Europe's top court on Tuesday said that Google's YouTube and other online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing works uploaded by users onto their platforms under certain conditions. 
 
The case marks the latest development in a long-running battle between Europe's $1 trillion creative industry and online platforms, with the former seeking compensation or action from the latter for unauthorised works that are uploaded. 
 
YouTube found itself in the dock after Frank Peterson, a music producer, sued the company and Google in Germany over the uploading to YouTube by users in 2008 of several phonograms to which he holds the rights. 
 
In a second case, publishing group Elsevier took legal action against file-hosting service Cyando in Germany after its users uploaded several Elsevier works on its platform Uploaded in 2013 without its approval. 
 
A German court subsequently sought advice from the EU Court of Justice, which ruled on both cases on Tuesday. 
 
"As currently stands, operators of online platforms do not, in principle, themselves make a communication to the public of copyright-protected content illegally posted online by users of those platforms," the EU Court of Justice said. 
 
"However, those operators do make such a communication in breach of copyright where they contribute, beyond merely making those platforms available, to giving access to such content to the public," judges said. 
 
The cases are C-682/18 YouTube and C-683/18 Cyando.

Europe's top court on Tuesday said that Google's YouTube and other online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing works uploaded by users onto their platforms under certain conditions.

Europe's top court on Tuesday said that Google's YouTube and other online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing works uploaded by users onto their platforms under certain conditions. The case marks the latest development in a long-running battle between Europe's $1 trillion creative industry and online platforms, with the former seeking compensation or action from the latter for unauthorised works that are uploaded. YouTube found itself in the dock after Frank Peterson, a music producer, sued the company and Google in Germany over the uploading to YouTube by users in 2008 of several phonograms to which he holds the rights. In a second case, publishing group Elsevier took legal action against file-hosting service Cyando in Germany after its users uploaded several Elsevier works on its platform Uploaded in 2013 without its approval. A German court subsequently sought advice from the EU Court of Justice, which ruled on both cases on Tuesday. "As currently stands, operators of online platforms do not, in principle, themselves make a communication to the public of copyright-protected content illegally posted online by users of those platforms," the EU Court of Justice said. "However, those operators do make such a communication in breach of copyright where they contribute, beyond merely making those platforms available, to giving access to such content to the public," judges said. The cases are C-682/18 YouTube and C-683/18 Cyando.

EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight

European Union's data protection agencies called for a &nbsp;ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy.

The two bodies called for a "general ban" &nbsp;on the practice that would include "recognition of faces, gait, fingerprints, DNA, voice, keystrokes and other biometric or behavioural signals, in any context". It is a non-binding opinion.

Such practices "interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms to such an extent that they may call into question the essence of these rights and freedoms," the heads of the European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor said.

If it becomes a reality, the ban would include any AI that would &nbsp;"categorise individuals into clusters based on ethnicity, gender, political or sexual orientation", the statement said

The opinion of the agencies is intended for the European Commission.

The commission's plan includes special exceptions for allowing the use of mass facial recognition in cases such as searching for a missing child, averting a terror threat, or tracking down someone suspected of a serious crime.

Brussels hopes its first-ever legislative package on AI will help Europe catch up with the US and China in a sector that spans from voice recognition to insurance and law enforcement.

In a statement, the commission said it took note of the opinion, but stood by a proposal "that provides sufficient protection and limits the use of those systems to the strict minimum necessary".&nbsp;

The proposal is under negotiation at the European Parliament and among the 27 member states. The outcome could set a global standard for how tech is regulated.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union's data protection agencies called for a ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy.

European Union's data protection agencies called for a ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy. The two bodies called for a "general ban" on the practice that would include "recognition of faces, gait, fingerprints, DNA, voice, keystrokes and other biometric or behavioural signals, in any context". It is a non-binding opinion. Such practices "interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms to such an extent that they may call into question the essence of these rights and freedoms," the heads of the European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor said. If it becomes a reality, the ban would include any AI that would "categorise individuals into clusters based on ethnicity, gender, political or sexual orientation", the statement said The opinion of the agencies is intended for the European Commission. The commission's plan includes special exceptions for allowing the use of mass facial recognition in cases such as searching for a missing child, averting a terror threat, or tracking down someone suspected of a serious crime. Brussels hopes its first-ever legislative package on AI will help Europe catch up with the US and China in a sector that spans from voice recognition to insurance and law enforcement. In a statement, the commission said it took note of the opinion, but stood by a proposal "that provides sufficient protection and limits the use of those systems to the strict minimum necessary". The proposal is under negotiation at the European Parliament and among the 27 member states. The outcome could set a global standard for how tech is regulated. (With inputs from agencies)

EU data protection agencies want ban on AI facial recognition

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter. 
 
It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising. 
 
An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week. 
 
Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than&nbsp;any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits. 
 
About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. 
 
Both units are under fire. The US&nbsp;Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house. 
 
France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later. 
 
The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display. 
 
While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid. 
 
They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it. 
 
In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources. 
 
The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google. 
 
"From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter.

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter. It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising. An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week. Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits. About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. Both units are under fire. The US Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house. France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later. The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display. While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid. They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it. In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources. The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google. "From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Google's adtech business set to face formal EU probe by year-end: Sources

In an exclusive interview to Palki Sharma, Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa admits that Europe has not done enough to contain the growing threat from China. Jansa says the EU has put its economic interests above its values.

Gravitas: Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa speaks to WION

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target.

The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised.

However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September.

If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered.

"This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.&nbsp;

"It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said.

"This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis."

AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling.

"The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said.&nbsp;

"The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation.&nbsp;

"To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded. Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target. The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised. However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September. If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered. "This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. "It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said. "This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis." AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling. "The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said. "The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation. "To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."

Court orders AstraZeneca to deliver less vaccines than EU demand

The European Union decided to add the United States to its safe travel list. Non-essential travel from the US and other places had been banned in the EU in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic to avoid further contagion.

EU set to add United States to safe travel list

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress.

Frustration in the British government is also rising because London has offered a number of proposals to solve a standoff with the European Union over Northern Ireland but has not had a lot back, Frost added.

"Our position is that we would like to find negotiated agreements that ... bring it back to the sort of light-touch agreement that we thought we were agreeing," Frost told a parliamentary committee.

"Our frustration ... is that we're not getting a lot of traction, and we feel we have put in a lot of ideas and we haven't had very much back to help move these discussions forward, and meanwhile ... time is running out."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he could trigger emergency measures in the Northern Ireland protocol after its implementation at the beginning of this year has seen disruption to trade between Britain and its province. 
 
"All options remain on the table as regards steps forwards. Obviously, we would prefer to find negotiated ways forward if we can. If that's not possible obviously ... other options remain on the table," Frost told a parliamentary committee.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday that&nbsp;post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are not a threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom but simply a means of managing disruption from its exit from the European Union.

"Don't know how many times this needs to be said before it's fully accepted as true. NI (Northern Ireland) Protocol is a technical trading arrangement to manage the disruption of Brexit for the island of Ireland to the greatest extent possible," Simon Coveney said on Twitter.

"It's not about constitutional matters," he said, in response to comments by Britain's Brexit minister David Frost at a parliamentary committee.

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress.

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress. Frustration in the British government is also rising because London has offered a number of proposals to solve a standoff with the European Union over Northern Ireland but has not had a lot back, Frost added. "Our position is that we would like to find negotiated agreements that ... bring it back to the sort of light-touch agreement that we thought we were agreeing," Frost told a parliamentary committee. "Our frustration ... is that we're not getting a lot of traction, and we feel we have put in a lot of ideas and we haven't had very much back to help move these discussions forward, and meanwhile ... time is running out." Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he could trigger emergency measures in the Northern Ireland protocol after its implementation at the beginning of this year has seen disruption to trade between Britain and its province. "All options remain on the table as regards steps forwards. Obviously, we would prefer to find negotiated ways forward if we can. If that's not possible obviously ... other options remain on the table," Frost told a parliamentary committee. Meanwhile, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday that post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are not a threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom but simply a means of managing disruption from its exit from the European Union. "Don't know how many times this needs to be said before it's fully accepted as true. NI (Northern Ireland) Protocol is a technical trading arrangement to manage the disruption of Brexit for the island of Ireland to the greatest extent possible," Simon Coveney said on Twitter. "It's not about constitutional matters," he said, in response to comments by Britain's Brexit minister David Frost at a parliamentary committee.

Not much progress: Britain keeps all options open in Northern Ireland row

Britain's trade minister on Wednesday called on the European Union to be responsible and reasonable in a row over the implementation of Northern Ireland Protocol of the Brexit divorce deal. 
 
"We need the EU to be pragmatic about the checks that are undertaken and that was always the way the protocol was drafted," International Trade Secretary Liz Truss told Sky News. 
 
"It requires compromise between the parties, and the EU need to be reasonable," Truss said. 
 
Earlier, French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe.

The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom.

"Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio.

"I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added.

During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland.

"In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said.

"I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's trade minister on Wednesday called on the European Union to be responsible and reasonable in a row over the implementation of Northern Ireland Protocol of the Brexit divorce deal.

Britain's trade minister on Wednesday called on the European Union to be responsible and reasonable in a row over the implementation of Northern Ireland Protocol of the Brexit divorce deal. "We need the EU to be pragmatic about the checks that are undertaken and that was always the way the protocol was drafted," International Trade Secretary Liz Truss told Sky News. "It requires compromise between the parties, and the EU need to be reasonable," Truss said. Earlier, French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. "Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. "I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. "In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. "I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences." (With inputs from agencies)

UK tells EU on Northern Ireland: Be responsible, be reasonable

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will intensify his post-Trump push to renew transatlantic relations on Tuesday, meeting with European Union leaders to cool trade tensions and join forces to beat COVID-19, uphold democracy and hold back climate change. 
 
Biden's summit in Brussels with the presidents of the EU's executive and the Council that represents the bloc's 27 member states is also expected to affirm Western solidarity in the face of the assertiveness of both Russia and China. 
 
Coming hard on the heels of a summit of NATO allies and a meeting of the Group of Seven rich democracies, it will be another opportunity for Biden to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency. 
 
A draft of the statement to be released after his talks with the European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen and the European Council's Charles Michel said they had 'a chance and a responsibility to help people make a living and keep them safe, fight climate change, and stand up for democracy and human rights'. 
 
The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. 
 
After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing US&nbsp;deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden will intensify his post-Trump push to renew transatlantic relations on Tuesday, meeting with European Union leaders to cool trade tensions and join forces to beat COVID-19, uphold democracy and hold back climate change.

US President Joe Biden will intensify his post-Trump push to renew transatlantic relations on Tuesday, meeting with European Union leaders to cool trade tensions and join forces to beat COVID-19, uphold democracy and hold back climate change. Biden's summit in Brussels with the presidents of the EU's executive and the Council that represents the bloc's 27 member states is also expected to affirm Western solidarity in the face of the assertiveness of both Russia and China. Coming hard on the heels of a summit of NATO allies and a meeting of the Group of Seven rich democracies, it will be another opportunity for Biden to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency. A draft of the statement to be released after his talks with the European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen and the European Council's Charles Michel said they had 'a chance and a responsibility to help people make a living and keep them safe, fight climate change, and stand up for democracy and human rights'. The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing US deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

After NATO, Biden turns to EU for renewal of transatlantic ties

There is a risk of a 'sausage war' breaking out between UK and EU. Cold cuts have become a bone of contention between the two sides. UK is threatening to delay Brexit deal implementation. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Why are UK and EU fighting over sausages?

US President Joe Biden meets European Union leaders ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States and European Union have agreed to a five-year truce on their long-running dispute over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers.

US President Biden meets European Union leaders after NATO summit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus.

Europe saw one of the worst situations and hospitals struggled to cater to patients. During this time, almost a third of EU residents used their personal connections and heavily relied on bribed to get healthcare facilities, a report has found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrazenecas-antibody-fails-in-protecting-exposed-patients-from-covid-19-391632">AstraZeneca's antibody fails in protecting exposed patients from COVID-19</a>

As per a report on corruption by an NGO, The Global Corruption Barometer, nearly 62 per cent (two-thirds) of the 40,000 survey takers believe their government has a corruption problem and 76 per cent (three-quarters) feel their government is getting worse and has been stagnating.

Almost a third of residents in the European Union (EU) countries have used their personal connections to access health care services during the Covid pandemic and one in five people in Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Hungary have bribed authorities to gain access to these services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-virologist-shi-zhengli-refuted-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-391661">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-virologist-shi-zhengli-refuted-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-391661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The EU is often seen as a bastion of integrity, but these findings show that countries across the region remain vulnerable to the insidious effects of corruption," said Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chair of Transparency International. "During a health crisis, using personal connections to access public services can be as damaging as paying bribes. Lives can be lost when connected people get a Covid-19 vaccine or medical treatment before those with more urgent needs. It’s crucial that governments across the EU redouble their efforts to ensure a fair and equitable recovery from the ongoing pandemic."

Tough this report, the problem of a close relationship between big businesses and governments has been highlighted, which hints at the growing problem of corruption in EU member countries. The report also claimed that there was no country in the EU where citizens thought that corruption in the government was declining.

The coronavirus pandemic sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus. Europe saw one of the worst situations and hospitals struggled to cater to patients. During this time, almost a third of EU residents used their personal connections and heavily relied on bribed to get healthcare facilities, a report has found. Also read | AstraZeneca's antibody fails in protecting exposed patients from COVID-19 As per a report on corruption by an NGO, The Global Corruption Barometer, nearly 62 per cent (two-thirds) of the 40,000 survey takers believe their government has a corruption problem and 76 per cent (three-quarters) feel their government is getting worse and has been stagnating. Almost a third of residents in the European Union (EU) countries have used their personal connections to access health care services during the Covid pandemic and one in five people in Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Hungary have bribed authorities to gain access to these services. WATCH | "The EU is often seen as a bastion of integrity, but these findings show that countries across the region remain vulnerable to the insidious effects of corruption," said Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chair of Transparency International. "During a health crisis, using personal connections to access public services can be as damaging as paying bribes. Lives can be lost when connected people get a Covid-19 vaccine or medical treatment before those with more urgent needs. It’s crucial that governments across the EU redouble their efforts to ensure a fair and equitable recovery from the ongoing pandemic." Tough this report, the problem of a close relationship between big businesses and governments has been highlighted, which hints at the growing problem of corruption in EU member countries. The report also claimed that there was no country in the EU where citizens thought that corruption in the government was declining.

Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey

US President Joe Biden is in Brussels and would be attending an EU summit to rebuilt transatlantic relations. European sources said that the EU and US have agreed to prolong a truce in their 17-year Airbus-Boeing row for five years.

Biden to meet EU leaders: EU-US agree to prolong Airbus-Boeing tariff truce

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. 
 
The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. 
 
"Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. 
 
"I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. 
 
During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. 
 
"In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. 
 
"I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe.

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. "Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. "I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. "In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. "I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

Brexit tensions are a test for Europe, says French minister

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found. 
 
The threat by Johnson seemed to break a temporary truce in a war of words over part of the Brexit deal that covers border issues with Northern Ireland, the focus for tensions since Britain completed its exit from the EU late last year. 
 
Despite US&nbsp;President Joe Biden encouraging them to find a compromise, Johnson used a G7 summit to indicate no softening in his position on what is called the Northern Ireland protocol that covers border issues with the British province. 
 
"I think we can sort it out but ... it is up to our EU friends and partners to understand that we will do whatever it takes," Johnson told Sky News. 
 
"I think if the protocol continues to be applied in this way, then we will obviously not hesitate to invoke Article 16," he added, referring to a safeguard clause that allows either side to take measures if they believe the agreement is leading to economic, societal or environment difficulties. 
 
"I've talked to some of our friends here today, who do seem to misunderstand that the UK is a single country, a single territory. I just need to get that into their heads." 
 
His comments came after he met French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel at a Group of Seven summit in southwestern England. 
 
The EU told the British government once again that it must implement the Brexit deal in full and introduce checks on certain goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland. Britain repeated its call for urgent and innovative solutions to ease the friction. 
 
The province has an open border with EU member Ireland so the Northern Ireland protocol was agreed as a way to preserve the bloc's single market after Britain left. 
 
The protocol essentially kept the province in the EU’s customs union and adhering to many of the single market rules, creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea between the British province and the rest of the United Kingdom. 
 
Since Britain exited the bloc's orbit, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the protocol, including checks on chilled meats, such as sausages moving from the mainland to Northern Ireland, saying it was causing disruption to some supplies to the province. 
 
"Both sides must implement what we agreed on," von der Leyen, European Commission president, said after meeting Johnson alongside Michel, the European Council president. 
 
"There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the bloc. 
 
Germany's Merkel said the two sides could find pragmatic solutions on technical questions, while the EU protected its single market. 
 
Earlier this week, talks between the two sets of negotiators ended in an exchange of threats over the so-called 'sausage wars'. An EU official said at the G7 that there was a need for the rhetoric to be toned down. 
 
The head of the World Trade Organization said she hoped the tensions would not escalate into a trade war. 
 
The United States has also expressed grave concern the dispute could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. 
 
That agreement largely brought an end to the 'Troubles' - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant 'loyalist' paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. 
 
Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the G7 summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it has more than once threatened to cloud the meeting. 
 
France's Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stood by the Brexit deal - a characterisation of the meeting that was rejected by the British team. 
 
Brexit has also strained the situation in Northern Ireland, where the pro-British 'unionist' community say they are now split off from the rest of the United Kingdom and the Brexit deal breaches the 1998 peace deal. But the open border between the province and Ireland was a key principle of the Good Friday deal.

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found.

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found. The threat by Johnson seemed to break a temporary truce in a war of words over part of the Brexit deal that covers border issues with Northern Ireland, the focus for tensions since Britain completed its exit from the EU late last year. Despite US President Joe Biden encouraging them to find a compromise, Johnson used a G7 summit to indicate no softening in his position on what is called the Northern Ireland protocol that covers border issues with the British province. "I think we can sort it out but ... it is up to our EU friends and partners to understand that we will do whatever it takes," Johnson told Sky News. "I think if the protocol continues to be applied in this way, then we will obviously not hesitate to invoke Article 16," he added, referring to a safeguard clause that allows either side to take measures if they believe the agreement is leading to economic, societal or environment difficulties. "I've talked to some of our friends here today, who do seem to misunderstand that the UK is a single country, a single territory. I just need to get that into their heads." His comments came after he met French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel at a Group of Seven summit in southwestern England. The EU told the British government once again that it must implement the Brexit deal in full and introduce checks on certain goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland. Britain repeated its call for urgent and innovative solutions to ease the friction. The province has an open border with EU member Ireland so the Northern Ireland protocol was agreed as a way to preserve the bloc's single market after Britain left. The protocol essentially kept the province in the EU’s customs union and adhering to many of the single market rules, creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea between the British province and the rest of the United Kingdom. Since Britain exited the bloc's orbit, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the protocol, including checks on chilled meats, such as sausages moving from the mainland to Northern Ireland, saying it was causing disruption to some supplies to the province. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on," von der Leyen, European Commission president, said after meeting Johnson alongside Michel, the European Council president. "There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the bloc. Germany's Merkel said the two sides could find pragmatic solutions on technical questions, while the EU protected its single market. Earlier this week, talks between the two sets of negotiators ended in an exchange of threats over the so-called 'sausage wars'. An EU official said at the G7 that there was a need for the rhetoric to be toned down. The head of the World Trade Organization said she hoped the tensions would not escalate into a trade war. The United States has also expressed grave concern the dispute could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. That agreement largely brought an end to the 'Troubles' - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant 'loyalist' paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the G7 summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it has more than once threatened to cloud the meeting. France's Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stood by the Brexit deal - a characterisation of the meeting that was rejected by the British team. Brexit has also strained the situation in Northern Ireland, where the pro-British 'unionist' community say they are now split off from the rest of the United Kingdom and the Brexit deal breaches the 1998 peace deal. But the open border between the province and Ireland was a key principle of the Good Friday deal.

'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence.

After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable.

"The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on."

"There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU.

The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed.

Brexit

Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position. The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence. After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable. "The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on." "There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU. The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. Brexit Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Implement the Brexit deal, EU tells UK PM Boris Johnson

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources. 
 
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will use one-to-one meetings with Johnson on Saturday to demand that Britain honours the terms of the Brexit deal in relation to Northern Ireland, The Times reported. 
 
Downing Street said that Johnson would dismiss the EU’s threats and make clear he was ready to override a key part of the agreement this month unless the bloc backs down, The Times reported.

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources.

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will use one-to-one meetings with Johnson on Saturday to demand that Britain honours the terms of the Brexit deal in relation to Northern Ireland, The Times reported. Downing Street said that Johnson would dismiss the EU’s threats and make clear he was ready to override a key part of the agreement this month unless the bloc backs down, The Times reported.

EU leaders to threaten UK PM with trade war over Northern Ireland: The Times

The European Parliament gave final approval to the COVID-19 digital certificate on Wednesday. These certificates will be given to those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine, recently tested negative for the virus or recovered from it, allowing EU citizens to travel freely among European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra tests.

EU Parliament approves digital COVID-19 certificates

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique. 
 
The seven-page draft, seen by Reuters, aims to show concrete results of the "new dawn" hailed by EU leaders when U.S. President Joe Biden took over from Donald Trump in January. 
 
The draft, which was discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, commits to ending a long-running dispute over subsidies to aircraft makers before July 11 and setting a Dec. 1 deadline to end punitive tariffs related to a steel and aluminium trade dispute. 
 
Despite pressure by U.S. steel industry groups to keep the "Section 232" national security tariffs imposed by Trump, the draft said: "We commit to working towards lifting before 1 December 2021 all additional/punitive tariffs on both sides linked to our steel and aluminium dispute."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prez-joe-biden-to-meet-55-world-leaders-during-his-visit-390419">Also Read |&nbsp;US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit</a>

Steel industry sources told Reuters the language may be aimed at retaliatory tariffs on both sides such as those on whiskey and motorbikes, not necessarily the underlying 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum. A U.S.-EU deal in May to avert escalation of the dispute left these in place while the two sides negotiate for six months to address global excess metals capacity largely centred in China.

Some 12 EU countries are weighing a proposal to extend their own steel "safeguard" quotas beyond the end of June to protect European steelmakers from a flood of imports. 
 
Biden will meet the EU's chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel, who represents EU governments, and will also pledge to promote international cooperation to fight global warming. 
 
The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. 
 
After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing U.S. deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
COVID ORIGINS 
 
At the Brussels summit, both sides will agree to cooperate on China policy and call for a new study into the origins of the pandemic, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the draft said.

"We call for progress on a transparent, evidence-based, and expert-led WHO-convened phase 2 study on the origins of COVID-19, that is free from interference," the draft said. 
 
The two prevailing theories are that the virus jumped from animals, possibly bats, to humans, or that it escaped from a virology laboratory in Wuhan. Members of a WHO team that visited China this year to investigate COVID-19's origin said they were not given access to all data.

Despite the pledge of support, the EU is "not going to launch our own probe," one EU diplomat said. "We are not anti-China".

A second EU diplomat said the group "doesn't have intelligence services, and we are not going to try to do this origins search through our member states agencies," adding, "The Americans can still talk to European services in member states, but we are not going to get involved."

Despite the caveats, if agreed the joint stance on China will be a boost for the Biden administration, which seeks friends to stand up to Beijing but has said it will not force any ally to choose sides.

In a concession to the EU, the draft makes no mention of Biden's proposals for vaccine patent waivers to boost global production. Instead, it pledges to reduce U.S. export restrictions and promote the voluntary transfer of technologies.

The task of fully inoculating the world is expected to belong. The text says the United States and the EU "aspire to vaccinate at least two-thirds of the world's population by the end of 2022". This means as many as 2.5 billion people in the world may not get a shot before 2023.

EU states have until now tried to maintain a strategic balance that avoids alienating either China or the United States.

But China's military expansion, its claims to sovereignty in most of the South China Sea, and the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China have shifted the mood in Brussels.

"We intend to closely consult and cooperate on the full range of issues in the framework of our respective similar multi-faceted approaches to China, which include elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry," the draft said.

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique.

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique. The seven-page draft, seen by Reuters, aims to show concrete results of the "new dawn" hailed by EU leaders when U.S. President Joe Biden took over from Donald Trump in January. The draft, which was discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, commits to ending a long-running dispute over subsidies to aircraft makers before July 11 and setting a Dec. 1 deadline to end punitive tariffs related to a steel and aluminium trade dispute. Despite pressure by U.S. steel industry groups to keep the "Section 232" national security tariffs imposed by Trump, the draft said: "We commit to working towards lifting before 1 December 2021 all additional/punitive tariffs on both sides linked to our steel and aluminium dispute." Also Read | US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit Steel industry sources told Reuters the language may be aimed at retaliatory tariffs on both sides such as those on whiskey and motorbikes, not necessarily the underlying 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum. A U.S.-EU deal in May to avert escalation of the dispute left these in place while the two sides negotiate for six months to address global excess metals capacity largely centred in China. Some 12 EU countries are weighing a proposal to extend their own steel "safeguard" quotas beyond the end of June to protect European steelmakers from a flood of imports. Biden will meet the EU's chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel, who represents EU governments, and will also pledge to promote international cooperation to fight global warming. The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing U.S. deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID ORIGINS At the Brussels summit, both sides will agree to cooperate on China policy and call for a new study into the origins of the pandemic, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the draft said. "We call for progress on a transparent, evidence-based, and expert-led WHO-convened phase 2 study on the origins of COVID-19, that is free from interference," the draft said. The two prevailing theories are that the virus jumped from animals, possibly bats, to humans, or that it escaped from a virology laboratory in Wuhan. Members of a WHO team that visited China this year to investigate COVID-19's origin said they were not given access to all data. Despite the pledge of support, the EU is "not going to launch our own probe," one EU diplomat said. "We are not anti-China". A second EU diplomat said the group "doesn't have intelligence services, and we are not going to try to do this origins search through our member states agencies," adding, "The Americans can still talk to European services in member states, but we are not going to get involved." Despite the caveats, if agreed the joint stance on China will be a boost for the Biden administration, which seeks friends to stand up to Beijing but has said it will not force any ally to choose sides. In a concession to the EU, the draft makes no mention of Biden's proposals for vaccine patent waivers to boost global production. Instead, it pledges to reduce U.S. export restrictions and promote the voluntary transfer of technologies. The task of fully inoculating the world is expected to belong. The text says the United States and the EU "aspire to vaccinate at least two-thirds of the world's population by the end of 2022". This means as many as 2.5 billion people in the world may not get a shot before 2023. EU states have until now tried to maintain a strategic balance that avoids alienating either China or the United States. But China's military expansion, its claims to sovereignty in most of the South China Sea, and the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China have shifted the mood in Brussels. "We intend to closely consult and cooperate on the full range of issues in the framework of our respective similar multi-faceted approaches to China, which include elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry," the draft said.

EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense',&nbsp;instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit.

David Frost made the comments after his EU counterpart said the bloc was ready to act 'firmly and resolutely' if the UK fails to honor its commitments under the divorce agreement.

The two men are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in London amid rising tensions over implementation of the deal in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the bloc.

Central to the talks are provisions of the deal that effectively created a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, angering many pro-British residents of the island.

While Britain has called for compromise, the EU says the new rules are needed to protect the bloc's single market. Both sides fear the tensions could fuel a return to violence in Northern Ireland.

"Further threats of legal action and trade retaliation from the EU won't make life any easier for the shopper in Strabane, who can't buy their favorite product," Frost said, referring to a town in Northern Ireland.

"What is needed is pragmatism and common sense solutions to resolve the issues as they are before us. This work is important, and it is ever more urgent."

The divorce deal, which took effect on January&nbsp;1, included a number of grace periods that gave Britain time to put in place new systems to check a variety of goods coming into Northern Ireland to ensure they comply with EU rules. Those grace periods are now ending, causing headaches for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland.

The UK angered Brussels earlier this year when it unilaterally extended the grace period covering many supermarket items, delaying the required inspections for six months. The EU has threatened legal action over that decision.

The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the UK may also extend the grace period covering chilled meats such as sausages and ground beef, which is scheduled to end at the end of this month.

Maros Sefcovic, the EU's chief negotiator, cautioned against such action, saying the two sides should strive to achieve 'mutually agreed compliance paths'.

"If this does not happen, and if the UK takes further unilateral action over the coming weeks, the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly, firmly and resolutely to ensure that the UK abides by its international law obligations," Sefcovic wrote on Tuesday in the Telegraph.

While Sefcovic didn't specify what those actions might be, the Times of London quoted an unidentified EU official as saying the bloc was ready to impose trade sanctions and retaliatory tariffs.

Sefcovic described the so-called Northern Ireland protocol as an opportunity that will give the region access to more than 500 million customers in both the UK and European Union. But Frost said compromise is needed to make this a reality.

The UK has sent 10 papers to the EU offering solutions to many of the issues that divide the two sides, but has received no written responses from the bloc, he said.

"When I meet Maros Sefcovic later today my message will be clear: time is short and practical solutions are needed now to make the Protocol work," Frost said.

Britain accused the EU of taking an unnecessarily 'purist approach' to the new rules. "There's no case whatsoever for preventing chilled meats from being sold in Northern Ireland," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman, Max Blain.

"We are working very hard to try and resolve these issues consensually. Time is starting to run out and solutions are urgently needed," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense', instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit.

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense', instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit. David Frost made the comments after his EU counterpart said the bloc was ready to act 'firmly and resolutely' if the UK fails to honor its commitments under the divorce agreement. The two men are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in London amid rising tensions over implementation of the deal in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the bloc. Central to the talks are provisions of the deal that effectively created a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, angering many pro-British residents of the island. While Britain has called for compromise, the EU says the new rules are needed to protect the bloc's single market. Both sides fear the tensions could fuel a return to violence in Northern Ireland. "Further threats of legal action and trade retaliation from the EU won't make life any easier for the shopper in Strabane, who can't buy their favorite product," Frost said, referring to a town in Northern Ireland. "What is needed is pragmatism and common sense solutions to resolve the issues as they are before us. This work is important, and it is ever more urgent." The divorce deal, which took effect on January 1, included a number of grace periods that gave Britain time to put in place new systems to check a variety of goods coming into Northern Ireland to ensure they comply with EU rules. Those grace periods are now ending, causing headaches for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland. The UK angered Brussels earlier this year when it unilaterally extended the grace period covering many supermarket items, delaying the required inspections for six months. The EU has threatened legal action over that decision. The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the UK may also extend the grace period covering chilled meats such as sausages and ground beef, which is scheduled to end at the end of this month. Maros Sefcovic, the EU's chief negotiator, cautioned against such action, saying the two sides should strive to achieve 'mutually agreed compliance paths'. "If this does not happen, and if the UK takes further unilateral action over the coming weeks, the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly, firmly and resolutely to ensure that the UK abides by its international law obligations," Sefcovic wrote on Tuesday in the Telegraph. While Sefcovic didn't specify what those actions might be, the Times of London quoted an unidentified EU official as saying the bloc was ready to impose trade sanctions and retaliatory tariffs. Sefcovic described the so-called Northern Ireland protocol as an opportunity that will give the region access to more than 500 million customers in both the UK and European Union. But Frost said compromise is needed to make this a reality. The UK has sent 10 papers to the EU offering solutions to many of the issues that divide the two sides, but has received no written responses from the bloc, he said. "When I meet Maros Sefcovic later today my message will be clear: time is short and practical solutions are needed now to make the Protocol work," Frost said. Britain accused the EU of taking an unnecessarily 'purist approach' to the new rules. "There's no case whatsoever for preventing chilled meats from being sold in Northern Ireland," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman, Max Blain. "We are working very hard to try and resolve these issues consensually. Time is starting to run out and solutions are urgently needed," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit talks

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer.

The widely awaited certificate is aimed at saving Europe's travel industry and prime tourist sites from another disastrous vacation season. Key travel destinations like Greece have led the drive to have the certificate, which will have both paper and digital forms, rapidly introduced.

Several EU countries have already begun using the system, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland.

Right now, travelling in the EU's 27 nations is a trial for tourists and airlines alike. Countries have various COVID-19 traffic-light systems, where those in green are considered safe and those in red to be avoided.

But each nation is applying different rules and standards, making travel confusing for all. The new regulations governing the vaccine certificates were adopted in two votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Rules for EU citizens were passed 546 to 93, with 51 abstentions. Those for people from outside the bloc passed 553 to 91, with 46 abstentions. The vote must still be rubber-stamped by EU nations, but that's likely a formality. It means that beginning July 1 for 12 months, all EU countries must recognise the vaccine certificate.

They will be issued free and certify that a person has either been fully vaccinated against the virus, has recently tested negative or has recovered from the disease. The rules will not be heavily enforced for 6 weeks to allow countries to prepare.

The passes will be issued by individual nations, not from a centralised European system. They will contain a QR code with advanced security features. Personal data will not be shared with other countries.

Spanish Socialist lawmaker Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, who chaperoned the votes through parliament, said, "EU states are encouraged to refrain from imposing further restrictions, unless strictly necessary and proportionate."

People coming from outside the EU, the overwhelming majority of whom should be vaccinated to enter, will be able to get a certificate if they can convince authorities in the EU country they enter that they qualify for one.

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer.

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer. The widely awaited certificate is aimed at saving Europe's travel industry and prime tourist sites from another disastrous vacation season. Key travel destinations like Greece have led the drive to have the certificate, which will have both paper and digital forms, rapidly introduced. Several EU countries have already begun using the system, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland. Right now, travelling in the EU's 27 nations is a trial for tourists and airlines alike. Countries have various COVID-19 traffic-light systems, where those in green are considered safe and those in red to be avoided. But each nation is applying different rules and standards, making travel confusing for all. The new regulations governing the vaccine certificates were adopted in two votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Rules for EU citizens were passed 546 to 93, with 51 abstentions. Those for people from outside the bloc passed 553 to 91, with 46 abstentions. The vote must still be rubber-stamped by EU nations, but that's likely a formality. It means that beginning July 1 for 12 months, all EU countries must recognise the vaccine certificate. They will be issued free and certify that a person has either been fully vaccinated against the virus, has recently tested negative or has recovered from the disease. The rules will not be heavily enforced for 6 weeks to allow countries to prepare. The passes will be issued by individual nations, not from a centralised European system. They will contain a QR code with advanced security features. Personal data will not be shared with other countries. Spanish Socialist lawmaker Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, who chaperoned the votes through parliament, said, "EU states are encouraged to refrain from imposing further restrictions, unless strictly necessary and proportionate." People coming from outside the EU, the overwhelming majority of whom should be vaccinated to enter, will be able to get a certificate if they can convince authorities in the EU country they enter that they qualify for one.

EU lawmakers OK virus pass, boosting summer travel hopes

After almost 9 countries agrees to Europe's new COVID-19 certificate plan rolled out to unblock travel within the bloc. The European Parliament is all set to vote for its clearance.

European Parliament to vote on COVID-19 travel certificate

Google has bowed to pressure from rivals and will let them compete for free to be the default search engine on Android devices in Europe, widening a pledge to EU antitrust regulators two years ago.

World Business Watch: Google loosens search engine grip on Android devices in Europe

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

"The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio.

"We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve. "The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio. "We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

EU ambassador to UK says trust is low ahead of Brexit talks

Keeping its promise to sanction Belarus the European Union has banned Belarusian planes in its airspace and airports.

Belarusian planes banned in EU airspace

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> than the intellectual property (IP) rights&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;backed by the United States.

India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> treatments.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-foreign-ministers-back-india-south-africa-vaccine-waiver-proposal-388839">BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal</a>

A surprise US&nbsp;shift in May to support a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers.

The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules.

The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

The EU contends that a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would not boost production and presented a three-part plan.

First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum.

Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-makers-oppose-ip-waiver-say-manufacturing-hurdles-slowing-rollout-379755">Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout</a>

Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation.

A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-waiver-talks-a-chance-for-wto-to-show-its-relevance-us-trade-chief-tai-385138">Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai</a>

Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would offer.

It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States. India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the waiver to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other COVID-19 treatments. Also Read | BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal A surprise US shift in May to support a waiver heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers. The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules. The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO The EU contends that a waiver would not boost production and presented a three-part plan. First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum. Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done. Also Read | Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation. A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices. Also Read | Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a waiver would offer. It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

Resisting patent waiver, EU submits vaccine plan to WTO

The Norwegian government has summoned a top US embassy official in Oslo in order to lodge an official protest against claims that Washington had spied on Norwegian and other European leaders.

Norway summons top US embassy official in Oslo over spying claims

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the release of a Christian married couple sentenced to death for blasphemy, lawyers said, weeks after the European Parliament blasted the country over the case.

Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar were jailed in 2014 after being convicted of sending a text message insulting the Prophet Mohammed, despite both being illiterate.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-obsession-with-blasphemy-laws-leads-to-extrajudicial-killings-mob-violence-379868">Pakistan's obsession with blasphemy laws leads to extrajudicial killings, mob violence</a>

The couple's lawyer, Saif ul Malook, and prosecutor Chaudhry Ghulam Mustafa, told AFP the pair had been acquitted on appeal.

"I am very happy that we were able to get the release of this couple who are some of the most helpless people in our society," said&nbsp;Malook, who expects them to be freed next week after the court orders are published.

Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in&nbsp;Pakistan, where anyone deemed to have insulted Islam can face the death penalty and the whiff of even unproven allegations can lead to mob lynchings and vigilante murders.

Rights campaigners say accusations are often made to settle personal disputes.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-decides-to-uphold-blasphemy-law-despite-european-parliaments-calls-for-review-382752">Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review</a>

Kausar and Emmanuel were convicted following a complaint by a shopkeeper who claimed to have seen the text message.

In April, the European Parliament voted through a motion condemning&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;for failing to protect religious minorities, including Ahmadis, Shiites, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs.

It said several dozen people are currently in prison on blasphemy charges.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-expresses-concern-over-rising-blasphemy-cases-in-pakistan-381733">EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan</a>

"The situation in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;continued to deteriorate in 2020 as the government systematically enforced blasphemy laws and failed to protect religious minorities from abuses," the resolution said.

Kausar and Emmanuel's case was of particular concern, it added, and urged the authorities to "immediately and unconditionally" overturn the death sentence.

The parliament also called for a review of&nbsp;Pakistan's GSP+ status, which removes import duties from products coming into the EU from developing countries in return for agreements on issues such as human rights and labour rights.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/europe-india-business-chamber-demands-suspension-of-gsp-status-to-pakistan-for-persecution-of-sikhs-hindus-and-christians-249695">Europe India Business Chamber demands suspension of GSP status to Pakistan for persecution of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians</a>

The couple comes from the town of Gojra, west of Lahore, which has a history of violence against the minority.&nbsp;

In 2009, a mob attacked a Christian neighbourhood there, burning 77 houses and killing at least seven people after rumours that a Koran had been desecrated.

Defence lawyer Malook also helped overturn the case against Asia Bibi, who drew international attention for being the first woman in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;to be sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy.

The acquittal triggered violent protests by religious hardliners in 2018 and she later moved to Canada fearing for her life.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/has-islamophobia-become-a-political-tool-382813">Has Islamophobia become a political tool?</a>

Rights group Amnesty International said the verdict "highlights the urgent need to repeal the law".

"The authorities must now immediately provide Shafqat, Shagufta, their family and their lawyer Saiful Malook with adequate security," it said in a statement.

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the release of a Christian married couple sentenced to death for blasphemy, lawyers said, weeks after the European Parliament blasted the country over the case.

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the release of a Christian married couple sentenced to death for blasphemy, lawyers said, weeks after the European Parliament blasted the country over the case. Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar were jailed in 2014 after being convicted of sending a text message insulting the Prophet Mohammed, despite both being illiterate. Also Read | Pakistan's obsession with blasphemy laws leads to extrajudicial killings, mob violence The couple's lawyer, Saif ul Malook, and prosecutor Chaudhry Ghulam Mustafa, told AFP the pair had been acquitted on appeal. "I am very happy that we were able to get the release of this couple who are some of the most helpless people in our society," said Malook, who expects them to be freed next week after the court orders are published. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where anyone deemed to have insulted Islam can face the death penalty and the whiff of even unproven allegations can lead to mob lynchings and vigilante murders. Rights campaigners say accusations are often made to settle personal disputes. Also Read | Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review Kausar and Emmanuel were convicted following a complaint by a shopkeeper who claimed to have seen the text message. In April, the European Parliament voted through a motion condemning Pakistan for failing to protect religious minorities, including Ahmadis, Shiites, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs. It said several dozen people are currently in prison on blasphemy charges. Also Read | EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan "The situation in Pakistan continued to deteriorate in 2020 as the government systematically enforced blasphemy laws and failed to protect religious minorities from abuses," the resolution said. Kausar and Emmanuel's case was of particular concern, it added, and urged the authorities to "immediately and unconditionally" overturn the death sentence. The parliament also called for a review of Pakistan's GSP+ status, which removes import duties from products coming into the EU from developing countries in return for agreements on issues such as human rights and labour rights. Also Read | Europe India Business Chamber demands suspension of GSP status to Pakistan for persecution of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians The couple comes from the town of Gojra, west of Lahore, which has a history of violence against the minority. In 2009, a mob attacked a Christian neighbourhood there, burning 77 houses and killing at least seven people after rumours that a Koran had been desecrated. Defence lawyer Malook also helped overturn the case against Asia Bibi, who drew international attention for being the first woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy. The acquittal triggered violent protests by religious hardliners in 2018 and she later moved to Canada fearing for her life. Also Read | Has Islamophobia become a political tool? Rights group Amnesty International said the verdict "highlights the urgent need to repeal the law". "The authorities must now immediately provide Shafqat, Shagufta, their family and their lawyer Saiful Malook with adequate security," it said in a statement.

Death sentence for Pakistani Christian pair dropped after EU criticism

European Union governments agreed on Wednesday to add Japan to their small list of countries from which they will allow non-essential travel while holding off until at least mid-June for British tourists,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;sources said on Tuesday.

Ambassadors from the&nbsp;EU's 27 countries approved the addition of Japan to the 'white list' at a meeting on Wednesday, with the change to take effect in the coming days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-one-of-three-strains-of-b1617-variant-now-a-variant-of-concern-who-388917">Only one of three strains of B.1.617 variant now a 'variant of concern': WHO</a>

EU&nbsp;countries are recommended gradually to lift travel restrictions for the current seven countries on the list - Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

Individual&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries can still opt to demand a negative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> test or a period of quarantine.

EU&nbsp;last month eased criteria for adding new countries to the list, by changing to 75 from 25 the maximum number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the previous 14 days.

Britain met that revised target but was left off the list because of an increase in COVID-19 cases arising from an infectious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus</a> variant first identified in India, known as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">"Delta variant"</a>.

WATCH |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-reports-zero-covid-19-deaths-for-the-first-time-since-july-2020-388963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Britain recorded no COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, for the first time since March 2020, but cases of the Delta variant doubled last week and the government has said it is too early to say whether Britain can fully drop restrictions on June 21.

EU&nbsp;diplomats said Britain could be added to the list, depending on the course of the variant, in mid-June, when a larger group of countries are expected to be considered.

The list is designed to eliminate the inconsistency of travel restrictions across the bloc.

WATCH |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-says-only-one-strain-of-delta-variant-is-now-of-concern-388961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

France and Germany have imposed quarantines on&nbsp;UK&nbsp;visitors and Austria banned British tourists, while Portugal and Spain now welcome them.

Meanwhile, Britain advises against travel to all&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries except Portugal and only exempts people coming from Portugal from a requirement to quarantine.

European Union governments agreed on Wednesday to add Japan to their small list of countries from which they will allow non-essential travel while holding off until at least mid-June for British tourists, EU sources said on Tuesday.

European Union governments agreed on Wednesday to add Japan to their small list of countries from which they will allow non-essential travel while holding off until at least mid-June for British tourists, EU sources said on Tuesday. Ambassadors from the EU's 27 countries approved the addition of Japan to the 'white list' at a meeting on Wednesday, with the change to take effect in the coming days. Also read | Only one of three strains of B.1.617 variant now a 'variant of concern': WHO EU countries are recommended gradually to lift travel restrictions for the current seven countries on the list - Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. Individual EU countries can still opt to demand a negative COVID-19 test or a period of quarantine. EU last month eased criteria for adding new countries to the list, by changing to 75 from 25 the maximum number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the previous 14 days. Britain met that revised target but was left off the list because of an increase in COVID-19 cases arising from an infectious coronavirus variant first identified in India, known as the "Delta variant". WATCH | Britain recorded no COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, for the first time since March 2020, but cases of the Delta variant doubled last week and the government has said it is too early to say whether Britain can fully drop restrictions on June 21. EU diplomats said Britain could be added to the list, depending on the course of the variant, in mid-June, when a larger group of countries are expected to be considered. The list is designed to eliminate the inconsistency of travel restrictions across the bloc. WATCH | France and Germany have imposed quarantines on UK visitors and Austria banned British tourists, while Portugal and Spain now welcome them. Meanwhile, Britain advises against travel to all EU countries except Portugal and only exempts people coming from Portugal from a requirement to quarantine.

EU agrees to add Japan to safe travel list, holds off on Britain over concerns of Delta variant

France, Germany and other European countries demanded answers following reports the US spied on its allies using Danish underwater cables. The report was published by Denmark's National broadcaster DR News in collaboration with other European media outlets.

Europe demands answers after US-Danish spying claims

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit

"Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer. And we have to do this together," von der Leyen said.

"The next six months are crucial for the health and well-being of our people and our planet. Let's work together."

The EU's new target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Agreed last month, the goal is more ambitious than the previous plan for a 40% cut.

Organisers of the summit are calling for participating countries to take action to implement emissions targets made at other climate summits.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit "Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit "Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer. And we have to do this together," von der Leyen said. "The next six months are crucial for the health and well-being of our people and our planet. Let's work together." The EU's new target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Agreed last month, the goal is more ambitious than the previous plan for a 40% cut. Organisers of the summit are calling for participating countries to take action to implement emissions targets made at other climate summits. (With inputs from agencies)

EU chief calls current decade 'make or break' for climate change

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