It also comes after the WHO was criticized for having declared the pandemic, which first emerged in China at the end of last year, too late.

EU seeks power to declare health emergency regardless of WHO move

The European Union charged Amazon with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the U.S. company uses its size, power and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform.

Europe charges Amazon with using dominance and data to squeeze rivals

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics.

A blow to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has historically taken such calls, this could signal a shift in WHO-centric health policy outlook.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-sinopharm-claims-results-of-its-vaccine-are-better-than-expected-342440" hreflang="en">China's Sinopharm claims results of its vaccine are 'better than expected'</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-pandemic-europe-faces-shortage-of-beds-doctors-nurses-342402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reaction to COVID-19 among 27 EU countries has been uncoordinated, which is why some countries have managed it amiably, while others have faltered. Currently, Europe is witnessing a second-wave of coronavirus infections, with numbers increasing across all major countries. Many have also reimposed lockdowns.

Owing to the unequal response and preparation, many EU countries were seen competing for medical gear and other paraphernalia.

WHO criticised

The WHO has faced global criticism for undermining the severity of COVID-19, and for&nbsp;declaring it a pandemic too late. The WHO, though denies all such claims.

The proposals state that the EU would be able to declare a pan-EU public health emergency, which they would facilitate coordination among EU states. As of now, the union has to rely on the WHO before declaring such emergencies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-president-warns-recurring-cycles-viral-spread-despite-vaccine-342445" hreflang="en">EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine</a>

"The new rules will enable the activation of EU emergency response mechanisms… without making it contingent upon the WHO's own declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern," an EU document says, Reuters reported. However, all such responses would be in coordination with the WHO.

EU states want reform in the WHO, and believe that they had relied on the organisation too heavily during the pandemic.

"We relied too much on the WHO for the COVID-19 pandemic," Peter Liese, lawmaker from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party said.

"Under pressure from China, the WHO declared the health emergency too late. It is therefore very important to have the possibility to act at European level in future similar situations”, Liese added.

The incumbent US President Donald Trump had labelled WHO a puppet of China.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics. A blow to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has historically taken such calls, this could signal a shift in WHO-centric health policy outlook. Also read: China's Sinopharm claims results of its vaccine are 'better than expected' The reaction to COVID-19 among 27 EU countries has been uncoordinated, which is why some countries have managed it amiably, while others have faltered. Currently, Europe is witnessing a second-wave of coronavirus infections, with numbers increasing across all major countries. Many have also reimposed lockdowns. Owing to the unequal response and preparation, many EU countries were seen competing for medical gear and other paraphernalia. WHO criticised The WHO has faced global criticism for undermining the severity of COVID-19, and for declaring it a pandemic too late. The WHO, though denies all such claims. The proposals state that the EU would be able to declare a pan-EU public health emergency, which they would facilitate coordination among EU states. As of now, the union has to rely on the WHO before declaring such emergencies. Also read: EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine "The new rules will enable the activation of EU emergency response mechanisms… without making it contingent upon the WHO's own declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern," an EU document says, Reuters reported. However, all such responses would be in coordination with the WHO. EU states want reform in the WHO, and believe that they had relied on the organisation too heavily during the pandemic. "We relied too much on the WHO for the COVID-19 pandemic," Peter Liese, lawmaker from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party said. "Under pressure from China, the WHO declared the health emergency too late. It is therefore very important to have the possibility to act at European level in future similar situations”, Liese added. The incumbent US President Donald Trump had labelled WHO a puppet of China.

EU seeks power to declare health emergencies undermining WHO

Top EU leaders have called for a 'rapid and coordinated' response to Islamist terrorism. For the first time since its inception, the EU is taking a serious look at extremism. How successful will Europe's anti-terror campaign be? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Islamist terror tops European Union's agenda

After the string of terror attacks, the European Union is mulling radical moves. It wants to set up a school to train imams in Europe. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the three measures the European Union plans to take to tackle radical Islam.

Gravitas: European Union mulls a school to train imams

The deadline for the UK to strike a deal with an EU comes to a near. The conditions were already not in favour of the British PM Boris Johnson & now with Joe Biden coming to the White House. the US will be under increased pressure to strike a Brexit deal.

Fears of worsening US-UK ties with no-deal outcome | US-Brexit vision under Biden

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution".

The statement, issued by the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, came two days after Israeli bulldozers razed a Bedouin village near Tubas in the Jordan Valley, leaving its nearly 80 inhabitants homeless.

Israel's army stated the homes were "built illegally" in an area used for military training.&nbsp;

The EU statement said that half the Palestinians made homeless in the demolition were children.

"This large-scale demolition confirms once again the regrettable trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year," it said.

It added that Israel has also threatened to raze 52 Palestinian schools, including one in Ras Al-Teen in the West Bank that was co-funded by the EU and EU member states.

"The EU calls for the protection of children, including ensuring their right to education in a safe and secure school environment," the statement said, noting that education is a basic human right.

"The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, in particular in light of the humanitarian impact of the current coronavirus pandemic," it said.

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution".

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution". The statement, issued by the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, came two days after Israeli bulldozers razed a Bedouin village near Tubas in the Jordan Valley, leaving its nearly 80 inhabitants homeless. Israel's army stated the homes were "built illegally" in an area used for military training. The EU statement said that half the Palestinians made homeless in the demolition were children. "This large-scale demolition confirms once again the regrettable trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year," it said. It added that Israel has also threatened to raze 52 Palestinian schools, including one in Ras Al-Teen in the West Bank that was co-funded by the EU and EU member states. "The EU calls for the protection of children, including ensuring their right to education in a safe and secure school environment," the statement said, noting that education is a basic human right. "The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, in particular in light of the humanitarian impact of the current coronavirus pandemic," it said.

EU calls for halt to Israeli demolition of Palestinian buildings

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union.

The deal covers sectors from food to textiles and tech and largely replicates the existing EU-Japan arrangement, which will no longer apply to Britain at the end of this year.

The British government has touted it as a chance to boost trade between the two countries by £15.2 billion ($19.5 billion, 16.5 billion euros).&nbsp;

It is due to take effect on January 1 -- the end of a transition period in which London and Brussels are trying to thrash out the terms of their new relationship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-seals-temporary-brexit-trade-deal-with-efta-nations-337136">Also read:&nbsp;UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations</a>

Britain and the European Union resumed their fraught talks on Thursday after the UK ended a week of threats to abandon the long-running negotiations.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in London with negotiators vowing to work around the clock to salvage a trade deal and avert potential economic chaos at the end of the year -- although key sticking points still remain.

Britain's International Trade Minister Liz Truss is in Tokyo to sign the deal with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, after it was agreed in principle by the pair last month during a video call.

Truss said in a statement that Friday's signing was "a landmark moment for Britain" that "strengthens ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor".

"It secures major wins that would be impossible as part of the EU and brings together two of the world's most technologically advanced nations," her ministry added in a statement.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been trumpeted by London as a sign to Brexit opponents that agreements can be struck elsewhere.

Japan's parliament will still need to ratify the deal by the end of the year for it to come into effect.

UK-Japanese trade was worth more than £30 billion last year, according to the British government, and their agreement has a particular focus on the food and drink, finance and tech sectors.

Britain formally left the EU in January this year, following a 2016 seismic referendum that saw voters opt to end five decades of European integration.

But under the terms of its divorce, the country will only be free of EU structures from 2021.

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union.

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union. The deal covers sectors from food to textiles and tech and largely replicates the existing EU-Japan arrangement, which will no longer apply to Britain at the end of this year. The British government has touted it as a chance to boost trade between the two countries by £15.2 billion ($19.5 billion, 16.5 billion euros). It is due to take effect on January 1 -- the end of a transition period in which London and Brussels are trying to thrash out the terms of their new relationship. Also read: UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations Britain and the European Union resumed their fraught talks on Thursday after the UK ended a week of threats to abandon the long-running negotiations. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in London with negotiators vowing to work around the clock to salvage a trade deal and avert potential economic chaos at the end of the year -- although key sticking points still remain. Britain's International Trade Minister Liz Truss is in Tokyo to sign the deal with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, after it was agreed in principle by the pair last month during a video call. Truss said in a statement that Friday's signing was "a landmark moment for Britain" that "strengthens ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor". "It secures major wins that would be impossible as part of the EU and brings together two of the world's most technologically advanced nations," her ministry added in a statement. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been trumpeted by London as a sign to Brexit opponents that agreements can be struck elsewhere. Japan's parliament will still need to ratify the deal by the end of the year for it to come into effect. UK-Japanese trade was worth more than £30 billion last year, according to the British government, and their agreement has a particular focus on the food and drink, finance and tech sectors. Britain formally left the EU in January this year, following a 2016 seismic referendum that saw voters opt to end five decades of European integration. But under the terms of its divorce, the country will only be free of EU structures from 2021.

Britain inks post-Brexit trade deal with Japan

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1.

The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-is-ready-to-negotiate-but-uk-says-its-meaningless-to-resume-talks-336494">Also read|&nbsp;EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks</a>

Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership.

"We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-of-lords-rejects-brexit-bill-big-blow-to-boris-johnsons-government-336801">Also read|&nbsp;UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government</a>

Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights.

Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union. The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1. The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU. Also read| EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership. "We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP. "This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year. Also read| UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights. Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values. Things did not improve from there.

Four years later, Trump's abrasive foreign policy moves, often unveiled in all-caps tweets, have alienated not just Germany but much of Europe.

"The transatlantic relationship is practically on life support," said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Even if Democratic challenger Joe Biden wins the November 3 election, experts said there will be no magical healing of the EU-US rift.

Recent surveys by the Pew Research Center found that America's image among Europeans has plummeted to record lows, with just 26 percent of Germans now holding a favourable view of the superpower.

The "harsh judgement" can be partly attributed to the widespread belief that the Trump administration "mishandled the coronavirus", said Bruce Stokes, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a British think-tank.

"Europeans look at America and think there are a lot of domestic issues that are just breaking the country apart and how can it be a good partner (at such a time)?" added David-Wilp.

- 'A foe' -

From pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal to slapping tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, and defanging the World Trade Organization, Trump has dealt blow after blow to multilateralism, a much-valued European approach to global challenges.

He stunned allies by describing the European Union as a foe on trade, and "scared people" by cosying up to Russia, Stokes said.

Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, has been a regular target of Trump's anger, often over its failure to meet NATO's defence spending targets.

But on a personal level too, there is no love lost between Europe's most powerful woman, who is leaving office next year, and the real estate tycoon in the White House.

Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron who tried to woo Trump with a military parade and a dazzling Eiffel Tower dinner before ties soured, Merkel never went out of her way to court the mercurial American.

Relations turned even frostier in June after she rebuffed an invite for a G7 event in Washington over coronavirus concerns. Soon after, Trump announced he was slashing the number of US troops stationed in Germany.

"He has real trouble dealing with strong women," Stokes said.

But Trump has made some friends on the continent. Hungarian premier Viktor Orban, who shares his anti-immigrant sentiment, is openly backing him for reelection.

Poland, which stands to benefit from Trump's troop reshuffle, has experienced "a US re-engagement" and shares Washington's opposition to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany, said Justyna Gotkowska from the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW).

- If Biden wins -

Should Biden win, he "will see the need to revitalise relationships with allies," said David-Wilp.

Expect the former vice president to make a trip to Europe early on, rejoin the climate pact and restart nuclear talks with Iran, experts say.

But areas of friction will remain on military spending, Nord Stream 2, and Washington's campaign against Chinese tech giant Huawei.

Faced with a Covid-19 battered economy, Biden will probably eschew Trump's more protectionist tendencies but some sort of "America First" vision for sensitive industries will likely live on.

"Europeans have to understand that a Biden administration is going to be so domestically preoccupied," said Stokes.

The career politician is therefore expected to surround himself with seasoned foreign policy officials who will "even more than normally" be relied upon "to pull things back together, but hopefully also chart a new course" with Brussels, he added.

Should Trump be reelected, expect "a great sucking in of breath" across European capitals, Stokes said, and "another four years of a very rocky ride".

But even under Trump 2.0, it is "entirely possible" for the US and EU to form a united front when it's in their self-interest on issues such as the coronavirus or China policy, Stokes said.

Peter Beyer, Merkel's transatlantic coordinator, recently told AFP that a "new Cold War" between Washington and Beijing had already begun, and that Europe should "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with the US to face a rising China.

- 'Jolted' -

An unintended side effect of the Trump turbulence has been the growing realisation that Europe must speak and act more as one.

"Trump definitely jolted things," said David-Wilp.

The bloc's successful negotiation of a huge coronavirus stimulus package, spearheaded by Merkel and Macron, suggests a new impetus for closer cooperation and a reinvigorated German-Franco partnership.

Trump's attacks painting Europeans as taking advantage of the US have spurred higher NATO contributions, and a greater acceptance of burden-sharing on security issues.

There are plenty of obstacles ahead for the 27-member club with its disparate interests, not least the impending Brexit turmoil and elections looming in key member states.

"But if one wants to say the glass is half-full, the Trump presidency may have helped accelerate European unity," Stokes said.

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values.

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values. Things did not improve from there. Four years later, Trump's abrasive foreign policy moves, often unveiled in all-caps tweets, have alienated not just Germany but much of Europe. "The transatlantic relationship is practically on life support," said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Even if Democratic challenger Joe Biden wins the November 3 election, experts said there will be no magical healing of the EU-US rift. Recent surveys by the Pew Research Center found that America's image among Europeans has plummeted to record lows, with just 26 percent of Germans now holding a favourable view of the superpower. The "harsh judgement" can be partly attributed to the widespread belief that the Trump administration "mishandled the coronavirus", said Bruce Stokes, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a British think-tank. "Europeans look at America and think there are a lot of domestic issues that are just breaking the country apart and how can it be a good partner (at such a time)?" added David-Wilp. - 'A foe' - From pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal to slapping tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, and defanging the World Trade Organization, Trump has dealt blow after blow to multilateralism, a much-valued European approach to global challenges. He stunned allies by describing the European Union as a foe on trade, and "scared people" by cosying up to Russia, Stokes said. Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, has been a regular target of Trump's anger, often over its failure to meet NATO's defence spending targets. But on a personal level too, there is no love lost between Europe's most powerful woman, who is leaving office next year, and the real estate tycoon in the White House. Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron who tried to woo Trump with a military parade and a dazzling Eiffel Tower dinner before ties soured, Merkel never went out of her way to court the mercurial American. Relations turned even frostier in June after she rebuffed an invite for a G7 event in Washington over coronavirus concerns. Soon after, Trump announced he was slashing the number of US troops stationed in Germany. "He has real trouble dealing with strong women," Stokes said. But Trump has made some friends on the continent. Hungarian premier Viktor Orban, who shares his anti-immigrant sentiment, is openly backing him for reelection. Poland, which stands to benefit from Trump's troop reshuffle, has experienced "a US re-engagement" and shares Washington's opposition to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany, said Justyna Gotkowska from the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW). - If Biden wins - Should Biden win, he "will see the need to revitalise relationships with allies," said David-Wilp. Expect the former vice president to make a trip to Europe early on, rejoin the climate pact and restart nuclear talks with Iran, experts say. But areas of friction will remain on military spending, Nord Stream 2, and Washington's campaign against Chinese tech giant Huawei. Faced with a Covid-19 battered economy, Biden will probably eschew Trump's more protectionist tendencies but some sort of "America First" vision for sensitive industries will likely live on. "Europeans have to understand that a Biden administration is going to be so domestically preoccupied," said Stokes. The career politician is therefore expected to surround himself with seasoned foreign policy officials who will "even more than normally" be relied upon "to pull things back together, but hopefully also chart a new course" with Brussels, he added. Should Trump be reelected, expect "a great sucking in of breath" across European capitals, Stokes said, and "another four years of a very rocky ride". But even under Trump 2.0, it is "entirely possible" for the US and EU to form a united front when it's in their self-interest on issues such as the coronavirus or China policy, Stokes said. Peter Beyer, Merkel's transatlantic coordinator, recently told AFP that a "new Cold War" between Washington and Beijing had already begun, and that Europe should "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with the US to face a rising China. - 'Jolted' - An unintended side effect of the Trump turbulence has been the growing realisation that Europe must speak and act more as one. "Trump definitely jolted things," said David-Wilp. The bloc's successful negotiation of a huge coronavirus stimulus package, spearheaded by Merkel and Macron, suggests a new impetus for closer cooperation and a reinvigorated German-Franco partnership. Trump's attacks painting Europeans as taking advantage of the US have spurred higher NATO contributions, and a greater acceptance of burden-sharing on security issues. There are plenty of obstacles ahead for the 27-member club with its disparate interests, not least the impending Brexit turmoil and elections looming in key member states. "But if one wants to say the glass is half-full, the Trump presidency may have helped accelerate European unity," Stokes said.

EU-US alliance 'on life support' after four years of Trump

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks.

The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal &nbsp;and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership.

However, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-brexit-trade-talks-are-over-unless-eu-shifts-335816">Also read:&nbsp;UK says Brexit trade talks are 'over' unless EU shifts</a>

The two sides disagree on the rules for fair competition, how these rules will be policed and how much access EU fishing fleets will get to UK waters.

Britain wants to reassert sovereignty over its waters and have no EU legal oversight over the deal -- insisting it wants a simple trade deal of the kind the EU signed with Canada.

But the EU says Britain's situation is completely different to that of Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-virus-surges-and-brexit-bears-down-boris-johnson-stalls-for-time-335716">Also read:&nbsp;As virus surges and Brexit bears down, Boris Johnson stalls for time</a>

"I want a deal, I'm keen to conclude one but it takes both sides to compromise in order for there to be one. The EU is not doing so at the moment," Gove told Sky News, adding that the EU did not seem serious in their desire to reach a deal.

Chief European negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Frost are due to discuss the structure of talks on Monday, according to the European Commission.

"The ball is in his court," Gove said of Barnier.&nbsp;

Failure to strike a deal would see Britain and Europe revert to World Trade Organization terms, with higher tariffs and quotas, potentially devastating for economies already weakened by the pandemic.

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks. The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership.

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks. The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership. However, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position. Also read: UK says Brexit trade talks are 'over' unless EU shifts The two sides disagree on the rules for fair competition, how these rules will be policed and how much access EU fishing fleets will get to UK waters. Britain wants to reassert sovereignty over its waters and have no EU legal oversight over the deal -- insisting it wants a simple trade deal of the kind the EU signed with Canada. But the EU says Britain's situation is completely different to that of Canada. Also read: As virus surges and Brexit bears down, Boris Johnson stalls for time "I want a deal, I'm keen to conclude one but it takes both sides to compromise in order for there to be one. The EU is not doing so at the moment," Gove told Sky News, adding that the EU did not seem serious in their desire to reach a deal. Chief European negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Frost are due to discuss the structure of talks on Monday, according to the European Commission. "The ball is in his court," Gove said of Barnier. Failure to strike a deal would see Britain and Europe revert to World Trade Organization terms, with higher tariffs and quotas, potentially devastating for economies already weakened by the pandemic.

UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event.

Austria`s Alexander Schallenberg and Belgium`s Sophie Wilmes sat next to each other during a group breakfast at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday in Luxembourg, a spokeswoman for Austria`s Foreign Ministry said.

"It is suspected that Schallenberg might have been infected at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday," the spokeswoman said, adding that he did not have symptoms and had been tested as a routine measure.

Wilmes said on Saturday she had tested positive for COVID-19, a day after going into self-isolation with suspected symptoms of the illness.

"Contamination probably occurred within my family circle given the precautions taken outside my home," she said on Twitter, without saying when she might have become infected.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tested negative on Friday and had no close contact with Schallenberg, his ministry said, while Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde will work from home until she receives a negative test result, her department said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian tested negative on Thursday while on a trip to Algeria.

Schallenberg`s only bilateral meeting in Luxembourg was with his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney but social distancing measures were implemented and Ireland has been informed of his positive test, his ministry`s spokeswoman said.

Schallenberg also attended a cabinet meeting on Wednesday but cabinet members wore face masks, she added.

"As a precautionary measure all members of the government will be tested on Saturday," the spokeswoman said.

Austria`s cabinet had a scare less than two weeks ago when a close colleague of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz`s was confirmed to have the virus.

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event.

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event. Austria`s Alexander Schallenberg and Belgium`s Sophie Wilmes sat next to each other during a group breakfast at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday in Luxembourg, a spokeswoman for Austria`s Foreign Ministry said. "It is suspected that Schallenberg might have been infected at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday," the spokeswoman said, adding that he did not have symptoms and had been tested as a routine measure. Wilmes said on Saturday she had tested positive for COVID-19, a day after going into self-isolation with suspected symptoms of the illness. "Contamination probably occurred within my family circle given the precautions taken outside my home," she said on Twitter, without saying when she might have become infected. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tested negative on Friday and had no close contact with Schallenberg, his ministry said, while Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde will work from home until she receives a negative test result, her department said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian tested negative on Thursday while on a trip to Algeria. Schallenberg`s only bilateral meeting in Luxembourg was with his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney but social distancing measures were implemented and Ireland has been informed of his positive test, his ministry`s spokeswoman said. Schallenberg also attended a cabinet meeting on Wednesday but cabinet members wore face masks, she added. "As a precautionary measure all members of the government will be tested on Saturday," the spokeswoman said. Austria`s cabinet had a scare less than two weeks ago when a close colleague of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz`s was confirmed to have the virus.

Two foreign ministers test positive for COVID-19 after EU meeting

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing - deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case

The World Trade Organization on Tuesday gave the European Union permission to impose tariffs on $4 billion worth of American products annually in retaliation for illegal subsidies given to American plane-maker Boeing, a move that could result in levies on American airplanes, agricultural products and other goods.

The decision, which stems from a 16-year fight before the global trade body, follows a parallel case that the United States brought against Europe over subsidies to its largest plane-maker, Airbus. Last year, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on European planes, wine, cheese and other products after the WTO gave the United States permission to retaliate on up to $7.5 billion of European exports annually.

It remains to be seen whether the new tariffs will ultimately persuade the United States and Europe to come to a negotiated settlement that would lift the levies, or merely inflame relations and result in higher costs on businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Union has repeatedly appealed to the United States to remove its tariffs, but U.S. officials say Europe has not taken the necessary actions to stop its Airbus subsidies.

The tariffs will not go into effect immediately. The European Union needs to request authorization from the WTO to impose the levies, which it can do at an Oct. 26 meeting at the earliest. The European Commission last year issued a preliminary list of American products that it could choose to tax, including aircraft, chemicals, citrus fruit, frozen fish and ketchup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-get-wto-green-light-for-us-tariffs-334887">Also read:&nbsp;EU set to get WTO green light for US tariffs</a>

The tariffs, when American companies are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, would be especially painful for Boeing, which is already struggling from a pair of devastating crises. Boeing, like Airbus, announced plans this summer to cut more than 10% of its global workforce amid a steep decline in travel, which has forced airlines to delay and scale back plans to buy planes. Both Boeing and Airbus plan to cut more than 30,000 jobs in all.

Delta Air Lines, whose fleet includes hundreds of planes from both manufacturers, said Tuesday that it had scaled back plans to buy $5 billion worth of aircraft through 2022. Just under a million people were screened at federal airport checkpoints Monday, a decline of more than 60% from the same day last year.

Boeing is also still struggling with fallout from the 737 Max, a star of the company’s fleet of planes, which has been grounded worldwide since March 2019 after two crashes killed 346 people. In January, the company estimated that the grounding, which could be lifted in the coming months, would cost it more than $18 billion. The company is also contending with quality concerns related to another plane, the 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body jet designed for long-distance flights.

So far this year, Boeing customers have canceled 438 orders for the Max, with hundreds more orders removed from its books because of the low likelihood that they will be fulfilled, the company said Tuesday. After accounting for new sales and cancellations, Boeing has lost a net 381 orders for the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-wins-tariff-clearance-on-4-billion-of-us-imports-in-boeing-case-335072/amp">Also read:&nbsp;EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case</a>

The WTO’s decision Tuesday rested on a Washington state tax break provided to Boeing and worth about $100 million a year. Lawmakers there repealed the tax break this year with Boeing’s support, but the WTO said the subsidy had nevertheless harmed Airbus from 2012 to 2015. Airbus contends that Boeing continues to receive other preferential tax treatment from the state.

“Airbus did not start this WTO dispute, and we do not wish to continue the harm to the customers and suppliers of the aviation industry and to all other sectors impacted,” Guillaume Faury, the company’s chief executive, said in a statement. “It is time to find a solution now so that tariffs can be removed on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Boeing said it was “disappointed” that Airbus and the EU had pursued the tariffs even after the tax break’s repeal, but said the company hoped that both would focus “on good-faith efforts to resolve this long-running dispute.” The EU had asked the WTO to authorize more than $8.5 billion in annual tariffs, while the U.S. said they should not exceed $412 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-pushes-uk-to-budge-at-critical-stage-in-brexit-talks-335076">Also read:&nbsp;EU pushes UK to budge at 'critical stage' in Brexit talks</a>

In a statement, Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, said the European Union had no valid basis to impose tariffs since Washington had already repealed its tax break, and that the United States would seek more negotiations with Europe.

“Any imposition of tariffs based on a measure that has been eliminated is plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response,” he said. “The United States is determined to find a resolution to this dispute that addresses the massive subsidies European governments have provided to Airbus and the harm to U.S. aerospace workers and businesses.”

Valdis Dombrovskis, the European commissioner for trade, said in a statement that while the decision allowed the European Union to impose tariffs on American products, it would do so “reluctantly.”

“I have been engaging with my American counterpart, Ambassador Lighthizer, and it is my hope that the U.S. will now drop the tariffs imposed on EU exports last year,” he said. “If it does not happen, we will be forced to exercise our rights and impose similar tariffs.”

Ole Moehr, an associate director at the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, said that, in the short run, there were likely to be more barriers to trade than before, but that the ruling might ultimately “open the door for a trans-Atlantic trade détente.”

“Both sides are waiting until the election is settled to reengage and depending on the outcome we could see a ratcheting up of tensions before any potential deepening of trade ties,” Moehr said. “The Airbus-Boeing dispute is one of the keys to the entire trade relationship and today’s decision, combined with the recession triggered by the pandemic, may change the calculus over the long term.”

The ruling brings to a close a dispute that formally began in 2004. At the time, the United States and Boeing accused several European nations of violating trade agreements by providing Airbus with below-market loans. That “launch aid” helped Airbus to develop and produce several types of aircraft, allowing it to gain equal footing with Boeing in the global airplane market, despite having less than 25% of the market in 1990, they argued.

Last year, the WTO sided with the United States, allowing up to $7.5 billion in annual tariffs on European imports. Europe countered with a formal complaint of its own in 2005, arguing that the United States had similarly provided illegal subsidies to Boeing.

The World Trade Organization on Tuesday gave the European Union permission to impose tariffs on $4 billion worth of American products annually in retaliation for illegal subsidies given to American plane-maker Boeing, a move that could result in levies on American airplanes, agricultural products and other goods.

The World Trade Organization on Tuesday gave the European Union permission to impose tariffs on $4 billion worth of American products annually in retaliation for illegal subsidies given to American plane-maker Boeing, a move that could result in levies on American airplanes, agricultural products and other goods. The decision, which stems from a 16-year fight before the global trade body, follows a parallel case that the United States brought against Europe over subsidies to its largest plane-maker, Airbus. Last year, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on European planes, wine, cheese and other products after the WTO gave the United States permission to retaliate on up to $7.5 billion of European exports annually. It remains to be seen whether the new tariffs will ultimately persuade the United States and Europe to come to a negotiated settlement that would lift the levies, or merely inflame relations and result in higher costs on businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Union has repeatedly appealed to the United States to remove its tariffs, but U.S. officials say Europe has not taken the necessary actions to stop its Airbus subsidies. The tariffs will not go into effect immediately. The European Union needs to request authorization from the WTO to impose the levies, which it can do at an Oct. 26 meeting at the earliest. The European Commission last year issued a preliminary list of American products that it could choose to tax, including aircraft, chemicals, citrus fruit, frozen fish and ketchup. Also read: EU set to get WTO green light for US tariffs The tariffs, when American companies are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, would be especially painful for Boeing, which is already struggling from a pair of devastating crises. Boeing, like Airbus, announced plans this summer to cut more than 10% of its global workforce amid a steep decline in travel, which has forced airlines to delay and scale back plans to buy planes. Both Boeing and Airbus plan to cut more than 30,000 jobs in all. Delta Air Lines, whose fleet includes hundreds of planes from both manufacturers, said Tuesday that it had scaled back plans to buy $5 billion worth of aircraft through 2022. Just under a million people were screened at federal airport checkpoints Monday, a decline of more than 60% from the same day last year. Boeing is also still struggling with fallout from the 737 Max, a star of the company’s fleet of planes, which has been grounded worldwide since March 2019 after two crashes killed 346 people. In January, the company estimated that the grounding, which could be lifted in the coming months, would cost it more than $18 billion. The company is also contending with quality concerns related to another plane, the 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body jet designed for long-distance flights. So far this year, Boeing customers have canceled 438 orders for the Max, with hundreds more orders removed from its books because of the low likelihood that they will be fulfilled, the company said Tuesday. After accounting for new sales and cancellations, Boeing has lost a net 381 orders for the year. Also read: EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case The WTO’s decision Tuesday rested on a Washington state tax break provided to Boeing and worth about $100 million a year. Lawmakers there repealed the tax break this year with Boeing’s support, but the WTO said the subsidy had nevertheless harmed Airbus from 2012 to 2015. Airbus contends that Boeing continues to receive other preferential tax treatment from the state. “Airbus did not start this WTO dispute, and we do not wish to continue the harm to the customers and suppliers of the aviation industry and to all other sectors impacted,” Guillaume Faury, the company’s chief executive, said in a statement. “It is time to find a solution now so that tariffs can be removed on both sides of the Atlantic.” Boeing said it was “disappointed” that Airbus and the EU had pursued the tariffs even after the tax break’s repeal, but said the company hoped that both would focus “on good-faith efforts to resolve this long-running dispute.” The EU had asked the WTO to authorize more than $8.5 billion in annual tariffs, while the U.S. said they should not exceed $412 million. Also read: EU pushes UK to budge at 'critical stage' in Brexit talks In a statement, Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, said the European Union had no valid basis to impose tariffs since Washington had already repealed its tax break, and that the United States would seek more negotiations with Europe. “Any imposition of tariffs based on a measure that has been eliminated is plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response,” he said. “The United States is determined to find a resolution to this dispute that addresses the massive subsidies European governments have provided to Airbus and the harm to U.S. aerospace workers and businesses.” Valdis Dombrovskis, the European commissioner for trade, said in a statement that while the decision allowed the European Union to impose tariffs on American products, it would do so “reluctantly.” “I have been engaging with my American counterpart, Ambassador Lighthizer, and it is my hope that the U.S. will now drop the tariffs imposed on EU exports last year,” he said. “If it does not happen, we will be forced to exercise our rights and impose similar tariffs.” Ole Moehr, an associate director at the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, said that, in the short run, there were likely to be more barriers to trade than before, but that the ruling might ultimately “open the door for a trans-Atlantic trade détente.” “Both sides are waiting until the election is settled to reengage and depending on the outcome we could see a ratcheting up of tensions before any potential deepening of trade ties,” Moehr said. “The Airbus-Boeing dispute is one of the keys to the entire trade relationship and today’s decision, combined with the recession triggered by the pandemic, may change the calculus over the long term.” The ruling brings to a close a dispute that formally began in 2004. At the time, the United States and Boeing accused several European nations of violating trade agreements by providing Airbus with below-market loans. That “launch aid” helped Airbus to develop and produce several types of aircraft, allowing it to gain equal footing with Boeing in the global airplane market, despite having less than 25% of the market in 1990, they argued. Last year, the WTO sided with the United States, allowing up to $7.5 billion in annual tariffs on European imports. Europe countered with a formal complaint of its own in 2005, arguing that the United States had similarly provided illegal subsidies to Boeing.

Europe can impose tariffs on US in long-running aircraft battle

The&nbsp;European Union demanded "substantive" movement on Tuesday from Britain on fisheries, dispute settlement and guarantees of fair competition in their talks on a post-Brexit trade deal, with Germany saying they were at a "critical stage".

France said the 27-nation bloc must not yield on fishing rights, while Ireland - the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member most exposed to any abrupt economic split at the end of the year - said Britain was running out of time to seal the terms of a deal.

Britain, the world's sixth-biggest economy, left the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;in January and has since been locked in painstaking talks with the world's largest trading bloc to keep trade flowing freely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/eu-wins-tariff-clearance-on-4-billion-of-us-imports-in-boeing-case-335072" hreflang="en">EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case</a>

EU&nbsp;leaders hold a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to assess progress, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also said he wants to know by Oct. 15 if a deal can be reached.

The&nbsp;European affairs minister of Germany - current holder of the bloc's rotating presidency - said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;was working hard for a deal but was ready if necessary to trade from 2021 without an accord.

"We are at a very critical stage in the negotiations and we are extremely under pressure," Michael Roth told his 26 fellow ministers. "In terms of substance we have not really made progress."

"We expect substantial progress by our friends in the United Kingdom in key areas: in particular on governance, 'level playing field' and fisheries."

Roth said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;would step up contingency planning in case of failure in the negotiations on a new partnership - which is meant to cover many areas from trade to transport and nuclear ties - from Jan. 1, when London's post-Brexit standstill transition ends.

A trillion&nbsp;euros of annual trade are at stake.

Johnson's spokesman reiterated Britain's stance that it wants a deal "on the right terms": "... if we can't get there we are ready and willing to move forward with an Australian-style outcome which holds no fear."

The bulk of Australia's exports to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;are subject to tariffs and quotas set under World Trade Organization terms.

LONG ROAD, LITTLE TIME

Johnson, a key face of the 2016 Brexit campaign, has spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in recent days, and was due to speak on Wednesday with the head of the&nbsp;EU's executive, Ursula von der Leyen.

On Tuesday, Merkel said a deal was "in the interests of all" but also flagged the need to prepare for a no-deal outcome.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-unity-on-getting-a-fair-brexit-deal-strong-says-chief-negotiator-barnier-334978" hreflang="en">EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier</a>

The&nbsp;EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has been downbeat in his assessment of progress, an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomat said: "It is far from sufficient. 'Level playing field', fisheries and enforcement measures remain the key controversial issues."

France has shown little willingness to compromise over future access to fishing waters and sharing quotas, despite growing pressure from others in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;to help unlock a deal.

French&nbsp;Europe Minister Clement Beaune said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;must be "very firm" on its priorities, and that safeguards of fair competition were a must to access the&nbsp;EU's internal market of 450 million people without trade barriers.

Macron is expected to hammer home that message at the summit. But, with markets increasingly jittery, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders also appear certain to grant Britain time for more talks.

"The road ahead is still long and we have little time," said another&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomat.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;says a deal must be agreed this month to leave time for ratification by the&nbsp;European Parliament. However,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomats told Reuters the bloc was gearing up to negotiate until mid-November to avoid being assigned blame for any fiasco.

"We will negotiate until the last minute," said Konrad Szymanski,&nbsp;European affairs minister of Poland, one of the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;states most keen to keep close ties with Britain.

The European Union demanded "substantive" movement on Tuesday from Britain on fisheries, dispute settlement and guarantees of fair competition in their talks on a post-Brexit trade deal, with Germany saying they were at a "critical stage".

The European Union demanded "substantive" movement on Tuesday from Britain on fisheries, dispute settlement and guarantees of fair competition in their talks on a post-Brexit trade deal, with Germany saying they were at a "critical stage". France said the 27-nation bloc must not yield on fishing rights, while Ireland - the EU member most exposed to any abrupt economic split at the end of the year - said Britain was running out of time to seal the terms of a deal. Britain, the world's sixth-biggest economy, left the EU in January and has since been locked in painstaking talks with the world's largest trading bloc to keep trade flowing freely. Also read: EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case EU leaders hold a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to assess progress, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also said he wants to know by Oct. 15 if a deal can be reached. The European affairs minister of Germany - current holder of the bloc's rotating presidency - said the EU was working hard for a deal but was ready if necessary to trade from 2021 without an accord. "We are at a very critical stage in the negotiations and we are extremely under pressure," Michael Roth told his 26 fellow ministers. "In terms of substance we have not really made progress." "We expect substantial progress by our friends in the United Kingdom in key areas: in particular on governance, 'level playing field' and fisheries." Roth said the EU would step up contingency planning in case of failure in the negotiations on a new partnership - which is meant to cover many areas from trade to transport and nuclear ties - from Jan. 1, when London's post-Brexit standstill transition ends. A trillion euros of annual trade are at stake. Johnson's spokesman reiterated Britain's stance that it wants a deal "on the right terms": "... if we can't get there we are ready and willing to move forward with an Australian-style outcome which holds no fear." The bulk of Australia's exports to the EU are subject to tariffs and quotas set under World Trade Organization terms. LONG ROAD, LITTLE TIME Johnson, a key face of the 2016 Brexit campaign, has spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in recent days, and was due to speak on Wednesday with the head of the EU's executive, Ursula von der Leyen. On Tuesday, Merkel said a deal was "in the interests of all" but also flagged the need to prepare for a no-deal outcome. Also read: EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has been downbeat in his assessment of progress, an EU diplomat said: "It is far from sufficient. 'Level playing field', fisheries and enforcement measures remain the key controversial issues." France has shown little willingness to compromise over future access to fishing waters and sharing quotas, despite growing pressure from others in the EU to help unlock a deal. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune said the EU must be "very firm" on its priorities, and that safeguards of fair competition were a must to access the EU's internal market of 450 million people without trade barriers. Macron is expected to hammer home that message at the summit. But, with markets increasingly jittery, the EU leaders also appear certain to grant Britain time for more talks. "The road ahead is still long and we have little time," said another EU diplomat. The EU says a deal must be agreed this month to leave time for ratification by the European Parliament. However, EU diplomats told Reuters the bloc was gearing up to negotiate until mid-November to avoid being assigned blame for any fiasco. "We will negotiate until the last minute," said Konrad Szymanski, European affairs minister of Poland, one of the EU states most keen to keep close ties with Britain.

EU pushes UK to budge at 'critical stage' in Brexit talks

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US&nbsp;goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US&nbsp;presidential election.

However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.

Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-unity-on-getting-a-fair-brexit-deal-strong-says-chief-negotiator-barnier-334978" hreflang="en">EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier</a>

Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain.

Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute.

Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader.

The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter.

Boeing shares fell 2%.

The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings.

The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response."

Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution.

The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground.

The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs.

RYANAIR LEVERAGE

The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries.

The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election.

The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%.

But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX.

On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use.

Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US presidential election. However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously. Also read: EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain. Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute. Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader. The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter. Boeing shares fell 2%. The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings. The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response." Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution. The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground. The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs. RYANAIR LEVERAGE The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries. The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election. The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%. But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX. On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use. Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future.

"Strong EU unity confirmed ahead of European Council," Michel Barnier tweeted after a European Affairs ministers briefing in Luxembourg. "The EU will continue to work for a fair deal in the coming days and weeks”, Barnier added.

On October 9, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that&nbsp;Brexit negotiations with the European Union had made progress in some areas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-progress-in-brexit-talks-with-eu-334002" hreflang="en">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says progress in Brexit talks with EU</a>

The two sides say they are inching towards a deal that would govern around $900 billion in trade after December&nbsp;31,&nbsp;when the current transitional arrangements end, though sticking points remain on fishing, level playing field issues and governance.

Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday&nbsp;that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them.

The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is&nbsp;now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year.

Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland,&nbsp;although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-pm-johnson-optimistic-over-brexit-deal-ahead-of-talks-with-eu-chief-332232" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson 'optimistic' over Brexit deal ahead of talks with EU chief</a>

The proposed law has infuriated EU members, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week,&nbsp;but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed.

Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year.

Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future.

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future. "Strong EU unity confirmed ahead of European Council," Michel Barnier tweeted after a European Affairs ministers briefing in Luxembourg. "The EU will continue to work for a fair deal in the coming days and weeks”, Barnier added. On October 9, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Brexit negotiations with the European Union had made progress in some areas. Also read: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says progress in Brexit talks with EU The two sides say they are inching towards a deal that would govern around $900 billion in trade after December 31, when the current transitional arrangements end, though sticking points remain on fishing, level playing field issues and governance. Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them. The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year. Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law. Also read: UK PM Johnson 'optimistic' over Brexit deal ahead of talks with EU chief The proposed law has infuriated EU members, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week, but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed. Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year. Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier

Foreign Ministers of the European Union agreed in principle on Monday to support a proposal curated by France-Germany to initiate sanctions against Russia over the Novichok poisoning of Russian opposition leader and fierce critic Alexei Navalny.

Reported by news agency AFP, 27 ministers who met for talks in Luxembourg had reached political agreements to begin work on the sanctions, as per the guidelines set out by France and Germany last week.

According to the two countries, Russia is responsible for Navalny’s poisoning, in which a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok was used. Even though Russia has staunchly denied its role, and the usage of any poisonous substance, tests undertook by Germany revealed that a poisoning substance was actually used on the critic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/targeted-sanctions-unavoidable-germany-warns-russia-over-navalny-poisoning-333220" hreflang="en">'Targeted sanctions unavoidable': Germany warns Russia over Navalny poisoning</a>

Alexei Navalny, the fierce Kremlin critic who was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, and has since recovered called on the European Union to initiate action against oligarchs that are close to Russian administration. The critic of Russia’s government was reportedly poisoned with a new variant hailing from the Novichok group of toxins.

Many countries, especially from the West have warned Russia of sanctions if they don’t assist in investigations. Many have also alleged the role of Russian administration in Navalny’s poisoning.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/poisoned-kremlin-critic-navalny-urges-eu-action-against-profiteers-close-to-russia-333234" hreflang="en">Poisoned Kremlin critic Navalny urges EU action against 'profiteers' close to Russia</a>

"Sanctions against the whole country don't work. The most important thing is to impose entry bans on profiteers of the regime and freeze their assets," Navalny told German newspaper Bild. "They embezzle money, steal billions and at the weekend they fly to Berlin or London, buy expensive apartments and sit in cafes," he added.

He suggested Valery Gergiev, the chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic as the target for potential sanctions, for he was a staunch supporter of Putin. The EU could freeze the assets and enforce travel bans on Russians that may be involved in Navalny’s poisoning.

Foreign Ministers of the European Union agreed in principle on Monday to support a proposal curated by France-Germany to initiate sanctions against Russia over the Novichok poisoning of Russian opposition leader and fierce critic Alexei Navalny.

Foreign Ministers of the European Union agreed in principle on Monday to support a proposal curated by France-Germany to initiate sanctions against Russia over the Novichok poisoning of Russian opposition leader and fierce critic Alexei Navalny. Reported by news agency AFP, 27 ministers who met for talks in Luxembourg had reached political agreements to begin work on the sanctions, as per the guidelines set out by France and Germany last week. According to the two countries, Russia is responsible for Navalny’s poisoning, in which a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok was used. Even though Russia has staunchly denied its role, and the usage of any poisonous substance, tests undertook by Germany revealed that a poisoning substance was actually used on the critic. Also read: 'Targeted sanctions unavoidable': Germany warns Russia over Navalny poisoning Alexei Navalny, the fierce Kremlin critic who was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, and has since recovered called on the European Union to initiate action against oligarchs that are close to Russian administration. The critic of Russia’s government was reportedly poisoned with a new variant hailing from the Novichok group of toxins. Many countries, especially from the West have warned Russia of sanctions if they don’t assist in investigations. Many have also alleged the role of Russian administration in Navalny’s poisoning. Also read: Poisoned Kremlin critic Navalny urges EU action against 'profiteers' close to Russia "Sanctions against the whole country don't work. The most important thing is to impose entry bans on profiteers of the regime and freeze their assets," Navalny told German newspaper Bild. "They embezzle money, steal billions and at the weekend they fly to Berlin or London, buy expensive apartments and sit in cafes," he added. He suggested Valery Gergiev, the chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic as the target for potential sanctions, for he was a staunch supporter of Putin. The EU could freeze the assets and enforce travel bans on Russians that may be involved in Navalny’s poisoning.

European Union agrees in principle to sanction Russia over Navalny poisoning

The Libyan Civil war, the war in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean conflict, and now the Nagorno-Karabakh clashes - Turkey's gunboat diplomacy has raised tensions across all battlegrounds. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about Erdogan's many wars for world power.

Gravitas: How Turkey fueled four conflicts?

Turkey's President Erdogan has a dream. He wants to be the Caliph - the leader of the Muslim World. Where does that leave Turkey and its dream of being a part of the E.U.? WION's Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: Why Erdogan is wooing Islamic countries?

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU.

Pakistan representatives are of the view that their country is a major grower and producer of basmati rice and India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified. Pakistan is hence planning to vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of basmati rice.

India submitted an application with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice in September. And Pakistan started with their planning when they got a whiff of this.

Basmati is grown in various parts of India, and New Delhi is looking for a GI tag for the variety grown in these states.

Pakistan produces 35% of the world's basmati, and India dominates 65% of the market.

India's basmati is also held at a more premium position. It is priced more than Pakistani basmati. And simply, because the rice is defined by its quality and aroma.

Starting 2017, Pakistan tried to double its basmati export -- but that has not helped its cause.

India produces 7.5 million tonnes of basmati rice, and exports around 4.5 million tonnes of it.

In 2019, India earned Rs 34,000 crore from basmati exports.

The battle for basmati is not new. New Delhi has always been possessive about its basmati.

In the 1990s, India took on an american firm that wanted a patent under the brand, and it won the case.

Basmati has always been associated with India. If Pakistan wants a GI tag for the rice, it would have to prove that basmati is grown only in Pakistan. And even the sound of it spells impossible.

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU.

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU. Pakistan representatives are of the view that their country is a major grower and producer of basmati rice and India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified. Pakistan is hence planning to vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of basmati rice. India submitted an application with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice in September. And Pakistan started with their planning when they got a whiff of this. Basmati is grown in various parts of India, and New Delhi is looking for a GI tag for the variety grown in these states. Pakistan produces 35% of the world's basmati, and India dominates 65% of the market. India's basmati is also held at a more premium position. It is priced more than Pakistani basmati. And simply, because the rice is defined by its quality and aroma. Starting 2017, Pakistan tried to double its basmati export -- but that has not helped its cause. India produces 7.5 million tonnes of basmati rice, and exports around 4.5 million tonnes of it. In 2019, India earned Rs 34,000 crore from basmati exports. The battle for basmati is not new. New Delhi has always been possessive about its basmati. In the 1990s, India took on an american firm that wanted a patent under the brand, and it won the case. Basmati has always been associated with India. If Pakistan wants a GI tag for the rice, it would have to prove that basmati is grown only in Pakistan. And even the sound of it spells impossible.

Pakistan plans to challenge Indian claim of GI tag on basmati rice in EU

Africa has become the battlefield for global powers. China, India, US, EU, Israel are fighting it out in the continent. Who is winning? and What's it in for Africa. WION's Palki Sharma tells you all about the race for Africa.

Gravitas Plus: The race for Africa

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus.

EU summit opens doors to sanctions in Belarus

The European Union could impose sanctions on Ankara if Turkish "provocations and pressures" continue in the East Mediterranean.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday after a meeting of the 27-nation bloc's leaders, "We want a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey, and this would be also be very much in Ankara's interest."

"But it will only work if the provocations and pressures stop. We therefore expect that Turkey from now on abstains from unilateral actions. In caser of such renewed actions by Ankara the EU will use all its instruments and options available," she added.

But Turkey largely remained unperturbed and unswayed by the statement.

Turkey would be even more determined to protect its territorial rights in the Eastern Mediterranean if the European Union ultimately decides to impose sanctions on it over offshore oil and gas exploration, a Turkish Foreign Ministry official said.

The senior official, according to Reuters, said sanctions would not deter Turkey and suggested they could imperil dialogue planned between Ankara and Athens over disputed maritime boundaries and oil and gas rights.

The warning came as EU leaders broke a diplomatic deadlock early on Friday and assured bloc member Cyprus it would punish Turkey if it continued operations in disputed waters. Sanctions could come as soon as December if "provocations" have not stopped, it said.

Before the post-midnight deal, Cyprus had demanded sanctions on Turkey over what it calls Ankara's "gunboat diplomacy" and violations of the island nation`s maritime shelf.

Tensions have simmered since Turkish and Greek frigates collided at sea in August near one of Turkey`s exploration vessels, though things have cooled a bit since Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO, said they would resume "exploratory talks" that ended in 2016.

The talks are an effort "to bring Greece into dialogue and finally Greece agreed to that, and we hope to resume those soon", likely this month, the Turkish official said.

But "if the EU applies sanctions this will not deter us. On the contrary this would increase our resolve and would be a negative stance on the part of the European Union", he said.

"We will continue our offshore programme as we have been doing. Sanctions are not the right way (and) will not deter us to protect our rights to our continental shelf and also the rights of the Turkish Cypriots," the official added.

Speaking to parliament on Thursday, President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey preferred to resolve disagreements in the Eastern Mediterranean through dialogue and was not seeking tensions and clashes in the region.

(with inputs from agencies)

The European Union could impose sanctions on Ankara if Turkish "provocations and pressures" continue in the East Mediterranean. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday after a meeting of the 27-nation bloc's leaders, "We want a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey, and this would be also be very much in Ankara's interest.

The European Union could impose sanctions on Ankara if Turkish "provocations and pressures" continue in the East Mediterranean. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday after a meeting of the 27-nation bloc's leaders, "We want a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey, and this would be also be very much in Ankara's interest." "But it will only work if the provocations and pressures stop. We therefore expect that Turkey from now on abstains from unilateral actions. In caser of such renewed actions by Ankara the EU will use all its instruments and options available," she added. But Turkey largely remained unperturbed and unswayed by the statement. Turkey would be even more determined to protect its territorial rights in the Eastern Mediterranean if the European Union ultimately decides to impose sanctions on it over offshore oil and gas exploration, a Turkish Foreign Ministry official said. The senior official, according to Reuters, said sanctions would not deter Turkey and suggested they could imperil dialogue planned between Ankara and Athens over disputed maritime boundaries and oil and gas rights. The warning came as EU leaders broke a diplomatic deadlock early on Friday and assured bloc member Cyprus it would punish Turkey if it continued operations in disputed waters. Sanctions could come as soon as December if "provocations" have not stopped, it said. Before the post-midnight deal, Cyprus had demanded sanctions on Turkey over what it calls Ankara's "gunboat diplomacy" and violations of the island nation`s maritime shelf. Tensions have simmered since Turkish and Greek frigates collided at sea in August near one of Turkey`s exploration vessels, though things have cooled a bit since Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO, said they would resume "exploratory talks" that ended in 2016. The talks are an effort "to bring Greece into dialogue and finally Greece agreed to that, and we hope to resume those soon", likely this month, the Turkish official said. But "if the EU applies sanctions this will not deter us. On the contrary this would increase our resolve and would be a negative stance on the part of the European Union", he said. "We will continue our offshore programme as we have been doing. Sanctions are not the right way (and) will not deter us to protect our rights to our continental shelf and also the rights of the Turkish Cypriots," the official added. Speaking to parliament on Thursday, President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey preferred to resolve disagreements in the Eastern Mediterranean through dialogue and was not seeking tensions and clashes in the region. (with inputs from agencies)

EU warns Turkey of sanctions; Ankara rejects threat

French President Emmanuel Macron insisted on Monday that Europe should cooperate with Russia to build peace in Europe.

French Prez Macron defends calls for cooperation with Russia

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Swiss People`s Party (SVP) had forced a referendum on the EU agreement in a bid to curb immigration to the country where foreigners make up a quarter of the population.

The measure lost, as expected, by a 62%-38% margin.

"The bilateral path is the right one for Switzerland and for the EU. The Swiss people have confirmed this path again today," Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told reporters in Bern.

"Today is a great day for the relations between the European Union and Switzerland," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted. "The Swiss people have spoken &amp; sent a clear message: together we have a great future ahead of us."

The SVP - the biggest party in parliament - has long pushed to take back control of immigration, echoing some arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain`s exit from the EU. It won a referendum on the issue in 2014, only to see parliament water down its implementation.

Opponents said the plan would have robbed business of skilled workers and torpedoed accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland`s access to the crucial EU single market.

Around two-thirds of the 2.1 million foreigners living in Switzerland in 2019 were citizens of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU.

The domestic political battle immediately turned to Switzerland`s biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty meant to cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereignty and would never win a referendum.

With questions open over state aid, rules to protect high Swiss wages, and access to welfare benefits, the Swiss have dragged their feet while trying to forge a domestic consensus, triggering a row over cross-border stock trading.

"The government will determine Switzerland`s position in the coming weeks and take up discussions with the EU over the issues that remain open," Keller-Sutter said.

Voters also blocked an attempt to make it easier to shoot wolves deemed a threat to livestock. 
They narrowly approved the government`s plans to buy new fighter jets for up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion).

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Swiss People`s Party (SVP) had forced a referendum on the EU agreement in a bid to curb immigration to the country where foreigners make up a quarter of the population. The measure lost, as expected, by a 62%-38% margin. "The bilateral path is the right one for Switzerland and for the EU. The Swiss people have confirmed this path again today," Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told reporters in Bern. "Today is a great day for the relations between the European Union and Switzerland," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted. "The Swiss people have spoken & sent a clear message: together we have a great future ahead of us." The SVP - the biggest party in parliament - has long pushed to take back control of immigration, echoing some arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain`s exit from the EU. It won a referendum on the issue in 2014, only to see parliament water down its implementation. Opponents said the plan would have robbed business of skilled workers and torpedoed accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland`s access to the crucial EU single market. Around two-thirds of the 2.1 million foreigners living in Switzerland in 2019 were citizens of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU. The domestic political battle immediately turned to Switzerland`s biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty meant to cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereignty and would never win a referendum. With questions open over state aid, rules to protect high Swiss wages, and access to welfare benefits, the Swiss have dragged their feet while trying to forge a domestic consensus, triggering a row over cross-border stock trading. "The government will determine Switzerland`s position in the coming weeks and take up discussions with the EU over the issues that remain open," Keller-Sutter said. Voters also blocked an attempt to make it easier to shoot wolves deemed a threat to livestock. They narrowly approved the government`s plans to buy new fighter jets for up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion).

Swiss voters clearly reject curbs on EU immigration

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population.

The right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) - the biggest in parliament - has led the charge to take back control of immigration, echoing some of the arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain's exit from the EU.

But a gfs.bern poll found 63 per cent of respondents oppose the SVP proposal and 35&nbsp;per cent support it, suggesting voters want stability at a time of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.

The SVP paints a gloomy picture of young foreigners supplanting older Swiss, housing getting dearer, schools and transport getting overcrowded and construction running wild.

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Opponents say the plan would rob business of skilled workers and torpedo accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland's access to the EU single market.

A "guillotine clause" means ending free movement would topple other bilateral pacts on land and air transport, procurement, technical barriers to trade, and research.

Citizens of the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), made up 68&nbsp;per cent of the 2.1 million resident foreigners in 2019. More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU.

Should the referendum drive, as expected, fail, the government can turn to its biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty that would cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereign

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population.

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population. The right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) - the biggest in parliament - has led the charge to take back control of immigration, echoing some of the arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain's exit from the EU. But a gfs.bern poll found 63 per cent of respondents oppose the SVP proposal and 35 per cent support it, suggesting voters want stability at a time of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic. The SVP paints a gloomy picture of young foreigners supplanting older Swiss, housing getting dearer, schools and transport getting overcrowded and construction running wild. × Opponents say the plan would rob business of skilled workers and torpedo accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland's access to the EU single market. A "guillotine clause" means ending free movement would topple other bilateral pacts on land and air transport, procurement, technical barriers to trade, and research. Citizens of the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), made up 68 per cent of the 2.1 million resident foreigners in 2019. More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU. Should the referendum drive, as expected, fail, the government can turn to its biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty that would cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereign

Swiss voters to decide on EU immigration pact

The United States, Britain and Canada may impose sanctions on Belarus as early as Friday, four sources told Reuters, and the European Union told President Alexander Lukashenko it did not recognise him as the country's legitimate leader.

Belarus faces imminent sanctions as pressure mounts on President Lukashenko

The European Union said that President Alexander Lukashenko is not the legitimate president of Belarus, on Thursday. Saying his abrupt swearing-in on Wednesday went directly against the will of the people.

European Union: Lukashenko is not the legitimate Belarus president

President Alexander Lukashenko is not the legitimate president of Belarus, the European Union said on Thursday, saying his abrupt swearing-in on Wednesday went directly against the will of the people.

EU says Lukashenko is not legitimate Belarus president

European foreign ministers welcomed Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to Brussels on Monday as they prepare EU sanctions to support her battle against the Minsk regime.

Belarus' oppn candidate meets with EU leaders

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