European Union has excluded COVID-19 vaccine Covishield from its 'Green Pass' list. India has formally raised the issue with the EU. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute, said he has taken this up at the “highest levels”.

India's Covishield vaccine excluded from European Union's 'green pass'

The issue of domestically manufactured Covishield not being on the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) "virtual vaccine passport" list has been taken up by India. 
 
EMA is the regulatory body that approves medical products in the bloc. The matter has also been raised with the French government by India.

Serum Institute of India, the vaccine's maker, had never applied to the European Medicines Agency.

Earlier today its Chief assured the matter will be resolved soon.

Adar Poonawalla tweeted that, "I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken COVISHIELD are facing issues with travel to the EU, I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels and hope to resolve this matter soon, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries."

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I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken COVISHIELD are facing issues with travel to the E.U., I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels and hope to resolve this matter soon, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1409382675748515841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Green Pass, which will be available on July 1, will allow for unrestricted movement in all EU member states for business and tourism.

Those who have been inoculated with any of the vaccinations approved by the European Medicines Agency would be eligible for the pass.

Only four vaccines are permitted for travel within the European Union under the certificate issued by the European Medicines Agency. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics</a>

They are Vaxzevria (Oxford-AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Spikevax (Moderna) and Janssen (Johnson &amp; Johnson).

The Covishield version of AstraZeneca, which is manufactured by India's Serum Institute of India (SII), is not on the list. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-vaccine-to-be-tested-on-children-to-test-efficacy-363946">AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy</a>

Only the Vaxzervia version of the AstraZeneca vaccine - manufactured in the UK and other sites in Europe - is eligible for Green Pass.

EU digital Covid certificate is digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. It is valid in all EU countries. EMA releases a monthly update for each authorized COVID-19 vaccine.

While the impact is still to be known of the decision, but Covishield's listing under EMA means ease of travelling for Indians in future. The vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India has been approved by the World Health Organization.

The issue of domestically manufactured Covishield not being on the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) "virtual vaccine passport" list has been taken up by India. EMA is the regulatory body that approves medical products in the bloc.

The issue of domestically manufactured Covishield not being on the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) "virtual vaccine passport" list has been taken up by India. EMA is the regulatory body that approves medical products in the bloc. The matter has also been raised with the French government by India. Serum Institute of India, the vaccine's maker, had never applied to the European Medicines Agency. Earlier today its Chief assured the matter will be resolved soon. Adar Poonawalla tweeted that, "I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken COVISHIELD are facing issues with travel to the EU, I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels and hope to resolve this matter soon, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries." I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken COVISHIELD are facing issues with travel to the E.U., I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels and hope to resolve this matter soon, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) June 28, 2021 × The Green Pass, which will be available on July 1, will allow for unrestricted movement in all EU member states for business and tourism. Those who have been inoculated with any of the vaccinations approved by the European Medicines Agency would be eligible for the pass. Only four vaccines are permitted for travel within the European Union under the certificate issued by the European Medicines Agency. Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics They are Vaxzevria (Oxford-AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Spikevax (Moderna) and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). The Covishield version of AstraZeneca, which is manufactured by India's Serum Institute of India (SII), is not on the list. Also read | AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy Only the Vaxzervia version of the AstraZeneca vaccine - manufactured in the UK and other sites in Europe - is eligible for Green Pass. EU digital Covid certificate is digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. It is valid in all EU countries. EMA releases a monthly update for each authorized COVID-19 vaccine. While the impact is still to be known of the decision, but Covishield's listing under EMA means ease of travelling for Indians in future. The vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India has been approved by the World Health Organization.

India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow.

The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years.

"There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us."

"The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin.

EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia.

Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious.

He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro.

(With inputs from agencies)

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit.

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow. The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years. "There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us." "The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin. EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia. Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious. He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro. (With inputs from agencies)

Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level".&nbsp;

Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> sit-down with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;in Geneva last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-putin-summit-takeaways-respect-optimism-and-some-scepticism-392063">Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism</a>

But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position.&nbsp;

"The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-russia-ready-to-cut-ties-with-eu-over-sanctions-asserts-lavrov-363130">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov</a>

"But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions."

Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"Why have a summit with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said.&nbsp;

Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-will-retaliate-if-eu-imposes-new-sanctions-over-navalny-362989">Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny</a>

The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then.&nbsp;

While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners."

The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday. The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level". Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of US President Joe Biden's sit-down with Putin in Geneva last week. Also read | Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin. EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position. "The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued. Also read | 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov "But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions." Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader. "Why have a summit with Putin if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said. Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures. Also read | Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and Putin took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then. While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression. Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners." The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany, France propose EU-Russia summit: Diplomats

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report in The Guardian, the decision is likely to effect the entertainment industry of the UK and the country's soft power outside of Britain. 
 
UK is reportedly the biggest producer of film and TV content in Europe and its dominance has been described as a threat to the cultural diversity of other European nations.&nbsp; 
 
The Guardian has reportedly got access to an internal &nbsp;EU document. The decision is likely to add to the long list of points of high tensions in the relationship between EU and UK since the country left the single market and customs union. 
 
Several countries in EU have already put a quote on how much British content would be allowed airtime in their country. Under the EU’s audiovisual media services directive, a majority of airtime has to be allotted to terrestrial television. Atleast 30 % of the number of title on video should be available on OTT platforms. 
 
France has set a 60% quota for European works on VOD.&nbsp;

The EU document that reportedly has been tabled with diplomats on June 8, states that inclusion of UK content in such quotas has led to disproportionate amount of British content across Europe.&nbsp; 
 
The European Commission has now been given the task to do launch a study to find out the impact EU's cultural diversity has due to British programming. This, the diplomats feel, would be a first step towards limiting the rights granted to UK programming.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit.

The EU is planning to cut down on the "disproportionate" amount of British television and film content that is currently being shown across Europe. The decision comes after Brexit. According to a report in The Guardian, the decision is likely to effect the entertainment industry of the UK and the country's soft power outside of Britain. UK is reportedly the biggest producer of film and TV content in Europe and its dominance has been described as a threat to the cultural diversity of other European nations. The Guardian has reportedly got access to an internal EU document. The decision is likely to add to the long list of points of high tensions in the relationship between EU and UK since the country left the single market and customs union. Several countries in EU have already put a quote on how much British content would be allowed airtime in their country. Under the EU’s audiovisual media services directive, a majority of airtime has to be allotted to terrestrial television. Atleast 30 % of the number of title on video should be available on OTT platforms. France has set a 60% quota for European works on VOD. The EU document that reportedly has been tabled with diplomats on June 8, states that inclusion of UK content in such quotas has led to disproportionate amount of British content across Europe. The European Commission has now been given the task to do launch a study to find out the impact EU's cultural diversity has due to British programming. This, the diplomats feel, would be a first step towards limiting the rights granted to UK programming.

EU planning to restrict 'disproportionate' amount of British TV and film content post Brexit

European Union's data protection agencies called for a &nbsp;ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy.

The two bodies called for a "general ban" &nbsp;on the practice that would include "recognition of faces, gait, fingerprints, DNA, voice, keystrokes and other biometric or behavioural signals, in any context". It is a non-binding opinion.

Such practices "interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms to such an extent that they may call into question the essence of these rights and freedoms," the heads of the European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor said.

If it becomes a reality, the ban would include any AI that would &nbsp;"categorise individuals into clusters based on ethnicity, gender, political or sexual orientation", the statement said

The opinion of the agencies is intended for the European Commission.

The commission's plan includes special exceptions for allowing the use of mass facial recognition in cases such as searching for a missing child, averting a terror threat, or tracking down someone suspected of a serious crime.

Brussels hopes its first-ever legislative package on AI will help Europe catch up with the US and China in a sector that spans from voice recognition to insurance and law enforcement.

In a statement, the commission said it took note of the opinion, but stood by a proposal "that provides sufficient protection and limits the use of those systems to the strict minimum necessary".&nbsp;

The proposal is under negotiation at the European Parliament and among the 27 member states. The outcome could set a global standard for how tech is regulated.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union's data protection agencies called for a ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy.

European Union's data protection agencies called for a ban on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify people in public places. The agencies pointed to the "extremely high risk to privacy. The two bodies called for a "general ban" on the practice that would include "recognition of faces, gait, fingerprints, DNA, voice, keystrokes and other biometric or behavioural signals, in any context". It is a non-binding opinion. Such practices "interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms to such an extent that they may call into question the essence of these rights and freedoms," the heads of the European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor said. If it becomes a reality, the ban would include any AI that would "categorise individuals into clusters based on ethnicity, gender, political or sexual orientation", the statement said The opinion of the agencies is intended for the European Commission. The commission's plan includes special exceptions for allowing the use of mass facial recognition in cases such as searching for a missing child, averting a terror threat, or tracking down someone suspected of a serious crime. Brussels hopes its first-ever legislative package on AI will help Europe catch up with the US and China in a sector that spans from voice recognition to insurance and law enforcement. In a statement, the commission said it took note of the opinion, but stood by a proposal "that provides sufficient protection and limits the use of those systems to the strict minimum necessary". The proposal is under negotiation at the European Parliament and among the 27 member states. The outcome could set a global standard for how tech is regulated. (With inputs from agencies)

EU data protection agencies want ban on AI facial recognition

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target.

The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised.

However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September.

If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered.

"This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.&nbsp;

"It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said.

"This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis."

AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling.

"The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said.&nbsp;

"The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation.&nbsp;

"To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded. Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target. The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised. However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September. If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered. "This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. "It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said. "This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis." AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling. "The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said. "The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation. "To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."

Court orders AstraZeneca to deliver less vaccines than EU demand

The European Union decided to add the United States to its safe travel list. Non-essential travel from the US and other places had been banned in the EU in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic to avoid further contagion.

EU set to add United States to safe travel list

The European Union imposed fresh&nbsp;sanctions on 78 individuals and seven entities of Belarus on Wednesday in response to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board in May.

The sanctions, approved by EU ambassadors and to be adopted by the bloc's foreign ministers at a meeting on Monday, target seven individuals with links to the Belarus aviation sector, according to a diplomat.

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EU ambassadors also signed off on a fourth package of asset freezes and travel bans, to be imposed on more than 70 Belarusian individuals in response to last year's contested presidential election, the diplomat said.

This fourth package of measures was already being prepared when the Ryanair jet was forced to land in Minsk on May 23 and opposition blogger Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend were arrested by Belarusian authorities.

EU governments described the incident as air piracy and, at the start of June, banned Belarusian airlines from flying over European Union territory or having access to its airports.

The latest listing of seven individuals is meant as a stop-gap measure while economic sanctions are discussed to inflict real punishment on President Alexander Lukashenko. They could target bond sales, the oil sector and potash, a big Belarusian export.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko sparked international outrage by dispatching a fighter jet on May 23 to intercept the Athens-to-Vilnius flight and arresting dissident journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend on board.&nbsp;

The EU in response has already blocked Belarusian airlines from flying to the bloc and stopped carriers from its 27 nations from using Belarusian airpace.

Brussels is also currently working on plans to hit key sectors of the Belarusian economy, with fertiliser production and bond sales in Europe possible targets.&nbsp;

The EU has already placed 88 individuals -- including Lukashenko and his son --and seven companies on an asset freeze and visa ban blacklist over a brutal crackdown on protests since the veteran leader claimed victory at elections in August deemed fraudulent by the West.&nbsp;

Lukashenko,&nbsp;who has ruled&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;since 1994, has so far shrugged off the impact of the pressure with backing from his key ally Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union imposed fresh sanctions on 78 individuals and seven entities of Belarus on Wednesday in response to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board in May.

The European Union imposed fresh sanctions on 78 individuals and seven entities of Belarus on Wednesday in response to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board in May. The sanctions, approved by EU ambassadors and to be adopted by the bloc's foreign ministers at a meeting on Monday, target seven individuals with links to the Belarus aviation sector, according to a diplomat. EU ambassadors also signed off on a fourth package of asset freezes and travel bans, to be imposed on more than 70 Belarusian individuals in response to last year's contested presidential election, the diplomat said. This fourth package of measures was already being prepared when the Ryanair jet was forced to land in Minsk on May 23 and opposition blogger Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend were arrested by Belarusian authorities. EU governments described the incident as air piracy and, at the start of June, banned Belarusian airlines from flying over European Union territory or having access to its airports. The latest listing of seven individuals is meant as a stop-gap measure while economic sanctions are discussed to inflict real punishment on President Alexander Lukashenko. They could target bond sales, the oil sector and potash, a big Belarusian export. Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko sparked international outrage by dispatching a fighter jet on May 23 to intercept the Athens-to-Vilnius flight and arresting dissident journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend on board. The EU in response has already blocked Belarusian airlines from flying to the bloc and stopped carriers from its 27 nations from using Belarusian airpace. Brussels is also currently working on plans to hit key sectors of the Belarusian economy, with fertiliser production and bond sales in Europe possible targets. The EU has already placed 88 individuals -- including Lukashenko and his son --and seven companies on an asset freeze and visa ban blacklist over a brutal crackdown on protests since the veteran leader claimed victory at elections in August deemed fraudulent by the West. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has so far shrugged off the impact of the pressure with backing from his key ally Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union imposes new sanctions on Belarus after plane re-routing

European leaders are facing a pushback from within. European Lawmakers want the Union to back a vaccine patent waiver. Key European leaders are backing it too. Is the EU getting isolated for going against patent waivers?

Gravitas: European Lawmakers want their leaders to back a vaccine patent waiver

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence.

After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable.

"The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on."

"There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU.

The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed.

Brexit

Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position. The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence. After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable. "The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on." "There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU. The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. Brexit Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Implement the Brexit deal, EU tells UK PM Boris Johnson

European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;countries agreed on Friday to an easing of travel restrictions over summer that will allow fully vaccinated tourists to avoid tests or quarantines and broaden the list of EU regions from which it is safe to travel.

Ambassadors from the 27 EU member states approved a modified&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission proposal that people who have been fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> for 14 days should be able to travel freely from one EU country to another, current EU president Portugal said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-lawmakers-ok-virus-pass-boosting-summer-travel-hopes-390322">EU lawmakers OK virus pass, boosting summer travel hopes</a>

Restrictions for other travellers should be based on the degree to which the country they are coming from has COVID-19 infections under control. Just over a quarter of EU adults are now fully vaccinated.

The revised guidelines come as the EU introduces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> certificates that will indicate whether a person is vaccinated, has immunity because they were previously infected, or has had a recent negative test. The system is set to be ready by July 1, although some countries will launch certificates earlier.

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As the pace of vaccinations accelerates, the bloc will loosen the traffic light colour coding to represent the relative safety of various EU regions. The limits for the next, "orange" level will also rise. For travel from a green zone, there should be no restrictions, from orange - potential for a test; for red - a possible quarantine; and non-essential travel discouraged for "dark red".

Children aged 12 or more could be tested, but would only quarantine if an adult accompanying also had to.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-europe-reopens-borders-germany-to-lift-travel-warning-for-most-countries-from-july-1-390867">As Europe reopens borders, Germany to lift travel warning for most countries from July 1</a>

EU member states will also be able to hit an "emergency brake" to bar all travellers from a region showing a spike in more infectious variants of the disease. The system is designed also to apply to non-EU members of the open-border Schengen zone - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but not to former EU member Britain.

European Union countries agreed on Friday to an easing of travel restrictions over summer that will allow fully vaccinated tourists to avoid tests or quarantines and broaden the list of EU regions from which it is safe to travel.

European Union countries agreed on Friday to an easing of travel restrictions over summer that will allow fully vaccinated tourists to avoid tests or quarantines and broaden the list of EU regions from which it is safe to travel. Ambassadors from the 27 EU member states approved a modified European Commission proposal that people who have been fully vaccinated for 14 days should be able to travel freely from one EU country to another, current EU president Portugal said. Also read | EU lawmakers OK virus pass, boosting summer travel hopes Restrictions for other travellers should be based on the degree to which the country they are coming from has COVID-19 infections under control. Just over a quarter of EU adults are now fully vaccinated. The revised guidelines come as the EU introduces COVID-19 certificates that will indicate whether a person is vaccinated, has immunity because they were previously infected, or has had a recent negative test. The system is set to be ready by July 1, although some countries will launch certificates earlier. As the pace of vaccinations accelerates, the bloc will loosen the traffic light colour coding to represent the relative safety of various EU regions. The limits for the next, "orange" level will also rise. For travel from a green zone, there should be no restrictions, from orange - potential for a test; for red - a possible quarantine; and non-essential travel discouraged for "dark red". Children aged 12 or more could be tested, but would only quarantine if an adult accompanying also had to. Also read | As Europe reopens borders, Germany to lift travel warning for most countries from July 1 EU member states will also be able to hit an "emergency brake" to bar all travellers from a region showing a spike in more infectious variants of the disease. The system is designed also to apply to non-EU members of the open-border Schengen zone - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but not to former EU member Britain.

EU countries clear plan to ease cross-border tourism over summer

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

"The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio.

"We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve. "The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio. "We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

EU ambassador to UK says trust is low ahead of Brexit talks

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups

Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari.&nbsp;

The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban.

"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said.

"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."&nbsp;

"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added.

More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria.

The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year.

On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest.

The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter.

The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely.

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari. The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. "Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. "Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic." "The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria. The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit

"Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer. And we have to do this together," von der Leyen said.

"The next six months are crucial for the health and well-being of our people and our planet. Let's work together."

The EU's new target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Agreed last month, the goal is more ambitious than the previous plan for a 40% cut.

Organisers of the summit are calling for participating countries to take action to implement emissions targets made at other climate summits.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit "Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the world was in "the make or break decade' with respect to the climate change. She was delivering a virtual speech at the 2021 Partnering for Green growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit "Change is never easy but Europe has taken the decision because mankind can't wait any longer. And we have to do this together," von der Leyen said. "The next six months are crucial for the health and well-being of our people and our planet. Let's work together." The EU's new target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Agreed last month, the goal is more ambitious than the previous plan for a 40% cut. Organisers of the summit are calling for participating countries to take action to implement emissions targets made at other climate summits. (With inputs from agencies)

EU chief calls current decade 'make or break' for climate change

Number of European Union citizens being prevented from entering the UK has gone up in last three months, figures with UK Home Office revealed.

This spike has been seen in spite of the massive reduction in travel due to Covid restrictions. However, post-Brexit rules have kicked in and this is clearly having an effect.

3,294 EU citizens were barred from entering the UK over last three months.

In the same quarter last year, 493 EU citizens were barred from entry. This was even when air traffic was 20 times higher.

The passengers are often being held in detention before being expelled.

The Home Office ordered earlier this month that EU citizens should not be locked up and should be given bail so that they can stay with their relatives and friends until the matter is resolved.

Experts have been quoted in media reports expressing fear that the number of EU citizens expelled would go up once restrictions for air travel are eased.

Number of European Union citizens being prevented from entering the UK has gone up in last three months, figures with UK Home Office revealed. This spike has been seen in spite of the massive reduction in travel due to Covid restrictions.

Number of European Union citizens being prevented from entering the UK has gone up in last three months, figures with UK Home Office revealed. This spike has been seen in spite of the massive reduction in travel due to Covid restrictions. However, post-Brexit rules have kicked in and this is clearly having an effect. 3,294 EU citizens were barred from entering the UK over last three months. In the same quarter last year, 493 EU citizens were barred from entry. This was even when air traffic was 20 times higher. The passengers are often being held in detention before being expelled. The Home Office ordered earlier this month that EU citizens should not be locked up and should be given bail so that they can stay with their relatives and friends until the matter is resolved. Experts have been quoted in media reports expressing fear that the number of EU citizens expelled would go up once restrictions for air travel are eased.

More EU citizens are being denied entry into UK after Brexit

Switzerland has decided to end the seven-year negotiations with the European Union to modernize their bilateral relations.

Switzerland rejects new bilateral treaty with the EU over free movement directive

European operators are re-routing their flights to avoid Belarus after a Ryanair flight was diverted to arrest a Lukashenko critic. In Brussels, EU leaders have approved a fresh round of sanctions. Will they be enough to prompt the release of Roman Protasevich? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Belarus airspace deserted after EU boycott

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has accused President Alexander Lukashenko of turning the country&nbsp;into "North Korea of Europe".

Speaking to the European Parliament via video link on Wednesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a series of concrete measures, including a ban on new foreign investments and on Belarus's main exports like oil and metal products, potash fertilisers and wood.

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She also said that&nbsp;the opposition was preparing to stage a new phase of active anti-government protests in&nbsp;Belarus.

The European Union said it was eyeing fresh sanctions on Lukashenko's regime after the plane incident.

European leaders have also demanded the release of Roman Protasevich, the opposition activist who was on board the plane and arrested by Belarus authorities in Minsk.

The 26-year-old activist co-ran the Nexta Telegram channels, prominent voices of the opposition that helped mobilise and coordinate protesters.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Lukashenko has accused the West of trying to use the diversion of a Ryanair plane at the weekend to wage hybrid war against him and said it had falsely portrayed his handling of the incident.

In his first comments after what some European politicians described as a "state-sponsored hijacking" on Sunday, Lukashenko said he had acted legally and in accordance with all international norms, but that 'ill-wishers' were trying to use the plane episode to try to undermine his rule.

"As we predicted our ill-wishers from outside the country and from inside the country changed their methods of attack on the state," Lukashenko told parliament.

"They (the ill-wishers) have crossed many red lines and have abandoned common sense and human morals."

Airlines re-routed flights to avoid&nbsp;Belarus's airspace on Tuesday and&nbsp;Belarusian planes faced a possible ban from Europe, as international outrage mounted over Minsk forcing down a jetliner and arresting a dissident journalist on board.

Belarusian air control advised the Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius to divert to Minsk, according to a transcript, due to what turned out to be a hoax bomb threat.&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;also scrambled a MiG-29 fighter jet to escort the passenger plane.

Belarusian authorities then swiftly detained Roman Protasevich, a dissident journalist who had been travelling on board the plane, along with his girlfriend. Both face criminal charges.

Lukashenko, according to Russia's TASS news agency, said Protasevich had planned a "bloody rebellion" in&nbsp;Belarus.

The Western response to the plane diversion was part of a "hybrid war" against his country and he would respond harshly to any sanctions or provocations, the Belta news agency reported him as telling parliament.

Mass protests erupted against President Alexander Lukashenko last summer after he declared victory in a presidential election that his opponents said was rigged, but they lost momentum amid a sweeping crackdown by the authorities.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has accused President Alexander Lukashenko of turning the country into "North Korea of Europe". Speaking to the European Parliament via video link on Wednesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a series of concrete measures, including a ban on new foreign investments and on Belarus's main exports like oil and metal products, potash fertilisers and wood.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has accused President Alexander Lukashenko of turning the country into "North Korea of Europe". Speaking to the European Parliament via video link on Wednesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a series of concrete measures, including a ban on new foreign investments and on Belarus's main exports like oil and metal products, potash fertilisers and wood. She also said that the opposition was preparing to stage a new phase of active anti-government protests in Belarus. The European Union said it was eyeing fresh sanctions on Lukashenko's regime after the plane incident. European leaders have also demanded the release of Roman Protasevich, the opposition activist who was on board the plane and arrested by Belarus authorities in Minsk. The 26-year-old activist co-ran the Nexta Telegram channels, prominent voices of the opposition that helped mobilise and coordinate protesters. Meanwhile, Lukashenko has accused the West of trying to use the diversion of a Ryanair plane at the weekend to wage hybrid war against him and said it had falsely portrayed his handling of the incident. In his first comments after what some European politicians described as a "state-sponsored hijacking" on Sunday, Lukashenko said he had acted legally and in accordance with all international norms, but that 'ill-wishers' were trying to use the plane episode to try to undermine his rule. "As we predicted our ill-wishers from outside the country and from inside the country changed their methods of attack on the state," Lukashenko told parliament. "They (the ill-wishers) have crossed many red lines and have abandoned common sense and human morals." Airlines re-routed flights to avoid Belarus's airspace on Tuesday and Belarusian planes faced a possible ban from Europe, as international outrage mounted over Minsk forcing down a jetliner and arresting a dissident journalist on board. Belarusian air control advised the Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius to divert to Minsk, according to a transcript, due to what turned out to be a hoax bomb threat. Belarus also scrambled a MiG-29 fighter jet to escort the passenger plane. Belarusian authorities then swiftly detained Roman Protasevich, a dissident journalist who had been travelling on board the plane, along with his girlfriend. Both face criminal charges. Lukashenko, according to Russia's TASS news agency, said Protasevich had planned a "bloody rebellion" in Belarus. The Western response to the plane diversion was part of a "hybrid war" against his country and he would respond harshly to any sanctions or provocations, the Belta news agency reported him as telling parliament. Mass protests erupted against President Alexander Lukashenko last summer after he declared victory in a presidential election that his opponents said was rigged, but they lost momentum amid a sweeping crackdown by the authorities.

Belarus opposition leader accuses Lukashenko of turning country into 'North Korea of Europe'

European Union leaders agreed to impose more sanctions on Belarus, including economic ones. EU leaders have also cut Europe's airlinks with Belarus and agreed on banning Belarusian airlines from the bloc.

EU leaders agree to impose more sanctions on Belarus over Ryanair flight 'hijacking'

Global leaders have condemned Belarus' diversion of the Ryanair flight and the detention of a journalist. The move has provoked a furious outcry from EU leaders who described it as a 'hijacking' and an act of 'state terrorism'. EU has also said to discuss toughening of its existing sanctions against Belarus at a pre-planned summit today.

EU leaders call for sanctions against Belarus over Ryanair plane 'hijacking', arrest of journalist

In a move that will be widely welcomed, the European Parliament has decided to extend support to India-South Africa's joint proposal for Covid vaccine patent waiver that will help in large-scale production of the vaccines.

Para 14 of the&nbsp;resolution&nbsp;called on "EU to set up a clear and coherent EU global COVID-19 vaccination strategy" and therefore "to support the Indian and South African World Trade Organization initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, equipment, and treatments" while urging "pharmaceutical companies to share their knowledge and data through the World Health Organization COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)".

The support comes via a very circuitous route, with the&nbsp;specific paragraph being mentioned on&nbsp;a resolution on AIDS. The resolution&nbsp;“accelerating progress and tackling inequalities towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030" saw 468 votes in favour, 63 against, and 162 abstentions.

In October 2020, India and South Africa had jointly initiated the proposal at WTO but had met with resistance from the west. The tide started to turn, with US President Biden extending support to the proposal. In March of this year, a group of Members of European Parliament or MEPs and EU national parliamentarians called on the EU Commission to drop its opposition to the waiver.

The matter also came up at the May 8 India-EU leadership summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi urging European Union leadership to support the wavier.&nbsp;"I think it is very important. We should be open to this discussion", the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said after the summit.&nbsp;The&nbsp;session of the European Parliament between June 7-10 will see a discussion on waiver of COVID-19 vaccine patents.

India and the EU are major centres of vaccine production. Before the second wave of the Covid pandemic hit, India had exported vaccines to over 90 countries. The European Union, which has produced 400 million doses of vaccines, has exported half of its stockpile of&nbsp;200 million to 90 countries.

In a move that will be widely welcomed, the European Parliament has decided to extend support to India-South Africa's joint proposal for Covid vaccine patent waiver that will help in large-scale production of the vaccines.

In a move that will be widely welcomed, the European Parliament has decided to extend support to India-South Africa's joint proposal for Covid vaccine patent waiver that will help in large-scale production of the vaccines. Para 14 of the resolution called on "EU to set up a clear and coherent EU global COVID-19 vaccination strategy" and therefore "to support the Indian and South African World Trade Organization initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, equipment, and treatments" while urging "pharmaceutical companies to share their knowledge and data through the World Health Organization COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)". The support comes via a very circuitous route, with the specific paragraph being mentioned on a resolution on AIDS. The resolution “accelerating progress and tackling inequalities towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030" saw 468 votes in favour, 63 against, and 162 abstentions. In October 2020, India and South Africa had jointly initiated the proposal at WTO but had met with resistance from the west. The tide started to turn, with US President Biden extending support to the proposal. In March of this year, a group of Members of European Parliament or MEPs and EU national parliamentarians called on the EU Commission to drop its opposition to the waiver. The matter also came up at the May 8 India-EU leadership summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi urging European Union leadership to support the wavier. "I think it is very important. We should be open to this discussion", the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said after the summit. The session of the European Parliament between June 7-10 will see a discussion on waiver of COVID-19 vaccine patents. India and the EU are major centres of vaccine production. Before the second wave of the Covid pandemic hit, India had exported vaccines to over 90 countries. The European Union, which has produced 400 million doses of vaccines, has exported half of its stockpile of 200 million to 90 countries.

EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1.

How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union?&nbsp;

What does the certificate record?

Often colloquially referred to during planning as a "vaccine passport", then as a green pass and now a certificate, the digital pass is designed to be recognised and readable by authorities across the European Union.

It will demonstrate whether a bearer has been vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, has been recently tested or has acquired immunity from previously contracting the disease and recovering. &nbsp;

Member states have not agreed to a common standard on when a PCR or lateral flow Covid test must have been performed to remain valid,&nbsp;the rule varies between 24 and 72 hours ahead of arrival.

To prove acquired immunity, a PCR test from the time of the infection can be produced, but the protection is only considered to last for 180 days, and member states may individually decide on a shorter period.&nbsp;

Antibody testing is not yet judged sufficiently reliable to demonstrate acquired immunity, but this will be reviewed within four months of the regulation going into effect.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-party-you-might-need-a-vaccine-passport-383688">Want to party? You might need a ‘vaccine passport.’</a>

Which vaccines are accepted?

EU members will be asked to allow entry to travellers who have received the required doses of one of the four vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson. &nbsp;

Member states can also choose, but are not required, to approve entry for those who received jabs from a vaccine approved in some member states, such as Russia's Sputnik V, which is used by EU member Hungary.

They can also choose to recognise other vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, such as China's Sinopharm.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coming-soon-the-vaccine-passport-362262">Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’</a>

What does it look like?

If asked to produce a certificate, a traveller can present authorities with a QR code, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, for example, or printed on paper.

The design contains a unique digital signature which connects a reader to the traveller's Covid data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Member states will decide individually whether these data are connected to their own national track-and-trace programme, or whether to maintain a separate app.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-you-need-a-vaccine-passport-in-california-378867">Will you need a vaccine passport in California?</a>

What about privacy?

The text adopted by the EU member states provides that the certificate only contain the data "strictly necessary" to oversee safe travel and that the app respect Europe's GDPR personal data protection laws.

The data are not transmitted between countries, only the key that allows the certificate's authenticity needs to be transferred. Data are not retained by the countries of arrival or transit once verified. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Can we escape quarantine?

In principle, travellers with a Covid certificate will no longer have to remain in quarantine once they arrive in another EU member state, but exceptions are possible.

If the epidemic situation in the country or region of departure worsens rapidly or if a dangerous or untested new variant of the virus emerges, measures can be applied. &nbsp;

If a member state wishes to impose such emergency controls, they must inform their partners 48 hours in advance and travellers can consult the "Re-open EU" website to track rule changes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Is it useful for more than travel?

The EU law concerns European free-movement rules, but individual member states can decide whether they want to use the certificate to control access to other events, such as concerts and festivals, under the terms of national laws.

What about kids?

Vaccination will not be rolled out for children and adolescents in most EU members in time for summer holiday travel, and they may have to undergo testing prior to travelling even if their parents have the certificate.

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Which countries are involved?

The certificate system will apply to the 27 member states of the European Union plus their neighbours Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

So far, successful tests of the EU data portal have been carried out in 18 of these countries.

The EU legislation governing the certificate comes into force on July 1 and initially lasts for 12 months.&nbsp;

But there will be a six-week transition period for countries that are not yet ready to implement the certificate under the EU model. During this period other EU members should accept their national vaccine records if they include the same data.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-digital-certificate-precursor-to-virus-passport-369104">China launches digital certificate, precursor to 'virus passport'</a>

What about the world beyond?

Several EU member states are keen to start receiving visitors from countries like Britain, Switzerland and the United States that are outside the scope of the EU certificate.

Talks are underway with the World Health Organization and air transport associations on how to make systems of certification mutually recognised and interoperable. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1. How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union?

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1. How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union? What does the certificate record? Often colloquially referred to during planning as a "vaccine passport", then as a green pass and now a certificate, the digital pass is designed to be recognised and readable by authorities across the European Union. It will demonstrate whether a bearer has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has been recently tested or has acquired immunity from previously contracting the disease and recovering. Member states have not agreed to a common standard on when a PCR or lateral flow Covid test must have been performed to remain valid, the rule varies between 24 and 72 hours ahead of arrival. To prove acquired immunity, a PCR test from the time of the infection can be produced, but the protection is only considered to last for 180 days, and member states may individually decide on a shorter period. Antibody testing is not yet judged sufficiently reliable to demonstrate acquired immunity, but this will be reviewed within four months of the regulation going into effect. Also Read | Want to party? You might need a ‘vaccine passport.’ Which vaccines are accepted? EU members will be asked to allow entry to travellers who have received the required doses of one of the four vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Member states can also choose, but are not required, to approve entry for those who received jabs from a vaccine approved in some member states, such as Russia's Sputnik V, which is used by EU member Hungary. They can also choose to recognise other vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, such as China's Sinopharm. Also Read | Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’ What does it look like? If asked to produce a certificate, a traveller can present authorities with a QR code, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, for example, or printed on paper. The design contains a unique digital signature which connects a reader to the traveller's Covid data. Member states will decide individually whether these data are connected to their own national track-and-trace programme, or whether to maintain a separate app. Also Read | Will you need a vaccine passport in California? What about privacy? The text adopted by the EU member states provides that the certificate only contain the data "strictly necessary" to oversee safe travel and that the app respect Europe's GDPR personal data protection laws. The data are not transmitted between countries, only the key that allows the certificate's authenticity needs to be transferred. Data are not retained by the countries of arrival or transit once verified. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Can we escape quarantine? In principle, travellers with a Covid certificate will no longer have to remain in quarantine once they arrive in another EU member state, but exceptions are possible. If the epidemic situation in the country or region of departure worsens rapidly or if a dangerous or untested new variant of the virus emerges, measures can be applied. If a member state wishes to impose such emergency controls, they must inform their partners 48 hours in advance and travellers can consult the "Re-open EU" website to track rule changes. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Is it useful for more than travel? The EU law concerns European free-movement rules, but individual member states can decide whether they want to use the certificate to control access to other events, such as concerts and festivals, under the terms of national laws. What about kids? Vaccination will not be rolled out for children and adolescents in most EU members in time for summer holiday travel, and they may have to undergo testing prior to travelling even if their parents have the certificate. Which countries are involved? The certificate system will apply to the 27 member states of the European Union plus their neighbours Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. So far, successful tests of the EU data portal have been carried out in 18 of these countries. The EU legislation governing the certificate comes into force on July 1 and initially lasts for 12 months. But there will be a six-week transition period for countries that are not yet ready to implement the certificate under the EU model. During this period other EU members should accept their national vaccine records if they include the same data. Also Read | China launches digital certificate, precursor to 'virus passport' What about the world beyond? Several EU member states are keen to start receiving visitors from countries like Britain, Switzerland and the United States that are outside the scope of the EU certificate. Talks are underway with the World Health Organization and air transport associations on how to make systems of certification mutually recognised and interoperable.

Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide

In a sign of worsening relations between China and the European Union and the European Parliament halted the ratification of a new investment park with China until Beijing lifted sanctions on EU Politicians.

European Union Parliament halts ratification of China deal

China on Friday slammed the European Union's "confrontational approach" after it&nbsp;halted&nbsp;ratification of a new investment pact with&nbsp;Beijing until it lifts sanctions on EU politicians, deepening a dispute in Sino-European relations and denying EU companies greater access to&nbsp;China.

The resolution to freeze ratification was passed in the European Parliament&nbsp;with 599 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 58 abstentions.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing's sanctions were a "necessary and justified response" to previous EU measures against Chinese officials over human rights concerns in Xinjiang.

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The EU-China&nbsp;Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, agreed by negotiators in December after seven years of talks, aimed to put EU companies on an equal footing in&nbsp;China&nbsp;and cement Beijing's status as a trusted trading partner.

But Beijing imposed sanctions in March on 10 EU politicians, as well as think tanks and diplomatic bodies, in response to Western sanctions against Chinese officials accused of the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern&nbsp;China.

China's sanctions include five members of the EU assembly and its human rights sub-committee.

"With its sanctions,&nbsp;China&nbsp;has miscalculated. They should learn from their mistakes and rethink. Because of&nbsp;China's sanctions, the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment has been put into the freezer," said Reinhard Butikofer, a German EU lawmaker who Beijing targeted with its sanctions.

EU lawmakers say the Chinese sanctions are not based on international law, while the bloc's measures, like those of Britain and the United States, tackle abuses of human rights upheld in United Nations treaties. But Beijing denies any wrongdoing.

The parliament "demands that&nbsp;China&nbsp;lift the sanctions before dealing with (the investment accord)", it said in its resolution, which is not legally binding but is now the assembly's official position. "EU-China&nbsp;relations may not continue business as usual," it said.

In response to the resolution,&nbsp;China's mission to the EU said the investment agreement was "mutually beneficial" and not a "favour" from one side to the other.&nbsp;China's sanctions were a legitimate response to EU actions, it said.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing on Friday that he hoped the EU "could do less emotional venting and more rational thinking, and make correct decisions in line with its own interests."

The impasse is a setback for both&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the EU. Ratification of the pact would allow greater protection of European investment and intellectual property rights in&nbsp;China.&nbsp;China&nbsp;was hoping for improved international standing as a fair and respectful trading partner, European diplomats say.

The investment deal aims to open China's market and eliminate discriminatory laws and practices preventing European companies from competing on an equal footing, according to the European Commission.

EU foreign direct investment in China since 2000 -- excluding Britain -- amounted to $181 billion. The corresponding sum from China is $138 billion.

Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims are detained in camps in Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse&nbsp;China&nbsp;of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations.&nbsp;China&nbsp;denies rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

China on Friday slammed the European Union's "confrontational approach" after it halted ratification of a new investment pact with Beijing until it lifts sanctions on EU politicians, deepening a dispute in Sino-European relations and denying EU companies greater access to China.

China on Friday slammed the European Union's "confrontational approach" after it halted ratification of a new investment pact with Beijing until it lifts sanctions on EU politicians, deepening a dispute in Sino-European relations and denying EU companies greater access to China. The resolution to freeze ratification was passed in the European Parliament with 599 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 58 abstentions. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing's sanctions were a "necessary and justified response" to previous EU measures against Chinese officials over human rights concerns in Xinjiang. The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, agreed by negotiators in December after seven years of talks, aimed to put EU companies on an equal footing in China and cement Beijing's status as a trusted trading partner. But Beijing imposed sanctions in March on 10 EU politicians, as well as think tanks and diplomatic bodies, in response to Western sanctions against Chinese officials accused of the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China. China's sanctions include five members of the EU assembly and its human rights sub-committee. "With its sanctions, China has miscalculated. They should learn from their mistakes and rethink. Because of China's sanctions, the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment has been put into the freezer," said Reinhard Butikofer, a German EU lawmaker who Beijing targeted with its sanctions. EU lawmakers say the Chinese sanctions are not based on international law, while the bloc's measures, like those of Britain and the United States, tackle abuses of human rights upheld in United Nations treaties. But Beijing denies any wrongdoing. The parliament "demands that China lift the sanctions before dealing with (the investment accord)", it said in its resolution, which is not legally binding but is now the assembly's official position. "EU-China relations may not continue business as usual," it said. In response to the resolution, China's mission to the EU said the investment agreement was "mutually beneficial" and not a "favour" from one side to the other. China's sanctions were a legitimate response to EU actions, it said. China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing on Friday that he hoped the EU "could do less emotional venting and more rational thinking, and make correct decisions in line with its own interests." The impasse is a setback for both China and the EU. Ratification of the pact would allow greater protection of European investment and intellectual property rights in China. China was hoping for improved international standing as a fair and respectful trading partner, European diplomats say. The investment deal aims to open China's market and eliminate discriminatory laws and practices preventing European companies from competing on an equal footing, according to the European Commission. EU foreign direct investment in China since 2000 -- excluding Britain -- amounted to $181 billion. The corresponding sum from China is $138 billion. Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims are detained in camps in Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations. China denies rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

China slams EU's 'confrontational approach' after it freezes investments

Hungary Foreign Minister &nbsp;Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians

"I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview.

On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire.

"The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary.&nbsp;

Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China.

In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union".

"EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said.

"So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union."

Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel.

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview. On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire. "The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary. Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China. In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union". "EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said. "So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union." Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary foreign minister slams EU for 'one-sided' statements on Israel

The European Union said Saturday it was weighing its "next steps" after Britain formally responded to Brussels over the launch of legal proceedings alleging London broke the Brexit protocol covering Northern Ireland. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can confirm that the United Kingdom replied on 14 May to the European Commission's letter of formal notice, sent on 15 March," a European Commission spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"The Commission will now assess the contents of the letter before deciding on next steps."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-lockdown-and-a-vaccine-a-head-spinning-day-of-change-in-uk-353585">Brexit, lockdown and a vaccine: A head-spinning day of change in UK</a>

The EU began an "infringement procedure" in March after London unilaterally delayed until October the introduction of custom controls on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from mainland Britain.

Brussels says this violates the protocol of the 2019 divorce pact that deals with Ireland, one of the most sensitive and fought over issues of Britain's break from bloc membership after 47 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-defeated-in-parliament-on-treaty-breaking-brexit-laws-342115">UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws</a>

The two sides insist they are working hard to find a solution after the protocol helped generate a leadership crisis and unrest in Northern Ireland.

The protocol is designed to prevent the emergence of a "hard border" between Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom, and its EU neighbour, the Republic of Ireland.

The special arrangement shifts customs and regulatory checks to Northern Irish ports on goods arriving from mainland Britain, effectively keeping the UK region within the EU's customs orbit.

The dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol is one of multiple feuds souring post-Brexit ties between the EU and its former member -- with France and Britain also recently squaring off over fishing rights around the Channels Islands.

The European Union said Saturday it was weighing its "next steps" after Britain formally responded to Brussels over the launch of legal proceedings alleging London broke the Brexit protocol covering Northern Ireland.

The European Union said Saturday it was weighing its "next steps" after Britain formally responded to Brussels over the launch of legal proceedings alleging London broke the Brexit protocol covering Northern Ireland. "We can confirm that the United Kingdom replied on 14 May to the European Commission's letter of formal notice, sent on 15 March," a European Commission spokesperson said. "The Commission will now assess the contents of the letter before deciding on next steps." Also read | Brexit, lockdown and a vaccine: A head-spinning day of change in UK The EU began an "infringement procedure" in March after London unilaterally delayed until October the introduction of custom controls on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from mainland Britain. Brussels says this violates the protocol of the 2019 divorce pact that deals with Ireland, one of the most sensitive and fought over issues of Britain's break from bloc membership after 47 years. Also read | UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws The two sides insist they are working hard to find a solution after the protocol helped generate a leadership crisis and unrest in Northern Ireland. The protocol is designed to prevent the emergence of a "hard border" between Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom, and its EU neighbour, the Republic of Ireland. The special arrangement shifts customs and regulatory checks to Northern Irish ports on goods arriving from mainland Britain, effectively keeping the UK region within the EU's customs orbit. The dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol is one of multiple feuds souring post-Brexit ties between the EU and its former member -- with France and Britain also recently squaring off over fishing rights around the Channels Islands.

EU mulls 'next steps' as UK responds to Brexit lawsuit

More than a quarter of adults in the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;would be unlikely to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it was offered to them, a survey published on Thursday showed.

The results also suggested a strong link between vaccine hesitancy and the use of social media, particularly where social media is the main source of information, according to Eurofound which carried out the survey.

"Unfortunately, these findings reflect a failure to deliver persuasive and clear communication regarding the efficacy and safety of vaccines," said Daphne Ahrendt, Eurofound senior research manager.

Bulgarians were the most reluctant to get the vaccine, with 67 per cent&nbsp;of adults saying they were unlikely or very unlikely to get it. In Ireland, only 10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of adults said they would not get the shot.

The survey found an east-west divide across Europe. Except for France and Austria, the intention to get vaccinated was above 60&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in all Western member states - with Nordic and Mediterranean countries, Denmark and Ireland having even higher rates.

The rate of planned uptake in Eastern member states was much lower, ranging from 59 per cent in Romania to 33 per cent&nbsp;in Bulgaria.

The main influence on vaccine hesitancy was the time spent on social media and which medium was used, the survey said. The proportion rises to 40% among those who use social media as their primary source of news.

Among people who used traditional media including press, radio and television, only 18 per cent&nbsp;of respondents were vaccine sceptics.

The survey also found that students, employed or retired people were less vaccine hesitant than average, while 39 per cent&nbsp;of unemployed people or those with a long-term disease of disability were more hesitant.

The survey was conducted between February and March 2021, after a full year of living with COVID-19 restrictions across the bloc's 27 member states.

More than a quarter of adults in the European Union would be unlikely to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it was offered to them, a survey published on Thursday showed.

More than a quarter of adults in the European Union would be unlikely to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it was offered to them, a survey published on Thursday showed. The results also suggested a strong link between vaccine hesitancy and the use of social media, particularly where social media is the main source of information, according to Eurofound which carried out the survey. "Unfortunately, these findings reflect a failure to deliver persuasive and clear communication regarding the efficacy and safety of vaccines," said Daphne Ahrendt, Eurofound senior research manager. Bulgarians were the most reluctant to get the vaccine, with 67 per cent of adults saying they were unlikely or very unlikely to get it. In Ireland, only 10 per cent of adults said they would not get the shot. The survey found an east-west divide across Europe. Except for France and Austria, the intention to get vaccinated was above 60 per cent in all Western member states - with Nordic and Mediterranean countries, Denmark and Ireland having even higher rates. The rate of planned uptake in Eastern member states was much lower, ranging from 59 per cent in Romania to 33 per cent in Bulgaria. The main influence on vaccine hesitancy was the time spent on social media and which medium was used, the survey said. The proportion rises to 40% among those who use social media as their primary source of news. Among people who used traditional media including press, radio and television, only 18 per cent of respondents were vaccine sceptics. The survey also found that students, employed or retired people were less vaccine hesitant than average, while 39 per cent of unemployed people or those with a long-term disease of disability were more hesitant. The survey was conducted between February and March 2021, after a full year of living with COVID-19 restrictions across the bloc's 27 member states.

Over a quarter of EU adults would refuse COVID-19 shot, survey says

The European Union was one of the first blocks to announce assistance as India battles the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Since then leading EU countries have shared critical supplies like oxygen, ventilators and equipment with India. What lessons can India and rest of the world learn from Europe? What role can EU now play in assisting India with its pandemic response? Palki Sharma discusses with following guests: - Daniela Sezonov Tane; Romania's Ambassador to India - Adam Burakowski; Poland's Ambassador to India - Vincenzo De Luca; Italy' Ambassador to India - Freddy Svane; Denmark's Ambassador to India

Ambassadors' Roundtable: Fighting the pandemic | Prompt assistance to India from EU

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist.

"This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much, albeit virtually, but in these circumstances," he said in an opening statement to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee.

"Lobbying itself is a necessary and healthy part of our democratic process, but I accept that there's a strong argument that having a former prime minister, engage on behalf of any commercial interest, no matter how laudable the motives and cause, can be open to misinterpretation," he said.

Cameron said he had not been hired by Greensill as a lobbyist, but the situation changed at the start of the COVID pandemic.

Cameron declined to say exactly how much he was paid by Greensill, or how much he would have made from shares he owned if the business had prospered. But he said he had a "big economic interest" in its future.

"I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than I earned as prime minister," he said.

Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers over a four-month period in 2020 to lobby for the now-failed, supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital, according to documents published on Tuesday.

Cameron was lobbying the government to allow Greensill, founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill in 2011, to access a COVID-19 financing scheme.

The Bank of England said in April that no changes were made to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility as a result of communication between Cameron and Bank officials.

Cameron said that at the time he was lobbying ministers in 2020, he had no sense that Greensill Capital was in financial difficulty.

Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, stepping down after he unexpectedly lost a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist. "This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much, albeit virtually, but in these circumstances," he said in an opening statement to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee. "Lobbying itself is a necessary and healthy part of our democratic process, but I accept that there's a strong argument that having a former prime minister, engage on behalf of any commercial interest, no matter how laudable the motives and cause, can be open to misinterpretation," he said. Cameron said he had not been hired by Greensill as a lobbyist, but the situation changed at the start of the COVID pandemic. Cameron declined to say exactly how much he was paid by Greensill, or how much he would have made from shares he owned if the business had prospered. But he said he had a "big economic interest" in its future. "I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than I earned as prime minister," he said. Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers over a four-month period in 2020 to lobby for the now-failed, supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital, according to documents published on Tuesday. Cameron was lobbying the government to allow Greensill, founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill in 2011, to access a COVID-19 financing scheme. The Bank of England said in April that no changes were made to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility as a result of communication between Cameron and Bank officials. Cameron said that at the time he was lobbying ministers in 2020, he had no sense that Greensill Capital was in financial difficulty. Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, stepping down after he unexpectedly lost a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union.

UK ex-PM Cameron says facing Greensill inquiry is 'painful'

Calling India, EU Leadership summit of 8th May a "turning point" in ties, the European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said, "we want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda". This is the 2nd time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states meet happened, the first was with US President in March this year.

India, EU leadership summit 'turning point' in ties says EU envoy Ugo Astuto

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