The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc. The rules also seek to limit the number of migrants coming on the shores of EU nations.

The agreement, called the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was arrived at after all-night talks. The rules should come into effect next year.

The provisions in the law have in their purview, screening of irregular migrants upon their arrival in the EU, processing of asylum applications and rules to determine which EU country is responsible for handling applications.

Europe has been dealing with the issue of migrants for nearly a decade. Especially countries like Italy, who are at the borders of the bloc, have seen scores of migrants landing on their shores after making perilous sea journey on vessels that are hardly seaworthy. Such countries have been demanding that responsibility of tackling the migrant issue should not fall on their shoulders alone.

Watch | France Immigration Bill passed amidst deep divisions within Macron's party

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The number of migrants arriving in EU are down from the peak of 1 million (in year 2015) but after a low in the year 2020, the numbers have steadily crept up. This year till November, about 255,000 migrants arrived. More than half of these came from Africa and arrived in Italy.

After EU countries agreed on&nbsp;rules of the pact, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed the development as a "great success" for Europe and for Italy. He said that countries like Italy who are on EU border would no longer feel alone.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the agreement as well. He said that the pact was important to relieve countries which are affected due to migrant flow, including Germany.

<h2>What do the new rules say?</h2>

As per the new system, countries that are not at the border of EU should choose between two options. They can handle their share of 30,000 asylum applications or contribute at least 20,000 euros ($21,870) per person into a European Union fund.

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The new rules also seek to create a screening system that will be able to effectively distinguish between asylum seeker who are genuinely in need of international protection and those who are not in such a situation.

The rules also seek to speed up the processing of applications.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc.

The European Union, on Wednesday (Dec 20) agreed on rules to share cost and work of hosting of migrants more evenly resulting in an agreement which is being welcomed by EU countries, especially on the border of the bloc. The rules also seek to limit the number of migrants coming on the shores of EU nations. The agreement, called the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was arrived at after all-night talks. The rules should come into effect next year. The provisions in the law have in their purview, screening of irregular migrants upon their arrival in the EU, processing of asylum applications and rules to determine which EU country is responsible for handling applications. Europe has been dealing with the issue of migrants for nearly a decade. Especially countries like Italy, who are at the borders of the bloc, have seen scores of migrants landing on their shores after making perilous sea journey on vessels that are hardly seaworthy. Such countries have been demanding that responsibility of tackling the migrant issue should not fall on their shoulders alone. Watch | France Immigration Bill passed amidst deep divisions within Macron's party × The number of migrants arriving in EU are down from the peak of 1 million (in year 2015) but after a low in the year 2020, the numbers have steadily crept up. This year till November, about 255,000 migrants arrived. More than half of these came from Africa and arrived in Italy. After EU countries agreed on rules of the pact, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed the development as a "great success" for Europe and for Italy. He said that countries like Italy who are on EU border would no longer feel alone. Also Read | French couple lose court battle over rare African Ngil mask worth $4.6 million German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the agreement as well. He said that the pact was important to relieve countries which are affected due to migrant flow, including Germany. What do the new rules say? As per the new system, countries that are not at the border of EU should choose between two options. They can handle their share of 30,000 asylum applications or contribute at least 20,000 euros ($21,870) per person into a European Union fund. Also Read | Hermès heir decides to leave half of its fortune to his ex-gardener The new rules also seek to create a screening system that will be able to effectively distinguish between asylum seeker who are genuinely in need of international protection and those who are not in such a situation. The rules also seek to speed up the processing of applications. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Great success’: EU countries reach agreement on fresh rules on migrant hosting

The Irish government is planning to consider a request to alter the constitution in order to provide nature with a protected status. This could make Ireland the very first country in the European Union to bestow constitutional rights on nature for its protection.

The proposal, recommended by the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, has recommended the government advance a referendum on safeguarding biodiversity.

This would grant nature rights similar to that of humans.

It came in response to a report by the Irish Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.

In recent years, the Rights of Nature movement has become widely popular.

The movement seeks to recognise elements of nature such as trees, mountains, and rivers as entities with rights so that they can exist, flourish, be respected and be regenerated.

It also recognises the right of any person or organisation to safeguard and enforce the rights on behalf of nature.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-destroyer-shots-down-suspected-attack-drone-targeting-red-sea-shipping-670312">UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping'</a>

Earlier, similar declarations were made in countries of South America.

New Zealand has also granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River.

Earlier in October this year, the Centre for Democratic and Environmental Rights&nbsp;appeared before the Joint Committee and testified about the reason why rights of nature needed to be recognised.

The team was backed by Dr Peter Doran of the Queen's University Belfast School of Law.

Executive director Mari Margil embraced the recommendation by the committee.

"We congratulate chairperson Brian Leddin and the Joint Committee for its work and taking this important step forward toward enshrining the rights of nature within Ireland's constitution," BBC quoted her as saying.

"Further, we look forward to the government and parliament's next steps to protect the rights of nature, and offer whatever assistance we can in this process," she added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Irish government is planning to consider a request to alter the constitution in order to provide nature with a protected status. This could make Ireland the very first country in the European Union to bestow constitutional rights on nature for its protection.

The Irish government is planning to consider a request to alter the constitution in order to provide nature with a protected status. This could make Ireland the very first country in the European Union to bestow constitutional rights on nature for its protection. The proposal, recommended by the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, has recommended the government advance a referendum on safeguarding biodiversity. This would grant nature rights similar to that of humans. It came in response to a report by the Irish Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. In recent years, the Rights of Nature movement has become widely popular. The movement seeks to recognise elements of nature such as trees, mountains, and rivers as entities with rights so that they can exist, flourish, be respected and be regenerated. It also recognises the right of any person or organisation to safeguard and enforce the rights on behalf of nature. Also read: UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping' Earlier, similar declarations were made in countries of South America. New Zealand has also granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River. Earlier in October this year, the Centre for Democratic and Environmental Rights appeared before the Joint Committee and testified about the reason why rights of nature needed to be recognised. The team was backed by Dr Peter Doran of the Queen's University Belfast School of Law. Executive director Mari Margil embraced the recommendation by the committee. "We congratulate chairperson Brian Leddin and the Joint Committee for its work and taking this important step forward toward enshrining the rights of nature within Ireland's constitution," BBC quoted her as saying. "Further, we look forward to the government and parliament's next steps to protect the rights of nature, and offer whatever assistance we can in this process," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ireland could become first country in EU to give ‘nature’ constitutional rights for protection

European Union (EU) member Hungary on Thursday (Dec 14) stalled an aid deal worth $54&nbsp;billion (50 billion euros) for Ukraine from the EU budget. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban put his foot down and delayed the deal until January next year.

Orban took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared the news, saying he had vetoed the deal.

"Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine, veto for the MFF (budget) review. We will come back to the issue next year in the European Council after proper preparation," Orban wrote on social media.

EU chief Charles Michel&nbsp;said leaders would return to the issue "early next year" after Orban's opposition.&nbsp;

"I don't want to go too much into the details because I want to work with colleagues in the days to come, in the weeks to come to prepare a summit that will take place next year, early next year," Michel said.

Orban tanking the deal came after the bloc opened membership talks for Ukraine. The war-ravaged nation has been desperate to join the EU, to consolidate the member nations in the war against Russia.

Also watch |&nbsp;Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid

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Ukraine applied for EU membership in February last year, just four days after Russia launched an offensive on Kyiv.&nbsp;

Initially, Orban had threatened to veto the plan as well but ducked out of it as other members called his bluff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-next-eu-member-kyiv-may-get-membership-lifeboat-amid-sinking-wartime-fortunes-669784">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine next EU member? Kyiv may get membership lifeboat amid sinking wartime fortunes</a>

Dutch PM Mark Rutte said the EU's other 26 leaders had agreed to send the aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"With 26 countries we agree. There is no agreement from Hungary at the moment, but I am very confident for next year," Rutte said.

Kyiv desperately needs the money to prop up its war-torn economy, and to change the narrative that backing from its allies is waning.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, critics have accused the Hungarian leader of holding Kyiv's survival hostage in a bid to force Brussels to release billions of euros of EU funds frozen over a rule of law dispute.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

European Union (EU) member Hungary on Thursday (Dec 14) stalled an aid deal worth $54 billion (50 billion euros) for Ukraine from the EU budget. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban put his foot down and delayed the deal until January next year.

European Union (EU) member Hungary on Thursday (Dec 14) stalled an aid deal worth $54 billion (50 billion euros) for Ukraine from the EU budget. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban put his foot down and delayed the deal until January next year. Orban took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared the news, saying he had vetoed the deal. "Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine, veto for the MFF (budget) review. We will come back to the issue next year in the European Council after proper preparation," Orban wrote on social media. EU chief Charles Michel said leaders would return to the issue "early next year" after Orban's opposition. "I don't want to go too much into the details because I want to work with colleagues in the days to come, in the weeks to come to prepare a summit that will take place next year, early next year," Michel said. Orban tanking the deal came after the bloc opened membership talks for Ukraine. The war-ravaged nation has been desperate to join the EU, to consolidate the member nations in the war against Russia. Also watch | Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid Ukraine applied for EU membership in February last year, just four days after Russia launched an offensive on Kyiv. Initially, Orban had threatened to veto the plan as well but ducked out of it as other members called his bluff. Also read | Ukraine next EU member? Kyiv may get membership lifeboat amid sinking wartime fortunes Dutch PM Mark Rutte said the EU's other 26 leaders had agreed to send the aid to Ukraine. "With 26 countries we agree. There is no agreement from Hungary at the moment, but I am very confident for next year," Rutte said. Kyiv desperately needs the money to prop up its war-torn economy, and to change the narrative that backing from its allies is waning. Meanwhile, critics have accused the Hungarian leader of holding Kyiv's survival hostage in a bid to force Brussels to release billions of euros of EU funds frozen over a rule of law dispute.

Hungary PM blocks $54 billion EU aid to Ukraine as bloc opens membership talks

Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban has said that Ukraine was in no way ready to join the bloc. He has made it clear that he will block a proposal to start negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership at a summit in Brussels. James Jackson, journalist, and political analyst in Germany & CE Europe joins us to discuss.

European Union calls Hungary OM Orban's bluff, sidesteps him to open membership talks with Ukraine

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations.. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, and this agreement will be finalised".

He also lauded Indian farmers, highlighting, "As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favour of the small and medium-sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two-hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world."

The commissioner is leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector and held meetings with the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala.&nbsp;

WION: With me is the EU's Agriculture Commissioner who is here in India. So my first question to you is what's the key focus of your India visit?

Janusz Wojciechowski: This is my second visit to India this year. The first visit was during the G 20. conference organized by the Indian presidency, very successful presidency. We discussed our global challenges for food security. This visit, this mission is specially dedicated to increase our trade relations bilateral relations between European Union and India. I'm accompanied by the representatives of the farmers, agribusiness from many sectors of food production in the European Union. We'd like to work together with our Indian partners, with Indian authorities to increase our trade relation , to reduce trade barriers which are not necessary, which are important to increase our trade trade relations. For me personally, one of the important objectives of this visit is to see what is the phenomena of Indian agriculture because the increase of agricultural production in India last year, last decade is the highest in the world. The decade 2010-2020 agricultural production in India increased 34%, it never happened in the world. This is the best result in the world. As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favor of the small and medium sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world. It is important to remember that in the world, small farms no more than two hectares, they manage only 12% of agricultural land in the world, but they produce 35% of food. This is first of all the contribution of the Indian farmers and I'd like to congratulate them for their contribution to food security at the global level.

WION: When it comes to the agriculture aspect. What is the view of the European Union when it comes to the ongoing talks on the FTA talks?

Janusz Wojciechowski: I hope that the our visit, my visit and first of all the visit of the our representatives of the business and the direct contact between the business representatives from European Union and India will be helpful to find to find the solution, to finalize the Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations. Now the value of European Union export to India is 1.4 billion euro which means one euro per capita in India for Indian consumers , but bigger exports from India to the European Union 3.7 billion euro but there is a space for improvement, huge improvement for both sides so that both benefits. First of all because our food production is complimentary. We are not competitors in the global market. Could you imagine that now? India is one of 28 export destinations from the European Union. And 11 directions for import. Huge space for people to increase. I'm very happy, we are after the very important meetings with Indian authorities, with ministers here, it has been a positive discussion and what we should do to improve, what kind of obstacles we should remove from both sides. This is a very constructive meeting. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, this agreement will be finalized.

WION: Have you had a conversation with India on milk production?

Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, that's India,&nbsp;it has the biggest milk production in the world. There is space for cooperation to exchange experience, to exchange knowledge technologies. This is an important area for our cooperation. Also the animal welfare issues, European Union we are very sensitive. Our people are very sensitive to animal welfare issues. But the motto for many, actually in the European Union, is what Mahatma Gandhi said. He said that the moral progress of civilizations can be judged by how its animals are treated. This is a very important motto for also for our action to improve animal welfare standards to improve climate and environmental standards. We have the same, the same challenge, the same challenge, to make our agriculture more friendly for the environment, for climate, to ensure food security, to strengthen the stability of economic stability for our farmers.

WION: Any progress on the market access. I believe that has been a key issue for the European Union and India provides subsidies for its farmers. Do you think that's an issue in India? We know the farmers are not that rich as the farmers in the West.

Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, but India also supports the farmers, there are many instruments to support farmers. We also participate in some programs, the European Union supports some programs, and supports small farmers in India. First of all we should reduce the barrier for our cooperation, but also it's very important co-operation at the international level. We are now in a very difficult time for our farmers like in Europe.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations.. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, and this agreement will be finalised". He also lauded Indian farmers, highlighting, "As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favour of the small and medium-sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two-hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world." The commissioner is leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector and held meetings with the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala. WION: With me is the EU's Agriculture Commissioner who is here in India. So my first question to you is what's the key focus of your India visit? Janusz Wojciechowski: This is my second visit to India this year. The first visit was during the G 20. conference organized by the Indian presidency, very successful presidency. We discussed our global challenges for food security. This visit, this mission is specially dedicated to increase our trade relations bilateral relations between European Union and India. I'm accompanied by the representatives of the farmers, agribusiness from many sectors of food production in the European Union. We'd like to work together with our Indian partners, with Indian authorities to increase our trade relation , to reduce trade barriers which are not necessary, which are important to increase our trade trade relations. For me personally, one of the important objectives of this visit is to see what is the phenomena of Indian agriculture because the increase of agricultural production in India last year, last decade is the highest in the world. The decade 2010-2020 agricultural production in India increased 34%, it never happened in the world. This is the best result in the world. As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favor of the small and medium sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world. It is important to remember that in the world, small farms no more than two hectares, they manage only 12% of agricultural land in the world, but they produce 35% of food. This is first of all the contribution of the Indian farmers and I'd like to congratulate them for their contribution to food security at the global level. WION: When it comes to the agriculture aspect. What is the view of the European Union when it comes to the ongoing talks on the FTA talks? Janusz Wojciechowski: I hope that the our visit, my visit and first of all the visit of the our representatives of the business and the direct contact between the business representatives from European Union and India will be helpful to find to find the solution, to finalize the Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations. Now the value of European Union export to India is 1.4 billion euro which means one euro per capita in India for Indian consumers , but bigger exports from India to the European Union 3.7 billion euro but there is a space for improvement, huge improvement for both sides so that both benefits. First of all because our food production is complimentary. We are not competitors in the global market. Could you imagine that now? India is one of 28 export destinations from the European Union. And 11 directions for import. Huge space for people to increase. I'm very happy, we are after the very important meetings with Indian authorities, with ministers here, it has been a positive discussion and what we should do to improve, what kind of obstacles we should remove from both sides. This is a very constructive meeting. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, this agreement will be finalized. WION: Have you had a conversation with India on milk production? Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, that's India, it has the biggest milk production in the world. There is space for cooperation to exchange experience, to exchange knowledge technologies. This is an important area for our cooperation. Also the animal welfare issues, European Union we are very sensitive. Our people are very sensitive to animal welfare issues. But the motto for many, actually in the European Union, is what Mahatma Gandhi said. He said that the moral progress of civilizations can be judged by how its animals are treated. This is a very important motto for also for our action to improve animal welfare standards to improve climate and environmental standards. We have the same, the same challenge, the same challenge, to make our agriculture more friendly for the environment, for climate, to ensure food security, to strengthen the stability of economic stability for our farmers. WION: Any progress on the market access. I believe that has been a key issue for the European Union and India provides subsidies for its farmers. Do you think that's an issue in India? We know the farmers are not that rich as the farmers in the West. Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, but India also supports the farmers, there are many instruments to support farmers. We also participate in some programs, the European Union supports some programs, and supports small farmers in India. First of all we should reduce the barrier for our cooperation, but also it's very important co-operation at the international level. We are now in a very difficult time for our farmers like in Europe.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski upbeat on India-EU FTA, lauds Indian farmers

More than half a million people were killed due to dirty air in the European Union in 2021, as per estimates, and around half of the deaths may have been avoided by decreasing pollution to the limits recommended by doctors. 
 
The European Environment Agency's researchers attributed 253,000 early deaths to concentrations of fine particles called PM2.5 which breached the maximum guideline limits of the World Health Organization, set at 5µg/m3. 
 
Meanwhile, more than 52,000 deaths were caused by excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide and 22,000 deaths took place due to short-term exposure to increasing levels of ozone. 
 
“The figures released today by the EEA remind us that air pollution is still the number one environmental health problem in the EU,” said Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU’s environment commissioner, reported The Guardian.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-breathing-easier-how-to-minimise-the-impact-of-air-pollution-on-lung-health-656062">Breathing easier! How to minimise the impact of air pollution on lung health</a>

Doctors said that air pollution is among the major reasons for killing of humans, however there will be a quick drop in death tolls if the economies are cleaned up by the countries. 
 
Between 2005 and 2021, the number of deaths caused by PM2.5 declined by 41 per cent in the EU and the EU is aiming to meet a target of 55 per cent by the end of the decade. 
 
The WHO, which tightened the guidelines for air quality in 2021, stated that it is not possible to consider any level of air pollution as safe but added that they have established upper limits for certain pollutants.

<h2>Need to bring pollution levels down: Experts</h2>

In September, the European Parliament voted to align the air quality rules of the EU with the WHO's, however, decided to delay doing so until 2035. 
 
“The good news is that clean air policy works, and our air quality is improving. But we need to do better still, and bring pollution levels down further,” said Sinkevicius.

Watch:&nbsp;South Asia's air pollution woes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asias-air-pollution-woes-659934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The EEA for the first time estimated the full burden of disease from air pollution. The researchers, while observing the raw death tolls, worked out how many more years the population would be living along with the diseases brought on by polluted air. 
 
“When people get lung cancer, normally they die very quickly. For other diseases – especially asthma but also diabetes or also chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – there is also an important contribution of this state of living with disability,” said Alberto Gonzalez Ortiz, an EEA air pollution researcher. 
 
“People can live for a long period in a bad condition. Considering only mortality, we were underestimating the impact of air pollution,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than half a million people were killed due to dirty air in the European Union in 2021, as per estimates, and around half of the deaths may have been avoided by decreasing pollution to the limits recommended by doctors.

More than half a million people were killed due to dirty air in the European Union in 2021, as per estimates, and around half of the deaths may have been avoided by decreasing pollution to the limits recommended by doctors. The European Environment Agency's researchers attributed 253,000 early deaths to concentrations of fine particles called PM2.5 which breached the maximum guideline limits of the World Health Organization, set at 5µg/m3. Meanwhile, more than 52,000 deaths were caused by excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide and 22,000 deaths took place due to short-term exposure to increasing levels of ozone. “The figures released today by the EEA remind us that air pollution is still the number one environmental health problem in the EU,” said Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU’s environment commissioner, reported The Guardian. Also read: Breathing easier! How to minimise the impact of air pollution on lung health Doctors said that air pollution is among the major reasons for killing of humans, however there will be a quick drop in death tolls if the economies are cleaned up by the countries. Between 2005 and 2021, the number of deaths caused by PM2.5 declined by 41 per cent in the EU and the EU is aiming to meet a target of 55 per cent by the end of the decade. The WHO, which tightened the guidelines for air quality in 2021, stated that it is not possible to consider any level of air pollution as safe but added that they have established upper limits for certain pollutants. Need to bring pollution levels down: Experts In September, the European Parliament voted to align the air quality rules of the EU with the WHO's, however, decided to delay doing so until 2035. “The good news is that clean air policy works, and our air quality is improving. But we need to do better still, and bring pollution levels down further,” said Sinkevicius. Watch: South Asia's air pollution woes The EEA for the first time estimated the full burden of disease from air pollution. The researchers, while observing the raw death tolls, worked out how many more years the population would be living along with the diseases brought on by polluted air. “When people get lung cancer, normally they die very quickly. For other diseases – especially asthma but also diabetes or also chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – there is also an important contribution of this state of living with disability,” said Alberto Gonzalez Ortiz, an EEA air pollution researcher. “People can live for a long period in a bad condition. Considering only mortality, we were underestimating the impact of air pollution,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 500,000 people killed due to toxic air in EU in 2021, shows data

Scotland could rejoin the European Union "smoothly and quickly" after gaining independence, the government said in a report on Friday (Nov 17) as it chalks out its plans for getting back into the bloc.&nbsp;

The administration led by the Scottish National Party (SNP) said the government report mentioned that "Scotland has much to offer the EU" and the bloc's membership as an independent country is the best way for Scotland to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities.&nbsp;

The comments were made by the pro-independence government of the devolved parliament in Edinburgh in a report attempting to lay out the benefits of EU membership. Scotland left the EU with the rest of the UK after the Brexit referendum of 2016. Although the UK as a whole narrowly voted to leave, Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain part of the bloc.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-wastewater-release-fumio-kishida-says-china-agreed-to-discuss-japanese-seafood-ban-660159">Fukushima wastewater release: PM Fumio Kishida says China agreed to discuss Japanese seafood ban</a>&nbsp;

"Scotland has abundant renewable energy resources, ambitious climate commitments, renowned research and innovation expertise and a vibrant and diverse culture," it read.&nbsp;

The government report stated that with these and other assets, Scotland could help the EU to achieve its ambitions, including its climate change goals, if it is independent.&nbsp;

"This Scottish Government would apply to join the EU as soon as possible after independence. There is a clear, merit-based process for doing so and Scotland would follow that process," it said.&nbsp;

The official document, which is the 7th paper in the Building A New Scotland series, stated that the government would use the Article 49 process to become an EU member "smoothly and quickly".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/musks-starship-launched-again-after-april-setback-660144">Starship reaches space for 1st time, but loses contact with SpaceX minutes later</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Can Rishi Sunak keep Tory voters happy?&nbsp;

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Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson also acknowledged even before the publication that rejoining the EU would have "challenges", and could involve a lengthy process.&nbsp;

In an official statement, the SNP said, "We've set out key nation-building policies, starting with sterling, and transitioning to the Scottish pound. And how we plan to use our voice on the international stage by being a member of the EU..."&nbsp;

None of Britain's other main parties -- the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats -- currently argues that the United Kingdom should rejoin the EU.&nbsp;

Alyn Smith, the SNP's Europe spokesperson at Westminster, told AFP, "We're clear that Scotland's best future is as an independent state in the EU and this document is a solid piece of work that shows who we are and where we want to be."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scotland could rejoin the European Union "smoothly and quickly" after gaining independence, the government said in a report on Friday (Nov 17) as it chalks out its plans for getting back into the bloc.

Scotland could rejoin the European Union "smoothly and quickly" after gaining independence, the government said in a report on Friday (Nov 17) as it chalks out its plans for getting back into the bloc. The administration led by the Scottish National Party (SNP) said the government report mentioned that "Scotland has much to offer the EU" and the bloc's membership as an independent country is the best way for Scotland to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities. The comments were made by the pro-independence government of the devolved parliament in Edinburgh in a report attempting to lay out the benefits of EU membership. Scotland left the EU with the rest of the UK after the Brexit referendum of 2016. Although the UK as a whole narrowly voted to leave, Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain part of the bloc. Also read: Fukushima wastewater release: PM Fumio Kishida says China agreed to discuss Japanese seafood ban "Scotland has abundant renewable energy resources, ambitious climate commitments, renowned research and innovation expertise and a vibrant and diverse culture," it read. The government report stated that with these and other assets, Scotland could help the EU to achieve its ambitions, including its climate change goals, if it is independent. "This Scottish Government would apply to join the EU as soon as possible after independence. There is a clear, merit-based process for doing so and Scotland would follow that process," it said. The official document, which is the 7th paper in the Building A New Scotland series, stated that the government would use the Article 49 process to become an EU member "smoothly and quickly". Also read: Starship reaches space for 1st time, but loses contact with SpaceX minutes later Watch: Can Rishi Sunak keep Tory voters happy? × Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson also acknowledged even before the publication that rejoining the EU would have "challenges", and could involve a lengthy process. In an official statement, the SNP said, "We've set out key nation-building policies, starting with sterling, and transitioning to the Scottish pound. And how we plan to use our voice on the international stage by being a member of the EU..." None of Britain's other main parties -- the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats -- currently argues that the United Kingdom should rejoin the EU. Alyn Smith, the SNP's Europe spokesperson at Westminster, told AFP, "We're clear that Scotland's best future is as an independent state in the EU and this document is a solid piece of work that shows who we are and where we want to be." (With inputs from agencies)

Scottish government chalks out 'post-independence plans' to rejoin European Union

US sued Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook over youth mental health. Are social media platforms harming the younger generation?

Meta under fire for neglecting teen safety

Elon Musk-led SpaceX has signed a deal for launching up to four satellites of Europe, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported. These are flagship navigation and secure communication satellites. The report however said that European Commission, the European Union's (EU) executive arm, along with EU member states would still have to give their seal of approval for the deal to go ahead.

Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an agreement with SpaceX for two launches set to take place next year. Two Galileo satellites would be sent into orbit during each launch.

The WSJ quoted Javier Benedicto, the ESA's director of navigation, who said that the agreement called for SpaceX launching these satellites using its Falcon 9 rocket.

Watch | SpaceX plans to launch 144 missions in 2024

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There was no immediate official comment either from the European Commission or SpaceX.

Last month, European space officials stressed that crucial timing decisions were to be taken in a matter of weeks on the return to flight of Europe's flagship space launchers following a series of delays.

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket was recently used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch a spacecraft containing The Psyche probe. The rocket blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cap Canaveral. The probe will travel 2.2 billion miles (3.5 billion kilometres) through space and reach Psyche, which is the largest of the several metal-rich asteroids in our Solar System.

The asteroid is roughly 173 miles (279 km) across at its widest. It is located on the outer fringes of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

It is considered that Psych is a remnant of core of an ancient protoplanet. The Psyche probe is estimated to reach the asteroid in August 2029.

The launch of the Psych probe was streamed live on NASA TV and also on NASA's social media handles.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk-led SpaceX has signed a deal for launching up to four satellites of Europe, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported. These are flagship navigation and secure communication satellites.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX has signed a deal for launching up to four satellites of Europe, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported. These are flagship navigation and secure communication satellites. The report however said that European Commission, the European Union's (EU) executive arm, along with EU member states would still have to give their seal of approval for the deal to go ahead. Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an agreement with SpaceX for two launches set to take place next year. Two Galileo satellites would be sent into orbit during each launch. The WSJ quoted Javier Benedicto, the ESA's director of navigation, who said that the agreement called for SpaceX launching these satellites using its Falcon 9 rocket. Watch | SpaceX plans to launch 144 missions in 2024 × There was no immediate official comment either from the European Commission or SpaceX. Last month, European space officials stressed that crucial timing decisions were to be taken in a matter of weeks on the return to flight of Europe's flagship space launchers following a series of delays. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket was recently used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch a spacecraft containing The Psyche probe. The rocket blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cap Canaveral. The probe will travel 2.2 billion miles (3.5 billion kilometres) through space and reach Psyche, which is the largest of the several metal-rich asteroids in our Solar System. The asteroid is roughly 173 miles (279 km) across at its widest. It is located on the outer fringes of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is considered that Psych is a remnant of core of an ancient protoplanet. The Psyche probe is estimated to reach the asteroid in August 2029. The launch of the Psych probe was streamed live on NASA TV and also on NASA's social media handles. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

SpaceX seals deal with ESA for launch of satellites: Report

Four European Union election observers will track the 12th national polls in Bangladesh that is slated for January next year. Stating this, the EU said that the observers will be reaching Bangladesh on November 21.

Bangladesh: EU to send four observers to track polls in country, to arrive on November 21 | WION

Internal calculations have shown that expanding the European Union (EU) to include nine countries including Ukraine is going to cost existing members more than 256 billion euros (USD 268), reported Financial Times. This would mean that expansion of the EU will turn many countries that get net financial benefits of the EU will turn into net contributors.

The numbers have been disclosed as gathering of European Political Community draws closer. Fifty-one European leaders will gather in Granada in Spain. The leaders will discuss about the fate of nine countries that are in line to join the EU.

“All member states will have to pay more to and receive less from the EU budget; many member states who are currently net receivers will become net contributors,” said the paper by the secretariat of the EU council, as reported by Financial Times.

Watch | EU seeks to protect sensitive tech from Chinese buyers

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The paper reportedly said that if Ukraine is included in the EU, it will be eligible to receive 186 billion euros over seven years. This would be in addition to the lower estimate of the amount needed for reconstructing Ukraine. This amount was pegged at 400 billion euros.

The Guardian quoted an unnamed diplomat of the EU who said that he opposed a gradual membership process to the bloc.

“Membership is membership. Full stop,” he said.

The Guardian quoted another diplomat who said that budget of the bloc is likely to be the single most contentious subject that needed to be settled by 2027. At the time, the next financial cycle would begin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-member-states-reach-preliminary-deal-on-how-to-deal-with-migrants-642554">EU member states reach preliminary deal on how to deal with migrants</a>

The leaked document reportedly estimates that the budget of the EU would increase by 21 per cent and hit 1.47 trillion mark in case all nine countries are to join.

The amount spent on agriculture would also change. Ukraine would be entitled to 95 billion euros over seven years. The current member state will have to consider this.

A fund called the cohesion fund which offers monetary help for infrastructure development in less developed countries will also feel the heat after expansion of the EU. As the financial formula stands right now, countries like Estonia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Lithuania and the Czech Republic won't be eligible for the funds.

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Internal calculations have shown that expanding the European Union (EU) to include nine countries including Ukraine is going to cost existing members more than 256 billion euros (USD 268), reported Financial Times.

Internal calculations have shown that expanding the European Union (EU) to include nine countries including Ukraine is going to cost existing members more than 256 billion euros (USD 268), reported Financial Times. This would mean that expansion of the EU will turn many countries that get net financial benefits of the EU will turn into net contributors. The numbers have been disclosed as gathering of European Political Community draws closer. Fifty-one European leaders will gather in Granada in Spain. The leaders will discuss about the fate of nine countries that are in line to join the EU. “All member states will have to pay more to and receive less from the EU budget; many member states who are currently net receivers will become net contributors,” said the paper by the secretariat of the EU council, as reported by Financial Times. Watch | EU seeks to protect sensitive tech from Chinese buyers × The paper reportedly said that if Ukraine is included in the EU, it will be eligible to receive 186 billion euros over seven years. This would be in addition to the lower estimate of the amount needed for reconstructing Ukraine. This amount was pegged at 400 billion euros. The Guardian quoted an unnamed diplomat of the EU who said that he opposed a gradual membership process to the bloc. “Membership is membership. Full stop,” he said. The Guardian quoted another diplomat who said that budget of the bloc is likely to be the single most contentious subject that needed to be settled by 2027. At the time, the next financial cycle would begin. Also Read | EU member states reach preliminary deal on how to deal with migrants The leaked document reportedly estimates that the budget of the EU would increase by 21 per cent and hit 1.47 trillion mark in case all nine countries are to join. The amount spent on agriculture would also change. Ukraine would be entitled to 95 billion euros over seven years. The current member state will have to consider this. A fund called the cohesion fund which offers monetary help for infrastructure development in less developed countries will also feel the heat after expansion of the EU. As the financial formula stands right now, countries like Estonia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Lithuania and the Czech Republic won't be eligible for the funds. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU expansion set to cost the bloc 250 billion euros: Report

EU member states on Wednesday (Oct 4) reached the preliminary agreement on establishing common rules to tackle a massive influx of asylum seekers. According to experts, this is a major element of the European Union’s migration reforms.

Ambassadors of EU nations gathered in Brussels to chalk out the draft text and gain a wider consensus after a political impasse between Germany and Italy derailed the negotiations last week.

"Deal! EU Ambassadors have reached an agreement on the regulation addressing situations of crisis and force majeure in the field of migration and asylum," the Spanish presidency said on X.

<h2>Italy vs Germany impasse</h2>

Earlier, Italy opposed a part of the draft text that allowed NGO vessels, backed by Germany, to carry out ‘humanitarian efforts’ to search-and-rescue migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.

Germany defended the operations of NGO vessels, arguing that saving lives at sea is a legal, humanitarian and moral duty. On the other hand, Italy maintained that this encouraged more migrants to embark on the perilous journey.

Italian officials had previously criticised the German government for providing state funding to these NGOs.

<h2>Details about the draft Crisis Regulation</h2>

The proposed Crisis Regulation outlines rules that would be implemented during exceptional circumstances, such as the 2015-2016 migration crisis, when the European Union's asylum system faced a sudden and large influx of migrants.&nbsp;

To manage this unexpected situation, member states could employ stricter measures, like prolonged border stays for asylum seekers during the examination of their asylum pleas.

Watch:&nbsp;EU seeks to protect sensitive tech from Chinese buyers

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Additionally, the detention of rejected applicants might extend beyond the usual maximum of 12 weeks until the repatriation process is finalised.

<h2>NGOs raise concerns</h2>

Concerns raised by NGOs suggest that these exceptions could lead to significant confinement, potentially diminishing the quality of asylum procedures and increasing the risk of sending migrants back to perilous situations.

Germany, along with concerns about the rights of children and family members, had previously abstained from approving this law due to similar apprehensions.

On a different note, the Crisis Regulation also offers the possibility of expediting asylum requests for individuals fleeing extraordinary dangers like armed conflicts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-assess-tech-security-risks-and-consider-controls-642497">Also read:&nbsp;EU to assess bloc`s economic security risks due to new techs, to consider controls</a>

This special procedure would bypass the traditional, often lengthy asylum process, granting refugees immediate access to residence, employment, education, and social support.&nbsp;

This resembles the temporary protection provided to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the EU during Russia's war of aggression.

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EU member states on Wednesday (Oct 4) reached the preliminary agreement on establishing common rules to tackle a massive influx of asylum seekers. According to experts, this is a major element of the European Union’s migration reforms.

EU member states on Wednesday (Oct 4) reached the preliminary agreement on establishing common rules to tackle a massive influx of asylum seekers. According to experts, this is a major element of the European Union’s migration reforms. Ambassadors of EU nations gathered in Brussels to chalk out the draft text and gain a wider consensus after a political impasse between Germany and Italy derailed the negotiations last week. "Deal! EU Ambassadors have reached an agreement on the regulation addressing situations of crisis and force majeure in the field of migration and asylum," the Spanish presidency said on X. Italy vs Germany impasse Earlier, Italy opposed a part of the draft text that allowed NGO vessels, backed by Germany, to carry out ‘humanitarian efforts’ to search-and-rescue migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. Germany defended the operations of NGO vessels, arguing that saving lives at sea is a legal, humanitarian and moral duty. On the other hand, Italy maintained that this encouraged more migrants to embark on the perilous journey. Italian officials had previously criticised the German government for providing state funding to these NGOs. Details about the draft Crisis Regulation The proposed Crisis Regulation outlines rules that would be implemented during exceptional circumstances, such as the 2015-2016 migration crisis, when the European Union's asylum system faced a sudden and large influx of migrants. To manage this unexpected situation, member states could employ stricter measures, like prolonged border stays for asylum seekers during the examination of their asylum pleas. Watch: EU seeks to protect sensitive tech from Chinese buyers × Additionally, the detention of rejected applicants might extend beyond the usual maximum of 12 weeks until the repatriation process is finalised. NGOs raise concerns Concerns raised by NGOs suggest that these exceptions could lead to significant confinement, potentially diminishing the quality of asylum procedures and increasing the risk of sending migrants back to perilous situations. Germany, along with concerns about the rights of children and family members, had previously abstained from approving this law due to similar apprehensions. On a different note, the Crisis Regulation also offers the possibility of expediting asylum requests for individuals fleeing extraordinary dangers like armed conflicts. Also read: EU to assess bloc`s economic security risks due to new techs, to consider controls This special procedure would bypass the traditional, often lengthy asylum process, granting refugees immediate access to residence, employment, education, and social support. This resembles the temporary protection provided to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the EU during Russia's war of aggression. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU member states reach preliminary deal on how to tackle migrants crisis

The European Union will assess whether semiconductor, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies and biotechnology pose a risk to the bloc's economic security, which could lead to curbs on exports or investments in third countries such as China.

The European Commission said on Tuesday it had established a list of four technologies, as well a further six to look into later, as part of the European Economic Security Strategy it unveiled in June.

The EU executive said then that exporting or sharing such technologies could constitute a risk if put to military use or used in human rights abuses by "countries of concern".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-beijing-tightens-oversight-apple-imposes-new-check-on-apps-in-china-642389">As Beijing tightens oversight, Apple imposes new check on apps in China</a>

The Commission stresses that it must first carry out a risk assessment with the EU's 27 members and consulting companies before determining any measures. In some cases, the response could be to drive investment or seek alliances with partners to reduce dependencies.

The EU executive says its assessment, to be completed by the end of the year, will not focus on any third countries. The economic security paper does not name China, but talks of partnering with like-minded countries and de-risking, which form part of its policy of reducing reliance on China.

"The risk assessment will be country agnostic, but we will take into account geopolitical factors to determine how severe those risks are," an EU official said.

The four technologies were chosen because they are considered highly likely to pose the most immediate risks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/republicans-surge-ahead-of-democrats-in-economic-trust-gallup-poll-642366">Republicans surge ahead of Democrats in economic trust: Gallup poll</a>

In advanced semiconductor technologies, areas of focus include microelectronics and chip-making equipment, in AI data analytics and object recognition, and for quantum cryptography, communications and sensing.

In biotechnology, the assessment will look into genetic modifications and new genomic techniques.

The Commission could propose risk assessments of other technologies early in 2024. The EU action mirrors similar exercises by the U.S., Japan, Britain and Australia.

The EU has previously carried out an assessment of the security of its 5G networks, which has led some EU countries to restrict use of equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE.

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The European Union will assess whether semiconductor, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies and biotechnology pose a risk to the bloc's economic security, which could lead to curbs on exports or investments in third countries such as China.

The European Union will assess whether semiconductor, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies and biotechnology pose a risk to the bloc's economic security, which could lead to curbs on exports or investments in third countries such as China. The European Commission said on Tuesday it had established a list of four technologies, as well a further six to look into later, as part of the European Economic Security Strategy it unveiled in June. The EU executive said then that exporting or sharing such technologies could constitute a risk if put to military use or used in human rights abuses by "countries of concern". Also read | As Beijing tightens oversight, Apple imposes new check on apps in China The Commission stresses that it must first carry out a risk assessment with the EU's 27 members and consulting companies before determining any measures. In some cases, the response could be to drive investment or seek alliances with partners to reduce dependencies. The EU executive says its assessment, to be completed by the end of the year, will not focus on any third countries. The economic security paper does not name China, but talks of partnering with like-minded countries and de-risking, which form part of its policy of reducing reliance on China. "The risk assessment will be country agnostic, but we will take into account geopolitical factors to determine how severe those risks are," an EU official said. The four technologies were chosen because they are considered highly likely to pose the most immediate risks. Also read | Republicans surge ahead of Democrats in economic trust: Gallup poll In advanced semiconductor technologies, areas of focus include microelectronics and chip-making equipment, in AI data analytics and object recognition, and for quantum cryptography, communications and sensing. In biotechnology, the assessment will look into genetic modifications and new genomic techniques. The Commission could propose risk assessments of other technologies early in 2024. The EU action mirrors similar exercises by the U.S., Japan, Britain and Australia. The EU has previously carried out an assessment of the security of its 5G networks, which has led some EU countries to restrict use of equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China on mind, EU to assess bloc's economic security risks due to new techs, to consider controls

The European Union is going to unveil a list of sensitive technologies that it seeks to protect from Nations that pose harm to its security and engage in blackmailing. The move by the EU is reported as a response to Chinese sanctions on member Nation Lithuania over its ties with Taiwan.

EU seeks to protect sensitive tech from Chinese buyers

The European Union was poised Thursday to agree new rules for how it handles asylum-seekers and irregular migrants after Germany said it would go along with the intensely-negotiated package.

EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said "no main obstacles" remain on the thorny issue after a meeting of the bloc's interior ministers, and formal agreement would come "in a few days".

Once implemented, the new Pact on Migration and Asylum would seek to relieve the pressure on so-called frontline countries such as Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states.

Those countries opposed to hosting asylum-seekers -- Poland and Hungary among them -- would be required to pay the ones that do take migrants in.

At the same time, the European Union will seek to speed up processing of asylum applications so that migrants deemed inadmissible are returned to their country of origin or of transit, and maximum detention times for migrants in border centres would be lengthened from the current 12 weeks.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said her country won concessions allowing it to finally back the deal, after initially abstaining on an earlier draft it considered too harsh for some categories of migrants.

Only Poland and Hungary voiced opposition to the compromise text in the Brussels meeting, she said, so "we therefore assume that this political agreement is valid".

Changes made to get German assent included making sure families and children were "prioritised" when they arrived irregularly on EU soil and admission criteria for asylum-seekers were not tightened, she said.

Also, "the concept of instrumentalisation was defined more narrowly," Faeser said.

That appeared to refer to efforts by Italy's right-wing government to treat charity ships conducting migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean similarly to people-smugglers, &nbsp;or to countries such as Belarus that have pushed migration flows towards Europe as a tactic.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in Berlin that his country needed more time to study the latest text.

Speaking after chairing the Brussels meeting, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stressed that "a very broad majority of member states" agreed with the compromise approach.

While "nuances" still needed to be hammered out, he vowed that final agreement would be reached "within the next few days".

"We are almost at the finishing line," he said.

Paralysis on the issue had caused growing frustration in the 27-nation bloc as it faces a rise in irregular migration.

The arrival of thousands of asylum-seekers arriving from Africa on the Italian island of Lampedusa notably spurred urgency to get the revised policy in place.

Part of the aim of the revised policy is for European Union countries to act together should they be faced with a sudden large inflow of asylum-seekers, as happened in 2015-2016 when hundreds of thousands of migrants arrived, most of them Syrians fleeing the war in their country.

Agreement among EU member states needs a weighted majority of countries to vote in favour, meaning countries opposing the host-or-pay clause -- Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic -- would likely not have enough support to block it.

In Budapest, Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, heaped fresh criticism on the migration pact.

"All they can achieve with this migration pact is to turn the border countries, countries along the Schengen border into Lampedusa," he said.

The European Parliament added its own pressure on the ministers by deciding last week to pause negotiations with EU member states on aspects of the pact that had met little resistance, those dealing with reinforced security along the bloc's outer border.

The goal of the EU is to have the reform made law before European elections next June that will usher in a new European Parliament and commission.

The next cycle in EU politics could see a political shift in the European Parliament, given the rise of right-wing parties in several EU countries, and would see Hungary and Poland take turns holding the rotating EU presidency.

The European Union was poised Thursday to agree new rules for how it handles asylum-seekers and irregular migrants after Germany said it would go along with the intensely-negotiated package.

The European Union was poised Thursday to agree new rules for how it handles asylum-seekers and irregular migrants after Germany said it would go along with the intensely-negotiated package. EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said "no main obstacles" remain on the thorny issue after a meeting of the bloc's interior ministers, and formal agreement would come "in a few days". Once implemented, the new Pact on Migration and Asylum would seek to relieve the pressure on so-called frontline countries such as Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states. Those countries opposed to hosting asylum-seekers -- Poland and Hungary among them -- would be required to pay the ones that do take migrants in. At the same time, the European Union will seek to speed up processing of asylum applications so that migrants deemed inadmissible are returned to their country of origin or of transit, and maximum detention times for migrants in border centres would be lengthened from the current 12 weeks. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said her country won concessions allowing it to finally back the deal, after initially abstaining on an earlier draft it considered too harsh for some categories of migrants. Only Poland and Hungary voiced opposition to the compromise text in the Brussels meeting, she said, so "we therefore assume that this political agreement is valid". Changes made to get German assent included making sure families and children were "prioritised" when they arrived irregularly on EU soil and admission criteria for asylum-seekers were not tightened, she said. Also, "the concept of instrumentalisation was defined more narrowly," Faeser said. That appeared to refer to efforts by Italy's right-wing government to treat charity ships conducting migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean similarly to people-smugglers, or to countries such as Belarus that have pushed migration flows towards Europe as a tactic. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in Berlin that his country needed more time to study the latest text. Speaking after chairing the Brussels meeting, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stressed that "a very broad majority of member states" agreed with the compromise approach. While "nuances" still needed to be hammered out, he vowed that final agreement would be reached "within the next few days". "We are almost at the finishing line," he said. Paralysis on the issue had caused growing frustration in the 27-nation bloc as it faces a rise in irregular migration. The arrival of thousands of asylum-seekers arriving from Africa on the Italian island of Lampedusa notably spurred urgency to get the revised policy in place. Part of the aim of the revised policy is for European Union countries to act together should they be faced with a sudden large inflow of asylum-seekers, as happened in 2015-2016 when hundreds of thousands of migrants arrived, most of them Syrians fleeing the war in their country. Agreement among EU member states needs a weighted majority of countries to vote in favour, meaning countries opposing the host-or-pay clause -- Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic -- would likely not have enough support to block it. In Budapest, Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, heaped fresh criticism on the migration pact. "All they can achieve with this migration pact is to turn the border countries, countries along the Schengen border into Lampedusa," he said. The European Parliament added its own pressure on the ministers by deciding last week to pause negotiations with EU member states on aspects of the pact that had met little resistance, those dealing with reinforced security along the bloc's outer border. The goal of the EU is to have the reform made law before European elections next June that will usher in a new European Parliament and commission. The next cycle in EU politics could see a political shift in the European Parliament, given the rise of right-wing parties in several EU countries, and would see Hungary and Poland take turns holding the rotating EU presidency.

EU poised to agree new rules for asylum-seekers

In a major development from the European Union, plans are underway to reshape the future of membership expansion. The core of the proposal revolves around two key components: First, providing substantial financial aid to these aspiring members to accelerate their reform efforts. Secondly, the EU aims to grant these candidate nations early access to the lucrative single market.

EU's growth plan for countries

China's auto industry is seeking innovative solutions by deepening ties with its European counterparts through technology partnerships. This move comes after the European commission initiated a probe into China's electric vehicle subsidies. Chinese policy adviser, dong yang, emphasises the need for collaboration and win-win relationships as Chinese EV exports surge.

China seeks European tech partnerships amid trade conflicts

Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. 
 
As per the decision of the EU, motor vehicles which have been registered in the Russian Federation will no longer be allowed to enter the 27-member bloc. 
 
“A car registered in Russia has no right to enter Poland,” said Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski on Saturday, while announcing the ban which came into effect hours later at midnight. 
 
“This is another element of the sanctions imposed on Russia and its citizens in connection with the brutal war in Ukraine, due to the fact that the Russian state today constitutes a threat to international security,” said Kaminski.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-ukrainian-drone-shot-down-near-moscow-six-others-over-crimea-russia-636741">Ukrainian drone shot down near Moscow, six others over Crimea: Russia</a>

The step was adopted just days after vehicles with Russian licence plates were banned from entering the territory of the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – a joint move which was in accordance with the recent interpretation of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow. 
 
The Baltic states and Poland have remained the most vocal European critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

<h2>European Commission's sanctions are 'racist': Russia</h2>

Deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday (September 12) denounced the move of the European Commission as racist. He stated that Moscow could retaliate by recalling its diplomats from Brussels and cutting diplomatic ties with the EU. 
 
Poland shares a border with Kaliningrad, a Russian territory which is an exclave separated from the Russian mainland. The Border Guard agency stated that the ban would remain the same and would not vary from border to border.

WATCH |&nbsp;Trump says had he been in office, Russia-Ukraine War wouldn't have begun | World news | WION

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Along with Kaliningrad, Poland has Ukraine and Belarus on its eastern borders. Otherwise, the country is bordered by NATO allies Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Lithuania and the EU, where they do not have any border checks. 
 
The website of the Border Guard stated that Russian-tagged cars “will be returned to the non-EU country from which they came, regardless of whether it is Russia or another country. Such actions will be carried out even if the driver of the car is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine.

Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. As per the decision of the EU, motor vehicles which have been registered in the Russian Federation will no longer be allowed to enter the 27-member bloc. “A car registered in Russia has no right to enter Poland,” said Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski on Saturday, while announcing the ban which came into effect hours later at midnight. “This is another element of the sanctions imposed on Russia and its citizens in connection with the brutal war in Ukraine, due to the fact that the Russian state today constitutes a threat to international security,” said Kaminski. ALSO READ | Ukrainian drone shot down near Moscow, six others over Crimea: Russia The step was adopted just days after vehicles with Russian licence plates were banned from entering the territory of the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – a joint move which was in accordance with the recent interpretation of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow. The Baltic states and Poland have remained the most vocal European critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin. European Commission's sanctions are 'racist': Russia Deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday (September 12) denounced the move of the European Commission as racist. He stated that Moscow could retaliate by recalling its diplomats from Brussels and cutting diplomatic ties with the EU. Poland shares a border with Kaliningrad, a Russian territory which is an exclave separated from the Russian mainland. The Border Guard agency stated that the ban would remain the same and would not vary from border to border. WATCH | Trump says had he been in office, Russia-Ukraine War wouldn't have begun | World news | WION Along with Kaliningrad, Poland has Ukraine and Belarus on its eastern borders. Otherwise, the country is bordered by NATO allies Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Lithuania and the EU, where they do not have any border checks. The website of the Border Guard stated that Russian-tagged cars “will be returned to the non-EU country from which they came, regardless of whether it is Russia or another country. Such actions will be carried out even if the driver of the car is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Poland begins enforcement of European Union ban on cars registered in Russia

The European Union (EU) on Friday (September 15) said that they removed the ban on the import of Ukrainian grains in five member states after Kyiv promised to control its exports. 
 
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia closed off shipping lanes of the Black Sea which was used before the war and resulted in the EU becoming an export destination and a major transit route for Ukrainian grain. 
 
"It has concluded that thanks to the work of the Co-ordination Platform and to the temporary measures introduced on 2 May 2023, the market distortions in the 5 Member States bordering Ukraine have disappeared," said the European Commission, in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-slaps-tiktok-with-fine-of-369mn-over-child-data-636319">European Union slaps TikTok with fine of $369 million over child data breaches</a>

In May, the EU placed restrictions on grain imports to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, and sought to protect their farmers who held the imports responsible for a drop in prices on local markets. 
 
The European Commission stated that "existing measures will expire today" after they run out at midnight. "The market distortions in the 5 Member States bordering Ukraine have disappeared," said the EU's executive arm. 
 
The commission stated that they took the decision after Kyiv decided to implement measures such as an export licensing system within 30 days to "avoid grain surges".

<h2>Poland, Hungary to continue ban</h2>

However, Poland and Hungary will be implementing their own restrictions on the imports of the&nbsp; Ukrainian grain, stated the governments.

"We will extend this ban despite their disagreement, despite the European Commission's disagreement," said&nbsp;Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki, in a rally held in the northeastern town of Elk.

"We will do it because it is in the interest of the Polish farmer,": he added.&nbsp;Hungary imposed an import ban nationwide&nbsp;on 24 Ukrainian agricultural products, which included grains, vegetables, several meat products and honey, as per a government decree published on Friday.

<h2>EU to control export of maize, wheat</h2>

The EU, in the meantime, said that Ukraine will be implementing measures to control the export of maize, wheat, rapeseed and sunflower seed to avoid upsetting markets in its EU neighbours. The move will delight Ukraine after it had pushed the EU to remove the measures amid a diplomatic spat with Poland. 
 
However, it can enrage Warsaw after the Polish authorities stated that the restrictions would be extended unilaterally even if the measures of the EU expired.

WATCH |&nbsp;China's EV industry faces EU scrutiny

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The measures allowed the products to keep moving across the five countries, however, did not permit them to be sold on the local market. The issue remains particularly sensitive in Poland where elections will be held next month. 
 
The farming regions have extended their strong support to the current populist right-wing government of the Law and Justice party. The stifling of grain exports by Russia from agricultural powerhouse Ukraine has led to global concerns over grain supplies. 
 
Moscow withdrew from the United Nations-brokered deal to allow exports through the Black Sea in July and has since increased attacks on Ukrainian export facilities. 
 
Other routes have been bolsetered by the EU over land and along rivers which have been used for exporting more than 44 million tonnes of grain from Ukraine since the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union (EU) on Friday (September 15) said that they removed the ban on the import of Ukrainian grains in five member states after Kyiv promised to control its exports.

The European Union (EU) on Friday (September 15) said that they removed the ban on the import of Ukrainian grains in five member states after Kyiv promised to control its exports. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia closed off shipping lanes of the Black Sea which was used before the war and resulted in the EU becoming an export destination and a major transit route for Ukrainian grain. "It has concluded that thanks to the work of the Co-ordination Platform and to the temporary measures introduced on 2 May 2023, the market distortions in the 5 Member States bordering Ukraine have disappeared," said the European Commission, in a statement. ALSO READ | European Union slaps TikTok with fine of $369 million over child data breaches In May, the EU placed restrictions on grain imports to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, and sought to protect their farmers who held the imports responsible for a drop in prices on local markets. The European Commission stated that "existing measures will expire today" after they run out at midnight. "The market distortions in the 5 Member States bordering Ukraine have disappeared," said the EU's executive arm. The commission stated that they took the decision after Kyiv decided to implement measures such as an export licensing system within 30 days to "avoid grain surges". Poland, Hungary to continue ban However, Poland and Hungary will be implementing their own restrictions on the imports of the Ukrainian grain, stated the governments. "We will extend this ban despite their disagreement, despite the European Commission's disagreement," said Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki, in a rally held in the northeastern town of Elk. "We will do it because it is in the interest of the Polish farmer,": he added. Hungary imposed an import ban nationwide on 24 Ukrainian agricultural products, which included grains, vegetables, several meat products and honey, as per a government decree published on Friday. EU to control export of maize, wheat The EU, in the meantime, said that Ukraine will be implementing measures to control the export of maize, wheat, rapeseed and sunflower seed to avoid upsetting markets in its EU neighbours. The move will delight Ukraine after it had pushed the EU to remove the measures amid a diplomatic spat with Poland. However, it can enrage Warsaw after the Polish authorities stated that the restrictions would be extended unilaterally even if the measures of the EU expired. WATCH | China's EV industry faces EU scrutiny The measures allowed the products to keep moving across the five countries, however, did not permit them to be sold on the local market. The issue remains particularly sensitive in Poland where elections will be held next month. The farming regions have extended their strong support to the current populist right-wing government of the Law and Justice party. The stifling of grain exports by Russia from agricultural powerhouse Ukraine has led to global concerns over grain supplies. Moscow withdrew from the United Nations-brokered deal to allow exports through the Black Sea in July and has since increased attacks on Ukrainian export facilities. Other routes have been bolsetered by the EU over land and along rivers which have been used for exporting more than 44 million tonnes of grain from Ukraine since the invasion. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU ends ban on Ukraine grain exports to neighbouring countries

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices. 
 
The fine was decided after the two-year inquiry carried out by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) culminated. 
 
The Irish watchdog, which has been playing an important role in policy the strict General Data Protection Regulations of the EU, gave three months to TikTok "to bring its processing into compliance" with its rules.

In September 2021, the DPC started examining the compliance of TikTok with GDPR in relation to personal data processing and platform settings for users aged under 18 years old.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-banned-by-new-york-city-on-government-owned-devices-over-security-concerns-626232">TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns</a>

It also investigated the verification measures of TikTok for people under the age of 13 and no infringement was found but discovered that the platform failed to properly assess the risks to younger people, who have registered on the service. 
 
In its ruling on Friday (September 15), the regulator highlighted how the accounts of children on TikTok were set to public by default after they signed up, which meant anyone could view or comment on the content they uploaded. 
 
It further criticised the "family pairing" mode of TikTok which has been designed to link the accounts of parents to those of their children, however, the DPC figured out that the company failed to verify the status of the parent or guardian. 
 
Ireland has been at the centre of the GDPR regime because the European headquarters of TikTok as well as Google, Meta and X are in Dublin.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Children fall prey to TikTok's 'Egg Crack Challenge'

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<h2>TikTok says it 'respectfully disagrees'</h2>

Responding to the fine imposed, TikTok stated that it "respectfully disagrees" with the verdict and has been "evaluating" how to proceed. 
 
"The DPC's criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under 16 accounts to private by default," said a TikTok spokesperson, while speaking to AFP. 
 
The platform stated that it has been closely monitoring the age of its users and will take action when needed. TikTok stated around 17 million accounts were deleted worldwide in the first three months of this year because of suspicions that they were created by people under 13 years old.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices.

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices. The fine was decided after the two-year inquiry carried out by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) culminated. The Irish watchdog, which has been playing an important role in policy the strict General Data Protection Regulations of the EU, gave three months to TikTok "to bring its processing into compliance" with its rules. In September 2021, the DPC started examining the compliance of TikTok with GDPR in relation to personal data processing and platform settings for users aged under 18 years old. ALSO READ | TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns It also investigated the verification measures of TikTok for people under the age of 13 and no infringement was found but discovered that the platform failed to properly assess the risks to younger people, who have registered on the service. In its ruling on Friday (September 15), the regulator highlighted how the accounts of children on TikTok were set to public by default after they signed up, which meant anyone could view or comment on the content they uploaded. It further criticised the "family pairing" mode of TikTok which has been designed to link the accounts of parents to those of their children, however, the DPC figured out that the company failed to verify the status of the parent or guardian. Ireland has been at the centre of the GDPR regime because the European headquarters of TikTok as well as Google, Meta and X are in Dublin. WATCH | Gravitas: Children fall prey to TikTok's 'Egg Crack Challenge' TikTok says it 'respectfully disagrees' Responding to the fine imposed, TikTok stated that it "respectfully disagrees" with the verdict and has been "evaluating" how to proceed. "The DPC's criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under 16 accounts to private by default," said a TikTok spokesperson, while speaking to AFP. The platform stated that it has been closely monitoring the age of its users and will take action when needed. TikTok stated around 17 million accounts were deleted worldwide in the first three months of this year because of suspicions that they were created by people under 13 years old. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union slaps TikTok with fine of $369 million over child data breaches

European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (September 13) called for a global panel of experts and technological companies to confront challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (September 13) called for a global panel of experts and technological companies to confront challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). "Hundreds of leading AI developers, academics and experts warned recently ... that AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war," der Leyen said during a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the news agency AFP reported. She added that the proposed AI group should be similar to the UN's IPCC panel, whose reports establish scientific consensus on climate change. "I believe we need a similar body for AI –- on the risks and its benefits for humanity. Yes, with scientists, but also tech companies and independent experts," the EU chief told the parliament. The EU has been leading the charge in regulating AI and aims to greenlight what would be the world's first law covering the technology by the end of this year. "Our AI Act is already a blueprint for the whole world. We must now focus on adopting the rules as soon as possible and turn to implementation," der Leyen also said. AFP reported that the act would not come into force until 2026. US: Tech leaders to join senators for AI forum EU Chief der Leyen's remarks come as American technological leaders including Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg will join US senators for a closed-door forum on how Congress should set AI safeguards. "For Congress to legislate on artificial intelligence is for us to engage in one of the most complex and important subjects Congress has ever faced," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday. Others expected to attend the forum OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang among others. This week, Congress is also holding three separate hearings on AI. Lawmakers in the US want safeguards against potentially dangerous deepfakes, election interference and attacks on critical infrastructure. They have been grappling on how to mitigate the dangers of AI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union calls for global expert panel on Artificial Intelligence

Accepting the diktat by the European Union (EU), Apple on Tuesday (September 12) during its annual 'Wonderlust' event, announced that its new iPhone lineup was returning to&nbsp;a universal charging port.&nbsp;

"USB-C has become a universally accepted standard. So we're bringing USB-C to iPhone 15," said Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of iPhone Marketing&nbsp;at a launch event.

"Now the same cable can charge Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even the new AirPods Pro with USB-C on the case," the company added.&nbsp;

Up until now, users were charging their iPhones&nbsp;using the company's proprietary&nbsp;Lightning Port technology while Android-based devices used USB-C chargers.&nbsp;

However, it was in October last year that the EU Parliament&nbsp;approved new rules that make sure a universal charging port is introduced for all electronic gadgets (mobile phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, earbuds and other devices) by 2024.&nbsp;

The ruling was prompted after complaints from both iPhone and Android about having to switch to different chargers whenever changing devices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/made-in-india-apple-iphone-to-debut-on-launch-day-635289">Also read |&nbsp;Made-in-India Apple iPhone to debut on launch day in India for the first time</a>

<h2>What did Apple launch?</h2>

During Tuesday's event, Apple announced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, sporting 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, which will be powered by the A16 Bionic chip. The main focus once again remained the camera of the new device.

According to Apple executives, the main camera&nbsp;is 48-megapixels and uses pixel binning to combine images into a high-resolution 24-megapixel image. The camera also uses machine learning language to automatically shift the camera into portrait mode.&nbsp;

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will officially launch on September 22nd. While&nbsp;the iPhone 15 starts at $799, its advanced cousin, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-lost-200-billion-in-two-days-after-reports-of-iphone-ban-in-china-634704">Watch |&nbsp;Apple lost $200 billion in two days after reports of iPhone ban in China</a>

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During the event, Apple also announced Watch Series 9 and the second generation of Watch Ultra, sporting the same dimensions as their predecessors.

The latest watches get the next-generation S9 chip, capable of better animations and effects. It is the first processor upgrade since Apple released the Series 6 line in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Accepting the diktat by the European Union (EU), Apple on Tuesday (September 12) during its annual 'Wonderlust' event, announced that its new iPhone lineup was returning to a universal charging port.

Accepting the diktat by the European Union (EU), Apple on Tuesday (September 12) during its annual 'Wonderlust' event, announced that its new iPhone lineup was returning to a universal charging port. "USB-C has become a universally accepted standard. So we're bringing USB-C to iPhone 15," said Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of iPhone Marketing at a launch event. "Now the same cable can charge Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even the new AirPods Pro with USB-C on the case," the company added. Up until now, users were charging their iPhones using the company's proprietary Lightning Port technology while Android-based devices used USB-C chargers. However, it was in October last year that the EU Parliament approved new rules that make sure a universal charging port is introduced for all electronic gadgets (mobile phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, earbuds and other devices) by 2024. The ruling was prompted after complaints from both iPhone and Android about having to switch to different chargers whenever changing devices. Also read | Made-in-India Apple iPhone to debut on launch day in India for the first time What did Apple launch? During Tuesday's event, Apple announced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, sporting 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, which will be powered by the A16 Bionic chip. The main focus once again remained the camera of the new device. According to Apple executives, the main camera is 48-megapixels and uses pixel binning to combine images into a high-resolution 24-megapixel image. The camera also uses machine learning language to automatically shift the camera into portrait mode. Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will officially launch on September 22nd. While the iPhone 15 starts at $799, its advanced cousin, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899. Watch | Apple lost $200 billion in two days after reports of iPhone ban in China × During the event, Apple also announced Watch Series 9 and the second generation of Watch Ultra, sporting the same dimensions as their predecessors. The latest watches get the next-generation S9 chip, capable of better animations and effects. It is the first processor upgrade since Apple released the Series 6 line in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Apple embraces USB-C charger, replaces Lightning connector after years of pushback

Ambassador of European Union to India Ugo Astuto talks to WION about how important India is for EU.

Ambassador of European Union to India talks to WION about how important India is for EU

The European Union has confirmed that a Swedish diplomat working with EU has been held captive in Iran for more than 500 days. Now the EU's Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Burell has said that officials are doing everything for his release.

EU official from Sweden imprisoned in Iran for over 500 days

The top diplomat representing the European Union confirmed on Tuesday (September 5)&nbsp;that Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat employed by the EU, has been held in captivity in Iran for more than 500 days.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, speaking to reporters during a meeting in Cadiz, Spain, asserted that Brussels was exerting continuous efforts to secure the release of the 33-year-old individual, reported AFP.

The previous day, Sweden had partially corroborated a report by The New York Times regarding the detention, disclosing that a Swedish citizen in his thirties had been held in Iran since April 2022. However, Borrell provided further details by confirming the detainee's identity and his affiliation with the EU diplomatic service.

Borrell stated, "I would like to address a specific case, if you permit me, the situation of Mr. Floderus. He is a Swedish national who was employed by the European Union and has been unlawfully detained in Iran for the past 500 days." He emphasised that he, along with his team at all levels, the European institutions, and in close coordination with the Swedish authorities, had been actively urging the Iranian authorities to release&nbsp;Floderus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/maker-of-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-is-now-europes-most-valuable-firm-632477">Maker of weight-loss drug Wegovy is now Europe's most valuable firm</a>

"At every diplomatic encounter, across all levels, we have raised this issue persistently. We have been tirelessly working towards securing Mr. Floderus's freedom, and we will continue to do so while maintaining close communication with his family, respecting their wishes, and collaborating with the Swedish government," he affirmed.

"This matter is of utmost importance to us, and we will not cease our efforts until Mr. Floderus is freed."

Iran had announced in July of the previous year that it had apprehended an individual on suspicion of espionage, just two weeks after a Swedish court sentenced an Iranian citizen to life imprisonment for his involvement in the 1988 mass executions of thousands of Iranian regime opponents. A Stockholm court had found Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prison chief, guilty of "aggravated crimes against international law" and "murder."

Also watch |&nbsp;WTO chief accuses Western nations of protectionism

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<h2>Accusations of 'hostage diplomacy'</h2>

Several countries have accused Iran of engaging in "hostage diplomacy," detaining Western nationals as a means to obtain concessions, including the release of incarcerated Iranians. In May, Belgian humanitarian worker Olivier Vandecasteele, aged 42, was released after 15 months in detention on alleged espionage charges, as part of a prisoner exchange for Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who had been sentenced to 20 years for plotting to bomb an opposition rally in Paris.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The top diplomat representing the European Union confirmed on Tuesday (September 5) that Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat employed by the EU, has been held in captivity in Iran for more than 500 days.

The top diplomat representing the European Union confirmed on Tuesday (September 5) that Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat employed by the EU, has been held in captivity in Iran for more than 500 days. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, speaking to reporters during a meeting in Cadiz, Spain, asserted that Brussels was exerting continuous efforts to secure the release of the 33-year-old individual, reported AFP. The previous day, Sweden had partially corroborated a report by The New York Times regarding the detention, disclosing that a Swedish citizen in his thirties had been held in Iran since April 2022. However, Borrell provided further details by confirming the detainee's identity and his affiliation with the EU diplomatic service. Borrell stated, "I would like to address a specific case, if you permit me, the situation of Mr. Floderus. He is a Swedish national who was employed by the European Union and has been unlawfully detained in Iran for the past 500 days." He emphasised that he, along with his team at all levels, the European institutions, and in close coordination with the Swedish authorities, had been actively urging the Iranian authorities to release Floderus. Also read | Maker of weight-loss drug Wegovy is now Europe's most valuable firm "At every diplomatic encounter, across all levels, we have raised this issue persistently. We have been tirelessly working towards securing Mr. Floderus's freedom, and we will continue to do so while maintaining close communication with his family, respecting their wishes, and collaborating with the Swedish government," he affirmed. "This matter is of utmost importance to us, and we will not cease our efforts until Mr. Floderus is freed." Iran had announced in July of the previous year that it had apprehended an individual on suspicion of espionage, just two weeks after a Swedish court sentenced an Iranian citizen to life imprisonment for his involvement in the 1988 mass executions of thousands of Iranian regime opponents. A Stockholm court had found Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prison chief, guilty of "aggravated crimes against international law" and "murder." Also watch | WTO chief accuses Western nations of protectionism Accusations of 'hostage diplomacy' Several countries have accused Iran of engaging in "hostage diplomacy," detaining Western nationals as a means to obtain concessions, including the release of incarcerated Iranians. In May, Belgian humanitarian worker Olivier Vandecasteele, aged 42, was released after 15 months in detention on alleged espionage charges, as part of a prisoner exchange for Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who had been sentenced to 20 years for plotting to bomb an opposition rally in Paris. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Swedish EU diplomat detained In Iran for over 500 days, Borrell confirms

Georgia's ruling party said on Friday that it would begin impeachment proceedings against the president over her visits to the European Union, made against the will of the government, the Georgian news agency Interpress reported.

Georgian Dream party leader Irakli Kobakhidze said President Salome Zourabichvili had "flagrantly violated" the constitution, according to Interpress.

Zourabichvili met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Thursday and was scheduled to meet European Council President Charles Michel in Brussels on Friday to drum up support for Georgia's campaign to receive EU candidate status, on which a decision is expected by the end of the year.

Kobakhidze said the government had sent a letter denying her permission to hold the meetings. Zourabichvili did not immediately respond directly, but posted a photo of herself on Instagram, holding a smartphone and smiling.

Kobakhidze accepted that impeachment would be unlikely to succeed as Georgian Dream, which only has a simple majority in parliament, would need to attract votes from opposition parties.

A former French diplomat of Georgian descent, Zourabichvili was elected to Georgia's mostly ceremonial presidency in 2018 with Georgian Dream's backing.

She has since broken with the party, which she has repeatedly accused of being pro-Russian and insufficiently committed to Georgia joining the European Union and the U.S.-led NATO defence alliance. Georgian Dream says it wants Georgia to join both blocs.

In March, Zourabichvili said she would veto a controversial bill to require non-government organisations (NGOs) receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents". Critics said the bill was inspired by Russian laws used to crush dissent and in the end it was withdrawn.

The European Union, which last year declined to give Georgia candidate status alongside Ukraine and Moldova, has repeatedly warned that a deepening of authoritarianism could derail Georgia's EU application.

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Georgia's ruling party said on Friday that it would begin impeachment proceedings against the president over her visits to the European Union, made against the will of the government, the Georgian news agency Interpress reported.

Georgia's ruling party said on Friday that it would begin impeachment proceedings against the president over her visits to the European Union, made against the will of the government, the Georgian news agency Interpress reported. Georgian Dream party leader Irakli Kobakhidze said President Salome Zourabichvili had "flagrantly violated" the constitution, according to Interpress. Zourabichvili met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Thursday and was scheduled to meet European Council President Charles Michel in Brussels on Friday to drum up support for Georgia's campaign to receive EU candidate status, on which a decision is expected by the end of the year. Kobakhidze said the government had sent a letter denying her permission to hold the meetings. Zourabichvili did not immediately respond directly, but posted a photo of herself on Instagram, holding a smartphone and smiling. Kobakhidze accepted that impeachment would be unlikely to succeed as Georgian Dream, which only has a simple majority in parliament, would need to attract votes from opposition parties. A former French diplomat of Georgian descent, Zourabichvili was elected to Georgia's mostly ceremonial presidency in 2018 with Georgian Dream's backing. She has since broken with the party, which she has repeatedly accused of being pro-Russian and insufficiently committed to Georgia joining the European Union and the U.S.-led NATO defence alliance. Georgian Dream says it wants Georgia to join both blocs. In March, Zourabichvili said she would veto a controversial bill to require non-government organisations (NGOs) receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents". Critics said the bill was inspired by Russian laws used to crush dissent and in the end it was withdrawn. The European Union, which last year declined to give Georgia candidate status alongside Ukraine and Moldova, has repeatedly warned that a deepening of authoritarianism could derail Georgia's EU application. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Georgia's ruling party plans to impeach president over her EU visits

The European Union (EU) said on Friday (August 11) that it delivered 223,800 shells to war-torn Ukraine under the first part of a plan to provide a million artillery rounds to aid its fight against Russia.

The European Union (EU) said on Friday (August 11) that it delivered 223,800 shells to war-torn Ukraine under the first part of a plan to provide a million artillery rounds to aid its fight against Russia. "Member states have delivered around 223,800 artillery ammunition -- long-range self-propelled, precision-guided ammunitions as well as mortar ammunitions -- and 2,300 missiles of all types," EU spokesperson Peter Stano said, the news agency AFP reported. Earlier this year, the EU had pledged to step up supplies artillery shells to Ukraine as its military was facing a shortfall. The member states agreed on a $2.19 billion (2 billion euros) plan to raid their stockpiles and place joint orders for shells. Under the first stage of the plant which ran between February and May, $1.09 billion (1 billion euros) was earmarked to reimburse EU members roughly half the cost of shells provided from their existing arsenals. The total value of the ordnance provided on Friday was $1.2 billion (1.1 billion euros). The EU funds reimbursed only part of that, suggesting the measure fell short of the target. The new ammunition sent was just a small advance on the number -- 220,000 shells -- announced by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in late May. Meanwhile, under the second part of the plan, the EU is negotiating joint procurement contracts with European manufacturers for 155-mm howitzer shells and missiles. "(The agency) expects framework contracts with industry to be signed in the coming weeks, allowing member states to place orders from then on," the EU said. The EU also said that in total, it has spent nearly $22 billion supplying weaponry of all kinds to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: EU delivers nearly 224,000 shells to Kyiv as part of ammo plan

Norway will impose a $98,500 (1 million crowns) a day fine on Meta over privacy breaches, starting August 14, the country's data protection authority said on Monday.

Norway will impose a $98,500 (1 million crowns) a day fine on Meta over privacy breaches, starting August 14, the country's data protection authority said on Monday. Datatilsynet, the Norwegian regulator had issued a warning about the fine last month if Facebook-owned Meta did not address privacy breaches identified by the body. “As of next Monday, a daily fine of 1 million crown will start to apply,” Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet’s international section was quoted as saying by Reuters. The Norwegian watchdog said Meta cannot harvest user data, including their physical location and employ it to send targeted advertising at them, a practice often used by most tech companies to generate revenue. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company had up until August 4 to address the issue and inform the regulator that it had handled the issue. However, Meta failed to take a call and the watchdog took action, with fines running till November 3. “According to Meta, this will take several months, at the very earliest, for them to implement...And we don’t know what the consent mechanism will look like. And in the (meantime), peoples’ rights are being violated, every single day," Judin added. Watch | Meta fined $1.3 billion by European Union for sending user data to US: Report × Meta fined heavily by the EU This is not the first instance when Meta has received a hefty fine amount. In May, the company was fined a record $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros) by the European Union for failing to comply with a warning by the top EU court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States. According to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the EU, the social media giant failed to pay heed to a top court warning aimed at protecting users’ data from the security services in the US once it’s shipped to servers across the Atlantic. Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US Facebook has repeatedly argued that following the Irish regulators' mandate could have “a far-reaching effect on businesses that rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and on the online services that many people and businesses rely on”. Notably, Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the European single market, which explains the additional fine imposed on Meta. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Norway set to fine Meta nearly $100,000 a day from August  14. Know why

The economic growth in the eurozone rebounded in the second quarter, according to the data released by the European Union’s (EU) agency, on Monday (July 31). The report has since led to a rise in European shares with the German blue-chip index or DAX hitting a record high.&nbsp;

<h2>Inflation in eurozone eases</h2>

The EU’s Eurostat data agency said that the growth in the 20 countries that use the euro referred to as the ‘eurozone’ reached 0.3 per cent over the second quarter, April-June period, after recording zero growth in the first three months of the year.&nbsp;

This comes after a long period of stagnation in the eurozone&nbsp;economy as inflation continues to fall from last year’s peak. According to the data, the inflation rate also declined from 5.5 per cent to 5.3 per cent in July.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the European Commission (EC) winter forecasts also noted that the eurozone will narrowly avoid the technical recession which was expected last year in November as the growth since was 0.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-commission-raises-eurozone-growth-forecast-for-2023-is-expected-to-avoid-recession-561561">European Commission raises eurozone growth forecast for 2023 as inflation eases</a>

However, concerns about the inflation in the eurozone – which continues to be stubbornly high – remained. This is also in addition to fears about the slow growth and stagnated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reported between April and June in the biggest European economy, Germany.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the French and Spanish economies grew more than expected. “This won’t be welcome news in Frankfurt, and will help the hawk’s cause,” said Claus Vistesen, chief eurozone economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.&nbsp;

He added, “Coupled with scary-looking Q2 wage data, we still think that the ECB hawks will successfully push for one final hike in September before the data turn decisively against them. This is a close call.”

In the Eurozone, Belgium had the lowest inflation rate, at 1.6 per cent in July, according to the Eurostat data. However, the food and drink costs continue to rise sharply, at 10.8 per cent when compared with 11.6 per cent in June.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eurozones-inflation-tumbles-fuels-rate-cut-debate-in-european-central-bank-599500">Eurozone's inflation tumbles, fuels rate cut debate in European Central Bank</a>

<h2>European stocks rise after report</h2>

After the data by the EU agency was released, European shares rose, including&nbsp;the German DAX as it inched up 0.1 per cent and hit a record high for the second consecutive session, according to Reuters. The rise was attributed to drugs and pesticide maker Bayer.

Additionally,&nbsp;pan-European STOXX 600 and&nbsp;Italy's FTSE MIB index also witnessed a rise&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

<h2>ECB interest rate hikes</h2>

The European Central Bank (ECB), which has also sought to calm the soaring inflation – following in the footsteps of the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England has aggressively raised interest rates – announced its ninth consecutive hike, last week.&nbsp;

While there has been a recent drop in inflation, the figures remain far higher than the ECB’s two-per cent target. After the latest hike, the interest rate stood at 3.75 per cent highest since 2000-01.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ecb-hikes-quarter-percentage-points-warns-of-persistence-inflation-620122">ECB hikes interest rate by 0.25 percentage points as inflation spooks Eurozone</a>

While ECB president Christine Lagarde last week indicated that the aggressive interest rate hikes could be paused, analysts suggest another hike is still a possibility which might further constrain economic growth.

Bert Colijn, senior eurozone economist at ING, a global financial institution, said that the recent eurozone GDP reading would not be “a dovish argument” at the next ECB rate-setting meeting in September, “leaving a further hike on the table,” report AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The economic growth in the eurozone rebounded in the second quarter, according to the data released by the European Union’s (EU) agency, on Monday (July 31). The report has since led to a rise in European shares with the German blue-chip index or DAX hitting a record high.

The economic growth in the eurozone rebounded in the second quarter, according to the data released by the European Union’s (EU) agency, on Monday (July 31). The report has since led to a rise in European shares with the German blue-chip index or DAX hitting a record high. Inflation in eurozone eases The EU’s Eurostat data agency said that the growth in the 20 countries that use the euro referred to as the ‘eurozone’ reached 0.3 per cent over the second quarter, April-June period, after recording zero growth in the first three months of the year. This comes after a long period of stagnation in the eurozone economy as inflation continues to fall from last year’s peak. According to the data, the inflation rate also declined from 5.5 per cent to 5.3 per cent in July. Earlier this year, the European Commission (EC) winter forecasts also noted that the eurozone will narrowly avoid the technical recession which was expected last year in November as the growth since was 0.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter. ALSO READ | European Commission raises eurozone growth forecast for 2023 as inflation eases However, concerns about the inflation in the eurozone – which continues to be stubbornly high – remained. This is also in addition to fears about the slow growth and stagnated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reported between April and June in the biggest European economy, Germany. Meanwhile, the French and Spanish economies grew more than expected. “This won’t be welcome news in Frankfurt, and will help the hawk’s cause,” said Claus Vistesen, chief eurozone economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. He added, “Coupled with scary-looking Q2 wage data, we still think that the ECB hawks will successfully push for one final hike in September before the data turn decisively against them. This is a close call.” In the Eurozone, Belgium had the lowest inflation rate, at 1.6 per cent in July, according to the Eurostat data. However, the food and drink costs continue to rise sharply, at 10.8 per cent when compared with 11.6 per cent in June. ALSO READ | Eurozone's inflation tumbles, fuels rate cut debate in European Central Bank European stocks rise after report After the data by the EU agency was released, European shares rose, including the German DAX as it inched up 0.1 per cent and hit a record high for the second consecutive session, according to Reuters. The rise was attributed to drugs and pesticide maker Bayer. Additionally, pan-European STOXX 600 and Italy's FTSE MIB index also witnessed a rise on Monday. ECB interest rate hikes The European Central Bank (ECB), which has also sought to calm the soaring inflation – following in the footsteps of the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England has aggressively raised interest rates – announced its ninth consecutive hike, last week. While there has been a recent drop in inflation, the figures remain far higher than the ECB’s two-per cent target. After the latest hike, the interest rate stood at 3.75 per cent highest since 2000-01. ALSO READ | ECB hikes interest rate by 0.25 percentage points as inflation spooks Eurozone While ECB president Christine Lagarde last week indicated that the aggressive interest rate hikes could be paused, analysts suggest another hike is still a possibility which might further constrain economic growth. Bert Colijn, senior eurozone economist at ING, a global financial institution, said that the recent eurozone GDP reading would not be “a dovish argument” at the next ECB rate-setting meeting in September, “leaving a further hike on the table,” report AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eurozone economy returns to growth after inflation eases in July; Germany’s DAX hits new record

The African Union released a statement on Saturday demanding Niger's military to "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days as the European Union exerted more&nbsp;pressure on the coup leaders by discontinuing security cooperation with the country.

The head of Niger's presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani, on Friday, appeared on state television to declare himself the country's new leader.&nbsp;

He further defended the military coup, reiterating that the soldiers in the country had acted to safeguard national security.

On Wednesday, the guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace. Later, a group of officers appeared on state television and said that they had thrown Bazoum out of power.

The AU's Peace and Security Council, in a communique after a meeting on the coup on Friday, demanded, "military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days."

It condemned&nbsp;in the "strongest terms possible" the act to overthrow the elected government and also expressed deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa.

Watch |&nbsp;Niger coup leader warns against 'foreign' intervention

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The European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell on Saturday released a statement saying that the coalition would not recognise the putschists and further made the announcement of the suspension of security cooperation with Niger.

"The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities from the putsch in Niger," Borrell said in a statement.

"All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect" in addition to the end to budgetary aid, he added.

Bazoum "remains the only legitimate president of Niger", the statement said, further calling for his immediate release and holding the coup leaders to account for the safety of him and his family.

Borrell said the EU was ready to back future decisions taken by West Africa's regional bloc, "including the adoption of sanctions".

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu released a statement saying that the leaders from the Economic Community of West African States will meet on Sunday in Abuja to have a discussion on the coup.

French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a defence meeting on the coup on Saturday, the presidency said.

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-extends-its-unflagging-support-to-nigers-ousted-leader-post-coup-620442">United States extends its 'unflagging' support to Niger's ousted leader post-coup</a>

<h2>US extends support to Niger's ousted leader</h2>

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended steadfast support to Niger's ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum from Washington, and gave a warning to those detaining him that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk, said the State Department on Friday (July 28).

Blinken called Bazoum for the second time in a few days to offer America's "unflagging support" after the leader was detained in a military coup, said department spokesman Matt Miller in a statement.

In another call to former Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou, Blinken expressed concern over the ongoing detention of Bazoum and that "negotiations to ensure constitutional order in Niger were at an impasse."

He said to Issoufou that he "regretted that those detaining Bazoum were threatening years of successful co-operation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" to Niamey, and asked Issoufou to continue working on behalf of Bazoum, Miller said.

<h2>Niger coup condemned&nbsp;</h2>

The country's former colonial power, France and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS called for the immediate release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum. They further urged for a return to constitutional order.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was all set to support sanctions against the perpetrators of the "dangerous" coup after his foreign minister said the power grab did not appear to be definitive.

"This coup d'etat is completely illegitimate," Macron told a news conference in Papua New Guinea.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that constitutional order should be restored.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris said that the cooperation with Niger's government was fortuitous on its "continued commitment to democratic standards".

A spokesperson for the US-UN mission released a statement saying that the United States also backs taking action at the United Nations Security Council to de-escalate the situation in Niger.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The African Union released a statement on Saturday demanding Niger's military to "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days as the European Union exerted more pressure on the coup leaders by discontinuing security cooperation with the country.

The African Union released a statement on Saturday demanding Niger's military to "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days as the European Union exerted more pressure on the coup leaders by discontinuing security cooperation with the country. The head of Niger's presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani, on Friday, appeared on state television to declare himself the country's new leader. He further defended the military coup, reiterating that the soldiers in the country had acted to safeguard national security. On Wednesday, the guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace. Later, a group of officers appeared on state television and said that they had thrown Bazoum out of power. The AU's Peace and Security Council, in a communique after a meeting on the coup on Friday, demanded, "military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days." It condemned in the "strongest terms possible" the act to overthrow the elected government and also expressed deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa. Watch | Niger coup leader warns against 'foreign' intervention The European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell on Saturday released a statement saying that the coalition would not recognise the putschists and further made the announcement of the suspension of security cooperation with Niger. "The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities from the putsch in Niger," Borrell said in a statement. "All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect" in addition to the end to budgetary aid, he added. Bazoum "remains the only legitimate president of Niger", the statement said, further calling for his immediate release and holding the coup leaders to account for the safety of him and his family. Borrell said the EU was ready to back future decisions taken by West Africa's regional bloc, "including the adoption of sanctions". Nigerian President Bola Tinubu released a statement saying that the leaders from the Economic Community of West African States will meet on Sunday in Abuja to have a discussion on the coup. French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a defence meeting on the coup on Saturday, the presidency said. Also read: United States extends its 'unflagging' support to Niger's ousted leader post-coup US extends support to Niger's ousted leader United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended steadfast support to Niger's ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum from Washington, and gave a warning to those detaining him that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk, said the State Department on Friday (July 28). Blinken called Bazoum for the second time in a few days to offer America's "unflagging support" after the leader was detained in a military coup, said department spokesman Matt Miller in a statement. In another call to former Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou, Blinken expressed concern over the ongoing detention of Bazoum and that "negotiations to ensure constitutional order in Niger were at an impasse." He said to Issoufou that he "regretted that those detaining Bazoum were threatening years of successful co-operation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" to Niamey, and asked Issoufou to continue working on behalf of Bazoum, Miller said. Niger coup condemned The country's former colonial power, France and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS called for the immediate release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum. They further urged for a return to constitutional order. French President Emmanuel Macron said he was all set to support sanctions against the perpetrators of the "dangerous" coup after his foreign minister said the power grab did not appear to be definitive. "This coup d'etat is completely illegitimate," Macron told a news conference in Papua New Guinea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that constitutional order should be restored. United States Vice President Kamala Harris said that the cooperation with Niger's government was fortuitous on its "continued commitment to democratic standards". A spokesperson for the US-UN mission released a statement saying that the United States also backs taking action at the United Nations Security Council to de-escalate the situation in Niger. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

African Union, EU intensify pressure on Niger coup leaders

The European Union (EU) has initiated an antitrust investigation concerning Microsoft's practice of bundling its collaboration and communication software, Teams, with its popular cloud-based productivity suites for businesses, Office 365 and Microsoft 365.

This investigation comes after rival company Slack lodged a complaint with the EU, alleging that Microsoft was unfairly tying Teams with its productivity suites, thereby restricting competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) for communication and collaboration products.

<h2>EU's concerns&nbsp;</h2>

“The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may be abusing and defending its market position in productivity software by restricting competition in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’) for communication and collaboration products,” European Commission said while announcing the probe.&nbsp;

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“In particular, the Commission is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Microsoft's response</h2>

Microsoft acknowledged the European Commission's action and expressed its commitment to cooperate with the investigation.&nbsp;

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"We respect the European Commission’s work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously. We will continue to cooperate with the Commission and remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns," Microsoft reportedly said.&nbsp;

<h2>Background of the complaint</h2>

In July 2020, Slack publicly accused Microsoft of illegally tying Teams to its dominant Office productivity suite. Slack claimed that Microsoft had forcibly installed Teams for millions of users, made it challenging to remove, and obscured its true cost to enterprise customers.

Microsoft countered the allegations, citing the surge in Teams' adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased demand for video conferencing and digital communication tools.

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The EU's approach to regulating digital giants is evolving, with the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) providing additional antitrust enforcement powers.

The DMA targets powerful digital intermediaries or "gatekeepers" and imposes upfront obligations and restrictions on their core platform services to prevent self-favoring practices like bundling or tying.

Microsoft's business could fall under the scope of the DMA, and the regulation might apply to areas relevant to Slack's complaint, such as communications and cloud services.

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The European Union (EU) has initiated an antitrust investigation concerning Microsoft's practice of bundling its collaboration and communication software, Teams, with its popular cloud-based productivity suites for businesses, Office 365 and Microsoft 365.

The European Union (EU) has initiated an antitrust investigation concerning Microsoft's practice of bundling its collaboration and communication software, Teams, with its popular cloud-based productivity suites for businesses, Office 365 and Microsoft 365. This investigation comes after rival company Slack lodged a complaint with the EU, alleging that Microsoft was unfairly tying Teams with its productivity suites, thereby restricting competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) for communication and collaboration products. EU's concerns “The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may be abusing and defending its market position in productivity software by restricting competition in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’) for communication and collaboration products,” European Commission said while announcing the probe. Also Read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report “In particular, the Commission is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings," it added. Microsoft's response Microsoft acknowledged the European Commission's action and expressed its commitment to cooperate with the investigation. Also Read | Typhoon Doksuri lashes Philippines as China and Taiwan stay alert "We respect the European Commission’s work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously. We will continue to cooperate with the Commission and remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns," Microsoft reportedly said. Background of the complaint In July 2020, Slack publicly accused Microsoft of illegally tying Teams to its dominant Office productivity suite. Slack claimed that Microsoft had forcibly installed Teams for millions of users, made it challenging to remove, and obscured its true cost to enterprise customers. Microsoft countered the allegations, citing the surge in Teams' adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased demand for video conferencing and digital communication tools. Watch | Russian defence minister's Pyongyang visit | Putin to meet African leaders × The EU's approach to regulating digital giants is evolving, with the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) providing additional antitrust enforcement powers. The DMA targets powerful digital intermediaries or "gatekeepers" and imposes upfront obligations and restrictions on their core platform services to prevent self-favoring practices like bundling or tying. Microsoft's business could fall under the scope of the DMA, and the regulation might apply to areas relevant to Slack's complaint, such as communications and cloud services. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

European Union launches antitrust investigation into Microsoft's bundling of Teams

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