Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe.

The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that companies in the bloc can ban employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions if they need to do so to project an image of neutrality to customers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hijab-can-be-banned-at-work-under-certain-conditions-rules-eu-court-398237">Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court</a>

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement the ruling was a sign of rising Islamophobia at a time when it said Muslim women in Europe are being subjected to increasing discrimination for their religious beliefs.

"The CJEU decision, at a time when the Islamophobia, racism and hatred that have taken Europe hostage are rising, disregards religious freedom and creates a basis and legal cover for discrimination," the ministry said.

On Saturday, the Turkish presidency's communication director Fahrettin Altun condemned the move, saying "this wrong decision is an attempt to grant legitimacy to racism."

The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has been divisive across Europe for years, underlining sharp differences over integrating Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-coalition-deal-includes-headscarf-ban-preventive-custody-report-271718">Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report</a>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which came to power in 2002 blending a pro-Western, democratic market approach, has been criticised by Western allies in recent years for increasing authoritarianism and religious intolerance. The United States, Greece, Russia and church leaders expressed concern last year over his government's move to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque last year.

Ankara has repeatedly accused European nations of not doing enough to prevent discrimination against Muslims, saying it will start publishing an annual report on what it calls examples of Islamophobia around the world.

In response to whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion, the CJEU said such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/politics-of-hijab-new-zealand-vs-the-world-343974">Politics of Hijab: New Zealand vs the world</a>

Ties between Ankara and the bloc have been strained over a host of issues, namely over a dispute between EU member Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe.

Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe. The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that companies in the bloc can ban employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions if they need to do so to project an image of neutrality to customers. Also read | Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement the ruling was a sign of rising Islamophobia at a time when it said Muslim women in Europe are being subjected to increasing discrimination for their religious beliefs. "The CJEU decision, at a time when the Islamophobia, racism and hatred that have taken Europe hostage are rising, disregards religious freedom and creates a basis and legal cover for discrimination," the ministry said. On Saturday, the Turkish presidency's communication director Fahrettin Altun condemned the move, saying "this wrong decision is an attempt to grant legitimacy to racism." The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has been divisive across Europe for years, underlining sharp differences over integrating Muslims. Also read | Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which came to power in 2002 blending a pro-Western, democratic market approach, has been criticised by Western allies in recent years for increasing authoritarianism and religious intolerance. The United States, Greece, Russia and church leaders expressed concern last year over his government's move to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque last year. Ankara has repeatedly accused European nations of not doing enough to prevent discrimination against Muslims, saying it will start publishing an annual report on what it calls examples of Islamophobia around the world. In response to whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion, the CJEU said such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image. Also read | Politics of Hijab: New Zealand vs the world Ties between Ankara and the bloc have been strained over a host of issues, namely over a dispute between EU member Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey condemns EU court ruling on headscarf ban as violation of freedoms

Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one.

The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has caused controversy across Europe for years and underlined sharp differences over integrating Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-coalition-deal-includes-headscarf-ban-preventive-custody-report-271718">Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report</a>

In the cases brought to court, both Muslim women - a special-needs carer at a childcare centre in Hamburg run by a charitable association, and a cashier at the Mueller drugstore chain - did not wear&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;when they started in their jobs but decided to do so years later after coming back from parental leave.

They were told that this was not allowed, and were at different points either suspended, told to come to work without it or put on a different job, court documents show.

The EU court had to decide in both cases whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion or were allowed as part of the freedom to conduct a business and they wish to project an image of neutrality to customers.

It responded that such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image.

"A prohibition on wearing any visible form of expression of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace may be justified by the employer's need to present a neutral image towards customers or to prevent social disputes," the court said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-marine-le-pen-proposes-a-ban-on-muslim-headscarf-360498/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, that justification must correspond to a genuine need on the part of the employer, it said.

In the care centre employee case, the court said the rule at issue appeared to have been applied in a general and undifferentiated way since the employer also required an employee wearing a religious cross to remove that sign.

In both cases, it will now be up to national courts to have the final say on whether there was any discrimination.

The EU court already ruled in 2017 that companies may ban staff from wearing Islamic&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;and other visible religious symbols under certain conditions, sparking a backlash among faith groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/employers-can-ban-headscarves-in-workplace-top-eu-court-rules-13360">Employers can ban headscarves in workplace, top EU court rules</a>

More than 5 million Muslims live in Germany, making them the largest religious minority group there.

Headscarf bans for women at work have been a hotly contested issue in Germany for years, mostly concerning aspiring teachers at state schools and trainee judges. This has not so far been a major theme in the campaign for this year's legislative elections.

Elsewhere in Europe, courts have also had to look into where and how&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;can sometimes be banned at work.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-mps-approve-headscarf-ban-in-primary-schools-219081">Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools</a>

France's top court upheld in 2014 the dismissal of a Muslim daycare worker for wearing a headscarf at a private crèche that demanded strict neutrality from employees. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, prohibited wearing Islamic&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;in state schools in 2004.

However, Austria's constitutional court has ruled that a law there banning girls aged up to 10 from wearing&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;in schools was discriminatory.

Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one.

Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one. The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has caused controversy across Europe for years and underlined sharp differences over integrating Muslims. Also read | Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report In the cases brought to court, both Muslim women - a special-needs carer at a childcare centre in Hamburg run by a charitable association, and a cashier at the Mueller drugstore chain - did not wear headscarves when they started in their jobs but decided to do so years later after coming back from parental leave. They were told that this was not allowed, and were at different points either suspended, told to come to work without it or put on a different job, court documents show. The EU court had to decide in both cases whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion or were allowed as part of the freedom to conduct a business and they wish to project an image of neutrality to customers. It responded that such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image. "A prohibition on wearing any visible form of expression of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace may be justified by the employer's need to present a neutral image towards customers or to prevent social disputes," the court said. However, that justification must correspond to a genuine need on the part of the employer, it said. In the care centre employee case, the court said the rule at issue appeared to have been applied in a general and undifferentiated way since the employer also required an employee wearing a religious cross to remove that sign. In both cases, it will now be up to national courts to have the final say on whether there was any discrimination. The EU court already ruled in 2017 that companies may ban staff from wearing Islamic headscarves and other visible religious symbols under certain conditions, sparking a backlash among faith groups. Also read | Employers can ban headscarves in workplace, top EU court rules More than 5 million Muslims live in Germany, making them the largest religious minority group there. Headscarf bans for women at work have been a hotly contested issue in Germany for years, mostly concerning aspiring teachers at state schools and trainee judges. This has not so far been a major theme in the campaign for this year's legislative elections. Elsewhere in Europe, courts have also had to look into where and how headscarves can sometimes be banned at work. Also read | Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools France's top court upheld in 2014 the dismissal of a Muslim daycare worker for wearing a headscarf at a private crèche that demanded strict neutrality from employees. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, prohibited wearing Islamic headscarves in state schools in 2004. However, Austria's constitutional court has ruled that a law there banning girls aged up to 10 from wearing headscarves in schools was discriminatory.

Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court

The&nbsp;European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has predicted&nbsp;a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1.&nbsp;

The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly-transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries.&nbsp;

EU's disease agency said on Friday it expected to see 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week ending on August 1, up from just under 90 last week.

By the week after, the number of new cases is expected to rise above 620 per 100,000 inhabitants, it said in a weekly report.

"The current continuing deterioration of the epidemiological situation in many countries is expected to continue given the rapid increase in the Delta variant," the ECDC said in the report.

Hospitalisations and deaths are also expected, although at a slower pace, according to the ECDC, thanks to the rollout of vaccination campaigns.

Currently, hospitalisations remain stable in most countries but the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 is expected to exceed 10 per 1,000,000 inhabitants again, compared with 6.8 last week, the agency noted.

The ECDC said it was forecasting&nbsp;increasing cases in 20 countries and increased deaths in nine: Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

"In the most affected countries, the steepest increases and highest notification rates were reported among 15 to 24-year-olds, with limited increases in persons aged over 65 years," the ECDC said in a statement.

While these figures are projection the level is in line with that seen during the peaks in the second half of 2020 and April 2021, according to the EU agency's data.

Between July 5 and 11, the number of new cases in the European Union jumped by over 60 per cent, increasing for the second week in a row, according to the ECDC, due to "relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing spread of Delta variant" first detected in India.

Last month, the Stockholm-based agency warned that the Delta variant was on track to account for 90 per cent of new cases by the end of August.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has predicted a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has predicted a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1. The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly-transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries. EU's disease agency said on Friday it expected to see 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week ending on August 1, up from just under 90 last week. By the week after, the number of new cases is expected to rise above 620 per 100,000 inhabitants, it said in a weekly report. "The current continuing deterioration of the epidemiological situation in many countries is expected to continue given the rapid increase in the Delta variant," the ECDC said in the report. Hospitalisations and deaths are also expected, although at a slower pace, according to the ECDC, thanks to the rollout of vaccination campaigns. Currently, hospitalisations remain stable in most countries but the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 is expected to exceed 10 per 1,000,000 inhabitants again, compared with 6.8 last week, the agency noted. The ECDC said it was forecasting increasing cases in 20 countries and increased deaths in nine: Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. "In the most affected countries, the steepest increases and highest notification rates were reported among 15 to 24-year-olds, with limited increases in persons aged over 65 years," the ECDC said in a statement. While these figures are projection the level is in line with that seen during the peaks in the second half of 2020 and April 2021, according to the EU agency's data. Between July 5 and 11, the number of new cases in the European Union jumped by over 60 per cent, increasing for the second week in a row, according to the ECDC, due to "relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing spread of Delta variant" first detected in India. Last month, the Stockholm-based agency warned that the Delta variant was on track to account for 90 per cent of new cases by the end of August. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe Covid infections to go up five times by August 1, says diseases body ECDC

The European Commission on Thursday launched legal action against the conservative governments of EU members Hungary and Poland in response to measures seen as discriminating against LGBTQ citizens.

As the "guardian of the treaties" binding the European Union together, the commission can launch infringement procedures against member states.

Such a procedure involves several steps and could drag out over years but could ultimately result in going to the European Court of Justice, which could impose financial penalties.

Both Hungary and Poland are ruled by right-wing, socially conservative governments whose policies have raised rule-of-law questions.

Hungary's so-called "anti-paedophilia" law, which among other things bans the "promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, came into force last week despite many warnings from Brussels and pushback by EU leaders.

EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said last week that the EU executive would use "all powers available" to force Hungary to repeal or modify the law.

"Europe will never allow parts of our society to be stigmatised: be it because of whom they love, because of their age, their ethnicity, their political opinions, or their religious beliefs," she told MEPs.

Hungary's legislation was billed as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community.

In Poland, around 100 towns and villages have adopted the "anti-LGBT" resolution, which some describe as a "charter for family rights". They cover about a third of Polish territory and are mainly located in the country's east and southeast, traditionally very Catholic.

"The commission considers that Polish authorities failed to fully and appropriately respond to its inquiry regarding the nature and impact of the so-called 'LGBT-ideology free zones'," a statement said.

Poland is already in Brussels' bad books for judicial reforms, which have several times been ruled to go against EU standards on judges' independence.

The two member states now have two months to respond to the arguments put forward by the commission before the procedure enters the next stage.

The European Commission on Thursday launched legal action against the conservative governments of EU members Hungary and Poland in response to measures seen as discriminating against LGBTQ citizens.

The European Commission on Thursday launched legal action against the conservative governments of EU members Hungary and Poland in response to measures seen as discriminating against LGBTQ citizens. As the "guardian of the treaties" binding the European Union together, the commission can launch infringement procedures against member states. Such a procedure involves several steps and could drag out over years but could ultimately result in going to the European Court of Justice, which could impose financial penalties. Both Hungary and Poland are ruled by right-wing, socially conservative governments whose policies have raised rule-of-law questions. Hungary's so-called "anti-paedophilia" law, which among other things bans the "promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, came into force last week despite many warnings from Brussels and pushback by EU leaders. EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said last week that the EU executive would use "all powers available" to force Hungary to repeal or modify the law. "Europe will never allow parts of our society to be stigmatised: be it because of whom they love, because of their age, their ethnicity, their political opinions, or their religious beliefs," she told MEPs. Hungary's legislation was billed as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community. In Poland, around 100 towns and villages have adopted the "anti-LGBT" resolution, which some describe as a "charter for family rights". They cover about a third of Polish territory and are mainly located in the country's east and southeast, traditionally very Catholic. "The commission considers that Polish authorities failed to fully and appropriately respond to its inquiry regarding the nature and impact of the so-called 'LGBT-ideology free zones'," a statement said. Poland is already in Brussels' bad books for judicial reforms, which have several times been ruled to go against EU standards on judges' independence. The two member states now have two months to respond to the arguments put forward by the commission before the procedure enters the next stage.

EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights

Lithuania has accused Belarus of using refugees and illegal migrants as a 'political weapon' to put pressure on the European Union because of the bloc's sanctions on Minsk.

Lithuania accused Belarus of using refugees and illegal migrants as 'political weapon'

Australia&nbsp;will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

The United Nations cultural agency last month recommended that the world's largest reef system,&nbsp;and a jewel in&nbsp;Australia's tourism crown, be downgraded because of damage to the corals, chiefly from climate change.

That threat angered&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and sparked an intense lobbying campaign ahead of UNESCO's virtual meeting hosted by China starting Friday, where a vote will be held on downgrading the reef to "World Heritage In Danger" status.

Ambassadors from the European Union and more than a dozen countries,&nbsp;including members of the World Heritage Committee who could help sway the outcome,&nbsp;will be ferried to Agincourt Reef, a popular site off&nbsp;Australia's northeast coast, the government's special reef envoy told AFP.

"They'll be able to see for themselves the beauty and the diversity of it and the importance of making sure that we look after it. And we look after it well," Warren Entsch said.

The conservative MP said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had made "significant" moves to lower carbon emissions but could not save the reef on its own, urging big-polluting "northern hemisphere" nations to also do more.

Placement on the endangered list is not considered a sanction but it is seen as a dishonour by some countries and there are&nbsp;fears the reef's appeal to tourists could be impacted.

Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated US$4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic.

The trip comes as Environment Minister Sussan Ley holds a series of meetings with World Heritage Committee member countries and UNESCO representatives in Europe, which a spokesperson described as "productive discussions".

"Australia's position remains that the draft listing process did not include the proper consultation... was not made on the basis of the latest information and did not follow the proper process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Environmental campaigners have said the threat to the Great Barrier Reef's heritage status highlights&nbsp;Australia's lack of action to curb the carbon emissions which contribute to global warming.

Canberra has resisted calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, but now says it hopes to meet the target "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy.

Placed on the World Heritage list in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef is one of seven sites threatened with a downgrade due to ecological damage, overdevelopment, overtourism or security concerns.

Australia will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

Australia will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list. The United Nations cultural agency last month recommended that the world's largest reef system, and a jewel in Australia's tourism crown, be downgraded because of damage to the corals, chiefly from climate change. That threat angered Australia and sparked an intense lobbying campaign ahead of UNESCO's virtual meeting hosted by China starting Friday, where a vote will be held on downgrading the reef to "World Heritage In Danger" status. Ambassadors from the European Union and more than a dozen countries, including members of the World Heritage Committee who could help sway the outcome, will be ferried to Agincourt Reef, a popular site off Australia's northeast coast, the government's special reef envoy told AFP. "They'll be able to see for themselves the beauty and the diversity of it and the importance of making sure that we look after it. And we look after it well," Warren Entsch said. The conservative MP said Australia had made "significant" moves to lower carbon emissions but could not save the reef on its own, urging big-polluting "northern hemisphere" nations to also do more. Placement on the endangered list is not considered a sanction but it is seen as a dishonour by some countries and there are fears the reef's appeal to tourists could be impacted. Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated US$4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic. The trip comes as Environment Minister Sussan Ley holds a series of meetings with World Heritage Committee member countries and UNESCO representatives in Europe, which a spokesperson described as "productive discussions". "Australia's position remains that the draft listing process did not include the proper consultation... was not made on the basis of the latest information and did not follow the proper process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Environmental campaigners have said the threat to the Great Barrier Reef's heritage status highlights Australia's lack of action to curb the carbon emissions which contribute to global warming. Canberra has resisted calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, but now says it hopes to meet the target "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy. Placed on the World Heritage list in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef is one of seven sites threatened with a downgrade due to ecological damage, overdevelopment, overtourism or security concerns.

Australia to take ambassadors snorkelling to save Great Barrier Reef status

In a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, the European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the US administration, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.

World Business Watch: After US push, EU pauses tax plan but Ireland sticks to its guns

The European Union is set to take the lead in climate policy action among the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters this week, with a raft of ambitious plans designed to cut emissions drastically over the next decade.

Europe's climate masterplan to be a challenge for Germany's industry

European Union Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog speaks with WION. Watch this report to know more.

EU Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog speaks with WION

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>&nbsp;to cover 70 per cent of the adult population,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member state governments are responsible for administering the&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has kept its word."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-likely-to-vaccinate-70-adult-population-by-end-of-july-379617">EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July</a>

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;joint&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson.

All but the J&amp;J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is home to an estimated 366 million adults.

"This weekend, we delivered enough&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seals-deal-for-more-18-billion-pfizerbiontech-covid-vaccine-doses-383700">EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses</a>

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;-- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe."

When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy,&nbsp;stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members.

Joint approach&nbsp;

This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-asks-astrazeneca-to-catch-up-on-covid-vaccine-deliveries-373240">EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries</a>

But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed&nbsp;vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication.

"The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well."

In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;contributes to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-over-20-million-doses-to-20-nations-368420">Covax plan</a> to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for next year as insurance against the rise of variants.&nbsp;

But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;plan. &nbsp;

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday. The 27 EU member state governments are responsible for administering the vaccines to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The EU has kept its word." Also read | EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July The EU joint vaccine purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-Pfizer shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson & Johnson. All but the J&J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the EU is home to an estimated 366 million adults. "This weekend, we delivered enough vaccine to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said. Also read | EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses "COVID-19 is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying vaccines -- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe." When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy, stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members. Joint approach This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries. Also read | EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication. "The EU is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well." In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the EU contributes to the international Covax plan to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more vaccines for next year as insurance against the rise of variants. But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the EU plan. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults

The European Union has handed down more than $1 billion in fines to four major German car manufacturers, saying they colluded to limit the development and rollout of car emission control systems.

World Business Watch: EU fines 4 German carmakers over emission collusion

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283">Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a>

A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros.

The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement.

But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro&nbsp;bill&nbsp;for 2021 had been paid on time and in full.

"The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-touts-great-win-in-britains-first-post-brexit-trade-deal-391605">Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal</a>

He said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years."

Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds.

The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes.&nbsp;

"It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters.

Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatever-it-takes-uk-pm-johnson-warns-eu-over-post-brexit-trade-391152">'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade</a>

But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials.

The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June.

"Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said

British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed. Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years. Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the bill still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros. The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement. But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro bill for 2021 had been paid on time and in full. "The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement. Also read | Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal He said the bill amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years." Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds. The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes. "It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters. Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc. Also read | 'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials. The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June. "Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

Brussels warns UK its Brexit bill is final

Shrugging off growing worries about new COVID-19 variants and the impact of supply bottlenecks on factory production in Germany, the European Commission has upgraded its eurozone growth forecasts.

World Business Watch: EU hikes economic recovery forecast as downside risks emerge

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday&nbsp;blocked&nbsp;the website of a newspaper that has been critical of the veteran leader&nbsp;and the editor's wife said her husband had been taken away for questioning.

The newspaper, Nasha Niva, one of Belarus's oldest, covered protests against Lukashenko last summer and was an important source of information for opposition supporters.

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Authorities in the ex-Soviet country, which is in the throes of a months-long crackdown on dissent, said it had barred access to Nasha Niva over accusations it had published illegal content.&nbsp;

"The information ministry made a decision to restrict access to the internet resource nn.by," it said in a statement.

Nasha Niva reported on social media that it had lost contact with several employees, including its editor-in-chief, Yegor Martinovich. His wife confirmed on Facebook Thursday morning that he had been detained.

Citing eyewitnesses, the Viasna rights group reported security officials had entered the publication's editorial offices.

Separately, the Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that the editor-in-chief of another independent news site, orsha.eu had been detained and that an outlet which covers the IT sector had also been blocked.&nbsp;

The move to bar access to Nasha Niva is part of a broad crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.&nbsp;

Journalists who covered the mass demonstrations have come under mounting pressure in recent months, with several receiving long jail terms.

Popular news website Tut.by was blocked in May and several of its employees arrested on tax evasion charges.

Alexander Lukashenko, the long-serving authoritarian leader who sparked the rallies by claiming a sixth presidential term, has drawn scorn from the West whose leaders say the vote was not free or fair.

A leading opposition figure in&nbsp;Belarus, Viktor Babaryko, who was considered one of Lukashenko's strongest opponents in the elections, was jailed for 14 years this week on contested fraud charges.

Western nations have slapped a slew of sanctions on Lukashenko and his regime but they appear to have had limited effect as&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday blocked the website of a newspaper that has been critical of the veteran leader and the editor's wife said her husband had been taken away for questioning.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday blocked the website of a newspaper that has been critical of the veteran leader and the editor's wife said her husband had been taken away for questioning. The newspaper, Nasha Niva, one of Belarus's oldest, covered protests against Lukashenko last summer and was an important source of information for opposition supporters. Authorities in the ex-Soviet country, which is in the throes of a months-long crackdown on dissent, said it had barred access to Nasha Niva over accusations it had published illegal content. "The information ministry made a decision to restrict access to the internet resource nn.by," it said in a statement. Nasha Niva reported on social media that it had lost contact with several employees, including its editor-in-chief, Yegor Martinovich. His wife confirmed on Facebook Thursday morning that he had been detained. Citing eyewitnesses, the Viasna rights group reported security officials had entered the publication's editorial offices. Separately, the Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that the editor-in-chief of another independent news site, orsha.eu had been detained and that an outlet which covers the IT sector had also been blocked. The move to bar access to Nasha Niva is part of a broad crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year. Journalists who covered the mass demonstrations have come under mounting pressure in recent months, with several receiving long jail terms. Popular news website Tut.by was blocked in May and several of its employees arrested on tax evasion charges. Alexander Lukashenko, the long-serving authoritarian leader who sparked the rallies by claiming a sixth presidential term, has drawn scorn from the West whose leaders say the vote was not free or fair. A leading opposition figure in Belarus, Viktor Babaryko, who was considered one of Lukashenko's strongest opponents in the elections, was jailed for 14 years this week on contested fraud charges. Western nations have slapped a slew of sanctions on Lukashenko and his regime but they appear to have had limited effect as Belarus maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus President Lukashenko blocks newspaper that covered protests, detains editor

A European Union court ruled on Wednesday that the sound of a drink can opening, followed by several seconds of fizzing is not a trademark.

German company&nbsp;Ardagh Metal Beverage Holdings had applied to the&nbsp;European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to register the noise made by its fizzy drinks cans.

But the company was left feeling flat after being rejected on the grounds that the sound was not "distinctive" enough.

"The sound made by a drinks can being opened, followed by a silence of approximately one second and a fizzing sound lasting approximately nine seconds" is not a so-called sound mark, the European General Court said in a statement.

Ardagh, which makes metal cans used in a variety of drinks including beer and wine, had appealed to the European General Court.&nbsp;

But the court came down in favour of EUIPO in its first-ever ruling on the registration of a sound mark submitted in audio format.

"A sound mark must have a certain resonance which enables the target consumer to perceive it as a trade mark and not as a functional element or as an indicator without any inherent characteristic," the court said.

"The sound elements and the silence of approximately one second, taken as a whole, do not have any inherent characteristic that would make it possible for them to be perceived... as being an indication of the commercial origin of the goods," it added.

The company may now appeal to the European Court of Justice.

Famous registered sound marks include jingles such as the Intel Pentium processor tune, but also other sounds such as the MGM lion's roar.

Motorbike manufacturer Harley Davidson famously failed to get the rumble of its engines registered as a sound mark in the 1990s.

(With inputs from agencies)

A European Union court ruled on Wednesday that the sound of a drink can opening, followed by several seconds of fizzing is not a trademark. German company Ardagh Metal Beverage Holdings had applied to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to register the noise made by its fizzy drinks cans.

A European Union court ruled on Wednesday that the sound of a drink can opening, followed by several seconds of fizzing is not a trademark. German company Ardagh Metal Beverage Holdings had applied to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to register the noise made by its fizzy drinks cans. But the company was left feeling flat after being rejected on the grounds that the sound was not "distinctive" enough. "The sound made by a drinks can being opened, followed by a silence of approximately one second and a fizzing sound lasting approximately nine seconds" is not a so-called sound mark, the European General Court said in a statement. Ardagh, which makes metal cans used in a variety of drinks including beer and wine, had appealed to the European General Court. But the court came down in favour of EUIPO in its first-ever ruling on the registration of a sound mark submitted in audio format. "A sound mark must have a certain resonance which enables the target consumer to perceive it as a trade mark and not as a functional element or as an indicator without any inherent characteristic," the court said. "The sound elements and the silence of approximately one second, taken as a whole, do not have any inherent characteristic that would make it possible for them to be perceived... as being an indication of the commercial origin of the goods," it added. The company may now appeal to the European Court of Justice. Famous registered sound marks include jingles such as the Intel Pentium processor tune, but also other sounds such as the MGM lion's roar. Motorbike manufacturer Harley Davidson famously failed to get the rumble of its engines registered as a sound mark in the 1990s. (With inputs from agencies)

EU court refuses to grant trademark to 'fizzing' sound heard after opening can

The European Union's chief executive Ursula von der Leyen, facing pressure to cut funding to Budapest, has warned&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;to reverse course on its controversial LGBTQ law.

The legislation introduced by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban was sharply criticised by EU leaders at a summit last month, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte telling Budapest to respect EU values of tolerance or leave the 27-country bloc.

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Now, Brussels is considering legal action against the EU member state and is considering linking the disbursement of post-Covid recovery funds to its repeal.

European Commission President von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that, "Homosexuality is equated with pornography. This legislation uses the protection of children ... to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation ... It is a disgrace."

"No issue was as important as the one that impinges on our values and our identity," von der Leyen said of the Hungarian law discussion at the June EU summit, saying it went against the protection of minorities and respect for human rights.

Von der Leyen said&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;would face the full force of EU law if it did not back down, although she did not give details. Such steps could mean a ruling by the European Court of Justice and the freezing of EU funds for Budapest, EU lawmakers say.

Orban, who has been&nbsp;Hungary's prime minister since 2010 and faces an election next year, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Catholic values under pressure from the liberal West.

The Spanish government last month approved the draft of a bill to allow anyone over the age of 14 to change gender legally without a medical diagnosis or hormone therapy, the first large EU country to do so, in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called the split over values between eastern countries such as&nbsp;Hungary, Poland and Slovenia as a "cultural battle".

Hungary&nbsp;has for years defied the EU with authoritarian-style laws that critics say hamper free speech as well as threaten the independence of the country's judiciary.

The European Commission has launched several legal procedures to push back against Budapest, but these have gone nowhere after Poland and&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;blocked the process, which requires unanimity among the 27 member states to continue.

At issue now is a law, titled the "Anti-Paedophilia Act", that was originally billed as toughening punishments for child abuse. But its final draft contains amendments that critics say conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and generally stigmatises support for the LGBTQ community.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union's chief executive Ursula von der Leyen, facing pressure to cut funding to Budapest, has warned Hungary to reverse course on its controversial LGBTQ law.

The European Union's chief executive Ursula von der Leyen, facing pressure to cut funding to Budapest, has warned Hungary to reverse course on its controversial LGBTQ law. The legislation introduced by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban was sharply criticised by EU leaders at a summit last month, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte telling Budapest to respect EU values of tolerance or leave the 27-country bloc. Now, Brussels is considering legal action against the EU member state and is considering linking the disbursement of post-Covid recovery funds to its repeal. European Commission President von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that, "Homosexuality is equated with pornography. This legislation uses the protection of children ... to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation ... It is a disgrace." "No issue was as important as the one that impinges on our values and our identity," von der Leyen said of the Hungarian law discussion at the June EU summit, saying it went against the protection of minorities and respect for human rights. Von der Leyen said Hungary would face the full force of EU law if it did not back down, although she did not give details. Such steps could mean a ruling by the European Court of Justice and the freezing of EU funds for Budapest, EU lawmakers say. Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010 and faces an election next year, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Catholic values under pressure from the liberal West. The Spanish government last month approved the draft of a bill to allow anyone over the age of 14 to change gender legally without a medical diagnosis or hormone therapy, the first large EU country to do so, in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights. French President Emmanuel Macron has called the split over values between eastern countries such as Hungary, Poland and Slovenia as a "cultural battle". Hungary has for years defied the EU with authoritarian-style laws that critics say hamper free speech as well as threaten the independence of the country's judiciary. The European Commission has launched several legal procedures to push back against Budapest, but these have gone nowhere after Poland and Hungary blocked the process, which requires unanimity among the 27 member states to continue. At issue now is a law, titled the "Anti-Paedophilia Act", that was originally billed as toughening punishments for child abuse. But its final draft contains amendments that critics say conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and generally stigmatises support for the LGBTQ community. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union warns Hungary to 'rectify' anti-LGBTQ law

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting to discuss the status of relations between the European Union (EU) and China.

Xi Jinping holds virtual meeting with French and German leaders

<div>As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze.</div>

Calling it a "very difficult day", the Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the Greeks and the Israelis for responding positively to the appeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-in-cyprus-worst-forest-fire-in-decades-395745">Four dead in Cyprus' worst forest fire in decades</a>

The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, announced on Twitter a mobilization of aerial firefighting assets, including planes from Italy and Greece.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After a huge fire broke out in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cyprus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cyprus</a> Limassol district, our Emergency and Response Coordination Centre invited <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Greece?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Greece</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italy</a> to mobilise the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rescEU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rescEU</a> aerial firefighting capacity. 
 
🇬🇷 plane will arrive still tonight. 
 
We remain in close contact with 🇨🇾 authorities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUCivPro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUCivPro</a> <a href="https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO">https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO</a>
— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanezLenarcic/status/1411379958916730885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office also confirmed that they were sending "two firefighting planes", which are slated for arrival on Sunday.

There is no immediate report of casualties in the fire that started in Limassol's southern district of Arakapa. However, property damage has been reported.&nbsp;

Some villages in Larnaca were also evacuated as a precautionary measure, to prevent damage as temperatures in Cyprus have risen to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) during a week-long heatwave.

Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus' foreign minister, while talking to the official CNA news agency said that the island nation had requested assistance.

The minister said that four aircrafts had been requested to combat the blaze.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-cyprus-faces-worst-forest-fires-in-decades-395784">Pics | Cyprus faces worst forest fires in decades</a>

Off-duty personnel have also been called in to help with firefighting efforts as the fire seems to be raging on several fronts.

Costas Kadis, Agriculture Minister, said the situation is challenging which is why the government had to request assistance.

Assisted by British troops, and equipment already on the Mediterranean island, more than twenty firefighting vehicles, six helicopters and four planes have already been deployed to fight the flames.

The situation is so dire that dense smoke is visible from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, residents of Larnaca, the southern resort town south of Limassol have reported seeing the sun turning a "blood orange" colour.

As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze.

As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze. Calling it a "very difficult day", the Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the Greeks and the Israelis for responding positively to the appeal. Also read | Four dead in Cyprus' worst forest fire in decades The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, announced on Twitter a mobilization of aerial firefighting assets, including planes from Italy and Greece. After a huge fire broke out in #Cyprus Limassol district, our Emergency and Response Coordination Centre invited #Greece & #Italy to mobilise the #rescEU aerial firefighting capacity. 🇬🇷 plane will arrive still tonight. We remain in close contact with 🇨🇾 authorities. #EUCivPro https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO — Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) July 3, 2021 × Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office also confirmed that they were sending "two firefighting planes", which are slated for arrival on Sunday. There is no immediate report of casualties in the fire that started in Limassol's southern district of Arakapa. However, property damage has been reported. Some villages in Larnaca were also evacuated as a precautionary measure, to prevent damage as temperatures in Cyprus have risen to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) during a week-long heatwave. Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus' foreign minister, while talking to the official CNA news agency said that the island nation had requested assistance. The minister said that four aircrafts had been requested to combat the blaze. Also read | Pics | Cyprus faces worst forest fires in decades Off-duty personnel have also been called in to help with firefighting efforts as the fire seems to be raging on several fronts. Costas Kadis, Agriculture Minister, said the situation is challenging which is why the government had to request assistance. Assisted by British troops, and equipment already on the Mediterranean island, more than twenty firefighting vehicles, six helicopters and four planes have already been deployed to fight the flames. The situation is so dire that dense smoke is visible from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, residents of Larnaca, the southern resort town south of Limassol have reported seeing the sun turning a "blood orange" colour.

Cyprus seeks international assistance to combat 'worst forest fire' in decades

Estonia's envoy&nbsp;Katrin Kivi has said, "any vaccine is better than no vaccine" after&nbsp;the European Union&nbsp;launched&nbsp;a digital COVID certificate system&nbsp;designed to help citizens travel more freely across the 27-nation bloc and open up summer tourism.

The EU digital COVID certificate, which can be on a smartphone or printed out, takes the form of a QR-code, which indicates if a traveller has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a recent negative test result, or has immunity due to recent recovery from a COVID-19 infection.

The certificate is designed to be free of charge, issued and valid in all EU countries, and set out in the national language and in English. It also extends to non-EU countries of the border-free Schengen zone - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

While the bloc&nbsp;uses the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) list that has listed four, each member country is free to put any vaccine on the national list.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;Katrin Kivi&nbsp;said, "India has been giving so many vaccines to Indians and under&nbsp;COVAX&nbsp;scheme. It would be absolutely natural that Covishield will get recognition by WHO and EMA".&nbsp;

Estonia is the first country in Europe that has approved&nbsp;India-made Covishield and Covaxin on its national travel list. That means, any Indian vaccinated with these two&nbsp;vaccines will be allowed in the country subjected to other conditions in the Schengen rules.&nbsp;

WION: India-made vaccine Covishield and Covaxin have been approved by your country for Covid vaccine certificates. If you can give us the details?

Katrin Kivi:&nbsp;Thank you for inviting me, namaste. Indeed, the Estonia government had decided already on June 21 to acknowledge the vaccine certificates of countries like India. If travellers from these countries are able to present on the border covid vaccination certificate which has been approved officially by their governments and vaccines which are administered in this country. India is vaccinating Indians with Covishield and Covaxin, the citizens can get certificates concerning both vaccines.

The vaccine certificate only helps people to escape the mandatory quarantine at the border, it is not like a new sort of visa and it will not open automatically issuing or resuming third country person Schengen visas as of tourist. It is related with those Indian citizens already have a valid visa, who may be even are Estonian temporary or permanent resident. They can travel easily if they can present at the border the certificate. Other issue is EU green pass, it was meant to ease travel inside and in between EU member states.

Like in India you have different rules and restrictions between various states and territories, EU member states also had issued restrictions and travel was not so easy. Now with member states have decided to take these vaccines that are acknowledged by European medicine agencies into EU green pass, but it is not way a precondition or required by Indian citizens on the border. This is just for all EU members vaccinated with 4 vaccines. Until now we have only Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and J&amp;J on the green pass.

In order for India to get Covishield on the green pass approved vaccines, the Indian government should request a European medicines agency to add Covishield into this list, to do that particular file should be handed over. I really encourage India to do it, because India has been giving so many vaccines to Indians and to Covax. It would be absolutely natural that Covishield will get recognition by WHO and EMA.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WION: What was the thought process in allowing all nationally recognised vaccines?

Katrin Kivi:&nbsp;This is mainly aimed to protect the help of Estonians, and other citizens who are travelling to Estonia because it is very sure any vaccine is better than not being vaccinated. Estonian govt has just decided to acknowledge it and even we have a lot of border movement with Russia and they have sputnik which is administered. If Russians are travelling to Estonia, and they have a valid reason, relatives living in Estonia, they can present this certificate and escape the quarantine. Otherwise, they must be&nbsp;quarantined or isolated or not having any contact. If they are fully vaccinated and having negative PCR tests, why should they be isolated, that was the reason.&nbsp;

WION: what do you have to say about the EU Green pass. The pass could have used WHO list, instead of EMA list?

Katrin Kivi:&nbsp;This decision has been made together conjointly with all EU member states especially Schengen states. According to our commonly agreed rules, the European medicines agency or EMA has a say here, which vaccines are included in the green pass. This agency is not a political agency, it is a purely medical scientific agency and it works for the benefit of all people who are travelling inside the European Union. If Indian residents in Estonia, would be vaccinated , they could also get this green pass. In Estonia, we are vaccinating only with 4 vaccines. The main goal was to ease travel against the member states, so it not against the third country and not required or a pre-requisite or a must on the border.&nbsp;

WION: Are Indians allowed in Estonia?

Katrin Kivi:&nbsp;It is of course still a tricky question and fully related to the situation of pandemic. It means Indians who already have a valid Schengen visa or who are Estonian resident, who need to go to Estonia for work or meet relatives or health issue of close people, they are allowed to enter Estonia. As for new visas, Estonia embassy consular section has not yet resumed, issuing C visas, visas for touristic or non-essential travel. This may need some time, it may happen but we look at covid numbers and stick to the exiting Schengen rules, under which tourism is not open.

WION: What kind of cooperation between India, and Estonia? Both countries are non-permanent members of the UNSC, in fact, Estonia was the president just last month.

Katrin Kivi:&nbsp;You mention the good cooperation in the United Nations Security council, indeed, our second chairmanship just finished and one of the two&nbsp;most important debates in June, one on Afghanistan in which EAM Jaishankar took the floor, and the second was just two&nbsp;days ago on cybersecurity. These topics, Estonia and India understand are crucial in keeping the world safe and be virtual or physical space --we need rules and good state behaviour inside cyberspace.

Estonian and Indian relations in the current year will be marked by few other happy moments, namely, India is preparing to open its embassy in our capital, we welcome the Indian minister of external affairs. This year we also celebrate the 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations and last but not least we are waiting to unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and our two&nbsp;nations have a link and understanding that struggle, the battle for the restoration of Independence should be non-violent and fully peacefully.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Estonia's envoy Katrin Kivi has said, "any vaccine is better than no vaccine" after the European Union launched a digital COVID certificate system designed to help citizens travel more freely across the 27-nation bloc and open up summer tourism.

Estonia's envoy Katrin Kivi has said, "any vaccine is better than no vaccine" after the European Union launched a digital COVID certificate system designed to help citizens travel more freely across the 27-nation bloc and open up summer tourism. The EU digital COVID certificate, which can be on a smartphone or printed out, takes the form of a QR-code, which indicates if a traveller has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a recent negative test result, or has immunity due to recent recovery from a COVID-19 infection. The certificate is designed to be free of charge, issued and valid in all EU countries, and set out in the national language and in English. It also extends to non-EU countries of the border-free Schengen zone - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. While the bloc uses the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) list that has listed four, each member country is free to put any vaccine on the national list. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Katrin Kivi said, "India has been giving so many vaccines to Indians and under COVAX scheme. It would be absolutely natural that Covishield will get recognition by WHO and EMA". Estonia is the first country in Europe that has approved India-made Covishield and Covaxin on its national travel list. That means, any Indian vaccinated with these two vaccines will be allowed in the country subjected to other conditions in the Schengen rules. WION: India-made vaccine Covishield and Covaxin have been approved by your country for Covid vaccine certificates. If you can give us the details? Katrin Kivi: Thank you for inviting me, namaste. Indeed, the Estonia government had decided already on June 21 to acknowledge the vaccine certificates of countries like India. If travellers from these countries are able to present on the border covid vaccination certificate which has been approved officially by their governments and vaccines which are administered in this country. India is vaccinating Indians with Covishield and Covaxin, the citizens can get certificates concerning both vaccines. The vaccine certificate only helps people to escape the mandatory quarantine at the border, it is not like a new sort of visa and it will not open automatically issuing or resuming third country person Schengen visas as of tourist. It is related with those Indian citizens already have a valid visa, who may be even are Estonian temporary or permanent resident. They can travel easily if they can present at the border the certificate. Other issue is EU green pass, it was meant to ease travel inside and in between EU member states. Like in India you have different rules and restrictions between various states and territories, EU member states also had issued restrictions and travel was not so easy. Now with member states have decided to take these vaccines that are acknowledged by European medicine agencies into EU green pass, but it is not way a precondition or required by Indian citizens on the border. This is just for all EU members vaccinated with 4 vaccines. Until now we have only Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and J&J on the green pass. In order for India to get Covishield on the green pass approved vaccines, the Indian government should request a European medicines agency to add Covishield into this list, to do that particular file should be handed over. I really encourage India to do it, because India has been giving so many vaccines to Indians and to Covax. It would be absolutely natural that Covishield will get recognition by WHO and EMA. WION: What was the thought process in allowing all nationally recognised vaccines? Katrin Kivi: This is mainly aimed to protect the help of Estonians, and other citizens who are travelling to Estonia because it is very sure any vaccine is better than not being vaccinated. Estonian govt has just decided to acknowledge it and even we have a lot of border movement with Russia and they have sputnik which is administered. If Russians are travelling to Estonia, and they have a valid reason, relatives living in Estonia, they can present this certificate and escape the quarantine. Otherwise, they must be quarantined or isolated or not having any contact. If they are fully vaccinated and having negative PCR tests, why should they be isolated, that was the reason. WION: what do you have to say about the EU Green pass. The pass could have used WHO list, instead of EMA list? Katrin Kivi: This decision has been made together conjointly with all EU member states especially Schengen states. According to our commonly agreed rules, the European medicines agency or EMA has a say here, which vaccines are included in the green pass. This agency is not a political agency, it is a purely medical scientific agency and it works for the benefit of all people who are travelling inside the European Union. If Indian residents in Estonia, would be vaccinated , they could also get this green pass. In Estonia, we are vaccinating only with 4 vaccines. The main goal was to ease travel against the member states, so it not against the third country and not required or a pre-requisite or a must on the border. WION: Are Indians allowed in Estonia? Katrin Kivi: It is of course still a tricky question and fully related to the situation of pandemic. It means Indians who already have a valid Schengen visa or who are Estonian resident, who need to go to Estonia for work or meet relatives or health issue of close people, they are allowed to enter Estonia. As for new visas, Estonia embassy consular section has not yet resumed, issuing C visas, visas for touristic or non-essential travel. This may need some time, it may happen but we look at covid numbers and stick to the exiting Schengen rules, under which tourism is not open. WION: What kind of cooperation between India, and Estonia? Both countries are non-permanent members of the UNSC, in fact, Estonia was the president just last month. Katrin Kivi: You mention the good cooperation in the United Nations Security council, indeed, our second chairmanship just finished and one of the two most important debates in June, one on Afghanistan in which EAM Jaishankar took the floor, and the second was just two days ago on cybersecurity. These topics, Estonia and India understand are crucial in keeping the world safe and be virtual or physical space --we need rules and good state behaviour inside cyberspace. Estonian and Indian relations in the current year will be marked by few other happy moments, namely, India is preparing to open its embassy in our capital, we welcome the Indian minister of external affairs. This year we also celebrate the 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations and last but not least we are waiting to unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and our two nations have a link and understanding that struggle, the battle for the restoration of Independence should be non-violent and fully peacefully.

Exclusive: Any vaccine is better than no vaccine, says Estonia Envoy

The EU digital vaccine passport goes live from 1 July, allowing travelers from all 27 European Union countries to use their smartphone to prove that they have been vaccinated, have tested negative, or have recovered from COVID-19.

EU's COVID-19 'digital certificates' are up and running

Estonia has become the first European Union country to recognise both the COVID-19 vaccines authorised by India-Covisheild and Covaxin. Seven other EU nations have also given nod to Covishield.

Estonia becomes first EU nation to approve both Indian vaccines

China on Friday accused the European Union of setting 'unacceptable' preconditions for visiting Xinjiang region in China. The Chinese mission to the European Union released a statement in this regard.

The mission also accused European Union of 'hypocrisy'.

“China has sent an invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang and the two sides have been in constant communication," said the statement as per South China Mrning Post

“China has also invited diplomats from the EU and its member states posted in China many times to visit Xinjiang. However, the trip has not been carried out due to preconditions set by the EU side, which are unacceptable to any sovereign state,” it added.

China faces allegations that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang region are forced into 're-education' camps where they are indoctrinated, mistreated and tortured.

The US has already called the situation in Xinjiang a 'genocide'.

China has been denying the allegations and has been saying that its moves in Xinjiang have been designed to combat extremism and reduce poverty. 
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China on Friday accused the European Union of setting 'unacceptable' preconditions for visiting Xinjiang region in China. The Chinese mission to the European Union released a statement in this regard.

China on Friday accused the European Union of setting 'unacceptable' preconditions for visiting Xinjiang region in China. The Chinese mission to the European Union released a statement in this regard. The mission also accused European Union of 'hypocrisy'. “China has sent an invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang and the two sides have been in constant communication," said the statement as per South China Mrning Post “China has also invited diplomats from the EU and its member states posted in China many times to visit Xinjiang. However, the trip has not been carried out due to preconditions set by the EU side, which are unacceptable to any sovereign state,” it added. China faces allegations that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang region are forced into 're-education' camps where they are indoctrinated, mistreated and tortured. The US has already called the situation in Xinjiang a 'genocide'. China has been denying the allegations and has been saying that its moves in Xinjiang have been designed to combat extremism and reduce poverty.

EU demands over Xinjiang 'unacceptable', says China

Estonia's envoy Katrin Kivi has said, "any vaccine is better than no vaccine" even as the European Union has come with new certificates for travel inside the block. While the block uses the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) list that has 4 vaccines listed, each member country is free to put any vaccine on the national list.

Any vaccine is better than no vaccine, says Estonia Envoy Katrin Kivi

According to the European Medicines Agency, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine appear to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus. The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first spotted in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe.

EMA: Double doses of COVID-19 vaccine seem to protect against Delta variant

India has reached out to member countries of the European Union, urging to list domestically-made coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines--Covaxin and&nbsp;Covishield on the national travel lists formed in the backdrop of the Covid crisis.

Listing of these two&nbsp;vaccines ensures that anyone who is inoculated by them can be exempted under the EU green pass, also known as European Union (EU) Digital Covid Certificate that comes into effect from today.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also urged the EU member counties to accept the&nbsp;vaccination certificate issued through India's CoWIN portal. The CoWIN portal is a digital platform India is using as part of its vaccination drive against the Covid.

In a quid pro quo gesture, the offer includes "reciprocal&nbsp;recognition" of EU green pass if EU states agree with the above two proposals. This, in effect, means that travelers from the EU countries carrying the EU&nbsp;Digital Covid Certificate will be exempted from&nbsp;mandatory quarantine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many EU Member states like Ireland have given approval to Covishield for its national travel list.

The EU green pass uses the&nbsp;&nbsp;European Medicines Agency (EMA) list of approved vaccines.&nbsp;EMA, which gives commercial authorisation lists only 4 vaccines, none of them are India-made vaccines. But each member state has been given the&nbsp;flexibility to also accept vaccines that have been authorized at the national level or by the World Health Organization. WHO has given approval to 8 vaccines, which include Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India.

"The EU Digital covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the COVID-19 pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against covid 19 or received a negative result or recovered from COVID",&nbsp;European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto told WION earlier this week.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met his European counterpart Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet in Italy had raised the matter of Covishield's authorization. Earlier the matter has been raised with the&nbsp;EMA as well.

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India has reached out to member countries of the European Union, urging to list domestically-made coronavirus vaccines--Covaxin and Covishield on the national travel lists formed in the backdrop of the Covid crisis.

India has reached out to member countries of the European Union, urging to list domestically-made coronavirus vaccines--Covaxin and Covishield on the national travel lists formed in the backdrop of the Covid crisis. Listing of these two vaccines ensures that anyone who is inoculated by them can be exempted under the EU green pass, also known as European Union (EU) Digital Covid Certificate that comes into effect from today. New Delhi has also urged the EU member counties to accept the vaccination certificate issued through India's CoWIN portal. The CoWIN portal is a digital platform India is using as part of its vaccination drive against the Covid. In a quid pro quo gesture, the offer includes "reciprocal recognition" of EU green pass if EU states agree with the above two proposals. This, in effect, means that travelers from the EU countries carrying the EU Digital Covid Certificate will be exempted from mandatory quarantine. Many EU Member states like Ireland have given approval to Covishield for its national travel list. The EU green pass uses the European Medicines Agency (EMA) list of approved vaccines. EMA, which gives commercial authorisation lists only 4 vaccines, none of them are India-made vaccines. But each member state has been given the flexibility to also accept vaccines that have been authorized at the national level or by the World Health Organization. WHO has given approval to 8 vaccines, which include Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India. "The EU Digital covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the COVID-19 pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against covid 19 or received a negative result or recovered from COVID", European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto told WION earlier this week. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met his European counterpart Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet in Italy had raised the matter of Covishield's authorization. Earlier the matter has been raised with the EMA as well.

India reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines

German biotech company&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effective in the final trial,&nbsp; missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germanys-biontech-curevac-joins-coronavirus-vaccine-race-314191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The stakes for&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders.

CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive.

As&nbsp;CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses.

The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy.

Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants.

CureVac&nbsp;said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent.&nbsp;

Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death.

In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread".

The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit.

The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine should it receive regulatory approval.

Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race,&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors.

CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers.

CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production.

These factors could possibly give&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;an edge in poorer or warmer countries.

Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even&nbsp;CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA.

The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK.

Early results on rats have been promising, it said.&nbsp;Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021.

CureVac&nbsp;was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP.

The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;for 300 million euros.

The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied.

(With inputs from agencies)

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union. The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups. The stakes for CureVac and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders. CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive. As CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses. The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy. Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants. CureVac said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent. Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death. In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread". The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit. The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the CureVac vaccine should it receive regulatory approval. Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race, CureVac believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors. CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers. CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production. These factors could possibly give CureVac an edge in poorer or warmer countries. Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA. The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK. Early results on rats have been promising, it said. Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021. CureVac was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP. The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in CureVac for 300 million euros. The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any CureVac vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany's COVID-19 vaccine CureVac disappoints in pivotal final trial, with only 48 per cent efficacy

Seven European Union countries- Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Spain- and Switzerland have put the Covishield vaccine, shortly after India warned of retaliation when none of its vaccines were added to the ‘Green Pass’.

Seven countries in Europe accepting Covishield for travel: Report

Nine&nbsp;European countries have listed Covishield on the national guidelines for travel amid the COVID crisis, a development that comes even as the European Union Green pass that comes into effect from today for inter-bloc travel.

The countries which have approved the Covishield vaccine include Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland, Spain and Estonia.

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Importantly, Estonia has confirmed it&nbsp;"will recognise all the vaccines authorised by Government of India for travel of Indians to Estonia,"&nbsp; sources told WION.

That means that both Covishield and Covaxin vaccinated persons are allowed in the country, along with Sputnik and Moderna. Estonia in northern Europe is the first EU member country to list both the India-made vaccines.

Switzerland has allowed Covishield as a Schengen state or the common area comprising of 26 European countries that have a common visa policy.&nbsp;Iceland, which is not part of the bloc but is in the European Economic Area, has also agreed to the Serum Institute of India-made vaccines. Both Switzerland and Iceland are not part of the EU bloc.

The development comes amid a row over EU green pass or&nbsp;European Union (EU) Digital Covid Certificate that uses the&nbsp;European Medicines Agency (EMA) list of approved vaccines.&nbsp;

EMA commercially authorises vaccines in the bloc and has listed only four&nbsp;vaccines, none of which are India-made vaccines.&nbsp;India has reached out to member countries of the European Union, urging to list India-made Covaxin and&nbsp;Covishield on the national travel lists formed in the backdrop of Covid crisis.

New Delhi has also urged the EU member counties to accept the vaccination certificate issued through India's CoWIN portal. The CoWIN portal is a digital platform India is using as part of its vaccination drive.

As part of a reciprocal win-win situation for all,&nbsp;nationals from all countries which have accepted Indian proposals will be exempted from mandatory quarantine, with Indian authorities recognising the EU green pass.

Nine European countries have listed Covishield on the national guidelines for travel amid the COVID crisis, a development that comes even as the European Union Green pass that comes into effect from today for inter-bloc travel.

Nine European countries have listed Covishield on the national guidelines for travel amid the COVID crisis, a development that comes even as the European Union Green pass that comes into effect from today for inter-bloc travel. The countries which have approved the Covishield vaccine include Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland, Spain and Estonia. Importantly, Estonia has confirmed it "will recognise all the vaccines authorised by Government of India for travel of Indians to Estonia," sources told WION. That means that both Covishield and Covaxin vaccinated persons are allowed in the country, along with Sputnik and Moderna. Estonia in northern Europe is the first EU member country to list both the India-made vaccines. Switzerland has allowed Covishield as a Schengen state or the common area comprising of 26 European countries that have a common visa policy. Iceland, which is not part of the bloc but is in the European Economic Area, has also agreed to the Serum Institute of India-made vaccines. Both Switzerland and Iceland are not part of the EU bloc. The development comes amid a row over EU green pass or European Union (EU) Digital Covid Certificate that uses the European Medicines Agency (EMA) list of approved vaccines. EMA commercially authorises vaccines in the bloc and has listed only four vaccines, none of which are India-made vaccines. India has reached out to member countries of the European Union, urging to list India-made Covaxin and Covishield on the national travel lists formed in the backdrop of Covid crisis. New Delhi has also urged the EU member counties to accept the vaccination certificate issued through India's CoWIN portal. The CoWIN portal is a digital platform India is using as part of its vaccination drive. As part of a reciprocal win-win situation for all, nationals from all countries which have accepted Indian proposals will be exempted from mandatory quarantine, with Indian authorities recognising the EU green pass.

Nine European countries list India-made Covishield on national travel list

7 EU nation's include Covishield in ‘Green Pass’ list

The Indian government has reportedly told the EU that it should either accept the two vaccines manufactured in India, Covaxin and Covishield, or face mandatory quarantine upon arrival in India.

India asks EU to accept Covaxin, Covishield or to face quarantine

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa.

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa. As per the new rules, the EU will do away with the need for quarantines and further testing for travellers immunised with Covid vaccines recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These travellers will receive a digital Covid certificate showing their vaccination status. The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19. Read | Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines In a joint statement released Monday, the African Union (AU) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the rules "put at risk the equitable treatment" of people vaccinated in Africa. "These developments are concerning given that the Covishield vaccine has been the backbone of the EU-supported Covax contributions to the AU Member States’ vaccination programmes," the statement added. The European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz said that individual EU governments may decide to allow entry to travellers who have received jabs recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes Covishield. He further added that Covishield "is an issue that we are looking at in more detail". Covishield, while on WHO's authorized list, is not listed by the European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the block. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the block uses the EMA list. In a statement to WION, on Monday, European Medicines Agency said Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation in the bloc, pointing out that "should we receive a marketing authorization application for Covishield ...we would communicate about it." Each member country is also allowed to use any vaccine that it is okay with. Switzerland has made it clear that anyone who has been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread such as India or the United Kingdom. Ireland has listed Covishield as one of the vaccines for travellers coming to the country. Meanwhile, France is "actively working" on allowing Covishield after India raised the matter. Watch | Covishield excluded from EU's COVID 'Green Pass'

African Union warns EU over vaccine certificate 'inequality'

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