European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious&nbsp;plan&nbsp;yet to tackle&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies.

The&nbsp;European Commission, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;executive body, set out in painstaking detail how the bloc's 27 countries can meet their collective goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 - a step towards "net-zero" emissions by 2050.

This will mean raising the cost of emitting carbon for heating, transport and manufacturing, taxing high-carbon aviation fuel and shipping fuel that has not been taxed before, and charging importers at the border for the carbon emitted in making products such as cement, steel and aluminium abroad. It will consign the internal combustion engine to history.

"We're going to ask a lot of our citizens. We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause,"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;climate&nbsp;policy chief Frans Timmermans said.

"We do it to&nbsp;give humanity a fighting chance."

The "Fit for 55" measures will require approval by member states and the&nbsp;European parliament, a process that could take two years.

They are also likely to face intense lobbying from some industrial sectors, from poorer&nbsp;European member states that want to protect their citizens from price rises, and from more polluting countries facing a costly transition.

A diplomat from one&nbsp;EU&nbsp;country said the success of the package would rest on its ability to be realistic and socially fair, while not destabilising the economy.

"The aim is to put the economy on a new level, not to stop it," the diplomat said.

EYES ON GLASGOW

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;produces only 8% of global emissions but hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from the world's other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone U.N.&nbsp;climate&nbsp;conference.

"Europe was the first continent to declare to be&nbsp;climate&nbsp;neutral in 2050, and now we are the very first ones to put a concrete roadmap on the table,"&nbsp;European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The package arrives days after California suffered one of the highest temperatures recorded on earth, the latest of a series of brutal heatwaves that have hit Russia, Northern&nbsp;Europe and Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-eu-member-countries-for-exemption-on-india-made-vaccines-395049">Also read |&nbsp;India reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines</a>

As&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change makes itself felt from the typhoon-swept tropics to the blowtorched bushlands of Australia, Brussels proposed a dozen policies to target most big sources of the fossil fuel emissions that trigger it, including power&nbsp;plants, factories, cars,&nbsp;planes and heating systems in buildings.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has so far cut emissions by 24 per cent from 1990 levels, but many of the most obvious steps, such as reducing reliance on coal to generate power, have been taken already.

The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, by which date scientists say the world must have reached net-zero carbon emissions to prevent&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change from becoming catastrophic.

The measures follow a core principle: to make polluting more expensive and green options more attractive to the&nbsp;EU's 25 million businesses and nearly half a billion people.

PLANES, SHIPS AND AUTOMOBILES

Tighter emission limits for cars will in effect end new petrol and diesel car sales in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;by 2035 - the earliest of the possible dates that had been touted.

An overhaul of the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Emissions Trading System, the biggest carbon market in the world, will force factories, power&nbsp;plants and airlines to pay more when they emit CO2. Ships will also be added to the ETS, requiring shipowners to pay for their pollution for the first time.

A new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;carbon market will impose CO2 costs on the transport and construction sectors - with some of the revenues put in a fund to curb low-income households' fuel bills.

The commission also unveiled its&nbsp;plan&nbsp;for the world's first carbon border tariff, requiring manufacturers abroad to pay for the CO2 they have produced when they sell goods such as steel and cement into the&nbsp;EU.

Meanwhile, a tax overhaul will impose an&nbsp;EU-wide tax on polluting aviation fuels, which currently dodge such levies.

EU&nbsp;member states will also be required to build up forests and grasslands - the carbon sinks that keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

For some&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries, the package is a chance to cement the&nbsp;EU's global leadership in fighting&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, and to be at the forefront of those developing the technologies needed.

Danish&nbsp;climate&nbsp;and energy minister Dan Jorgensen said it would signal to the rest of the world that "it is possible to both set ambitious goals and introduce the concrete necessary measures to reach them".

But the&nbsp;plans have exposed familiar rifts. Poorer member states are wary of policies that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power&nbsp;plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining.

European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies.

European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies. The European Commission, the EU executive body, set out in painstaking detail how the bloc's 27 countries can meet their collective goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 - a step towards "net-zero" emissions by 2050. This will mean raising the cost of emitting carbon for heating, transport and manufacturing, taxing high-carbon aviation fuel and shipping fuel that has not been taxed before, and charging importers at the border for the carbon emitted in making products such as cement, steel and aluminium abroad. It will consign the internal combustion engine to history. "We're going to ask a lot of our citizens. We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said. "We do it to give humanity a fighting chance." The "Fit for 55" measures will require approval by member states and the European parliament, a process that could take two years. They are also likely to face intense lobbying from some industrial sectors, from poorer European member states that want to protect their citizens from price rises, and from more polluting countries facing a costly transition. A diplomat from one EU country said the success of the package would rest on its ability to be realistic and socially fair, while not destabilising the economy. "The aim is to put the economy on a new level, not to stop it," the diplomat said. EYES ON GLASGOW The EU produces only 8% of global emissions but hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from the world's other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone U.N. climate conference. "Europe was the first continent to declare to be climate neutral in 2050, and now we are the very first ones to put a concrete roadmap on the table," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The package arrives days after California suffered one of the highest temperatures recorded on earth, the latest of a series of brutal heatwaves that have hit Russia, Northern Europe and Canada. Also read | India reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines As climate change makes itself felt from the typhoon-swept tropics to the blowtorched bushlands of Australia, Brussels proposed a dozen policies to target most big sources of the fossil fuel emissions that trigger it, including power plants, factories, cars, planes and heating systems in buildings. The EU has so far cut emissions by 24 per cent from 1990 levels, but many of the most obvious steps, such as reducing reliance on coal to generate power, have been taken already. The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, by which date scientists say the world must have reached net-zero carbon emissions to prevent climate change from becoming catastrophic. The measures follow a core principle: to make polluting more expensive and green options more attractive to the EU's 25 million businesses and nearly half a billion people. PLANES, SHIPS AND AUTOMOBILES Tighter emission limits for cars will in effect end new petrol and diesel car sales in the EU by 2035 - the earliest of the possible dates that had been touted. An overhaul of the EU Emissions Trading System, the biggest carbon market in the world, will force factories, power plants and airlines to pay more when they emit CO2. Ships will also be added to the ETS, requiring shipowners to pay for their pollution for the first time. A new EU carbon market will impose CO2 costs on the transport and construction sectors - with some of the revenues put in a fund to curb low-income households' fuel bills. The commission also unveiled its plan for the world's first carbon border tariff, requiring manufacturers abroad to pay for the CO2 they have produced when they sell goods such as steel and cement into the EU. Meanwhile, a tax overhaul will impose an EU-wide tax on polluting aviation fuels, which currently dodge such levies. EU member states will also be required to build up forests and grasslands - the carbon sinks that keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. For some EU countries, the package is a chance to cement the EU's global leadership in fighting climate change, and to be at the forefront of those developing the technologies needed. Danish climate and energy minister Dan Jorgensen said it would signal to the rest of the world that "it is possible to both set ambitious goals and introduce the concrete necessary measures to reach them". But the plans have exposed familiar rifts. Poorer member states are wary of policies that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining.

EU aims to "give humanity a fighting chance" with catch-all climate plan

In a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, the European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the US administration, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.

World Business Watch: After US push, EU pauses tax plan but Ireland sticks to its guns

The European Union is set to take the lead in climate policy action among the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters this week, with a raft of ambitious plans designed to cut emissions drastically over the next decade.

Europe's climate masterplan to be a challenge for Germany's industry

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant.

Meeting in Venice, G20 ministers, including Yellen, &nbsp;on Saturday endorsed a plan agreed by 132 countries to overhaul the way multinational companies, including US digital giants, are taxed.

"The agreement that we've reached in the OECD framework discussion calls on countries to agree to dismantle existing digital taxes that the United States has regarded as discriminatory and to refrain from erecting similar measures in the future," Yellen told reporters.

"So it's really up to the European Commission and the members of the European Union to decide how to proceed. But those countries have agreed to avoid putting in place in the future and to dismantle taxes that are discriminatory against US firms."

Yellen is due in Brussels on Monday for talks with Eurozone finance ministers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

Negotiations at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) secured a historic agreement on July 1 for a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 per cent, and to allow nations to tax a share of the profits of the world's biggest companies regardless of where they are headquartered.

In a diplomatic document seen by AFP late last month, Washington warned the EU that its plans for a bloc-wide digital levy, which it sees a discriminating against US technology firms, risked "entirely derailing" the negotiations at the OECD.

Three EU countries -- including Ireland, which has become a European base for a raft of US companies thanks to low tax rates -- have yet to sign up for the OECD agreement.

Yellen said she would seek to persuade them.

"I will use the opportunity to try to explain why we think that the few remaining EU countries that have not endorsed the inclusive framework, why we think it's in the world's interest, in their interests to be part of the agreement," she said.

"In some cases, there are very specific technical issues that it may indeed be possible to address and where that's possible I know all of us will be working in the common months to do that and to bring those countries on board."

The European Commission has insisted its new levy plan, due to be unveiled later this month, would conform with whatever is agreed at the OECD and would hit thousands of companies, including European ones.

Money raised from the digital tax is intended to help pay for the bloc's 750-billion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant. Meeting in Venice, G20 ministers, including Yellen, on Saturday endorsed a plan agreed by 132 countries to overhaul the way multinational companies, including US digital giants, are taxed. "The agreement that we've reached in the OECD framework discussion calls on countries to agree to dismantle existing digital taxes that the United States has regarded as discriminatory and to refrain from erecting similar measures in the future," Yellen told reporters. "So it's really up to the European Commission and the members of the European Union to decide how to proceed. But those countries have agreed to avoid putting in place in the future and to dismantle taxes that are discriminatory against US firms." Yellen is due in Brussels on Monday for talks with Eurozone finance ministers. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space Negotiations at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) secured a historic agreement on July 1 for a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 per cent, and to allow nations to tax a share of the profits of the world's biggest companies regardless of where they are headquartered. In a diplomatic document seen by AFP late last month, Washington warned the EU that its plans for a bloc-wide digital levy, which it sees a discriminating against US technology firms, risked "entirely derailing" the negotiations at the OECD. Three EU countries -- including Ireland, which has become a European base for a raft of US companies thanks to low tax rates -- have yet to sign up for the OECD agreement. Yellen said she would seek to persuade them. "I will use the opportunity to try to explain why we think that the few remaining EU countries that have not endorsed the inclusive framework, why we think it's in the world's interest, in their interests to be part of the agreement," she said. "In some cases, there are very specific technical issues that it may indeed be possible to address and where that's possible I know all of us will be working in the common months to do that and to bring those countries on board." The European Commission has insisted its new levy plan, due to be unveiled later this month, would conform with whatever is agreed at the OECD and would hit thousands of companies, including European ones. Money raised from the digital tax is intended to help pay for the bloc's 750-billion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan.

Yellen urges EU to reconsider its digital tax plan

European Union Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog speaks with WION. Watch this report to know more.

Until everyone is safe, no one is safe: Olof Skoog, EU Ambassador to United Nations

Senegal, the&nbsp;EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;in the West African state. &nbsp;

The move comes amid a shortage of jabs and the third wave of coronavirus infections sweeping Africa, which has highlighted the lack of vaccination-production facilities on the continent.&nbsp;

Ninety-nine per cent of vaccines used in Africa are imported, according to a joint statement from the Senegalese government and the European Union.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;financing&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is intended to kickstart&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, the statement explained, lowering the dependence on imports. &nbsp;

Senegal's Economy Minister Amadou Hott was quoted in the statement as saying that the&nbsp;new&nbsp;production site will lay the foundation for "pharmaceutical and medical sovereignty".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">Also read |&nbsp;Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics</a>

It will also "increase access to affordable vaccines in Africa, and enable&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;to rapidly respond to&nbsp;new&nbsp;pandemics," he added.&nbsp;

Construction of the&nbsp;plant&nbsp;is expected to start later this year, according to the statement, which added that 25 million vaccine doses are due to be produced each month by the end of 2022.

The European Commission, European Investment Bank, the World Bank, as well as the United States, France, Germany and Belgium will fund the project, alongside the Senegalese government and other donors.

Germany will contribute 20 million euros ($23.7 million) towards the&nbsp;new&nbsp;plant.

It is not yet clear how much other donors will contribute. However, several donors had already contributed millions towards a feasibility study.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At a press conference in Dakar on Friday, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the project should cost around 200 million euros ($237 million) in total.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plant&nbsp;will be situated in the&nbsp;new&nbsp;city of Diamniadio, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Dakar, and employ about 300 people, he added.

"This is a historic day," Breton said, referring to the signing.

With some 5.8 million reported Covid-19 cases and around 149,000 deaths among its nearly 1.3 billion people, Africa is the world's least-affected continent after Oceania, according to an AFP tally.

The third wave of virus infections is currently sweeping the continent, raising fears about the consequences of a lack of vaccines.

Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only about two per cent of the African population fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, warned on Thursday that cases are doubling every 18 days.&nbsp;

"Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever," she said.

Senegal, the EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance vaccine production in the West African state.

Senegal, the EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance vaccine production in the West African state. The move comes amid a shortage of jabs and the third wave of coronavirus infections sweeping Africa, which has highlighted the lack of vaccination-production facilities on the continent. Ninety-nine per cent of vaccines used in Africa are imported, according to a joint statement from the Senegalese government and the European Union. The new financing deal is intended to kickstart vaccine production at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, the statement explained, lowering the dependence on imports. Senegal's Economy Minister Amadou Hott was quoted in the statement as saying that the new production site will lay the foundation for "pharmaceutical and medical sovereignty". Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics It will also "increase access to affordable vaccines in Africa, and enable vaccine production to rapidly respond to new pandemics," he added. Construction of the plant is expected to start later this year, according to the statement, which added that 25 million vaccine doses are due to be produced each month by the end of 2022. The European Commission, European Investment Bank, the World Bank, as well as the United States, France, Germany and Belgium will fund the project, alongside the Senegalese government and other donors. Germany will contribute 20 million euros ($23.7 million) towards the new plant. It is not yet clear how much other donors will contribute. However, several donors had already contributed millions towards a feasibility study. At a press conference in Dakar on Friday, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the project should cost around 200 million euros ($237 million) in total. The plant will be situated in the new city of Diamniadio, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Dakar, and employ about 300 people, he added. "This is a historic day," Breton said, referring to the signing. With some 5.8 million reported Covid-19 cases and around 149,000 deaths among its nearly 1.3 billion people, Africa is the world's least-affected continent after Oceania, according to an AFP tally. The third wave of virus infections is currently sweeping the continent, raising fears about the consequences of a lack of vaccines. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only about two per cent of the African population fully vaccinated. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, warned on Thursday that cases are doubling every 18 days. "Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever," she said.

Senegal, EU and US sign deal for new vaccine-production plant

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>&nbsp;to cover 70 per cent of the adult population,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member state governments are responsible for administering the&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has kept its word."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-likely-to-vaccinate-70-adult-population-by-end-of-july-379617">EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July</a>

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;joint&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson.

All but the J&amp;J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is home to an estimated 366 million adults.

"This weekend, we delivered enough&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seals-deal-for-more-18-billion-pfizerbiontech-covid-vaccine-doses-383700">EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses</a>

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;-- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe."

When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy,&nbsp;stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members.

Joint approach&nbsp;

This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-asks-astrazeneca-to-catch-up-on-covid-vaccine-deliveries-373240">EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries</a>

But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed&nbsp;vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication.

"The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well."

In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;contributes to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-over-20-million-doses-to-20-nations-368420">Covax plan</a> to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for next year as insurance against the rise of variants.&nbsp;

But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;plan. &nbsp;

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday. The 27 EU member state governments are responsible for administering the vaccines to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The EU has kept its word." Also read | EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July The EU joint vaccine purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-Pfizer shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson & Johnson. All but the J&J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the EU is home to an estimated 366 million adults. "This weekend, we delivered enough vaccine to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said. Also read | EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses "COVID-19 is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying vaccines -- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe." When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy, stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members. Joint approach This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries. Also read | EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication. "The EU is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well." In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the EU contributes to the international Covax plan to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more vaccines for next year as insurance against the rise of variants. But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the EU plan. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults

The European Union has handed down more than $1 billion in fines to four major German car manufacturers, saying they colluded to limit the development and rollout of car emission control systems.

World Business Watch: EU fines 4 German carmakers over emission collusion

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and&nbsp;BMW&nbsp;875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars.

Launched after anti-cartel raids in 2017, the case marked yet another blow against the German auto-making sector, which was rocked by the devastating "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal that broke in 2015.&nbsp;

The case found that while the car giants had not formed a formal cartel, they had made illegal agreements to limit the introduction of "AdBlue" or urea to diesel engine exhaust gases, reducing its effectiveness as a way to produce cleaner emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bmw-faces-us-lawsuit-claiming-emissions-cheating-126743">BMW faces US lawsuit claiming emissions cheating</a>

Daimler, which alerted the European Commission to the issue, was spared a fine.

"Today's case is about how legitimate cooperation has gone wrong. Carmakers had developed a very good technology, but decided not to compete to exploit it to its full potential," EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager told reporters.

"Instead, they decided to collude by indicating to each other that none of them would aim at cleaning above the minimum standards required by law," Vestager added.

Volkswagen's admission to manipulating 11 million vehicles worldwide to appear less polluting unleashed a wave of anger at the auto industry, and Brussels launched an in-depth cartel investigation into the three companies.

In a statement,&nbsp;BMW&nbsp;stressed that the EU had dropped earlier allegations that the auto giants colluded on putting off cleaner particulate filters for petrol cars.

It also accused the European Commission of entering "uncharted territory for antitrust law" with its decision as it had failed to prove the existence of a price-fixing cartel but inflicted fines in any case.

The commission's biggest-ever fine of 2.93 billion euros was handed to Europe's top truck makers,&nbsp;including Daimler, in 2016 for colluding over 14 years to fix prices and dodge the costs of stricter pollution rules.

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and BMW 875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars.

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and BMW 875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars. Launched after anti-cartel raids in 2017, the case marked yet another blow against the German auto-making sector, which was rocked by the devastating "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal that broke in 2015. The case found that while the car giants had not formed a formal cartel, they had made illegal agreements to limit the introduction of "AdBlue" or urea to diesel engine exhaust gases, reducing its effectiveness as a way to produce cleaner emissions. Also read | BMW faces US lawsuit claiming emissions cheating Daimler, which alerted the European Commission to the issue, was spared a fine. "Today's case is about how legitimate cooperation has gone wrong. Carmakers had developed a very good technology, but decided not to compete to exploit it to its full potential," EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager told reporters. "Instead, they decided to collude by indicating to each other that none of them would aim at cleaning above the minimum standards required by law," Vestager added. Volkswagen's admission to manipulating 11 million vehicles worldwide to appear less polluting unleashed a wave of anger at the auto industry, and Brussels launched an in-depth cartel investigation into the three companies. In a statement, BMW stressed that the EU had dropped earlier allegations that the auto giants colluded on putting off cleaner particulate filters for petrol cars. It also accused the European Commission of entering "uncharted territory for antitrust law" with its decision as it had failed to prove the existence of a price-fixing cartel but inflicted fines in any case. The commission's biggest-ever fine of 2.93 billion euros was handed to Europe's top truck makers, including Daimler, in 2016 for colluding over 14 years to fix prices and dodge the costs of stricter pollution rules.

EU slaps VW, BMW with 875-million-euro antitrust fine

"We will not stop anyone," Lukashenko said, referring to the migrants. He said the migrants are on their way to "warm and comfortable Europe."

Belarus: Prez Lukashenko denies any help to EU over illegal immigration

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting to discuss the status of relations between the European Union (EU) and China.

Xi Jinping holds virtual meeting with French and German leaders

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland.

The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters.

The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85-people-crashes-40-rescued-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued</a>

"It is the worst forest fire in the history of&nbsp;Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told&nbsp;Cyprus's Omega TV.

Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in&nbsp;Cyprus.

Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres".

Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away.

Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel.

"This is a very difficult day for&nbsp;Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted.

Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;on Sunday.

The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear.&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze.

"It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland. The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters. The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued "It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told Cyprus's Omega TV. Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in Cyprus. Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres". Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away. Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel. "This is a very difficult day for Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted. Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to Cyprus on Sunday. The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear. Cyprus has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze. "It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

EU deploys assistance for Cyprus as huge forest fire rages

The EU digital vaccine passport goes live from 1 July, allowing travelers from all 27 European Union countries to use their smartphone to prove that they have been vaccinated, have tested negative, or have recovered from COVID-19.

EU's COVID-19 'digital certificates' are up and running

Over 70 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the UK, but 5 million of those are the version of AstraZeneca known as Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

Britons who received Covishield vaccine cannot travel to EU

According to the European Medicines Agency, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine appear to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus. The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first spotted in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe.

EMA: Double doses of COVID-19 vaccine seem to protect against Delta variant

Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland and Spain – who have reportedly confirmed accepting travellers administered with Covishield vaccine.

New Delhi hardens stance to allow Covishield for greenpass

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use.

The EU document -- essentially a QR code made available in digital form on smartphones or hard copy -- shows whether the bearer is vaccinated with one of the EU's approved jabs (from BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson), has recovered from an infection, or has a recent negative Covid test.

Under EU law, the certificate is meant to do away with the need for quarantines or further testing when travelling between the EU's 27 countries or four associated European nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).

EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said he expected all EU member states to be connected from Thursday. Only Ireland, which was hit by a cyber-attack targeting its health service in May, will lag behind.

As of Wednesday, 21 EU countries were already accepting the certificate, including major tourist destinations France, Spain,&nbsp;Italy, Greece and Croatia.

"We recommend to all the member states to use such a tool not only for the free movement law... but also for all the possible national uses, for other purposes: to go to concerts, festivals, theatres, restaurants," Reynders said.

But a surge in the Delta variant, first detected in India and now rampant in former EU member Britain, could trigger an "emergency brake" provision suspending its acceptance.

Already Germany has announced a ban on incoming travellers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are exempted if they quarantine for two weeks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unstoppable-182-unmarked-graves-found-at-third-canadian-school-395019">Also Read |&nbsp;'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school</a>

Berlin's decision has raised Brussels' ire, with Reynders saying "we should avoid travel bans" within the EU and stressing that Germany should have consulted with its partners first.

Britain's Delta problem

Britain's startling rise in Delta infections -- it now has a rolling two-week infection rate more than seven times that of the EU -- is generating deep concern on the continent.

At an EU summit last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised southern EU countries -- desperate for tourist cash -- for allowing in Britons with few, if any, Covid checks.

This week, Portugal, Spain and Malta all abruptly increased restrictions for travellers from Britain, emphasising full vaccination for entry.

Beyond the EU certificate, Brussels is urging all member states to allow in only fully vaccinated travellers from outside the bloc, or those with urgent reasons to visit.

But, unlike for the certificate, that is only "guidance" that can be ignored.

Even the EU certificate may not be the fillip many hope for.

"There is no doubt that the tourist industry could do with a boost in time for the summer season," economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note.

But it forecast the EU certificate "will have very little impact on European tourism this year," observing that "most adults are not fully vaccinated and the Delta variant is making people and governments more cautious".

Airlines worry

Airlines grouped together in an umbrella lobby group, A4E, have expressed worries that an "inconsistent approach" among EU countries in vetting the EU Covid certificate could create long lines in airports with the potential to "create new health hazards".

They called for the certificates to be checked online before travellers even arrived at the airport.

Reynders responded by saying the European Commission stood by to help with technical implementation but stressed that the fact there was one EU certificate rather than 27 national ones already greatly streamlined travel in the bloc.

Overall, EU governments are weighing the public desire for a summer break after a tough year of restrictions against a race between vaccination and the Delta variant.

AFP statistics collating official health data from across the EU show that 50.4 per cent of the bloc's population has now received at least one vaccine dose (compared with 65.7 per cent in Britain).&nbsp;

So far, 32.7 per cent in the EU are considered completely vaccinated.&nbsp;

Covid experts had initially believed "herd immunity" could be reached with 70 per cent of a population fully vaccinated, but now judge it would need 80 per cent or more immunised, given Delta's infectiousness and the fact vaccines are less effective against it.

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use.

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use. The EU document -- essentially a QR code made available in digital form on smartphones or hard copy -- shows whether the bearer is vaccinated with one of the EU's approved jabs (from BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson), has recovered from an infection, or has a recent negative Covid test. Under EU law, the certificate is meant to do away with the need for quarantines or further testing when travelling between the EU's 27 countries or four associated European nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said he expected all EU member states to be connected from Thursday. Only Ireland, which was hit by a cyber-attack targeting its health service in May, will lag behind. As of Wednesday, 21 EU countries were already accepting the certificate, including major tourist destinations France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia. "We recommend to all the member states to use such a tool not only for the free movement law... but also for all the possible national uses, for other purposes: to go to concerts, festivals, theatres, restaurants," Reynders said. But a surge in the Delta variant, first detected in India and now rampant in former EU member Britain, could trigger an "emergency brake" provision suspending its acceptance. Already Germany has announced a ban on incoming travellers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are exempted if they quarantine for two weeks. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school Berlin's decision has raised Brussels' ire, with Reynders saying "we should avoid travel bans" within the EU and stressing that Germany should have consulted with its partners first. Britain's Delta problem Britain's startling rise in Delta infections -- it now has a rolling two-week infection rate more than seven times that of the EU -- is generating deep concern on the continent. At an EU summit last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised southern EU countries -- desperate for tourist cash -- for allowing in Britons with few, if any, Covid checks. This week, Portugal, Spain and Malta all abruptly increased restrictions for travellers from Britain, emphasising full vaccination for entry. Beyond the EU certificate, Brussels is urging all member states to allow in only fully vaccinated travellers from outside the bloc, or those with urgent reasons to visit. But, unlike for the certificate, that is only "guidance" that can be ignored. Even the EU certificate may not be the fillip many hope for. "There is no doubt that the tourist industry could do with a boost in time for the summer season," economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note. But it forecast the EU certificate "will have very little impact on European tourism this year," observing that "most adults are not fully vaccinated and the Delta variant is making people and governments more cautious". Airlines worry Airlines grouped together in an umbrella lobby group, A4E, have expressed worries that an "inconsistent approach" among EU countries in vetting the EU Covid certificate could create long lines in airports with the potential to "create new health hazards". They called for the certificates to be checked online before travellers even arrived at the airport. Reynders responded by saying the European Commission stood by to help with technical implementation but stressed that the fact there was one EU certificate rather than 27 national ones already greatly streamlined travel in the bloc. Overall, EU governments are weighing the public desire for a summer break after a tough year of restrictions against a race between vaccination and the Delta variant. AFP statistics collating official health data from across the EU show that 50.4 per cent of the bloc's population has now received at least one vaccine dose (compared with 65.7 per cent in Britain). So far, 32.7 per cent in the EU are considered completely vaccinated. Covid experts had initially believed "herd immunity" could be reached with 70 per cent of a population fully vaccinated, but now judge it would need 80 per cent or more immunised, given Delta's infectiousness and the fact vaccines are less effective against it.

EU revives bloc-wide travel with Covid pass but Delta poses threat

Seven European Union countries- Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Spain- and Switzerland have put the Covishield vaccine, shortly after India warned of retaliation when none of its vaccines were added to the ‘Green Pass’.

7 EU nation's include Covishield in ‘Green Pass’ list

The Indian government has reportedly told the EU that it should either accept the two vaccines manufactured in India, Covaxin and Covishield, or face mandatory quarantine upon arrival in India.

India asks EU to accept Covaxin, Covishield or to face quarantine

European Union has excluded COVID-19 vaccine Covishield from its 'Green Pass' list. India has formally raised the issue with the EU. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute, said he has taken this up at the “highest levels”.

Covishield not on EU vaccine 'Green Pass'list

India's Covishield vaccine excluded from European Union's 'green pass'

Baltic states have rejected a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Is Europe breaking ranks with the U.S and charting its own policy on Russia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Merkel & Macron seek summit with Putin

The issue of LGBTQ rights has divided European Union. Hungary is pushing a law that allegedly discriminates against LGBTQ. The Vatican is pushing Italy to drop a new law on gay rights. Even football has become embroiled in the debate. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: In Europe, a fight for LGBTQ rights

EU leaders holding a summit Thursday attacked&nbsp;Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban over a new law in his country banning LGBTQ content in schools, which they view as homophobic and contrary to EU values.

Orban was virtually isolated as most of his 26 counterparts rounded on him in what one EU official described as an "in-depth and at times even emotional debate".

The most strident was Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte -- who, on his way into the summit, had told journalists "for me,&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;has no place in the EU anymore".

Facing Orban inside, Rutte said: "You have passed the line. This time it is too much,"&nbsp;according to another EU official in the room.

Others joined in the criticism, delivering a scathing broadside to&nbsp;Hungary's nationalist leader, who has frequently clashed with Brussels and with EU counterparts over his socially conservative policies and perceived undercutting of democratic norms.

"Being homosexual is not a choice. Being homophobic is a choice. We cannot accept legislation that is legitimising such a behaviour," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was said to have told Orban.

"You've crossed a red line," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel -- the only openly gay leader at the summit -- reportedly said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-outnumber-births-in-britain-for-the-first-time-since-1976-393790">Also Read |&nbsp;Deaths outnumber births in Britain for the first time since 1976</a>

The extraordinary attacks overshadowed the first day of the two-day summit, whose agenda also covered fraught ties with Russia and Turkey, and the bloc's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

'Not a diplomatic discussion'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early Friday, after the lengthy first day came to an end, that "it was certainly a controversial, but very, very frank discussion".

She said "we all made it very clear here what fundamental values we are pursuing" and the European Commission "will now continue to deal with the Hungarian law".&nbsp;

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said before the summit that her executive would challenge the basis of the law.

De Croo told journalists after leaving the summit that the haranguing of Orban was unprecedented at such gatherings.

"This was not a diplomatic discussion, this was quite confrontational," he said.

He added that only Poland and Slovenia -- the latter "a little bit" -- had offered&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;support.&nbsp;

Orban however was characteristically defiant in the room.

As he headed into the summit on Thursday he insisted to journalists that his fellow leaders had misunderstood the legislation.

"This is not against homosexuality... It's about the right of the kids and the parents," he said.

"It's about how a child learns about sexuality... and decisions about that are exclusively the business of parents," he said.

'Grave concerns'

Even before the summit, most EU countries -- 17 of them, including heavyweights Germany, France, Italy and Spain -- had made their criticism clear.

They signed a joint declaration raising "grave concerns" over the Hungarian law and a follow-up letter deploring any threats to "the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation".

UN chief Antonio Guterres, who attended the opening of the summit, also said of the Hungarian law: "No discrimination is acceptable in any circumstances, and any discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people is totally unacceptable in our modern societies."

Hungary's law titled the "Anti-Paedophilia Act", was originally aimed at toughening punishments for child abuse.

But its final draft contains amendments that critics say conflate paedophilia with homosexuality.&nbsp;

The law bans the "promotion of homosexuality"&nbsp;to under-18s, and says that only government-approved instructors are allowed to teach sex education in schools. &nbsp;

Firms cannot run ads showing support for the LGBTQ community if they are seen as targeting minors, according to the law.&nbsp;

EU leaders holding a summit Thursday attacked Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban over a new law in his country banning LGBTQ content in schools, which they view as homophobic and contrary to EU values.

EU leaders holding a summit Thursday attacked Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban over a new law in his country banning LGBTQ content in schools, which they view as homophobic and contrary to EU values. Orban was virtually isolated as most of his 26 counterparts rounded on him in what one EU official described as an "in-depth and at times even emotional debate". The most strident was Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte -- who, on his way into the summit, had told journalists "for me, Hungary has no place in the EU anymore". Facing Orban inside, Rutte said: "You have passed the line. This time it is too much," according to another EU official in the room. Others joined in the criticism, delivering a scathing broadside to Hungary's nationalist leader, who has frequently clashed with Brussels and with EU counterparts over his socially conservative policies and perceived undercutting of democratic norms. "Being homosexual is not a choice. Being homophobic is a choice. We cannot accept legislation that is legitimising such a behaviour," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was said to have told Orban. "You've crossed a red line," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel -- the only openly gay leader at the summit -- reportedly said. Also Read | Deaths outnumber births in Britain for the first time since 1976 The extraordinary attacks overshadowed the first day of the two-day summit, whose agenda also covered fraught ties with Russia and Turkey, and the bloc's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 'Not a diplomatic discussion' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early Friday, after the lengthy first day came to an end, that "it was certainly a controversial, but very, very frank discussion". She said "we all made it very clear here what fundamental values we are pursuing" and the European Commission "will now continue to deal with the Hungarian law". Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said before the summit that her executive would challenge the basis of the law. De Croo told journalists after leaving the summit that the haranguing of Orban was unprecedented at such gatherings. "This was not a diplomatic discussion, this was quite confrontational," he said. He added that only Poland and Slovenia -- the latter "a little bit" -- had offered Hungary support. Orban however was characteristically defiant in the room. As he headed into the summit on Thursday he insisted to journalists that his fellow leaders had misunderstood the legislation. "This is not against homosexuality... It's about the right of the kids and the parents," he said. "It's about how a child learns about sexuality... and decisions about that are exclusively the business of parents," he said. 'Grave concerns' Even before the summit, most EU countries -- 17 of them, including heavyweights Germany, France, Italy and Spain -- had made their criticism clear. They signed a joint declaration raising "grave concerns" over the Hungarian law and a follow-up letter deploring any threats to "the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation". UN chief Antonio Guterres, who attended the opening of the summit, also said of the Hungarian law: "No discrimination is acceptable in any circumstances, and any discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people is totally unacceptable in our modern societies." Hungary's law titled the "Anti-Paedophilia Act", was originally aimed at toughening punishments for child abuse. But its final draft contains amendments that critics say conflate paedophilia with homosexuality. The law bans the "promotion of homosexuality" to under-18s, and says that only government-approved instructors are allowed to teach sex education in schools. Firms cannot run ads showing support for the LGBTQ community if they are seen as targeting minors, according to the law.

EU leaders confront Hungary PM over LGBTQ law

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow.

The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years.

"There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us."

"The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin.

EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia.

Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious.

He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro.

(With inputs from agencies)

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit.

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow. The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years. "There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us." "The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin. EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia. Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious. He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro. (With inputs from agencies)

Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron

European Union leaders rejected a proposal by France and Germany to restart talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Poland which opposed the talks said such a move will send a 'wrong message'.

EU leaders rejects France & Germany's proposal for talks with Putin

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by&nbsp;France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;to hold a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;soon with&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;after&nbsp;Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

After&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden met&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit&nbsp;with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with&nbsp;Russia.

But&nbsp;after&nbsp;late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday.

"It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said.

EU&nbsp;summits with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;ended&nbsp;after&nbsp;Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions.

While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed.

"It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on&nbsp;Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said&nbsp;after&nbsp;the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe".

Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;risked rewarding&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with&nbsp;Russian-backed separatists.

Instead,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;says is a&nbsp;Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc.

Russia&nbsp;denies any wrongdoing.

In a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;statement, leaders called on the&nbsp;European Commission and the&nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against&nbsp;Russia.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has sanctions on the&nbsp;Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on&nbsp;Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons.

Diplomats say further sanctions could target&nbsp;Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU&nbsp;member Britain did for the first time in April.

SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE

Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and&nbsp;Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with&nbsp;European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summits, on June 7 this year.

France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;want to be able to work with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a&nbsp;summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started."

Many&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after&nbsp;Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin.&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning.

Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with the United States".

While&nbsp;France&nbsp;is a nuclear power, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions.

The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a&nbsp;summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details.

On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and NATO.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate. After U.S. President Joe Biden met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first EU summit with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the EU could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with Russia. But after late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27 EU leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday. "It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said. EU summits with Russia ended after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions. While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed. "It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe". Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the EU risked rewarding Russia with a summit even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with Russian-backed separatists. Instead, EU leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the EU says is a Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc. Russia denies any wrongdoing. In a summit statement, leaders called on the European Commission and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against Russia. The EU has sanctions on the Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons. Diplomats say further sanctions could target Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU member Britain did for the first time in April. SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs EU summits, on June 7 this year. France and Germany want to be able to work with Russia on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started." Many EU countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin. Russia expelled EU diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning. Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of Russia with the United States". While France is a nuclear power, the EU relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions. The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details. On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the EU and Russia accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea. The EU on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of Russia that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between Russia and NATO.

France, Germany drop plans for Russia summit after EU outcry

Google is having a terrible week. India has launched an anti-trust probe on its dominance of the 'Smart-TV' market. US attorney-generals are filing a lawsuit on mismanagement of 'Play Store'. EU is probing its violation of 'Online Adtech'. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Google is facing Anti-trust lawsuits globally

European Union citizens will be given a formal 28-day notice if they fail to apply for settled status in Britain in what the government bills as its pragmatic approach to a post-Brexit immigration system that some users say is difficult to navigate.

Since completing its exit from the EU late last year, Britain is bringing in a new immigration system, ending the priority for citizens from the bloc over people from elsewhere to meet pledged made during the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Around 5.6 million EU citizens have applied for residency rights in Britain before the June 30 deadline, but officials are concerned that without firm figures for how many nationals from the bloc live in the country, some may fail to apply.

"The UK's approach is very generous. Our EU settlement scheme has been open for more than two years. Many EU countries have an application window of 12 months or less; France's is currently open for less than nine months," interior minister Priti Patel wrote in the Telegraph newspaper.

The government has repeatedly said it will look to grant status, rather than look for reasons to refuse it to EU citizens, and adds that the 28-day notice should not be seen as a point when individuals are liable to be removed from Britain.

Under the government's scheme, EU citizens who can prove they were living in Britain before December 31 will retain the right to work, study and access benefits.

But if EU citizens have not applied within the 28-day notice, they will not be eligible for work, benefits and will lose the right to services such as free non-urgent healthcare.

Lawyers and campaigners estimate there are tens of thousands of EU citizens who risk missing the deadline, some of whom have become ensnared in what they describe as an overly-bureaucratic and poorly functioning system.

European Union citizens will be given a formal 28-day notice if they fail to apply for settled status in Britain in what the government bills as its pragmatic approach to a post-Brexit immigration system that some users say is difficult to navigate.

European Union citizens will be given a formal 28-day notice if they fail to apply for settled status in Britain in what the government bills as its pragmatic approach to a post-Brexit immigration system that some users say is difficult to navigate. Since completing its exit from the EU late last year, Britain is bringing in a new immigration system, ending the priority for citizens from the bloc over people from elsewhere to meet pledged made during the 2016 Brexit referendum. Around 5.6 million EU citizens have applied for residency rights in Britain before the June 30 deadline, but officials are concerned that without firm figures for how many nationals from the bloc live in the country, some may fail to apply. "The UK's approach is very generous. Our EU settlement scheme has been open for more than two years. Many EU countries have an application window of 12 months or less; France's is currently open for less than nine months," interior minister Priti Patel wrote in the Telegraph newspaper. The government has repeatedly said it will look to grant status, rather than look for reasons to refuse it to EU citizens, and adds that the 28-day notice should not be seen as a point when individuals are liable to be removed from Britain. Under the government's scheme, EU citizens who can prove they were living in Britain before December 31 will retain the right to work, study and access benefits. But if EU citizens have not applied within the 28-day notice, they will not be eligible for work, benefits and will lose the right to services such as free non-urgent healthcare. Lawyers and campaigners estimate there are tens of thousands of EU citizens who risk missing the deadline, some of whom have become ensnared in what they describe as an overly-bureaucratic and poorly functioning system.

Missing the deadline, EU citizens will receive 28-day notice for post-Brexit UK residency

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report in The Guardian, the decision is likely to effect the entertainment industry of the UK and the country's soft power outside of Britain. 
 
UK is reportedly the biggest producer of film and TV content in Europe and its dominance has been described as a threat to the cultural diversity of other European nations.&nbsp; 
 
The Guardian has reportedly got access to an internal &nbsp;EU document. The decision is likely to add to the long list of points of high tensions in the relationship between EU and UK since the country left the single market and customs union. 
 
Several countries in EU have already put a quote on how much British content would be allowed airtime in their country. Under the EU’s audiovisual media services directive, a majority of airtime has to be allotted to terrestrial television. Atleast 30 % of the number of title on video should be available on OTT platforms. 
 
France has set a 60% quota for European works on VOD.&nbsp;

The EU document that reportedly has been tabled with diplomats on June 8, states that inclusion of UK content in such quotas has led to disproportionate amount of British content across Europe.&nbsp; 
 
The European Commission has now been given the task to do launch a study to find out the impact EU's cultural diversity has due to British programming. This, the diplomats feel, would be a first step towards limiting the rights granted to UK programming.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit.

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit. According to a report in The Guardian, the decision is likely to effect the entertainment industry of the UK and the country's soft power outside of Britain. UK is reportedly the biggest producer of film and TV content in Europe and its dominance has been described as a threat to the cultural diversity of other European nations. The Guardian has reportedly got access to an internal EU document. The decision is likely to add to the long list of points of high tensions in the relationship between EU and UK since the country left the single market and customs union. Several countries in EU have already put a quote on how much British content would be allowed airtime in their country. Under the EU’s audiovisual media services directive, a majority of airtime has to be allotted to terrestrial television. Atleast 30 % of the number of title on video should be available on OTT platforms. France has set a 60% quota for European works on VOD. The EU document that reportedly has been tabled with diplomats on June 8, states that inclusion of UK content in such quotas has led to disproportionate amount of British content across Europe. The European Commission has now been given the task to do launch a study to find out the impact EU's cultural diversity has due to British programming. This, the diplomats feel, would be a first step towards limiting the rights granted to UK programming.

EU planning to restrict 'disproportionate' amount of British TV and film content post Brexit

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market.

The case opens yet another front by the European Commission against the search engine giant, which has already received eight billion euros ($9 billion) in fines for its anti-competitive practices.

The investigation will "assess whether Google has violated EU competition rules by favouring its own online display advertising technology services", a statement from the EU executive said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-top-court-hands-win-to-youtube-in-user-copyright-fight-393109" hreflang="en">EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight</a>

The probe narrows in on an important component of Google's profit-making machine: more than 80 percent of the giant's revenue in 2020 came from advertising, or $147 billion.

"We are concerned that Google has made it harder for rival online advertising services to compete" in display ad technology, said EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager.

At issue is Google's largely unnoticed, but highly dominant technologies that serve as an intermediary or broker between advertisers and publishers online.

Google owned technologies include services such as AdX, Doubleclick or AdSense that power much of the EU’s display advertising market for web pages and apps, which the commission estimated to be worth about 20 billion euros in 2019.

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The business was at the heart of a recent case in France -- brought by News Corp, French daily Le Figaro and Belgium's Groupe Rossel -- that saw Google fined 220 million euros ($267 million).

It is also central to blockbuster cases in the US where state prosecutors accuse the company of rigging the ad-tech market and snuffing out rivals.

As in the other cases, the EU will try to determine whether Google gave preferential treatment to its own ad inventory technologies AdX and Doubleclick, but will also look at other aspects of the ad-tech business.

Crucially, the probe will also look into Google's announced plans to prohibit the placement of third party "cookies" on its Chrome browser, a move that has angered some publishers and advertisers.

Critics fear that the project -- known as the "Privacy Sandbox" -- will only increase Google's dominance since the giant holds mountains of data on consumer behavior that will be denied to others.

The probe will also look into ads on Youtube, Google's video platform, and whether advertisers there are forced to channel their business through Google's ad technology.

'Benefits'

A Google spokesperson said the company "will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission to answer their questions and demonstrate the benefits of our products to European businesses and consumers."

The in-depth look into Google's online ad-tech is not unexpected as it follows a broader inquest launched in 2019.

The investigation comes as the EU is preparing new laws to better oversee tech giants by giving them special "gatekeeper" rules that would more tightly regulate how they can operate, but those will not be implemented for years.

There is no time limit on the investigation, which could lead to formal accusations, fines or an order that Google change its market behaviour.

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against Google Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market.

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against Google Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market. The case opens yet another front by the European Commission against the search engine giant, which has already received eight billion euros ($9 billion) in fines for its anti-competitive practices. The investigation will "assess whether Google has violated EU competition rules by favouring its own online display advertising technology services", a statement from the EU executive said. Also read | EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight The probe narrows in on an important component of Google's profit-making machine: more than 80 percent of the giant's revenue in 2020 came from advertising, or $147 billion. "We are concerned that Google has made it harder for rival online advertising services to compete" in display ad technology, said EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager. At issue is Google's largely unnoticed, but highly dominant technologies that serve as an intermediary or broker between advertisers and publishers online. Google owned technologies include services such as AdX, Doubleclick or AdSense that power much of the EU’s display advertising market for web pages and apps, which the commission estimated to be worth about 20 billion euros in 2019. Also read | Google ends unlimited free photo storage: Here are alternatives for you with pricing The business was at the heart of a recent case in France -- brought by News Corp, French daily Le Figaro and Belgium's Groupe Rossel -- that saw Google fined 220 million euros ($267 million). It is also central to blockbuster cases in the US where state prosecutors accuse the company of rigging the ad-tech market and snuffing out rivals. As in the other cases, the EU will try to determine whether Google gave preferential treatment to its own ad inventory technologies AdX and Doubleclick, but will also look at other aspects of the ad-tech business. Crucially, the probe will also look into Google's announced plans to prohibit the placement of third party "cookies" on its Chrome browser, a move that has angered some publishers and advertisers. Critics fear that the project -- known as the "Privacy Sandbox" -- will only increase Google's dominance since the giant holds mountains of data on consumer behavior that will be denied to others. The probe will also look into ads on Youtube, Google's video platform, and whether advertisers there are forced to channel their business through Google's ad technology. 'Benefits' A Google spokesperson said the company "will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission to answer their questions and demonstrate the benefits of our products to European businesses and consumers." The in-depth look into Google's online ad-tech is not unexpected as it follows a broader inquest launched in 2019. The investigation comes as the EU is preparing new laws to better oversee tech giants by giving them special "gatekeeper" rules that would more tightly regulate how they can operate, but those will not be implemented for years. There is no time limit on the investigation, which could lead to formal accusations, fines or an order that Google change its market behaviour.

EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads

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