The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

"We now in a sense have suspended... political outreach activities from the European Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told AFP in an interview.

"It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter sanctions in place, including against members of European Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said.

Trying to ratify the deal "will depend really on how broader EU-China relations will evolve", he added.

To the surprise of many, the European Union and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany.

The pact has been defended as a much needed opening to China's long-closed economy for European companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the European Parliament.

Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs.

The European Union sanctioned four Chinese officials in March over suspected human rights violations in China's far western region of Xinjiang.

China responded by imposing its own sanctions against European politicians, scholars and research groups.

 
&nbsp;

The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions. "We now in a sense have suspended... political outreach activities from the European Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told AFP in an interview. "It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter sanctions in place, including against members of European Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said. Trying to ratify the deal "will depend really on how broader EU-China relations will evolve", he added. To the surprise of many, the European Union and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany. The pact has been defended as a much needed opening to China's long-closed economy for European companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the European Parliament. Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs. The European Union sanctioned four Chinese officials in March over suspected human rights violations in China's far western region of Xinjiang. China responded by imposing its own sanctions against European politicians, scholars and research groups.

EU efforts to ratify China investment deal on ice after sanctions

The EU has suspended efforts to ratify an investment deal with China because of tensions between Brussels and Beijing. The agreement was reached in principle last December but had yet to receive the necessary endorsement from EU institutions.

EU suspends efforts to ratify investment deal with China

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.&nbsp;

Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London.&nbsp;

A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU.&nbsp;

It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said.&nbsp;

The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.&nbsp;

"An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said.&nbsp;

It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country. Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London. A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU. It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution. "External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said. The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. "An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said. It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism. (With input from agencies)

India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan 

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. 
 
The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." 
 
The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. 
 
The aim is to win support ahead of a UN&nbsp;meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. 
 
At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. 
 
The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. 
 
India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. 
 
India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. 
 
Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. 
 
The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. The aim is to win support ahead of a UN meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

EU seeks India's support for plastics treaty, draft summit statement suggests

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine.&nbsp;

The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-inches-closer-to-covid-certificate-for-travel-381467" hreflang="en">EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel</a>

According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed.

"The Commission proposes to allow entry to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an&nbsp;EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-covid-crisis-eu-envoy-ugo-astuto-says-robust-response-by-team-europe-381810" hreflang="en">India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe</a>

The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly.

"This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added.

The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore. People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine. The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in. Also read: EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed. "The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read. Also read: India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly. "This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added. The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU plans to open up countries to more foreign tourists this summer

Apple&nbsp;was&nbsp;charged by&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;regulators on Friday of abusing its dominance in the music streaming market via restrictive rules, the first case out of four that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in its lucrative business model.

iPhone maker&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;found itself in the&nbsp;European Commission's crosshairs following a complaint by Swedish music streaming service Spotify two years ago, which said that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;unfairly restricts rivals to its own music streaming service&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;Music on iPhones.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;competition enforcer in its so-called statement of objections setting out the&nbsp;charge&nbsp;said the issue related to&nbsp;Apple's restrictive rules for its&nbsp;App&nbsp;Store&nbsp;that force developers to use its own in-app&nbsp;payment system and prevent them from informing users of other purchasing options.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-senators-question-apple-and-google-on-app-store-dominance-379186">US senators question Apple and Google on app store dominance</a>

"By setting strict rules on the&nbsp;App&nbsp;store&nbsp;that disadvantage competing music streaming services,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition,"&nbsp;European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

"This is done by charging high commission fees on each transaction in the&nbsp;App&nbsp;store&nbsp;for rivals and by forbidding them from informing their customers of alternative subscription options," she said.

This is the first&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;charge&nbsp;against&nbsp;Apple, a move that could lead to fines of as much as 10 per cent of its global turnover. Reuters was the first to report about the imminent&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;charge&nbsp;in March.

Apple&nbsp;will have the opportunity to respond to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;charges before the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;competition enforcer makes a final ruling. It can offer concessions to stave off the fine without any finding of wrongdoing.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;charge&nbsp;comes a week before&nbsp;Apple's face-off with Epic Games in a US&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;trial following a lawsuit by the "Fortnite" creator alleging that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;has abused its dominance in the market for mobile&nbsp;apps.

Epic has complained to the Commission on the same issues.

Last month, the UK Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation into&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;after complaints the iPhone maker's terms and conditions for&nbsp;app&nbsp;developers were unfair.

Apple was charged by EU antitrust regulators on Friday of abusing its dominance in the music streaming market via restrictive rules, the first case out of four that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in its lucrative business model.

Apple was charged by EU antitrust regulators on Friday of abusing its dominance in the music streaming market via restrictive rules, the first case out of four that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in its lucrative business model. iPhone maker Apple found itself in the European Commission's crosshairs following a complaint by Swedish music streaming service Spotify two years ago, which said that Apple unfairly restricts rivals to its own music streaming service Apple Music on iPhones. The EU competition enforcer in its so-called statement of objections setting out the charge said the issue related to Apple's restrictive rules for its App Store that force developers to use its own in-app payment system and prevent them from informing users of other purchasing options. Also read | US senators question Apple and Google on app store dominance "By setting strict rules on the App store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "This is done by charging high commission fees on each transaction in the App store for rivals and by forbidding them from informing their customers of alternative subscription options," she said. This is the first EU antitrust charge against Apple, a move that could lead to fines of as much as 10 per cent of its global turnover. Reuters was the first to report about the imminent EU antitrust charge in March. Apple will have the opportunity to respond to the EU charges before the EU competition enforcer makes a final ruling. It can offer concessions to stave off the fine without any finding of wrongdoing. The EU charge comes a week before Apple's face-off with Epic Games in a US antitrust trial following a lawsuit by the "Fortnite" creator alleging that Apple has abused its dominance in the market for mobile apps. Epic has complained to the Commission on the same issues. Last month, the UK Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation into Apple after complaints the iPhone maker's terms and conditions for app developers were unfair.

Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic.

"Team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide," said Astuto.

He lauded India's outreach on vaccines earlier this year, saying, "India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means".

Here is the full interview.

WION: How is EU assisting India in dealing with the crisis?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The European Union as a team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide.&nbsp;

There has been a conversation with Indian authorities about how best we can help and as a result of this conversation, we have activated the civil protection mechanism. Its a mechanism, which ensures the rapid deployment of emergency support, a direct link for the national civil protection authorities of the 27 member states.

Through this mechanism we can coordinate the response and we can also help in logistics and transport. The response has been very substantial, indeed. Last night we had deliveries from Romania and Ireland landing in Delhi. From Dublin, we had 700 Oxygen concentrators being brought in, one Oxygen generator, 365 ventilators.&nbsp; 
From Bucharest, 80 Oxygen concentrators and 75 Oxygen cylinders.&nbsp;

We expect on Sunday, another plane to land from Belgium and bring in 9000 doses of antiviral medicine Remdesivir.&nbsp;

As we speak, other member states are joining in.&nbsp;

Just to give you an idea,&nbsp;

68 ventilators from Luxembourg, 5500 vials of Remdesivir from Portugal, 120 ventilators from Sweden, 8 Oxygen generators, liquid Oxygen, and 28 ventilators from France, one Oxygen generating plant, 20 ventilators from Italy, 318 Oxygen cylinders from Finland, 5500 vials of Remdesivir, 238 Oxygen cylinders from Austria, &nbsp;Oxygen concentrators from Germany have already arrived in Delhi. Waiting for more from Germany. More support is expected from other member states like Netherlands, Estonia, Poland, and more. As you can see a very robust response from team Europe. The whole of the European Union trying to extend some help.

WION: India needs tankers for Oxygen and other related stuff, how is the EU helping? Also, any support for vaccines? India is trying to get vaccines from other countries?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: At this stage focus of our support is on Oxygen. We had an exchange with the Indian authorities, who suggest we should focus on Oxygen and some antiviral medicines, that is what we are doing now. That is what we are focusing on. From the list earlier, most of the supplies being delivered now are Oxygen and Oxygen-related material and antiviral medicines. That is what we are doing now.&nbsp;

From the list, I read earlier, you will read most of the supplies being delivered now are about Oxygen and Oxygen related material, ventilators and antiviral medicines, following the contacts with the Indian authorities. &nbsp;

WION: How has the EU in the past assisted the world community in dealing with such a crisis--with a focus on Covid?&nbsp;

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Yes, this mechanism, the European Civil Protection Mechanism, is made precisely for that, to face and address the emergency situation in Europe and beyond and it has been activated a number of times, since its inception.&nbsp;

When it comes specifically to Covid infection, from the outset European Union just like India has been on the path of global cooperation in the fight against the Pandemic, and Covid 19 has shown this sort of crisis knows no border.&nbsp;

An effective response requires global co-operation and mutual support. We are facing this epidemic together and we will only get out of it together. That is why we have launched a team Europe approach when it comes to Covid.&nbsp;

We have provided medical equipment and medicines to a number of partners around the world, particularly low-income countries in Africa for a total of almost 38.5 billion Euros. On vaccines, specifically, European Union is committed that everyone who needs vaccines gets it, irrespective of where he or she lives. That is why European Union and its member states are leading voices in the establishment of this COVAX facility, I am sure you are familiar with it.&nbsp;

COVAX is a facility in order to supply vaccines to those who need them. Team Europe, European Union's member states, European Investment Bank together are among the largest donors to this facility. I don't have to remind, that India is playing a key role in the COVAX facility in the manufacturing of vaccines which has then been exported.&nbsp;

India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means. Clearly, this is also contingent on domestic needs. It is true for India, it's true for the EU as well. The initial assumption is we want to be open to the needs of the global community. For the European Union, for instance, almost as many vaccines which has been injected into EU citizens have been exported so far. Between January and April, more than 110 million doses of vaccines have been exported from the European Union to more than 40 countries. This is another area where the EU and India have been working based on the same human-centric values.

WION: The India, EU leaders virtual summit will take place on 8th May. What will be the key focus at the summit?&nbsp;

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The latest meeting is happening in the backdrop of the global health crisis, so the reaction to the Covid crisis will obviously be paramount. But, besides that, the strategic partnership between European Union and India has been growing vigorously in the last couple of years.&nbsp;

At the last summit, in July 2020 we decided to further broaden the scope and areas of cooperation. We want to defend multilateralism, combat climate change, to foster the greening of our economic models. We want to undertake digital transition in a manner that is consistent with our democratic values.&nbsp;

We want to foster connectivity to cooperate on political and security issues. So we set up what we call a road up to 2025, guiding us. The next summit, I am sure will inject further momentum into all these topics of interest.&nbsp;

For instance, we are working now on preparing a new India connectivity partnership because we share the same principles that underpin--we want connectivity to be environmentally, socially, and physically sustainable. We both recognize the role of the private sector. We want to give the right incentive to come in and build infrastructure in a sustainable manner, in a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based manner.&nbsp;

So I think, on these things EU and India are natural partners, for bringing forward the development of a shared vision of connectivity. Another major priority I have to mention is the fight against climate change, in the run-up to COP26 which will take place in Glasgow, India has achieved a very significant result to the greening of its economic model, particularly on renewables--investment in solar has been very impressive with significant result.&nbsp;

I believe India is a trendsetter. So much scope for exchanging experiences. Science tells us, as an international community we all need to work together and be ambitious, we want to address the existential issue of climate change, temperatures are still rising, we need to act now for the sake of future generations and we need to make Glasgow a success. Here I think the EU and India have much scope to work together to make Glasgow a success and other priorities I would like to highlight the digital transition. As open societies and democracies, the EU and India can work together to make sure that the digital transition takes place in a secure place, fostering innovation and competition but also full respect to individual rights and freedom.&nbsp;

Issues such as data protection, experience with GDPR, or security of networks, all these are relevant issues. Naming a few, there are many other topics like trade and investment, research innovation, there are so many. Lots of cooperation between India and the EU.

WION: EU is pushing India on net neutrality. What has the EU offering for achieving it? Technology? Finance? How can a country like India develop a roadmap without clarity on technology and finance?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: What we trying to do in Europe is to develop a model for digital transition which is underpinned by democratic values and which meets the need of the citizen. It must be human-centric, it's not the platforms, it's not about the needs of the state, it's mostly about citizens and its needs.&nbsp;

That is why we are undertaking the digital transition because we want to make the lives of citizens easier. We want to protect freedom of expression, offline and online. I think, in this respect the challenge we face as the European Union is very similar to the challenges which India faces. We both are democracies and open societies and I believe that we are facing the same issues and in all likelihood, we can work together to foster convergences when it comes to the regulatory framework.

WION: European Council approves conclusions on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. What do your Indo-Pacific guidelines mean for India?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: I am sure your have read the approval of the council conclusion on the Indo-Pacific. The council conclusion sets the ground for the approval of a new strategy for the Indo-Pacific which will be issued in the coming months.&nbsp;

Now the basic starting point is the European Union is a stakeholder when it comes to the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific is a region that has tremendous importance for the world, its a center of economic development, its a center of innovation, in a large part, the very future of the world will be decided in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; 
European Union has an important stake, and we want to offer a contribution. A contribution which is underpinned by our strong belief in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations, respect for International Law, including The Law of the Seas.&nbsp;

These principles, bring us naturally close to India and its own endeavor to make the Indo pacific region of peace and prosperity. I think the council conclusion and the strategy will help us in identifying additional common converging interest in the region against the risk of instability and in order to foster our common view of a prosperous future for the region.

WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan? How EU and India can play a vital role?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: You see, India and the EU have a natural convergence of view when it comes to Afghanistan because our major point is gains of the last 20 years, are not lost, in terms of democratic rights, human rights, women's rights.&nbsp;

We want a peace process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, this is our priority and we have no other interest-- the prosperity, and welfare of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

We are following developments with this in mind that the framework, the democratic rights, the gains of in terms of rights of women and girls which have been gained in past few years are preserved and are not lost and that road to peace, its a road which is also consolidating the present democratic rights.

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic.

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic. "Team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide," said Astuto. He lauded India's outreach on vaccines earlier this year, saying, "India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means". Here is the full interview. WION: How is EU assisting India in dealing with the crisis? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The European Union as a team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide. There has been a conversation with Indian authorities about how best we can help and as a result of this conversation, we have activated the civil protection mechanism. Its a mechanism, which ensures the rapid deployment of emergency support, a direct link for the national civil protection authorities of the 27 member states. Through this mechanism we can coordinate the response and we can also help in logistics and transport. The response has been very substantial, indeed. Last night we had deliveries from Romania and Ireland landing in Delhi. From Dublin, we had 700 Oxygen concentrators being brought in, one Oxygen generator, 365 ventilators. From Bucharest, 80 Oxygen concentrators and 75 Oxygen cylinders. We expect on Sunday, another plane to land from Belgium and bring in 9000 doses of antiviral medicine Remdesivir. As we speak, other member states are joining in. Just to give you an idea, 68 ventilators from Luxembourg, 5500 vials of Remdesivir from Portugal, 120 ventilators from Sweden, 8 Oxygen generators, liquid Oxygen, and 28 ventilators from France, one Oxygen generating plant, 20 ventilators from Italy, 318 Oxygen cylinders from Finland, 5500 vials of Remdesivir, 238 Oxygen cylinders from Austria, Oxygen concentrators from Germany have already arrived in Delhi. Waiting for more from Germany. More support is expected from other member states like Netherlands, Estonia, Poland, and more. As you can see a very robust response from team Europe. The whole of the European Union trying to extend some help. WION: India needs tankers for Oxygen and other related stuff, how is the EU helping? Also, any support for vaccines? India is trying to get vaccines from other countries? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: At this stage focus of our support is on Oxygen. We had an exchange with the Indian authorities, who suggest we should focus on Oxygen and some antiviral medicines, that is what we are doing now. That is what we are focusing on. From the list earlier, most of the supplies being delivered now are Oxygen and Oxygen-related material and antiviral medicines. That is what we are doing now. From the list, I read earlier, you will read most of the supplies being delivered now are about Oxygen and Oxygen related material, ventilators and antiviral medicines, following the contacts with the Indian authorities. WION: How has the EU in the past assisted the world community in dealing with such a crisis--with a focus on Covid? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Yes, this mechanism, the European Civil Protection Mechanism, is made precisely for that, to face and address the emergency situation in Europe and beyond and it has been activated a number of times, since its inception. When it comes specifically to Covid infection, from the outset European Union just like India has been on the path of global cooperation in the fight against the Pandemic, and Covid 19 has shown this sort of crisis knows no border. An effective response requires global co-operation and mutual support. We are facing this epidemic together and we will only get out of it together. That is why we have launched a team Europe approach when it comes to Covid. We have provided medical equipment and medicines to a number of partners around the world, particularly low-income countries in Africa for a total of almost 38.5 billion Euros. On vaccines, specifically, European Union is committed that everyone who needs vaccines gets it, irrespective of where he or she lives. That is why European Union and its member states are leading voices in the establishment of this COVAX facility, I am sure you are familiar with it. COVAX is a facility in order to supply vaccines to those who need them. Team Europe, European Union's member states, European Investment Bank together are among the largest donors to this facility. I don't have to remind, that India is playing a key role in the COVAX facility in the manufacturing of vaccines which has then been exported. India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means. Clearly, this is also contingent on domestic needs. It is true for India, it's true for the EU as well. The initial assumption is we want to be open to the needs of the global community. For the European Union, for instance, almost as many vaccines which has been injected into EU citizens have been exported so far. Between January and April, more than 110 million doses of vaccines have been exported from the European Union to more than 40 countries. This is another area where the EU and India have been working based on the same human-centric values. WION: The India, EU leaders virtual summit will take place on 8th May. What will be the key focus at the summit? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The latest meeting is happening in the backdrop of the global health crisis, so the reaction to the Covid crisis will obviously be paramount. But, besides that, the strategic partnership between European Union and India has been growing vigorously in the last couple of years. At the last summit, in July 2020 we decided to further broaden the scope and areas of cooperation. We want to defend multilateralism, combat climate change, to foster the greening of our economic models. We want to undertake digital transition in a manner that is consistent with our democratic values. We want to foster connectivity to cooperate on political and security issues. So we set up what we call a road up to 2025, guiding us. The next summit, I am sure will inject further momentum into all these topics of interest. For instance, we are working now on preparing a new India connectivity partnership because we share the same principles that underpin--we want connectivity to be environmentally, socially, and physically sustainable. We both recognize the role of the private sector. We want to give the right incentive to come in and build infrastructure in a sustainable manner, in a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based manner. So I think, on these things EU and India are natural partners, for bringing forward the development of a shared vision of connectivity. Another major priority I have to mention is the fight against climate change, in the run-up to COP26 which will take place in Glasgow, India has achieved a very significant result to the greening of its economic model, particularly on renewables--investment in solar has been very impressive with significant result. I believe India is a trendsetter. So much scope for exchanging experiences. Science tells us, as an international community we all need to work together and be ambitious, we want to address the existential issue of climate change, temperatures are still rising, we need to act now for the sake of future generations and we need to make Glasgow a success. Here I think the EU and India have much scope to work together to make Glasgow a success and other priorities I would like to highlight the digital transition. As open societies and democracies, the EU and India can work together to make sure that the digital transition takes place in a secure place, fostering innovation and competition but also full respect to individual rights and freedom. Issues such as data protection, experience with GDPR, or security of networks, all these are relevant issues. Naming a few, there are many other topics like trade and investment, research innovation, there are so many. Lots of cooperation between India and the EU. WION: EU is pushing India on net neutrality. What has the EU offering for achieving it? Technology? Finance? How can a country like India develop a roadmap without clarity on technology and finance? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: What we trying to do in Europe is to develop a model for digital transition which is underpinned by democratic values and which meets the need of the citizen. It must be human-centric, it's not the platforms, it's not about the needs of the state, it's mostly about citizens and its needs. That is why we are undertaking the digital transition because we want to make the lives of citizens easier. We want to protect freedom of expression, offline and online. I think, in this respect the challenge we face as the European Union is very similar to the challenges which India faces. We both are democracies and open societies and I believe that we are facing the same issues and in all likelihood, we can work together to foster convergences when it comes to the regulatory framework. WION: European Council approves conclusions on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. What do your Indo-Pacific guidelines mean for India? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: I am sure your have read the approval of the council conclusion on the Indo-Pacific. The council conclusion sets the ground for the approval of a new strategy for the Indo-Pacific which will be issued in the coming months. Now the basic starting point is the European Union is a stakeholder when it comes to the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Indo-Pacific is a region that has tremendous importance for the world, its a center of economic development, its a center of innovation, in a large part, the very future of the world will be decided in the Indo-Pacific. European Union has an important stake, and we want to offer a contribution. A contribution which is underpinned by our strong belief in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations, respect for International Law, including The Law of the Seas. These principles, bring us naturally close to India and its own endeavor to make the Indo pacific region of peace and prosperity. I think the council conclusion and the strategy will help us in identifying additional common converging interest in the region against the risk of instability and in order to foster our common view of a prosperous future for the region. WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan? How EU and India can play a vital role? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: You see, India and the EU have a natural convergence of view when it comes to Afghanistan because our major point is gains of the last 20 years, are not lost, in terms of democratic rights, human rights, women's rights. We want a peace process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, this is our priority and we have no other interest-- the prosperity, and welfare of Afghanistan. We are following developments with this in mind that the framework, the democratic rights, the gains of in terms of rights of women and girls which have been gained in past few years are preserved and are not lost and that road to peace, its a road which is also consolidating the present democratic rights.

India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe

The European Union has blamed China and Russia for discrediting western vaccines and promoting their own jabs. WION's Palki tells you why vaccine propaganda can prove lethal in a public health crisis.

Gravitas: E.U blames China, Russia for vaccine disinformation

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh.

"Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

"They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added.

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan.

"The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said.

He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights.

"We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further.

Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous"&nbsp;text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.

In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life.

Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.&nbsp;

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh. "Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. "They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan. "The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said. He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights. "We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further. Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty. In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life. Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan

The&nbsp;eurozone&nbsp;economy fell into a second recession in less than&nbsp;a year in the first quarter, data showed on Friday, as slow vaccinations and pandemic lockdowns stopped a rebound.

The data was in stark contrast to the US, where the economy roared forward in the same period, posting annualised growth of 6.4 per cent.

China has also turned the corner from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> with an 18.3-per cent explosion in gross domestic product growth on an annual basis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/recession-of-historic-proportions-eurozone-economy-predicted-to-contract-77-296990">'Recession of historic proportions': Eurozone economy predicted to contract 7.7%</a>

Europe has been hit hard by a second and third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, with multiple attempts to reopen the economy cut short by new outbreaks.

More recent data has given Europeans confidence that the recession will be short-lived, however, with surveys showing that manufacturing is now booming.

And with the vaccination campaign finally getting into swing, pent-up demand is expected to follow as Europeans begin to spend more in shops, at reopened restaurants and on tourism.

The EU's slow-moving recovery plan is also expected to finally get on track, giving a much-needed boost to southern countries crushed by the pandemic, such as Italy or Spain.

Germany was the major drag on growth in January to March period, with exports unable to overcome a steep drop in demand by discouraged consumers, analysts said.

The&nbsp;eurozone's consumer prices meanwhile rose in April by 1.6 per cent, moving closer to the European Central Bank's (ECB) target of two per cent.

The rise in prices, again largely fuelled by energy costs, came after five months of inflation in negative territory at the end of 2020 and a gradual turnaround earlier this year.

But core inflation, which strips out volatile components such as energy or food, actually dipped in April meaning demand is not yet fully recharging the economy.

Unemployment has largely been spared the worst ravages of the crisis that were initially feared when the pandemic froze the global economy in early 2020.

Eurostat said&nbsp;eurozone&nbsp;unemployment dipped to 8.1 per cent in March, though this was one percentage point more than a year before.

EU-wide, unemployment slipped to 7.3 per cent in March.

The eurozone economy fell into a second recession in less than a year in the first quarter, data showed on Friday, as slow vaccinations and pandemic lockdowns stopped a rebound.

The eurozone economy fell into a second recession in less than a year in the first quarter, data showed on Friday, as slow vaccinations and pandemic lockdowns stopped a rebound. The data was in stark contrast to the US, where the economy roared forward in the same period, posting annualised growth of 6.4 per cent. China has also turned the corner from the coronavirus pandemic with an 18.3-per cent explosion in gross domestic product growth on an annual basis. Also read | 'Recession of historic proportions': Eurozone economy predicted to contract 7.7% Europe has been hit hard by a second and third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, with multiple attempts to reopen the economy cut short by new outbreaks. More recent data has given Europeans confidence that the recession will be short-lived, however, with surveys showing that manufacturing is now booming. And with the vaccination campaign finally getting into swing, pent-up demand is expected to follow as Europeans begin to spend more in shops, at reopened restaurants and on tourism. The EU's slow-moving recovery plan is also expected to finally get on track, giving a much-needed boost to southern countries crushed by the pandemic, such as Italy or Spain. Germany was the major drag on growth in January to March period, with exports unable to overcome a steep drop in demand by discouraged consumers, analysts said. The eurozone's consumer prices meanwhile rose in April by 1.6 per cent, moving closer to the European Central Bank's (ECB) target of two per cent. The rise in prices, again largely fuelled by energy costs, came after five months of inflation in negative territory at the end of 2020 and a gradual turnaround earlier this year. But core inflation, which strips out volatile components such as energy or food, actually dipped in April meaning demand is not yet fully recharging the economy. Unemployment has largely been spared the worst ravages of the crisis that were initially feared when the pandemic froze the global economy in early 2020. Eurostat said eurozone unemployment dipped to 8.1 per cent in March, though this was one percentage point more than a year before. EU-wide, unemployment slipped to 7.3 per cent in March.

Eurozone enters double-dip recession in first quarter

Pfizer/BioNTech said on Friday they have asked European regulators to authorise their Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, a move seen as a crucial step towards achieving herd immunity.

The companies already filed a similar request with US authorities earlier this month. Their vaccine is currently only approved for use in people aged 16 and over.

In a joint statement, Pfizer and BioNTech said they had submitted a request with the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) to expand the use of their jab to include "adolescents 12 to 15 years of age".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021">Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021</a>

Ugur Sahin, co-founder and CEO of Germany's BioNTech, on Thursday said the jab could be available for those age groups from June if EU approval is granted.

The move comes after phase 3 trial data showed that the vaccine provided "robust antibody responses" and was 100 percent effective in warding off the disease among those aged 12 to 15.

"The vaccine also was generally well tolerated," the statement added.

In an interview with Der Spiegel weekly, Sahin said he expected regulators' evaluation of the data to take four to six weeks.

If approved, the green light would apply to all 27 European Union member states.&nbsp;

Pfizer and BioNTech added that they also plan to seek authorisations "with other regulatory authorities worldwide".

No coronavirus vaccines are currently authorised for use on children.

While children and teenagers are less likely to develop severe Covid, they make up a large part of the population and inoculating them is considered key to ending the pandemic.

The prospect of getting older children jabbed before the next school year begins would also ease the strain on parents who are juggling the demands of homeschooling while keeping up with jobs.

"It's very important to enable children a return to their normal school lives and allow them to meet with family and friends," Sahin told Spiegel.

BioNTech and Pfizer are also racing to get their jab approved for younger kids, from six months upwards.

"In July, the first results for five- to 12-year-olds could be available, and those for younger children in September," Sahin said.

Ongoing trials so far are "very encouraging", Sahin said, suggesting that "children are very well protected by the vaccine".

The BioNTech/Pfizer shot is based on mRNA technology and was the first Covid-19 jab to be approved in the West late last year.

Pfizer/BioNTech said on Friday they have asked European regulators to authorise their Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, a move seen as a crucial step towards achieving herd immunity.

Pfizer/BioNTech said on Friday they have asked European regulators to authorise their Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, a move seen as a crucial step towards achieving herd immunity. The companies already filed a similar request with US authorities earlier this month. Their vaccine is currently only approved for use in people aged 16 and over. In a joint statement, Pfizer and BioNTech said they had submitted a request with the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) to expand the use of their jab to include "adolescents 12 to 15 years of age". Also read: Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021 Ugur Sahin, co-founder and CEO of Germany's BioNTech, on Thursday said the jab could be available for those age groups from June if EU approval is granted. The move comes after phase 3 trial data showed that the vaccine provided "robust antibody responses" and was 100 percent effective in warding off the disease among those aged 12 to 15. "The vaccine also was generally well tolerated," the statement added. In an interview with Der Spiegel weekly, Sahin said he expected regulators' evaluation of the data to take four to six weeks. If approved, the green light would apply to all 27 European Union member states. Pfizer and BioNTech added that they also plan to seek authorisations "with other regulatory authorities worldwide". No coronavirus vaccines are currently authorised for use on children. While children and teenagers are less likely to develop severe Covid, they make up a large part of the population and inoculating them is considered key to ending the pandemic. The prospect of getting older children jabbed before the next school year begins would also ease the strain on parents who are juggling the demands of homeschooling while keeping up with jobs. "It's very important to enable children a return to their normal school lives and allow them to meet with family and friends," Sahin told Spiegel. BioNTech and Pfizer are also racing to get their jab approved for younger kids, from six months upwards. "In July, the first results for five- to 12-year-olds could be available, and those for younger children in September," Sahin said. Ongoing trials so far are "very encouraging", Sahin said, suggesting that "children are very well protected by the vaccine". The BioNTech/Pfizer shot is based on mRNA technology and was the first Covid-19 jab to be approved in the West late last year.

Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

From December to April, the two countries' state media outlets pushed fake news online in multiple languages sensationalising vaccine safety concerns, making unfounded links between jabs and deaths in Europe and promoting Russian and Chinese vaccines as superior, the EU study said.&nbsp;

The Kremlin and Beijing deny all disinformation allegations by the EU, which produces regular reports and seeks to work with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to limit the spread of fake news.&nbsp;

Russian and Chinese vaccine diplomacy "follows a zero-sum game logic and is combined with disinformation and manipulation efforts to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines," said the EU study released by the bloc's disinformation unit, part of its EEAS foreign policy arm. &nbsp;

"Both Russia and China are using state-controlled media, networks of proxy media outlets and social media, including official diplomatic social media accounts, to achieve these goals," the report said, citing 100 Russian examples this year.&nbsp;

The EU and NATO regularly accuse Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilise the West by exploiting divisions in society. &nbsp;

Vaccine supply issues with AstraZeneca, as well as very rare side effects with Astra and the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines have been seized upon, the report said.&nbsp;

"Both Chinese official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified content on alleged side-effects of the Western vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalising international media reports and associating deaths to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Norway, Spain and elsewhere," the report said.&nbsp;

Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about coronavirus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday.

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday. From December to April, the two countries' state media outlets pushed fake news online in multiple languages sensationalising vaccine safety concerns, making unfounded links between jabs and deaths in Europe and promoting Russian and Chinese vaccines as superior, the EU study said. The Kremlin and Beijing deny all disinformation allegations by the EU, which produces regular reports and seeks to work with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to limit the spread of fake news. Russian and Chinese vaccine diplomacy "follows a zero-sum game logic and is combined with disinformation and manipulation efforts to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines," said the EU study released by the bloc's disinformation unit, part of its EEAS foreign policy arm. "Both Russia and China are using state-controlled media, networks of proxy media outlets and social media, including official diplomatic social media accounts, to achieve these goals," the report said, citing 100 Russian examples this year. The EU and NATO regularly accuse Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilise the West by exploiting divisions in society. Vaccine supply issues with AstraZeneca, as well as very rare side effects with Astra and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been seized upon, the report said. "Both Chinese official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified content on alleged side-effects of the Western vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalising international media reports and associating deaths to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Norway, Spain and elsewhere," the report said. Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, China sow disinformation to undermine trust in Western vaccines: EU report  

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should work, bringing the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;closer&nbsp;to launching a document to open up&nbsp;travel&nbsp;within the bloc.

Europe intends to have a&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;showing the bearer's vaccination status,&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period.

While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;is recognised across all 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament.

The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green&nbsp;certificate" they want to call it an "EU&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;certificate",&nbsp;to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport".

They said the document should "neither serve as&nbsp;travel&nbsp;document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months.

Stressing that the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that&nbsp;Covid-19 tests for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states.

The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions.

'Safe&nbsp;travel'

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the&nbsp;certificate.

"The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green&nbsp;Certificate&nbsp;is a key step towards free and safe&nbsp;travel&nbsp;this summer," she tweeted.

She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;(virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems."

Initially, the plan is for&nbsp;EU&nbsp;citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU&nbsp;travel&nbsp;that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic.

Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'.&nbsp;

Later on, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU&nbsp;countries for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member Britain.

A&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection.

The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

They say individual&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc. Europe intends to have a certificate showing the bearer's vaccination status, Covid test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period. While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the certificate is recognised across all 27 EU member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament. The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green certificate" they want to call it an "EU Covid-19 certificate", to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport". They said the document should "neither serve as travel document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months. Stressing that the certificate should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that Covid-19 tests for travel should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states. The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions. 'Safe travel' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the certificate. "The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green Certificate is a key step towards free and safe travel this summer," she tweeted. She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the EU (virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems." Initially, the plan is for EU citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the certificate to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU travel that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic. Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'. Later on, the EU intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU countries for travel by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former EU member Britain. A certificate trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all EU countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection. The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. They say individual EU countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel

In a move that risks reigniting a spat with London over scarce vaccine supplies, European Union lawyers on Wednesday demanded AstraZeneca immediately deliver COVID-19 vaccines from its factories in Britain.

EU demands access to AstraZeneca in UK in legal battle

Key to the commission’s strategy is persuading countries of origin to take back migrants told to leave the EU.

EU to boost measures to return migrants home

The European Union has launched legal action against pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca over delivery shortfalls of its Coronavirus vaccine. The legal action was launched on behalf of the bloc's 27 member states.

EU launches legal action against AstraZeneca over delayed vaccines deliveries

The United States and the European Union on Monday rejected the idea of redrawing borders in the Western Balkans.

A proposal was reportedly making the rounds among EU&nbsp;officials proposing to break up Bosnia and to merge Kosovo with Albania. According to Reuters, the document also proposed incorporating parts of Bosnia into Serbia as well as Croatia to assist the region's integration into the European Union.

The authenticity of the note has been verified by officials yet and no country has claimed it so far. Bosnia was alarmed by the discussion, for the country had witnessed ethnic conflicts two decades ago.

"We are absolutely not in favour of any changes in borders," European Commission Chief Spokesman Eric Mamer said during a news conference. The US, too warned that changing the borders could cause further tensions in the region.

"Recent unwarranted speculation about changing borders in the Balkans along ethnic lines risks fostering instability in the region and evokes memories of past tensions," US&nbsp;State Department's spokesman Ned Price said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444" hreflang="en">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Out of the former Yugoslav republics, two have joined the EU so far - Croatia and Slovenia. Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, and Kosovo also hope to join the bloc eventually.

The EU has urged the countries to settle their conflicts and to foster democracy before thinking of joining the Union. But the EU sees the region's importance, where Russia and China are quickly expanding their influence.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday held talks with Serbian President Alexander Vucic in Brussels and said that the bloc wants to see "positive developments in rule of law" in Serbia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-blames-china-for-endangering-peace-in-south-china-sea-380016" hreflang="en">EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea</a>

Among other things, both of them discussed Belgrade's interaction with Kosovo, which used to be a part of Serbia. Kosovo's independence is not recognised by multiple EU countries - including Spain.

The representatives of North Macedonia and Kosovo are also set to set foot in Brussels later this week.

Von der Leyen also extended support to the construction of a railway line between Belgrade and North Macedonia, hoping to formally begin membership negotiations with the European Union which were stalled last year after a veto from Bulgaria.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and the European Union on Monday rejected the idea of redrawing borders in the Western Balkans. A proposal was reportedly making the rounds among EU officials proposing to break up Bosnia and to merge Kosovo with Albania.

The United States and the European Union on Monday rejected the idea of redrawing borders in the Western Balkans. A proposal was reportedly making the rounds among EU officials proposing to break up Bosnia and to merge Kosovo with Albania. According to Reuters, the document also proposed incorporating parts of Bosnia into Serbia as well as Croatia to assist the region's integration into the European Union. The authenticity of the note has been verified by officials yet and no country has claimed it so far. Bosnia was alarmed by the discussion, for the country had witnessed ethnic conflicts two decades ago. "We are absolutely not in favour of any changes in borders," European Commission Chief Spokesman Eric Mamer said during a news conference. The US, too warned that changing the borders could cause further tensions in the region. "Recent unwarranted speculation about changing borders in the Balkans along ethnic lines risks fostering instability in the region and evokes memories of past tensions," US State Department's spokesman Ned Price said. Also read: EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Out of the former Yugoslav republics, two have joined the EU so far - Croatia and Slovenia. Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, and Kosovo also hope to join the bloc eventually. The EU has urged the countries to settle their conflicts and to foster democracy before thinking of joining the Union. But the EU sees the region's importance, where Russia and China are quickly expanding their influence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday held talks with Serbian President Alexander Vucic in Brussels and said that the bloc wants to see "positive developments in rule of law" in Serbia. Also read: EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea Among other things, both of them discussed Belgrade's interaction with Kosovo, which used to be a part of Serbia. Kosovo's independence is not recognised by multiple EU countries - including Spain. The representatives of North Macedonia and Kosovo are also set to set foot in Brussels later this week. Von der Leyen also extended support to the construction of a railway line between Belgrade and North Macedonia, hoping to formally begin membership negotiations with the European Union which were stalled last year after a veto from Bulgaria. (With inputs from agencies)

US, EU reject proposal to redraw borders in the Western Balkans

The EU is at an advanced stage of talks with the US over mutually recognising vaccine passports to boost transatlantic tourism this summer.

EU in vaccine passport talks with US but not UK

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected.

The EU last week released a new policy aimed at stepping up its influence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's rising power.

The Philippines on Friday protested to China over its failure to withdraw what it called as "threatening" boats believed to be manned by maritime militia around the disputed Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef.

"Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region," a EU spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.

EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order".

It urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, and highlighted a 2016 international arbitration that had ruled in favor of the Philippines while invalidating most of China's claims in the South China Sea.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-send-navy-ships-in-south-china-sea-to-assert-claim-philippines-378923/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China rejected EU's accusation that its ships at Whitsun Reef, which China calls Niu'E Jiao, had endangered peace and security.

The Chinese Mission to the EU in a statement on Saturday reiterated that the reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, or Spratly Islands, and that it was "reasonable and lawful" for Chinese fishing boats to operate there and shelter from the wind.

The Chinese statement also insisted that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed in the "long course of history and consistent with international law" and rejected the 2016 tribunal ruling as "null and void".

"The South China Sea should not become a tool for certain countries to contain and suppress China, much less a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry," the Chinese statement said.

China is increasingly worried that Europe and other countries are heeding U.S. President Joe Biden's call for a "coordinated approach" towards China, which had so far materialised in the form of sanctions over its security crackdown in Hong Kong and treatment of Uyghur Muslims.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month said Washington "stands by its ally, the Philippines," in the face of China’s massing maritime militia at Whitsun Reef.

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected.

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected. The EU last week released a new policy aimed at stepping up its influence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's rising power. The Philippines on Friday protested to China over its failure to withdraw what it called as "threatening" boats believed to be manned by maritime militia around the disputed Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef. "Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region," a EU spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order". It urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, and highlighted a 2016 international arbitration that had ruled in favor of the Philippines while invalidating most of China's claims in the South China Sea. China rejected EU's accusation that its ships at Whitsun Reef, which China calls Niu'E Jiao, had endangered peace and security. The Chinese Mission to the EU in a statement on Saturday reiterated that the reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, or Spratly Islands, and that it was "reasonable and lawful" for Chinese fishing boats to operate there and shelter from the wind. The Chinese statement also insisted that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed in the "long course of history and consistent with international law" and rejected the 2016 tribunal ruling as "null and void". "The South China Sea should not become a tool for certain countries to contain and suppress China, much less a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry," the Chinese statement said. China is increasingly worried that Europe and other countries are heeding U.S. President Joe Biden's call for a "coordinated approach" towards China, which had so far materialised in the form of sanctions over its security crackdown in Hong Kong and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month said Washington "stands by its ally, the Philippines," in the face of China’s massing maritime militia at Whitsun Reef.

EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

“We stand side by side with India" UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19", adding, “Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus."&nbsp;

In all, UK will send nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract Oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators this week.&nbsp;

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We are supporting our Indian friends with vital medical equipment at a difficult time for them in this pandemic". &nbsp;

India has reported over three lakh Covid cases in the last few days, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai badly impacted. Several hospitals in the national capital have been sending SOS as oxygen supplies deplete putting the lives of patients in danger. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the European Union announced that it is activating its 'civil protection mechanism' to provide assistance to India like Oxygen and medicine. "Upon request for assistance by India", Janez Lenarčič European Commissioner for Crisis Management said," We have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ERCC). The EU will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of India". &nbsp;

President of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded that tweeting, "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people."&nbsp;

Other countries in Europe like Denmark, France, Germany are also extending support. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane tells WION, "We are working closely with MEA to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about”.&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that her country is preparing urgent support for India to deal with the ongoing Covid pandemic. She said, "To the people of India, I want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities. Germany stands in solidarity with India and is urgently preparing a mission of support."&nbsp;

Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. &nbsp;

After much criticism over not allowing the import of raw material for manufacturing of covid vaccines in India, top officials of the US Govt also extended support to India. US secretary of state Antony Blinken in a tweet-statement said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's healthcare heroes." &nbsp;

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in a near-simultaneous tweet, said, "The US is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon."&nbsp;

US is expected to announce its support to India soon, though a big focus remains on when it lifts a ban on the export of covid vaccine raw material. India is the largest producer of vaccines globally, but manufacturing is being hampered due to the lack of raw material. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's neighbours, Afghanistan and Iran, have also extended support to New Delhi. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. Afghan President said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people and government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of Covid. On behalf of the Afghan people and government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus."&nbsp;

Iran's health minister Dr Saeed Namaki in a letter to India's health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan extended support, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic."&nbsp;

A whole host of countries have extended solidarity with India. These are China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Solvenia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore. So far, India has been able to get four tankers from Singapore and liquid Oxygen from Saudi Arabia. More medicines from Singapore will arrive tonight.&nbsp;

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning.

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning. “We stand side by side with India" UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19", adding, “Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus." In all, UK will send nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract Oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators this week. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We are supporting our Indian friends with vital medical equipment at a difficult time for them in this pandemic". India has reported over three lakh Covid cases in the last few days, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai badly impacted. Several hospitals in the national capital have been sending SOS as oxygen supplies deplete putting the lives of patients in danger. Earlier in the day, the European Union announced that it is activating its 'civil protection mechanism' to provide assistance to India like Oxygen and medicine. "Upon request for assistance by India", Janez Lenarčič European Commissioner for Crisis Management said," We have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ERCC). The EU will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of India". President of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded that tweeting, "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people." Other countries in Europe like Denmark, France, Germany are also extending support. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane tells WION, "We are working closely with MEA to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about”. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that her country is preparing urgent support for India to deal with the ongoing Covid pandemic. She said, "To the people of India, I want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities. Germany stands in solidarity with India and is urgently preparing a mission of support." Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. After much criticism over not allowing the import of raw material for manufacturing of covid vaccines in India, top officials of the US Govt also extended support to India. US secretary of state Antony Blinken in a tweet-statement said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's healthcare heroes." US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in a near-simultaneous tweet, said, "The US is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon." US is expected to announce its support to India soon, though a big focus remains on when it lifts a ban on the export of covid vaccine raw material. India is the largest producer of vaccines globally, but manufacturing is being hampered due to the lack of raw material. Meanwhile, India's neighbours, Afghanistan and Iran, have also extended support to New Delhi. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. Afghan President said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people and government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of Covid. On behalf of the Afghan people and government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus." Iran's health minister Dr Saeed Namaki in a letter to India's health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan extended support, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic." A whole host of countries have extended solidarity with India. These are China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Solvenia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore. So far, India has been able to get four tankers from Singapore and liquid Oxygen from Saudi Arabia. More medicines from Singapore will arrive tonight.

Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India 

EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order".

South China Sea Maneuvers : EU rejects China's claim to sovereignty

With the intention to help India during a surge of coronavirus cases, the European Union is preparing to send rapid assistance to the South Asian country on a priority basis, the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

"Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," she tweeted. "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. 
 
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! <a href="https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3">https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1386292464277852162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet has come as India is coping with oxygen shortage as the country recorded 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections and 2,767&nbsp;daily new fatalities on Sunday morning.

EU commissioner for humanitarian aid Janez Lenarcic said oxygen and medicine contributions were already being coordinated from member states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deeply-concerned-about-covid-outbreak-in-india-379971" hreflang="en">US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also announced that her government will be preparing emergency aid for India. However, there has been no clarification as to what will be offered by Germany in the aid package.

The EU is coming forward to help India almost a year after India stepped up to help the struggling countries last year in every possible way when the coronavirus outbreak had created chaos in western countries.

In addition to EU Chief and Germany, several other countries have also hinted at helping India out of the crisis — namely Australia, Russia, US, UK, Pakistan, Singapore, France among others.

With the intention to help India during a surge of coronavirus cases, the European Union is preparing to send rapid assistance to the South Asian country on a priority basis, the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

With the intention to help India during a surge of coronavirus cases, the European Union is preparing to send rapid assistance to the South Asian country on a priority basis, the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday. "Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," she tweeted. "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism." Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021 × The tweet has come as India is coping with oxygen shortage as the country recorded 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections and 2,767 daily new fatalities on Sunday morning. EU commissioner for humanitarian aid Janez Lenarcic said oxygen and medicine contributions were already being coordinated from member states. Also read | US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also announced that her government will be preparing emergency aid for India. However, there has been no clarification as to what will be offered by Germany in the aid package. The EU is coming forward to help India almost a year after India stepped up to help the struggling countries last year in every possible way when the coronavirus outbreak had created chaos in western countries. In addition to EU Chief and Germany, several other countries have also hinted at helping India out of the crisis — namely Australia, Russia, US, UK, Pakistan, Singapore, France among others.

EU offers 'immediate aid' to help India out of Covid crisis

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months. 
 
Speaking after visiting Pfizer`s vaccine plant in Puurs, Belgium, where the main vaccine used so far in the EU has been produced, von der Leyen said the goal could be achieved by the end of July instead of late September as had been previously predicted, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. 
 
"With the enormous efforts of BioNTech-Pfizer and the acceleration of their vaccine deliveries, I am now confident that we will have sufficient doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of the adult population in the European Union already in July," she said, commending the two joint partners as "strong and reliable suppliers." 
 
She expressed her satisfaction that "the EU`s vaccination campaign is on track," passing the mark of 150 million doses delivered and 123 million vaccinations deployed. This made the bloc "among the top three in terms of Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide, after the United States and China." 
 
She said her commission was close to concluding a deal with BioNTech and Pfizer to supply 1.8 billion additional vaccine doses for 2022 and 2023. 
 
"We will conclude it in the next days. It will secure the doses necessary to give booster shots to increase our immunity against the virus. It will provide vaccines adapted to escape variants that no longer respond to the vaccines," she told a press conference. 
 
Von der Leyen said the European Medicines Agency had approved the increase of the site`s production capacity by a further 20 per cent, making it one of the biggest vaccine fill and finish sites in Europe.

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months.

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months. Speaking after visiting Pfizer`s vaccine plant in Puurs, Belgium, where the main vaccine used so far in the EU has been produced, von der Leyen said the goal could be achieved by the end of July instead of late September as had been previously predicted, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. "With the enormous efforts of BioNTech-Pfizer and the acceleration of their vaccine deliveries, I am now confident that we will have sufficient doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of the adult population in the European Union already in July," she said, commending the two joint partners as "strong and reliable suppliers." She expressed her satisfaction that "the EU`s vaccination campaign is on track," passing the mark of 150 million doses delivered and 123 million vaccinations deployed. This made the bloc "among the top three in terms of Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide, after the United States and China." She said her commission was close to concluding a deal with BioNTech and Pfizer to supply 1.8 billion additional vaccine doses for 2022 and 2023. "We will conclude it in the next days. It will secure the doses necessary to give booster shots to increase our immunity against the virus. It will provide vaccines adapted to escape variants that no longer respond to the vaccines," she told a press conference. Von der Leyen said the European Medicines Agency had approved the increase of the site`s production capacity by a further 20 per cent, making it one of the biggest vaccine fill and finish sites in Europe.

EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July

According to the sources, the European Commission is working on legal proceedings against AstraZeneca after the drug maker cut COVID-19 vaccine deliveries. EU plans to split ties with the drug maker after repeatedly cut supplies to the block.

EU to file lawsuit against AstraZeneca over vaccine shortfall

EU plans to snap ties and to sue AstraZeneca over vaccine shortfall

The EMA found that all instances of clotting had occurred in adults under 60 years, mostly women, within three weeks of vaccination with J&J's single shot.

EU backs J&J COVID-19 vaccine despite blood clot risk

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights.&nbsp;

The draft regulations from the EU's executive commission include rules on the use of the rapidly expanding technology in activities, such as choosing school, job or loan applicants. They also would ban artificial intelligence outright in a few situations, such as social scoring and systems used to manipulate human behaviour.&nbsp;

The proposals are the 27-nation bloc's latest move to maintain its role as the world's standard-bearer for technology regulation. EU officials say they are taking a ‘risk-based approach’ as they try to balance the need to protect rights, such as data privacy against the need to encourage innovation. &nbsp;

"With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted," Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president for the digital age, said in a statement. &nbsp;

"By setting the standards, we can pave the way for to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way." &nbsp;

The proposals also include a prohibition in principle on remote biometric identification, such as the use of live facial recognition on crowds of people in public places, with exceptions only for narrowly defined law enforcement purposes such as searching for a missing child or a wanted person. &nbsp;

The draft regulations say chatbots and deepfakes should be labelled so people know they are interacting with a machine. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights.

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights. The draft regulations from the EU's executive commission include rules on the use of the rapidly expanding technology in activities, such as choosing school, job or loan applicants. They also would ban artificial intelligence outright in a few situations, such as social scoring and systems used to manipulate human behaviour. The proposals are the 27-nation bloc's latest move to maintain its role as the world's standard-bearer for technology regulation. EU officials say they are taking a ‘risk-based approach’ as they try to balance the need to protect rights, such as data privacy against the need to encourage innovation. "With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted," Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president for the digital age, said in a statement. "By setting the standards, we can pave the way for to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way." The proposals also include a prohibition in principle on remote biometric identification, such as the use of live facial recognition on crowds of people in public places, with exceptions only for narrowly defined law enforcement purposes such as searching for a missing child or a wanted person. The draft regulations say chatbots and deepfakes should be labelled so people know they are interacting with a machine. (With inputs from agencies)

EU proposes rules for high-risk artificial intelligence uses 

The Georgian government and opposition party leaders agreed Monday to end a political standoff and signed an accord brokered by European Council President Charles Michel.

EU brokers deal to end political deadlock in Georgia

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'. EU joins blocks like ASEAN, which has its own outlook on the 'Indo-Pacific' vision, strongly backed by Washington and New Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The council in its 'conclusion' statement said, "The EU intends to reinforce its role as a cooperative partner in the Indo-Pacific, bringing added-value to relations with all its partners in the region". The policy calls for developing partnerships in the areas of security and defence, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activities, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism, and organised crime. &nbsp;

EU sees, Indo-Pacific as a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states, a region that has the world's two most populous countries, which are also huge economies, India and China. The EU strategy comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Portugal for the India EU summit. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION, EU's envoy to India Ugo Astuto pointed to Brussel's strong commitment to the region while reaffirming ties with New Delhi.

He said the "EU and its member states have a broad relationship with partners in the Indo-Pacific, notably India", adding "the Council Conclusions adopted today strongly emphasise the EU’s commitment to the region with the aim of contributing to its stability, security, and sustainable development." &nbsp;

He explained, "The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy is grounded on the values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU joins other partners who have declared Indo-Pacific approaches, with a view to strengthen synergies in the region towards the pursuit of global common goods." &nbsp;

EU joins countries like France, Germany and Netherlands in the bloc&nbsp;to issue strategies on Indo-Pacific. Last week, France joined India's IPOI (Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative) last week. Trilaterals like India, Australia and France have been focusing on increasing engagement under the vision.&nbsp;

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'.

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'. EU joins blocks like ASEAN, which has its own outlook on the 'Indo-Pacific' vision, strongly backed by Washington and New Delhi. The council in its 'conclusion' statement said, "The EU intends to reinforce its role as a cooperative partner in the Indo-Pacific, bringing added-value to relations with all its partners in the region". The policy calls for developing partnerships in the areas of security and defence, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activities, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism, and organised crime. EU sees, Indo-Pacific as a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states, a region that has the world's two most populous countries, which are also huge economies, India and China. The EU strategy comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Portugal for the India EU summit. Speaking to WION, EU's envoy to India Ugo Astuto pointed to Brussel's strong commitment to the region while reaffirming ties with New Delhi. He said the "EU and its member states have a broad relationship with partners in the Indo-Pacific, notably India", adding "the Council Conclusions adopted today strongly emphasise the EU’s commitment to the region with the aim of contributing to its stability, security, and sustainable development." He explained, "The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy is grounded on the values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU joins other partners who have declared Indo-Pacific approaches, with a view to strengthen synergies in the region towards the pursuit of global common goods." EU joins countries like France, Germany and Netherlands in the bloc to issue strategies on Indo-Pacific. Last week, France joined India's IPOI (Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative) last week. Trilaterals like India, Australia and France have been focusing on increasing engagement under the vision.

EU releases Indo-Pacific strategy; envoy Ugo reaffirms ties with India

The Czech Republic said on Monday Russia's eviction of 20 Czech embassy employees in response to Prague's expulsion of 18 Russian staff was a stronger than expected reaction and the government will consider further steps.&nbsp;

Acting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek said he had asked fellow European Union foreign ministers for 'an expression of solidarity' at a video conference on Monday.&nbsp;

"I expect that also on the basis of this..., we will learn about more expressions of support and it will be up to member states if they add some concrete decisions."&nbsp;

The central European country ordered the Russian diplomats out on Saturday, saying it suspected Russian intelligence was involved in explosions at an ammunition depot in October and December 2014.&nbsp;

"The reaction (by Russia) is stronger than we had expected, it is more diplomats than the number of intelligence officers we expelled," Hamacek told a televised news conference.&nbsp;

"I will meet the prime minister and discuss whether and when it will be needed to take some further steps from the Czech side."&nbsp;

The Czech government has said it has reasonable suspicion that two Russian intelligence agents accused of a nerve agent poisoning in Britain in 2018 were behind the ammunition depot blasts four years before that killed two people. &nbsp;

Russia's Foreign Ministry criticised Prague's decision not to disclose all details of the investigation to Moscow, describing the affair as a blow to bilateral relations.&nbsp;

"This is proof that this whole story is a fabricated, dirty, disgusting fake," RIA news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.&nbsp;

The row is the biggest between Prague and Moscow since the end of decades of Soviet domination of central and eastern European countries in 1989.&nbsp;

The Kremlin, commenting on the allegations that Russian intelligence was involved in the explosions and on the subsequent diplomatic expulsions, called the Czech Republic's actions 'provocative and unfriendly'.&nbsp;

The Czech Foreign Ministry said the Russian Embassy in Prague had 129 diplomats and other personnel, and two regional consulates - about twice the size of the Czech Embassy in Moscow, which the Russian countermeasure left severely hit.&nbsp;

The Czech Republic said on Monday Russia's eviction of 20 Czech embassy employees in response to Prague's expulsion of 18 Russian staff was a stronger than expected reaction and the government will consider further steps.

The Czech Republic said on Monday Russia's eviction of 20 Czech embassy employees in response to Prague's expulsion of 18 Russian staff was a stronger than expected reaction and the government will consider further steps. Acting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek said he had asked fellow European Union foreign ministers for 'an expression of solidarity' at a video conference on Monday. "I expect that also on the basis of this..., we will learn about more expressions of support and it will be up to member states if they add some concrete decisions." The central European country ordered the Russian diplomats out on Saturday, saying it suspected Russian intelligence was involved in explosions at an ammunition depot in October and December 2014. "The reaction (by Russia) is stronger than we had expected, it is more diplomats than the number of intelligence officers we expelled," Hamacek told a televised news conference. "I will meet the prime minister and discuss whether and when it will be needed to take some further steps from the Czech side." The Czech government has said it has reasonable suspicion that two Russian intelligence agents accused of a nerve agent poisoning in Britain in 2018 were behind the ammunition depot blasts four years before that killed two people. Russia's Foreign Ministry criticised Prague's decision not to disclose all details of the investigation to Moscow, describing the affair as a blow to bilateral relations. "This is proof that this whole story is a fabricated, dirty, disgusting fake," RIA news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying. The row is the biggest between Prague and Moscow since the end of decades of Soviet domination of central and eastern European countries in 1989. The Kremlin, commenting on the allegations that Russian intelligence was involved in the explosions and on the subsequent diplomatic expulsions, called the Czech Republic's actions 'provocative and unfriendly'. The Czech Foreign Ministry said the Russian Embassy in Prague had 129 diplomats and other personnel, and two regional consulates - about twice the size of the Czech Embassy in Moscow, which the Russian countermeasure left severely hit.

Diplomat ousters: Czechs say Russian retaliation stronger than expected, seek EU solidarity 

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister.&nbsp;

"It is more than 150,000 Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian borders and in Crimea. The risk of further escalation is evident," Borrell said, declining to give a source for the figure.&nbsp;

He said no new economic sanctions or expulsions of Russian diplomats were planned for the time being, despite saying that the military build-up on Ukraine's borders was the largest ever.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, after addressing EU foreign ministers, called on the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid the military build-up and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists.&nbsp;

Earlier, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country.&nbsp;

Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise.&nbsp;

The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault.&nbsp;

More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus.&nbsp;

The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise.&nbsp;

In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister.

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister. "It is more than 150,000 Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian borders and in Crimea. The risk of further escalation is evident," Borrell said, declining to give a source for the figure. He said no new economic sanctions or expulsions of Russian diplomats were planned for the time being, despite saying that the military build-up on Ukraine's borders was the largest ever. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, after addressing EU foreign ministers, called on the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia. Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid the military build-up and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists. Earlier, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country. Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise. The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault. More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus. The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise. In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia amassed over 150,000 troops along Ukraine border, says top EU diplomat Borrell  

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