According to sources, tech giant Apple will be hit with a European Union antitrust charge over its NFC chip technology. Apple could possibly be hit with a hefty fine and could also force it to open its mobile payment systems to rivals. Sources say, EU's competition enforcer is preparing a charge sheet known as a statement of objections, which could be sent to apple next year. The commission can fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover for violating EU rules. Based on Apple's 2020 revenue, the fine could go up to 27.4 billion dollars.

Tech giant Apple to be hit with European Union antitrust charge over its NFC chip technology

As Britain looks to build new ties around the world following its exit from the European Union, the country will today take its first step towards trade negotiations with the six-country gulf cooperation council (GCC), asking British businesses what they want in an agreement to cover.

Britain looks to build new ties around the world following its exit from European Union

Google has hit back against the European Union in court appealing a $5 billion antitrust fine. The European Commission has levied a record fine on Google in 2018 for monopolistic practices.

Google fights against record EU fine, slams regulators for ignoring Apple

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).&nbsp;

EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries.&nbsp;

"Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read.&nbsp;

The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data."

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Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes.&nbsp;

Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation.&nbsp;

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German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs.&nbsp;

The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it.&nbsp;

The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26). EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries. "Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read. The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data." ALSO READ | Biden reiterates US support for India's permanent seat in UNSC, entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes. Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation. ALSO READ | New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs. The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it. The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union slams Russia for alleged cyberattacks and hacking ahead of German election

European Union leaders have rallied behind France in its anger over a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Australia that was scuppered when Canberra signed up to a trilateral Asia Pacific security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom. Watch this report for more details.

European Union ministers express solidarity with France

The foreign ministers of the European Union held a closed-door meeting in New York City. The meeting was held on the Australia-France submarine deal worth $40 billion.

WION-USA Direct: European Union foreign ministers held closed-door meet in New York City

The European Commission is due to present a legislative proposal on Thursday for a common charger for mobile phones, tablets and headphones, reported Reuters mentioning a person familiar with the matter. Such a move is likely to affect iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals.

The European Union executive and EU lawmakers have been pushing for a common charger for over a decade, saying it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.

The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices, and also propose a harmonised charging port, the person said.

Apple, whose iPhones are charged from its Lightning cable, has said rules forcing connectors to conform to one type could deter innovation, create a mountain of electronic waste and irk consumers.

Rival Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors. Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission is due to present a legislative proposal on Thursday for a common charger for mobile phones, tablets and headphones, reported Reuters mentioning a person familiar with the matter.

The European Commission is due to present a legislative proposal on Thursday for a common charger for mobile phones, tablets and headphones, reported Reuters mentioning a person familiar with the matter. Such a move is likely to affect iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals. The European Union executive and EU lawmakers have been pushing for a common charger for over a decade, saying it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users. The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices, and also propose a harmonised charging port, the person said. Apple, whose iPhones are charged from its Lightning cable, has said rules forcing connectors to conform to one type could deter innovation, create a mountain of electronic waste and irk consumers. Rival Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors. Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to present proposal for common phone chargers despite Apple's displeasure

EU chief Charles Michel accused the United States of a lack of loyalty after Australia canceled a mega-contract with France to buy US nuclear submarines.

EU chief Charles Michel denounces 'lack of loyalty' by US

European Union Chief Charles Michael has accused the United States of lack of loyalty. He says there needs to be clarity about the intentions behind the nuclear submarine deal between the United States and that such a move would reinforce European efforts to build their own defense capacity.

French Foreign Minister slams US-AUS submarine deal

EU foreign ministers will meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday to discuss the AUKUS pact that scuppered a submarine deal between France and Australia.

WION-USA Direct: EU foreign ministers to meet over submarine dispute

The European Union's first ever election observation mission in Iraq will deploy 80 people to follow early parliamentary polls next month, the group's head Viola von Cramon said Thursday.

"I strongly encourage everyone to make sure this is a peaceful process," von Cramon told reporters in Baghdad, adding that "violence and intimidation have no place in elections".

Bringing forward the elections was one of the only concessions made by the government in the face of mass demonstrations that broke out in late 2019 against endemic corruption and administrative breakdown.

Dozens of demonstrators have been kidnapped, murdered or targeted in attacks over the past two years.

Although nobody has claimed responsibility for the violence, activists blame Shiite militias, a rising force often funded by Iran.

Ahead of the polls, "any violence will only interfere and would finally prevent voters casting their votes," said von Cramon, herself a member of the European Parliament for Germany's Greens party.

Authorities must "ensure that all candidates, and particularly female candidates, political activists, journalists, human rights defenders and the electorate can fully exercise their democratic rights and freedoms," she added.

Nevertheless, calls to boycott the ballot box have grown in recent months, especially from disillusioned young Iraqis who accuse the parties of intimidation on top of vote-buying and cronyism.

Almost 25 million people are on the electoral roll for the October 10 vote to pick 329 MPs.

Human Rights Watch said that there were "significant obstacles" to Iraq's hundreds of thousands of disabled people voting "due to discriminatory legislation and inaccessible polling places".

Most polling stations are in school buildings without easy access for less mobile people, it highlighted.

The European Union's first ever election observation mission in Iraq will deploy 80 people to follow early parliamentary polls next month, the group's head Viola von Cramon said Thursday.

The European Union's first ever election observation mission in Iraq will deploy 80 people to follow early parliamentary polls next month, the group's head Viola von Cramon said Thursday. "I strongly encourage everyone to make sure this is a peaceful process," von Cramon told reporters in Baghdad, adding that "violence and intimidation have no place in elections". Bringing forward the elections was one of the only concessions made by the government in the face of mass demonstrations that broke out in late 2019 against endemic corruption and administrative breakdown. Dozens of demonstrators have been kidnapped, murdered or targeted in attacks over the past two years. Although nobody has claimed responsibility for the violence, activists blame Shiite militias, a rising force often funded by Iran. Ahead of the polls, "any violence will only interfere and would finally prevent voters casting their votes," said von Cramon, herself a member of the European Parliament for Germany's Greens party. Authorities must "ensure that all candidates, and particularly female candidates, political activists, journalists, human rights defenders and the electorate can fully exercise their democratic rights and freedoms," she added. Nevertheless, calls to boycott the ballot box have grown in recent months, especially from disillusioned young Iraqis who accuse the parties of intimidation on top of vote-buying and cronyism. Almost 25 million people are on the electoral roll for the October 10 vote to pick 329 MPs. Human Rights Watch said that there were "significant obstacles" to Iraq's hundreds of thousands of disabled people voting "due to discriminatory legislation and inaccessible polling places". Most polling stations are in school buildings without easy access for less mobile people, it highlighted.

EU observers call for 'peaceful' Iraq vote

EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body.

Dombrovskis said he was ready to consider a major shake-up of the WTO's dispute settlement system.

He visited the WTO headquarters in Geneva for a meeting with the organisation's director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

He then set out the European Union's priorities for the future of the WTO, two months before the trade body's ministerial conference, which is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3.

"The face of trade has changed considerably since the foundation of the WTO" in 1995, Dombrovskis said.

"Meanwhile, the rules that govern the organisation have not.

"In its current form and state, the WTO is caught between a rock and hard place. Its negotiating function is paralysed. Its dispute settlement system is frozen."

And he said there was an absence of common purpose among its 164 member states.

"The WTO is in urgent need of reform," said the EU commissioner.

Diplomats and experts alike agree that the global trade body -- which only takes decisions by consensus -- has been stuck in a rut for years and unable to conclude large-scale negotiations.

Former US president Donald Trump's administration neutered the organisation's legal arm by blocking the appointment of any new judges.

His successor Joe Biden has yet to put an end to the paralysis.

Dombrovskis called for reform of the WTO's investment facilitation and subsidy rules, including industrial and agricultural subsidies.

The former Latvian prime minister said trade must play its part in addressing the "big tests of our time -- from health issues to climate change to digital".

He said the EU was open to considering "major reforms" of the WTO's Appellate Body dispute settlement system, provided that they make it "more effective and legitimate".

Revitalising the Appellate Body is one of Okonjo-Iweala's top priorities.

She also hopes to present the forthcoming ministerial conference with an agreement on fisheries subsidies to show that the WTO can still conclude tricky negot

EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body.

EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body. Dombrovskis said he was ready to consider a major shake-up of the WTO's dispute settlement system. He visited the WTO headquarters in Geneva for a meeting with the organisation's director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He then set out the European Union's priorities for the future of the WTO, two months before the trade body's ministerial conference, which is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3. "The face of trade has changed considerably since the foundation of the WTO" in 1995, Dombrovskis said. "Meanwhile, the rules that govern the organisation have not. "In its current form and state, the WTO is caught between a rock and hard place. Its negotiating function is paralysed. Its dispute settlement system is frozen." And he said there was an absence of common purpose among its 164 member states. "The WTO is in urgent need of reform," said the EU commissioner. Diplomats and experts alike agree that the global trade body -- which only takes decisions by consensus -- has been stuck in a rut for years and unable to conclude large-scale negotiations. Former US president Donald Trump's administration neutered the organisation's legal arm by blocking the appointment of any new judges. His successor Joe Biden has yet to put an end to the paralysis. Dombrovskis called for reform of the WTO's investment facilitation and subsidy rules, including industrial and agricultural subsidies. The former Latvian prime minister said trade must play its part in addressing the "big tests of our time -- from health issues to climate change to digital". He said the EU was open to considering "major reforms" of the WTO's Appellate Body dispute settlement system, provided that they make it "more effective and legitimate". Revitalising the Appellate Body is one of Okonjo-Iweala's top priorities. She also hopes to present the forthcoming ministerial conference with an agreement on fisheries subsidies to show that the WTO can still conclude tricky negot

EU calls for urgent reform of WTO

The European Union has invited Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF) to address the European Council and the European Parliament.

EU Parliament invites Panjshir resistance leader Ahmad Massoud

The European Union has no other option but to engage with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan if it wants to influence events in the country, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday.

However, Borrell underlined at a European Parliament plenary session debate in the French city of Strasbourg that engagement does not mean recognition, Xinhua reported.

Describing the summer's events in Afghanistan as "a tragedy," he insisted that engagement is a priority for the EU to continue protecting as many people as possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-girl-is-with-the-taliban-but-watch-reaction-when-asked-if-she-wants-them-in-her-country-413190" hreflang="en">Pak girl is 'with the Taliban', but watch reaction when asked if she wants them in her country</a>

"To have any chance of influencing events, we have no other option but to engage with the Taliban. Engagement does not mean recognition. No, engaging means talking, discussing, and agreeing — when possible," he said.

Regarding the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, Borrell said it was "dramatic", adding the European Commission has quadrupled its aid from 50 to 200 million euros.

Recently, the European Union said that it will continue to coordinate with the UN and its agencies on the stabilisation of Afghanistan, ensure that humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable populations and for this purpose, will also step up financial support.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-have-little-food-to-eat-havent-received-any-money-in-months-report-413170" hreflang="en">Taliban fighters have little food to eat, haven't received any money in months: Report</a>

Following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in mid-August, the situation in Afghanistan has been dominating the international agenda, with key global and regional powers trying to find ways to ensure stability and security in Central Asia.

Last week, Gunnar Wiegand, the European Commission's managing director for Asia and the Pacific said that the European Union is in no hurry to recognise the Taliban nor to establishing official relations with the group.

"We need to communicate with the Taliban, we need to influence the Taliban, we need to make use of the leverages that we have but we will not rush into recognizing this new formation nor to establishing official relations."

Wiegand had said at a joint session of the European Parliament's committees with the delegation for relations with Afghanistan.

The European Union has no other option but to engage with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan if it wants to influence events in the country, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday.

The European Union has no other option but to engage with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan if it wants to influence events in the country, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday. However, Borrell underlined at a European Parliament plenary session debate in the French city of Strasbourg that engagement does not mean recognition, Xinhua reported. Describing the summer's events in Afghanistan as "a tragedy," he insisted that engagement is a priority for the EU to continue protecting as many people as possible. Also read | Pak girl is 'with the Taliban', but watch reaction when asked if she wants them in her country "To have any chance of influencing events, we have no other option but to engage with the Taliban. Engagement does not mean recognition. No, engaging means talking, discussing, and agreeing — when possible," he said. Regarding the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, Borrell said it was "dramatic", adding the European Commission has quadrupled its aid from 50 to 200 million euros. Recently, the European Union said that it will continue to coordinate with the UN and its agencies on the stabilisation of Afghanistan, ensure that humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable populations and for this purpose, will also step up financial support. Also read | Taliban fighters have little food to eat, haven't received any money in months: Report Following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in mid-August, the situation in Afghanistan has been dominating the international agenda, with key global and regional powers trying to find ways to ensure stability and security in Central Asia. Last week, Gunnar Wiegand, the European Commission's managing director for Asia and the Pacific said that the European Union is in no hurry to recognise the Taliban nor to establishing official relations with the group. "We need to communicate with the Taliban, we need to influence the Taliban, we need to make use of the leverages that we have but we will not rush into recognizing this new formation nor to establishing official relations." Wiegand had said at a joint session of the European Parliament's committees with the delegation for relations with Afghanistan.

EU has no other option but to engage with Taliban, says top diplomat

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border.

The two ex-Soviet nations are going to&nbsp;form a joint military training centre and&nbsp;fly joint missions.

The announcement comes a day ahead of a crucial summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

The two countries will also conduct military drills after two days. The European Union and NATO have already criticised the decision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/direct-attack-european-union-accuses-belarus-of-using-migrants-as-political-weapon-406693">Also read |&nbsp;'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon</a>

Belarus has been increasingly isolated after Lukashenko's crackdown on protesters and the Ryanair fiasco in which a flight was diverted on an alleged bomb threat.

It has been at loggerheads with the West and has turned to traditional ally Russia for diplomatic and financial support.

Earlier, Minsk had said that Moscow ill provide it a huge military consignment including aircrafts, helicopters, and air defence systems.

Stopping short of a full merger, Belarus and Russia have signed a union agreement that calls for close political, economical, and military ties.

The Belarusian economy has been buttressed by Russia with cheap energy supplies and loans but ties between the two countries have often strained with Lukashenko scolding Moscow for trying to force him to relinquish control over prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country's independence.

Russia considers Belarus to be a buffer for security on its western flank against the European Union and NATO.

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border. The two ex-Soviet nations are going to form a joint military training centre and fly joint missions.

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border. The two ex-Soviet nations are going to form a joint military training centre and fly joint missions. The announcement comes a day ahead of a crucial summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The two countries will also conduct military drills after two days. The European Union and NATO have already criticised the decision. Also read | 'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon Belarus has been increasingly isolated after Lukashenko's crackdown on protesters and the Ryanair fiasco in which a flight was diverted on an alleged bomb threat. It has been at loggerheads with the West and has turned to traditional ally Russia for diplomatic and financial support. Earlier, Minsk had said that Moscow ill provide it a huge military consignment including aircrafts, helicopters, and air defence systems. Stopping short of a full merger, Belarus and Russia have signed a union agreement that calls for close political, economical, and military ties. The Belarusian economy has been buttressed by Russia with cheap energy supplies and loans but ties between the two countries have often strained with Lukashenko scolding Moscow for trying to force him to relinquish control over prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country's independence. Russia considers Belarus to be a buffer for security on its western flank against the European Union and NATO.

Russia sends Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Belarus border ahead of Putin-Lukasenko summit

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14.

The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law.

The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else.

"...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said.

The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children

“Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter

Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests

Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14. The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law. The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else. "...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said. The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children “Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

EU seeking to develop migrant database into surveillance tool: NGOs

EU defence ministers have weighed proposals for the European rapid reaction force. This comes after the bloc was apparently sidelined during the US-led evacuation from Afghanistan.

EU defence ministers weigh proposals for European rapid reaction force

European Union countries have agreed to step up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and assistance to neighbouring countries to take in refugees. But, EU ministers debated how to prevent the feared influx of Afghans.

EU to support countries neighbouring Afghanistan to take in refugees

Ireland's privacy watchdog has fined WhatsApp a record 225 million euros ($267 million) after an investigation found it breached stringent European Union data protection rules on transparency about sharing people's data with other Facebook companies.

The Data Protection Commission said Thursday that it was also ordering WhatsApp to take "remedial actions” so that its data processing complies with the EU rules.

WhatsApp said the fine was out of proportion and it would appeal the decision.

The watchdog's announcement wraps up an investigation into the Facebook-owned messaging service that opened in December 2018, after the EU rules, known as General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, took effect.

It's the second penalty - and the biggest - issued by the Irish watchdog under GDPR.

Last year it fined Twitter 450,000 euros for a security breach.

"WhatsApp is committed to providing a secure and private service," the company said in a press statement.

"We have worked to ensure the information we provide is transparent and comprehensive and will continue to do so.

We disagree with the decision today regarding the transparency we provided to people in 2018 and the penalties are entirely disproportionate.

” The commission said the case examined whether Facebook followed GDPR requirements to be transparent for both users and those who didn't use its service, including how people's data is processed between WhatsApp and other Facebook companies.

Under GDPR, the Irish watchdog acts as the lead regulator in cross-border data privacy cases for WhatsApp and many other big tech companies that have their European headquarters in Dublin.

Ireland's privacy watchdog has fined WhatsApp a record 225 million euros ($267 million) after an investigation found it breached stringent European Union data protection rules on transparency about sharing people's data with other Facebook companies.

Ireland's privacy watchdog has fined WhatsApp a record 225 million euros ($267 million) after an investigation found it breached stringent European Union data protection rules on transparency about sharing people's data with other Facebook companies. The Data Protection Commission said Thursday that it was also ordering WhatsApp to take "remedial actions” so that its data processing complies with the EU rules. WhatsApp said the fine was out of proportion and it would appeal the decision. The watchdog's announcement wraps up an investigation into the Facebook-owned messaging service that opened in December 2018, after the EU rules, known as General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, took effect. It's the second penalty - and the biggest - issued by the Irish watchdog under GDPR. Last year it fined Twitter 450,000 euros for a security breach. "WhatsApp is committed to providing a secure and private service," the company said in a press statement. "We have worked to ensure the information we provide is transparent and comprehensive and will continue to do so. We disagree with the decision today regarding the transparency we provided to people in 2018 and the penalties are entirely disproportionate. ” The commission said the case examined whether Facebook followed GDPR requirements to be transparent for both users and those who didn't use its service, including how people's data is processed between WhatsApp and other Facebook companies. Under GDPR, the Irish watchdog acts as the lead regulator in cross-border data privacy cases for WhatsApp and many other big tech companies that have their European headquarters in Dublin.

Irish watchdog fines WhatsApp $267 million after European Union privacy probe

President of the European Commission Von der Leyen on Tuesday said 70 per cent of adults in the 27-nation bloc have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

She said they have achieved the "end-of-summer target in January itself".

In a video statement posted on Twitter, Leyen welcomed the “great achievement”, saying, “Today, we reached an important milestone in our vaccination campaign. 70 per cent of adults in the EU are now fully vaccinated and that means 250 million people are fully immunised.”

The European Commission, which is the executive organ of the European Union, is responsible for ordering vaccines for the EU states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-passport-the-european-covid-certificate-a-users-guide-386729">Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide</a>

The EU's COVID-19 vaccination campaign got off to a slow start due to supply shortages and delays but is now among the most successful worldwide. They had already announced in July that 70 per cent of the adult population in the region had received at least one dose.

Leyen said the union was also a “lead contributor” to the COVAX initiative, which aims to deliver vaccines to low-income nations.

The rate of fully vaccinated adults is about 20 per cent in Bulgaria, 32.8 per cent in Romania, 49 per cent in Slovakia and 58.1 per cent in Poland.

(With inputs from agencies)

President of the European Commission Von der Leyen on Tuesday said 70 per cent of adults in the 27-nation bloc have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. She said they have achieved the "end-of-summer target in January itself".

President of the European Commission Von der Leyen on Tuesday said 70 per cent of adults in the 27-nation bloc have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. She said they have achieved the "end-of-summer target in January itself". In a video statement posted on Twitter, Leyen welcomed the “great achievement”, saying, “Today, we reached an important milestone in our vaccination campaign. 70 per cent of adults in the EU are now fully vaccinated and that means 250 million people are fully immunised.” The European Commission, which is the executive organ of the European Union, is responsible for ordering vaccines for the EU states. Also read | Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide The EU's COVID-19 vaccination campaign got off to a slow start due to supply shortages and delays but is now among the most successful worldwide. They had already announced in July that 70 per cent of the adult population in the region had received at least one dose. Leyen said the union was also a “lead contributor” to the COVAX initiative, which aims to deliver vaccines to low-income nations. The rate of fully vaccinated adults is about 20 per cent in Bulgaria, 32.8 per cent in Romania, 49 per cent in Slovakia and 58.1 per cent in Poland. (With inputs from agencies)

70% of Europeans fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says EU chief Von der Leyen

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States&nbsp;from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors from the United States and the five other countries will now likely face tighter controls, such as COVID-19 tests and quarantines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-propose-travel-restrictions-on-us-visitors-409454">EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors</a>

In addition to the US, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have also been omitted from the list.

This list intends to standardise travel rules across the EU, but it does not bind the individual member states, which can still set their own border policies.

However, so far most EU members have followed Brussels' travel recommendation during the crisis.

Several EU countries, including Germany and Belgium, already categorise the United States as red and require testing and quarantines, while France and the Netherlands deem it safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

According to data from Our World in Data, average&nbsp;US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases in the week to August 28 numbered more than 450 per million people, up from under 40 when the European Union added the US to its list in mid-June.

According to the data, Israel, Kosovo, and Montenegro have an even higher rate of cases.

Non-EU visitors who have full <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">immunisations</a> are still allowed into the EU bloc, although testing and quarantines may apply, depending on the country of arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-potential-covid-19-variant-of-concern-identified-in-south-africa-409448" hreflang="en">New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa</a>

With Canada, Japan, and New Zealand included on the EU safe list, now the number of safe countries is 17.&nbsp;COVID-19 issues in each country, as well as reciprocity, are heavily weighed in while assembling the list.

However, as Washington does not allow EU citizens to visit freely despite EU appeals, a&nbsp;division exists within the bloc over reciprocity and the growing number of US cases versus those that rely on tourism and would prefer not to restrict US visitor numbers.

According to a statement by the bloc, the list will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic. Visitors from the United States and the five other countries will now likely face tighter controls, such as COVID-19 tests and quarantines. Also read | EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors In addition to the US, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have also been omitted from the list. This list intends to standardise travel rules across the EU, but it does not bind the individual member states, which can still set their own border policies. However, so far most EU members have followed Brussels' travel recommendation during the crisis. Several EU countries, including Germany and Belgium, already categorise the United States as red and require testing and quarantines, while France and the Netherlands deem it safe. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon According to data from Our World in Data, average US COVID-19 cases in the week to August 28 numbered more than 450 per million people, up from under 40 when the European Union added the US to its list in mid-June. According to the data, Israel, Kosovo, and Montenegro have an even higher rate of cases. Non-EU visitors who have full immunisations are still allowed into the EU bloc, although testing and quarantines may apply, depending on the country of arrival. Also read | New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa With Canada, Japan, and New Zealand included on the EU safe list, now the number of safe countries is 17. COVID-19 issues in each country, as well as reciprocity, are heavily weighed in while assembling the list. However, as Washington does not allow EU citizens to visit freely despite EU appeals, a division exists within the bloc over reciprocity and the growing number of US cases versus those that rely on tourism and would prefer not to restrict US visitor numbers. According to a statement by the bloc, the list will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed. (With inputs from agencies)

EU drops US from list of Covid-safe countries for non-essential travel

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks.

Starting Monday, the officials said, the United States will be removed from a “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to the 27-nation bloc without additional restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements. The suggested restrictions, made by the European Council, will not be mandatory for member countries, and it will remain up to those countries to decide whether to impose them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

Most European countries reopened their borders to Americans in June, more than a year after imposing a travel ban, hoping that Americans would visit this summer and help an ailing tourism industry bounce back.

In essence, the EU gave the United States a summertime pass to encourage tourism, despite the relatively high infection rates in parts of the country.

The threshold for being on the EU “safe travel” list is having fewer than 75 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases daily per 100,000 people over the previous 14 days. The United States has an infection rate well above that threshold, and COVID hospitalisations in the country climbed above 100,000 last week for the first time since January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-potential-covid-19-variant-of-concern-identified-in-south-africa-409448" hreflang="en">New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa</a>

Yet while American tourists were able to travel to Europe this summer, the United States has remained closed to Europeans, drawing anger from Europeans and their leaders, who have expressed frustration at the lack of reciprocity.

Travellers from countries on the safe list can usually visit EU countries without quarantining by showing proof of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> or a negative test, while those from countries not on that list are barred from visiting for nonessential reasons and can be subject to further testing and quarantine requirements.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-and-suffering-in-future-fauci-warns-us-against-covid-surge-402281">'Pain and suffering in future': Fauci warns US against Covid surge</a>

Most European countries reopened their economies this summer after vaccination campaigns picked up speed in recent months. Countries such as France and Italy, among others, have required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for people to dine in restaurants, visit museums or attend concerts, making COVID passes a fixture of daily life.

The decision to urge the reimposition of travel restrictions on US travellers was first reported by Reuters. European officials who outlined the plan did so under condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly before an announcement planned for Monday.

Other countries expected to be removed from the “safe list” include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-covid-crisis-walled-by-the-western-press-408899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The EU overtook the United States in vaccinations last month, with 64 per cent of the bloc’s residents having received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 60 per cent in the United States, according to Our World in Data.

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks.

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks. Starting Monday, the officials said, the United States will be removed from a “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to the 27-nation bloc without additional restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements. The suggested restrictions, made by the European Council, will not be mandatory for member countries, and it will remain up to those countries to decide whether to impose them. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon Most European countries reopened their borders to Americans in June, more than a year after imposing a travel ban, hoping that Americans would visit this summer and help an ailing tourism industry bounce back. In essence, the EU gave the United States a summertime pass to encourage tourism, despite the relatively high infection rates in parts of the country. The threshold for being on the EU “safe travel” list is having fewer than 75 new COVID-19 cases daily per 100,000 people over the previous 14 days. The United States has an infection rate well above that threshold, and COVID hospitalisations in the country climbed above 100,000 last week for the first time since January. Also read | New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa Yet while American tourists were able to travel to Europe this summer, the United States has remained closed to Europeans, drawing anger from Europeans and their leaders, who have expressed frustration at the lack of reciprocity. Travellers from countries on the safe list can usually visit EU countries without quarantining by showing proof of vaccination or a negative test, while those from countries not on that list are barred from visiting for nonessential reasons and can be subject to further testing and quarantine requirements. Also read | 'Pain and suffering in future': Fauci warns US against Covid surge Most European countries reopened their economies this summer after vaccination campaigns picked up speed in recent months. Countries such as France and Italy, among others, have required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for people to dine in restaurants, visit museums or attend concerts, making COVID passes a fixture of daily life. The decision to urge the reimposition of travel restrictions on US travellers was first reported by Reuters. European officials who outlined the plan did so under condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly before an announcement planned for Monday. Other countries expected to be removed from the “safe list” include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The EU overtook the United States in vaccinations last month, with 64 per cent of the bloc’s residents having received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 60 per cent in the United States, according to Our World in Data.

EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors

Greece does not want to become the entry point into the European Union for Afghans fleeing the escalating conflict in their homeland, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi, calling for a common EU response to the crisis.

Greece was on the frontline of Europe's migration crisis in 2015, when nearly a million people fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan landed on its islands, and like other EU member states, it is nervous that developments in Afghanistan could trigger a replay of that crisis.

"We are clearly saying that we will not and cannot be the gateway of Europe for the refugees and migrants who could try to come to the European Union," Mitarachi told state television ERT.

"We cannot have millions of people leaving Afghanistan and coming to the European Union ... and certainly not through Greece," he said.

EU foreign ministers will hold a crisis meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and Greece has requested that the issue is also discussed at a meeting of EU home affairs ministers on Wednesday.

"The solution needs to be common, and it needs to be a European solution," Mitarachi said. Unity between EU member states over whether to deport failed Afghan asylum-seekers crumbled last week.

Greece does not want to become the entry point into the European Union for Afghans fleeing the escalating conflict in their homeland, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi, calling for a common EU response to the crisis.

Greece does not want to become the entry point into the European Union for Afghans fleeing the escalating conflict in their homeland, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi, calling for a common EU response to the crisis. Greece was on the frontline of Europe's migration crisis in 2015, when nearly a million people fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan landed on its islands, and like other EU member states, it is nervous that developments in Afghanistan could trigger a replay of that crisis. "We are clearly saying that we will not and cannot be the gateway of Europe for the refugees and migrants who could try to come to the European Union," Mitarachi told state television ERT. "We cannot have millions of people leaving Afghanistan and coming to the European Union ... and certainly not through Greece," he said. EU foreign ministers will hold a crisis meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and Greece has requested that the issue is also discussed at a meeting of EU home affairs ministers on Wednesday. "The solution needs to be common, and it needs to be a European solution," Mitarachi said. Unity between EU member states over whether to deport failed Afghan asylum-seekers crumbled last week.

Greece says cannot become gateway to European Union for fleeing Afghans

The&nbsp;European Union has accused Belarus&nbsp;President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic.

Condemning the ''aggressive behavior''&nbsp;and ''direct attack'' as an attempt to destabilise the bloc, it said Belarus was&nbsp;pushing asylum seekers across its border.

Interior ministers of the 27-nation EU said in a statement to be issued after an emergency meeting that&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;was seeking to "instrumentalise human beings for political purposes".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lithuania-accused-belarus-of-using-refugees-and-illegal-migrants-as-political-weapon-397968/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“This aggressive behavior … is unacceptable and amounts to a direct attack aimed at destabilizing and pressurizing the EU,” said a statement by Slovenia, which holds the bloc’s rotating presidency until the end of the year, after emergency talks among the bloc’s interior ministers.

The issue has become more acute in the light of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that was completed on Sunday. Many Afghans are trying to flee the country, fearing reprisals.

EU member states are nervous about a replay of Europe's 2015-16 migration crisis when the chaotic arrival of more than a million people from the Middle East stretched security and welfare systems and fuelled support for far-right groups.

The ministers, without direct reference to Afghanistan, said there was "a need to strengthen the entire external border" of the EU to prevent illegal crossings in the future.

So far this year, more than 4,100 asylum-seekers, most of them from Iraq, have illegally crossed from Belarus into Lithuania. That’s 50 times more than during all of 2020. They’re being sheltered in temporary camps across the Baltic EU member.

Poland said Wednesday it had deployed nearly 1,000 troops to its border with Belarus to help border guards cope with a surge of migrants,&nbsp;again mostly from Iraq, who were trying to enter the country.

The migrant movements spiked dramatically after the EU slapped sanctions on Belarus officials.

Many of the migrants were believed to have arrived in Belarus by plane on commercial flights from Iraq. Those flights have stopped for now, perhaps in part due to the EU’s threat to impose visa restrictions on Iraqi citizens and officials.

Still, Lithuania’s border guard released video footage on Wednesday which it said reveals that migrants are being pushed across the border into EU territory by Belarus riot police. Another video showed several people cross into Lithuania and immediately return to Belarus to be filmed by Belarus officials.

After talks with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Wednesday, EU Parliament President David Sassoli accused Lukashenko of “exploiting these poor people, men and women.”

“I have seen these outrageous actions when officials push people across the border. It is both an issue of human rights, and also a question of protecting the border of the EU,” Sassoli said. “It is an organized activity of the Lukashenko regime.”

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has said it is "deeply concerned" by border pushbacks and the Lithuanian Red Cross said it doubted they meet countries' obligations under international treaties on human rights.

Ylva Johansson, who is responsible for migration and asylum in the EU's executive Commission, called on member states on Wednesday to ramp up admission quotas for Afghans in need of protection, particularly for women and girls.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic.

The European Union has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic. Condemning the ''aggressive behavior'' and ''direct attack'' as an attempt to destabilise the bloc, it said Belarus was pushing asylum seekers across its border. Interior ministers of the 27-nation EU said in a statement to be issued after an emergency meeting that Belarus was seeking to "instrumentalise human beings for political purposes". “This aggressive behavior … is unacceptable and amounts to a direct attack aimed at destabilizing and pressurizing the EU,” said a statement by Slovenia, which holds the bloc’s rotating presidency until the end of the year, after emergency talks among the bloc’s interior ministers. The issue has become more acute in the light of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that was completed on Sunday. Many Afghans are trying to flee the country, fearing reprisals. EU member states are nervous about a replay of Europe's 2015-16 migration crisis when the chaotic arrival of more than a million people from the Middle East stretched security and welfare systems and fuelled support for far-right groups. The ministers, without direct reference to Afghanistan, said there was "a need to strengthen the entire external border" of the EU to prevent illegal crossings in the future. So far this year, more than 4,100 asylum-seekers, most of them from Iraq, have illegally crossed from Belarus into Lithuania. That’s 50 times more than during all of 2020. They’re being sheltered in temporary camps across the Baltic EU member. Poland said Wednesday it had deployed nearly 1,000 troops to its border with Belarus to help border guards cope with a surge of migrants, again mostly from Iraq, who were trying to enter the country. The migrant movements spiked dramatically after the EU slapped sanctions on Belarus officials. Many of the migrants were believed to have arrived in Belarus by plane on commercial flights from Iraq. Those flights have stopped for now, perhaps in part due to the EU’s threat to impose visa restrictions on Iraqi citizens and officials. Still, Lithuania’s border guard released video footage on Wednesday which it said reveals that migrants are being pushed across the border into EU territory by Belarus riot police. Another video showed several people cross into Lithuania and immediately return to Belarus to be filmed by Belarus officials. After talks with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Wednesday, EU Parliament President David Sassoli accused Lukashenko of “exploiting these poor people, men and women.” “I have seen these outrageous actions when officials push people across the border. It is both an issue of human rights, and also a question of protecting the border of the EU,” Sassoli said. “It is an organized activity of the Lukashenko regime.” The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has said it is "deeply concerned" by border pushbacks and the Lithuanian Red Cross said it doubted they meet countries' obligations under international treaties on human rights. Ylva Johansson, who is responsible for migration and asylum in the EU's executive Commission, called on member states on Wednesday to ramp up admission quotas for Afghans in need of protection, particularly for women and girls. (With inputs from agencies)

'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon

The European Union's&nbsp;Copernicus&nbsp;Sentinel-3 has released&nbsp;satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and&nbsp;snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range,&nbsp;which draws skiers to South America

Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought&nbsp;to global warming.&nbsp;

Scant rain and snowfall are leaving many of the majestic mountains between Ecuador and Argentina with patchy snow cover or no snow at all as dry brown earth lies exposed.

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As precipitation declines and glaciers retreat across the region, communities that depend on the mountains for water supply are likely to suffer shortages, said Ricardo Villalba, principal investigator for the Argentine Institute of Snow, Glacier and Environment Science Studies (IANIGLA).

"Here we are seeing a process of long-term decrease in precipitation, a mega-drought," Villalba said.

"If you look at the precipitation levels right now for the entire Cordillera (Andes range), they ​​show that it has either not snowed at all or has snowed very little," he said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The difference between 1.5°C &amp; 3°C global warming means vastly different scenarios for our future. 
 
The length of droughts, the spread of diseases &amp; more hinge on these few degrees. 
 
Limiting temperature rise is still possible if we <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ActNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ActNow</a>. <a href="https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV">https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFCCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFCCC</a> <a href="https://t.co/apczD3C4SK">pic.twitter.com/apczD3C4SK</a>
— United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1423495295086718978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter, when snowfall should peak.

Ski resorts have reopened after lengthy closures during the pandemic and are attracting jubilant skiers to the Argentina-Chile border. But scarce snowfall is forcing many resorts to move snow to cover popular runs or make artificial snow.

Satellite images from July 2020 and this year show a marked decrease in snow cover. That is mirrored in water level measurements for rivers.

The Andes' glaciers, which between 2000-2010 remained the same size or even grew, are now receding, Villalba said.

"The glaciers are in a very dramatic process of retreat that is much more accelerated than we have seen before," he said.

"This is unfortunately happening in all the glaciers of the Cordillera, and is strongly linked to the global warming process that is affecting the entire planet."

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-3 has released satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range, which draws skiers to South America Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought to global warming.

The European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-3 has released satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range, which draws skiers to South America Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought to global warming. Scant rain and snowfall are leaving many of the majestic mountains between Ecuador and Argentina with patchy snow cover or no snow at all as dry brown earth lies exposed. As precipitation declines and glaciers retreat across the region, communities that depend on the mountains for water supply are likely to suffer shortages, said Ricardo Villalba, principal investigator for the Argentine Institute of Snow, Glacier and Environment Science Studies (IANIGLA). "Here we are seeing a process of long-term decrease in precipitation, a mega-drought," Villalba said. "If you look at the precipitation levels right now for the entire Cordillera (Andes range), they show that it has either not snowed at all or has snowed very little," he said. The difference between 1.5°C & 3°C global warming means vastly different scenarios for our future. The length of droughts, the spread of diseases & more hinge on these few degrees. Limiting temperature rise is still possible if we #ActNow. https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV via @UNFCCC pic.twitter.com/apczD3C4SK — United Nations (@UN) August 6, 2021 × The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter, when snowfall should peak. Ski resorts have reopened after lengthy closures during the pandemic and are attracting jubilant skiers to the Argentina-Chile border. But scarce snowfall is forcing many resorts to move snow to cover popular runs or make artificial snow. Satellite images from July 2020 and this year show a marked decrease in snow cover. That is mirrored in water level measurements for rivers. The Andes' glaciers, which between 2000-2010 remained the same size or even grew, are now receding, Villalba said. "The glaciers are in a very dramatic process of retreat that is much more accelerated than we have seen before," he said. "This is unfortunately happening in all the glaciers of the Cordillera, and is strongly linked to the global warming process that is affecting the entire planet." (With inputs from agencies)

EU's Copernicus Sentinel-3 releases satellite images of 'mega-drought' from climate change

England will allow fully vaccinated visitors from the European Union and the United States to arrive without needing to quarantine from next week. Britain's travel industry has criticized the government for being too slow to open up, saying it has squandered its lead in the global vaccine rollout.

England to scrap quarantine rules for fully vaccinated visitors from EU, US

Picking up pace: Health passes in Europe

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe.

"The use of the Spikevax vaccine in children from 12 to 17 years of age will be the same as in people aged 18 and above," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said, using the vaccine's brand name.&nbsp;

The vaccine will be given in two injections. The time period between first and second dose would be four weeks.

The decision by the Amsterdam-based agency follows the approval of the first vaccine for European youngsters, by Pfizer/BioNTech in May.

The EMA said that the effects of the Moderna jab was studied among 3,732 children aged 12-17 years.

"The study showed that Spikevax produced a comparable antibody response in 12- to 17-year-olds to that seen in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," it said.

The Moderna jab employs the same mRNA technology as Pfizer/BioNTech, using genetic material to deliver instructions to human cells to create coronavirus spike proteins.&nbsp;

It thereby trains an immune response without exposing the host to a real infection.

The EMA said there were common side effects in children similar to those in adults.

This included pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever.

"These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days from the vaccination," the EMA said.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe.

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe. "The use of the Spikevax vaccine in children from 12 to 17 years of age will be the same as in people aged 18 and above," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said, using the vaccine's brand name. The vaccine will be given in two injections. The time period between first and second dose would be four weeks. The decision by the Amsterdam-based agency follows the approval of the first vaccine for European youngsters, by Pfizer/BioNTech in May. The EMA said that the effects of the Moderna jab was studied among 3,732 children aged 12-17 years. "The study showed that Spikevax produced a comparable antibody response in 12- to 17-year-olds to that seen in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," it said. The Moderna jab employs the same mRNA technology as Pfizer/BioNTech, using genetic material to deliver instructions to human cells to create coronavirus spike proteins. It thereby trains an immune response without exposing the host to a real infection. The EMA said there were common side effects in children similar to those in adults. This included pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever. "These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days from the vaccination," the EMA said. (With inputs from agencies)

European Medicine Agency approves Moderna jab for ages 12 and up

The European Union on Thursday said that 200 million Europeans had been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. This translates to more than half of the adult population in European Union. However the bloc still short of 70 per cent target it had set for the summer.

European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant told reporters that based on the latest data of the European Centre for Disease Control "54.7 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated with either two doses or one dose in the case of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine".

"We have 68.4 per cent of adults in the EU who have already had their first dose," she added.

"We are now among the regions of the world that have vaccinated the most, but it is important that this progress is distributed in a more balanced way so that there are no pockets where the virus can spread and mutate," she added.

Rollout of vaccines was slower in Europe than in the UK or US due to supply shortages. This had drawn heavy criticism earlier this year.

The European Commission, which coordinated vaccine orders for the 27 member states, was the subject of many of the complaints.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had announced on July 10 that the EU had enough doses to vaccinate "at least 70 percent of the adult population this month".

According to official data compiled by AFP, just over 440 million doses have been administered in the European Union. That is 98.4 doses per 100 inhabitants, while the United States are at 102.4 per 100 inhabitants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union on Thursday said that 200 million Europeans had been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. This translates to more than half of the adult population in European Union.

The European Union on Thursday said that 200 million Europeans had been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. This translates to more than half of the adult population in European Union. However the bloc still short of 70 per cent target it had set for the summer. European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant told reporters that based on the latest data of the European Centre for Disease Control "54.7 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated with either two doses or one dose in the case of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine". "We have 68.4 per cent of adults in the EU who have already had their first dose," she added. "We are now among the regions of the world that have vaccinated the most, but it is important that this progress is distributed in a more balanced way so that there are no pockets where the virus can spread and mutate," she added. Rollout of vaccines was slower in Europe than in the UK or US due to supply shortages. This had drawn heavy criticism earlier this year. The European Commission, which coordinated vaccine orders for the 27 member states, was the subject of many of the complaints. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had announced on July 10 that the EU had enough doses to vaccinate "at least 70 percent of the adult population this month". According to official data compiled by AFP, just over 440 million doses have been administered in the European Union. That is 98.4 doses per 100 inhabitants, while the United States are at 102.4 per 100 inhabitants. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of adults in European Union countries fully vaccinated against Covid

The European Commission proposed to update the European Union's anti-money laundering regulations and strengthen control over the movement of crypto assets.

World Business Watch: Cryptoasset transfers to be difficult in European Union

Hundreds of people went missing and more than 150&nbsp;died as unprecedented floods hit Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands this week.

The freak weather came just days after some parts of Europe witnessed yet another unusually hot summer.

Climate change is here, and it is here to stay.

And world leaders are doing catch-up, decades after scientists sounded the warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-fatal-flooding-in-western-germany-398443">In Pics | Fatal flooding in Western Germany</a>

This past week, European Union policymakers unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies.

While the bloc produces as much as 8 per cent of global emissions, it hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone UN climate conference.

However, poorer member states are wary of anything that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining.

According to the UN's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), this year, Australia has ranked among the top three countries for exported greenhouse gas emissions per capita and among the top 10 nations for per capita fossil fuel use.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-australian-court-pulls-up-government-for-climate-change-387879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It ranked second-worst for carbon pricing scores, between first-ranking Chile and the United States. The ranking is based on four indicators: per capita emissions from fossil fuel combustion, per capita CO2 emissions embodied in imports, per capita CO2 emissions embodied in exports, and carbon pricing score.

And yet, the county is in denial.

Australia took a group of ambassadors snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef on Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

Why? To keep the revenues generated by it, because an 'endangered' listing would mean Australia not being able to milk the reef's tourism potential.&nbsp;

Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated $4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia should have seen it coming. There have been several so-called 'bleaching incidents' of the reef's corals, which are very ecologically sensitive. Several warnings had been issued in the past.

And there has been no dearth of warnings about the impacts of climate change on people and the planet.

Nearly nine in 10 leading global climate economists think climate change will deepen income inequality between rich and poor countries, with most calling for urgent action to cut planet-warming emissions.

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According to the World Bank, without the right policies to keep the poor safe from extreme weather and rising seas, climate change could drive over 100 million more people into poverty by 2030.

Scientists have warned that failure to curb the world’s still-growing emissions could lead to crises from food and water shortages to worsening weather disasters and sea-level rise.

The growing impacts of climate change have already pushed more than 18 million people to migrate within South Asian countries, but that could more than triple if global warming continues on its current path.

Nearly 63 million people could be forced from their homes by 2050 in the region as rising seas and rivers swallow villages, and drought-hit land no longer supports crops, said ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia in a report.

Researchers believe Indian monsoons are likely to become stronger and more erratic if global warming continues unchecked, threatening farming and incomes across the region

Monsoon rains will likely increase by about 5 per cent&nbsp;for every degree Celsius of warming, found the study of more than 30 state-of-the-art climate models from around the world, published in the journal Earth System Dynamics.

What are countries doing about it, beyond token statements?

India is examining setting a target of net zero emissions by 2050, according to media reports. An earlier ambition of 2047, to coincide with 100 years of independence, is being discussed among senior officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office.

If India does end up setting a target of no later than 2050, it will trump China's promise of 2060 and match the ambition set out by new US President Joe Biden.

Governments face a struggle to inject momentum into efforts to curb global warming, dogged by lack of consensus, scepticism and disruptive protests demanding more action.

Policymakers are under pressure as more extreme weather events, such as record floods in Europe and wildfires in Australia, Canada and the US, are linked to climate change.

According to many scientists, Russia, especially its Siberian and Arctic regions, is among the countries most exposed to climate change.

Russia has set numerous records in recent years and in June 2020 registered 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the town of Verkhoyansk, the highest temperature recorded above the Arctic circle since measurements began.

The rising mercury levels have contributed to devastating floods and forest fires that have affected Siberia with increasing regularity.

They are also contributing to the melting of permafrost, which covers about two-thirds of Russia's vast territory.

The share of fossil fuels in the world's total energy mix is as high as a decade ago, despite the falling cost of renewables and pressure on governments to act on climate change, a report by green energy policy network REN21 showed.

Meanwhile, oil companies are dragging their feet on fighting climate change and are confronting pushback from investors and courts on policy change.

Investor support for climate concerns could force oil and gas companies to rethink how fast they pivot to other forms of energy.

There is now a 40 per cent chance that global temperatures will temporarily reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the next five years and these odds are rising, as per a UN report.

This does not yet mean that the world would already be crossing the long-term warming 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set by the Paris Climate Accord, which scientists warn is the ceiling to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.&nbsp;

The Paris Accord target looks at temperature over a 30-year average, rather than a single year.

But it does underscore that "we are getting measurably and inexorably closer" to that threshold, according to World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, seen by scientists as a deadline for the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions or risk climate change becoming catastrophic.

While leaders have ignored climate change for as long as they can, citizens are ensuring that they wake up now.

In a handful of countries, they are suing their governments for negligence.

Leaders have ignored climate crisis till it literally banged on their doors in the form of floods and fires.

Here is hoping that they will&nbsp;feel the pinch at least now, when it is so close to their own skins.

Hundreds of people went missing and more than 150 died as unprecedented floods hit Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands this week. The freak weather came just days after some parts of Europe witnessed yet another unusually hot summer.

Hundreds of people went missing and more than 150 died as unprecedented floods hit Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands this week. The freak weather came just days after some parts of Europe witnessed yet another unusually hot summer. Climate change is here, and it is here to stay. And world leaders are doing catch-up, decades after scientists sounded the warning. In Pics | Fatal flooding in Western Germany This past week, European Union policymakers unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies. While the bloc produces as much as 8 per cent of global emissions, it hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone UN climate conference. However, poorer member states are wary of anything that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining. According to the UN's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), this year, Australia has ranked among the top three countries for exported greenhouse gas emissions per capita and among the top 10 nations for per capita fossil fuel use. It ranked second-worst for carbon pricing scores, between first-ranking Chile and the United States. The ranking is based on four indicators: per capita emissions from fossil fuel combustion, per capita CO2 emissions embodied in imports, per capita CO2 emissions embodied in exports, and carbon pricing score. And yet, the county is in denial. Australia took a group of ambassadors snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef on Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list. Why? To keep the revenues generated by it, because an 'endangered' listing would mean Australia not being able to milk the reef's tourism potential. Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated $4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic. Australia should have seen it coming. There have been several so-called 'bleaching incidents' of the reef's corals, which are very ecologically sensitive. Several warnings had been issued in the past. And there has been no dearth of warnings about the impacts of climate change on people and the planet. Nearly nine in 10 leading global climate economists think climate change will deepen income inequality between rich and poor countries, with most calling for urgent action to cut planet-warming emissions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by UN Climate Change (@unclimatechange) According to the World Bank, without the right policies to keep the poor safe from extreme weather and rising seas, climate change could drive over 100 million more people into poverty by 2030. Scientists have warned that failure to curb the world’s still-growing emissions could lead to crises from food and water shortages to worsening weather disasters and sea-level rise. The growing impacts of climate change have already pushed more than 18 million people to migrate within South Asian countries, but that could more than triple if global warming continues on its current path. Nearly 63 million people could be forced from their homes by 2050 in the region as rising seas and rivers swallow villages, and drought-hit land no longer supports crops, said ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia in a report. Researchers believe Indian monsoons are likely to become stronger and more erratic if global warming continues unchecked, threatening farming and incomes across the region Monsoon rains will likely increase by about 5 per cent for every degree Celsius of warming, found the study of more than 30 state-of-the-art climate models from around the world, published in the journal Earth System Dynamics. What are countries doing about it, beyond token statements? India is examining setting a target of net zero emissions by 2050, according to media reports. An earlier ambition of 2047, to coincide with 100 years of independence, is being discussed among senior officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office. If India does end up setting a target of no later than 2050, it will trump China's promise of 2060 and match the ambition set out by new US President Joe Biden. Governments face a struggle to inject momentum into efforts to curb global warming, dogged by lack of consensus, scepticism and disruptive protests demanding more action. Policymakers are under pressure as more extreme weather events, such as record floods in Europe and wildfires in Australia, Canada and the US, are linked to climate change. According to many scientists, Russia, especially its Siberian and Arctic regions, is among the countries most exposed to climate change. Russia has set numerous records in recent years and in June 2020 registered 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the town of Verkhoyansk, the highest temperature recorded above the Arctic circle since measurements began. The rising mercury levels have contributed to devastating floods and forest fires that have affected Siberia with increasing regularity. They are also contributing to the melting of permafrost, which covers about two-thirds of Russia's vast territory. The share of fossil fuels in the world's total energy mix is as high as a decade ago, despite the falling cost of renewables and pressure on governments to act on climate change, a report by green energy policy network REN21 showed. Meanwhile, oil companies are dragging their feet on fighting climate change and are confronting pushback from investors and courts on policy change. Investor support for climate concerns could force oil and gas companies to rethink how fast they pivot to other forms of energy. There is now a 40 per cent chance that global temperatures will temporarily reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the next five years and these odds are rising, as per a UN report. This does not yet mean that the world would already be crossing the long-term warming 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set by the Paris Climate Accord, which scientists warn is the ceiling to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. The Paris Accord target looks at temperature over a 30-year average, rather than a single year. But it does underscore that "we are getting measurably and inexorably closer" to that threshold, according to World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, seen by scientists as a deadline for the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions or risk climate change becoming catastrophic. While leaders have ignored climate change for as long as they can, citizens are ensuring that they wake up now. In a handful of countries, they are suing their governments for negligence. Leaders have ignored climate crisis till it literally banged on their doors in the form of floods and fires. Here is hoping that they will feel the pinch at least now, when it is so close to their own skins.

Many leaders slept on climate crisis. Will they act on what they feel on their skins now?

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