The covid-19 situation in Europe is getting worse by the day. Low rate of vaccination and skyrocketing cases after lifting of curbs. It is the same story in many countries that are dealing with escalating crisis.

Europe to face fourth wave of deadly Covid-19 crisis

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports.

Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8.

South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered.

In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-triggers-worries-of-another-pandemic-354934">Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic</a>

India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital.

In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1&nbsp;bird flu outbreak&nbsp;in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-first-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu-in-humans-365072">Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans</a>

The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp.

Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October.

Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-this-seasons-first-bird-flu-outbreak-culling-143000-chickens-428219">Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens</a>

Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products.

According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission. China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports. Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8. South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered. In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday. Also read | Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital. In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said. Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp. Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October. Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday. Also read | Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products. According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe, Asia on alert after reporting ‘severe’ avian influenza outbreak

Swedish carmaker Volvo is planning to make a car plant in Europe by the year 2025 to boost its production capacity beyond 1.2 million vehicles per year.

World Business Watch: Construction of a new plant to start in 2025

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency.

As per the European Union's air pollution data centre, the clear reduction in deaths across the continent was a direct result of favourable weather conditions and an improvement in air quality across the continent.

Nearly a million premature deaths were linked to fine particles in the early 1990s in the 27 EU member states, according to the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-leads-to-increased-mental-illness-and-decreases-intelligence-study-408854">Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study</a>

In 2005, that number had more than halved to 450,000.

The death toll from fine particulate matter with a diameter below 2.5 micrometres or PM2.5 was estimated at 346,000 for 2018.

Nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, mainly from cars, trucks, and thermal power plants, fell by a quarter to 40,000 between 2018 and 2019.

Similarly, the number of deaths linked to ground-level ozone in 2019 dropped 13 per cent to 16,800.

According to an EEA report, if EU members follow the latest air quality guidelines from the WHO, the number of fatalities in 2019 could be cut in half.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-volcano-that-wiped-out-town-in-colombia-killed-25000-is-active-again-429408" hreflang="en">Watch | Volcano that wiped out town in Colombia, killed 25,000, is active again</a>

Europe's biggest environmental threat to human health remains air pollution, according to the agency.

Most premature deaths attributed to air pollution are caused by heart disease and strokes, followed by lung ailments including cancer.

Atmospheric pollution can negatively affect lung development, lead to respiratory infections, and exacerbate asthma in children.

While the situation is improving, the EEA warned in September that most EU countries were still exceeding recommended pollution limits, whether they were European guidelines or more ambitious WHO targets.

UN health officials estimate that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths globally each year, on the same level as smoking and poor nutrition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-kills-7-million-people-per-year-estimates-who-issues-new-guidelines-414975">Air pollution kills 7 million people per year, estimates WHO;&nbsp; issues new guidelines</a>

In September, the WHO tightened its recommended limits on major air pollutants for the first time since 2005 as a result of alarming statistics.

"Investing in cleaner heating, mobility, agriculture and industry improves health, productivity and quality of life for all Europeans, and particularly the most vulnerable," said EEA director Hans Bruyninck.

By 2030, the EU wants to reduce premature deaths due to fine air pollution by at least 55 per cent from 2005 levels.

The agency estimates that the target will be reached by 2032 if air pollution continues to decline at the current rate.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Air Pollution &amp; Mental Health

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-pollution-mental-health-381527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, an ageing and increasingly urbanised population could complicate matters.

"An older population is more sensitive to air pollution and a higher rate of urbanisation typically means that more people are exposed to PM 2.5 concentrations, which tend to be higher in cities," said the report.

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency.

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency. As per the European Union's air pollution data centre, the clear reduction in deaths across the continent was a direct result of favourable weather conditions and an improvement in air quality across the continent. Nearly a million premature deaths were linked to fine particles in the early 1990s in the 27 EU member states, according to the report. Also read | Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study In 2005, that number had more than halved to 450,000. The death toll from fine particulate matter with a diameter below 2.5 micrometres or PM2.5 was estimated at 346,000 for 2018. Nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, mainly from cars, trucks, and thermal power plants, fell by a quarter to 40,000 between 2018 and 2019. Similarly, the number of deaths linked to ground-level ozone in 2019 dropped 13 per cent to 16,800. According to an EEA report, if EU members follow the latest air quality guidelines from the WHO, the number of fatalities in 2019 could be cut in half. Also read | Watch | Volcano that wiped out town in Colombia, killed 25,000, is active again Europe's biggest environmental threat to human health remains air pollution, according to the agency. Most premature deaths attributed to air pollution are caused by heart disease and strokes, followed by lung ailments including cancer. Atmospheric pollution can negatively affect lung development, lead to respiratory infections, and exacerbate asthma in children. While the situation is improving, the EEA warned in September that most EU countries were still exceeding recommended pollution limits, whether they were European guidelines or more ambitious WHO targets. UN health officials estimate that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths globally each year, on the same level as smoking and poor nutrition. Also read | Air pollution kills 7 million people per year, estimates WHO; issues new guidelines In September, the WHO tightened its recommended limits on major air pollutants for the first time since 2005 as a result of alarming statistics. "Investing in cleaner heating, mobility, agriculture and industry improves health, productivity and quality of life for all Europeans, and particularly the most vulnerable," said EEA director Hans Bruyninck. By 2030, the EU wants to reduce premature deaths due to fine air pollution by at least 55 per cent from 2005 levels. The agency estimates that the target will be reached by 2032 if air pollution continues to decline at the current rate. Watch | Gravitas: Air Pollution & Mental Health However, an ageing and increasingly urbanised population could complicate matters. "An older population is more sensitive to air pollution and a higher rate of urbanisation typically means that more people are exposed to PM 2.5 concentrations, which tend to be higher in cities," said the report.

'Invisible Killer': Air pollution in Europe still kills 300,000 a year

Europe continues to remain the new epicentre of COVID -19. In the latest the dutch authorities have now imposed a 3-week partial lockdown in an effort to bid the surge in cases.

Europe continues to remain the new epicentre of COVID -19

The European Union says it is being destabilised. The bloc claims Russia & Belarus have weaponised 2,000 migrants. Poland has stationed 15,000 troops to protect its borders. Will 2,000 migrants fleeing war trigger the next war? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will 2,000 migrants trigger a war in Europe?

COVID-19 cases are surging again in Europe, and the region has become the epicenter of the pandemic once more. Countries are now ramping up their Covid-19 arsenal to again combat the latest outbreak.

Europe becomes Covid-19 epicenter yet again

The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Europe are once again leading to the authorities hitting the panic button. With the re-imposition of lockdowns and other virus curbs, countries are ramping up measures to combat the latest outbreak. According to the European Union's disease agency--- ten countries in the block are currently facing a covid situation of 'very high concern.'

Surging COVID-19 cases in Europe become matter of concern

Coronavirus cases have been surging all across Europe. While speaking to CBS News, WHO top official, Dr Hans Kluge has warned that the United States should pay close attention. "If you look at the last four weeks, the hospitalisations have doubled," he said.&nbsp;

Kluge further stated that the vaccination uptake has plateaued in several parts of Europe. "At the same time, there's a relaxation of the public health and social measures, which is a cocktail for what we see: a fourth wave," he said.

Europe has seen a surge&nbsp;of more than 50 per cent&nbsp;new cases over the last month. With this, the World Health Organization has warned the region could see another half-million death by February.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

He termed vaccines as a "game-changer", however, he mentioned that they are not enough alone. He urged people to mask up and focus on handwashing, especially in indoor ventilation.

Meanwhile, Europe, once again, has been deemed as the epicentre of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Kluge earlier said that hospitalisations have increased in countries with lower vaccination rates. "We must change our tactics, from reacting to surges of COVID-19, to preventing them from happening in the first place," the European chief of WHO said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-opens-door-to-international-travellers-427794/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Recently, Germany's daily infection rate hit its highest recorded level since the beginning of the pandemic.

Britain is the hardest country hit with the virus with over 141,600 total fatalities and 9.2 million cases.&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases have been surging all across Europe. While speaking to CBS News, WHO top official, Dr Hans Kluge has warned that the United States should pay close attention.

Coronavirus cases have been surging all across Europe. While speaking to CBS News, WHO top official, Dr Hans Kluge has warned that the United States should pay close attention. "If you look at the last four weeks, the hospitalisations have doubled," he said. Kluge further stated that the vaccination uptake has plateaued in several parts of Europe. "At the same time, there's a relaxation of the public health and social measures, which is a cocktail for what we see: a fourth wave," he said. Europe has seen a surge of more than 50 per cent new cases over the last month. With this, the World Health Organization has warned the region could see another half-million death by February. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO He termed vaccines as a "game-changer", however, he mentioned that they are not enough alone. He urged people to mask up and focus on handwashing, especially in indoor ventilation. Meanwhile, Europe, once again, has been deemed as the epicentre of the deadly virus. Kluge earlier said that hospitalisations have increased in countries with lower vaccination rates. "We must change our tactics, from reacting to surges of COVID-19, to preventing them from happening in the first place," the European chief of WHO said. Recently, Germany's daily infection rate hit its highest recorded level since the beginning of the pandemic. Britain is the hardest country hit with the virus with over 141,600 total fatalities and 9.2 million cases.

As COVID-19 cases surge in Europe, WHO top official urges US to pay attention

Hundreds of migrants sought to storm the border from Belarus into Poland on Monday, cutting razor wire fences and using branches to try and climb over them.

Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland

The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as Germany registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic.

COVID-19 cases rise in Europe

Lithuania builds border barrier amid new migrant crisis. Lithuania claimed Belarus was flying migrants to the country from abroad and allowing them to cross the land border.

Lithuania builds laser walls against migrants

In an emotional moment, German Chancellor Angela Merkel bid goodbye to the President of France Emmanuel Macron as they met for what is expected to be the last time before Merkel steps down.

'You kept Europe united', says Macron while raising final toast to Merkel

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday.

The Paris-based industry body said that world wine production volume is expected to come in at around 250 million hectalitres, a drop of four percent from last year and seven percent below the 20-year average.

"The 2021 wine production can be considered extremely low, only slightly above the historically small production of 2017," said the OIV.

"This is the result of unfavourable climatic conditions that severely impacted the major wine-producing countries in Europe this year," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/space-aged-bordeaux-wine-offered-for-private-sale-by-christies-382939">Also read |&nbsp;Space-aged Bordeaux wine offered for private sale by Christie's&nbsp;</a>

Italy, Spain, and France are Europe's leading wine producers and account for 45 percent of the total. They saw their output plummet 22 million hectalitres thanks to spring frosts, hail storms, and deluges of rain.

France's production level was knocked back all the way to 1957.

If wine growers adapted relatively well to the Covid-19 crisis last year, they are now "confronting a much greater problem than the pandemic: climate change," OIV director Pau Roca said.

He said adverse weather events were occurring more and more frequently.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-an-era-for-bernadino-sparkling-wine-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-403445">Also read |&nbsp;End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know</a>

While "there is no vaccine" against climate change, Roca said "there are long-term solutions which will require major efforts in terms of sustainable practices for cultivating vines and producing wine".

He said adaption is an "urgent necessity" for the industry.

The impact of the low production level this year, the third in a row, is still unclear due to the volatility caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the OIV said.&nbsp;

If consumption fell last year by three percent due to the impact of Covid-related restrictions, it is expected to rebound by two percent this year, and could return to pre-pandemic levels except in China.&nbsp;

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday.

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday. The Paris-based industry body said that world wine production volume is expected to come in at around 250 million hectalitres, a drop of four percent from last year and seven percent below the 20-year average. "The 2021 wine production can be considered extremely low, only slightly above the historically small production of 2017," said the OIV. "This is the result of unfavourable climatic conditions that severely impacted the major wine-producing countries in Europe this year," it added. Also read | Space-aged Bordeaux wine offered for private sale by Christie's Italy, Spain, and France are Europe's leading wine producers and account for 45 percent of the total. They saw their output plummet 22 million hectalitres thanks to spring frosts, hail storms, and deluges of rain. France's production level was knocked back all the way to 1957. If wine growers adapted relatively well to the Covid-19 crisis last year, they are now "confronting a much greater problem than the pandemic: climate change," OIV director Pau Roca said. He said adverse weather events were occurring more and more frequently. Also read | End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know While "there is no vaccine" against climate change, Roca said "there are long-term solutions which will require major efforts in terms of sustainable practices for cultivating vines and producing wine". He said adaption is an "urgent necessity" for the industry. The impact of the low production level this year, the third in a row, is still unclear due to the volatility caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the OIV said. If consumption fell last year by three percent due to the impact of Covid-related restrictions, it is expected to rebound by two percent this year, and could return to pre-pandemic levels except in China.

'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that another 500,000 people could die across Europe with cases once again on the rise.

WHO warns of another 500,000 deaths in Europe as COVID-19 cases soar

Taiwan's democracy is "a treasure" to be protected, the head of a visiting European Parliament delegation said on Thursday, promising to stand with the island as tensions between Beijing and Taipei spiral to their highest level in years.

China lays claim to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and has intensified efforts in recent years to isolate it on the international stage, bristling at any attempt to treat the self-ruled island as an independent state.&nbsp;

Recent Chinese airforce incursions into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence zone have been met with international support for Taipei, including from the United States -- which reiterated its long-standing commitment to&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;the island's&nbsp;self-defence.&nbsp;

Led by French MEP Raphael Glucksmann, a vocal China critic who was among five lawmakers sanctioned by Beijing in March, the group has been described as the first "official" delegation to Taipei from the European Parliament despite Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

Glucksmann called&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy "a treasure that all democrats around the world should cherish and protect".

"We came here with a very simple, very clear message -- you are not alone," he said as the delegation met with&nbsp;Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

"Europe&nbsp;is&nbsp;standing&nbsp;with&nbsp;you...&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;of&nbsp;freedom and&nbsp;the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;of&nbsp;rule of law&nbsp;and&nbsp;human&nbsp;dignity," he said, urging the European Union to step up cooperation with&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;

"It's high time for us in the European Union to show that we are in the same boat... next we need a very concrete agenda of high-level meetings and high-level concrete steps" to build an EU-Taiwan&nbsp;partnership.&nbsp;

Tsai tweeted her thanks to the delegates on Thursday, saying an EU-Taiwan&nbsp;"partnership will help us better address these common threats and protect our shared democratic values".

'Sensitive issue'

China's foreign office expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to the visit.&nbsp;

An official said members of the European Parliament "should fully understand the complexity and sensitivity of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;issue, abide by the EU's commitment to the One-China Principle... and safeguard the political basis of the development of China-EU relations".

Beijing also responded to comments made by US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley on Wednesday, in which he stressed "we absolutely have the capability" to defend&nbsp;Taiwan.

"No one should underestimate China's firm determination and will to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the foreign official said.&nbsp;

"We will never allow anyone or any force to separate&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;from the embrace of the motherland in any way."

The Chinese mission in Brussels warned before the European Parliament delegation left that a&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;visit by MEPs would "damage China's core interest and undermine the healthy development of China-EU relations".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cheap-tricks-based-on-gossip-says-china-on-pentagons-nuclear-warhead-report-426687">Also read |&nbsp;Cheap tricks based on gossip, says China on Pentagon's nuclear warhead report</a>

Beijing reacted with anger when a group of French senators travelled to Taipei last month, and to Taiwanese foreign minister Joseph Wu's recent visits to Slovakia and the Czech Republic.&nbsp;

China-Taiwan&nbsp;ties have plunged since Tsai took office in 2016, as she views the island as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of Chinese territory.&nbsp;

Taiwan's defence minister said that military tensions with Beijing were at their highest in four decades after record incursions by Chinese warplanes into the island's air defence zone last month.&nbsp;

Taiwan's democracy is "a treasure" to be protected, the head of a visiting European Parliament delegation said on Thursday, promising to stand with the island as tensions between Beijing and Taipei spiral to their highest level in years.

Taiwan's democracy is "a treasure" to be protected, the head of a visiting European Parliament delegation said on Thursday, promising to stand with the island as tensions between Beijing and Taipei spiral to their highest level in years. China lays claim to Taiwan and has intensified efforts in recent years to isolate it on the international stage, bristling at any attempt to treat the self-ruled island as an independent state. Recent Chinese airforce incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone have been met with international support for Taipei, including from the United States -- which reiterated its long-standing commitment to supporting the island's self-defence. Led by French MEP Raphael Glucksmann, a vocal China critic who was among five lawmakers sanctioned by Beijing in March, the group has been described as the first "official" delegation to Taipei from the European Parliament despite Chinese opposition. Glucksmann called Taiwan's democracy "a treasure that all democrats around the world should cherish and protect". "We came here with a very simple, very clear message -- you are not alone," he said as the delegation met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO "Europe is standing with you... in the defence of freedom and the defence of rule of law and human dignity," he said, urging the European Union to step up cooperation with Taiwan. "It's high time for us in the European Union to show that we are in the same boat... next we need a very concrete agenda of high-level meetings and high-level concrete steps" to build an EU-Taiwan partnership. Tsai tweeted her thanks to the delegates on Thursday, saying an EU-Taiwan "partnership will help us better address these common threats and protect our shared democratic values". 'Sensitive issue' China's foreign office expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to the visit. An official said members of the European Parliament "should fully understand the complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, abide by the EU's commitment to the One-China Principle... and safeguard the political basis of the development of China-EU relations". Beijing also responded to comments made by US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley on Wednesday, in which he stressed "we absolutely have the capability" to defend Taiwan. "No one should underestimate China's firm determination and will to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the foreign official said. "We will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from the embrace of the motherland in any way." The Chinese mission in Brussels warned before the European Parliament delegation left that a Taiwan visit by MEPs would "damage China's core interest and undermine the healthy development of China-EU relations". Also read | Cheap tricks based on gossip, says China on Pentagon's nuclear warhead report Beijing reacted with anger when a group of French senators travelled to Taipei last month, and to Taiwanese foreign minister Joseph Wu's recent visits to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. China-Taiwan ties have plunged since Tsai took office in 2016, as she views the island as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of Chinese territory. Taiwan's defence minister said that military tensions with Beijing were at their highest in four decades after record incursions by Chinese warplanes into the island's air defence zone last month.

Europe 'standing' with Taiwan, visiting delegation says

Kososvo has one of the lowest electricity prices in Europe. 97% of its energy needs are met through coal, the dependence on coals has taken a heavy toll on locals now who have been battling pollution-related illness.

Heavy price for cheap electricity in Europe's Kosovo

Taiwan on Wednesday welcomed the first European Parliament delegation to visit the island, calling the trip significant and its latest move towards stronger ties with Europe amid heightened tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and has not ruled out taking by force, does not have formal diplomatic relations with any European countries apart from Vatican City. But it is keen to deepen ties with European Union democracies.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-blinken-meets-wang-yi-c">&nbsp;As Blinken meets Wang Yi, Chinese jets enter Taiwan's airspace</a>

"The delegation was the first official delegation dispatched by the European Parliament to Taiwan in history, which is of great significance," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The delegation, led by French Member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann, will discuss complex threats including disinformation and cyber attacks with Taiwan officials, the ministry added.

The three-day visit was organised by a European Parliament committee on foreign interference such as disinformation in democratic processes.

Taiwan's Presidential Office said in a statement the government will share experiences in dealing with challenges including "foreign infiltration" with the delegation.

"The experience of Taiwan in addressing repeated and sophisticated attacks through the mobilisation of its whole society, and without restricting its democracy, is unique," Glucksmann said in a statement before departing for Taiwan.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuke-sniffer-plane-flies-over-south-china-sea-report-426091">US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report</a>

President Tsai Ing-wen has warned of increasing Chinese efforts to gain influence in the democratic island and has asked security agencies to counter the infiltration efforts.

The EU lawmakers'&nbsp;visit comes after Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu made a rare trip to Europe last month that angered Beijing, which warned the host countries against undermining their bilateral relations with China.

The European Parliament last month adopted a non-binding resolution to deepen ties with Taiwan, including looking into a bilateral investment agreement.

The delegation will meet Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang later on Wednesday before a meeting with Tsai on Thursday.

Taiwan on Wednesday welcomed the first European Parliament delegation to visit the island, calling the trip significant and its latest move towards stronger ties with Europe amid heightened tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

Taiwan on Wednesday welcomed the first European Parliament delegation to visit the island, calling the trip significant and its latest move towards stronger ties with Europe amid heightened tensions between Taipei and Beijing. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and has not ruled out taking by force, does not have formal diplomatic relations with any European countries apart from Vatican City. But it is keen to deepen ties with European Union democracies. Also Read | As Blinken meets Wang Yi, Chinese jets enter Taiwan's airspace "The delegation was the first official delegation dispatched by the European Parliament to Taiwan in history, which is of great significance," the foreign ministry said in a statement. The delegation, led by French Member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann, will discuss complex threats including disinformation and cyber attacks with Taiwan officials, the ministry added. The three-day visit was organised by a European Parliament committee on foreign interference such as disinformation in democratic processes. Taiwan's Presidential Office said in a statement the government will share experiences in dealing with challenges including "foreign infiltration" with the delegation. "The experience of Taiwan in addressing repeated and sophisticated attacks through the mobilisation of its whole society, and without restricting its democracy, is unique," Glucksmann said in a statement before departing for Taiwan. Also Read | US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report President Tsai Ing-wen has warned of increasing Chinese efforts to gain influence in the democratic island and has asked security agencies to counter the infiltration efforts. The EU lawmakers' visit comes after Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu made a rare trip to Europe last month that angered Beijing, which warned the host countries against undermining their bilateral relations with China. The European Parliament last month adopted a non-binding resolution to deepen ties with Taiwan, including looking into a bilateral investment agreement. The delegation will meet Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang later on Wednesday before a meeting with Tsai on Thursday.

Taiwan welcomes first official European Parliament delegation

A Cambridge faculty, a French museum and a Scottish college all returned artifacts looted from West Africa, with activists and officers hailing a possible turning level within the years-long battle to make sure Europe’s reckoning on race prolonged to restitution of what it plundered.

Europe returns colonial-era looted African artwork

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices.

China demanded in August that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador in Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy to Vilnius after Taiwan announced that its office in Vilnius would be called the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-pressure-on-nations-to-not-recognise-taiwan-as-a-country-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-tells-wion-336966">China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION</a>

Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, which China claims as its own territory.

Lithuania said earlier this year it planned to open a representative office in Taiwan, a decision that also angered Beijing.

China "resolutely opposes" official contacts between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and authorities in Taiwan, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement on its website.

"We urge the Lithuanian government to abide by the solemn political commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China and not to make irreversible wrong decisions," Wang said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-no-right-to-join-united-nations-china-lashes-out-at-us-424497">'Taiwan has no right to join United Nations,' China lashes out at US</a>

"The European side should adopt a correct position and prevent interference with the healthy development of China-EU relations."

China's Xinhua official news agency said Wang`s comments followed a joint letter from the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission expressing concern over China's criticisms of the representative offices.

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices.

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices. China demanded in August that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador in Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy to Vilnius after Taiwan announced that its office in Vilnius would be called the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania. Also Read | China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, which China claims as its own territory. Lithuania said earlier this year it planned to open a representative office in Taiwan, a decision that also angered Beijing. China "resolutely opposes" official contacts between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and authorities in Taiwan, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement on its website. "We urge the Lithuanian government to abide by the solemn political commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China and not to make irreversible wrong decisions," Wang said. Also Read | 'Taiwan has no right to join United Nations,' China lashes out at US "The European side should adopt a correct position and prevent interference with the healthy development of China-EU relations." China's Xinhua official news agency said Wang`s comments followed a joint letter from the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission expressing concern over China's criticisms of the representative offices.

China warns Lithuania, European officials over Taiwan row

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass.

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass. In Italy, one needs to have a COVID-19 pass to enter their workplace. Italy is said to have adapted the most rigid COVID-19 pass rules in Europe. As per the guidelines, anyone who is on a payroll, both in the public and private sectors, must have a 'green pass' with a QR code as proof of either full vaccination, recent recovery from infection or a negative test. Also, employees who go to work without a pass can be fined up to 1,500 euros and can also face suspension without pay. Employers could also face fines if they allow staff to work without it. Also read | Hong Kong passes law that can censor even past films, to safeguard 'national security' In France, the passe sanitaire has become part of daily life. A report by BBC highlights how the Netherlands does not require a pass now. However, the rules state that anyone aged 13 and over has to show a COVID-19 entry pass. As per the official EU website, the pass contains a QR code, which comprises personal as well as sensitive health data. However, the processing of the information happens exclusively in the browser. "To create the pass, only a cryptographic hash is sent to our server and signed there. This means we have no possibility to read or save your data," says the website. The website urges the citizens to not share COVID-19 passes in order to protect privacy. Meanwhile, recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concerns over the worsening pandemic situation in Europe. The UN health body said that Europe had the maximum number of cases and deaths due to the viral disease over the last week, with a double-digit percentage surge in each.

Most European countries to keep using COVID-19 passports as winter approaches

Dams, irrigation projects, settlements in the past few decades, the natural course of rivers have been altered due to rapid infrastructural developments but some rivers stay wild, take a look!

Europe: Vjosa river untouched by infrastructure projects

Facebook has lurched from controversy to controversy since Mark Zuckerberg started it as a Harvard undergrad in 2004. But the actions of Frances Haugen, a former product manager, have created a backlash and public relations crisis that stand apart.

On Monday, she took her tightly choreographed campaign to build a case for stiffer oversight of the social media giant to Europe. In front of British lawmakers Monday, she painted a portrait of a company vividly aware of its harmful effects on society but unwilling to act because doing so could jeopardize profits and growth.

Hours before she began speaking in London, more than a dozen news organizations published articles based on the Facebook Papers, a cache of documents she took before resigning from the company.

“We need regulation,” Haugen said Monday. “Until the incentives change, Facebook will not change,” she added later.

Facebook on Monday said profits in the latest quarter, which ended in September, had risen 17% to $9.2 billion, reflecting the company’s financial strength.

The revelations from Haugen have generated increased political support for new regulation in the United States and Europe, including some calls for Zuckerberg to step aside as Facebook’s CEO.

“Facebook is failing to prevent harm to children, it’s failing to stop the spread of disinformation, it is failing to stop the spread of hate speech,” John Nicolson, a lawmaker from Scotland, said during the hearing on Monday.

Haugen left Facebook with scores of internal research papers, slide decks, discussion threads, presentations and memos that she has shared with lawmakers, regulators and journalists.

After leaking internal company documents to The Wall Street Journal, Haugen revealed her identity this month for an episode of “60 Minutes” and testified before a Senate committee. She also shared the documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Since then, she has shared the Facebook materials with other news organizations.

During a call with financial analysts on Monday, Zuckerberg strongly criticized the news coverage and criticism stemming from Haugen’s leaks.

“My view on what we are seeing is a coordinated effort to selectively use leaked documents to create a false picture about our company,” he said.

Facebook has lurched from controversy to controversy since Mark Zuckerberg started it as a Harvard undergrad in 2004. But the actions of Frances Haugen, a former product manager, have created a backlash and public relations crisis that stand apart.

Facebook has lurched from controversy to controversy since Mark Zuckerberg started it as a Harvard undergrad in 2004. But the actions of Frances Haugen, a former product manager, have created a backlash and public relations crisis that stand apart. On Monday, she took her tightly choreographed campaign to build a case for stiffer oversight of the social media giant to Europe. In front of British lawmakers Monday, she painted a portrait of a company vividly aware of its harmful effects on society but unwilling to act because doing so could jeopardize profits and growth. Hours before she began speaking in London, more than a dozen news organizations published articles based on the Facebook Papers, a cache of documents she took before resigning from the company. “We need regulation,” Haugen said Monday. “Until the incentives change, Facebook will not change,” she added later. Facebook on Monday said profits in the latest quarter, which ended in September, had risen 17% to $9.2 billion, reflecting the company’s financial strength. The revelations from Haugen have generated increased political support for new regulation in the United States and Europe, including some calls for Zuckerberg to step aside as Facebook’s CEO. “Facebook is failing to prevent harm to children, it’s failing to stop the spread of disinformation, it is failing to stop the spread of hate speech,” John Nicolson, a lawmaker from Scotland, said during the hearing on Monday. Haugen left Facebook with scores of internal research papers, slide decks, discussion threads, presentations and memos that she has shared with lawmakers, regulators and journalists. After leaking internal company documents to The Wall Street Journal, Haugen revealed her identity this month for an episode of “60 Minutes” and testified before a Senate committee. She also shared the documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since then, she has shared the Facebook materials with other news organizations. During a call with financial analysts on Monday, Zuckerberg strongly criticized the news coverage and criticism stemming from Haugen’s leaks. “My view on what we are seeing is a coordinated effort to selectively use leaked documents to create a false picture about our company,” he said.

Facebook whistleblower brings campaign to Europe after disclosures

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