U.S. trade officials said on Wednesday they were increasing tariffs on certain European Union products, including aircraft-related parts and wines from France and Germany, amid an ongoing civil aircraft dispute between Washington and Brussels.

US slaps tariffs on French and German products

British lawmakers approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson's post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday, as both sides looked to begin a new chapter of relations just days before their divorce becomes a reality.

UK parliament approves Brexit trade deal with EU as both sides look to future

US increases tariffs on French and German wines, aircraft parts amid EU dispute

European Union and China on Wednesday agreed "in principle" to strike a major investment deal despite concerns over labour and human rights. The deal gives EU firms better access to Chinese market. EU-China deal may be European Union's first big deal after it successfully negotiated post-Brexit&nbsp;trade deal with UK recently.

"Today, the EU and China concluded in principle negotiations on an investment agreement," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted after a video call with Xi.

Calling the deal "of major economic significance", an EU statement said: "China has committed to an unprecedented level of market access for EU investors."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-overwhelmingly-back-post-brexit-trade-deal-with-european-union-353438">British MPs overwhelmingly back post-Brexit trade deal with European Union</a>

China's state news agency Xinhua confirmed that the two sides had "completed investment agreement negotiations as scheduled."

In addition, the EU said China has committed to "effectively implement" International Labour Organization rules it has already ratified "and to work towards the ratification of the ILO fundamental conventions, including on forced labour."

Talks on the deal had begun as early as 2014 but EU previously said China did little to lift curbs on European investment in the country. However, reports suggest that trade war between China and the US may have brought about change in Chinese position

(With agency inputs)

European Union and China on Wednesday agreed "in principle" to strike a major investment deal despite concerns over labour and human rights. The deal gives EU firms better access to Chinese market.

European Union and China on Wednesday agreed "in principle" to strike a major investment deal despite concerns over labour and human rights. The deal gives EU firms better access to Chinese market. EU-China deal may be European Union's first big deal after it successfully negotiated post-Brexit trade deal with UK recently. "Today, the EU and China concluded in principle negotiations on an investment agreement," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted after a video call with Xi. Calling the deal "of major economic significance", an EU statement said: "China has committed to an unprecedented level of market access for EU investors." Also Read | British MPs overwhelmingly back post-Brexit trade deal with European Union China's state news agency Xinhua confirmed that the two sides had "completed investment agreement negotiations as scheduled." In addition, the EU said China has committed to "effectively implement" International Labour Organization rules it has already ratified "and to work towards the ratification of the ILO fundamental conventions, including on forced labour." Talks on the deal had begun as early as 2014 but EU previously said China did little to lift curbs on European investment in the country. However, reports suggest that trade war between China and the US may have brought about change in Chinese position (With agency inputs)

EU-China agree on a major investment deal

Is Make China Pay just a slogan without substance? China and the European Union could sign a major investment agreement this week, that could make their economies more interdependent. Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: China and the European Union poised to sign major investment deal

Is #MakeChinaPay just a slogan without substance? China and the European Union could sign a major investment agreement this week, that could make their economies more interdependent. Palki Sharma gets you the details.

With an idea to give EU firms better access to the Chinese market, China and the European Union are likely to clinch a new investment deal this week.

Reports: EU and China likely to clinch new investment deal this week

As the new strains of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> are taking over the world, the Indian government has assured masses that there is no evidence yet that the existing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines </a>will not be useful gainst the new varints. In the west, Argentina has launched COVID-19 vaccinations by rolling out Russia's Sputnik V. While the world is battling coronavirus, China is busy batting off various accusations as the Asian country has been accused of underreporting infections in Wuhan.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ratifies-extradition-treaty-pressure-on-turkey-to-protect-uighurs-353170" hreflang="en">Uighur row: China announces ratification of extradition treaty with Turkey</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/03/147950-uyghur-reuters.jpg?itok=xnik66d8" />

Turkey has linguistic and cultural ties with the Uighurs and Ankara has for quite some time been one of the primary safeguards of their motivation on the worldwide stage, however lately Turkey's public demonstration of help has faded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhans-infections-may-have-been-almost-10-times-higher-than-official-figure-study-353197">Wuhan's infections may have been 10 times higher than official figure: Study</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/01/27/126151-untitled-design-13.jpg?itok=8SQoHHY8" />

As of Sunday, Wuhan had detailed an aggregate of 50,354 affirmed instances of Covid-19, as per the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-evidence-current-vaccines-will-fail-against-virus-variants-indian-government-353176">No evidence current vaccines will fail against virus variants: Indian govt</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/29/176274-vaccine11.jpg?itok=1qDmU8ST" />

Health secretary&nbsp;Rajesh Bhushan informed that the daily new coronavirus cases had dropped to less than 17,000 after six months with daily deaths going down to less than 300 after six months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-develop-military-ties-with-turkey-despite-illegitimate-pressure-from-us-russia-353160">Will continue to develop military ties with Turkey despite US pressure: Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/11/11/116336-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=_9i5Dm7_" />

The United States banned all US export licenses and loan credits for Turkey's military procurement agency and disallowed its president to travel or hold assets in the United States under the 2017 CAATSA law.

E<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-hits-croatia-slovenia-shuts-nuclear-plant-353193">arthquake hits Croatia; Slovenia shuts nuclear plant</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/29/176281-crow11.jpg?itok=gAAkhJta" />

The earthquake led Slovenia to shut down its Krsko nuclear power plant as a "precaution".&nbsp;he quake was followed by an aftershock registering 4.9 magnitude, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre(EMSC) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-message-to-us-xi-jinping-says-china-russia-ties-will-not-be-broken-353156" hreflang="en">In message to US, Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties will not be broken</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/24/146463-xi-putin-reuters.jpg?itok=WCdf9hUO" />

Jinping's remarks come as China pushes to consolidate its ties with other nations ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-urges-china-to-release-of-12-hong-kong-pro-democracy-activists-353198" hreflang="en">EU urges China to release of 12 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/01/162672-untitled-design-38.jpg?itok=kG4QADWZ" />

As the trial began in China, the United States urged China to release the detainees and called out China's "tyranny". Now, after a day of the trial, the European Union has followed the suit and is demanding the immediate release of the 12 activists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-new-coronavirus-strain-that-emerged-in-south-africa-353072" hreflang="en">Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175963-japs1.jpg?itok=857hygpd" />

A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nazi-memorabilia-found-in-spanish-warehouse-of-arms-traffickers-353188">Several Nazi memorabilia found in Spanish warehouse of arms traffickers</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/29/176278-spain-police.jpg?itok=WCFCLWEg" />

While making the raid, the police also found several Nazi artefacts such as portraits of the infamous Adolf Hitler, German military uniforms and several medals too.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-starts-coronavirus-vaccine-with-russias-sputnik-v-353174" hreflang="en">Argentina starts coronavirus vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/18/174659-russias-sputnik-v-covid-vaccine.jpg?itok=t5o98Zbr" />

The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority.

As the new strains of coronavirus are taking over the world, the Indian government has assured masses that there is no evidence yet that the existing vaccines will not be useful gainst the new varints.

As the new strains of coronavirus are taking over the world, the Indian government has assured masses that there is no evidence yet that the existing vaccines will not be useful gainst the new varints. In the west, Argentina has launched COVID-19 vaccinations by rolling out Russia's Sputnik V. While the world is battling coronavirus, China is busy batting off various accusations as the Asian country has been accused of underreporting infections in Wuhan. Click on headlines to read more Uighur row: China announces ratification of extradition treaty with Turkey Turkey has linguistic and cultural ties with the Uighurs and Ankara has for quite some time been one of the primary safeguards of their motivation on the worldwide stage, however lately Turkey's public demonstration of help has faded. Wuhan's infections may have been 10 times higher than official figure: Study As of Sunday, Wuhan had detailed an aggregate of 50,354 affirmed instances of Covid-19, as per the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. No evidence current vaccines will fail against virus variants: Indian govt Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan informed that the daily new coronavirus cases had dropped to less than 17,000 after six months with daily deaths going down to less than 300 after six months. Will continue to develop military ties with Turkey despite US pressure: Russia The United States banned all US export licenses and loan credits for Turkey's military procurement agency and disallowed its president to travel or hold assets in the United States under the 2017 CAATSA law. Earthquake hits Croatia; Slovenia shuts nuclear plant The earthquake led Slovenia to shut down its Krsko nuclear power plant as a "precaution". he quake was followed by an aftershock registering 4.9 magnitude, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre(EMSC) said. In message to US, Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties will not be broken Jinping's remarks come as China pushes to consolidate its ties with other nations ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20. EU urges China to release of 12 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists As the trial began in China, the United States urged China to release the detainees and called out China's "tyranny". Now, after a day of the trial, the European Union has followed the suit and is demanding the immediate release of the 12 activists. Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain. Several Nazi memorabilia found in Spanish warehouse of arms traffickers While making the raid, the police also found several Nazi artefacts such as portraits of the infamous Adolf Hitler, German military uniforms and several medals too. Argentina starts coronavirus vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority.

Top 10 world news today: Wuhan's real COVID-19 infections, Sputnik V update, and more

The European Union has officially launched its programme of mass vaccination against Covid-19, with the goal of making shots available to all its adult population by the end of 2021

EU launches mass Covid-19 vaccination drive

A day after the EU started mass vaccination drive, Spain and seven countries have claimed to not have received the full stock of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Pfizer vaccine</a>. Meanwhile, the CEO of AstraZeneca has claimed the Indian government will be approving the Oxford vaccine in the next few days. On the other hand,&nbsp;Philippines' President's security team received jabs of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine without approval from the authorities.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-laws-to-further-uss-support-to-taiwan-tibet-drawing-chinas-criticism-352951" hreflang="en">Trump signs law to bolster support to Taiwan, Tibet; drawing China's criticism</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/28/176159-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=BRFgHP3f" />

The act also authorises the Tibetan community to select exiled spiritual leader Dalai Lama's successor and has provisions to sanction Chinese officials who interfere with the selection process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-rejects-reports-of-seeking-guarantees-from-pakistan-for-approving-6-billion-loan-352973">China rejects reports of seeking guarantees from Pak for approving $6 bn loan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/37762-539330-chinapak-20180106061152.jpg?itok=F9dcSu5X" />

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said despite the global economic recession, 'China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC' has increased.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-approve-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-soon-adar-poonawalla-352976">India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/07/172902-untitled-design-4.jpg?itok=KYhxrUNT" />

Poonawalla has also reported that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tesla-to-start-operation-in-india-in-early-2021-confirms-nitin-gadkari-352912">Tesla to start operation in India in early 2021, confirms Nitin Gadkari</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/04/23/91036-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=siFeIbXo" />

Nitin&nbsp;Gadkari said that Elon Musk-led Tesla will initially begin with sales and perhaps venture towards assembly, sales, and manufacturing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccine-delivery-delayed-in-spain-and-other-eu-countries-352931">Pfizer vaccine delivery delayed in Spain and other EU countries</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/23/175391-pfizer-biontech-vaccine.jpg?itok=k-U1rbIh" />

The delay in the fresh batch of vaccines has occurred due to a "problem in the loading and shipment process" at the Pfizer plant in Belgium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-rodrigo-dutertes-security-team-gets-covid-19-vaccine-without-approval-352957" hreflang="en">Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/28/176161-rodrigo-duterte.jpg?itok=oX5pO51y" />

Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-womens-rights-activist-loujain-al-hathloul-jailed-for-five-years-352947" hreflang="en">Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul jailed for five years</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/28/176149-loujain-al-hathloul.jpg?itok=LmGXS9HS" />

Loujain al-Hathloul was detained by the local authorities in May 2018 with several other women activists while she was campaigning for women's rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-fishermen-feared-dead-after-boat-sinks-in-arctic-russia-352908" hreflang="en">17 fishermen feared dead after boat sinks in Arctic Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/07/16/102839-bangladesh.jpg?itok=UOxEd2xs" />

Seventeen fishermen were missing and feared dead on Monday after a Russian boat capsized during a storm and sank in the freezing waters of the Barents Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-white-kiwi-manukura-dies-following-surgery-in-new-zealand-352902" hreflang="en">Rare white kiwi, Manukura, dies following surgery in New Zealand</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/28/176133-manukura.JPG?itok=heT3jYPY" />

Manukura was an ambassador for Pūkaha, conservation and tourism in Wairarapa. Her popularity with the public spawned a Facebook page, soft toys, children’s books and other memorabilia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-to-ship-new-group-of-rohingya-refugees-to-remote-island-352958" hreflang="en">Bangladesh to ship new group of Rohingya refugees to remote island</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/04/172471-bangladesh-ships-rohingya-refugees.jpg?itok=rUr8t4FJ" />

More than 1,100 Rohingya refugees, members of a Muslim minority who have fled Myanmar, will be moved from a refugee camp near the Myanmar border to Bhasan Char island.

A day after the EU started mass vaccination drive, Spain and seven countries have claimed to not have received the full stock of the Pfizer vaccine. Meanwhile, the CEO of AstraZeneca has claimed the Indian government will be approving the Oxford vaccine in the next few days.

A day after the EU started mass vaccination drive, Spain and seven countries have claimed to not have received the full stock of the Pfizer vaccine. Meanwhile, the CEO of AstraZeneca has claimed the Indian government will be approving the Oxford vaccine in the next few days. On the other hand, Philippines' President's security team received jabs of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine without approval from the authorities. Click on headlines to read more Trump signs law to bolster support to Taiwan, Tibet; drawing China's criticism The act also authorises the Tibetan community to select exiled spiritual leader Dalai Lama's successor and has provisions to sanction Chinese officials who interfere with the selection process. China rejects reports of seeking guarantees from Pak for approving $6 bn loan Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said despite the global economic recession, 'China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC' has increased. India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla Poonawalla has also reported that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. Tesla to start operation in India in early 2021, confirms Nitin Gadkari Nitin Gadkari said that Elon Musk-led Tesla will initially begin with sales and perhaps venture towards assembly, sales, and manufacturing. Pfizer vaccine delivery delayed in Spain and other EU countries The delay in the fresh batch of vaccines has occurred due to a "problem in the loading and shipment process" at the Pfizer plant in Belgium. Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021. Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul jailed for five years Loujain al-Hathloul was detained by the local authorities in May 2018 with several other women activists while she was campaigning for women's rights. 17 fishermen feared dead after boat sinks in Arctic Russia Seventeen fishermen were missing and feared dead on Monday after a Russian boat capsized during a storm and sank in the freezing waters of the Barents Sea. Rare white kiwi, Manukura, dies following surgery in New Zealand Manukura was an ambassador for Pūkaha, conservation and tourism in Wairarapa. Her popularity with the public spawned a Facebook page, soft toys, children’s books and other memorabilia. Bangladesh to ship new group of Rohingya refugees to remote island More than 1,100 Rohingya refugees, members of a Muslim minority who have fled Myanmar, will be moved from a refugee camp near the Myanmar border to Bhasan Char island.

Top 10 world news today: Trump's support to Taiwan, vaccine update in India, and more

A day after the European Union countries started vaccinating locals for the&nbsp;novel coronavirus, Spain officials have reported that the country has not yet got their full share of doses of the Pfizer vaccine yet.

Pfizer has postponed the delivery of new batches of COVID-19 vaccines to eight European Union countries, including Spain, the&nbsp;Spanish health ministry&nbsp;reported on Monday. The statement has come a few days after the EU chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen announced all EU nations have received their share of vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-in-emergency-mode-after-five-new-coronavirus-cases-found-in-chinese-capital-352858" hreflang="en">Beijing in emergency mode after five new cases found in Chinese capital</a>

The delay in the fresh batch of vaccines has occurred due to a "problem in the loading and shipment process" at the Pfizer plant in Belgium, the health ministry reported on Monday. Spain was informed about the delay on Sunday night.

While Spain has issued a statement, the names of the other seven EU countries who have felt the brunt of this delay have not ben named yet.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-tells-us-this-wont-be-last-pandemic-says-who-chief-on-coronavirus-352865" hreflang="en">History tells us this won't be last pandemic, says WHO chief on coronavirus</a>

Pfizer has reported that thee issue "was already resolved "but added that the next delivery of coronavirus vaccines "will be a few hours late". The vaccine is now expected to reach Spain on Tuesday — which is a day after the original arrival date.

Health Minister Salvador Illa said the problem was apparently "linked to the control of the temperature" of the shipments which is now "apparently fixed". These vaccines need to be stored at&nbsp;ultra-low temperatures of about -70 degrees Celsius (-112 Fahrenheit) before being shipped in cool boxes which are custom designed and filled with dry ice.&nbsp;Once out of ultra-low temperature storage, the vaccine must be kept at 2 Celsius to 8 Celsius to remain effective for up to five days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-begins-2-day-dry-run-vaccination-process-across-four-states-352900">WATCH|</a>

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"Due to a minor logistical issue, we have rescheduled a limited number of our deliveries," Andrew Widger, Pfizer's director for media relations said. "The logistical matter has been resolved and those deliveries are now being dispatched. There are no manufacturing issues to report."

The European country, Spain, has to receive 350,000 doses of vaccines per week for the next three months, which is expected to arrive by Tuesday now for this week.

A day after the European Union countries started vaccinating locals for the novel coronavirus, Spain officials have reported that the country has not yet got their full share of doses of the Pfizer vaccine yet.

A day after the European Union countries started vaccinating locals for the novel coronavirus, Spain officials have reported that the country has not yet got their full share of doses of the Pfizer vaccine yet. Pfizer has postponed the delivery of new batches of COVID-19 vaccines to eight European Union countries, including Spain, the Spanish health ministry reported on Monday. The statement has come a few days after the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced all EU nations have received their share of vaccines. Also read| Beijing in emergency mode after five new cases found in Chinese capital The delay in the fresh batch of vaccines has occurred due to a "problem in the loading and shipment process" at the Pfizer plant in Belgium, the health ministry reported on Monday. Spain was informed about the delay on Sunday night. While Spain has issued a statement, the names of the other seven EU countries who have felt the brunt of this delay have not ben named yet. Also read| History tells us this won't be last pandemic, says WHO chief on coronavirus Pfizer has reported that thee issue "was already resolved "but added that the next delivery of coronavirus vaccines "will be a few hours late". The vaccine is now expected to reach Spain on Tuesday — which is a day after the original arrival date. Health Minister Salvador Illa said the problem was apparently "linked to the control of the temperature" of the shipments which is now "apparently fixed". These vaccines need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures of about -70 degrees Celsius (-112 Fahrenheit) before being shipped in cool boxes which are custom designed and filled with dry ice. Once out of ultra-low temperature storage, the vaccine must be kept at 2 Celsius to 8 Celsius to remain effective for up to five days. WATCH| × "Due to a minor logistical issue, we have rescheduled a limited number of our deliveries," Andrew Widger, Pfizer's director for media relations said. "The logistical matter has been resolved and those deliveries are now being dispatched. There are no manufacturing issues to report." The European country, Spain, has to receive 350,000 doses of vaccines per week for the next three months, which is expected to arrive by Tuesday now for this week.

Pfizer vaccine delivery delayed in Spain and other EU countries

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people.

Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade.

When Parliament convenes to ratify the document, the question will only be the size of Johnson’s majority for a deal that severs close economic ties to continental Europe on Jan. 1 after almost 50 years. Even the opposition Labour Party will officially support it, arguing that it is better than nothing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-sold-out-fish-stocks-in-new-brexit-deal-claim-british-fishermen-352636">Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen</a>

Yet this is unlikely to be the final word in the Conservative bloodletting over Europe that has, at least in part, led to the downfall of the party’s last four prime ministers.

Hard-line Brexit supporters have yet to examine the agreement, and they probably will not like every word of an estimated 2,000 pages of dense treaty text and annexes. A small group did not want any trade deal at all, never really trusted Johnson and might still be inclined to make trouble for him.

Already, an organization representing British trawler fleets has expressed disappointment at compromises over fishing rights, and the Scottish government has attacked the deal, arguing it strengthens the case for Scotland’s independence.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incoming-swiss-president-calls-post-brexit-deal-good-news-for-whole-world-352773">Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world</a>

“In the short term, the Tory Party is pretty united around the very hard Brexit that Boris Johnson pushed Britain toward but which many Britons never thought they were voting for,” said Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, a research institute.

But the agreement provides only limited economic benefits for Britain, and friction with the European Union is likely to remain, added Grant, who said the country’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union may not be much more stable than what preceded it.

“In the longer term, the rift may reopen,” he said, adding that pressure might grow once the deal’s limitations become clear.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/full-post-brexit-text-goes-beyond-a-canada-style-deal-report-says-352461" hreflang="en">Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says</a>

The pandemic has plunged Britain into the worst recession in three centuries, so post-Brexit politics remain highly volatile, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King’s College, London.

And the Brexit debate has poisoned the workings of the Conservative Party, which had long been known for a pragmatic and successful pursuit of power rather than an adherence to political doctrine.

Now, despite achieving his aim of getting “Brexit done,” Johnson cannot assume that the divisions are over.

“Europe has turned the Conservatives into an ideological party, and it has basically got in the way of Conservative governments governing,” Menon said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brexit-is-finally-done-but-it-already-seems-out-of-date-352414" hreflang="en">Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date</a>

An influential caucus of pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers known as the European Research Group has yet to weigh in on the agreement, and Johnson has been working hard to bring them on his side. How many of those lawmakers oppose him and who they are will be very significant, Menon said.

“If you have 20 to 40 of them screaming ‘betrayal,’ that changes the dynamic,” he said.

Waiting in the wings is Nigel Farage, the populist anti-EU politician who has now rebranded his Brexit Party as Reform UK and has shown his skill in the past at peeling off Conservative supporters.

On Thursday, Farage cautiously welcomed Johnson’s deal but with the important caveat that he had yet to read the fine print.

Some Brexit supporters have always scented that betrayal would lie somewhere within any treaty negotiated with the European Union and, even before the agreement was struck, it was being denounced as another in a long series of British surrenders to Brussels. One commentary article in the pro-Brexit Daily Telegraph argued that the government had been “outsmarted at every turn.”

Others agree with that analysis, but from a more pro-European perspective, noting that even official forecasts suggest Britain will lose out on significant economic growth under Johnson’s deal.

Many businesses will notice the limitations of Johnson’s agreement as soon as Britain leaves the European Union’s giant single market and customs union on Jan. 1. The accord failed to secure much of anything for the services sector, for example, which accounts for around four-fifths of the British economy.

And the deal increases barriers rather than eliminating them for the manufacturing sector and agriculture. So while there will be no taxes on the import and export of goods, there will be additional checks on them — so-called nontariff barriers.

Delays at ports — of which Britain just got an ugly foretaste, when France briefly blocked all travelers and freight from Britain — will add significant costs to companies, which will have to make an estimated 20 million new customs declarations each year and face other compliance costs.

“In the long run, it is such a bad deal that the more moderate wing of the Tory Party may try to get a better deal,” said Grant of the Center for European Reform, noting the Conservatives’ traditional link to business.

Yet perhaps the biggest danger for Britain is that it is now stranded awkwardly, half-in, half-out of the European economic system, leaving its relationship with the bloc as fraught and politically combustible as ever.

As a big economy that shares a land border with Ireland, an EU country, Britain will be unable to escape the huge trading bloc’s gravitational pull, any more than other neighbors that stayed aloof from it, experts say.

“It means a process of almost permanent negotiation between Britain and the EU,” Grant said, “and every time that happens, it will pump up the emotion and the rhetoric.”

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people. Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade.

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people. Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade. When Parliament convenes to ratify the document, the question will only be the size of Johnson’s majority for a deal that severs close economic ties to continental Europe on Jan. 1 after almost 50 years. Even the opposition Labour Party will officially support it, arguing that it is better than nothing. Also read| Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen Yet this is unlikely to be the final word in the Conservative bloodletting over Europe that has, at least in part, led to the downfall of the party’s last four prime ministers. Hard-line Brexit supporters have yet to examine the agreement, and they probably will not like every word of an estimated 2,000 pages of dense treaty text and annexes. A small group did not want any trade deal at all, never really trusted Johnson and might still be inclined to make trouble for him. Already, an organization representing British trawler fleets has expressed disappointment at compromises over fishing rights, and the Scottish government has attacked the deal, arguing it strengthens the case for Scotland’s independence. Also read| Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world “In the short term, the Tory Party is pretty united around the very hard Brexit that Boris Johnson pushed Britain toward but which many Britons never thought they were voting for,” said Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, a research institute. But the agreement provides only limited economic benefits for Britain, and friction with the European Union is likely to remain, added Grant, who said the country’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union may not be much more stable than what preceded it. “In the longer term, the rift may reopen,” he said, adding that pressure might grow once the deal’s limitations become clear. Also read| Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says The pandemic has plunged Britain into the worst recession in three centuries, so post-Brexit politics remain highly volatile, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King’s College, London. And the Brexit debate has poisoned the workings of the Conservative Party, which had long been known for a pragmatic and successful pursuit of power rather than an adherence to political doctrine. Now, despite achieving his aim of getting “Brexit done,” Johnson cannot assume that the divisions are over. “Europe has turned the Conservatives into an ideological party, and it has basically got in the way of Conservative governments governing,” Menon said. Also read| Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date An influential caucus of pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers known as the European Research Group has yet to weigh in on the agreement, and Johnson has been working hard to bring them on his side. How many of those lawmakers oppose him and who they are will be very significant, Menon said. “If you have 20 to 40 of them screaming ‘betrayal,’ that changes the dynamic,” he said. Waiting in the wings is Nigel Farage, the populist anti-EU politician who has now rebranded his Brexit Party as Reform UK and has shown his skill in the past at peeling off Conservative supporters. On Thursday, Farage cautiously welcomed Johnson’s deal but with the important caveat that he had yet to read the fine print. Some Brexit supporters have always scented that betrayal would lie somewhere within any treaty negotiated with the European Union and, even before the agreement was struck, it was being denounced as another in a long series of British surrenders to Brussels. One commentary article in the pro-Brexit Daily Telegraph argued that the government had been “outsmarted at every turn.” Others agree with that analysis, but from a more pro-European perspective, noting that even official forecasts suggest Britain will lose out on significant economic growth under Johnson’s deal. Many businesses will notice the limitations of Johnson’s agreement as soon as Britain leaves the European Union’s giant single market and customs union on Jan. 1. The accord failed to secure much of anything for the services sector, for example, which accounts for around four-fifths of the British economy. And the deal increases barriers rather than eliminating them for the manufacturing sector and agriculture. So while there will be no taxes on the import and export of goods, there will be additional checks on them — so-called nontariff barriers. Delays at ports — of which Britain just got an ugly foretaste, when France briefly blocked all travelers and freight from Britain — will add significant costs to companies, which will have to make an estimated 20 million new customs declarations each year and face other compliance costs. “In the long run, it is such a bad deal that the more moderate wing of the Tory Party may try to get a better deal,” said Grant of the Center for European Reform, noting the Conservatives’ traditional link to business. Yet perhaps the biggest danger for Britain is that it is now stranded awkwardly, half-in, half-out of the European economic system, leaving its relationship with the bloc as fraught and politically combustible as ever. As a big economy that shares a land border with Ireland, an EU country, Britain will be unable to escape the huge trading bloc’s gravitational pull, any more than other neighbors that stayed aloof from it, experts say. “It means a process of almost permanent negotiation between Britain and the EU,” Grant said, “and every time that happens, it will pump up the emotion and the rhetoric.”

Boris Johnson delivered on Brexit. It may not soothe his unruly party.

As the European Union countries started <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> coronavirus</a>, Israel went into a third nationwide lockdown hoping to score a 'world record' of vaccinated people. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;AstraZeneca chief has claimed the Oxford vaccine will work against the new strain of coronavirus too. While the world is battling coronavirus,&nbsp;Margaret Thatcher's conversation with her Irish counterpart have been revealed in 30-years-old archives.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/26/166716-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=TOoTexS1" />

WhileAstraZeneca chief is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this claim.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/margaret-thatcher-said-no-to-euro-as-one-currency-irish-archives-reveal-352762" hreflang="en">Margaret Thatcher said no to Euro as 'one currency', Irish archives reveal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/27/176033-margaret-thatcher.jpg?itok=WvdW8st2" />

Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-syrian-refugee-camp-set-on-fire-after-fight-between-refugees-and-locals-352758">Lebanon: Syrian refugee camp set on fire after fight between refugees and locals</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/27/176030-lebanon-syria-refugee-camp-burnt.jpg?itok=GiaAHt_q" />

Syrian refugee camp in northern Lebanon was set on fire on Saturday night after a fight between members of the camp and a local Lebanese family, said state media.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-retaliate-against-any-attack-by-murderer-libya-strongman-defence-minister-352744">Turkey will retaliate against any attack by Libya strongman: Defence Minister</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/27/176024-khalifa-haftar-and-hulusi-akar.jpg?itok=qeBmbmFl" />

Turkey's defence minister's statement has come a few days after Haftar boasted about his plans and said his forces will 'prepare to drive out the occupier by faith, will and weapons'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-steps-in-to-stop-war-within-nepal-communist-party-352734">China steps in to stop war within Nepal Communist Party</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/27/176017-nepal-china-oli-prachanda.jpg?itok=AhZWUmDY" />

Factions within Nepal Communist Party led by current Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and party heavyweight Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' are battling with each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-parliament-passes-law-that-critics-say-will-stifle-ngos-352752" hreflang="en">Turkish parliament passes law that critics say will stifle NGOs</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/05/158267-erdogan.jpg?itok=H8mYtWxu" />

The law is being criticised for the possibility that it will be used against opponent organisations. Earlier this week, &nbsp;seven civil society organisations, including Human Rights Association and Amnesty said that terrorism charges in Turkey were arbitrary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-enters-third-nationwide-lockdown-pm-hopes-for-world-record-of-vaccinated-people-352754" hreflang="en">Israel enters third nationwide lockdown; PM hopes for 'world record' of vaccinated people</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/31/142559-untitled-design-12.jpg?itok=UnpUiNi2" />

Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-talks-to-take-place-in-doha-next-month-352763" hreflang="en">Afghan peace talks to take place in Doha next month</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/13/159618-taliban-afghan-peace-talks.jpg?itok=c11sXRgz" />

Negotiators from both sides decided to take a break in early December after months of discussions that were bogged down by disputes on the basic framework of discussions and religious interpretations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incoming-swiss-president-calls-post-brexit-deal-good-news-for-whole-world-352773">Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/27/176047-guy-parmelin-switzerland.jpg?itok=lvA5wDH3" />

&nbsp;

Incoming Swiss president Guy Parmelin said on Sunday that post-Brexit trade deal struck between UK and the European Union (EU) was "good news" for the entire world.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announces-team-of-the-decade-virat-kohli-features-in-all-formats-352731" hreflang="en">ICC announces 'Team of the Decade', Virat Kohli features in all formats</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/25/171077-icc-1.JPG?itok=67mKWVPI" />

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was the only player to feature in all three formats of 'Team of the Decade'.&nbsp;

As the European Union countries started vaccination drive against coronavirus, Israel went into a third nationwide lockdown hoping to score a 'world record' of vaccinated people.

As the European Union countries started vaccination drive against coronavirus, Israel went into a third nationwide lockdown hoping to score a 'world record' of vaccinated people. Meanwhile, the AstraZeneca chief has claimed the Oxford vaccine will work against the new strain of coronavirus too. While the world is battling coronavirus, Margaret Thatcher's conversation with her Irish counterpart have been revealed in 30-years-old archives. Click on headlines to read more AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus WhileAstraZeneca chief is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this claim. Margaret Thatcher said no to Euro as 'one currency', Irish archives reveal Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head". Lebanon: Syrian refugee camp set on fire after fight between refugees and locals Syrian refugee camp in northern Lebanon was set on fire on Saturday night after a fight between members of the camp and a local Lebanese family, said state media. Turkey will retaliate against any attack by Libya strongman: Defence Minister Turkey's defence minister's statement has come a few days after Haftar boasted about his plans and said his forces will 'prepare to drive out the occupier by faith, will and weapons'. China steps in to stop war within Nepal Communist Party Factions within Nepal Communist Party led by current Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and party heavyweight Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' are battling with each other. Turkish parliament passes law that critics say will stifle NGOs The law is being criticised for the possibility that it will be used against opponent organisations. Earlier this week, seven civil society organisations, including Human Rights Association and Amnesty said that terrorism charges in Turkey were arbitrary. Israel enters third nationwide lockdown; PM hopes for 'world record' of vaccinated people Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising. Afghan peace talks to take place in Doha next month Negotiators from both sides decided to take a break in early December after months of discussions that were bogged down by disputes on the basic framework of discussions and religious interpretations Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world Incoming Swiss president Guy Parmelin said on Sunday that post-Brexit trade deal struck between UK and the European Union (EU) was "good news" for the entire world. ICC announces 'Team of the Decade', Virat Kohli features in all formats Indian skipper Virat Kohli was the only player to feature in all three formats of 'Team of the Decade'.

Top 10 world news today: AstraZeneca against new variant, Brexit reactions, and more

Britain's 'Iron lady'&nbsp;Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head".

The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-sold-out-fish-stocks-in-new-brexit-deal-claim-british-fishermen-352636">Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen</a>

"In talking of a single currency, [Jacques] Delors must have had a rush of blood to the head," she said blasting at the then-European Union leader Jacques Delors. "We are not going to have a single currency."

The archives released date back to June 1990 when Thatcher was in conversation with&nbsp;Irish taoiseach Charles Haughey, where she described Delors as a "mere appointee".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/full-post-brexit-text-goes-beyond-a-canada-style-deal-report-says-352461" hreflang="en">Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says</a>

As per the papers, Thatcher wanted the European Commission to turn into a&nbsp;professional civil service with the aim of providing service to the ministers representing the governments, rather than taking initiatives.

She was apparently also against the European Court allegedly giving more power to the commission. "The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered. We must give power to the council of ministers," she said. "I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy … I am getting completely fed up with the European community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brexit-is-finally-done-but-it-already-seems-out-of-date-352414" hreflang="en">Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date</a>

The Irish counterpart, Haughey, also alleged the commission of contacting the Irish local authorities and inviting them for a 'talk' in Brussels. "They are going behind the back of the government," he alleged.

Thatcher admitted that the commission was needed "to start off" but also believed that it has now become a "totally non-democratic power structure" and strongly opposed the idea of the&nbsp;European police force.

She had also made clear that she would not accept a&nbsp;central bank of the then 12 EU member states and would rather work with&nbsp;deutschmark to keep inflation down, as the Germans had&nbsp;experience of inflation and still kept its currency like a gold standard.

"They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up. All we want is an effective gold standard and the deutschmark provides us with that," she said.

Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head". The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government.

Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head". The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government. Also read| Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen "In talking of a single currency, [Jacques] Delors must have had a rush of blood to the head," she said blasting at the then-European Union leader Jacques Delors. "We are not going to have a single currency." The archives released date back to June 1990 when Thatcher was in conversation with Irish taoiseach Charles Haughey, where she described Delors as a "mere appointee". Also read| Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says As per the papers, Thatcher wanted the European Commission to turn into a professional civil service with the aim of providing service to the ministers representing the governments, rather than taking initiatives. She was apparently also against the European Court allegedly giving more power to the commission. "The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered. We must give power to the council of ministers," she said. "I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy … I am getting completely fed up with the European community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations." Also read| Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date The Irish counterpart, Haughey, also alleged the commission of contacting the Irish local authorities and inviting them for a 'talk' in Brussels. "They are going behind the back of the government," he alleged. Thatcher admitted that the commission was needed "to start off" but also believed that it has now become a "totally non-democratic power structure" and strongly opposed the idea of the European police force. She had also made clear that she would not accept a central bank of the then 12 EU member states and would rather work with deutschmark to keep inflation down, as the Germans had experience of inflation and still kept its currency like a gold standard. "They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up. All we want is an effective gold standard and the deutschmark provides us with that," she said.

Margaret Thatcher said no to Euro as 'one currency', Irish archives reveal

As the world is preparing to battle the new variants of the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, the European Union countries will start <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive from Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saudi&nbsp;Crown Prince joined the list of leaders who publically received a shot of the vaccine.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-vaccine-delivered-to-all-eu-countries-vaccination-drive-to-start-tomorrow-352587" hreflang="en">EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175937-ursula-von-der-leyen.jpg?itok=MRA2VbkX" />

Calling it a 'European success story', the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576" hreflang="en">Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175924-virusv.jpg?itok=z0Kb3GMc" />

Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-receives-more-than-5000-applications-for-90-day-finn-relocation-programme-352577" hreflang="en">Finland receives more than 5,000 applications for '90 day Finn' relocation programme</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/23/161344-9.jpg?itok=woSWAo4f" />

Finland has climbed the ranks as it has been announced as the world's happiest country for the third time this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monolith-christmas-edition-because-this-one-is-made-of-gingerbread-352528" hreflang="en">Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175895-gingerbread-monolith.jpg?itok=FLQ0CSwU" />

The monolith is seven-feet tall. The appearance of this monolith has certainly become talk of the town and people are flocking there to take pictures and videos.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-journalist-arrested-for-claiming-officials-received-jabs-of-coronavirus-vaccine-352598" hreflang="en">Jordan: Journalist arrested for claiming officials received jabs of coronavirus vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175948-jordan.jpg?itok=z9dMei9Y" />

A journalist in Jordan has been arrested after he reported the kingdom has received coronavirus vaccine and the local officials had already received shots of the vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/athens-first-official-mosque-allowed-to-reopen-for-holiday-season-352582" hreflang="en">Athens' first official mosque allowed to reopen for holiday season</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/07/168800-athens-first-mosque.jpg?itok=LBXwt58C" />

As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkmenistan-president-claims-licorice-can-cure-coronavirus-352543" hreflang="en">Turkmenistan president claims Licorice can cure coronavirus</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175899-turkmenistan-president-gurbanguly-berdymukhamedov.jpg?itok=XjpkxaP4" />

The leader has a long history of moves aimed at boosting his country's fauna and flora.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-intercepted-is-attack-plot-352541" hreflang="en">Russia claims it intercepted IS attack plot</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175898-isis-attack.jpg?itok=oCQ3fV_3" />

Russia's territories in the Caucasus were ravaged by two wars between federal troops and Chechen separatists in the 1990s and 2000s.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-approves-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-for-people-over-60-352530" hreflang="en">Russia approves Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for people over 60</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175896-covid-vaccineee.jpg?itok=Ka6PnjiE" />

Russia had approved its vaccine after it was tested on only a few dozen people -- between 18 and 60, touting it as “the first in the world" to receive a go-ahead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-gets-coronavirus-vaccine-352517" hreflang="en">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman gets coronavirus vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175890-saudi-crown-prince-vaccine.jpg?itok=QOQcCXPR" />

The Saudi crown prince is among the few world leaders to have received the vaccine.

As the world is preparing to battle the new variants of the novel coronavirus, the European Union countries will start vaccination drive from Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saudi Crown Prince joined the list of leaders who publically received a shot of the vaccine.

As the world is preparing to battle the new variants of the novel coronavirus, the European Union countries will start vaccination drive from Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saudi Crown Prince joined the list of leaders who publically received a shot of the vaccine. Click on headlines to read more EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow Calling it a 'European success story', the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday. Finland receives more than 5,000 applications for '90 day Finn' relocation programme Finland has climbed the ranks as it has been announced as the world's happiest country for the third time this year. Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread The monolith is seven-feet tall. The appearance of this monolith has certainly become talk of the town and people are flocking there to take pictures and videos. Jordan: Journalist arrested for claiming officials received jabs of coronavirus vaccine A journalist in Jordan has been arrested after he reported the kingdom has received coronavirus vaccine and the local officials had already received shots of the vaccine. Athens' first official mosque allowed to reopen for holiday season As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed. Turkmenistan president claims Licorice can cure coronavirus The leader has a long history of moves aimed at boosting his country's fauna and flora. Russia claims it intercepted IS attack plot Russia's territories in the Caucasus were ravaged by two wars between federal troops and Chechen separatists in the 1990s and 2000s. Russia approves Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for people over 60 Russia had approved its vaccine after it was tested on only a few dozen people -- between 18 and 60, touting it as “the first in the world" to receive a go-ahead. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman gets coronavirus vaccine The Saudi crown prince is among the few world leaders to have received the vaccine.

Top 10 world news today: EU countries receive coronavirus vaccine, Spain finds new strain, and more

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA),&nbsp;approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine</a>

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

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Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. 
 
Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/pYOj5vS2gV">pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1342751465274806273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576" hreflang="en">Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations</a>

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway."

Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and&nbsp;approved by the experts.

Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe. Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said. Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 26, 2020 × "We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message. Also read| Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway." Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and approved by the experts. Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed what he called "the biggest trade deal yet" with the European Union on Thursday (December 24), saying Britain had taken back control of its laws, borders, and fishing waters.

Brexit trade deal sealed: EU and UK clinch narrow accord

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal.

Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-uk-clinches-brexit-agreement-with-eu-ahead-of-deadline-352149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Let's take a look at how other European countries reacted on the deal.&nbsp;

<h2>France&nbsp;</h2>

In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron said that "Europe's unity and firmness paid off". He also said that the deal will protect Europe's "citizens, fishermen and producers". &nbsp;

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L’unité et la fermeté européennes ont payé. L’accord avec le Royaume-Uni est essentiel pour protéger nos citoyens, nos pêcheurs, nos producteurs. Nous nous assurerons que c’est bien le cas. L’Europe avance et peut regarder vers l’avenir, unie, souveraine et forte.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1342137139354546182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Germany</h2>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence that the agreement represents a "good outcome" that Germany would be able to back.

<h2>Spain</h2>

Spanish Prime Minister also welcomed the deal on Twitter but said that the UK and Spain should continue discussions on the status of Gibraltar.

<h2>Italy&nbsp;</h2>

"Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote in a tweet, adding that the interests of Europeans have been "guaranteed".

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Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed. Interests and rights of European businesses and citizens guaranteed. The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy.
— Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiuseppeConteIT/status/1342128966425952256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy."

<h2>Northern Ireland&nbsp;</h2>

"This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the UK and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy,” said First Minister Arlene Foster.

<h2>Scotland</h2>

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly said that Brexit is happening against "Scotland's will" and said that it's time that the country charts its "own future as an independent European nation".

"Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation," said Sturgeon.&nbsp;

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal. Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association.

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal. Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association. Watch | Let's take a look at how other European countries reacted on the deal. France In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron said that "Europe's unity and firmness paid off". He also said that the deal will protect Europe's "citizens, fishermen and producers". L’unité et la fermeté européennes ont payé. L’accord avec le Royaume-Uni est essentiel pour protéger nos citoyens, nos pêcheurs, nos producteurs. Nous nous assurerons que c’est bien le cas. L’Europe avance et peut regarder vers l’avenir, unie, souveraine et forte. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 24, 2020 × Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence that the agreement represents a "good outcome" that Germany would be able to back. Spain Spanish Prime Minister also welcomed the deal on Twitter but said that the UK and Spain should continue discussions on the status of Gibraltar. Italy "Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote in a tweet, adding that the interests of Europeans have been "guaranteed". Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed. Interests and rights of European businesses and citizens guaranteed. The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy. — Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) December 24, 2020 × "The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy." Northern Ireland "This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the UK and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy,” said First Minister Arlene Foster. Scotland Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly said that Brexit is happening against "Scotland's will" and said that it's time that the country charts its "own future as an independent European nation". "Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation," said Sturgeon.

Scotland lone exception as European nations hail Brexit deal

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date.

The world has changed radically since June 2016, when a narrow majority of people in Britain voted to leave the European Union, tempted by an argument that the country would prosper by throwing off the bureaucratic shackles of Brussels.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/it-was-worth-fighting-for-this-brexit-deal-says-eu-commission-chief-352201/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In those days, the vision of an agile, independent Britain — free to develop profitable, next-generation industries like artificial intelligence and cut its own trade deals with the United States, China and others — was an alluring sales pitch. The buccaneers of Brexit promised to create a “Global Britain.”

That was before the anti-immigrant and anti-globalist-fueled rise of President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who erected barriers to trade and immigration and countries turned inward. It was before the coronavirus pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of far-flung supply chains, fueling calls to bring strategic industries back home and throwing globalism into retreat.

In the anxious dawn of 2021, buccaneers are out of fashion. The world is now dominated by three gargantuan economic blocs — the United States, China and the European Union. Britain has finalized its divorce from one of them, leaving it isolated at a time when the path forward seems more perilous than it once did.

“The whole ‘Global Britain’ model doesn’t reflect the more protectionist, nationalistic world we’re living in,” said Thomas Wright, the director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution. “Becoming a global free trader in 2016 is a bit like turning into a communist in 1989. It's bad timing.”

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson leads Britain into a post-Brexit future, he also risks being out of step politically.

The Brexit agreement with the European Union comes at the very moment that President-elect Joe Biden is replacing Trump’s “America First” credo with a message of mending alliances and collaborating to tackle issues like global health and climate change.

While the deal averts tariffs and quotas on goods crossing the English Channel, it is at heart about disentangling neighbors who had become deeply integrated over four decades. That estrangement, analysts say, is bound to weaken ties between the two sides in other areas, like security and diplomacy.

“Biden wants to see alliances and multilateralism and cooperation, and Brexit runs completely against that,” said Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. “Brexit is graduating into a more difficult political context where it is running against the grain.”

Trump cheered Britain’s drive to sever itself from the European Union. As a reward, he promised to negotiate a trade agreement with Johnson, whom he cultivated personally. But Biden opposed Brexit and has ruled out negotiating new trade agreements until the United States improves its own competitive position. That nullifies one of the prime selling points of Brexit.

Johnson has pivoted by highlighting other ways that Britain can work with the United States. It is increasing military spending to reinforce NATO and playing host at a U.N. climate summit next year, which will give Biden a platform to reengage the United States in the climate challenge.

Britain has also promoted itself as a champion of democratic values in places like Hong Kong, standing alongside the United States. But in a less hospitable world, it may not find many allies for that kind of work.

“Who are the obvious partners for them?” Wright said. “Four years ago, they could have said Brazil, but Brazil is now run by Bolsonaro,” he added, referring to the populist president, Jair Bolsonaro.

There are also limits to how muscular a partner Britain can be in the confrontation with autocratic states like China and Russia. Its changing relationship with China illustrates its diminished stature.

Britain once hoped its free-agent status would allow it to develop a thriving commercial relationship with Beijing, unencumbered by the baggage of the European Union or the United States. But under pressure from Trump on the role of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in 5G networks, Britain has largely abandoned its cultivation of China, falling in line with the United States’ more antagonistic position.

The European Union, by contrast, has continued to negotiate a landmark investment treaty with China, a goal of the Germans, who want greater control over the Chinese operations of their companies. Last-minute objections raised by aides to Biden are giving the Europeans second thoughts, but Germany’s drive to finish the deal before the end of the year attests to its more confident position.

In 2016, Brexit was embraced by three distinct factions in British politics, said Matthias Matthijs, a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University: right-wing anti-immigration figures like Nigel Farage; orthodox free traders in the Conservative Party; and some on the left, who hoped the move would free up money to subsidize factory jobs in the country’s industrial north and, in any event, regarded the European Union as a bankers’ club that Britain was well out of.

“It’s not clear that signing this EU trade deal will give them more freedom to do that,” Matthijs said of the subsidies, noting that Britain had agreed to abide by constraints on how much state aid it can dole out to industry.

The paradox, he said, is that Britain is casting off from the European Union at a time when its two largest economies, Germany and France, are embracing some of the tenets of industrial policy that inspired Brexit.

The pandemic has forced Brussels to reconsider policies it once shunned — initially in the form of a $913 billion coronavirus rescue package — that bring it closer to the ideas pushed by Brexiteers, like Johnson’s former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings. He was an architect of a plan to use public money to “level up” Britain’s economically disadvantaged north with its more prosperous south.

Liberating itself from the constraints of Brussels had been one of the biggest attractions of Brexit. Instead, Britain faces a much larger competitor that seems bent, like Britain itself, on transforming its economies with digital and “green” technology — and more open to using state aid to do so.

Another irony of Brexit is that Europe, alienated by the unilateral policies of Trump, has begun echoing some of the language used by Brexiteers in 2016. President Emmanuel Macron of France and others have spoken of the need for “European sovereignty” in the face of a less reliable United States. Johnson made reclaiming British sovereignty the leitmotif of his negotiations with Brussels.

Britain still has indisputable advantages as it charts a new course. Despite being devastated by the pandemic, its economy is flexible and resilient, at least relative to those on the European continent. It was the first Western country to approve a virus vaccine, while the European Union has been bogged down by the need for its members to move together.

Matthijs predicted that Britain’s economy would snap back faster after the pandemic than those of Germany or France, which he said the Brexiteers would attribute to the freedom gained by shaking loose of Brussels.

Britain’s independence also affords it the chance to be experimental in its relations with other countries. Wright, for example, said the Biden administration might be interested in negotiating a different kind of economic understanding with Britain than an old-fashioned free trade agreement.

“They’re well positioned to be the guinea pig for this,” he said.

Britain, after all, just negotiated a deal unique in the annals of trade diplomacy — one that separates, rather than brings together, partners. Its ability to get that done, analysts said, is a hopeful sign for its ability to reshape itself yet again.

Nevertheless, “the world of June 2016 is not the world of today,” Wright said. “They know that as well, deep down.”

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date.

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date. The world has changed radically since June 2016, when a narrow majority of people in Britain voted to leave the European Union, tempted by an argument that the country would prosper by throwing off the bureaucratic shackles of Brussels. Watch | In those days, the vision of an agile, independent Britain — free to develop profitable, next-generation industries like artificial intelligence and cut its own trade deals with the United States, China and others — was an alluring sales pitch. The buccaneers of Brexit promised to create a “Global Britain.” That was before the anti-immigrant and anti-globalist-fueled rise of President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who erected barriers to trade and immigration and countries turned inward. It was before the coronavirus pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of far-flung supply chains, fueling calls to bring strategic industries back home and throwing globalism into retreat. In the anxious dawn of 2021, buccaneers are out of fashion. The world is now dominated by three gargantuan economic blocs — the United States, China and the European Union. Britain has finalized its divorce from one of them, leaving it isolated at a time when the path forward seems more perilous than it once did. “The whole ‘Global Britain’ model doesn’t reflect the more protectionist, nationalistic world we’re living in,” said Thomas Wright, the director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution. “Becoming a global free trader in 2016 is a bit like turning into a communist in 1989. It's bad timing.” As Prime Minister Boris Johnson leads Britain into a post-Brexit future, he also risks being out of step politically. The Brexit agreement with the European Union comes at the very moment that President-elect Joe Biden is replacing Trump’s “America First” credo with a message of mending alliances and collaborating to tackle issues like global health and climate change. While the deal averts tariffs and quotas on goods crossing the English Channel, it is at heart about disentangling neighbors who had become deeply integrated over four decades. That estrangement, analysts say, is bound to weaken ties between the two sides in other areas, like security and diplomacy. “Biden wants to see alliances and multilateralism and cooperation, and Brexit runs completely against that,” said Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. “Brexit is graduating into a more difficult political context where it is running against the grain.” Trump cheered Britain’s drive to sever itself from the European Union. As a reward, he promised to negotiate a trade agreement with Johnson, whom he cultivated personally. But Biden opposed Brexit and has ruled out negotiating new trade agreements until the United States improves its own competitive position. That nullifies one of the prime selling points of Brexit. Johnson has pivoted by highlighting other ways that Britain can work with the United States. It is increasing military spending to reinforce NATO and playing host at a U.N. climate summit next year, which will give Biden a platform to reengage the United States in the climate challenge. Britain has also promoted itself as a champion of democratic values in places like Hong Kong, standing alongside the United States. But in a less hospitable world, it may not find many allies for that kind of work. “Who are the obvious partners for them?” Wright said. “Four years ago, they could have said Brazil, but Brazil is now run by Bolsonaro,” he added, referring to the populist president, Jair Bolsonaro. There are also limits to how muscular a partner Britain can be in the confrontation with autocratic states like China and Russia. Its changing relationship with China illustrates its diminished stature. Britain once hoped its free-agent status would allow it to develop a thriving commercial relationship with Beijing, unencumbered by the baggage of the European Union or the United States. But under pressure from Trump on the role of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in 5G networks, Britain has largely abandoned its cultivation of China, falling in line with the United States’ more antagonistic position. The European Union, by contrast, has continued to negotiate a landmark investment treaty with China, a goal of the Germans, who want greater control over the Chinese operations of their companies. Last-minute objections raised by aides to Biden are giving the Europeans second thoughts, but Germany’s drive to finish the deal before the end of the year attests to its more confident position. In 2016, Brexit was embraced by three distinct factions in British politics, said Matthias Matthijs, a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University: right-wing anti-immigration figures like Nigel Farage; orthodox free traders in the Conservative Party; and some on the left, who hoped the move would free up money to subsidize factory jobs in the country’s industrial north and, in any event, regarded the European Union as a bankers’ club that Britain was well out of. “It’s not clear that signing this EU trade deal will give them more freedom to do that,” Matthijs said of the subsidies, noting that Britain had agreed to abide by constraints on how much state aid it can dole out to industry. The paradox, he said, is that Britain is casting off from the European Union at a time when its two largest economies, Germany and France, are embracing some of the tenets of industrial policy that inspired Brexit. The pandemic has forced Brussels to reconsider policies it once shunned — initially in the form of a $913 billion coronavirus rescue package — that bring it closer to the ideas pushed by Brexiteers, like Johnson’s former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings. He was an architect of a plan to use public money to “level up” Britain’s economically disadvantaged north with its more prosperous south. Liberating itself from the constraints of Brussels had been one of the biggest attractions of Brexit. Instead, Britain faces a much larger competitor that seems bent, like Britain itself, on transforming its economies with digital and “green” technology — and more open to using state aid to do so. Another irony of Brexit is that Europe, alienated by the unilateral policies of Trump, has begun echoing some of the language used by Brexiteers in 2016. President Emmanuel Macron of France and others have spoken of the need for “European sovereignty” in the face of a less reliable United States. Johnson made reclaiming British sovereignty the leitmotif of his negotiations with Brussels. Britain still has indisputable advantages as it charts a new course. Despite being devastated by the pandemic, its economy is flexible and resilient, at least relative to those on the European continent. It was the first Western country to approve a virus vaccine, while the European Union has been bogged down by the need for its members to move together. Matthijs predicted that Britain’s economy would snap back faster after the pandemic than those of Germany or France, which he said the Brexiteers would attribute to the freedom gained by shaking loose of Brussels. Britain’s independence also affords it the chance to be experimental in its relations with other countries. Wright, for example, said the Biden administration might be interested in negotiating a different kind of economic understanding with Britain than an old-fashioned free trade agreement. “They’re well positioned to be the guinea pig for this,” he said. Britain, after all, just negotiated a deal unique in the annals of trade diplomacy — one that separates, rather than brings together, partners. Its ability to get that done, analysts said, is a hopeful sign for its ability to reshape itself yet again. Nevertheless, “the world of June 2016 is not the world of today,” Wright said. “They know that as well, deep down.”

Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date

After 11 months of haggling, the UK and EU signed a trade deal for the post-Brexit world. Boris Johnson hailed the deal as the best UK could get. Who stands to gain from this new arrangement? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas:  UK, EU clinch historic post-Brexit trade deal

Britain and the European Union struck a trade deal Thursday, setting the terms of their commercial relations after Britain completes its hard-fought split from the European Union on Dec. 31.

British lawmakers had haggled for years over the divorce, known as Brexit. Britain formally left the European Union on Jan. 31, closing the book on nearly half a century of close ties with Europe, but it continued to follow the bloc’s rules during a transition period intended to give the two sides time to negotiate the trade deal struck this week.

Here are the basic terms of that deal.

It saves Britain from crashing out of the EU

British companies have long been able to move goods to and from the European Union without paying taxes or tariffs. Had the two sides failed to reach a deal before the Dec. 31 deadline, tariffs would have been imposed, raising the price on cars considerably and making it much more difficult for British farmers to sell meat, for example, to the European market.

A no-deal separation also looked likely to create gridlock at British ports and strand trucks on either side of the border.

The new agreement means that Britain avoids onerous tariffs or quotas on goods. But problems at the border could still emerge, with checks increasing and traders having to complete new customs declarations.

And commercial relations face more restrictions. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that gross domestic product in Britain could be 4% lower cumulatively over the next 15 years than it would have been had Britain remained in the European Union. Without a deal, that drop was projected to be even larger.

The agreement was not entirely a surprise. To some commentators, a no-deal Brexit had always looked more like useful leverage for political purposes than a probable outcome of negotiations.

Both sides compromised on fish, a major sticking point

The number of people employed in Britain’s fishing industry has fallen in recent decades, and the British government cast its split from the European Union as a chance to revive the industry by cutting European companies’ access to British waters. Britain originally sought an 80% reduction in the share of fish that European Union boats would be allowed to catch in British waters.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain made significant concessions on that point: The European Union’s fishing quota in British waters will be cut by 25%. But Brussels also compromised: That quota reduction will come into effect over 5 1/2 years, roughly half as long as the European Union originally wanted.

British workers, unhappy not to have exclusive access to fish in British waters, may complain about the deal. But analysts have said that British boats would not have the capacity to catch everything that once went to European boats, even if they had the opportunity to do so.

A no-deal scenario would also have forced tariffs on British fishing companies, making it more difficult for them to sell what they caught to the European Union at competitive prices.

Pro-Brexit lawmakers got many of their wishes

Citizens of European Union member states can look for jobs elsewhere in the bloc, work there without needing special permits and stay after they have left their jobs. But the trade deal ends the free movement of people between Britain and the continent. And it also ended Britain’s involvement in the popular Erasmus student exchange program, which since 1987 saw hundreds of thousands of people each year traveling abroad for study, work experience and apprenticeships.

As both a single market and a customs union, the European Union also agreed to adopt the same rules and regulations so that goods, services and capital can move freely across borders of countries within the bloc. And it agreed to apply the same taxes on goods from outside the bloc, meaning that they can be shipped within the European Union without facing additional tariffs.

But Britain will now leave both the single market and the customs union and can pursue trade deals with other countries. Those points were among the demands made by the most aggressive anti-Europe lawmakers in Britain.

But the European Union won assurances, too

In return for allowing British companies to avoid tariffs, the European Union wanted to ensure that those companies would not gain unfair advantages over their European rivals. The bloc’s leaders worried that Britain would give its own companies a leg up through additional state aid or by lowering environmental or labor standards.

Britain did not want the European Union to be able to automatically impose sanctions if it decided to depart from European rules. So the two sides worked to devise a mechanism by which either could raise a complaint if it had evidence that one had changed regulations in a way that put the other’s businesses at a disadvantage.

As a last resort, if Britain and the European Union could not find common ground in such a scenario, tariffs could be imposed to ensure that one side did not have too big of an advantage.

The British economy faces enormous hurdles

The trade deal was primarily concerned with goods crossing borders. But the British economy is enormously reliant on its services sector, and the deal did not immediately make it easier for British companies to sell financial and other services to its European neighbors.

Once the transition period ends Dec. 31, traders in London will leave the European Union’s single market for financial services.

Both have said they each wanted to be able to evaluate in the future whether the other side’s financial services regulations were equally stringent, and whether they could continue to easily buy and sell services across borders.

But that system will not be as straightforward for banks and traders as the current one.

Britain and the European Union struck a trade deal Thursday, setting the terms of their commercial relations after Britain completes its hard-fought split from the European Union on Dec.

Britain and the European Union struck a trade deal Thursday, setting the terms of their commercial relations after Britain completes its hard-fought split from the European Union on Dec. 31. British lawmakers had haggled for years over the divorce, known as Brexit. Britain formally left the European Union on Jan. 31, closing the book on nearly half a century of close ties with Europe, but it continued to follow the bloc’s rules during a transition period intended to give the two sides time to negotiate the trade deal struck this week. Here are the basic terms of that deal. It saves Britain from crashing out of the EU British companies have long been able to move goods to and from the European Union without paying taxes or tariffs. Had the two sides failed to reach a deal before the Dec. 31 deadline, tariffs would have been imposed, raising the price on cars considerably and making it much more difficult for British farmers to sell meat, for example, to the European market. A no-deal separation also looked likely to create gridlock at British ports and strand trucks on either side of the border. The new agreement means that Britain avoids onerous tariffs or quotas on goods. But problems at the border could still emerge, with checks increasing and traders having to complete new customs declarations. And commercial relations face more restrictions. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that gross domestic product in Britain could be 4% lower cumulatively over the next 15 years than it would have been had Britain remained in the European Union. Without a deal, that drop was projected to be even larger. The agreement was not entirely a surprise. To some commentators, a no-deal Brexit had always looked more like useful leverage for political purposes than a probable outcome of negotiations. Both sides compromised on fish, a major sticking point The number of people employed in Britain’s fishing industry has fallen in recent decades, and the British government cast its split from the European Union as a chance to revive the industry by cutting European companies’ access to British waters. Britain originally sought an 80% reduction in the share of fish that European Union boats would be allowed to catch in British waters. Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain made significant concessions on that point: The European Union’s fishing quota in British waters will be cut by 25%. But Brussels also compromised: That quota reduction will come into effect over 5 1/2 years, roughly half as long as the European Union originally wanted. British workers, unhappy not to have exclusive access to fish in British waters, may complain about the deal. But analysts have said that British boats would not have the capacity to catch everything that once went to European boats, even if they had the opportunity to do so. A no-deal scenario would also have forced tariffs on British fishing companies, making it more difficult for them to sell what they caught to the European Union at competitive prices. Pro-Brexit lawmakers got many of their wishes Citizens of European Union member states can look for jobs elsewhere in the bloc, work there without needing special permits and stay after they have left their jobs. But the trade deal ends the free movement of people between Britain and the continent. And it also ended Britain’s involvement in the popular Erasmus student exchange program, which since 1987 saw hundreds of thousands of people each year traveling abroad for study, work experience and apprenticeships. As both a single market and a customs union, the European Union also agreed to adopt the same rules and regulations so that goods, services and capital can move freely across borders of countries within the bloc. And it agreed to apply the same taxes on goods from outside the bloc, meaning that they can be shipped within the European Union without facing additional tariffs. But Britain will now leave both the single market and the customs union and can pursue trade deals with other countries. Those points were among the demands made by the most aggressive anti-Europe lawmakers in Britain. But the European Union won assurances, too In return for allowing British companies to avoid tariffs, the European Union wanted to ensure that those companies would not gain unfair advantages over their European rivals. The bloc’s leaders worried that Britain would give its own companies a leg up through additional state aid or by lowering environmental or labor standards. Britain did not want the European Union to be able to automatically impose sanctions if it decided to depart from European rules. So the two sides worked to devise a mechanism by which either could raise a complaint if it had evidence that one had changed regulations in a way that put the other’s businesses at a disadvantage. As a last resort, if Britain and the European Union could not find common ground in such a scenario, tariffs could be imposed to ensure that one side did not have too big of an advantage. The British economy faces enormous hurdles The trade deal was primarily concerned with goods crossing borders. But the British economy is enormously reliant on its services sector, and the deal did not immediately make it easier for British companies to sell financial and other services to its European neighbors. Once the transition period ends Dec. 31, traders in London will leave the European Union’s single market for financial services. Both have said they each wanted to be able to evaluate in the future whether the other side’s financial services regulations were equally stringent, and whether they could continue to easily buy and sell services across borders. But that system will not be as straightforward for banks and traders as the current one.

5 takeaways from the post-Brexit trade deal

Britain and the European Union agreed terms of a trade deal on Thursday after months of knife-edge negotiations and seven days before transitional arrangements come to an end.

Fineprint: UK clinches Brexit agreement with EU ahead of deadline

Britain and the European Union were on the cusp of striking a narrow trade deal on Thursday, swerving away from a chaotic finale to a Brexit split that has shaken the 70-year project to forge European unity from the ruins of World War Two.

UK and EU to announce post-Brexit trade accord

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday.

In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-detects-new-fast-spreading-coronavirus-strain-351398">After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain</a>

"At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference.

"EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346">India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</a>

Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech."

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Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19vaccine</a> in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations.
— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News/status/1341022012916051969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-20-twitter-abuzz-with-conspiracy-theories-after-discovery-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351388" hreflang="en">COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus</a>

Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial&nbsp;conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed.

The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries.&nbsp;

Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376" hreflang="en">Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus</a>

The decision came a few days after the European Union leader&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted.

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It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans! 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EMA_News</a> just issued a positive scientific opinion on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioNTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioNTech</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfizer</a> vaccine. 
 
Now we will act fast. I expect a <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> decision by this evening.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1341022130591440896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said&nbsp;the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin.

"Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-eu-regulator-clears-way-for-use-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-in-europe-351434">Also watch|</a>

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&nbsp;

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now. Also read| After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain "At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference. "EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said. Also read| India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech." Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations. — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) December 21, 2020 × She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine." Also read| COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed. The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries. Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease." Also read| Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus The decision came a few days after the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted. It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans! The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine. Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commission decision by this evening. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 21, 2020 × Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin. "Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU. Also watch| ×

'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

The European Union on Monday called for China to release jailed lawyer Li Yuhan and other human rights defenders, as the bloc closes in on a major investment pact with Beijing.&nbsp;

Li was detained in 2017 after working as an attorney for rights lawyers swept up in Beijing's "709 crackdown" -- so named because it began on July 9, 2015. &nbsp;

"Credible sources indicate that, during her detention, Ms Li has been subject to torture and ill-treatment and that she has not received adequate medical assistance," a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. &nbsp;

"Her health condition has been seriously deteriorating while in detention."

The statement demanded the "immediate release" of Li, as well as other lawyers and activists including Yu Wensheng, Huang Qi, Ge Jueping, Qin Yongmin, Gao Zhisheng, Ilham Tohti, Tashi Wangchuk, Wu Gan and Liu Feiyue.

"The European Union expects China to ensure full respect for the rule of law," it said.&nbsp;

The latest call from the EU for the rights defenders to be freed comes as Brussels and Beijing say they are getting near to sealing a long-awaited investment deal after seven years of negotiations.&nbsp;

The two economic powerhouses are keen to tie up the pact -- which would lower barriers for EU firms to gain access to China's lucrative markets -- before the end of the year.

The deal would be a major boost for both sides and strengthen economic ties before the arrival of US president-elect Joe Biden in the White House in January, as Beijing squares off with Washington over trade.&nbsp;

Talks on the investment agreement have advanced despite major concerns in Europe over China's human rights record, especially its clampdown in Hong Kong and treatment of the Uighurs.

The European Union on Monday called for China to release jailed lawyer Li Yuhan and other human rights defenders, as the bloc closes in on a major investment pact with Beijing.

The European Union on Monday called for China to release jailed lawyer Li Yuhan and other human rights defenders, as the bloc closes in on a major investment pact with Beijing. Li was detained in 2017 after working as an attorney for rights lawyers swept up in Beijing's "709 crackdown" -- so named because it began on July 9, 2015. "Credible sources indicate that, during her detention, Ms Li has been subject to torture and ill-treatment and that she has not received adequate medical assistance," a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. "Her health condition has been seriously deteriorating while in detention." The statement demanded the "immediate release" of Li, as well as other lawyers and activists including Yu Wensheng, Huang Qi, Ge Jueping, Qin Yongmin, Gao Zhisheng, Ilham Tohti, Tashi Wangchuk, Wu Gan and Liu Feiyue. "The European Union expects China to ensure full respect for the rule of law," it said. The latest call from the EU for the rights defenders to be freed comes as Brussels and Beijing say they are getting near to sealing a long-awaited investment deal after seven years of negotiations. The two economic powerhouses are keen to tie up the pact -- which would lower barriers for EU firms to gain access to China's lucrative markets -- before the end of the year. The deal would be a major boost for both sides and strengthen economic ties before the arrival of US president-elect Joe Biden in the White House in January, as Beijing squares off with Washington over trade. Talks on the investment agreement have advanced despite major concerns in Europe over China's human rights record, especially its clampdown in Hong Kong and treatment of the Uighurs.

EU urges China to free Li Yuhan and other human rights activists

The European Union (EU) approved the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> against COVID-19, a few days after the UK and South Africa identified a new strain of coronavirus. After the UK, Italy and Australia, too, reported cases of the new variant of the deadly virus. Other than the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> news,&nbsp;China has called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> accusation 'farce' on involvement in cyberattack.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418" hreflang="en">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/04/172504-pfizer-incs-covid-19-vaccine.jpg?itok=QIPAysh0" />

EMA chief&nbsp;also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-detects-new-fast-spreading-coronavirus-strain-351398">After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/17/174505-untitled-design.jpg?itok=V9hbH72b" />

Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt said there are no plans to follow other countries in halting flights from the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-trumps-accusation-farce-on-involvement-in-cyberattack-351359">China calls Trump's accusation 'farce' on involvement in cyberattack</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175096-untitled-design.jpg?itok=ywqJo0T7" />

Donald&nbsp;Trump on Twitter on Saturday played down Russian involvement on the cyberattack on several US government agencies and said that China 'may'&nbsp;also be involved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-signs-memorandum-of-cooperation-with-russias-sputnik-v-to-combine-covid-19-vaccine-351417" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia to combine vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175136-untitled-design-15.jpg?itok=bbyJ8eqr" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's decision to test combining its own experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-pm-prayut-blames-migrant-workers-for-covid-19-outbreak-351391" hreflang="en">Thailand's PM Prayut blames migrant workers for COVID-19 outbreak</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/03/24/87594-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=nmVjmzRk" />

'They snuck out and came back in,' Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said blaming migrant workers for seafood market COVID-19 outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-prepared-to-react-if-iran-seeks-to-avenge-its-top-generals-killing-351255" hreflang="en">US says ‘prepared to react’ if Iran seeks to avenge its top general's killing</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/01/08/122910-untitled-design.jpg?itok=6KHiFFE_" />

In an apparent sign of US military leaders' concerns about Iranian intentions after Soleimani's killing, McKenzie's current tour was not announced in advance.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-ex-mp-hosts-drive-thru-wedding-for-son-10000-people-participate-351378" hreflang="en">Malaysian ex-MP hosts drive-thru wedding for son; 10,000 people participate</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175116-covid-19-drive-thru-malaysian-wedding.jpg?itok=J5C5xDZk" />

The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crime-will-increase-dramatically-with-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-interpol-351361" hreflang="en">Crime will increase 'dramatically' with COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Interpol</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175093-covid-19-vaccine-theft.jpg?itok=71nRv75X" />

Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deadly-brain-eating-amoeba-is-spreading-in-us-scientists-issue-warning-351357" hreflang="en">Deadly brain-eating amoeba is spreading in US, scientists issue warning</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175095-untitled-design-4.jpg?itok=89069Pc1" />

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in living, breathing people of freshwater, including lakes and streams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vietnam-important-pillar-of-indias-act-east-policy-pm-narendra-modi-351386">Vietnam 'important pillar' of India's Act East Policy: PM Narendra Modi</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/21/175121-untitled-design.jpg?itok=ds7HV0lE" />

The Indian prime minister also said that Vietnam is an 'important pillar of India's Act East Policy' and a 'big partner' of India's Indo-Pacific vision.

The European Union (EU) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19, a few days after the UK and South Africa identified a new strain of coronavirus. After the UK, Italy and Australia, too, reported cases of the new variant of the deadly virus.

The European Union (EU) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19, a few days after the UK and South Africa identified a new strain of coronavirus. After the UK, Italy and Australia, too, reported cases of the new variant of the deadly virus. Other than the COVID-19 news, China has called Donald Trump's accusation 'farce' on involvement in cyberattack. Click on headlines to read more 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine EMA chief also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now. After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt said there are no plans to follow other countries in halting flights from the UK. China calls Trump's accusation 'farce' on involvement in cyberattack Donald Trump on Twitter on Saturday played down Russian involvement on the cyberattack on several US government agencies and said that China 'may' also be involved. AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia to combine vaccine Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's decision to test combining its own experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V shot. Thailand's PM Prayut blames migrant workers for COVID-19 outbreak 'They snuck out and came back in,' Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said blaming migrant workers for seafood market COVID-19 outbreak. US says ‘prepared to react’ if Iran seeks to avenge its top general's killing In an apparent sign of US military leaders' concerns about Iranian intentions after Soleimani's killing, McKenzie's current tour was not announced in advance. Malaysian ex-MP hosts drive-thru wedding for son; 10,000 people participate The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars. Crime will increase 'dramatically' with COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Interpol Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Deadly brain-eating amoeba is spreading in US, scientists issue warning Naegleria fowleri is typically found in living, breathing people of freshwater, including lakes and streams. Vietnam 'important pillar' of India's Act East Policy: PM Narendra Modi The Indian prime minister also said that Vietnam is an 'important pillar of India's Act East Policy' and a 'big partner' of India's Indo-Pacific vision.

Top 10 world news today: EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, new strain cases found in Australia, and more

Fearing a trade deal between Britain and the European Union might be elusive, Snag Tights, a Scottish newcomer in the hosiery business, set up a hub in Europe this year to avoid potential tariffs, bringing 30 jobs to the Dutch town of Venlo.

Dutch town attracts Scottish tights maker amid Brexit doubt

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future.

The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations.

"We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. 
But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal.&nbsp;

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"It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said&nbsp;

"The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out."

The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks.

Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-northern-ireland-changes-when-brexit-transition-ends-351172">How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends</a>

UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement.

The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years.

The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence".

EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods.&nbsp;

"We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them.

(With AFP inputs)

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters.

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future. The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations. "We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal. × "It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said "The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out." The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks. Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms. Also Read | How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement. The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years. The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. "We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence". EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods. "We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them. (With AFP inputs)

EU-UK Brexit trade deal talks threatened by failure over fish

In what can be called a surprising turn of events, all lorry drivers travelling from the UK to the countries of the European Union will now have to ditch their popular snack of 'ham and cheese' sandwiches.

In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives have been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01.&nbsp;

This ban will come into effect from December 31 from 11pm and will disallow the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban will also apply to tourists travelling to the EU.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-hours-left-for-a-post-brexit-trade-deal-350883">EU says hours left for a post-Brexit trade deal</a>

"Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read.

The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated.

This decision has been taken to control the spread of diseases from these food items, especially after the coronavirus pandemic.

As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they&nbsp;could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution.

While the meat and dairy products will be disallowed,&nbsp;meat extracts and meat concentrates will be allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers.

The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

In what can be called a surprising turn of events, all lorry drivers travelling from the UK to the countries of the European Union will now have to ditch their popular snack of 'ham and cheese' sandwiches.

In what can be called a surprising turn of events, all lorry drivers travelling from the UK to the countries of the European Union will now have to ditch their popular snack of 'ham and cheese' sandwiches. In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives have been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01. This ban will come into effect from December 31 from 11pm and will disallow the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban will also apply to tourists travelling to the EU. Also read| EU says hours left for a post-Brexit trade deal "Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read. The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated. This decision has been taken to control the spread of diseases from these food items, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution. While the meat and dairy products will be disallowed, meat extracts and meat concentrates will be allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers. The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday suggested that no-deal Brexit is looking like the only way out of deadlock with trade talks with the European Union.

Britain says no deal with European Union the most likely scenario

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