final draft of an agreement is almost ready.

Iran nuclear talks stalled: European Union foreign policy chief announces pause

European Union leaders dashed Ukraine's hopes for a fast-tracked membership despite support from the Baltic states. Why is Europe opposed to admitting Ukraine? Has Brussels abandoned Kyiv after promising full support? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: No fast-tracked EU membership for Ukraine

The European Union has dashed Kyiv's hope of EU membership amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. French President Macron said that The EU cannot talk membership with a country at war.

EU dashes Kyiv's hope of EU membership amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

The EU and Britain on Friday opened&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;probes&nbsp;into a 2018 deal between tech giants Google and Facebook owner Meta allegedly aimed at cementing their dominance over the online advertising market.

The European Commission said it was investigating the so-called "Jedi Blue" agreement that has also faced lawsuits in the United States as global regulators up their campaign to seriously limit the power of big tech.

The EU said its probe would explore whether the arrangement between the internet behemoths had been used to "restrict and distort competition in the already concentrated ad tech market".

The bloc's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager said if confirmed, the arrangement will have served to distort competition, squeezing rival ad tech companies, publishers "and ultimately consumers."

The UK's Competition Market Authority also launched its own investigation into the agreement and the two watchdogs will "closely cooperate" on the investigation, the EU said.

Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said the CMA "will not shy away from scrutinising the behaviour of big tech firms... working closely with global regulators to get the best outcomes possible."

The two online advertising giants are under intense pressure from publishers and ad rivals as together they overwhelm the online advertising market in much of the world.

In a statement, Google said the "allegations made about this agreement are false" and that its deal with Meta "is a publicly documented, procompetitive agreement" that exists with other companies.

Meta said it would cooperate with the enquiries but that the arrangements "deliver more value to advertisers and publishers, resulting in better outcomes for all".

US lawsuits&nbsp;

US Big Tech companies have been under intense pressure over their business practices in Europe, resulting in&nbsp;probes, huge fines and plans for EU-wide legislation to rein them in.

In the latest accusations, which also form the basis for lawsuits in the United States, the "Jedi Blue" deal served to oust competition by manipulating ad auctions.

These are the ultra-sophisticated system that determines which ads appear on web pages based on the anonymised profiles of internet users.

US court documents revealed that the top bosses of Google and Facebook were directly involved in approving the allegedly illegal 2018 deal.&nbsp;

The legal documents filed in a New York court clearly refer to Sundar Pichai, chief of Google's parent firm Alphabet, as well as Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg and CEO Mark Zuckerberg -- even if their names were redacted.

Google has further enraged publishers and online ad rivals with its plan to overhaul its ad tracking system on its world leading Chrome browser and Android smartphone operating system.

The internet giant made the move -- which does away with personal online trackers known as "cookies" -- to answer increasing pressure to better guarantee privacy for web users.

Critics see it as a way for Google to deny publishers and advertisers precious data and embolden the company's dominance in advertising.

Alphabet pulled in over $60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 just in ad revenue, which makes up over 80 percent of its income.

The EU and Britain on Friday opened antitrust probes into a 2018 deal between tech giants Google and Facebook owner Meta allegedly aimed at cementing their dominance over the online advertising market.

The EU and Britain on Friday opened antitrust probes into a 2018 deal between tech giants Google and Facebook owner Meta allegedly aimed at cementing their dominance over the online advertising market. The European Commission said it was investigating the so-called "Jedi Blue" agreement that has also faced lawsuits in the United States as global regulators up their campaign to seriously limit the power of big tech. The EU said its probe would explore whether the arrangement between the internet behemoths had been used to "restrict and distort competition in the already concentrated ad tech market". The bloc's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager said if confirmed, the arrangement will have served to distort competition, squeezing rival ad tech companies, publishers "and ultimately consumers." The UK's Competition Market Authority also launched its own investigation into the agreement and the two watchdogs will "closely cooperate" on the investigation, the EU said. Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said the CMA "will not shy away from scrutinising the behaviour of big tech firms... working closely with global regulators to get the best outcomes possible." The two online advertising giants are under intense pressure from publishers and ad rivals as together they overwhelm the online advertising market in much of the world. In a statement, Google said the "allegations made about this agreement are false" and that its deal with Meta "is a publicly documented, procompetitive agreement" that exists with other companies. Meta said it would cooperate with the enquiries but that the arrangements "deliver more value to advertisers and publishers, resulting in better outcomes for all". US lawsuits US Big Tech companies have been under intense pressure over their business practices in Europe, resulting in probes, huge fines and plans for EU-wide legislation to rein them in. In the latest accusations, which also form the basis for lawsuits in the United States, the "Jedi Blue" deal served to oust competition by manipulating ad auctions. These are the ultra-sophisticated system that determines which ads appear on web pages based on the anonymised profiles of internet users. US court documents revealed that the top bosses of Google and Facebook were directly involved in approving the allegedly illegal 2018 deal. The legal documents filed in a New York court clearly refer to Sundar Pichai, chief of Google's parent firm Alphabet, as well as Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg and CEO Mark Zuckerberg -- even if their names were redacted. Google has further enraged publishers and online ad rivals with its plan to overhaul its ad tracking system on its world leading Chrome browser and Android smartphone operating system. The internet giant made the move -- which does away with personal online trackers known as "cookies" -- to answer increasing pressure to better guarantee privacy for web users. Critics see it as a way for Google to deny publishers and advertisers precious data and embolden the company's dominance in advertising. Alphabet pulled in over $60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 just in ad revenue, which makes up over 80 percent of its income.

EU launches antitrust probes on Google, Meta over online ads deal

Leaders of Europe have refused Ukraine's hope of EU membership making the war-torn country a second time loser; Ukraine faces rejection from West yet again.

EU: No fast membership for Ukraine in near future

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of people are fleeing Ukraine. The EU has relaxed its border curbs to deal with the refugee crisis.

EU relaxes border curbs as over 2.2 million flee Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders met for a war response summit. The EU is preparing for a long stand-off with Russia.

EU leaders meet for war response summit as EU braces for long stand-off with Russia

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch.

For years, a group of wealthy Russians have used Concord Management LLC, a financial advisory company in Tarrytown, New York, to secretly invest money in large U.S. hedge funds and private equity firms, according to people familiar with the matter.

A web of offshore shell companies makes it hard to know for sure whose money Concord manages. But several of the people said the bulk of the funds belong to Roman Abramovich, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Concord is part of a constellation of American and European advisers — including some of the world’s largest law firms — that have long helped Russian oligarchs navigate the Western financial, legal, political and media landscapes.

Now, with U.S. and European sanctions targeting those close to Putin, firms are wrestling with what to do with these lucrative but controversial clients.

Many are ditching them. Some appear to be sticking with them. Others will not say what they are doing.

In the meantime, lawyers and investment advisers are coming under intense scrutiny for work that weeks earlier was occurring almost entirely below the public radar.

Concord, whose representatives declined to comment, has attracted the attention of congressional investigators. On Wednesday, a lawmaker wrote to the Biden administration requesting a freeze on Abramovich’s funds at Concord.

In Britain, which has a thriving industry of attorneys who specialize in hiding assets, lawmakers have taken to the floor of Parliament to denounce lawyers and law firms that are continuing to work with oligarchs.

Legally speaking, at least, there is nothing wrong with working for sanctioned companies, individuals or governments, so long as certain rules are followed.

In the United States, lawyers are allowed to represent sanctioned clients in court or before government agencies, and they also can advise them on complying with sanctions. Lobbyists and public relations firms must obtain licenses from the Treasury Department to represent sanctioned entities.

As a result of the bureaucratic hurdles and reputational risks, the going rate for law and lobbying firms representing sanctioned oligarchs has soared into the millions of dollars, according to people familiar with the industry.

For many firms, the paydays are not enough to make up for the potential reputational damage of working for Kremlin-linked oligarchs. A flurry of Western lobbying, law and public relations firms recently dropped their Russian clients or operations.

A spokesperson for the law firm Skadden Arps said it is “in the process of ending our representations of Alfa Bank,” a sanctioned, oligarch-controlled company. (Skadden has also represented Abramovich, the billionaire owner of England’s Chelsea Football Club, but she would not say whether that work continues.)

International law firms Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright both said they were leaving Russia. A spokesperson for another large firm, Debevoise &amp;amp; Plimpton, said it is terminating several client relationships and will not take any new clients in Moscow. Ashurst, a large London-based law firm, said it would not “act for any new or existing Russian clients, whether or not they are subject to sanctions.”

Accounting giants PWC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY — which have provided extensive services to oligarchs and their networks of offshore shell companies — also said they were leaving Russia or severing ties with their local affiliates.

Some firms parted ways with Russian clients whose praises they had been singing in the days leading up to the invasion.

Last month, a former Treasury official turned lobbyist wrote a letter to the White House arguing that Russia’s Sovcombank should not face sanctions, citing the bank’s commitment to gender equity, environmental and social responsibility.

Sovcombank had agreed to pay the lobbyist’s firm, Mercury Public Affairs, $90,000 a month for its work.

The Biden administration recently sanctioned Sovcombank. Within hours of the announcement, Mercury filed paperwork with the Justice Department indicating that it was terminating its contract with Sovcombank.

As recently as mid-February, the British law firm Schillings represented Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, a longtime ally of Putin.

Two weeks later, the European Union and the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Usmanov. Nigel Higgins, a spokesperson for Schillings, said the firm is “not acting for any sanctioned individuals or entities.”

Another lawyer, Thomas Clare, has written threatening letters to news organizations on behalf of clients, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. In 2019, for example, he warned that he might try to hold The New York Times “liable for the catastrophic economic damages” facing Deripaska, who at the time was under sanctions.

Clare said this week that his firm, Clare Locke LLP, has not worked for Deripaska since September, “and we do not foresee doing so again in the future.”

Russian companies like Rosneft, VTB, Alfa Bank, Gazprom and Sberbank, which are now under sanctions, have been represented by leading U.S. law firms including White &amp;amp; Case, DLA Piper, Dechert, Latham &amp;amp; Watkins and Baker Botts.

None of those firms would say whether they are still working with the Russian companies.

Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, continues to say on its website that it represents “some of Russia’s largest companies,” including Gazprom and VTB. The firm said it is “reviewing and adjusting our Russia-related operations and client work” to comply with sanctions.

In Washington, Erich Ferrari, a leading sanctions lawyer, is suing the U.S. Treasury on behalf of Deripaska, who is seeking to overturn sanctions imposed on him in 2018 that he claims have cost him billions of dollars and made him “radioactive” in international business circles.

And lobbyist Robert Stryk said he has recently had conversations about representing several sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies. He has previously represented clients targeted by sanctions, including the administrations of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and former president Joseph Kabila of the Congo.

Stryk said he would consider taking the work if the Treasury Department provided him with the necessary licenses and if the prospective clients opposed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

Concord Management, whose representatives declined to comment, appears to be devoted almost entirely to managing the money of a small handful of ultrawealthy Russians.

The unregistered investment firm has been operating since 1999 with a staff of about two dozen. It specializes in investing in hedge funds and real estate funds run by private equity firms, according to online profiles of current and former Concord employees.

Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers who have interacted with Concord and its founder, Michael Matlin, said it oversees between $4 billion and $8 billion.

It is not clear how much of that belongs to Abramovich, whose fortune is estimated at $13 billion.

Abramovich has not been sanctioned. His spokesperson, Rola Brentlin, declined to comment on Concord.

Over the years, Concord has steered its clients’ money into marquee financial institutions: global money manager BlackRock, private equity firm Carlyle Group and a fund run by John Paulson, who famously anticipated the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Concord also invested with Bernard Madoff, who died in prison after being convicted of a vast Ponzi scheme.

Another recipient of Concord money was Brevan Howard, a multibillion-dollar European hedge fund company. A person familiar with the matter said Brevan Howard is preparing to return the funds to Concord, which will no longer be a client.

In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., wrote that he had “recently received information from credible sources in the financial industry” that Concord oversees billions of dollars for Abramovich.

Cohen, co-chair of a panel focused on European security, requested that the U.S. government impose sanctions on Abramovich and seize the assets at Concord, “as this blood money presents a flight risk.”

The work performed by law, lobbying and public relations firms often plays out in public or is disclosed in legal or foreign agent filings, but that is rarely the case in the financial arena.

While Russian oligarchs make tabloid headlines for shelling out for extravagant superyachts and palatial homes, their bigger investments often occur out of public view, thanks to a largely invisible network of financial advisory firms like Concord.

Hedge fund managers and their advisers said they are starting to examine their investor lists to see if any clients are under sanctions. If so, their money needs to be segregated and disclosed to the Treasury Department.

Some hedge funds also are considering returning money to oligarchs who have not been sanctioned, fearful that Russians might soon be targeted by U.S. and European authorities.

“The implication of sanctions being imposed on Russia and its oligarchs is just rippling through the private fund community,” said Ron Geffner, a lawyer who advises hedge funds.

While firms prefer to keep their work for unsavory clients under wraps, a leak in 2017 provided a glimpse into how Western firms helped Russian oligarchs hide assets — and what happened when those clients were targeted by sanctions.

The leak, part of the Paradise Papers project, involved the files of the Appleby law firm in Bermuda. At least four clients owned private jets through shell companies managed by Appleby.

When companies and individuals linked to Putin were sanctioned in 2014, Appleby jettisoned clients it believed were affected.

The Russians found other Western firms, including Credit Suisse, to help fill the void.

Ben Freeman, who tracks foreign influence for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Russians will likely to find new firms this time, too.

“There is that initial backlash, where these clients are too toxic,” Freeman said. “But when these lucrative contracts are out there, it gets to be too much for some people, and they can turn a blind eye to any atrocity.”

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch.

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch. For years, a group of wealthy Russians have used Concord Management LLC, a financial advisory company in Tarrytown, New York, to secretly invest money in large U.S. hedge funds and private equity firms, according to people familiar with the matter. A web of offshore shell companies makes it hard to know for sure whose money Concord manages. But several of the people said the bulk of the funds belong to Roman Abramovich, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Concord is part of a constellation of American and European advisers — including some of the world’s largest law firms — that have long helped Russian oligarchs navigate the Western financial, legal, political and media landscapes. Now, with U.S. and European sanctions targeting those close to Putin, firms are wrestling with what to do with these lucrative but controversial clients. Many are ditching them. Some appear to be sticking with them. Others will not say what they are doing. In the meantime, lawyers and investment advisers are coming under intense scrutiny for work that weeks earlier was occurring almost entirely below the public radar. Concord, whose representatives declined to comment, has attracted the attention of congressional investigators. On Wednesday, a lawmaker wrote to the Biden administration requesting a freeze on Abramovich’s funds at Concord. In Britain, which has a thriving industry of attorneys who specialize in hiding assets, lawmakers have taken to the floor of Parliament to denounce lawyers and law firms that are continuing to work with oligarchs. Legally speaking, at least, there is nothing wrong with working for sanctioned companies, individuals or governments, so long as certain rules are followed. In the United States, lawyers are allowed to represent sanctioned clients in court or before government agencies, and they also can advise them on complying with sanctions. Lobbyists and public relations firms must obtain licenses from the Treasury Department to represent sanctioned entities. As a result of the bureaucratic hurdles and reputational risks, the going rate for law and lobbying firms representing sanctioned oligarchs has soared into the millions of dollars, according to people familiar with the industry. For many firms, the paydays are not enough to make up for the potential reputational damage of working for Kremlin-linked oligarchs. A flurry of Western lobbying, law and public relations firms recently dropped their Russian clients or operations. A spokesperson for the law firm Skadden Arps said it is “in the process of ending our representations of Alfa Bank,” a sanctioned, oligarch-controlled company. (Skadden has also represented Abramovich, the billionaire owner of England’s Chelsea Football Club, but she would not say whether that work continues.) International law firms Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright both said they were leaving Russia. A spokesperson for another large firm, Debevoise &amp; Plimpton, said it is terminating several client relationships and will not take any new clients in Moscow. Ashurst, a large London-based law firm, said it would not “act for any new or existing Russian clients, whether or not they are subject to sanctions.” Accounting giants PWC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY — which have provided extensive services to oligarchs and their networks of offshore shell companies — also said they were leaving Russia or severing ties with their local affiliates. Some firms parted ways with Russian clients whose praises they had been singing in the days leading up to the invasion. Last month, a former Treasury official turned lobbyist wrote a letter to the White House arguing that Russia’s Sovcombank should not face sanctions, citing the bank’s commitment to gender equity, environmental and social responsibility. Sovcombank had agreed to pay the lobbyist’s firm, Mercury Public Affairs, $90,000 a month for its work. The Biden administration recently sanctioned Sovcombank. Within hours of the announcement, Mercury filed paperwork with the Justice Department indicating that it was terminating its contract with Sovcombank. As recently as mid-February, the British law firm Schillings represented Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, a longtime ally of Putin. Two weeks later, the European Union and the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Usmanov. Nigel Higgins, a spokesperson for Schillings, said the firm is “not acting for any sanctioned individuals or entities.” Another lawyer, Thomas Clare, has written threatening letters to news organizations on behalf of clients, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. In 2019, for example, he warned that he might try to hold The New York Times “liable for the catastrophic economic damages” facing Deripaska, who at the time was under sanctions. Clare said this week that his firm, Clare Locke LLP, has not worked for Deripaska since September, “and we do not foresee doing so again in the future.” Russian companies like Rosneft, VTB, Alfa Bank, Gazprom and Sberbank, which are now under sanctions, have been represented by leading U.S. law firms including White &amp; Case, DLA Piper, Dechert, Latham &amp; Watkins and Baker Botts. None of those firms would say whether they are still working with the Russian companies. Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, continues to say on its website that it represents “some of Russia’s largest companies,” including Gazprom and VTB. The firm said it is “reviewing and adjusting our Russia-related operations and client work” to comply with sanctions. In Washington, Erich Ferrari, a leading sanctions lawyer, is suing the U.S. Treasury on behalf of Deripaska, who is seeking to overturn sanctions imposed on him in 2018 that he claims have cost him billions of dollars and made him “radioactive” in international business circles. And lobbyist Robert Stryk said he has recently had conversations about representing several sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies. He has previously represented clients targeted by sanctions, including the administrations of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and former president Joseph Kabila of the Congo. Stryk said he would consider taking the work if the Treasury Department provided him with the necessary licenses and if the prospective clients opposed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Concord Management, whose representatives declined to comment, appears to be devoted almost entirely to managing the money of a small handful of ultrawealthy Russians. The unregistered investment firm has been operating since 1999 with a staff of about two dozen. It specializes in investing in hedge funds and real estate funds run by private equity firms, according to online profiles of current and former Concord employees. Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers who have interacted with Concord and its founder, Michael Matlin, said it oversees between $4 billion and $8 billion. It is not clear how much of that belongs to Abramovich, whose fortune is estimated at $13 billion. Abramovich has not been sanctioned. His spokesperson, Rola Brentlin, declined to comment on Concord. Over the years, Concord has steered its clients’ money into marquee financial institutions: global money manager BlackRock, private equity firm Carlyle Group and a fund run by John Paulson, who famously anticipated the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Concord also invested with Bernard Madoff, who died in prison after being convicted of a vast Ponzi scheme. Another recipient of Concord money was Brevan Howard, a multibillion-dollar European hedge fund company. A person familiar with the matter said Brevan Howard is preparing to return the funds to Concord, which will no longer be a client. In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., wrote that he had “recently received information from credible sources in the financial industry” that Concord oversees billions of dollars for Abramovich. Cohen, co-chair of a panel focused on European security, requested that the U.S. government impose sanctions on Abramovich and seize the assets at Concord, “as this blood money presents a flight risk.” The work performed by law, lobbying and public relations firms often plays out in public or is disclosed in legal or foreign agent filings, but that is rarely the case in the financial arena. While Russian oligarchs make tabloid headlines for shelling out for extravagant superyachts and palatial homes, their bigger investments often occur out of public view, thanks to a largely invisible network of financial advisory firms like Concord. Hedge fund managers and their advisers said they are starting to examine their investor lists to see if any clients are under sanctions. If so, their money needs to be segregated and disclosed to the Treasury Department. Some hedge funds also are considering returning money to oligarchs who have not been sanctioned, fearful that Russians might soon be targeted by U.S. and European authorities. “The implication of sanctions being imposed on Russia and its oligarchs is just rippling through the private fund community,” said Ron Geffner, a lawyer who advises hedge funds. While firms prefer to keep their work for unsavory clients under wraps, a leak in 2017 provided a glimpse into how Western firms helped Russian oligarchs hide assets — and what happened when those clients were targeted by sanctions. The leak, part of the Paradise Papers project, involved the files of the Appleby law firm in Bermuda. At least four clients owned private jets through shell companies managed by Appleby. When companies and individuals linked to Putin were sanctioned in 2014, Appleby jettisoned clients it believed were affected. The Russians found other Western firms, including Credit Suisse, to help fill the void. Ben Freeman, who tracks foreign influence for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Russians will likely to find new firms this time, too. “There is that initial backlash, where these clients are too toxic,” Freeman said. “But when these lucrative contracts are out there, it gets to be too much for some people, and they can turn a blind eye to any atrocity.”

How Western firms quietly enabled Russian oligarchs

Away from the war in Ukraine, Pakistan is stuck on the same old record. It's still obsessing over India. Imran Khan says EU envoys are pressurising him to condemn Russia. He wants them to build the same pressure on India. Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: 'West pressurising Pak to condemn Russia' claims Imran Khan

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine.&nbsp;

Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-vs-russia-the-meme-war-460063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2014, Russia flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea. Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine.

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaKzW1uts0D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Stand With Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@withukraine)</a>
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As Russian soldiers entered Kharkiv, so did their mobile and social media presence. Reportedly, Ukrainian women started receiving right swipes from invading Russian soldiers on dating app Tinder.

Soon apprehensions about Russian soldiers sharing intel with their tinder Ukrainian matches also became a topic for hot takes on social media.

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russian soldiers trying to match on tinder with women from the country they’re invading and then getting catfished for intel is such a weird “we live in the future” moment
— douglas chu 鞠一道 (@douglaschu_) <a href="https://twitter.com/douglaschu_/status/1497642246203748353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Russia also used Chinese app Tiktok for spreading anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Clever videos serve up Russian nationalism with a side of humour.

In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted US flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying. The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content.

The effort amounts to an emerging part of Russia’s war arsenal with the shaping of opinion through orchestrated disinformation fighting alongside actual troops and weapons.

“This is the way they go to war; it’s a central part of Russian doctrine,” said Jim Ludes, a former US defence analyst who now directs the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University. Ludes said Russian disinformation campaigns are intended to galvanise Russian support while confusing and dividing the country’s opponents.

Russia tailors its propaganda message for specific audiences.

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Video of Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his kids while he stays behind to fight. 
 
Fuck war. 
<a href="https://t.co/rvIzotI8pE">pic.twitter.com/rvIzotI8pE</a>
— Peter Yang (@petergyang) <a href="https://twitter.com/petergyang/status/1496877608373424131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For Russians and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, the message is that Russia is trying to defend its own people against Western-fueled aggression and persecution in Ukraine. Similar tactics have been used, including by Nazi Germany when it invaded Czechoslovakia under the guise of protecting ethnic Germans living there, Ludes noted.

“It’s not good guys who use this tactic,” Ludes said. “It’s the language of conquest, not the language of democracy.”

Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

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Nobody, 
America ,NATO, European union 
in this war 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Memes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Memes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/funniesttweets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#funniesttweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/nWJxFW9vuP">pic.twitter.com/nWJxFW9vuP</a>
— Iam_prith_ (@Sarcasticprith) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarcasticprith/status/1497601676269993986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the US has information indicating Russia is publicising false reports about widespread surrenders of Ukrainian troops and claims that Moscow plans to “threaten killing family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price.

Russia has also employed cyberattacks in its invasion of Ukraine, and while they pose a serious threat, online propaganda can leave even more lasting damage if it succeeds, according to retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Nagata, a former director of strategic operational planning at the US National Counterterrorism Centre.

“What is far more dangerous is Russia’s ability to influence what populations everywhere believe,” Nagata said. “To get them to believe things that are useful for Russian strategic interests... If you’re able to change what an entire population believes, you may not have to attack anything.”

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Breaking. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESETResearch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESETResearch</a> discovered a new data wiper malware used in Ukraine today. ESET telemetry shows that it was installed on hundreds of machines in the country. This follows the DDoS attacks against several Ukrainian websites earlier today 1/n
— ESET research (@ESETresearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESETresearch/status/1496581903205511181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the West, Russia seeks to sow division and reduce the chances of a unified international response. It does this in part through a stable of state-controlled media outlets such as Sputnik and RT, which published in English, Spanish, and several other languages.

The European Union banned Kremlin-controlled media outlets RT and Sputnik from broadcasting into the bloc.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience.&nbsp;

Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine. Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube.

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine. Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube. In 2014, Russia flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea. Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stand With Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@withukraine) As Russian soldiers entered Kharkiv, so did their mobile and social media presence. Reportedly, Ukrainian women started receiving right swipes from invading Russian soldiers on dating app Tinder. Soon apprehensions about Russian soldiers sharing intel with their tinder Ukrainian matches also became a topic for hot takes on social media. russian soldiers trying to match on tinder with women from the country they’re invading and then getting catfished for intel is such a weird “we live in the future” moment — douglas chu 鞠一道 (@douglaschu_) February 26, 2022 × Russia also used Chinese app Tiktok for spreading anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Clever videos serve up Russian nationalism with a side of humour. In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted US flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying. The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content. The effort amounts to an emerging part of Russia’s war arsenal with the shaping of opinion through orchestrated disinformation fighting alongside actual troops and weapons. “This is the way they go to war; it’s a central part of Russian doctrine,” said Jim Ludes, a former US defence analyst who now directs the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University. Ludes said Russian disinformation campaigns are intended to galvanise Russian support while confusing and dividing the country’s opponents. Russia tailors its propaganda message for specific audiences. Video of Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his kids while he stays behind to fight. Fuck war. pic.twitter.com/rvIzotI8pE — Peter Yang (@petergyang) February 24, 2022 × For Russians and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, the message is that Russia is trying to defend its own people against Western-fueled aggression and persecution in Ukraine. Similar tactics have been used, including by Nazi Germany when it invaded Czechoslovakia under the guise of protecting ethnic Germans living there, Ludes noted. “It’s not good guys who use this tactic,” Ludes said. “It’s the language of conquest, not the language of democracy.” Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Nobody, America ,NATO, European union in this war 💯#Ukraine #Russia #UkraineRussiaWar #Memes #funniesttweets pic.twitter.com/nWJxFW9vuP — Iam_prith_ (@Sarcasticprith) February 26, 2022 × Meanwhile, the US has information indicating Russia is publicising false reports about widespread surrenders of Ukrainian troops and claims that Moscow plans to “threaten killing family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price. Russia has also employed cyberattacks in its invasion of Ukraine, and while they pose a serious threat, online propaganda can leave even more lasting damage if it succeeds, according to retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Nagata, a former director of strategic operational planning at the US National Counterterrorism Centre. “What is far more dangerous is Russia’s ability to influence what populations everywhere believe,” Nagata said. “To get them to believe things that are useful for Russian strategic interests... If you’re able to change what an entire population believes, you may not have to attack anything.” Breaking. #ESETResearch discovered a new data wiper malware used in Ukraine today. ESET telemetry shows that it was installed on hundreds of machines in the country. This follows the DDoS attacks against several Ukrainian websites earlier today 1/n — ESET research (@ESETresearch) February 23, 2022 × In the West, Russia seeks to sow division and reduce the chances of a unified international response. It does this in part through a stable of state-controlled media outlets such as Sputnik and RT, which published in English, Spanish, and several other languages. The European Union banned Kremlin-controlled media outlets RT and Sputnik from broadcasting into the bloc. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience. Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users. (With inputs from agencies)

Meme war: Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered misinformation warfare

In a settlement, the Home Office of the UK government has agreed to pay £5,750 to an EU citizen it had detained at the border during a post-Brexit crackdown on Europeans, who entered the country last year. &nbsp;

The citizen, Miro Matos, is a Slovakian national. He has lived in the UK for 18 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-statistics-watchdog-says-downing-street-was-repeatedly-warned-over-johnsons-misleading-jobs-claims-459633" hreflang="en">UK statistics watchdog says Downing Street was repeatedly warned over Johnson’s misleading jobs claims</a>

At his treatment in Calais, 42-year-old Matos was so furious that he sued the department when the officials detained him for 10 hours, alleging that he was using a false name and had not declared a driving offence when he had applied for EU settled status. &nbsp;

“I thought: ‘Have they lost their minds?’ I didn’t come in on a floating door. I drive in a car. I understand when there is human error but every single thing, they said about me was rubbish. I have travelled the world, but this is the rudest approach I have ever experienced,” Matos, who is the general manager at a restaurant in Chancery Lane in London, said. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-6-steps-the-west-must-take-to-help-ukraine-right-now-459725" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now</a>

After his complaint, the correspondence from the Home Office acknowledged “that detention was unwarranted in light of your status to reside in the UK. Your status should have been known to the persons on staff at the time of your detention.” &nbsp;

It agreed that “compensation” was “appropriate”. Initially, it made an offer of £2,000, but in the last week, it agreed to a settlement of £5,750. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a settlement, the Home Office of the UK government has agreed to pay £5,750 to an EU citizen it had detained at the border during a post-Brexit crackdown on Europeans, who entered the country last year.

In a settlement, the Home Office of the UK government has agreed to pay £5,750 to an EU citizen it had detained at the border during a post-Brexit crackdown on Europeans, who entered the country last year. The citizen, Miro Matos, is a Slovakian national. He has lived in the UK for 18 years. Also Read: UK statistics watchdog says Downing Street was repeatedly warned over Johnson’s misleading jobs claims At his treatment in Calais, 42-year-old Matos was so furious that he sued the department when the officials detained him for 10 hours, alleging that he was using a false name and had not declared a driving offence when he had applied for EU settled status. “I thought: ‘Have they lost their minds?’ I didn’t come in on a floating door. I drive in a car. I understand when there is human error but every single thing, they said about me was rubbish. I have travelled the world, but this is the rudest approach I have ever experienced,” Matos, who is the general manager at a restaurant in Chancery Lane in London, said. Also Read | Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now After his complaint, the correspondence from the Home Office acknowledged “that detention was unwarranted in light of your status to reside in the UK. Your status should have been known to the persons on staff at the time of your detention.” It agreed that “compensation” was “appropriate”. Initially, it made an offer of £2,000, but in the last week, it agreed to a settlement of £5,750. (With inputs from agencies)

In settlement, UK government’s Home Office to pay £5,750 to EU citizen for 10-hour detention

Under fire from Russian forces and facing an existential threat President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that Ukraine be granted immediate EU membership. But, the country would still need to go through the same membership process as any other candidate, with no fast-track route in prospect.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU envoys discuss Ukraine's membership bid

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million -&nbsp;while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania.

The moves by the European Union came in parallel to its muscular sanctions on Russia imposed in successive waves over the course of the invasion, now in its eighth day.

EU interior ministers agreed in a Brussels meeting to activate a temporary protection mechanism drawn up two decades ago -- in response to the wars in the former Yugoslavia -- but never used.

European home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson, who attended the meeting, tweeted that it was a "historic decision".&nbsp;

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said: "The European Union will accord temporary protection to all those fleeing the war in Ukraine."

Darmanin's phrasing was significant. While most of those pouring out of Ukraine -- mainly women and children because men of fighting age were compelled to stay -- are Ukrainian, there were also many Indian students and other nationalities trapped when Russia invaded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin</a>

"The significance of this moment for Europe cannot be underestimated," the Oxfam charity said in a statement, calling it "a turning point for Europe".

It said the EU protection mechanism "offers a direct lifeline to people fleeing from danger in Ukraine" and now "all EU member states need to chip in and take responsibility". &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A majority of member states was needed to adopt the protection mechanism. With political agreement reached, it was expected to come into force within days, once the EU legislation is finalised.

'Paradigm shift'

Under a text submitted by the European Commission,&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;from Ukraine and their family members would receive a residence permit and the right to access work and education for an initial year, renewable every six months for a total of two years.

Currently, Ukrainians with passports bearing biometric data have only the right to visit the EU's Schengen area for up to three months, without the right to work, meaning they can already enter the EU.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said as she arrived for the meeting that adopting the blanket protection for Ukraine&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;was "a paradigm shift" for the EU, which has long struggled to reform its asylum rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-is-this-vladimir-putins-next-massive-plan-458569">Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan?</a>

Hungary's government -- which has the closest ties to Moscow of any EU country -- said before its adoption that it was against blanket EU protection for Ukrainians.&nbsp;

As the interior ministers met, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the EU was also setting up a "humanitarian hub" in Romania, one of four EU countries bordering Ukraine.

"Protecting the people fleeing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's bombs is not only an act of compassion in times of war. This is also our moral duty, as Europeans," she said.

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million - while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania.

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million - while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania. The moves by the European Union came in parallel to its muscular sanctions on Russia imposed in successive waves over the course of the invasion, now in its eighth day. EU interior ministers agreed in a Brussels meeting to activate a temporary protection mechanism drawn up two decades ago -- in response to the wars in the former Yugoslavia -- but never used. European home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson, who attended the meeting, tweeted that it was a "historic decision". French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said: "The European Union will accord temporary protection to all those fleeing the war in Ukraine." Darmanin's phrasing was significant. While most of those pouring out of Ukraine -- mainly women and children because men of fighting age were compelled to stay -- are Ukrainian, there were also many Indian students and other nationalities trapped when Russia invaded. Also read | Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin "The significance of this moment for Europe cannot be underestimated," the Oxfam charity said in a statement, calling it "a turning point for Europe". It said the EU protection mechanism "offers a direct lifeline to people fleeing from danger in Ukraine" and now "all EU member states need to chip in and take responsibility". A majority of member states was needed to adopt the protection mechanism. With political agreement reached, it was expected to come into force within days, once the EU legislation is finalised. 'Paradigm shift' Under a text submitted by the European Commission, refugees from Ukraine and their family members would receive a residence permit and the right to access work and education for an initial year, renewable every six months for a total of two years. Currently, Ukrainians with passports bearing biometric data have only the right to visit the EU's Schengen area for up to three months, without the right to work, meaning they can already enter the EU. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said as she arrived for the meeting that adopting the blanket protection for Ukraine refugees was "a paradigm shift" for the EU, which has long struggled to reform its asylum rules. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan? Hungary's government -- which has the closest ties to Moscow of any EU country -- said before its adoption that it was against blanket EU protection for Ukrainians. As the interior ministers met, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the EU was also setting up a "humanitarian hub" in Romania, one of four EU countries bordering Ukraine. "Protecting the people fleeing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's bombs is not only an act of compassion in times of war. This is also our moral duty, as Europeans," she said.

Ukraine invasion: EU to offer protection to refugees as situation worsens

The European medicines agency said that it has authorised Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for children aged six to 11. This comes in addition to recommending booster shots of Pfizer's vaccine for people aged 12 and over.

EU regulator's vaccines chief Dr Marco Cavaleri, at a press briefing said that the Moderna vaccine for children will be a half-dose of what is given to adults.&nbsp;

He further said that the research showed how young children had an immune response compared to older populations “as measured by the level of neutralising antibodies” against the virus.&nbsp;

Earlier, Moderna's Covid "Spikevax" vaccine received full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It had previously been authorised for emergency use in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-watch-taiwan-is-going-to-be-next-trump-warns-as-russia-ukraine-war-rages-on-458579">Also read |&nbsp;‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on</a>

Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement that "the public can be assured that Spikevax meets the FDA's high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality required of any vaccine approved for use in the United States."

"The FDA's approval of Spikevax is a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the second vaccine approved to prevent COVID-19," Woodcock said.

The Moderna vaccine was approved for emergency use in December 2020.

Moderna has full FDA approval for only the first two doses, emergency use authorisation remains in effect for the booster dose.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European medicines agency said that it has authorised Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for children aged six to 11. This comes in addition to recommending booster shots of Pfizer's vaccine for people aged 12 and over.

The European medicines agency said that it has authorised Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for children aged six to 11. This comes in addition to recommending booster shots of Pfizer's vaccine for people aged 12 and over. EU regulator's vaccines chief Dr Marco Cavaleri, at a press briefing said that the Moderna vaccine for children will be a half-dose of what is given to adults. He further said that the research showed how young children had an immune response compared to older populations “as measured by the level of neutralising antibodies” against the virus. Earlier, Moderna's Covid "Spikevax" vaccine received full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It had previously been authorised for emergency use in the US. Also read | ‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement that "the public can be assured that Spikevax meets the FDA's high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality required of any vaccine approved for use in the United States." "The FDA's approval of Spikevax is a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the second vaccine approved to prevent COVID-19," Woodcock said. The Moderna vaccine was approved for emergency use in December 2020. Moderna has full FDA approval for only the first two doses, emergency use authorisation remains in effect for the booster dose. (With inputs from agencies)

EU authorises Moderna vaccine for young kids; recommends Pfizer's booster

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia.

"We are applying today for EU membership," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said after signing the application letter.&nbsp;

"Georgia is a European state and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development," he added. 
"History has deemed the European choice of the Georgian people as its strategic aim."

Georgia's ruling party faced strong pressure from the opposition to follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's move to apply for EU membership -- a bid which won backing from MEPs in a non-binding resolution.

Zelensky's decision to seek fast-track EU membership came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The MEP vote on Ukraine was largely seen in Georgia as a window of opportunity to advance its own EU aspirations -- a goal enshrined in the Black Sea nation's constitution.

Last year, Georgia announced its intention to apply for EU membership in 2024.

The government has faced mounting international criticism over perceived backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi's relations with Brussels.

Kremlin's possible target

The war in Ukraine also strengthened the West's focus on Georgia and Moldova, another ex-Soviet republic seeking EU membership.&nbsp; 
The West has expressed concerns that these countries risked becoming possible targets for the Kremlin after Ukraine.

"We stand with Moldova and Georgia to defend their sovereignty and security," French President Emmanuel Macron said last week, while his Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France was "worried" about a possible Russian military offensive against Georgia and Moldova.

Last week, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili was in Paris and Brussels to argue for Europe's commitments to Ukraine being extended to Georgia.

Even if granted candidate status however, Georgia and Ukraine will face a protracted and complex accession process.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia.

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia. "We are applying today for EU membership," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said after signing the application letter. "Georgia is a European state and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development," he added. "History has deemed the European choice of the Georgian people as its strategic aim." Georgia's ruling party faced strong pressure from the opposition to follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's move to apply for EU membership -- a bid which won backing from MEPs in a non-binding resolution. Zelensky's decision to seek fast-track EU membership came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The MEP vote on Ukraine was largely seen in Georgia as a window of opportunity to advance its own EU aspirations -- a goal enshrined in the Black Sea nation's constitution. Last year, Georgia announced its intention to apply for EU membership in 2024. The government has faced mounting international criticism over perceived backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi's relations with Brussels. Kremlin's possible target The war in Ukraine also strengthened the West's focus on Georgia and Moldova, another ex-Soviet republic seeking EU membership. The West has expressed concerns that these countries risked becoming possible targets for the Kremlin after Ukraine. "We stand with Moldova and Georgia to defend their sovereignty and security," French President Emmanuel Macron said last week, while his Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France was "worried" about a possible Russian military offensive against Georgia and Moldova. Last week, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili was in Paris and Brussels to argue for Europe's commitments to Ukraine being extended to Georgia. Even if granted candidate status however, Georgia and Ukraine will face a protracted and complex accession process. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Ukraine crisis, Georgia formally applies for EU membership

The European Union is racing to offer protection to Ukrainian refugees, the commission laid out a new proposal for all member states this will now let Ukrainians stay and work in the block for next two years.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to two years

In a big blow to Ukraine's dream of joining the European union the 27-member block rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plea of an immediate membership for his country.

Ukraine's EU dream put on hold as members dismiss Ukraine's membership plea amid Russian invasion

In what is said to be a renewed bid to consider Ukraine's plea, EU members to discuss Kyiv's application for immediate membership amid the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

EU members to discuss Kyiv's application for immediate membership amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen's big warning to Russia's Ukraine invasion. She further stated that European Commission will impose strict sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine conflict: Sanctions will take a heavy toll on Russia, states EU commission president

In a big blow to Ukraine's dream of joining the European union the 27-member block rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plea of an immediate membership for his country. For more on this we are joined by Maximilian Hess, fellow foreign policy research institute.

EU dismisses Ukraine's membership plea | Maximilian Hess Exclusive

The 27-member block of the European Union says that the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plea of an immediate membership of the EU for his country will not be possible. Zelenskyy on Monday signed a membership application formally requesting that Ukraine join the European Union.

No EU membership for Ukraine for now, emergency session of EU parliament begins

In a big blow to Ukraine's dream of joining the European Union the 27 member block has now rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plea of an immediate membership for his country.

EU rejects Zelenskyy's plea of an 'immediate' membership

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