After the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War in Europe, many countries abolished compulsory military service. But in the wake of the war in Ukraine, several are considering bringing it back.

Europe: Is compulsory military service coming back?

In Pics | Is compulsory military service back in Europe?

Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

As per AP reports, five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a cold shutdown state.

The Ukrainian nuclear power agency Energoatom&nbsp;released a statement on Friday saying that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam, which has forced mass evacuations due to flooding and has also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility.

Energoatom said that the last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday because of several other&nbsp;factors, including shelling near the site which damaged the overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system.

<h2>Reservoir water still cooling Ukraine nuclear plant</h2>

The UN nuclear agency on Thursday said that Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a dam after it was breached in the fighting in Ukraine.

"Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is continuing to pump cooling water from the Kakhovka reservoir," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement.

Earlier, on Thursday, dam operator Ukrhydroenergo's chief said that the "water level at the reservoir had gone below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)".

"This means it could no longer supply the ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to cool the plant,"&nbsp;he said on Ukrainian television.

The IAEA said in a statement that its experts were informed that the plant had estimated after a review "that it should be able to pump water from the reservoir also after its level falls below 12.7 metres".

"So far, the results indicate that the pumps can likely still be operated even if the level drops to around 11 metres or possibly lower," the IAEA said.

The agency said the review included interviews with those "who have experience and expertise".&nbsp;

"In these difficult and challenging circumstances, this is providing some more time before possibly switching to alternative water supplies," AFP quoted IAEA head Rafael Grossi as saying.

"Nevertheless, the general nuclear safety and security situation remains very precarious and potentially dangerous," added Grossi, who plans to travel to the plant next week.

He said the extent of the damage remained unknown, and it was also not clear "when and at what level the reservoir will stabilise".

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency has put the last operating reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is deemed Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into a "cold shutdown" as a precautionary move after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the agency said in a statement on Friday. As per AP reports, five out of six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, are already in a cold shutdown state. The Ukrainian nuclear power agency Energoatom released a statement on Friday saying that there was "no direct threat" to the Zaporizhzhia plant due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam, which has forced mass evacuations due to flooding and has also sharply reduced water levels in a reservoir used to help cool the facility. Energoatom said that the last reactor was put into cold shutdown on Thursday because of several other factors, including shelling near the site which damaged the overhead lines connecting the plant to Ukraine's energy system. Reservoir water still cooling Ukraine nuclear plant The UN nuclear agency on Thursday said that Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a dam after it was breached in the fighting in Ukraine. "Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is continuing to pump cooling water from the Kakhovka reservoir," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement. Earlier, on Thursday, dam operator Ukrhydroenergo's chief said that the "water level at the reservoir had gone below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)". "This means it could no longer supply the ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to cool the plant," he said on Ukrainian television. The IAEA said in a statement that its experts were informed that the plant had estimated after a review "that it should be able to pump water from the reservoir also after its level falls below 12.7 metres". "So far, the results indicate that the pumps can likely still be operated even if the level drops to around 11 metres or possibly lower," the IAEA said. The agency said the review included interviews with those "who have experience and expertise". "In these difficult and challenging circumstances, this is providing some more time before possibly switching to alternative water supplies," AFP quoted IAEA head Rafael Grossi as saying. "Nevertheless, the general nuclear safety and security situation remains very precarious and potentially dangerous," added Grossi, who plans to travel to the plant next week. He said the extent of the damage remained unknown, and it was also not clear "when and at what level the reservoir will stabilise". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's nuclear agency puts last reactor at Zaporizhzhia plant on cold shutdown

European Union ministers agreed on Thursday on how to share out the responsibility for looking after migrants and refugees, after 12 hours of negotiations got Italy and Greece to sign up to a deal that has eluded the bloc for nearly a decade.

EU ministers seal 'historic' migration deal

Thousands of residents fled rising floodwaters in southern Ukraine, a day after a dam on the Dnipro River was destroyed.

Collapse of critical Ukrainian dam sparks evacuations

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8. However, these reports have turned out to be fake.&nbsp;

<h2>What exactly transpired?</h2>

As it turns out, the details which first emerged on Twitter, turned out to be fake as Swedish news outlet Goterborgs-Posten reported back in April that the application from the so-called Swedish Federation of Sex’s chairman Dragan Bratych had been rejected by the National Sports Confederation in Sweden.

Bratych, as per the Swedish media report, runs several strip clubs in southern Sweden and submitted the application to become a member of the National Sports Confederation and told the local media that they have an organisation number and that sex is a sport like any other.&nbsp;

However, in a press release months later, the National Sports Confederation said that while the application from the Swedish Sex Federation was submitted on time, it was “incomplete".&nbsp;Additionally, at the time, some four other confederations had also been rejected.&nbsp;

<h2>Reported details about the first-ever European Sex Championship</h2>

The reported championship was to take place under the guidance of the Swedish Sex Federation and go on for six weeks, with participants engaging in sexual activities under 16 disciplines, including seduction, oral sex, penetration, and more, as per media reports.&nbsp;

The European Sex Championship was reported to begin on June 8 and&nbsp;go on for six weeks where participants were to engage in sexual activities for 45 minutes to an&nbsp;hour each day with their matches and/or activities. However, some reports also claimed that the competitions could go on for as long as six hours a day.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the championship was to witness the participation of 20 people from different countries. A panel of three judges as well as audience ratings were to decide the winner.&nbsp;

As per earlier reports, the competition was touted to have 16 disciplines, including&nbsp;oral sex, seduction, penetration, endurance, number of orgasms, knowledge about sex, chemistry and communication between the couple, appearance, and so on.&nbsp;

The participants were supposedly expected to be well-versed in the Sanskrit scripture on sex and eroticism, Kamasutra, and its application was supposed to fetch&nbsp;them&nbsp;extra points.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Recognition of sex as a sport inevitable:&nbsp;Dragan Bratych</h2>

The organisers&nbsp;apparently&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;participation from people of different sexual orientations and hoped that other European countries adopted the same in the future.&nbsp;

“The incorporation of sexual orientation as a part of sporting tactics will be a groundbreaking development among European countries,” said the organisers, as per media reports.&nbsp;

Bratych also said that recognition of sex as a sport was inevitable, as per Times of India, and highlighted the potential for physical and mental well-being through sexual activity and the importance of training for it.&nbsp;

“Just like any other sport, achieving desired results in sex requires training. Therefore, it is only logical for people to start competing in this domain as well,” said Bratych, as quoted by Times of India.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8.

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8. However, these reports have turned out to be fake. What exactly transpired? As it turns out, the details which first emerged on Twitter, turned out to be fake as Swedish news outlet Goterborgs-Posten reported back in April that the application from the so-called Swedish Federation of Sex’s chairman Dragan Bratych had been rejected by the National Sports Confederation in Sweden. Bratych, as per the Swedish media report, runs several strip clubs in southern Sweden and submitted the application to become a member of the National Sports Confederation and told the local media that they have an organisation number and that sex is a sport like any other. However, in a press release months later, the National Sports Confederation said that while the application from the Swedish Sex Federation was submitted on time, it was “incomplete". Additionally, at the time, some four other confederations had also been rejected. Reported details about the first-ever European Sex Championship The reported championship was to take place under the guidance of the Swedish Sex Federation and go on for six weeks, with participants engaging in sexual activities under 16 disciplines, including seduction, oral sex, penetration, and more, as per media reports. The European Sex Championship was reported to begin on June 8 and go on for six weeks where participants were to engage in sexual activities for 45 minutes to an hour each day with their matches and/or activities. However, some reports also claimed that the competitions could go on for as long as six hours a day. Reportedly, the championship was to witness the participation of 20 people from different countries. A panel of three judges as well as audience ratings were to decide the winner. As per earlier reports, the competition was touted to have 16 disciplines, including oral sex, seduction, penetration, endurance, number of orgasms, knowledge about sex, chemistry and communication between the couple, appearance, and so on. The participants were supposedly expected to be well-versed in the Sanskrit scripture on sex and eroticism, Kamasutra, and its application was supposed to fetch them extra points. Recognition of sex as a sport inevitable: Dragan Bratych The organisers apparently encouraged participation from people of different sexual orientations and hoped that other European countries adopted the same in the future. “The incorporation of sexual orientation as a part of sporting tactics will be a groundbreaking development among European countries,” said the organisers, as per media reports. Bratych also said that recognition of sex as a sport was inevitable, as per Times of India, and highlighted the potential for physical and mental well-being through sexual activity and the importance of training for it. “Just like any other sport, achieving desired results in sex requires training. Therefore, it is only logical for people to start competing in this domain as well,” said Bratych, as quoted by Times of India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Has Sweden made sex an official sport? Here's what reports say

The United States and European countries have renewed discussions on ways to confront Iran over its nuclear movements amid growing fears that the Islamic Republic’s fierce extension of its programme would trigger a regional war.

The move would highlight a transformation in the Western way of thinking. It would also underline concerns about the growing crisis as Tehran has augmented uranium to such levels that United States officials have cautioned that it could beget adequate material for a nuclear weapon in less than two weeks.

“There is recognition that we need an active diplomatic plan to tackle Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than allowing it to drift,” Financial Times quoted a Western diplomat as saying. “The thing that worries me is that Iran’s decision-making is quite chaotic and it could stumble its way into war with Israel.”

As per FT reports, the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom ceased diplomatic efforts to clinch the crisis in the month of September. This came after Tehran infuriated the Western governments by saying no to a draft proposal to revitalise the 2015 nuclear deal, launched a violent crackdown on anti-regime demonstrators, sold armed drones to Russia and arrested a number of European nationals.

However, in recent months, there has been contact with Iranian officials, including a meeting in Oslo in the month of March between the officials from France, Germany and the UK and Iran’s nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-releases-2-austrians-1-danish-with-assistance-from-oman-belgium-599839">Iran releases 2 Austrians, 1 Danish with assistance from Oman, Belgium</a>

The US special envoy for Iran, Rob Malley, has met several times with Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, say diplomats and analysts, reported FT.

The talks were mainly aimed at the possibility of a prisoner exchange with Iran, FT quoted a person close to the administration as saying. Tehran holds at least three US-Iranian nationals.

<h2>Iran releases 2 Austrians, 1 Danish national</h2>

Iran freed two Austrian and one Danish national who had been detained there.&nbsp;

Alexander Schallenberg, the foreign minister of Austria, expressed his relief on Friday (June 2) that Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb were returning home after "years of arduous detention in Iran."

Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said he was “happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is on his way home to his family in Denmark after imprisonment in Iran,” reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

As per the experts, a successful US prisoner exchange could improve the environment for any nuclear talks.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran's enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times the limit of 2015 deal</h2>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday (May 31) that Iran has apparently significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months, continuing its nuclear escalation.&nbsp;

However, IAEA has received a "possible explanation" from Iran over nuclear material at an undeclared site and has decided to close the file, news agency AFP reported citing a report it has seen.&nbsp;

In its report, IAEA said that the estimated stockpile of enriched uranium in Tehran had reached more than 23 times what was set as the limit.&nbsp;

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States + Germany) to limit its nuclear programme. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions.&nbsp;

But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later.&nbsp;

But in recent time, there has been negotiations and talks to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but so far, there has not been any breakthrough.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The United States and European countries have renewed discussions on ways to confront Iran over its nuclear movements amid growing fears that the Islamic Republic’s fierce extension of its programme would trigger a regional war.

The United States and European countries have renewed discussions on ways to confront Iran over its nuclear movements amid growing fears that the Islamic Republic’s fierce extension of its programme would trigger a regional war. The move would highlight a transformation in the Western way of thinking. It would also underline concerns about the growing crisis as Tehran has augmented uranium to such levels that United States officials have cautioned that it could beget adequate material for a nuclear weapon in less than two weeks. “There is recognition that we need an active diplomatic plan to tackle Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than allowing it to drift,” Financial Times quoted a Western diplomat as saying. “The thing that worries me is that Iran’s decision-making is quite chaotic and it could stumble its way into war with Israel.” As per FT reports, the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom ceased diplomatic efforts to clinch the crisis in the month of September. This came after Tehran infuriated the Western governments by saying no to a draft proposal to revitalise the 2015 nuclear deal, launched a violent crackdown on anti-regime demonstrators, sold armed drones to Russia and arrested a number of European nationals. However, in recent months, there has been contact with Iranian officials, including a meeting in Oslo in the month of March between the officials from France, Germany and the UK and Iran’s nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani. Also read: Iran releases 2 Austrians, 1 Danish with assistance from Oman, Belgium The US special envoy for Iran, Rob Malley, has met several times with Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, say diplomats and analysts, reported FT. The talks were mainly aimed at the possibility of a prisoner exchange with Iran, FT quoted a person close to the administration as saying. Tehran holds at least three US-Iranian nationals. Iran releases 2 Austrians, 1 Danish national Iran freed two Austrian and one Danish national who had been detained there. Alexander Schallenberg, the foreign minister of Austria, expressed his relief on Friday (June 2) that Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb were returning home after "years of arduous detention in Iran." Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said he was “happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is on his way home to his family in Denmark after imprisonment in Iran,” reported Al Jazeera. As per the experts, a successful US prisoner exchange could improve the environment for any nuclear talks. Iran's enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times the limit of 2015 deal The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday (May 31) that Iran has apparently significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months, continuing its nuclear escalation. However, IAEA has received a "possible explanation" from Iran over nuclear material at an undeclared site and has decided to close the file, news agency AFP reported citing a report it has seen. In its report, IAEA said that the estimated stockpile of enriched uranium in Tehran had reached more than 23 times what was set as the limit. The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States + Germany) to limit its nuclear programme. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. But in recent time, there has been negotiations and talks to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but so far, there has not been any breakthrough. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US, Europe resume discussions over ways to deal with Iran's growing nuclear programme

Gathering more than 40 European leaders in Moldova on Thursday will be a symbolic thumb in Vladimir Putin's eye - a sign of collective commitment to join hands against Moscow.

European leaders head to Moldova while they bid to show Putin a united front

Gathering more than 40 European leaders in Moldova on Thursday will be a symbolic thumb in Vladimir Putin’s eye — a sign of collective commitment to join hands against Moscow.

European leaders head to Moldova for symbolic summit on Ukraine's doorstep

For the first time since 1991, Russia has now positioned its tactical nuclear weapons on foreign soil. In Belarus. The United States, however, has been early to this game of Europe's nuclearization. As part of the NATO military alliance, the United States has stationed over a 100 nuclear weapons spread across 5 nations in Europe. France and United Kingdom also have nuclear weapons. The fear that the war in Ukraine could turn into a nuclear conflagration is not unfounded. Since the end of World War II, Europe has been one of the most secure and peaceful regions in the world. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the security calculus of Europe. And as things stand at this moment, no other region in the world, looks as vulnerable to a nuclear holocaust as Europe. Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

How Russia & United States turned Europe into a nuclear playground

Southern Europe is bracing for a summer of ferocious drought. The European Union has now decided to double its aerial firefighting fleet for the summer of 2023.

EU doubles aerial firefighting fleet

According to a Bloomberg report, Saudi Arabia imported 174 000 barrels of Russian oil in April, making it the top supplier of oil and gas to Europe at the same time as the European Union's embargo on Russian oil continues. This suggests that Saudi Arabia has been importing millions of barrels of oil from Moscow while increasing its own oil supplies to Europe.

Saudi Arabia now top supplier of oil and gas to Europe

Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, has urged North Korea to stop testing ballistic missiles. Right before a summit with the president of South Korea, he toured the fortified border between North and South Korea.

South Korea, Germany to strengthen solidarity in Europe, Asia

After two deadly floods hit Italy’s Emilia Romagna region in just two weeks, why is this area being affected so badly? Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

Italy's floods suggest, climate crisis is at the gates of Europe

Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other.

<h2>Spain “becoming a desert”</h2>

The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity."

Watch:&nbsp;Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/seattle-records-high-of-31degc-wion-climate-tracker-592914/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage.

Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years."

<h2>France facing its driest winter since 1959</h2>

Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation.

Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. &nbsp;90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/592586">Also Read |&nbsp;Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker</a>

The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.”

<h2>Climate change behind the summer crisis</h2>

Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.”

Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades.

Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other. Spain “becoming a desert” The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity." Watch: Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker × Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage. Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years." France facing its driest winter since 1959 Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation. Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. 90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought. Also Read | Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.” Climate change behind the summer crisis Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.” Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought

River flood risk in Europe could rise to unprecedented levels due to global warming and unabated development in flood-prone areas.

Floods in Europe set the alarm bells ringing

On 13 May, at our initiative, ministers from the Indo-Pacific and the European Union and partners will gather in Stockholm. Our meeting is a call for action as much as it is the demonstration of the EU’s continuous commitment to the Indo-Pacific region&nbsp;

We meet as the world grapples with aggression, geopolitical tensions, economic turbulence, and the climate crisis. In these consequential times our partnerships are essential, and never before has the case for cooperation between our regions been so convincing.

The Indo-Pacific region is of strategic importance. The region holds the larger part of the earth’s population and economy. Through its waters passes the major share of world trade. Stability and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific are vital for our prosperity. The fate of climate change and the health of oceans are largely decided there. When fundamental freedoms and openness are threatened, be it in Europe, the Indo-Pacific or elsewhere, the European Union is not indifferent.

We live in a world of shared security. The rise of tensions in parts of Asia has global consequences. Correspondingly, developments in Europe reverberate also in the Indo-Pacific. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is felt through its flagrant breaches of the principles of the UN charter and through food and energy price hikes. We have a common interest in addressing these challenges and upholding the UN Charter and international law. Indeed, the aims of Ukraine – to protect its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity - is of fundamental importance for all.

In the challenges we face there are many notable parallels between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Supply chains are stretched, inflation destabilising, energy insecure, technology competitive, disinformation proliferating, and cyber security threatened. In short, the futures of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked, and our interests align in many ways.

Together, the European Union and the Indo-Pacific are strong enough to make a real difference on free trade and supply chains, technology and climate change, and broad security. We account for more than two-thirds of global trade, GDP, and population. Through closer relations we can further influence cooperation on key global challenges.

In the European Union’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific we pledge a growing engagement and invite our partners to join us in addressing common challenges. We envision deeper partnerships on sustainable prosperity and the environment, digital connectivity, and security, including human security. Our Indo-Pacific Strategy is above all an invitation to our partners in the region to dialogue and to address the issues at stake.

The proposition of the European Union is clear. We are ready to act on a broad palette of cooperation reflecting our extensive and long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific. The latter is exemplified through our Free Trade Agreements, where we have active negotiations with Australia, India, Indonesia, and Kenya, having relaunched negotiations with Thailand and expect to sign an agreement with New Zealand soon. We engage in infrastructure, development cooperation and ocean conservation stretching from the African coast well into the Pacific.

Importantly, the European Union’s approach constitutes an open and inclusive partnership model for the Indo-Pacific where we cooperate based on common interests and the protection of shared values and principles. This design allows us to address the challenges we face more effectively. Our goal is to build strategic trust and promote joint leadership in addressing global challenges.

As we welcome participants to the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm on 13 May our discussions will focus on our common interests, challenges and values with the goal of supporting closer coordination and integration. It is a clear message of the long-term European commitment to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; 
 
Authored by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission and Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

On 13 May, at our initiative, ministers from the Indo-Pacific and the European Union and partners will gather in Stockholm. Our meeting is a call for action as much as it is the demonstration of the EU’s continuous commitment to the Indo-Pacific region We meet as the world grapples with aggression, geopolitical tensions, economic turbulence, and the climate crisis.

On 13 May, at our initiative, ministers from the Indo-Pacific and the European Union and partners will gather in Stockholm. Our meeting is a call for action as much as it is the demonstration of the EU’s continuous commitment to the Indo-Pacific region We meet as the world grapples with aggression, geopolitical tensions, economic turbulence, and the climate crisis. In these consequential times our partnerships are essential, and never before has the case for cooperation between our regions been so convincing. The Indo-Pacific region is of strategic importance. The region holds the larger part of the earth’s population and economy. Through its waters passes the major share of world trade. Stability and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific are vital for our prosperity. The fate of climate change and the health of oceans are largely decided there. When fundamental freedoms and openness are threatened, be it in Europe, the Indo-Pacific or elsewhere, the European Union is not indifferent. We live in a world of shared security. The rise of tensions in parts of Asia has global consequences. Correspondingly, developments in Europe reverberate also in the Indo-Pacific. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is felt through its flagrant breaches of the principles of the UN charter and through food and energy price hikes. We have a common interest in addressing these challenges and upholding the UN Charter and international law. Indeed, the aims of Ukraine – to protect its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity - is of fundamental importance for all. In the challenges we face there are many notable parallels between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Supply chains are stretched, inflation destabilising, energy insecure, technology competitive, disinformation proliferating, and cyber security threatened. In short, the futures of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked, and our interests align in many ways. Together, the European Union and the Indo-Pacific are strong enough to make a real difference on free trade and supply chains, technology and climate change, and broad security. We account for more than two-thirds of global trade, GDP, and population. Through closer relations we can further influence cooperation on key global challenges. In the European Union’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific we pledge a growing engagement and invite our partners to join us in addressing common challenges. We envision deeper partnerships on sustainable prosperity and the environment, digital connectivity, and security, including human security. Our Indo-Pacific Strategy is above all an invitation to our partners in the region to dialogue and to address the issues at stake. The proposition of the European Union is clear. We are ready to act on a broad palette of cooperation reflecting our extensive and long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific. The latter is exemplified through our Free Trade Agreements, where we have active negotiations with Australia, India, Indonesia, and Kenya, having relaunched negotiations with Thailand and expect to sign an agreement with New Zealand soon. We engage in infrastructure, development cooperation and ocean conservation stretching from the African coast well into the Pacific. Importantly, the European Union’s approach constitutes an open and inclusive partnership model for the Indo-Pacific where we cooperate based on common interests and the protection of shared values and principles. This design allows us to address the challenges we face more effectively. Our goal is to build strategic trust and promote joint leadership in addressing global challenges. As we welcome participants to the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm on 13 May our discussions will focus on our common interests, challenges and values with the goal of supporting closer coordination and integration. It is a clear message of the long-term European commitment to the Indo-Pacific. Authored by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission and Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Partners facing similar challenges

The race to a greener future has begun with China, USA and Europe charging ahead. Watch the video to know about the road ahead for India's EV market and the potential for car makers to shift their EV sales.

India's EV market races to catch up | India's EV infrastructure: Roadblock for buyers

Europe is waging a war on Russia's Wagner group. France has asked the EU to declare the private army as a terrorist organisation. Britain is reportedly moving to blacklist the Wagner group.

Gravitas: Europe wages a war on Russia's Wagner group | Here are the details

European refiners are being hit hard by a surge in prices for middle eastern crude, as the region faces limited supplies of 'medium sour' crude since imposing sanctions on Russian shipments late last year. With prices soaring to all-time highs, the pressure is on for Europe to find new sources of affordable crude to keep the wheels turning.

Barrel of woes: Europe's oil woes escalate as prices skyrocket

European refiners find themselves grappling with soaring prices for denser barrels of crude oil from West Asia, according to a Bloomberg report. The surge in prices for cargo being shipped next month is causing significant challenges for the region's energy industry.&nbsp;

Iraq, a major oil producer, has set the official selling price of Basrah Medium crude at the highest level in over a year for June. The situation has intensified after&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's decision to raise the price of heavier oil for Europe. Surprisingly, for Asia, West Asian oil producers have either maintained stable costs or even slashed them for June, Bloomberg reported.

European refiners have&nbsp;faced difficulties in procuring crude oil&nbsp;ever since the West imposed sanctions on Russian shipments.

The flow of oil from Russia -- The eastern European nation has been European&nbsp;Union's&nbsp;top supplier -- has considerably declined since 2022, coinciding&nbsp;with a loss of barrels from the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. This has exacerbated&nbsp;the strain on European refiners.&nbsp;

Adding to the turmoil, exports of Kurdish crude from northern Iraq have stopped since late March due to an ongoing payment dispute between Iraq and Turkey. The lack of resolution to this dispute prevents nearly half a million barrels a day of oil, comparable to Russia's, from being shipped through Turkey.

The absence of Kurdish crude in the market further tightens the supply and demand dynamics, forcing European refiners to explore other options and pay a premium for denser Middle Eastern barrels, according to Bloomberg.

It is&nbsp;worth noting that crude oils such as Russian Urals and Iraq's Basrah Medium typically yield more oil products such as diesel and fuel oil. However, these varieties are generally offered at discounted prices compared to other types due to their higher sulfur levels.

The competition for Basrah Medium crude has intensified in Europe over the past month. According to reports, approximately 23 million barrels of Iraqi crude are expected to be imported into the region this month, a significant increase from the 16 million barrels recorded in April. The growing demand for Basrah Medium crude and supply constraints have pushed prices to their highest levels.

European refiners are now faced with the challenge of balancing their energy needs while managing the escalating costs of crude oil. The industry is closely monitoring developments in the payment dispute between Iraq and Turkey, as a resolution could alleviate some of the supply pressure on the market.

European refiners find themselves grappling with soaring prices for denser barrels of crude oil from West Asia, according to a Bloomberg report. The surge in prices for cargo being shipped next month is causing significant challenges for the region's energy industry.

European refiners find themselves grappling with soaring prices for denser barrels of crude oil from West Asia, according to a Bloomberg report. The surge in prices for cargo being shipped next month is causing significant challenges for the region's energy industry. Iraq, a major oil producer, has set the official selling price of Basrah Medium crude at the highest level in over a year for June. The situation has intensified after Saudi Arabia's decision to raise the price of heavier oil for Europe. Surprisingly, for Asia, West Asian oil producers have either maintained stable costs or even slashed them for June, Bloomberg reported. European refiners have faced difficulties in procuring crude oil ever since the West imposed sanctions on Russian shipments. The flow of oil from Russia -- The eastern European nation has been European Union's top supplier -- has considerably declined since 2022, coinciding with a loss of barrels from the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. This has exacerbated the strain on European refiners. Adding to the turmoil, exports of Kurdish crude from northern Iraq have stopped since late March due to an ongoing payment dispute between Iraq and Turkey. The lack of resolution to this dispute prevents nearly half a million barrels a day of oil, comparable to Russia's, from being shipped through Turkey. The absence of Kurdish crude in the market further tightens the supply and demand dynamics, forcing European refiners to explore other options and pay a premium for denser Middle Eastern barrels, according to Bloomberg. It is worth noting that crude oils such as Russian Urals and Iraq's Basrah Medium typically yield more oil products such as diesel and fuel oil. However, these varieties are generally offered at discounted prices compared to other types due to their higher sulfur levels. The competition for Basrah Medium crude has intensified in Europe over the past month. According to reports, approximately 23 million barrels of Iraqi crude are expected to be imported into the region this month, a significant increase from the 16 million barrels recorded in April. The growing demand for Basrah Medium crude and supply constraints have pushed prices to their highest levels. European refiners are now faced with the challenge of balancing their energy needs while managing the escalating costs of crude oil. The industry is closely monitoring developments in the payment dispute between Iraq and Turkey, as a resolution could alleviate some of the supply pressure on the market.

Sour and expensive: Europe's crude oil woes reach a boiling point

A company in Southern Germany is constructing a building in just 140 hours that too with only two workers. For details, watch the video.

140 hours to build Europe's biggest 3D printed building

The European Union's proposed data act is drawing some unexpected backlash from German tech companies SAP and Siemens. The two German tech giants have joined the chorus of critics against the EU's proposed data laws.

Tech companies battle EU over data-sharing

The expansion of modern humans over the planet is one of the most spectacular events of evolution. During millions of years, distinctive forms of homo sapiens evolved & coexisted in the same regions. However, it took 12,000 years for the ancient human species to colonise Europe. As per a study, it took three separate waves of modern humans to colonise Europe.

Ancient human civilisation needed three attempts & 12,000 years to colonise Europe: Study

Western hypocrisy is at play again. This time, in an attempt to get Russian oil via a back door. How is Russian oil reaching Europe? How has Europe re-routed Russian oil? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: India becomes Europe's largest exporter of refined oil

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown,&nbsp;coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under&nbsp; Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency.&nbsp;

The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” &nbsp;

It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills.

Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”.

“A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved&nbsp;and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1).

“A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests.&nbsp;

Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.”&nbsp; 
 
She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency. The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills. Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland. The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”. “A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1). “A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests. Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.” She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US-Europe announce 288 arrests, seizures in crackdown on dark web drug trafficking

Will Finland become a new front in the Ukraine war? US and Finland are reportedly negotiating an agreement that allows America to use Finnish military bases. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Finland the new front in the Ukraine war?

Europe's top soccer nations face a broadcast blackout for this year's Women's World Cup unless media can improve on their "disappointing" offers for the rights, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

Offers from "Big 5" European countries were not acceptable to football's world governing body and a "slap in the face" of the players and "all women worldwide", Infantino said.

The 'Big 5' nations are Britain, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-man-charged-after-stealing-nick-kyrgios-car-threatening-aussie-players-mother-588155">Man charged after stealing Nick Kyrgios' car, threatening Aussie player's mother</a>

"To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women’s World Cup," Infantino said at a World Trade Organization meeting in Geneva.

"Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair, we will be forced not to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup into the 'Big 5' European countries."

The World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, starts on July 20.

Infantino said broadcasters had offered only $1 million-$10 million for the rights, compared to $100 million-$200 million for rights to the men's World Cup.

Due to the time-zone difference, Women's World Cup matches will be held outside prime-time viewing hours for European markets but Infantino said that was no excuse.

"Maybe ... it’s not played on prime-time in Europe, but still, it is played at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., so it is quite a reasonable time," he said.

Some 1.12 billion viewers tuned into the 2019 Women's World Cup in France across all platforms, according to a FIFA audit of the tournament.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Europe's top soccer nations face a broadcast blackout for this year's Women's World Cup unless media can improve on their "disappointing" offers for the rights, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

Europe's top soccer nations face a broadcast blackout for this year's Women's World Cup unless media can improve on their "disappointing" offers for the rights, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Offers from "Big 5" European countries were not acceptable to football's world governing body and a "slap in the face" of the players and "all women worldwide", Infantino said. The 'Big 5' nations are Britain, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. Also Read: Man charged after stealing Nick Kyrgios' car, threatening Aussie player's mother "To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women’s World Cup," Infantino said at a World Trade Organization meeting in Geneva. "Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair, we will be forced not to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup into the 'Big 5' European countries." The World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, starts on July 20. Infantino said broadcasters had offered only $1 million-$10 million for the rights, compared to $100 million-$200 million for rights to the men's World Cup. Due to the time-zone difference, Women's World Cup matches will be held outside prime-time viewing hours for European markets but Infantino said that was no excuse. "Maybe ... it’s not played on prime-time in Europe, but still, it is played at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., so it is quite a reasonable time," he said. Some 1.12 billion viewers tuned into the 2019 Women's World Cup in France across all platforms, according to a FIFA audit of the tournament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: FIFA warns of Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe amid disappointing offers for rights

India has become Europe's largest supplier of refined fuels this month, while simultaneously buying record amounts of Russian crude. According to data from analytics firm K-Pler, Europe's reliance on Indian crude oil products has grown since the ban on Russian oil. Europe's refined fuel imports from India are set to surge above 360,000 barrels a day, edging just ahead of those of Saudi.

India now Europe's largest supplier of refined fuels | Reliance on Indian crude oil products

IN PICS | Protests, rallies, demonstrations: Here's how people marked May Day across the world

As Russia faces sanctions, India is emerging as Europe’s largest supplier of refined fuel. Eric Njoka brings you the report.

India, Europe's largest supplier of refined fuels

europe-0

Europe, News on Europe, stories on Europe, articles on Europe, Europe stories at Wion, Europe news, Europe latest news

europe 0