<p>Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a fresh attack on the European Union for conducting an "LGBTQ offensive", releasing a statement saying that his nationalist government would safeguard the country's Christian roots.</p>

<p>During his speech, the Hungarian Prime Minister also said that he hoped the European parliament elections, which are scheduled to take place next year, would bolster governments within the bloc that nullify the "federalism" illustrated by Germany and France.</p>

<p>Orban had passed a law in the year 2021 barring the use of materials seen as encouraging homosexuality and gender change at schools, mentioning the need to safeguard children from "LGBTQ propaganda" and thereby mounting a row with the European Union.</p>

<p>In the past, he has also engaged in conflicts with Brussels over other issues, including the rule of law, and reforms to Hungary's media and the judiciary.</p>

<p>The EU is "either an empire or (individual) nations ... We should not have any illusions: the federalists are trying to squeeze us out," Orban said.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-greece-faces-hottest-july-weekend-in-50-yrs-heatwave-to-expand-in-us-618408">Climate crisis: Greece faces hottest July weekend in 50 yrs; heatwave to expand in US</a></p>

<p>"They openly wanted a change in government (in 2022) in Hungary," Orban said, adding that the same was now true of Poland.</p>

<p>Poland's parliamentary elections are scheduled for this autumn season when the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party will seek a third term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has adopted many policies that intonate with Orban's, and both countries are sealed in a rule-of-law conflict with the bloc that has resulted in the hiatus of certain European Union funds.</p>

<p>Orban said a balance between federalists and nations unwilling to cede more powers to Brussels was upset when Britain left the bloc, and now only Warsaw and Budapest were "sticking to their (anti-federalist) stance."</p>

<p>He has meanwhile upped his anti-LGBT oratory as Hungary's economic troubles have spiralled. Annual inflation topped 25% in the first quarter.</p>

<p>"The EU rejects Christian heritage, carries out a replacement of its population via migration ... and conducts an LGBTQ offensive," he said on Saturday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a fresh attack on the European Union for conducting an "LGBTQ offensive", releasing a statement saying that his nationalist government would safeguard the country's Christian roots.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a fresh attack on the European Union for conducting an "LGBTQ offensive", releasing a statement saying that his nationalist government would safeguard the country's Christian roots. During his speech, the Hungarian Prime Minister also said that he hoped the European parliament elections, which are scheduled to take place next year, would bolster governments within the bloc that nullify the "federalism" illustrated by Germany and France. Orban had passed a law in the year 2021 barring the use of materials seen as encouraging homosexuality and gender change at schools, mentioning the need to safeguard children from "LGBTQ propaganda" and thereby mounting a row with the European Union. In the past, he has also engaged in conflicts with Brussels over other issues, including the rule of law, and reforms to Hungary's media and the judiciary. The EU is "either an empire or (individual) nations ... We should not have any illusions: the federalists are trying to squeeze us out," Orban said. Also read: Climate crisis: Greece faces hottest July weekend in 50 yrs; heatwave to expand in US "They openly wanted a change in government (in 2022) in Hungary," Orban said, adding that the same was now true of Poland. Poland's parliamentary elections are scheduled for this autumn season when the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party will seek a third term. It has adopted many policies that intonate with Orban's, and both countries are sealed in a rule-of-law conflict with the bloc that has resulted in the hiatus of certain European Union funds. Orban said a balance between federalists and nations unwilling to cede more powers to Brussels was upset when Britain left the bloc, and now only Warsaw and Budapest were "sticking to their (anti-federalist) stance." He has meanwhile upped his anti-LGBT oratory as Hungary's economic troubles have spiralled. Annual inflation topped 25% in the first quarter. "The EU rejects Christian heritage, carries out a replacement of its population via migration ... and conducts an LGBTQ offensive," he said on Saturday. (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.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemns European Union federalism, LGBTQ 'offensive'

Opening of the EU-CELAC summit between Europeans and Latin Americans after eight years of absence. It was held in Brussels on Monday. This meeting comes in light of the EU's decision to strengthen its ties with these countries.

EU seeks to renew ties among amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover&nbsp;of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Illumina was forced to seek EU competition watchdog's approval in 2021 despite the deal fell short of the bloc's turnover threshold for scrutiny. Illumina has been fighting with the competition watchdog on several fronts since&nbsp;then.</p>

<p>In September 2022, the deal was eventually blocked. Regulators were concerned that Illumina, after acquiring Grail, would have an incentive to cut off Grail's rivals from accessing its technology to develop blood-based early cancer detection tests to compete with Grail.</p>

<p>The European Commission said that the size of the fine amounts to 10 per cent of Illumina's global revenue and it is the maximum allowed under EU merger rules for such infringements. The EC said that this underscored the seriousness of the offence and aimed to deter such conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By closing the deal prematurely, Illumina was able to exercise a decisive influence over Grail, which it did, the EU enforcer said, calling the move unprecedented and a very serious infringement.</p>

<p>"If companies merge before our clearance, they breach our rules. Illumina and Grail knowingly and deliberately did so by implementing their tie-up as we were still investigating," EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.</p>

<p>For its active role in the infringement, Grail was given a symbolic 1,000 euro fine. This marks the first time a target company has been sanctioned.</p>

<h2><strong>Fine unlawful, disproportionate, says Illumina&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Illumina has criticised the fine as "unlawful, inappropriate, and disproportionate". The company has said that it would appeal the penalty. It has set aside USD 458 million which represents 10 per cent of its consolidated annual revenue in fiscal year 2022.</p>

<p>"We closed the transaction in 2021 because there was no impediment to closing in the U.S. and the deal timeframe would have expired before the EC could reach a decision on the merits," the company said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The deal timeframe relied on the EC's public statements that it would not assert jurisdiction over mergers of this type until new guidelines were issued, yet the EC nonetheless asserted jurisdiction over the merger before issuing the promised guidelines."</p>

<p>Illumina has challenged the EU veto of the deal as well as its decision to examine the deal despite it not meeting the EU merger criteria and also the EU order to keep the Grail separate so that the deal con be unwound.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval.

Illumina, the US genetic testing company has been fined by the European Union for a record 432 million euros (USD 476 million) on Wednesday (July 12). The fine has been imposed for closing its takeover of cancer test maker Grail without obtaining EU antitrust approval. Illumina was forced to seek EU competition watchdog's approval in 2021 despite the deal fell short of the bloc's turnover threshold for scrutiny. Illumina has been fighting with the competition watchdog on several fronts since then. In September 2022, the deal was eventually blocked. Regulators were concerned that Illumina, after acquiring Grail, would have an incentive to cut off Grail's rivals from accessing its technology to develop blood-based early cancer detection tests to compete with Grail. The European Commission said that the size of the fine amounts to 10 per cent of Illumina's global revenue and it is the maximum allowed under EU merger rules for such infringements. The EC said that this underscored the seriousness of the offence and aimed to deter such conduct. By closing the deal prematurely, Illumina was able to exercise a decisive influence over Grail, which it did, the EU enforcer said, calling the move unprecedented and a very serious infringement. "If companies merge before our clearance, they breach our rules. Illumina and Grail knowingly and deliberately did so by implementing their tie-up as we were still investigating," EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. For its active role in the infringement, Grail was given a symbolic 1,000 euro fine. This marks the first time a target company has been sanctioned. Fine unlawful, disproportionate, says Illumina Illumina has criticised the fine as "unlawful, inappropriate, and disproportionate". The company has said that it would appeal the penalty. It has set aside USD 458 million which represents 10 per cent of its consolidated annual revenue in fiscal year 2022. "We closed the transaction in 2021 because there was no impediment to closing in the U.S. and the deal timeframe would have expired before the EC could reach a decision on the merits," the company said in a statement. "The deal timeframe relied on the EC's public statements that it would not assert jurisdiction over mergers of this type until new guidelines were issued, yet the EC nonetheless asserted jurisdiction over the merger before issuing the promised guidelines." Illumina has challenged the EU veto of the deal as well as its decision to examine the deal despite it not meeting the EU merger criteria and also the EU order to keep the Grail separate so that the deal con be unwound. (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 ×

EU slaps record $476 million fine on Illumina for Grail deal without antitrust approval

<p>Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns. However, the source added Meta has decided to hold back the release in the EU's 27 countries as it seeks clarity on the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will be fully implemented next year.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Digital Markets Act?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant regulatory framework introduced in Europe to address the dominance of large digital platforms and ensure fair competition in the digital market. It aims to regulate the behaviour of "gatekeeper" platforms, which have substantial market power, by imposing specific obligations and restrictions on them.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philadelphia-gunman-identified-as-gun-loving-blm-supporter-kimbrady-carriker-reports-612409">Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports</a></p>

<p>The DMA establishes stringent regulations for major internet companies operating in Europe. One of these regulations prohibits platforms from sharing data across different services and restricts companies from directing platform users solely to their own products.</p>

<p>Meta's decision to postpone the Threads app release in the EU is likely influenced by the need to ensure compliance with these new regulations, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Data privacy concerns and EU rules</strong></h2>

<p>The description of Threads on app stores in the United States reveals that personal data, including contact and geolocation information, will be collected and used for advertising purposes. Meta has previously faced scrutiny from European regulators for attempting to leverage data from WhatsApp to strengthen Instagram and Facebook, which was prohibited by EU rules.</p>

<p>As a result, it appears that Meta's decision to delay the Threads app launch in Europe aligns with its commitment to avoid further conflicts with EU regulations.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-two-injured-after-explosions-rock-ukrainian-court-612402">One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court</a></p>

<p>The Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where Meta's EU headquarters are located and which oversees the company's activities in Europe, stated that Meta has confirmed it will not be releasing the app in Europe "at this point."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the app's description on the app store, Threads provides a space for communities to come together and engage in discussions covering various topics.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts</strong></p>

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<p>Users have the option to follow and connect with their favourite creators and like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Additionally, users can establish their own following and express their thought with a broader audience.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta's compliance with new EU rules</strong></h2>

<p>Meta, along with other major companies, such as Amazon and Apple, informed the EU that they meet the threshold to be subject to the new rules when they are enforced next year. This indicates that Meta recognises the significance of complying with the DMA and is actively engaging with the regulatory framework to ensure its future operations align with EU requirements.</p>

<p>When contacted by AFP, Meta did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. However, it remains to be seen how Meta will navigate the regulatory landscape and address the concerns raised by the EU.&nbsp;</p>

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Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns.

Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns. However, the source added Meta has decided to hold back the release in the EU's 27 countries as it seeks clarity on the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will be fully implemented next year. What is Digital Markets Act? The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant regulatory framework introduced in Europe to address the dominance of large digital platforms and ensure fair competition in the digital market. It aims to regulate the behaviour of "gatekeeper" platforms, which have substantial market power, by imposing specific obligations and restrictions on them. Also Read | Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports The DMA establishes stringent regulations for major internet companies operating in Europe. One of these regulations prohibits platforms from sharing data across different services and restricts companies from directing platform users solely to their own products. Meta's decision to postpone the Threads app release in the EU is likely influenced by the need to ensure compliance with these new regulations, media reports said. Data privacy concerns and EU rules The description of Threads on app stores in the United States reveals that personal data, including contact and geolocation information, will be collected and used for advertising purposes. Meta has previously faced scrutiny from European regulators for attempting to leverage data from WhatsApp to strengthen Instagram and Facebook, which was prohibited by EU rules. As a result, it appears that Meta's decision to delay the Threads app launch in Europe aligns with its commitment to avoid further conflicts with EU regulations. Also Read | One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court The Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where Meta's EU headquarters are located and which oversees the company's activities in Europe, stated that Meta has confirmed it will not be releasing the app in Europe "at this point." According to the app's description on the app store, Threads provides a space for communities to come together and engage in discussions covering various topics. Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts × Users have the option to follow and connect with their favourite creators and like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Additionally, users can establish their own following and express their thought with a broader audience. Meta's compliance with new EU rules Meta, along with other major companies, such as Amazon and Apple, informed the EU that they meet the threshold to be subject to the new rules when they are enforced next year. This indicates that Meta recognises the significance of complying with the DMA and is actively engaging with the regulatory framework to ensure its future operations align with EU requirements. When contacted by AFP, Meta did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. However, it remains to be seen how Meta will navigate the regulatory landscape and address the concerns raised by the EU. 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. ×

Twitter rival, Meta's Threads app, will not launch in EU. Here's why

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">The European Union on Wednesday proposed injecting more competition into the payments sector, giving legal backing to a digital euro, and preserving the role of cash as fewer people use coins and notes.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">The package of European Commission reforms, which update decade-old rules, seek to prise open a payments market long dominated by banks and U.S. duo Visa and Mastercard that are now being challenged by 'fintechs' offering rival services.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">"In practice, this proposal will lead to more innovative financial products and services for users and it will stimulate competition in the financial sector," the Commission said in a statement.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">EU states and the European Parliament have the final say on the package, with some changes likely.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">The reforms aim to make it harder for banks to stop fintechs from opening an account with them, and give fintechs access to payments infrastructure in the same way as banks.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">"We are going to clearly identify the obstacles that the fintechs should never have been encountering," an EU official said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">Electronic payments in the EU has grown from 184.2 trillion euros ($201.7 trillion) in 2017 to 240 trillion euros in 2021, accelerated by COVID-19.</p>

<p>Protections on data would be strengthened to encourage consumers to use rival services, with redress for unauthorised transactions such as "spoofing" or fraudsters pretending to be a customer's bank.</p>

<p>The legal basis for banks and other payment firms to share information without falling foul of EU data protection rules is also being made clearer to reinforce the sector's collective capacity to tackle scams, the EU official said.</p>

<p>The European Central Bank is due in October to decide whether to push ahead with a digital euro. The rules proposed on Wednesday would make it legal tender, meaning it would have to be accepted as a form of payment.</p>

<p>As more consumers switch to contactless forms of payments, Wednesday's package also proposes to formally make euro notes and coins legal tender in a bid to avoid people without bank accounts or having difficulty making electronic payments being excluded.<br />
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The European Union on Wednesday proposed injecting more competition into the payments sector, giving legal backing to a digital euro, and preserving the role of cash as fewer people use coins and notes.

The European Union on Wednesday proposed injecting more competition into the payments sector, giving legal backing to a digital euro, and preserving the role of cash as fewer people use coins and notes. The package of European Commission reforms, which update decade-old rules, seek to prise open a payments market long dominated by banks and U.S. duo Visa and Mastercard that are now being challenged by 'fintechs' offering rival services. "In practice, this proposal will lead to more innovative financial products and services for users and it will stimulate competition in the financial sector," the Commission said in a statement. EU states and the European Parliament have the final say on the package, with some changes likely. The reforms aim to make it harder for banks to stop fintechs from opening an account with them, and give fintechs access to payments infrastructure in the same way as banks. "We are going to clearly identify the obstacles that the fintechs should never have been encountering," an EU official said. Electronic payments in the EU has grown from 184.2 trillion euros ($201.7 trillion) in 2017 to 240 trillion euros in 2021, accelerated by COVID-19. Protections on data would be strengthened to encourage consumers to use rival services, with redress for unauthorised transactions such as "spoofing" or fraudsters pretending to be a customer's bank. The legal basis for banks and other payment firms to share information without falling foul of EU data protection rules is also being made clearer to reinforce the sector's collective capacity to tackle scams, the EU official said. The European Central Bank is due in October to decide whether to push ahead with a digital euro. The rules proposed on Wednesday would make it legal tender, meaning it would have to be accepted as a form of payment. As more consumers switch to contactless forms of payments, Wednesday's package also proposes to formally make euro notes and coins legal tender in a bid to avoid people without bank accounts or having difficulty making electronic payments being excluded. 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.

EU proposes payments sector shake-up, legal backing for digital euro

<p>Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe.</p>

<p>These developments come just a few weeks after Twitter boss Elon Musk said that the platform is exiting the European Union's voluntary code of practice on disinformation.</p>

<p>It was the first exercise of its kind as European Commission officials checked Twitter's ability to combat fake news, Russian disinformation and online crimes, including sexual exploitation of children.</p>

<p>European Union's Digital Services Act comes into force in August. The bloc has introduced a code of practice to help companies prepare themselves before the law comes into force.</p>

<p>“When it comes to online crime, there can be no half-measures. Very large online platforms need to put the necessary internal controls and resources in place to be ready for the new European rules,” said Thierry Breton, the commissioner responsible for enforcement of the act.</p>

<p>Breton welcomed Twitter's readiness to undergo the test</p>

<p>Media reports suggest that the European Union had been unsure as to how willing Twitter would be to follow the new law.</p>

<p>Forty-four companies, including Facebook and Google, are participating in the EU's code of practice. The bloc had warned Elon Musk that if Twitter doesn't comply with European laws, it would face a complete ban in the continent or fines of up to six&nbsp;per cent of its global revenue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Twitter is taking the exercise seriously and has identified the key areas on which it needs to focus to comply with the DSA. With two months to go before the new EU regulation kicks in, work needs to continue for the systems to be in place and work effectively and quickly," said Breton after the recent exercise.</p>

<p>“I told Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino [Twitter’s chief executive] that Twitter should be very diligent in preparing to tackle illegal content in the European Union.</p>

<p>“Fighting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will also be a focus area in particular as we are entering a period of elections in Europe.”</p>

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Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe.

Social media giant Twitter has agreed to follow European Union's new tough laws on combating fake news, Russian propaganda and online crime. Twitter complied after a team of officials entered Twitter's headquarters to conduct a stress test on the platform's ability to operate legally in Europe. These developments come just a few weeks after Twitter boss Elon Musk said that the platform is exiting the European Union's voluntary code of practice on disinformation. It was the first exercise of its kind as European Commission officials checked Twitter's ability to combat fake news, Russian disinformation and online crimes, including sexual exploitation of children. European Union's Digital Services Act comes into force in August. The bloc has introduced a code of practice to help companies prepare themselves before the law comes into force. “When it comes to online crime, there can be no half-measures. Very large online platforms need to put the necessary internal controls and resources in place to be ready for the new European rules,” said Thierry Breton, the commissioner responsible for enforcement of the act. Breton welcomed Twitter's readiness to undergo the test Media reports suggest that the European Union had been unsure as to how willing Twitter would be to follow the new law. Forty-four companies, including Facebook and Google, are participating in the EU's code of practice. The bloc had warned Elon Musk that if Twitter doesn't comply with European laws, it would face a complete ban in the continent or fines of up to six per cent of its global revenue. “Twitter is taking the exercise seriously and has identified the key areas on which it needs to focus to comply with the DSA. With two months to go before the new EU regulation kicks in, work needs to continue for the systems to be in place and work effectively and quickly," said Breton after the recent exercise. “I told Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino [Twitter’s chief executive] that Twitter should be very diligent in preparing to tackle illegal content in the European Union. “Fighting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will also be a focus area in particular as we are entering a period of elections in Europe.” 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 ×

Twitter agrees to follow EU's tough anti-disinformation laws

The EU's top tech enforcer warned Elon Musk that Twitter must have enough resources to moderate dangerous content by August 25 or risk being in violation of the bloc's landmark rules to rein in big tech.

Twitter faces Europe's tough new big tech rules

<p>The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.</p>

<p>"I have called the leaders of Serbia &amp; Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU," Borrell tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have called the leaders of Serbia <a href="https://twitter.com/predsednikrs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@predsednikrs</a> &amp; Kosovo <a href="https://twitter.com/albinkurti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albinkurti</a> to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis<br />
<br />
We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU</p>
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1671753029257658368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers.</p>

<p>The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation.</p>

<p>Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p>Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region.</p>

<p>Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent flare-up in tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.

The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions. "I have called the leaders of Serbia & Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said. "We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU," Borrell tweeted. I have called the leaders of Serbia @predsednikrs & Kosovo @albinkurti to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 22, 2023 × The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers. The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation. Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations. Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region. Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries. Recent flare-up in tensions Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives. In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured. (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 ×

EU attempts to ease Kosovo-Serbia tension, to hold talks with both sides

<p>Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU.</p>

<p>According to new guidelines, every battery intended to be used in electric vehicles, light means of transport and rechargeable industrial batteries (above 2kWh) must carry a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport. Also, devices such as smartphones, cameras and tablets must have batteries easily replaceable by ordinary users.</p>

<h2><strong>Law goes into effect in 2027</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, rechargeable batteries are sealed away by manufacturers and require special supervision and care by experts to safely access and replace them. Hence, the new regulations will force the sellers to rethink their design and hardware. According to media reports, the law is expected to go into effect in 2027; however, the deadline could be delayed if insisted by phone makers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU pushing to break Google's monopoly</strong></p>

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<p>Apple, along with other smartphone manufacturers, will need to address the issue of accessing the battery inside future iPhones due to the new regulations. The EU has already compelled Apple to switch from the Lightning port to a USB-C port on iPhones, and the upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to be the first to incorporate this change.</p>

<h2><strong>Regulation to collect material from old batteries</strong></h2>

<p>The new regulations set by the EU include stringent targets for waste collection and material recovery from old batteries. These targets will gradually increase between now and 2031. By 2031, the goal is to achieve 61 per cent waste collection and recover 95 per cent of materials from old portable batteries. Additionally, there will be requirements for minimum levels of recycled content in new batteries, but this will be implemented "eight years after the entry into force of the regulation."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-orders-google-to-break-up-ad-tech-practices-for-abusing-its-dominant-position-604489"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;EU orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’</strong></a></p>

<p>The European Parliament is also considering the phase-out of non-rechargeable portable batteries and plans to assess their viability by December 31, 2030.</p>

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Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU.

Mobile manufacturers selling smartphones in the European Union may soon be forced to tweak their designs to allow users to replace rechargeable batteries. The EU has recently passed new regulations which cover the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU. According to new guidelines, every battery intended to be used in electric vehicles, light means of transport and rechargeable industrial batteries (above 2kWh) must carry a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport. Also, devices such as smartphones, cameras and tablets must have batteries easily replaceable by ordinary users. Law goes into effect in 2027 Currently, rechargeable batteries are sealed away by manufacturers and require special supervision and care by experts to safely access and replace them. Hence, the new regulations will force the sellers to rethink their design and hardware. According to media reports, the law is expected to go into effect in 2027; however, the deadline could be delayed if insisted by phone makers. Watch: EU pushing to break Google's monopoly × Apple, along with other smartphone manufacturers, will need to address the issue of accessing the battery inside future iPhones due to the new regulations. The EU has already compelled Apple to switch from the Lightning port to a USB-C port on iPhones, and the upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to be the first to incorporate this change. Regulation to collect material from old batteries The new regulations set by the EU include stringent targets for waste collection and material recovery from old batteries. These targets will gradually increase between now and 2031. By 2031, the goal is to achieve 61 per cent waste collection and recover 95 per cent of materials from old portable batteries. Additionally, there will be requirements for minimum levels of recycled content in new batteries, but this will be implemented "eight years after the entry into force of the regulation." Read more: EU orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’ The European Parliament is also considering the phase-out of non-rechargeable portable batteries and plans to assess their viability by December 31, 2030. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU to force smartphone manufacturers to provide user-replaceable batteries by 2027

<p>In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The voting has started the process of passing the Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union, which will be the first of its kind ever-introduced globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law has been drafted to protect fundamental civil rights and safeguard people from the threats they face to health and safety due to AI while fostering simultaneously innovation of the technology.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
During vote, the parliament adopted the AI Act with 499 votes in favour, 28 against and 93 abstentions. The regulation is far from becoming law, but it is likely to be one of the first formal rules for the technology globally.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-nuclear-weapon-of-software-wion-speaks-to-deepai-founder-kevin-baragona-602187">AI is the 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona</a></p>

<h2><strong>How will the new law work?</strong></h2>

<p>The measures, which have been in discussion since 2021, but gained momentum after the emergence of popular AI chatbots like the ChatGPT, would classify the systems based on AI based on the four levels of risk, which range from minimal to unacceptable.</p>

<p>The law is aimed at protecting people from social scoring systems that can judge them based on their appearance or their behaviour, and applications which can engage in vulnerable people's subliminal manipulation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials are also considering the predictive policing tools, that use data to forecast potential perpetrators of crimes in future, as a no-go, while the ban on remote facial recognition and biometric identification in public has been widened by the lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen to ChatGPT?</strong></h2>

<p>The majority of systems, based on AI, which has already become a part of the everyday lives of people, including video games, spam filters or text generators such as ChatGTP, &nbsp;have been kept in the low- or no-risk category.</p>

<p>"We don't want mass surveillance, we don't want social scoring, we don't want predictive policing in the European Union, full stop. That's what China does, not us," said Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian member of the European Parliament who is co-leading its work on the AI Act.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>How will the measures be enforced by the EU?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Companies found violating the laws will have to pay fines of up to €30 million ($33 million) or 6 per cent of their annual global revenue, which can go up to billions in the case of tech giants like Google and Microsoft.</p>

<p>The 27 member states of the EU will enforce the rules, which lawmakers believe will be seen as a constructive framework by the powerful AI developers within which they can further develop the technology.<br />
<br />
Generative AI developers will be required to submit their systems for review before releasing them commercially.</p>

<p>"We as a union are doing something that I think is truly historic, which is to bring about rules and guardrails for the evolution of a technology that has a lot of potential for good in our economies," lawmaker Tudorache said while speaking to DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the same time, we see more and more risks. What we're doing with this legislation is to try and curtail these risks, mitigate them and put very clear rules in place that will ensure transparency and trust," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>What will be the next steps?</strong></h2>

<p>The new AI laws of the EU still need final approval from national parliamentarians and member states, which is not likely to happen till 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's true that these laws will not come into effect by the elections next year, but we have other rules that are already in place. But if we craft this legislation right, if we articulate the obligations and the rights in these regulations the right way, they will stand the test of time. We are not regulating the technology itself, we are regulating the use of technology – and that transparency is the same and it's going to be the same now or in five years' time," said Tudorache.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday.

In a historic move, the European Parliament voted in favour of placing regulations on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the bloc of nations on Wednesday. The voting has started the process of passing the Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union, which will be the first of its kind ever-introduced globally. The law has been drafted to protect fundamental civil rights and safeguard people from the threats they face to health and safety due to AI while fostering simultaneously innovation of the technology. During vote, the parliament adopted the AI Act with 499 votes in favour, 28 against and 93 abstentions. The regulation is far from becoming law, but it is likely to be one of the first formal rules for the technology globally. ALSO READ | AI is the 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona How will the new law work? The measures, which have been in discussion since 2021, but gained momentum after the emergence of popular AI chatbots like the ChatGPT, would classify the systems based on AI based on the four levels of risk, which range from minimal to unacceptable. The law is aimed at protecting people from social scoring systems that can judge them based on their appearance or their behaviour, and applications which can engage in vulnerable people's subliminal manipulation. The officials are also considering the predictive policing tools, that use data to forecast potential perpetrators of crimes in future, as a no-go, while the ban on remote facial recognition and biometric identification in public has been widened by the lawmakers. What will happen to ChatGPT? The majority of systems, based on AI, which has already become a part of the everyday lives of people, including video games, spam filters or text generators such as ChatGTP, have been kept in the low- or no-risk category. "We don't want mass surveillance, we don't want social scoring, we don't want predictive policing in the European Union, full stop. That's what China does, not us," said Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian member of the European Parliament who is co-leading its work on the AI Act. WATCH | European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules How will the measures be enforced by the EU? Companies found violating the laws will have to pay fines of up to €30 million ($33 million) or 6 per cent of their annual global revenue, which can go up to billions in the case of tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The 27 member states of the EU will enforce the rules, which lawmakers believe will be seen as a constructive framework by the powerful AI developers within which they can further develop the technology. Generative AI developers will be required to submit their systems for review before releasing them commercially. "We as a union are doing something that I think is truly historic, which is to bring about rules and guardrails for the evolution of a technology that has a lot of potential for good in our economies," lawmaker Tudorache said while speaking to DW. "At the same time, we see more and more risks. What we're doing with this legislation is to try and curtail these risks, mitigate them and put very clear rules in place that will ensure transparency and trust," he added. What will be the next steps? The new AI laws of the EU still need final approval from national parliamentarians and member states, which is not likely to happen till 2025. "It's true that these laws will not come into effect by the elections next year, but we have other rules that are already in place. But if we craft this legislation right, if we articulate the obligations and the rights in these regulations the right way, they will stand the test of time. We are not regulating the technology itself, we are regulating the use of technology – and that transparency is the same and it's going to be the same now or in five years' time," said Tudorache. 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

European Parliament votes in favour of regulating use of AI across bloc

European Union Parliament lawmakers passes the world's first sweeping rules on artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, aiming to curb potential harms while nurturing innovation.

European Union Parliament passes world's first law on A-I rules

Weeks after it cleared the regulatory roadblock in the European Union, fresh trouble seems to be brewing for US tech giant Microsoft and its proposed acquisition of video game giant Activision blizzard. Reports suggest that the US regulator plans to stop the transaction from going through before the deal’s July 18 deadline.

Microsoft's deal hits regulatory roadblock | World Business News

<p>European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model.</p>

<p>It must be noted that Google generates about 80 per cent of its total revenues from the advertising business, and any rule by the EU targeting its ads model could have a major impact on the company’s performance.</p>

<h2><strong>The toughest ever anti-Google move by the EU</strong></h2>

<p>The EU’s recent move against Google is considered to be the toughest ever taken by the EU’s watchdog. Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals' access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under EU regulations, fines for antitrust violations can be as high as 10 per cent of a company's global sales. However, it is uncommon for penalties to reach such levels, and companies have the opportunity to defend themselves both before and after fines are imposed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Google updates its attendance policy</strong></p>

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<p>Google has held a dominant position in the industry, enabling it to gather data that facilitates targeted advertising, sell ad space, and provide the technology that connects advertisers with publishers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Google in hot water&nbsp;across nations</strong></h2>

<p>The UK's competition authority has also been examining Google's ad tech practices, while ongoing litigation against the company's conduct is underway in the United States.</p>

<p>Simultaneously, Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of €4.34 billion for its management of the Android mobile operating system. Last year, EU judges reduced the penalty to €4.125 billion; however, Google is currently challenging the case at the highest court within the EU.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/googlers-work-from-office-attendance-to-affect-employee-performance-reviews-602677"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Googlers work-from-office attendance to affect employee performance reviews</strong></a></p>

<p>The outcome of the EU investigation into Google's ad tech practices could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action.</p>

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European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model.

European Union is all set to deal another massive blow to the US technology giant Google through a formal antitrust complaint. Bloomberg reported that the EU could launch the charge sheet against Google as soon as Wednesday, which could result in the EU imposing more fines on the US company along with targeting its highly successful ad tech model. It must be noted that Google generates about 80 per cent of its total revenues from the advertising business, and any rule by the EU targeting its ads model could have a major impact on the company’s performance. The toughest ever anti-Google move by the EU The EU’s recent move against Google is considered to be the toughest ever taken by the EU’s watchdog. Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals' access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use. Under EU regulations, fines for antitrust violations can be as high as 10 per cent of a company's global sales. However, it is uncommon for penalties to reach such levels, and companies have the opportunity to defend themselves both before and after fines are imposed. Watch: Google updates its attendance policy × Google has held a dominant position in the industry, enabling it to gather data that facilitates targeted advertising, sell ad space, and provide the technology that connects advertisers with publishers. Google in hot water across nations The UK's competition authority has also been examining Google's ad tech practices, while ongoing litigation against the company's conduct is underway in the United States. Simultaneously, Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of €4.34 billion for its management of the Android mobile operating system. Last year, EU judges reduced the penalty to €4.125 billion; however, Google is currently challenging the case at the highest court within the EU. Also read: Googlers work-from-office attendance to affect employee performance reviews The outcome of the EU investigation into Google's ad tech practices could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model

<p>India and the European Union (EU) are set to hold negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Delhi from June 19th to 23rd. The talks, which were relaunched in June of last year, hold the ambitious goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement by the end of this year.</p>

<p>The forthcoming discussions follow the successful meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held last month in Brussels, marking another significant milestone in the growing partnership between India and the EU. India was represented at the meeting by three ministers, EAM Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the meeting.</p>

<p>India's trade relationship with the EU has been on an upward trajectory, with the EU currently serving as India's third-largest trading partner. In 2021, bilateral trade in goods between the two stood at an impressive €88 billion, constituting 10.8% of India's total trade. Similarly, India ranked as the EU's 10th largest trading partner, accounting for 2.1% of its total trade in goods. Furthermore, trade in services between the two sides amounted to €30.4 billion in 2020.</p>

<p>The resumption of FTA negotiations signals a renewed commitment to bridging the gap in ambition that had led to their suspension in 2013. Since then, both India and the EU have recognised the untapped potential for deepening economic collaboration. The talks aim to establish a comprehensive agreement that encompasses various sectors, including goods, services, and investment</p>

<p>Notably, a digital trade track discussion is scheduled to take place on June 15th and 16th, ahead of the main negotiations. This highlights the growing importance of digital trade and emerging technologies in shaping the global economic landscape.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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India and the European Union (EU) are set to hold negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Delhi from June 19th to 23rd. The talks, which were relaunched in June of last year, hold the ambitious goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement by the end of this year.

India and the European Union (EU) are set to hold negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Delhi from June 19th to 23rd. The talks, which were relaunched in June of last year, hold the ambitious goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement by the end of this year. The forthcoming discussions follow the successful meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held last month in Brussels, marking another significant milestone in the growing partnership between India and the EU. India was represented at the meeting by three ministers, EAM Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the meeting. India's trade relationship with the EU has been on an upward trajectory, with the EU currently serving as India's third-largest trading partner. In 2021, bilateral trade in goods between the two stood at an impressive €88 billion, constituting 10.8% of India's total trade. Similarly, India ranked as the EU's 10th largest trading partner, accounting for 2.1% of its total trade in goods. Furthermore, trade in services between the two sides amounted to €30.4 billion in 2020. The resumption of FTA negotiations signals a renewed commitment to bridging the gap in ambition that had led to their suspension in 2013. Since then, both India and the EU have recognised the untapped potential for deepening economic collaboration. The talks aim to establish a comprehensive agreement that encompasses various sectors, including goods, services, and investment Notably, a digital trade track discussion is scheduled to take place on June 15th and 16th, ahead of the main negotiations. This highlights the growing importance of digital trade and emerging technologies in shaping the global economic landscape. 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.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement talks to be held in New Delhi from June 19 to 23

<p>The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg. Sweden, which currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency, made the announcement of the agreement.</p>

<p>In order to go through, the deal needed approval from a majority of countries that represent at least 65 per cent of the bloc's population. The agreement has come through after years of wrangling over asylum policy.</p>

<p>European interior affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson hailed a "hugely significant step" for the EU on migration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These are not easy decisions for everyone around the table, but they are historic decisions," said German interior minister Nancy Faeser.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers</strong></p>

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<p>The proposal tabled at the meeting called for compulsory help between EU countries, but with an option of doing that in one of the&nbsp;two ways.</p>

<p>EU countries face priority to share hosting of asylum seekers who mainly arrive in countries on the bloc's outer rim, like Italy and Greece.</p>

<p>The agreement says that countries that refuse to host refugees would be required to pay 20,000 euros (USD 21,000) per person. The money will go to a fund managed by Brussels.</p>

<p>Poland and Hungary voted against the proposals, while Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania and Slovakia abstained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The preliminary agreement opens the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year.</p>

<p>Parliament president Roberta Metsola said lawmakers were "ready to start negotiations immediately to reach a deal".</p>

<h2><strong>Spike in number of asylum seekers</strong></h2>

<p>The number of asylum seekers has increased after a pause caused by Covid pandemic. The issue hence, has jumped up the priority list of the bloc.</p>

<p>The European Commission had put forth its suggestion of a new pact in 2020. This was based on quota system. But the plan was not accepted as countries like Hungary, Poland among others objected to it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-long-awaited-counteroffensive-to-reclaim-russian-occupied-territory-report-602192">Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Sweden, then put forth two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EU's external borders.</p>

<p>The second text makes EU member states put in place a fast track mechanism at the borders for arrivals from countries deemed as safe in order to facilitate their return. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"These files constitute the two main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and is key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity," the Swedish presidency tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg.

The European Union on Thursday (June 8) reached a deal on a revision of rules to share hosting of asylum seekers more equitably. The breakthrough was achieved after a fraught day of negotiations between European Union interior ministers in Luxembourg. Sweden, which currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency, made the announcement of the agreement. In order to go through, the deal needed approval from a majority of countries that represent at least 65 per cent of the bloc's population. The agreement has come through after years of wrangling over asylum policy. European interior affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson hailed a "hugely significant step" for the EU on migration. "These are not easy decisions for everyone around the table, but they are historic decisions," said German interior minister Nancy Faeser. Watch | European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers × The proposal tabled at the meeting called for compulsory help between EU countries, but with an option of doing that in one of the two ways. EU countries face priority to share hosting of asylum seekers who mainly arrive in countries on the bloc's outer rim, like Italy and Greece. The agreement says that countries that refuse to host refugees would be required to pay 20,000 euros (USD 21,000) per person. The money will go to a fund managed by Brussels. Poland and Hungary voted against the proposals, while Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania and Slovakia abstained. The preliminary agreement opens the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year. Parliament president Roberta Metsola said lawmakers were "ready to start negotiations immediately to reach a deal". Spike in number of asylum seekers The number of asylum seekers has increased after a pause caused by Covid pandemic. The issue hence, has jumped up the priority list of the bloc. The European Commission had put forth its suggestion of a new pact in 2020. This was based on quota system. But the plan was not accepted as countries like Hungary, Poland among others objected to it. Also Read | Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports Sweden, then put forth two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EU's external borders. The second text makes EU member states put in place a fast track mechanism at the borders for arrivals from countries deemed as safe in order to facilitate their return. "These files constitute the two main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and is key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity," the Swedish presidency tweeted. (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 ×

EU finally reaches deal on more equitable hosting of asylum seekers

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

European Union ministers agrees on shared responsibility for asylum seekers

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<p>The European Union (EU) is considering a mandatory ban on the member states using companies that might pose a security risk in their 5G networks, including China's Huawei. According to a report by The Financial Times on Tuesday (June 6), the move comes as a response to increasing concerns in Brussels about certain national governments delaying action on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an EU telecom minister's meeting last Friday, the EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton noted that only a third of member countries banned Huawei from critical parts of the bloc's 5G communications, despite recommendations by Brussels to exclude high-risk vendors from technology investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is too few. And it exposes the union’s collective security,” Breton said, as cited by The Financial Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/huaweis-founder-says-tech-giant-has-replaced-thousands-of-us-banned-parts-with-chinese-versions-573335">Huawei's founder says tech giant has replaced thousands of US-banned parts with Chinese versions</a></strong></p>

<p>Back in 2020, the EU had said that member-states could either restrict or exclude high-risk 5G vendors such as Huawei from core parts of their telecoms network and resisted pressure back then from the United States on Chinese telcos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And as guidance fell short of a ban in 2020, the EU could introduce the mandatory ban on companies deemed to present a security risk, if member states, including Germany, continued to delay, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Will the ban come soon?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, the new rules forcing the ban are unlikely to come before the five-year term of the current European Commission ends. In Germany, officials expressed concerns about the ties between Deutsche Telekom and Huawei. In March, a government source told Reuters that Berlin had been considering a ban on certain components from Huawei and ZTE (another Chinese company) in its telecom networks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Huawei opposes politicising cyber security evaluation'</strong></h2>

<p>Huawei, meanwhile, said that it opposed politicising cyber security evaluation, adding no court ever found that Huawei engaged in malicious intellectual property theft, or required Huawei to pay damages for infringement on others’ intellectual property.&nbsp;</p>

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The European Union (EU) is considering a mandatory ban on the member states using companies that might pose a security risk in their 5G networks, including China's Huawei.

The European Union (EU) is considering a mandatory ban on the member states using companies that might pose a security risk in their 5G networks, including China's Huawei. According to a report by The Financial Times on Tuesday (June 6), the move comes as a response to increasing concerns in Brussels about certain national governments delaying action on the matter. During an EU telecom minister's meeting last Friday, the EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton noted that only a third of member countries banned Huawei from critical parts of the bloc's 5G communications, despite recommendations by Brussels to exclude high-risk vendors from technology investments. “This is too few. And it exposes the union’s collective security,” Breton said, as cited by The Financial Times. Also read | Huawei's founder says tech giant has replaced thousands of US-banned parts with Chinese versions Back in 2020, the EU had said that member-states could either restrict or exclude high-risk 5G vendors such as Huawei from core parts of their telecoms network and resisted pressure back then from the United States on Chinese telcos. And as guidance fell short of a ban in 2020, the EU could introduce the mandatory ban on companies deemed to present a security risk, if member states, including Germany, continued to delay, the report added. Will the ban come soon? As per the report, the new rules forcing the ban are unlikely to come before the five-year term of the current European Commission ends. In Germany, officials expressed concerns about the ties between Deutsche Telekom and Huawei. In March, a government source told Reuters that Berlin had been considering a ban on certain components from Huawei and ZTE (another Chinese company) in its telecom networks. 'Huawei opposes politicising cyber security evaluation' Huawei, meanwhile, said that it opposed politicising cyber security evaluation, adding no court ever found that Huawei engaged in malicious intellectual property theft, or required Huawei to pay damages for infringement on others’ intellectual property. 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.

EU mulls mandatory ban on member states using Huawei to build 5G: Report

<p>The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country.</p>

<p>"The destruction of the Kakhovka dam brings the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine to an unprecedented new level. And of course, the European Union condemns strongly this horrific and barbaric attack," Commission spokesperson Peter Stano told a news conference.</p>

<p>Ukraine and its Western allies condemned Russia for destroying the dam, calling it&nbsp;an intentional war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russian forces of destroying the dam saying that Russia had controlled the dam and hydroelectric plant for over a year.</p>

<p>"Tonight, they blew up the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. At 02:50, the explosion happened. It was an absolutely deliberate, prepared explosion," Zelensky said at&nbsp;the Bucharest Nine Meeting.</p>

<p>"It is physically impossible to blow it up somehow from the outside - with shelling. It was mined. It was mined by the Russian occupiers and blown up by them," he said.</p>

<p>However, Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine was the one that blew up the dam to divert attention from a counterattack Moscow asserts is sputtering.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-ukraine-war-documented-in-iconic-pictures-561861">The Russia-Ukraine war documented in iconic pictures</a></p>

<p>Some Russia-installed officials said that the dam burst on its own.</p>

<p>EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell in a written statement said that the explosion put the lives of civilians at risk and is affecting access to cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (ZNPP).</p>

<h2><strong>Destruction triggers evacuation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate 16,000 residents from the "critical zone".</p>

<p>Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language.</p>

<p>As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam</strong></h2>

<p>The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River.</p>

<p>It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah.</p>

<p>The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country.

The European Union, on Tuesday, while reacting to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, condemned Russia for taking its aggression against Ukraine to a new level and for targeting civilians in the country. "The destruction of the Kakhovka dam brings the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine to an unprecedented new level. And of course, the European Union condemns strongly this horrific and barbaric attack," Commission spokesperson Peter Stano told a news conference. Ukraine and its Western allies condemned Russia for destroying the dam, calling it an intentional war crime. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russian forces of destroying the dam saying that Russia had controlled the dam and hydroelectric plant for over a year. "Tonight, they blew up the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. At 02:50, the explosion happened. It was an absolutely deliberate, prepared explosion," Zelensky said at the Bucharest Nine Meeting. "It is physically impossible to blow it up somehow from the outside - with shelling. It was mined. It was mined by the Russian occupiers and blown up by them," he said. However, Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine was the one that blew up the dam to divert attention from a counterattack Moscow asserts is sputtering. Also read: The Russia-Ukraine war documented in iconic pictures Some Russia-installed officials said that the dam burst on its own. EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell in a written statement said that the explosion put the lives of civilians at risk and is affecting access to cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (ZNPP). Destruction triggers evacuation A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate 16,000 residents from the "critical zone". Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language. As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility. Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River. It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah. The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

European Union reacts to Ukraine dam blast, condemns Russia for 'taking aggression to new level'

<p>The European Union's Court of Justice on Monday ruled that the controversial judicial reform, which was introduced by Poland in 2019 and is related to the disciplinary procedures for judges, stands in violation of the EU law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rule of law: the Polish justice reform of December 2019 infringes EU law" because it undermines the impartiality and independence of judges, said the Luxembourg-based court in its verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The value of the rule of law is an integral part of the very identity of the European Union," the court stated.</p>

<p>The ruling was immediately appreciated by Brussels which said that the judgement "settles the matter for good".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today is an important day for the restoration of an independent justice in Poland," said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. "After today's decision, the law on the judiciary will need to be adapted accordingly... I urge the Polish authorities to comply fully with the judgement," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-and-us-to-release-draft-code-of-conduct-on-ai-within-weeks-amid-threats-from-china-598894">EU and US to release draft code of conduct on AI ‘within weeks’ amid threats from China</a></p>

<h2><strong>Poland calls EU court "corrupt"</strong></h2>

<p>The Court of Justice of the European Union was denounced by Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro on Monday as "corrupt". Poland rejected the ruling that considered the Polish judicial reform as a violation of the EU law.</p>

<p>The Luxembourg-based court's verdict "was not written by judges but politicians because it constitutes a clear violation of European treaties," Ziobro said, adding that "the European Union's top court is corrupt".</p>

<p>The governing conservatives of Poland have shared tense relations with Brussels since they came to power in 2015 over claims that Warsaw is not being able to completely uphold EU laws, especially with regard to the judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2021, Poland was slapped with a fine of one million euros per day by the Luxembourg court for not suspending its contested disciplinary chamber of the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The fines imposed on the country total more than 550 million euros ($590 million).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why is the EU interested in North-East India?</strong></p>

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<p>The court on Monday said that the imposition of daily fines would stop now but Poland will have to clear the amount which is still due.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polish EU Affairs Minster Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek stated that they have already some of the issues which the ECJ has pointed out.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"This challenged legal status has undergone significant changes, it has been amended," he said while speaking to the reporters.</p>

<p>The EU executive European Commission, which manages the budget of the bloc and enforces joint laws in all 27 member states, had brought the case. The lawsuit was supported by Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.</p>

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The European Union's Court of Justice on Monday ruled that the controversial judicial reform, which was introduced by Poland in 2019 and is related to the disciplinary procedures for judges, stands in violation of the EU law.

The European Union's Court of Justice on Monday ruled that the controversial judicial reform, which was introduced by Poland in 2019 and is related to the disciplinary procedures for judges, stands in violation of the EU law. "Rule of law: the Polish justice reform of December 2019 infringes EU law" because it undermines the impartiality and independence of judges, said the Luxembourg-based court in its verdict. "The value of the rule of law is an integral part of the very identity of the European Union," the court stated. The ruling was immediately appreciated by Brussels which said that the judgement "settles the matter for good". "Today is an important day for the restoration of an independent justice in Poland," said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. "After today's decision, the law on the judiciary will need to be adapted accordingly... I urge the Polish authorities to comply fully with the judgement," he added. ALSO READ | EU and US to release draft code of conduct on AI ‘within weeks’ amid threats from China Poland calls EU court "corrupt" The Court of Justice of the European Union was denounced by Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro on Monday as "corrupt". Poland rejected the ruling that considered the Polish judicial reform as a violation of the EU law. The Luxembourg-based court's verdict "was not written by judges but politicians because it constitutes a clear violation of European treaties," Ziobro said, adding that "the European Union's top court is corrupt". The governing conservatives of Poland have shared tense relations with Brussels since they came to power in 2015 over claims that Warsaw is not being able to completely uphold EU laws, especially with regard to the judiciary. In 2021, Poland was slapped with a fine of one million euros per day by the Luxembourg court for not suspending its contested disciplinary chamber of the Supreme Court. The fines imposed on the country total more than 550 million euros ($590 million). WATCH | Gravitas: Why is the EU interested in North-East India? The court on Monday said that the imposition of daily fines would stop now but Poland will have to clear the amount which is still due. Polish EU Affairs Minster Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek stated that they have already some of the issues which the ECJ has pointed out. "This challenged legal status has undergone significant changes, it has been amended," he said while speaking to the reporters. The EU executive European Commission, which manages the budget of the bloc and enforces joint laws in all 27 member states, had brought the case. The lawsuit was supported by Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. 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 Court rules that Polish judicial reform is in violation of EU law, Poland rejects verdict

Meta Platforms Inc., the company that owns Facebook, was slammed with a record fine of $1.2 billion by European Union privacy regulators for moving user data to the US. The Wall Street Journal covered the development on Monday. As soon as the verdict was made public, Meta reassured users that access to Facebook in Europe wouldn't be impacted

European Union rejects Meta challenge, fined with 1.2 billion

Meta Platforms Inc., the company that owns Facebook, was slammed with a record fine of $1.3 billion by European Union privacy regulators for moving user data to the US. The Wall Street Journal covered the development on Monday. As soon as the verdict was made public, Meta reassured users that access to Facebook in Europe wouldn't be impacted.

Meta fined $1.3 billion by European Union for sending user data to US: Report

The European Union will discuss the existing and future sanctions against Russia at the G7 summit scheduled to take place in Japan from May19-21. Watch the video to know more.

EU sanctions on China: Germany warns against EU hitting China with sanctions | World DNA

The European Union is working on what would be its 11th round of sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine last year and this time it is focused on cracking down on those breaking trade restrictions which are already in place and in order to achieve this, the European Union has proposed a new tool to limit trade.

EU sanctions more cautious on hitting China, working on 11th round of sanctions

<p>The European Union on Tuesday approved the world's first comprehensive set of rules to regulate crypto assets. The development is likely to pile pressure on countries such as Britain and the United States to act in a similar way towards regulation of crypto assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came in a European Union finance minister meeting in Brussels. Earlier, the rules were approved by the European Parliament last month.</p>

<h2><strong>European Union crypto assets regulation: Expected roll out date</strong></h2>

<p>The crypto assets regulation rules are expected to be rolled out from 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>EU’s rules for crypto assets regulation: Need for regulation</strong></h2>

<p>Regulation of the crypto assets has attained a regulatory urgency following the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX.</p>

<p>"Recent events have confirmed the urgent need for imposing rules which will better protect Europeans who have invested in these assets, and prevent the misuse of crypto industry for the purposes of money laundering and financing of terrorism," Elisabeth Svantesson, finance minister for Sweden, which holds the EU presidency, was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>EU’s rules for crypto assets regulation: What are they?</strong></h2>

<p>Under new rules, the firms would be required to obtain a licence for issuing, trading and safeguarding crypto assets, tokenised assets and stablecoins.</p>

<p>The EU ministers took steps to combat tax evasion and the use of crypto asset transfers for money laundering by making transactions easier to trace.</p>

<p>They agreed on a requirement that from January 2026 service providers obtain the name of senders and beneficiaries in crypto assets, regardless of the amount being transferred.</p>

<p>There was also agreement on amending rules on how member countries cooperate with each other in taxation to cover transactions in crypto assets, and on exchanging information on advance tax rulings for the wealthiest individuals.</p>

<p>Crypto firms say they want certainty in regulation, putting pressure on countries to copy the EU rules, and on regulators to come up with global norms for cross-border activity.</p>

<h2><strong>Crypto assets regulation beyond the European Union</strong></h2>

<p>Britain has outlined a phased approach, starting with stablecoins and broadening out to un-backed crypto assets later on. However, no timeline for the exact execution of the regulation has been released so far.<br />
<br />
The United States has focused on using existing securities rules for enforcement action in the sector while it decides on whether to introduce bespoke new rules and who would apply them.</p>

<p>Hester Peirce, one of the commissioners at the US derivatives regulator Commodity Futures Trading Commission, said last week that a number of federal and state authorities are trying to figure out what oversight role they could play in the crypto sector.</p>

<p>"We are wandering in the desert a bit," Peirce told a conference, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The European Union on Tuesday approved the world's first comprehensive set of rules to regulate crypto assets. The development is likely to pile pressure on countries such as Britain and the United States to act in a similar way towards regulation of crypto assets.

The European Union on Tuesday approved the world's first comprehensive set of rules to regulate crypto assets. The development is likely to pile pressure on countries such as Britain and the United States to act in a similar way towards regulation of crypto assets. The development came in a European Union finance minister meeting in Brussels. Earlier, the rules were approved by the European Parliament last month. European Union crypto assets regulation: Expected roll out date The crypto assets regulation rules are expected to be rolled out from 2024. EU’s rules for crypto assets regulation: Need for regulation Regulation of the crypto assets has attained a regulatory urgency following the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX. "Recent events have confirmed the urgent need for imposing rules which will better protect Europeans who have invested in these assets, and prevent the misuse of crypto industry for the purposes of money laundering and financing of terrorism," Elisabeth Svantesson, finance minister for Sweden, which holds the EU presidency, was quoted as saying by Reuters. EU’s rules for crypto assets regulation: What are they? Under new rules, the firms would be required to obtain a licence for issuing, trading and safeguarding crypto assets, tokenised assets and stablecoins. The EU ministers took steps to combat tax evasion and the use of crypto asset transfers for money laundering by making transactions easier to trace. They agreed on a requirement that from January 2026 service providers obtain the name of senders and beneficiaries in crypto assets, regardless of the amount being transferred. There was also agreement on amending rules on how member countries cooperate with each other in taxation to cover transactions in crypto assets, and on exchanging information on advance tax rulings for the wealthiest individuals. Crypto firms say they want certainty in regulation, putting pressure on countries to copy the EU rules, and on regulators to come up with global norms for cross-border activity. Crypto assets regulation beyond the European Union Britain has outlined a phased approach, starting with stablecoins and broadening out to un-backed crypto assets later on. However, no timeline for the exact execution of the regulation has been released so far. The United States has focused on using existing securities rules for enforcement action in the sector while it decides on whether to introduce bespoke new rules and who would apply them. Hester Peirce, one of the commissioners at the US derivatives regulator Commodity Futures Trading Commission, said last week that a number of federal and state authorities are trying to figure out what oversight role they could play in the crypto sector. "We are wandering in the desert a bit," Peirce told a conference, Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

European Union approves world’s first regulation for crypto assets, rollout in 2024

France is hosting a meeting of ministers from 16 pro-nuclear European states. The meeting is aimed at coordinating the expansion of atomic power and urging the EU to recognise its role in meeting climate goals for 2050.

Nuclear power in the European Union

<p>The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago.</p>

<p>The deal also faces uncertain situation in the US. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched legal action to block the acquisition. This was one of Washington's biggest-ever interventions to stop tech industry consolidation.</p>

<p>Xbox-owner Microsoft launched its gigantic bid for Activision Blizzard early last year to create the world's third biggest gaming firm by revenue after China's Tencent and Japan's PlayStation maker Sony, provoking antitrust concerns.</p>

<p>Activision Blizzard's hit titles include 'Candy Crush', 'World of Warcraft' and more. If Microsoft's acquisition bid goes ahead, it will be biggest ever deal in gaming.</p>

<p>The European Commission, the bloc's powerful antitrust authority, said the approval was "conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft".</p>

<p>"The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation," it added in a statement.</p>

<p>European Commission said that if Microsoft lives up to its promises, it will allow gamers to stream Activision's titles on any cloud gaming streaming services operating in Europe.</p>

<p>"The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services," Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose."</p>

<p>AFP quoted experts who said that unless Microsoft wins appeal against UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it will be game over for the bid.</p>

<p>The CMA blocked the bid over concerns it could kill competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market, and lead to less choice for British gamers in the future.</p>

<p>"If Microsoft does not win the appeal in the CAT, it cannot proceed with the acquisition even if the European Commission now approves it," said Anne Witt, a professor of anti-trust law at EDHEC business school in France.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago.

The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 15) gave a go-ahead to Microsoft's USD 69 billion takeover of US gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was blocked by British competition regulator just weeks ago. The deal also faces uncertain situation in the US. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched legal action to block the acquisition. This was one of Washington's biggest-ever interventions to stop tech industry consolidation. Xbox-owner Microsoft launched its gigantic bid for Activision Blizzard early last year to create the world's third biggest gaming firm by revenue after China's Tencent and Japan's PlayStation maker Sony, provoking antitrust concerns. Activision Blizzard's hit titles include 'Candy Crush', 'World of Warcraft' and more. If Microsoft's acquisition bid goes ahead, it will be biggest ever deal in gaming. The European Commission, the bloc's powerful antitrust authority, said the approval was "conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft". "The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation," it added in a statement. European Commission said that if Microsoft lives up to its promises, it will allow gamers to stream Activision's titles on any cloud gaming streaming services operating in Europe. "The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services," Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith said. "This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose." AFP quoted experts who said that unless Microsoft wins appeal against UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it will be game over for the bid. The CMA blocked the bid over concerns it could kill competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market, and lead to less choice for British gamers in the future. "If Microsoft does not win the appeal in the CAT, it cannot proceed with the acquisition even if the European Commission now approves it," said Anne Witt, a professor of anti-trust law at EDHEC business school in France. (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 ×

EU greenlights Microsoft takeover of Activision Blizzard

<p>European Union ministers agreed on Friday (May 12)&nbsp;to decrease the bloc's financial dependence on China, but will now have to find out how to make that a reality, according to foreign policy chief&nbsp;Josep Borrell.</p>

<p>Borrell stated that foreign ministers broadly supported a strategy to shift China policy to emphasise its role as a political rival while continuing to consider Beijing as both a partner on global problems and an economic competitor, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>“Colleagues welcomed the paper that we presented. They agree on the basic lines of this re-calibration of our strategy on China,” Borrell told reporters after their meeting in Stockholm.</p>

<p>“When a dependency is too big, it’s a risk,” he declared.</p>

<p>Borrell stated that the EU must learn from the "strategic mistake" of becoming overly reliant on Russian gas in the years preceding Moscow's conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>He said that the EU is now even more reliant on China for important technology such as solar panels and essential materials than it was on Russia for energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“De-risking is just a word. But behind this word, there is a lot of work that will take time, to review all our economic relations with China,” he said.</p>

<p>Borrell emphasised that the goal was not to "decouple" the European and Chinese economies, but to rebalance them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;European Union looks to 'Re-Calibrate' position on China as Beijing grows assertive</strong></p>

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<p>Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that even if the EU does not wish to economically decouple from China, it must be prepared for such a situation.</p>

<p>“Somebody has to devise a possibility that a de-coupling might happen – not because we wished it, like with Russia, not because we willed it but because the situation, for example in the Taiwan Strait, has been changed by force,” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good to talk to Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/Menlu_RI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Menlu_RI</a> Retno, this time in the margins of the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm.<br />
<br />
We exchanged views on how to best address the disastrous situation of the people in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a> and to help implement <a href="https://twitter.com/ASEAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASEAN</a>’s 5-point consensus. <a href="https://t.co/zXs01EjkmT">pic.twitter.com/zXs01EjkmT</a></p>
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1657527390447316994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Officials will now optimise the plan before presenting it to EU leaders, who will meet in June to discuss China.</p>

<p>The idea is the latest attempt to achieve a compromise between the EU's 27 member countries, maintain a separate EU strategy to Beijing, and maintain a tight collaboration with Washington, which is pressing for a tougher stance on China.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-china-relations-to-worsen-unless-beijing-uses-influence-with-russia-to-end-ukraine-war-borrell-591961">EU-China relations to worsen unless Beijing uses influence with Russia to end Ukraine war: Borrell</a></p>

<p>According to the letter, collaboration with the US would "remain essential."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it says the EU “should not subscribe to an idea of a zero-sum game whereby there can only be one winner, in a binary contest between the US and China.”</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the declaration, the EU should "diversify sources of supply in key sectors, particularly those critical to our green and digital transition," such as semiconductors, 5G and 6G telecoms, batteries, raw materials, and critical minerals.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is achieving financial independence from China not as easy as it sounds?</strong></h2>

<p>More mining in Europe, in particular, as well as stable new and renewed ties with friendly, resource-rich nations, ideally structured by bi- or multilateral trade agreements, are required. Furthermore, sustainable alternatives such as the shift to a more circular economy may disrupt present value chains and reduce Europe's overall desire for resources. It will take many years to execute and accomplish these tasks, according to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Europe not only mines its own resources to a very limited extent, but critical refining procedures have also been outsourced. If China stops supplying resources to Europe, the majority of its most powerful industries, particularly its most forward-thinking technology, will grind to a halt. This is something China is well aware of. And, while Europe remains optimistic about the ability to prioritise opportunities for "partnership," Europe's more recent ambivalent perception of China as a "competitor" and "systemic rival" is fueled by a deep scepticism and lack of trust in the ability of "partnership" to guarantee long-term stable relations and joint goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result, as long as Europe has not yet diversified its resource supply, China can use Europe's reliance to force political concessions or put pressure on single member states to influence EU decision-making.</p>

<p>Europe's biggest problem is that time is not on its side: the lengthy process of resource diversification must work at multiple levels: between the EU and its member states, between EU member states in the European Council, within single member states operating under very different economic conditions, between EU member states and third states, between the EU and third states or state groups, and finally, at the level of companies and industries that must develop. Negotiations take time, as does the creation of new infrastructure, which often necessitates a significant initial expenditure, noted&nbsp;he Friedrich Naumann Foundation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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European Union ministers agreed on Friday (May 12) to decrease the bloc's financial dependence on China, but will now have to find out how to make that a reality, according to foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

European Union ministers agreed on Friday (May 12) to decrease the bloc's financial dependence on China, but will now have to find out how to make that a reality, according to foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Borrell stated that foreign ministers broadly supported a strategy to shift China policy to emphasise its role as a political rival while continuing to consider Beijing as both a partner on global problems and an economic competitor, as reported by Reuters. “Colleagues welcomed the paper that we presented. They agree on the basic lines of this re-calibration of our strategy on China,” Borrell told reporters after their meeting in Stockholm. “When a dependency is too big, it’s a risk,” he declared. Borrell stated that the EU must learn from the "strategic mistake" of becoming overly reliant on Russian gas in the years preceding Moscow's conflict in Ukraine. He said that the EU is now even more reliant on China for important technology such as solar panels and essential materials than it was on Russia for energy. “De-risking is just a word. But behind this word, there is a lot of work that will take time, to review all our economic relations with China,” he said. Borrell emphasised that the goal was not to "decouple" the European and Chinese economies, but to rebalance them. ALSO WATCH | European Union looks to 'Re-Calibrate' position on China as Beijing grows assertive Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that even if the EU does not wish to economically decouple from China, it must be prepared for such a situation. “Somebody has to devise a possibility that a de-coupling might happen – not because we wished it, like with Russia, not because we willed it but because the situation, for example in the Taiwan Strait, has been changed by force,” he said. Good to talk to Minister @Menlu_RI Retno, this time in the margins of the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm. We exchanged views on how to best address the disastrous situation of the people in #Myanmar and to help implement @ASEAN’s 5-point consensus. pic.twitter.com/zXs01EjkmT — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 13, 2023 × Officials will now optimise the plan before presenting it to EU leaders, who will meet in June to discuss China. The idea is the latest attempt to achieve a compromise between the EU's 27 member countries, maintain a separate EU strategy to Beijing, and maintain a tight collaboration with Washington, which is pressing for a tougher stance on China. ALSO READ | EU-China relations to worsen unless Beijing uses influence with Russia to end Ukraine war: Borrell According to the letter, collaboration with the US would "remain essential." But it says the EU “should not subscribe to an idea of a zero-sum game whereby there can only be one winner, in a binary contest between the US and China.” As per the declaration, the EU should "diversify sources of supply in key sectors, particularly those critical to our green and digital transition," such as semiconductors, 5G and 6G telecoms, batteries, raw materials, and critical minerals. Why is achieving financial independence from China not as easy as it sounds? More mining in Europe, in particular, as well as stable new and renewed ties with friendly, resource-rich nations, ideally structured by bi- or multilateral trade agreements, are required. Furthermore, sustainable alternatives such as the shift to a more circular economy may disrupt present value chains and reduce Europe's overall desire for resources. It will take many years to execute and accomplish these tasks, according to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Europe not only mines its own resources to a very limited extent, but critical refining procedures have also been outsourced. If China stops supplying resources to Europe, the majority of its most powerful industries, particularly its most forward-thinking technology, will grind to a halt. This is something China is well aware of. And, while Europe remains optimistic about the ability to prioritise opportunities for "partnership," Europe's more recent ambivalent perception of China as a "competitor" and "systemic rival" is fueled by a deep scepticism and lack of trust in the ability of "partnership" to guarantee long-term stable relations and joint goals. As a result, as long as Europe has not yet diversified its resource supply, China can use Europe's reliance to force political concessions or put pressure on single member states to influence EU decision-making. Europe's biggest problem is that time is not on its side: the lengthy process of resource diversification must work at multiple levels: between the EU and its member states, between EU member states in the European Council, within single member states operating under very different economic conditions, between EU member states and third states, between the EU and third states or state groups, and finally, at the level of companies and industries that must develop. Negotiations take time, as does the creation of new infrastructure, which often necessitates a significant initial expenditure, noted he Friedrich Naumann Foundation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Alleviating financial dependency on China is complex for EU. Know why

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described&nbsp;Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference.</p>

<p>He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day.</p>

<p>"Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today."</p>

<p>Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector.</p>

<p>He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process.</p>

<p>"Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day. Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union. ALSO WATCH | How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION × "Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference. He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion. Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day. "Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter. "Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today." Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector. He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process. "Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said. (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.

EU hails Ukraine as ‘beating heart of today’s European values’

<p>The upcoming India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, which is set to take place in Brussels on May 15-16, is expected to cover a range of issues, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).</p>

<p>Helena König, the deputy secretary general for economic and global affairs at the European External Action Service (EEAS), emphasised the importance of collaboration between India and the EU, noting that "in terms of technology India is very advanced, we're very advanced, so we'll work on it together."&nbsp;</p>

<p>EEAS is the diplomatic service and foreign and defence ministry of the European Union (EU). It is responsible for conducting the EU's foreign policy and managing its diplomatic missions around the world.</p>

<p>The establishment of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council is seen as a key step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and India. The council is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. It is hoped that the council will provide a platform for discussions on a range of issues, including trade, technology, and AI.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-companies-battle-eu-over-data-sharing-590139"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Tech companies battle EU over data-sharing</strong></a></p>

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<p>At the upcoming TTC meeting, three top Indian ministers - EAM S Jaishankar, trade minister Piyush Goyal, and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will travel to Brussels to discuss the future of the partnership between India and the EU. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council last year. Ministerial meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, alternating between the EU and India.</p>

<p>On the topic of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, König expressed optimism, noting that there is the "strongest commitment from highest level" for the conclusion of the pact. She stressed the importance of a comprehensive agreement that can be used in the decades to come. The next round of India-EU FTA talks is set to take place in Delhi in June.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-greek-embassy-to-host-event-highlighting-plight-of-ethnic-greeks-in-conflict-torn-mariupol-590062"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Greek embassy in India to host event highlighting plight of ethnic Greeks in conflict-torn Mariupol</strong></a></p>

<p>König also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Indo-Pacific Forum in Stockholm, Sweden, which will bring together several ministers to focus on issues where concrete actions can be taken. India's external affairs minister will be present at the meeting. She praised India's role as the "biggest democracy in the world" and noted that the EU shares "similar values with India." König emphasised the need for dialogue to take place on a multilateral level, pointing that India is a "strong defender of the multilateral system."</p>

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The upcoming India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, which is set to take place in Brussels on May 15-16, is expected to cover a range of issues, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

The upcoming India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, which is set to take place in Brussels on May 15-16, is expected to cover a range of issues, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Helena König, the deputy secretary general for economic and global affairs at the European External Action Service (EEAS), emphasised the importance of collaboration between India and the EU, noting that "in terms of technology India is very advanced, we're very advanced, so we'll work on it together." EEAS is the diplomatic service and foreign and defence ministry of the European Union (EU). It is responsible for conducting the EU's foreign policy and managing its diplomatic missions around the world. The establishment of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council is seen as a key step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and India. The council is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. It is hoped that the council will provide a platform for discussions on a range of issues, including trade, technology, and AI. WATCH | Tech companies battle EU over data-sharing × At the upcoming TTC meeting, three top Indian ministers - EAM S Jaishankar, trade minister Piyush Goyal, and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will travel to Brussels to discuss the future of the partnership between India and the EU. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council last year. Ministerial meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, alternating between the EU and India. On the topic of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, König expressed optimism, noting that there is the "strongest commitment from highest level" for the conclusion of the pact. She stressed the importance of a comprehensive agreement that can be used in the decades to come. The next round of India-EU FTA talks is set to take place in Delhi in June. ALSO READ | Greek embassy in India to host event highlighting plight of ethnic Greeks in conflict-torn Mariupol König also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Indo-Pacific Forum in Stockholm, Sweden, which will bring together several ministers to focus on issues where concrete actions can be taken. India's external affairs minister will be present at the meeting. She praised India's role as the "biggest democracy in the world" and noted that the EU shares "similar values with India." König emphasised the need for dialogue to take place on a multilateral level, pointing that India is a "strong defender of the multilateral system." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India-EU Trade & Tech Council to discuss AI at Brussels meeting: Top EU official

<p>The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on seven Chinese companies accused of providing equipment that could be used in weapons to Russia's military and industrial complex, Reuters reported on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is a significant escalation in&nbsp;tensions between the EU and China, with Beijing likely to view this as Brussels siding with Washington in their battle for global influence.&nbsp;The EU had previously avoided targeting China, stating that there was no evidence of its direct involvement in arming Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EU's move to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for supporting Russia's war machine comes at a time when Biden administration seeks to build a united global front against China with allies.</p>

<p>While the US has been accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and human rights abuses, China, for its part, has been seeking to expand its influence in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sanctions list includes two Chinese companies already sanctioned by the US, namely 3HC Semiconductors and King-Pai Technology, and two Hong Kong-based companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reported that the sanctions target enterprises researching, manufacturing, and supplying electronic components to Russia's military and industrial complex. In addition, the proposal entails provisions that authorise the EU to limit the sales of specific products to third countries if diplomatic efforts fail to alter their conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed sanctions, however, require unanimous approval from the 27 EU member states before implementation.</p>

<p><strong>Sanctions: A New Weapon</strong></p>

<p>This action is expected to cause displeasure in Beijing, which is eager to prevent Brussels from taking sides with Washington in its quest for worldwide dominance. Nevertheless, the EU's decision signals that it will not tolerate companies that support Russia's military capability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the EU has implemented 10 rounds of sanctions against Russian companies and individuals. These sanctions have significantly impacted the Russian economy and made it more challenging for them to finance the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Apart from the suggested sanctions on Chinese companies, the EU is also taking steps to combat the circumvention of sanctions in general. As per the draft proposal, the EU could prevent oil tankers from concealing their location without a valid reason at EU ports. According to a Financial Times report, there have been instances where vessels have bypassed the embargo on Russian seaborne oil imports by misrepresenting their cargo's origin.</p>


The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on seven Chinese companies accused of providing equipment that could be used in weapons to Russia's military and industrial complex, Reuters reported on Sunday.

The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on seven Chinese companies accused of providing equipment that could be used in weapons to Russia's military and industrial complex, Reuters reported on Sunday. This is a significant escalation in tensions between the EU and China, with Beijing likely to view this as Brussels siding with Washington in their battle for global influence. The EU had previously avoided targeting China, stating that there was no evidence of its direct involvement in arming Moscow. The EU's move to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for supporting Russia's war machine comes at a time when Biden administration seeks to build a united global front against China with allies. While the US has been accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and human rights abuses, China, for its part, has been seeking to expand its influence in Europe. The sanctions list includes two Chinese companies already sanctioned by the US, namely 3HC Semiconductors and King-Pai Technology, and two Hong Kong-based companies. Reuters reported that the sanctions target enterprises researching, manufacturing, and supplying electronic components to Russia's military and industrial complex. In addition, the proposal entails provisions that authorise the EU to limit the sales of specific products to third countries if diplomatic efforts fail to alter their conduct. The proposed sanctions, however, require unanimous approval from the 27 EU member states before implementation. Sanctions: A New Weapon This action is expected to cause displeasure in Beijing, which is eager to prevent Brussels from taking sides with Washington in its quest for worldwide dominance. Nevertheless, the EU's decision signals that it will not tolerate companies that support Russia's military capability. Since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the EU has implemented 10 rounds of sanctions against Russian companies and individuals. These sanctions have significantly impacted the Russian economy and made it more challenging for them to finance the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Apart from the suggested sanctions on Chinese companies, the EU is also taking steps to combat the circumvention of sanctions in general. As per the draft proposal, the EU could prevent oil tankers from concealing their location without a valid reason at EU ports. According to a Financial Times report, there have been instances where vessels have bypassed the embargo on Russian seaborne oil imports by misrepresenting their cargo's origin.

Brussels plays tough: EU proposes sanctions on Chinese firms linked to Russia's military complex

<p>German tech giants SAP and Siemens have joined their US counterparts&nbsp;in raising their voices against the proposed EU Data Act. The law, which aims to tackle the tech industry's monopolistic powers and support the EU's digital and green goals, includes a provision that demands companies to share their data with third parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the German tech giants fear that such an act could spill their trade secrets and shatter Europe's competitiveness.</p>

<p>The two companies came together and penned a letter to the European Union, calling for protective measures to refuse data-sharing requests in cases where trade secrets, cybersecurity, and health and safety are at stake, as reported by Reuters. They also contended that the legislation should not be expanded to cover more devices.</p>

<p>The letter, dated May 4 and seen by Reuters, has been signed by the chief executives of SAP and Siemens. In the letter, the German companies argue&nbsp;that the legislation could force EU companies to disclose data to third-country competitors, notably those not operating in Europe and against which the Data Act's safeguards would be ineffective. They also call&nbsp;for the legislation to preserve contractual freedom by allowing customers and providers to agree on the best contracts for each business case.</p>

<p><strong>Triggering a growing debate: Is our data safe and secure?</strong></p>

<p>The proposed EU Data Act has sparked a heated debate between tech companies and lawmakers over the balance between protecting user privacy and promoting innovation. While the law&nbsp;could benefit consumers, it could also put companies' proprietary information at risk.</p>

<p>SAP and Siemens are not alone in their opposition to the Data Act. Tech giants from the US, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have also criticized the legislation, saying it is too restrictive and could stifle innovation.</p>

<p>The EU's efforts to regulate big tech companies are part of a broader push to exert greater control over the digital economy. However, the concerns raised by companies like SAP and Siemens demonstrate the challenge of balancing the interests of consumers, companies, and regulators. While greater regulation may be necessary to protect user privacy and ensure fair competition, it's equally important to safeguard innovation and the competitiveness of EU firms.</p>

<p>Currently, the EU has not responded to the concerns of SAP and Siemens, and the proposed legislation is still being discussed and debated by EU lawmakers. It will likely be some time before it is adopted as legislation.&nbsp;</p>


German tech giants SAP and Siemens have joined their US counterparts in raising their voices against the proposed EU Data Act. The law, which aims to tackle the tech industry's monopolistic powers and support the EU's digital and green goals, includes a provision that demands companies to share their data with third parties.

German tech giants SAP and Siemens have joined their US counterparts in raising their voices against the proposed EU Data Act. The law, which aims to tackle the tech industry's monopolistic powers and support the EU's digital and green goals, includes a provision that demands companies to share their data with third parties. However, the German tech giants fear that such an act could spill their trade secrets and shatter Europe's competitiveness. The two companies came together and penned a letter to the European Union, calling for protective measures to refuse data-sharing requests in cases where trade secrets, cybersecurity, and health and safety are at stake, as reported by Reuters. They also contended that the legislation should not be expanded to cover more devices. The letter, dated May 4 and seen by Reuters, has been signed by the chief executives of SAP and Siemens. In the letter, the German companies argue that the legislation could force EU companies to disclose data to third-country competitors, notably those not operating in Europe and against which the Data Act's safeguards would be ineffective. They also call for the legislation to preserve contractual freedom by allowing customers and providers to agree on the best contracts for each business case. Triggering a growing debate: Is our data safe and secure? The proposed EU Data Act has sparked a heated debate between tech companies and lawmakers over the balance between protecting user privacy and promoting innovation. While the law could benefit consumers, it could also put companies' proprietary information at risk. SAP and Siemens are not alone in their opposition to the Data Act. Tech giants from the US, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have also criticized the legislation, saying it is too restrictive and could stifle innovation. The EU's efforts to regulate big tech companies are part of a broader push to exert greater control over the digital economy. However, the concerns raised by companies like SAP and Siemens demonstrate the challenge of balancing the interests of consumers, companies, and regulators. While greater regulation may be necessary to protect user privacy and ensure fair competition, it's equally important to safeguard innovation and the competitiveness of EU firms. Currently, the EU has not responded to the concerns of SAP and Siemens, and the proposed legislation is still being discussed and debated by EU lawmakers. It will likely be some time before it is adopted as legislation.

Big data wars: SAP and Siemens clash with European Union over data Act

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