In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.&nbsp;The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar.

European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid".

The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain.

"The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said.

"More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said.&nbsp;

"That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision."

The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction.

(With AFP inputs)

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax. The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar. European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid". The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain. "The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said. "More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said. "That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision." The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction. (With AFP inputs)

EU takes legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> exports..

During a press conference about the EU's response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, the EU chief talked about stricter curbs on coronavirus vaccines and digital certificates for easier and safer travel.

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Today we strengthen the <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_commission</a>'s response to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> with: 
 
• Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU 
• A common path to a gradual, safe and lasting re-opening<a href="https://t.co/opAMGkeSNf">https://t.co/opAMGkeSNf</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1372153020495114242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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These digital certificates will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," Ursula von der Leyen explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-envoys-agree-for-first-china-sanctions-in-three-decades-diplomats-371157">EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats</a>

"With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner," she added.

Talking about exporting the coronavirus vaccines, she stressed that "open roads run in both directions" by saying that although EU has been cooperating globally by supplying coronavirus vaccines, "if needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality."

Using the example of emergency powers used during the OPEC oil shock in the 1970, she said, "We are in the crisis of the century. And I'm not ruling out any anything for now".

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The EU has been exporting vaccines in support of global cooperation. 
 
But open roads run in both directions. 
 
If needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1372155232449347584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This warning has come as the EU has been on crossroads with the UK over vaccine delivery after the EU accused Britain of operating a de facto export ban, which Boris Johnson denied.

Von Der Leyen claimed the EU was still waiting its AstraZeneca orders to come to the UK from two sites in the UK, even though 10 million doses have been delivered from the EU to the UK.

"This is an invitation to show us that there are also doses from the UK coming to the European Union, so that we have reciprocity," she said.

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against coronavirus vaccine exports.

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against coronavirus vaccine exports.. During a press conference about the EU's response to COVID-19, the EU chief talked about stricter curbs on coronavirus vaccines and digital certificates for easier and safer travel. Today we strengthen the @EU_commission's response to #COVID19 with: • Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU • A common path to a gradual, safe and lasting re-openinghttps://t.co/opAMGkeSNf — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 17, 2021 × These digital certificates will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," Ursula von der Leyen explained. Also read | EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats "With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner," she added. Talking about exporting the coronavirus vaccines, she stressed that "open roads run in both directions" by saying that although EU has been cooperating globally by supplying coronavirus vaccines, "if needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality." Using the example of emergency powers used during the OPEC oil shock in the 1970, she said, "We are in the crisis of the century. And I'm not ruling out any anything for now". The EU has been exporting vaccines in support of global cooperation. But open roads run in both directions. If needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 17, 2021 × This warning has come as the EU has been on crossroads with the UK over vaccine delivery after the EU accused Britain of operating a de facto export ban, which Boris Johnson denied. Von Der Leyen claimed the EU was still waiting its AstraZeneca orders to come to the UK from two sites in the UK, even though 10 million doses have been delivered from the EU to the UK. "This is an invitation to show us that there are also doses from the UK coming to the European Union, so that we have reciprocity," she said.

EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors approved the travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese individuals and one entity, whose names will not be made public until formal approval by EU foreign ministers on March 22, as part of a new and wider rights sanctions list.&nbsp;

"Restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses adopted," one EU diplomat said.&nbsp;

The Chinese officials were accused of human rights abuses against China's Uighur Muslim minority, EU diplomats said. They said the move reflected deep concern about the Uighurs in Europe, the United States and Canada.&nbsp;

The EU last sanctioned China, its second-largest trade partner, in June 1989, imposing an arms embargo on Beijing that is still in place.&nbsp;

Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations.&nbsp;

The Dutch parliament followed Canada and the United States in labelling China's treatment of the Uighurs genocide, which China rejects.&nbsp;

On Twitter, the Chinese mission to the EU republished comments on the new sanctions made on Tuesday by China's ambassador to the bloc, Zhang Ming, saying that Beijing would not change its policies.&nbsp;

"Sanctions are confrontational," the Chinese mission said on Twitter. "We want dialogue, not confrontation. We ask the EU side to think twice. If some insist on confrontation, we will not back down, as we have no option other than fulfilling our responsibilities to the people."&nbsp;

China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.&nbsp;

The EU's full list of 11 names approved by EU ambassadors also include officials from Russia, Libya, South Sudan and North Korea, diplomats said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown. EU ambassadors approved the travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese individuals and one entity, whose names will not be made public until formal approval by EU foreign ministers on March 22, as part of a new and wider rights sanctions list. "Restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses adopted," one EU diplomat said. The Chinese officials were accused of human rights abuses against China's Uighur Muslim minority, EU diplomats said. They said the move reflected deep concern about the Uighurs in Europe, the United States and Canada. The EU last sanctioned China, its second-largest trade partner, in June 1989, imposing an arms embargo on Beijing that is still in place. Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations. The Dutch parliament followed Canada and the United States in labelling China's treatment of the Uighurs genocide, which China rejects. On Twitter, the Chinese mission to the EU republished comments on the new sanctions made on Tuesday by China's ambassador to the bloc, Zhang Ming, saying that Beijing would not change its policies. "Sanctions are confrontational," the Chinese mission said on Twitter. "We want dialogue, not confrontation. We ask the EU side to think twice. If some insist on confrontation, we will not back down, as we have no option other than fulfilling our responsibilities to the people." China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. The EU's full list of 11 names approved by EU ambassadors also include officials from Russia, Libya, South Sudan and North Korea, diplomats said. (With inputs from agencies)

EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats  

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers.&nbsp;

France is the only country in the European Union to allow the catching of birds, in parts of the south, by pasting glue on sticks or tree trunks, or using snares and nets, despite a 1979 EU ban.&nbsp;

"A member state may not authorise a method of capture of birds ... which is likely to cause other than negligible harm to the species concerned," the court said in a statement.&nbsp;

Under a 1989 decree allowing glue trapping as long as it is 'selective, controlled and in limited quantity', France has allowed the practice every year despite protests by bird lovers.&nbsp;

"It's a great victory for the Bird Protection Association, which has been advocating for years" against the practice, the association said in a statement.&nbsp;

The association says glue trapping is a 'cruel and odious' practice from a bygone era and that France should join other EU nations in outlawing it completely.&nbsp;

The injuries suffered by the birds were acknowledged by the EU Court of Justice, which argued that the captured birds can sustain irreparable harm, since the glue can damage feathers.&nbsp;

The French Ecology Ministry is yet to react to the decision. In August 2020, President Emmanuel Macron suspended glue trapping pending a ruling by the court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers.

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers. France is the only country in the European Union to allow the catching of birds, in parts of the south, by pasting glue on sticks or tree trunks, or using snares and nets, despite a 1979 EU ban. "A member state may not authorise a method of capture of birds ... which is likely to cause other than negligible harm to the species concerned," the court said in a statement. Under a 1989 decree allowing glue trapping as long as it is 'selective, controlled and in limited quantity', France has allowed the practice every year despite protests by bird lovers. "It's a great victory for the Bird Protection Association, which has been advocating for years" against the practice, the association said in a statement. The association says glue trapping is a 'cruel and odious' practice from a bygone era and that France should join other EU nations in outlawing it completely. The injuries suffered by the birds were acknowledged by the EU Court of Justice, which argued that the captured birds can sustain irreparable harm, since the glue can damage feathers. The French Ecology Ministry is yet to react to the decision. In August 2020, President Emmanuel Macron suspended glue trapping pending a ruling by the court. (With inputs from agencies)

European court outlaws French practice of trapping songbirds with glue  

A few hours after Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz claimed that some European Union countries have "secret contracts" with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;companies, five EU states have demanded a summit to discuss the accusation.

On Friday, Kurz claimed several of the European Union (EU) countries have developed secret contacts with vaccine companies through which they are receiving more doses of the coronavirus vaccines than they are entitled to receive, on the basis of the EU rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrias-chancellor-accuses-eu-of-having-secret-contracts-with-vaccine-companies-369989">Austria's Chancellor accuses EU of having 'secret contracts' with vaccine companies</a>

"There are clues that point to so-called bazaars where additional agreements between member states and pharmaceutical companies were made," Kurz said.&nbsp;

Now, according to a letter published on Saturday, five EU states — namely Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Latvia — have called for an EU summit to discuss "huge disparities" in the distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

Kurz, along with his four counterparts, sent a letter addressed to EU President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. Their letter claimed that "deliveries of vaccine doses by pharma companies to individual EU member states are not being implemented on an equal basis."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934">Watch |</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

"If this system were to carry on, it would continue creating and exacerbating huge disparities among member states by this summer, whereby some would be able to reach herd immunity in a few weeks while others would lag far behind," the letter continued. "We therefore call on you... to hold a discussion on this important matter among leaders as soon as possible."

An EU spokesperson, however, subtly declined the claim saying it was up to the member states to "ask less or more of a given vaccine". Another EU official said that "the coordination in the fight against the pandemic" will be discussed on priority in the next summit, which is scheduled for March-end.

The Austrian health ministry has, also, dismissed Kurz's claims, backing the statement of the EU spokesperson that every member state has the responsibility of asking for the number of needed does of the coronavirus vaccines.

"These were very balanced and transparent negotiations," said Ines Stilling, general secretary of the Austrian health ministry, in an interview.

A few hours after Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz claimed that some European Union countries have "secret contracts" with coronavirus vaccine companies, five EU states have demanded a summit to discuss the accusation.

A few hours after Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz claimed that some European Union countries have "secret contracts" with coronavirus vaccine companies, five EU states have demanded a summit to discuss the accusation. On Friday, Kurz claimed several of the European Union (EU) countries have developed secret contacts with vaccine companies through which they are receiving more doses of the coronavirus vaccines than they are entitled to receive, on the basis of the EU rules. Also read | Austria's Chancellor accuses EU of having 'secret contracts' with vaccine companies "There are clues that point to so-called bazaars where additional agreements between member states and pharmaceutical companies were made," Kurz said. Now, according to a letter published on Saturday, five EU states — namely Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Latvia — have called for an EU summit to discuss "huge disparities" in the distribution of coronavirus vaccines. Kurz, along with his four counterparts, sent a letter addressed to EU President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. Their letter claimed that "deliveries of vaccine doses by pharma companies to individual EU member states are not being implemented on an equal basis." Watch | "If this system were to carry on, it would continue creating and exacerbating huge disparities among member states by this summer, whereby some would be able to reach herd immunity in a few weeks while others would lag far behind," the letter continued. "We therefore call on you... to hold a discussion on this important matter among leaders as soon as possible." An EU spokesperson, however, subtly declined the claim saying it was up to the member states to "ask less or more of a given vaccine". Another EU official said that "the coordination in the fight against the pandemic" will be discussed on priority in the next summit, which is scheduled for March-end. The Austrian health ministry has, also, dismissed Kurz's claims, backing the statement of the EU spokesperson that every member state has the responsibility of asking for the number of needed does of the coronavirus vaccines. "These were very balanced and transparent negotiations," said Ines Stilling, general secretary of the Austrian health ministry, in an interview.

Five EU states call for summit after accusations of 'unfair' vaccine deliveries

Europe's top human rights body on Friday urged the immediate release of two opponents of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying Ankara was violating rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which ordered their release.

The ECHR, which is part of the Council of Europe, had in separate rulings told Turkey to release philanthropist Osman Kavala and pro-Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas who are both jailed.

Considering both cases, the committee of ministers of the Council of Europe said that Turkey was violating the ECHR rulings by failing to free the two men.

Supporters say that Demirtas and Kavala are being punished for daring to oppose Erdogan, although Ankara insists that the Turkish judiciary is independent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-unveils-human-rights-action-plan-to-protect-freedom-of-expression-in-turkey-367527">Erdogan unveils 'human rights action plan' to protect freedom of expression in Turkey</a>

In Kavala's case, the committee called for his immediate release and said it would send a letter to Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu "conveying the Committee's deep concern about the applicant's continuing detention".

It said his situation and the violation of the ECHR ruling "reveal pervasive problems regarding the independence and impartiality of the Turkish judiciary".

For Demirtas, a charismatic Kurdish politician who stood against Erdogan in 2014 and 2018 presidential elections, the committee said his continued detention would entail a prolongation of the violation of the applicant's rights as well as a breach of the obligation of the respondent state to abide by the Court's judgement".

"It therefore urged the authorities to ensure the applicant's immediate release."

Amnesty International's Europe Director Nils Muiznieks welcomed the committee's close monitoring of their situation and said their detention "made a mockery" of a human rights action plan announced last week by Erdogan.

"Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtas have been arbitrarily and unjustly deprived of their liberty for years, despite the binding Court decisions that they be released.

"This action plan and Turkey's generic platitudes cannot hide the reality (that in Turkey) freedom of expression is ruthlessly punished," he said.

Demirtas was convicted of disseminating terror propaganda in 2018 and is facing other charges that could see him sentenced to 142 years behind bars.

The ECHR ruled in December that Turkish authorities violated Demirtas' rights to free speech and called his jailing "cover for an ulterior political purpose".

The next hearing in Kavala's trial is expected on May 21. He faces life in prison if convicted of charges of seeking to overthrow the state in 2013 protests and the 2016 failed coup bid which he denies.&nbsp;

Demirtas has been held in jail since November 2016 and Kavala since October 2017.

Europe's top human rights body on Friday urged the immediate release of two opponents of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying Ankara was violating rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which ordered their release.

Europe's top human rights body on Friday urged the immediate release of two opponents of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying Ankara was violating rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which ordered their release. The ECHR, which is part of the Council of Europe, had in separate rulings told Turkey to release philanthropist Osman Kavala and pro-Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas who are both jailed. Considering both cases, the committee of ministers of the Council of Europe said that Turkey was violating the ECHR rulings by failing to free the two men. Supporters say that Demirtas and Kavala are being punished for daring to oppose Erdogan, although Ankara insists that the Turkish judiciary is independent. Also read | Erdogan unveils 'human rights action plan' to protect freedom of expression in Turkey In Kavala's case, the committee called for his immediate release and said it would send a letter to Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu "conveying the Committee's deep concern about the applicant's continuing detention". It said his situation and the violation of the ECHR ruling "reveal pervasive problems regarding the independence and impartiality of the Turkish judiciary". For Demirtas, a charismatic Kurdish politician who stood against Erdogan in 2014 and 2018 presidential elections, the committee said his continued detention would entail a prolongation of the violation of the applicant's rights as well as a breach of the obligation of the respondent state to abide by the Court's judgement". "It therefore urged the authorities to ensure the applicant's immediate release." Amnesty International's Europe Director Nils Muiznieks welcomed the committee's close monitoring of their situation and said their detention "made a mockery" of a human rights action plan announced last week by Erdogan. "Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtas have been arbitrarily and unjustly deprived of their liberty for years, despite the binding Court decisions that they be released. "This action plan and Turkey's generic platitudes cannot hide the reality (that in Turkey) freedom of expression is ruthlessly punished," he said. Demirtas was convicted of disseminating terror propaganda in 2018 and is facing other charges that could see him sentenced to 142 years behind bars. The ECHR ruled in December that Turkish authorities violated Demirtas' rights to free speech and called his jailing "cover for an ulterior political purpose". The next hearing in Kavala's trial is expected on May 21. He faces life in prison if convicted of charges of seeking to overthrow the state in 2013 protests and the 2016 failed coup bid which he denies. Demirtas has been held in jail since November 2016 and Kavala since October 2017.

Europe rights body urges 'immediate' release of Erdogan critics

In a shocking claim, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has suggested that some European countries have signed "secret contracts" with several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;companies.

Kurz has claimed several of the European Union (EU) countries have developed secret contacts with vaccine companies through which they are receiving more doses of the coronavirus vaccines than they are entitled to receive, on the basis of the EU rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/excellent-vaccine-who-backs-use-of-astrazenecas-coronavirus-vaccine-369954" hreflang="en">Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine</a>

"There are clues that point to so-called bazaars where additional agreements between member states and pharmaceutical companies were made," Kurz said.&nbsp;

Previously, all EU members had agreed that the number of doses of coronavirus vaccines should be distributed among the European countries on the basis of the population.&nbsp;

However, Kurz has alleged that some hints have pointed out that "deliveries do not follow the per capita quota system". He has managed to reach this conclusion after comparing the total procurement between member states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-first-ever-summit-of-quad-leaders-begins-369981" hreflang="en">LIVE: First-ever summit of Quad leaders begins</a>

"Malta will receive three times as many doses per capita as Bulgaria until the end of July," he justified his allegation with examples. "The Netherlands would not only receive more doses of vaccine per capita until the end of June than Germany, but almost twice as many as Croatia," he added.

Calling out the discrimination and the me-first attitude, he said, "This is in clear contradiction to the political goals of the EU".

However, the EU has denied these allegations and has dismissed the existence of any back-door agreements.&nbsp;

"Member states may decide to ask less or more of a given vaccine, and this is discussed between the member states," said EU spokesperson, Stefan de Keersmaecker. "It's possible in this context, following the outcome of the discussions between the member states, that a new distribution key is agreed upon with the company."

While Kurz has made the allegation, he has defended the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine amid the concerning reports of severe side-effects of the vaccine, leading to a temporary suspension in a few EU countries.&nbsp;

"I informed myself and after seeing so many people in Austria being worried about the vaccine, I'm willing to get the Astra Zeneca vaccine. I want to show that I have trust in this vaccine. Experts here have a clear opinion and this vaccine is being used in many countries around the world, and it is already being used by tens of millions," he said.

In a shocking claim, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has suggested that some European countries have signed "secret contracts" with several coronavirus vaccine companies.

In a shocking claim, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has suggested that some European countries have signed "secret contracts" with several coronavirus vaccine companies. Kurz has claimed several of the European Union (EU) countries have developed secret contacts with vaccine companies through which they are receiving more doses of the coronavirus vaccines than they are entitled to receive, on the basis of the EU rules. Also read | Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine "There are clues that point to so-called bazaars where additional agreements between member states and pharmaceutical companies were made," Kurz said. Previously, all EU members had agreed that the number of doses of coronavirus vaccines should be distributed among the European countries on the basis of the population. However, Kurz has alleged that some hints have pointed out that "deliveries do not follow the per capita quota system". He has managed to reach this conclusion after comparing the total procurement between member states. Also read | LIVE: First-ever summit of Quad leaders begins "Malta will receive three times as many doses per capita as Bulgaria until the end of July," he justified his allegation with examples. "The Netherlands would not only receive more doses of vaccine per capita until the end of June than Germany, but almost twice as many as Croatia," he added. Calling out the discrimination and the me-first attitude, he said, "This is in clear contradiction to the political goals of the EU". However, the EU has denied these allegations and has dismissed the existence of any back-door agreements. "Member states may decide to ask less or more of a given vaccine, and this is discussed between the member states," said EU spokesperson, Stefan de Keersmaecker. "It's possible in this context, following the outcome of the discussions between the member states, that a new distribution key is agreed upon with the company." While Kurz has made the allegation, he has defended the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine amid the concerning reports of severe side-effects of the vaccine, leading to a temporary suspension in a few EU countries. "I informed myself and after seeing so many people in Austria being worried about the vaccine, I'm willing to get the Astra Zeneca vaccine. I want to show that I have trust in this vaccine. Experts here have a clear opinion and this vaccine is being used in many countries around the world, and it is already being used by tens of millions," he said.

Austria's Chancellor accuses EU of having 'secret contracts' with vaccine companies

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said promising to stand up for the country's interests.

World Business Watch: Shake off your ill will, Britain tells EU over Post-Brexit trade

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests.&nbsp;

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Frost again defended Britain's unilateral move to smooth post-Brexit trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, over which the EU has promised to launch legal action for breaching the terms of the Brexit deal.&nbsp;

Since Britain left the EU last year, relations between the two have soured, with both sides accusing the other of acting in bad faith in relation to part of their trade agreement that covers goods movements to Northern Ireland.&nbsp;

Frost, who led Britain's negotiations to secure a trade deal with the bloc, was appointed as a minister and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main point man for future ties with the EU earlier this year and looks set to take a firmer approach.&nbsp;

"I hope they will shake off any remaining ill will towards us for leaving, and instead build a friendly relationship, between sovereign equals," he wrote in an opinion piece.&nbsp;

"That is what I will be working towards, acting constructively when we can, standing up for our interests when we must – as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny."&nbsp;

He again defended the British government's extension of a grace period for checks on some food products imported by retailers to Northern Ireland as being 'lawful and consistent with the progressive and good faith implementation' of part of the post-Brexit trade deal called the Northern Ireland protocol.&nbsp;

But he added, "Without this threat of disruption, we can continue our discussions with the EU to resolve difficulties arising from the protocol constructively and we aim to do so."&nbsp;

Northern Ireland's future was bitterly contested during the Brexit negotiations. London ultimately agreed to leave the British-ruled province aligned to the EU's single market for goods to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, fearing it could be detrimental to the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province.&nbsp;

This has required checks on some items arriving in Northern Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, which some businesses say has made it difficult to bring in supplies. To address that issue, the British government extended the grace period for some checks until October 1.&nbsp;

The EU disputes that the grace period extension was in line with the agreement, saying London should honour what it signed up to. It has promised to launch legal action, or a so-called 'infringement procedure' against Britain.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests.

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Frost again defended Britain's unilateral move to smooth post-Brexit trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, over which the EU has promised to launch legal action for breaching the terms of the Brexit deal. Since Britain left the EU last year, relations between the two have soured, with both sides accusing the other of acting in bad faith in relation to part of their trade agreement that covers goods movements to Northern Ireland. Frost, who led Britain's negotiations to secure a trade deal with the bloc, was appointed as a minister and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main point man for future ties with the EU earlier this year and looks set to take a firmer approach. "I hope they will shake off any remaining ill will towards us for leaving, and instead build a friendly relationship, between sovereign equals," he wrote in an opinion piece. "That is what I will be working towards, acting constructively when we can, standing up for our interests when we must – as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny." He again defended the British government's extension of a grace period for checks on some food products imported by retailers to Northern Ireland as being 'lawful and consistent with the progressive and good faith implementation' of part of the post-Brexit trade deal called the Northern Ireland protocol. But he added, "Without this threat of disruption, we can continue our discussions with the EU to resolve difficulties arising from the protocol constructively and we aim to do so." Northern Ireland's future was bitterly contested during the Brexit negotiations. London ultimately agreed to leave the British-ruled province aligned to the EU's single market for goods to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, fearing it could be detrimental to the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province. This has required checks on some items arriving in Northern Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, which some businesses say has made it difficult to bring in supplies. To address that issue, the British government extended the grace period for some checks until October 1. The EU disputes that the grace period extension was in line with the agreement, saying London should honour what it signed up to. It has promised to launch legal action, or a so-called 'infringement procedure' against Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain asks EU to shake off ill will over post-Brexit trade 

Italy blocked the export of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to Australia, a move coordinated with the European Union authorities. This is perhaps the first such export ban under an EU vaccine monitoring scheme.

Italy blocks export of AstraZeneca vaccines doses to Australia

The Kremlin sees the new US and EU sanctions on Russia as an interference in the country's internal affairs, as all the accusations related to opposition figure Alexey Navalny's case are absurd, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"This is nothing but interference in Russia's domestic affairs ... In general, we can only express our regret, as our opponents use methods that damage our bilateral relations," Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;

When asked why the West introduced targeted sanctions instead of restrictions against major businesses or state debt, the Kremlin spokesman said it was not up to him to 'explain the motives'.&nbsp;

"We believe that all these decisions, both targeted and others, are absurd and absolutely groundless. The most important thing is, they have no effect and no sense," Peskov continued.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia also warned the United States it would 'rebuff aggression' on Wednesday after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. &nbsp;

"We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. &nbsp;

She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on 'reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically'.&nbsp;

The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny.&nbsp;

Accusing Washington of 'trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy', the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to 'not play with fire'. &nbsp;

Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation. &nbsp;

It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials. &nbsp;

The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed 'with high confidence' that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin sees the new US and EU sanctions on Russia as an interference in the country's internal affairs, as all the accusations related to opposition figure Alexey Navalny's case are absurd, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

The Kremlin sees the new US and EU sanctions on Russia as an interference in the country's internal affairs, as all the accusations related to opposition figure Alexey Navalny's case are absurd, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "This is nothing but interference in Russia's domestic affairs ... In general, we can only express our regret, as our opponents use methods that damage our bilateral relations," Peskov told reporters. When asked why the West introduced targeted sanctions instead of restrictions against major businesses or state debt, the Kremlin spokesman said it was not up to him to 'explain the motives'. "We believe that all these decisions, both targeted and others, are absurd and absolutely groundless. The most important thing is, they have no effect and no sense," Peskov continued. Meanwhile, Russia also warned the United States it would 'rebuff aggression' on Wednesday after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on 'reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically'. The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny. Accusing Washington of 'trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy', the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to 'not play with fire'. Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation. It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials. The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed 'with high confidence' that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin sees new US, EU sanctions as interference in internal affairs 

Austria and Denmark, chafing at the slow rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in the European Union, have broken ranks with Brussels to form an alliance with Israel to produce second-generation vaccines against mutations of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The move by the two EU member states comes amid rising anger over delays in ordering, approving and distributing vaccines that have left the 27-member bloc trailing far behind Israel's world-beating vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said while the principle that the EU procures vaccines for member states was correct, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had been too slow to approve them and lambasted pharmaceutical companies' supply bottlenecks.&nbsp;

"We must therefore prepare for further mutations and should no longer be dependent only on the EU for the production of second-generation vaccines," the conservative chancellor said in a statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Danish Prime Minister Danish Mette Frederiksen was also critical of the EU's vaccine programme.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it can stand alone, because we need to increase capacity. That is why we are now fortunate to start a partnership with Israel," she told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

When asked if Denmark and Austria wanted to take unilateral action in obtaining vaccines, Frederiksen said: “You can call it that.”&nbsp;

Kurz and Frederiksen are due to travel to Israel this week to see Israel's rapid vaccine roll-out up close.&nbsp;

A growing number of EU countries have placed side orders for doses of vaccines from Russia and China, even though the EMA is yet to rule on whether they are both safe and effective.&nbsp;

Slovakia on Monday ordered two million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. It expects half to arrive this month as it looks to step up vaccinations amid a surge in Covid-19 infections and deaths.&nbsp;

Austria and Denmark, chafing at the slow rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in the European Union, have broken ranks with Brussels to form an alliance with Israel to produce second-generation vaccines against mutations of the coronavirus.

Austria and Denmark, chafing at the slow rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in the European Union, have broken ranks with Brussels to form an alliance with Israel to produce second-generation vaccines against mutations of the coronavirus. The move by the two EU member states comes amid rising anger over delays in ordering, approving and distributing vaccines that have left the 27-member bloc trailing far behind Israel's world-beating vaccination campaign. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said while the principle that the EU procures vaccines for member states was correct, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had been too slow to approve them and lambasted pharmaceutical companies' supply bottlenecks. "We must therefore prepare for further mutations and should no longer be dependent only on the EU for the production of second-generation vaccines," the conservative chancellor said in a statement on Tuesday. Danish Prime Minister Danish Mette Frederiksen was also critical of the EU's vaccine programme. “I don’t think it can stand alone, because we need to increase capacity. That is why we are now fortunate to start a partnership with Israel," she told reporters on Monday. When asked if Denmark and Austria wanted to take unilateral action in obtaining vaccines, Frederiksen said: “You can call it that.” Kurz and Frederiksen are due to travel to Israel this week to see Israel's rapid vaccine roll-out up close. A growing number of EU countries have placed side orders for doses of vaccines from Russia and China, even though the EMA is yet to rule on whether they are both safe and effective. Slovakia on Monday ordered two million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. It expects half to arrive this month as it looks to step up vaccinations amid a surge in Covid-19 infections and deaths.

Austria, Denmark break ranks with EU to produce vaccines with Israel

The Europan Union on Thursday declared Venezuela's envoy to the bloc "persona non grata". The decision came as a tit-for-tat move after Venezuela expelled the EU envoy.

A statement said member states had agreed on the move, proposed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell after Venezuela ordered the European ambassador to leave.

"This is a response to the decision by the Venezuelan government to declare the head of the EU delegation to Venezuela as persona non grata," it said.&nbsp;

"The EU considers this declaration as wholly unwarranted and contrary to the EU's objective of developing relations and building partnerships in third countries."

Claudia Salerno, Venezuela's representative to the EU, responded by saying on Twitter that "the independence and sovereignty of our homeland are not negotiable."

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Wednesday announced the country's move against EU envoy Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, and gave her 72 hours to leave the country.

This had come two days after EU ministers agreed to sanction 19 Venezuelan officials for what they said was "undermining democracy"

The EU expanded its sanctions list after rejecting a December legislative election that saw Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro win control of parliament after an opposition boycott.

Until the disputed vote, the National Assembly was run by an opposition majority with Juan Guaido at the helm as speaker -- the only branch of government not under Maduro's control.

(With AFP inputs)

The Europan Union on Thursday declared Venezuela's envoy to the bloc "persona non grata". The decision came as a tit-for-tat move after Venezuela expelled the EU envoy.

The Europan Union on Thursday declared Venezuela's envoy to the bloc "persona non grata". The decision came as a tit-for-tat move after Venezuela expelled the EU envoy. A statement said member states had agreed on the move, proposed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell after Venezuela ordered the European ambassador to leave. "This is a response to the decision by the Venezuelan government to declare the head of the EU delegation to Venezuela as persona non grata," it said. "The EU considers this declaration as wholly unwarranted and contrary to the EU's objective of developing relations and building partnerships in third countries." Claudia Salerno, Venezuela's representative to the EU, responded by saying on Twitter that "the independence and sovereignty of our homeland are not negotiable." Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Wednesday announced the country's move against EU envoy Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, and gave her 72 hours to leave the country. This had come two days after EU ministers agreed to sanction 19 Venezuelan officials for what they said was "undermining democracy" The EU expanded its sanctions list after rejecting a December legislative election that saw Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro win control of parliament after an opposition boycott. Until the disputed vote, the National Assembly was run by an opposition majority with Juan Guaido at the helm as speaker -- the only branch of government not under Maduro's control. (With AFP inputs)

Venezuela envoy declared persona non grata by EU

Tourist-reliant southern European nations such as Greece and Spain are urging the rapid adoption of an EU-wide certificate for travellers to show they have been vaccinated.

EU leader divided over 'Vaccine Passports'

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery.&nbsp;

EU leaders will discuss by videoconference on Thursday how to protect their 450 million citizens from new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus, ensure stable vaccine deliveries, ramp up production and update jabs to counter new strains.&nbsp;

Two officials with the bloc's executive European Commission estimated that around 400 million doses of 'ghost' vaccine had been offered by fraudsters at a price of up to 3 billion euros ($3.67 billion).&nbsp;

"There is a really large quantity," one said. "Nobody has any idea what is actually in these vials...The best case is it's just not working, in the worst case it's a very serious issue."&nbsp;

The official, who noted that most of the shots offered to EU governments by traders were purportedly the AstraZeneca vaccine, compared the situation to the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 when criminal exploited a shortage of masks and other protective equipment.&nbsp;

A second official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Commission was worried about 'ghost' vaccines.&nbsp;

"It is unclear whether these are genuine vaccine doses or if we are just talking about salt water in small vials," the official told Reuters.&nbsp;

The EU had warned already that vaccine fraud was on the rise, with fake doses circulating on the market, but the extent of the problem has been unclear until now.&nbsp;

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery.

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery. EU leaders will discuss by videoconference on Thursday how to protect their 450 million citizens from new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus, ensure stable vaccine deliveries, ramp up production and update jabs to counter new strains. Two officials with the bloc's executive European Commission estimated that around 400 million doses of 'ghost' vaccine had been offered by fraudsters at a price of up to 3 billion euros ($3.67 billion). "There is a really large quantity," one said. "Nobody has any idea what is actually in these vials...The best case is it's just not working, in the worst case it's a very serious issue." The official, who noted that most of the shots offered to EU governments by traders were purportedly the AstraZeneca vaccine, compared the situation to the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 when criminal exploited a shortage of masks and other protective equipment. A second official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Commission was worried about 'ghost' vaccines. "It is unclear whether these are genuine vaccine doses or if we are just talking about salt water in small vials," the official told Reuters. The EU had warned already that vaccine fraud was on the rise, with fake doses circulating on the market, but the extent of the problem has been unclear until now.

Fraudsters offer 400 million 'ghost' Covid vaccines in EU, say officials

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on China on Tuesday to allow U.N. human rights boss Michelle Bachelet to visit and investigate alleged mistreatment of Muslim Uighurs

EU slams China over human rights abuses

A rights group on Wednesday highlighted how China has dramatically increased the systemic prosecution of Muslim minorities through formal courts systems on dubious charges such as "picking quarrels".

"Despite the veneer of legality, many of those in Xinjiang's prisons are ordinary people who were convicted for going about their lives and practising their religion," Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Maya Wang was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-slams-china-over-human-rights-abuses-365786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The organisation also said that over 250,000 people in Xinjiang have been sentenced and imprisoned since 2016.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disregards-facts-and-common-sense-china-decries-canadas-motion-saying-its-treatment-of-uighurs-is-genocide-365690">'Disregards facts and common sense': China decries Canada's motion saying its treatment of Uighurs is 'genocide'</a>

These criminal convictions had increased between 2017 and 2019 during a crackdown on Uighurs and other and other majorly Muslim minorities.

About 100,000 people were sentenced by courts in Xinjiang in 2017, up from less than 40,000 in 2016, the HRW said, mentioning government figures.&nbsp;

It also accused the Chinese administration to put pressure on police, courts and prosecutors to "deliver swift and harsh punishment" on grounds of terrorism, causing several people sent to jail without committing any genuine offence.

Convictions are given on activities such as "telling others 'what is haram and halal'" and bringing gifts to relatives in Turkey, HRW said.&nbsp;

It also said that the prison term has grown longer.&nbsp;

The HRW's comments came a day after the European Union asked China to allow UN human rights boss Michelle Bachelet visit the region and investigate the alleged human rights violations against Uighurs.&nbsp;

"Once again, we urge China to allow meaningful access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including High Commissioner Bachelet. This is key to enable an independent, impartial and transparent assessment of the grave concerns that the international community has," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said while addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A rights group on Wednesday highlighted how China has dramatically increased the systemic prosecution of Muslim minorities through formal courts systems on dubious charges such as "picking quarrels".

A rights group on Wednesday highlighted how China has dramatically increased the systemic prosecution of Muslim minorities through formal courts systems on dubious charges such as "picking quarrels". "Despite the veneer of legality, many of those in Xinjiang's prisons are ordinary people who were convicted for going about their lives and practising their religion," Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Maya Wang was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | The organisation also said that over 250,000 people in Xinjiang have been sentenced and imprisoned since 2016. Also read | 'Disregards facts and common sense': China decries Canada's motion saying its treatment of Uighurs is 'genocide' These criminal convictions had increased between 2017 and 2019 during a crackdown on Uighurs and other and other majorly Muslim minorities. About 100,000 people were sentenced by courts in Xinjiang in 2017, up from less than 40,000 in 2016, the HRW said, mentioning government figures. It also accused the Chinese administration to put pressure on police, courts and prosecutors to "deliver swift and harsh punishment" on grounds of terrorism, causing several people sent to jail without committing any genuine offence. Convictions are given on activities such as "telling others 'what is haram and halal'" and bringing gifts to relatives in Turkey, HRW said. It also said that the prison term has grown longer. The HRW's comments came a day after the European Union asked China to allow UN human rights boss Michelle Bachelet visit the region and investigate the alleged human rights violations against Uighurs. "Once again, we urge China to allow meaningful access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including High Commissioner Bachelet. This is key to enable an independent, impartial and transparent assessment of the grave concerns that the international community has," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said while addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Rights group says Uighur convictions rise as EU demands access to Xinjiang

European Union leaders will meet on Thursday to work on vaccination certificates for EU residents who have received vaccines.&nbsp;Southern EU countries are highly dependent on tourism, and looking for ways to salvage this year’s summer holiday season.

Owing to the pandemic, lockdowns were imposed across the bloc, which caused the deepest recession to hit the EU, which comprised 27 countries. The countries in southern EU were hit the hardest, as they depend largely on tourists.

Regardless, vaccine rollouts across EU countries are in full swing, with many countries like Greece and Spain pushing for the quick adoption of an EU-wide certification for people who have received the vaccine. 
 
France and Germany have remained more reluctant to agree to the idea of a certificate, claiming that it would create an unspoken vaccination obligation, while remaining discriminatory to those who can’t or are unwilling to take the shot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-pfizer-tried-to-bully-argentina-and-brazil-in-exchange-for-vaccines-366037" hreflang="en">How Pfizer tried to bully Argentina and Brazil in exchange for vaccines</a>

Anti-vaccine sentiment is strong in France, and the government has pledged not to make the shots compulsory, and a French official has referred to vaccine passports as a “premature” idea.

A lot of details are still pending - whether the passport should be digital, whether it is valid globally, and at what stage of the two-step vaccination process it should be issued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-its-first-vaccine-shots-with-shipment-to-ghana-366036" hreflang="en">COVAX delivers its first vaccine shots with shipment to Ghana</a>

"We call for work to continue on a common approach to vaccination certificates," Reuters cited a video conference of leaders as mentioning.

Officials also said the EU is working with the International Air Transport Association, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Health Organization.

(With inputs from Reuters)

European Union leaders will meet on Thursday to work on vaccination certificates for EU residents who have received vaccines. Southern EU countries are highly dependent on tourism, and looking for ways to salvage this year’s summer holiday season.

European Union leaders will meet on Thursday to work on vaccination certificates for EU residents who have received vaccines. Southern EU countries are highly dependent on tourism, and looking for ways to salvage this year’s summer holiday season. Owing to the pandemic, lockdowns were imposed across the bloc, which caused the deepest recession to hit the EU, which comprised 27 countries. The countries in southern EU were hit the hardest, as they depend largely on tourists. Regardless, vaccine rollouts across EU countries are in full swing, with many countries like Greece and Spain pushing for the quick adoption of an EU-wide certification for people who have received the vaccine. France and Germany have remained more reluctant to agree to the idea of a certificate, claiming that it would create an unspoken vaccination obligation, while remaining discriminatory to those who can’t or are unwilling to take the shot. Also read: How Pfizer tried to bully Argentina and Brazil in exchange for vaccines Anti-vaccine sentiment is strong in France, and the government has pledged not to make the shots compulsory, and a French official has referred to vaccine passports as a “premature” idea. A lot of details are still pending - whether the passport should be digital, whether it is valid globally, and at what stage of the two-step vaccination process it should be issued. Also read: COVAX delivers its first vaccine shots with shipment to Ghana "We call for work to continue on a common approach to vaccination certificates," Reuters cited a video conference of leaders as mentioning. Officials also said the EU is working with the International Air Transport Association, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Health Organization. (With inputs from Reuters)

European Union mulls 'vaccination passports' to bring back tourists

After the United Kingdom, the European Union has now demanded access to the Xinjian region for human rights observers. EU has urged China to allow an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of Uighur minorities.

WION Fineprint: EU demands China allow 'meaningful access' to Xinjiang region

WION Dispatch: EU demands China allow 'meaningful access' to Xinjiang region

According to the reports, AstraZeneca has told the European Union that it expects to deliver less than half the COVID-19 vaccines it was contracted to supply in the second quarter.

EU: AstraZeneca to miss second quarter vaccine supply target

The European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has spoken exclusively to WION post the 2-day visit of 24 foreign envoys to Jammu & Kashmir. Astuto has termed his visit to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an "opportunity" to see the "situation on the ground" and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet.

Exclusive: J&K visit an opportunity to see ground situation: EU Envoy

European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet.&nbsp;

EU envoy speaking to WION said, "In our interaction, we have taken note of recent steps taken, such as the election of the district development council, the resumption of 4G internet services. It is very important obviously, right to freedom of expression online and offline is a key-value for all democracies."&nbsp;

Adding, "We have also noted with great expectations as to other important steps to be taken in the political and economic sphere including the early organization of legislative assembly elections. Overall, the visit presented the opportunity to see the situation on the ground and interact with some local interlocutors as part of the European Union's outreach to all stakeholders and we definitely look forward to continuing our dialogue with our Indian interlocutor."&nbsp;

The two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday saw 24 foreign heads of the mission visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The envoys visited Srinagar, Budgam, and Jammu. The programme included meeting with the military and the civil authorities, including elected representative. During the Srinagar visit, the envoys met elected representatives of urban local bodies, DDC and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division. The group also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest mosques in the union territory.&nbsp;

The biggest percentage of envoys in the present group came from Europe. These were the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys, with two batches visiting the Union territory last year in January and February. EU envoy was present in previous such visits as well.

European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet.

European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet. EU envoy speaking to WION said, "In our interaction, we have taken note of recent steps taken, such as the election of the district development council, the resumption of 4G internet services. It is very important obviously, right to freedom of expression online and offline is a key-value for all democracies." Adding, "We have also noted with great expectations as to other important steps to be taken in the political and economic sphere including the early organization of legislative assembly elections. Overall, the visit presented the opportunity to see the situation on the ground and interact with some local interlocutors as part of the European Union's outreach to all stakeholders and we definitely look forward to continuing our dialogue with our Indian interlocutor." The two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday saw 24 foreign heads of the mission visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The envoys visited Srinagar, Budgam, and Jammu. The programme included meeting with the military and the civil authorities, including elected representative. During the Srinagar visit, the envoys met elected representatives of urban local bodies, DDC and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division. The group also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest mosques in the union territory. The biggest percentage of envoys in the present group came from Europe. These were the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys, with two batches visiting the Union territory last year in January and February. EU envoy was present in previous such visits as well.

J&K visit an opportunity to see ground situation: EU envoy

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data.

Now, the European Union has also issued a warning to TikTok users. On Tuesday, Europe’s consumer campaign group The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said that the app is breaching the rights of users “on a massive scale”.

In a statement, the organisation claimed that a probe ought to be launched in terms of the app’s “unfair” copyright policy and virtual coins. In addition, the BEUC took into account that the application has no protection mechanisms in place for children and teenagers who may be exposed to harmful content or harmful advertising.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/bytedance-explores-sale-of-indian-tiktok-assets-to-rival-firm-glance-363395" hreflang="en">ByteDance explores sale of Indian TikTok assets to rival firm Glance</a>

“In just a few years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps with millions of users across Europe. But TikTok is letting its users down by breaching their rights," Monique Goyens, the BEUC’s director general, was cited as saying by Bloomberg. In addition, Goyens said that a complaint in this regard has been filed with the European Commission and national consumer-protection authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/after-tiktok-biden-team-seeks-pause-in-litigation-over-wechat-ban-in-us-363085" hreflang="en">After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US</a> 
 
EU’s data authorities are also investigating TikTok for how the app handles the personal information of children. In 2020, former US President Donald Trump had attempted to ban the application, prompting authorities to look into the safety imbued in the app.

The BEUC claims that the copyright terms of TikTok are unfair for the company has no provision to pay users for the content they upload on the app, and instead the company reserves the right to use the videos as it pleases. In addition, the BEUC raised concerns over TikTok selling coins for virtual presents.

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data.

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data. Now, the European Union has also issued a warning to TikTok users. On Tuesday, Europe’s consumer campaign group The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said that the app is breaching the rights of users “on a massive scale”. In a statement, the organisation claimed that a probe ought to be launched in terms of the app’s “unfair” copyright policy and virtual coins. In addition, the BEUC took into account that the application has no protection mechanisms in place for children and teenagers who may be exposed to harmful content or harmful advertising. Also read: ByteDance explores sale of Indian TikTok assets to rival firm Glance “In just a few years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps with millions of users across Europe. But TikTok is letting its users down by breaching their rights," Monique Goyens, the BEUC’s director general, was cited as saying by Bloomberg. In addition, Goyens said that a complaint in this regard has been filed with the European Commission and national consumer-protection authorities. Also read: After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US EU’s data authorities are also investigating TikTok for how the app handles the personal information of children. In 2020, former US President Donald Trump had attempted to ban the application, prompting authorities to look into the safety imbued in the app. The BEUC claims that the copyright terms of TikTok are unfair for the company has no provision to pay users for the content they upload on the app, and instead the company reserves the right to use the videos as it pleases. In addition, the BEUC raised concerns over TikTok selling coins for virtual presents.

After US and India, EU consumers' group raises concern over TikTok's safety

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.&nbsp;

The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying.&nbsp;

"The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added.&nbsp;

Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill.&nbsp;

Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said.&nbsp;

According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. &nbsp;

Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days.&nbsp;

The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia.&nbsp;

Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.&nbsp;

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported. The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying. "The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added. Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill. Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said. According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days. The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia. Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.

Iran, Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean to 'enhance security'

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It will be for the member states to decide the next step, but yes, this could include sanctions and I will put forward concrete proposals," Borrell told lawmakers at the European Parliament. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A number of eastern European countries have called for punitive measures to be slapped on Russia over the jailing of top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on protesters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at their next meeting on February 22. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Borrell addressed legislators after a chastening visit to Russia last week, during which the Kremlin expelled three European diplomats. &nbsp;

Despite opposition from some capitals, the former Spanish minister insisted on making the trip to confront the Kremlin over Navalny and sound it out over cooperation on other issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I had no illusion before the visit, I am even more worried after," Borrell told lawmakers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"One thing became clear, there is no intention on the Russian side to engage in a constructive discussion if we address human rights and political freedom." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Borrell has drawn flak for his performance during the visit -- the first by a top EU envoy to Moscow since 2017 -- as he failed to counter a slew of criticism from counterpart Sergei Lavrov at a press conference. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of lawmakers signed a letter calling for his resignation over the 'humiliating' trip. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The EU's relations with Moscow have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea in 2014 and began fuelling the war in Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bloc hit six senior Russian officials with asset freezes and visa bans in October over the poisoning of Navalny with a nerve agent. &nbsp;

Navalny has accused the President Vladimir Putin of ordering the attack -- something the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. &nbsp;

Putin's most prominent domestic opponent was sentenced to almost three years in jail after returning to Russia last month following treatment in Germany.

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow.

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow. "It will be for the member states to decide the next step, but yes, this could include sanctions and I will put forward concrete proposals," Borrell told lawmakers at the European Parliament. A number of eastern European countries have called for punitive measures to be slapped on Russia over the jailing of top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on protesters. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at their next meeting on February 22. Borrell addressed legislators after a chastening visit to Russia last week, during which the Kremlin expelled three European diplomats. Despite opposition from some capitals, the former Spanish minister insisted on making the trip to confront the Kremlin over Navalny and sound it out over cooperation on other issues. "I had no illusion before the visit, I am even more worried after," Borrell told lawmakers. "One thing became clear, there is no intention on the Russian side to engage in a constructive discussion if we address human rights and political freedom." Borrell has drawn flak for his performance during the visit -- the first by a top EU envoy to Moscow since 2017 -- as he failed to counter a slew of criticism from counterpart Sergei Lavrov at a press conference. Dozens of lawmakers signed a letter calling for his resignation over the 'humiliating' trip. The EU's relations with Moscow have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea in 2014 and began fuelling the war in Ukraine. The bloc hit six senior Russian officials with asset freezes and visa bans in October over the poisoning of Navalny with a nerve agent. Navalny has accused the President Vladimir Putin of ordering the attack -- something the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. Putin's most prominent domestic opponent was sentenced to almost three years in jail after returning to Russia last month following treatment in Germany.

Borrell to propose EU leaders to impose sanctions on Russia

Public opinion is mixed on how well Western governments have handled the coronavirus pandemic.

Your Story: France and other EU nations fear loss of public trust

The European Commission’s Vice President for the economy Valdis Dombrovskis said that Europe’s economy is likely to rally in the second quarter as an acceleration in Coronavirus vaccine roll-out allows governments to gradually lift lockdown restrictions.

World Business Watch: EU economy to rally in second-quarter as vaccine roll-out accelerates

European Union Parliamentarians have strongly backed India and South Africa's joint proposal at the World Trade Organization for a waiver on intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccine patents.

EU parliamentarians back India-South Africa proposal for COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver

The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said during a visit to Moscow on Friday that the bloc's ties with Russia were under "severe strain".

EU's top diplomat says ties with Russia at an all time low

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia. Although the likely aim of the visit is to put pressure on Moscow over Alexei Navalny, some European capitals worried that Borrell's visit may signal business as usual with Moscow.

But Borrell insists he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin despite it blanking Western calls to release President Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic opponent Navalny, who was on Tuesday given a jail term of almost three years.

"It is when things are not going well that you must engage," the former Spanish foreign minister said on Monday.

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Russia and EU have had strained relations ever since Russia captured Crimea and fuelled was in Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

Borrell is eager to sound out his veteran counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the chances of cooperation on issues including enlisting Russia's help in reviving the Iran nuclear deal and tackling climate change.&nbsp;

However, the issue of Navalny and subsequent protests looms large on the visit.

Moscow has already dismissed linking the meet with Navalny as 'nonsense'

"We hope that such nonsense as linking the prospects of Russia-EU relations with the resident of a detention centre will not happen," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-defends-crackdown-on-navalny-supporters-361095">Kremlin defends crackdown on Navalny supporters</a>

Moscow stands "ready to do everything" to develop ties with Brussels, but the Kremlin is "not ready to listen to advice" on the issue of Navalny, he said.&nbsp;

The authorities have poured cold water on attempts to set up a meeting with Putin's nemesis and Borrell will settle for talks with civil society representatives. &nbsp;

Back in Europe calls are growing from some nations for the EU to bulk up on sanctions it slapped on six Russian officials in October over the nerve agent poisoning that left Navalny fighting for his life in Germany.

EU foreign ministers last week agreed they would revisit the issue if he was not released.&nbsp;

"After this ruling, there will now also be talks among EU partners. Further sanctions cannot be ruled out," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

An EU statement said foreign ministers would discuss "possible further action" at a meeting on February 22.

(With AFP inputs)

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia. Although the likely aim of the visit is to put pressure on Moscow over Alexei Navalny, some European capitals worried that Borrell's visit may signal business as usual with Moscow. But Borrell insists he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin despite it blanking Western calls to release President Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic opponent Navalny, who was on Tuesday given a jail term of almost three years. "It is when things are not going well that you must engage," the former Spanish foreign minister said on Monday. × Russia and EU have had strained relations ever since Russia captured Crimea and fuelled was in Ukraine in 2014. Borrell is eager to sound out his veteran counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the chances of cooperation on issues including enlisting Russia's help in reviving the Iran nuclear deal and tackling climate change. However, the issue of Navalny and subsequent protests looms large on the visit. Moscow has already dismissed linking the meet with Navalny as 'nonsense' "We hope that such nonsense as linking the prospects of Russia-EU relations with the resident of a detention centre will not happen," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Also Read | Kremlin defends crackdown on Navalny supporters Moscow stands "ready to do everything" to develop ties with Brussels, but the Kremlin is "not ready to listen to advice" on the issue of Navalny, he said. The authorities have poured cold water on attempts to set up a meeting with Putin's nemesis and Borrell will settle for talks with civil society representatives. Back in Europe calls are growing from some nations for the EU to bulk up on sanctions it slapped on six Russian officials in October over the nerve agent poisoning that left Navalny fighting for his life in Germany. EU foreign ministers last week agreed they would revisit the issue if he was not released. "After this ruling, there will now also be talks among EU partners. Further sanctions cannot be ruled out," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert. An EU statement said foreign ministers would discuss "possible further action" at a meeting on February 22. (With AFP inputs)

EU sends top envoy to Russia amid Alexei Navalny controversy

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