We are witnessing the resurgence of terrorism in Europe. It's not just France or Austria that faces the terror threat. Radicalism has been growing around Europe. And European leaders are waking up to the threat posed by political Islam. On Monday, France struck back.

More than 50 Jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda were killed in an airstrike in Mali. France has been fighting a long-drawn battle against extremism in this region&nbsp;

In&nbsp;return, Macron now has a target on his head. Al Qaeda is threatening to attack the French President. It said that killing anyone who insults the Prophet is the right of every Muslim. Islamist extremism has become Europe's reality. 
&nbsp; 
With words 'Islam is a religion in crisis' Emmanuel Macron painted a target on his back. What followed was a major backlash from the Muslim world. Protesters took to the streets.

The Islamic world may have rejected Macron's message but European leaders must take it as a wake-up call. It's a continent that is struggling with growing radicalism.

In 2019, there were 119 attempted attacks in Europe. Out of these, 21 were linked to Jihadist terrorism.

In 2020, the attacks in France and Austria mark a resurgence of terrorism in Europe.&nbsp;

The challenge is collective. The response isn't.

Different European countries are trying to deal with terror threats with their own unique measures. Austria banned foreign funding for the Islamic group in 2015.

Germany made a push to train Imams locally. Italy punished radical Imams. By 2018, it has expelled 16 Imams. Sweden axed government funding to two Muslim organisations. This included a Muslim brotherhood youth group.

Sweden said that the group didn't fulfil the 'democracy requirement' needed for government aid.

Clearly, these limited measures were not enough. Europe needs a united front to challenge Islamism. A front, that can collaborate with international partners.

During his visit to Germany, India Foreign Secretary highlighted the need for greater co-operation against terror networks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
While raising the issue of growing radicalism in Europe he said, "The terrorists are united in purpose and action while we, the victims, are yet to be so" 
&nbsp; 
This is a pivotal moment for Europe. Leaders who pushed for open borders and sat in judgment of other countries that implemented tough measures are learning it the hard way.

They need decisive action and a comprehensive approach.

We are witnessing the resurgence of terrorism in Europe. It's not just France or Austria that faces the terror threat. Radicalism has been growing around Europe.

We are witnessing the resurgence of terrorism in Europe. It's not just France or Austria that faces the terror threat. Radicalism has been growing around Europe. And European leaders are waking up to the threat posed by political Islam. On Monday, France struck back. More than 50 Jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda were killed in an airstrike in Mali. France has been fighting a long-drawn battle against extremism in this region In return, Macron now has a target on his head. Al Qaeda is threatening to attack the French President. It said that killing anyone who insults the Prophet is the right of every Muslim. Islamist extremism has become Europe's reality. With words 'Islam is a religion in crisis' Emmanuel Macron painted a target on his back. What followed was a major backlash from the Muslim world. Protesters took to the streets. The Islamic world may have rejected Macron's message but European leaders must take it as a wake-up call. It's a continent that is struggling with growing radicalism. In 2019, there were 119 attempted attacks in Europe. Out of these, 21 were linked to Jihadist terrorism. In 2020, the attacks in France and Austria mark a resurgence of terrorism in Europe. The challenge is collective. The response isn't. Different European countries are trying to deal with terror threats with their own unique measures. Austria banned foreign funding for the Islamic group in 2015. Germany made a push to train Imams locally. Italy punished radical Imams. By 2018, it has expelled 16 Imams. Sweden axed government funding to two Muslim organisations. This included a Muslim brotherhood youth group. Sweden said that the group didn't fulfil the 'democracy requirement' needed for government aid. Clearly, these limited measures were not enough. Europe needs a united front to challenge Islamism. A front, that can collaborate with international partners. During his visit to Germany, India Foreign Secretary highlighted the need for greater co-operation against terror networks. While raising the issue of growing radicalism in Europe he said, "The terrorists are united in purpose and action while we, the victims, are yet to be so" This is a pivotal moment for Europe. Leaders who pushed for open borders and sat in judgment of other countries that implemented tough measures are learning it the hard way. They need decisive action and a comprehensive approach.

With radicalism growing, Europe witnesses resurgence of terrorism

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp; 
 
Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern."

The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis.

The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability."

Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties."

Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership. In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen. A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern." The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis. The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability." Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties." Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

With Europe in focus, India-Italy virtual summit on Friday

"The virus is spreading across France at a speed that even the most pessimistic did not predict... As elsewhere in Europe, we are overwhelmed by a second wave that will probably be more difficult and deadly than the first," Macron said.

'COVID-19's 2nd wave will be more difficult and deadly', says Emmanuel Macron

Europe's new COVID-19 cases have doubled in five weeks, propelling the region on Sunday across the bleak milestone of 10 million total infections, according to a Reuters tally.

Europe's COVID-19 cases double in five weeks, total infections surpass 10 million

A powerful earthquake hit Greece and Turkey today. The 7.0 magnitude quake has killed at least 6 people and triggered a mini-tsunami.

Gravitas: Major Earthquake hits Turkey and Greece

The suspect, 21, had an Italian Red Cross document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month.

France church attacker arrived in Europe from Tunisia days ago

Germany is on the verge of imposing new coronavirus restrictions after a record rise in infections.

Germany imposes partial lockdown for November to restrict spread of coronavirus

Hundreds of locals took to streets in Italy to demonstrate fo a bill that would make anti-LGBT violence a hate crime leading to harsher penalties in comparison to the existing punishments under the current law.

Will Italy successfully pass its LGBTQ+ hate crime law?

Jews population in Europe has declined by more than 60 per cent in the last 50 years and only 0.1 per cent of the continent's population comprises Jews, a study has shown.

According to a study by the London-based Institute for Jewish Policy Research, now only about 9 per cent of the total Jewish population globally resides in Europe, which was 90 per cent in the latter part of the 19th century but was of similar levels about 1,000 years ago.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-in-the-pandemic-jews-flown-to-jerusalem-for-burial-296465">Even in the pandemic, Jews flown to Jerusalem for burial</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

It said 1.3 million Jews live in Europe in 2020, nearly 0.1 per cent of the continent's population and two-thirds of these people live in the UK, Germany and France.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-19-continues-to-spread-jews-urged-not-to-kiss-the-western-wall-287073">As COVID-19 continues to spread, Jews urged not to kiss the Western Wall</a>

"Jews have not only been an integral part of European history and culture but are actually one of its oldest and original component groups," the report said, as quoted by The Guardian.

"However, throughout history, the inherent weakness of a landless and powerless minority vis-a-vis territorially based societies and their constituted powers often put the Jewish people in a condition of dependency and instability, and translated into powerful ups and downs in the Jewish presence."

The Holocaust under Hitler in the first half of the 20th century which led to killings of about 6 million Jews reduced Jews' population to around 11 million, the study noted.

It said in the last decades of the 20th century, the "opening of the doors of the Soviet Union" led to over 1.8 million Jews leaving eastern Europe between 1969 and 2020, which ultimately caused "a drastic shift in the Jewish population's centre of gravity from the east to the west of the continent".

In 1880, 88 per cent of the world's Jews resided in Europe. By 1945, this percentage had declined to 35 per cent and then to 26 per cent and 9 per cent in 1970 and 2020 respectively, the study said.

Jews population in Europe has declined by more than 60 per cent in the last 50 years and only 0.1 per cent of the continent's population comprises Jews, a study has shown.

Jews population in Europe has declined by more than 60 per cent in the last 50 years and only 0.1 per cent of the continent's population comprises Jews, a study has shown. According to a study by the London-based Institute for Jewish Policy Research, now only about 9 per cent of the total Jewish population globally resides in Europe, which was 90 per cent in the latter part of the 19th century but was of similar levels about 1,000 years ago. Also read | Even in the pandemic, Jews flown to Jerusalem for burial It said 1.3 million Jews live in Europe in 2020, nearly 0.1 per cent of the continent's population and two-thirds of these people live in the UK, Germany and France. Also read | As COVID-19 continues to spread, Jews urged not to kiss the Western Wall "Jews have not only been an integral part of European history and culture but are actually one of its oldest and original component groups," the report said, as quoted by The Guardian. "However, throughout history, the inherent weakness of a landless and powerless minority vis-a-vis territorially based societies and their constituted powers often put the Jewish people in a condition of dependency and instability, and translated into powerful ups and downs in the Jewish presence." The Holocaust under Hitler in the first half of the 20th century which led to killings of about 6 million Jews reduced Jews' population to around 11 million, the study noted. It said in the last decades of the 20th century, the "opening of the doors of the Soviet Union" led to over 1.8 million Jews leaving eastern Europe between 1969 and 2020, which ultimately caused "a drastic shift in the Jewish population's centre of gravity from the east to the west of the continent". In 1880, 88 per cent of the world's Jews resided in Europe. By 1945, this percentage had declined to 35 per cent and then to 26 per cent and 9 per cent in 1970 and 2020 respectively, the study said.

Jewish population declined over 60% in Europe in last 50 years: Study

Macron pledged to fight “Islamist separatism”, which he said was threatening to take control in some Muslim communities around France, drawing a sharp rebuke from Erdogan.

Erdogan says Macron needs treatment over attitude towards Muslims

French health authorities said the country has reached over 1.04 million confirmed coronavirus cases, becoming the second country in Western Europe after Spain to reach that number of known infections.

France's coronavirus cases top 1 million as daily tally hits new high

French health authorities said the country has reached over 1.04 million confirmed coronavirus cases, becoming the second country in Western Europe after Spain to reach that number of known infections.

In the past 24 hours, the country confirmed 42,032 new cases on Friday, beating Thursday`s record of 41,661, Xinhua news agency reported.

The overall caseload currently stands at 1,084,659.

The death toll increased to 34,508, representing a one-day spike of 298, higher than 162 on Thursday.

The number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients reached 15,008, up by 976 in one day, exceeding the 15,000 thresholds for the first time since May 25.

To date, 2,073 clusters are under investigation, of which 477 are in nursing homes. This represents 184 additional outbreaks in 24 hours.

The "grave" resurgence of the epidemic has forced the government to extend curfews, imposed on Paris and eight other major cities, to 38 other departments.

The restrictive measure now involves 46 million residents who have been asked to stay home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Friday midnight.

Since the end of September when infection cases soared up, France had already put in place extra measures in regions on maximum alert, including the closure of bars, pools and gyms.

Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says.

The exact number of coronavirus cases stood at 42,020,333. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added.

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil.

(With inputs from agencies)

French health authorities said the country has reached over 1.04 million confirmed coronavirus cases, becoming the second country in Western Europe after Spain to reach that number of known infections. In the past 24 hours, the country confirmed 42,032 new cases on Friday, beating Thursday`s record of 41,661, Xinhua news agency reported. The overall caseload currently stands at 1,084,659. The death toll increased to 34,508, representing a one-day spike of 298, higher than 162 on Thursday. The number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients reached 15,008, up by 976 in one day, exceeding the 15,000 thresholds for the first time since May 25. To date, 2,073 clusters are under investigation, of which 477 are in nursing homes. This represents 184 additional outbreaks in 24 hours. The "grave" resurgence of the epidemic has forced the government to extend curfews, imposed on Paris and eight other major cities, to 38 other departments. The restrictive measure now involves 46 million residents who have been asked to stay home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Friday midnight. Since the end of September when infection cases soared up, France had already put in place extra measures in regions on maximum alert, including the closure of bars, pools and gyms. Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says. The exact number of coronavirus cases stood at 42,020,333. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil. (With inputs from agencies)

France's coronavirus cases top 1 million as daily tally hits new high 

Europe is currently witnessing a resurgence in coronavirus cases. Europe's COVID-19 cases have doubled in 10 days. Watch report.

Europe witnesses surge in COVID-19 cases: Virus curfew begins in Milan

Facebook on Wednesday extended its dating service to 32 European countries after the plan was delayed earlier due to regulatory issues.&nbsp;

After concerns were raised by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), European Union's main regulator for many of the world's technology giant organisations, Facebook had postponed its rollout of Facebook Dating in Europe in February.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/european-union-is-investigating-instagrams-usage-of-childrens-data-336457">European Union is investigating Instagram's usage of children's data</a>

The regulator had said it was informed about Facebook's February 13 launch on February 3, which bothered DPC due to a short period of notice.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-to-get-new-exciting-features-like-video-calling-on-whatsapp-web-heres-what-to-expect-336664">WhatsApp to get new exciting features like video calling on WhatsApp Web. Here's what to expect</a>

It further said the social media giant did not provide earlier the documentation related to data protection impact assessments or decision-making processes.&nbsp;

Facebook Dating, a feature available within the Facebook app, was launched in the US last year in September. The service is currently available in 20 other nations,&nbsp;

Users can opt to create a dating profile which can be deleted anytime without deleting their Facebook accounts, said Kate Orseth, Facebook Dating's product manager, in a blog post on Wednesday.

The first names and ages of people using the services will be taken from their respective Facebook profiles, which cannot be edited, the blog said.

It also said users' last name will not be shown and they can decide whether their personal information should be displayed in the dating service or not.&nbsp;

Facebook on Wednesday extended its dating service to 32 European countries after the plan was delayed earlier due to regulatory issues. After concerns were raised by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), European Union's main regulator for many of the world's technology giant organisations, Facebook had postponed its rollout of Facebook Dating in Europe in February.

Facebook on Wednesday extended its dating service to 32 European countries after the plan was delayed earlier due to regulatory issues. After concerns were raised by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), European Union's main regulator for many of the world's technology giant organisations, Facebook had postponed its rollout of Facebook Dating in Europe in February. Also read | European Union is investigating Instagram's usage of children's data The regulator had said it was informed about Facebook's February 13 launch on February 3, which bothered DPC due to a short period of notice. Also read | WhatsApp to get new exciting features like video calling on WhatsApp Web. Here's what to expect It further said the social media giant did not provide earlier the documentation related to data protection impact assessments or decision-making processes. Facebook Dating, a feature available within the Facebook app, was launched in the US last year in September. The service is currently available in 20 other nations, Users can opt to create a dating profile which can be deleted anytime without deleting their Facebook accounts, said Kate Orseth, Facebook Dating's product manager, in a blog post on Wednesday. The first names and ages of people using the services will be taken from their respective Facebook profiles, which cannot be edited, the blog said. It also said users' last name will not be shown and they can decide whether their personal information should be displayed in the dating service or not.

Facebook's dating service launched in Europe

Angry European farmers are pushing for a ban on calling vegetarian products a "burger" or a "sausage" that they say mislead consumers into thinking certain products contain meat.

Their demand was part of a legislative proposal on Monday at the European Parliament, which MEPs are to vote on later this week in Brussels.&nbsp;

The ban request comes on the back of the rising success of high-end veggieburgers that closely replicate the taste and sensation of eating meat.

Vegetarianism is also gaining ground due to the link between raising cattle and climate change.

Also banned would be products labelled as "yoghurt-style" or "cheese-like" for non-dairy based products. Terms such as "soy milk" and "vegan cheese" are already banned in the EU.

According to the proposal, "terms and descriptions referring to 'meat' should be reserved exclusively for the parts of animals fit for human consumption".&nbsp;

The draft text lists "steak", "sausage", "escalope", "burger" and "hamburger" as examples of banned words.

The parliament's agriculture committee proposed the passage as an amendment to a vast farming bill that would go to a vote on Tuesday.

Jean-Pierre Fleury, of the EU's farmers association Copa and Cogeca, called the misuse of meat labels "an obvious case of cultural hijacking."

"We are about to create a brave new world where marketing is disconnected from the real nature of products, which is just asking for things to spin out of control!" he said earlier this month.&nbsp;

Food advocacy group ProVeg International said the opposite was true and that the terms "provide important information regarding the taste and uses that people can expect from a product."

"Just as we all know that peanut butter does not contain butter, consumers know exactly what they are getting when they buy veggie burgers or veggie sausages," said ProVeg's Alex Gromminger.

Hervé Salomon, director for France of veggie butter-maker Upfield, called the proposal "totally absurd" and said it went against everything the EU is trying to achieve in terms of lowering pollution in farming.&nbsp;

Voting results should be available no earlier than Wednesday. If the present text is adopted, it would then be negotiated with EU member states as part of a reform to the EU's agriculture policies.

Angry European farmers are pushing for a ban on calling vegetarian products a "burger" or a "sausage" that they say mislead consumers into thinking certain products contain meat.

Angry European farmers are pushing for a ban on calling vegetarian products a "burger" or a "sausage" that they say mislead consumers into thinking certain products contain meat. Their demand was part of a legislative proposal on Monday at the European Parliament, which MEPs are to vote on later this week in Brussels. The ban request comes on the back of the rising success of high-end veggieburgers that closely replicate the taste and sensation of eating meat. Vegetarianism is also gaining ground due to the link between raising cattle and climate change. Also banned would be products labelled as "yoghurt-style" or "cheese-like" for non-dairy based products. Terms such as "soy milk" and "vegan cheese" are already banned in the EU. According to the proposal, "terms and descriptions referring to 'meat' should be reserved exclusively for the parts of animals fit for human consumption". The draft text lists "steak", "sausage", "escalope", "burger" and "hamburger" as examples of banned words. The parliament's agriculture committee proposed the passage as an amendment to a vast farming bill that would go to a vote on Tuesday. Jean-Pierre Fleury, of the EU's farmers association Copa and Cogeca, called the misuse of meat labels "an obvious case of cultural hijacking." "We are about to create a brave new world where marketing is disconnected from the real nature of products, which is just asking for things to spin out of control!" he said earlier this month. Food advocacy group ProVeg International said the opposite was true and that the terms "provide important information regarding the taste and uses that people can expect from a product." "Just as we all know that peanut butter does not contain butter, consumers know exactly what they are getting when they buy veggie burgers or veggie sausages," said ProVeg's Alex Gromminger. Hervé Salomon, director for France of veggie butter-maker Upfield, called the proposal "totally absurd" and said it went against everything the EU is trying to achieve in terms of lowering pollution in farming. Voting results should be available no earlier than Wednesday. If the present text is adopted, it would then be negotiated with EU member states as part of a reform to the EU's agriculture policies.

Farmers push 'veggieburger' label ban in Europe

Several countries are now reporting a second wave of Wuhan virus cases. Lockdowns are being re-imposed. The possibility of a re-infection cannot be ignored. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why you shouldn't let your guard down yet.

Gravitas: A second wave and re-infections: Wuhan virus threat far from over

How bad will the Wuhan Coronavirus be this winter? Will the cold weather drive up the infections? Will you have to wait for the vaccine till 2022? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the pandemic may not end with the year 2020.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus Pandemic: Will the winter make it worse?

10 months into the pandemic, have people had way too much? Are all of those flocking to public spaces in denial of the virus, or are many of them fatigued by the pandemic? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus: Are people in denial or are they worn out?

France imposed curfews while other European nations are closing schools, cancelling surgeries and enlisting student medics as overwhelmed authorities face the nightmare scenario of a COVID-19 resurgence at the onset of winter.

Your Story: Worried European nations revive curfew

Europe is grappling with the second wave of coronavirus and the governments are raising to impose stricter restrictions but the question is is it too late to? Watch report.

Europe overtakes US in daily caseload: Worried Europe nations revive curfews

Europe faces 'exponential growth' in coronavirus cases

Coronavirus restrictions are taking effect in the Netherlands, the UK, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe as these nations try to reverse an alarming wave in new COVID-19 cases.

Europe reporting 100,000 COVID-19 cases per day: Second coronavirus pandemic wave

European countries have begun to close schools and cancel surgeries, going well beyond curbs on social life, as overwhelmed authorities face their nightmare scenario of a COVID-19 resurgence right before the onset of winter.

Most European nations eased lockdowns over the summer to start reviving economies already heading for unprecedented downturns and job losses from the pandemic's first wave.

But the return of normal activity - from packed restaurants to new university terms - fuelled a sharply-rising spike in cases all over the continent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spain-imposes-new-restrictions-in-catalonia-amid-virus-surge-in-europe-334549" hreflang="en">Spain imposes new restrictions in Catalonia amid virus surge in Europe</a>

Bars and pubs were among the first to shut or face earlier closing in the new lockdowns, but now the surging infection rates are also testing governments' resolve to keep schools open and non-COVID medical care going.

The Czech Republic, which has Europe's worst rate per capita, has shifted schools to distance learning and hospitals started cutting non-urgent medical procedures to free up beds. Bars, restaurants and clubs have shut.

"Sometimes we are at the edge of crying, that happens quite often now," said Lenka Krejcova, a head nurse at Slany hospital northwest of Prague, as builders sped through the hospital's corridors to turn a general ward into a COVID-19 department.

Moscow authorities said on Wednesday they would introduce online learning for many students starting on Monday, while Northern Ireland announced a two-week schools' closure.

Major European economies of Germany, Britain and France have so far resisted pressure to close schools, a move that during the spring lockdowns created hardship across the workforce, with parents struggling to juggle child care and work from home.

'IT'S A MESS'

In Germany, politicians are debating whether to extend the Christmas-New Year break to reduce contagion among children spreading to the wider community, though critics say there is no evidence that schools have been infection hot spots.

The Netherlands returned to "partial lockdown" on Wednesday, closing bars and restaurants, but kept schools open.

European daily infections have been running at an average of almost 100,000 a day, forcing governments to introduce a range of tightening restrictions, each attempting to calibrate them in order to protect health without destroying livelihoods.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-records-biggest-one-day-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-333613" hreflang="en">WHO records biggest one-day increase in global coronavirus cases as Europe grapples with virus</a>

"It's a mess, it's a mess, my son, what can I tell you? We really don't know how we are going to end up," said an Italian pensioner in Rome.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to unveil further restrictions on Wednesday, with media reporting that city curfews are under consideration.

France's five largest cities - Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Lille - are already on maximum alert, with bars and gyms closed and restaurants under strict controls.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition calls to impose another national lockdown in England, but has so far resisted. Hospital admissions, however, are climbing and field hospitals in the spring are once more being readied.

In Spain, authorities in its richest region of Catalonia are set to announce either a closure of bars and restaurants for two weeks or a drastic reduction in opening hours.

In Belgium, with Europe's second worst infection rate per capita, hospitals now have to reserve a quarter of their beds for COVID-19 patients.

"We can't see the end of the tunnel today," Renaud Mazy, the managing director of the University Clinics of Saint-Luc in Brussels, told Belgian radio La Premiere.

European countries have begun to close schools and cancel surgeries, going well beyond curbs on social life, as overwhelmed authorities face their nightmare scenario of a COVID-19 resurgence right before the onset of winter.

European countries have begun to close schools and cancel surgeries, going well beyond curbs on social life, as overwhelmed authorities face their nightmare scenario of a COVID-19 resurgence right before the onset of winter. Most European nations eased lockdowns over the summer to start reviving economies already heading for unprecedented downturns and job losses from the pandemic's first wave. But the return of normal activity - from packed restaurants to new university terms - fuelled a sharply-rising spike in cases all over the continent. Also read: Spain imposes new restrictions in Catalonia amid virus surge in Europe Bars and pubs were among the first to shut or face earlier closing in the new lockdowns, but now the surging infection rates are also testing governments' resolve to keep schools open and non-COVID medical care going. The Czech Republic, which has Europe's worst rate per capita, has shifted schools to distance learning and hospitals started cutting non-urgent medical procedures to free up beds. Bars, restaurants and clubs have shut. "Sometimes we are at the edge of crying, that happens quite often now," said Lenka Krejcova, a head nurse at Slany hospital northwest of Prague, as builders sped through the hospital's corridors to turn a general ward into a COVID-19 department. Moscow authorities said on Wednesday they would introduce online learning for many students starting on Monday, while Northern Ireland announced a two-week schools' closure. Major European economies of Germany, Britain and France have so far resisted pressure to close schools, a move that during the spring lockdowns created hardship across the workforce, with parents struggling to juggle child care and work from home. 'IT'S A MESS' In Germany, politicians are debating whether to extend the Christmas-New Year break to reduce contagion among children spreading to the wider community, though critics say there is no evidence that schools have been infection hot spots. The Netherlands returned to "partial lockdown" on Wednesday, closing bars and restaurants, but kept schools open. European daily infections have been running at an average of almost 100,000 a day, forcing governments to introduce a range of tightening restrictions, each attempting to calibrate them in order to protect health without destroying livelihoods. Also read: WHO records biggest one-day increase in global coronavirus cases as Europe grapples with virus "It's a mess, it's a mess, my son, what can I tell you? We really don't know how we are going to end up," said an Italian pensioner in Rome. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to unveil further restrictions on Wednesday, with media reporting that city curfews are under consideration. France's five largest cities - Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Lille - are already on maximum alert, with bars and gyms closed and restaurants under strict controls. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition calls to impose another national lockdown in England, but has so far resisted. Hospital admissions, however, are climbing and field hospitals in the spring are once more being readied. In Spain, authorities in its richest region of Catalonia are set to announce either a closure of bars and restaurants for two weeks or a drastic reduction in opening hours. In Belgium, with Europe's second worst infection rate per capita, hospitals now have to reserve a quarter of their beds for COVID-19 patients. "We can't see the end of the tunnel today," Renaud Mazy, the managing director of the University Clinics of Saint-Luc in Brussels, told Belgian radio La Premiere.

Panicked Europe battens down against COVID second wave

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.

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