Amazon on Wednesday won its fight against an EU order to pay about 250 million euros ($303 million) in back taxes to Luxembourg as Europe's second highest court dealt a blow to the bloc's efforts to make multinational corporations pay more tax.

The Luxembourg-based General Court said Amazon had not enjoyed a selective advantage in its tax deal with the Grand Duchy.

"The Commission did not prove to the requisite legal standard that there was an undue reduction of the tax burden of a European subsidiary of the Amazon group," the judge said.

Amazon in a statement welcomed the ruling, saying it was in line with its "long-standing position that we followed all applicable laws and that Amazon received no special treatment".

The Amazon decision is a blow for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who has aggressively used the bloc's state aid rules to tackle sweetheart tax deals between multinationals and EU countries.

Vestager has a mixed record so far in her fight against taxation deals the Commission regards as unfair.

In a separate case on Wednesday, French utility Engie lost its appeal against an EU order to pay back taxes of 120 million euros ($145.7 million) to Luxembourg.

But the win against Engie pales beside last year's setback when the General Court threw out Vestager's order to iPhone maker Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes. The Commission appealed against that decision in September.

Vestager has, however, successfully made Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium change their tax ruling practices, and spurred the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to aim for a global deal on how multinational companies are taxed.

The OECD said last week that the chances of a global deal had never been higher.

The European Commission in its 2017 ruling, knocked down on Wednesday, said Luxembourg spared Amazon from paying taxes on almost three-quarters of its profits from EU operations by allowing it to channel profits to a holding company tax-free.

Since the 2017 ruling, Amazon's fortunes have soared. The US&nbsp;online retailer reported $8.1 billion in first quarter profits, a record, as consumers turned to it for their shopping needs during the pandemic and businesses paid it more to warehouse and advertise their products.

In its 2018 decision on Engie, the EU said the arrangement with Luxembourg authorities artificially reduced the company's tax burden, which meant it paid an effective corporate tax rate of 0.3 per cent&nbsp;on certain profits in Luxembourg for about a decade.

The court sided with the Commission, saying the French utility had benefited from a tax advantage.

The cases are T-816/17 Luxembourg v Commission &amp; T-318/18 Amazon EU v Commission.

Amazon on Wednesday won its fight against an EU order to pay about 250 million euros ($303 million) in back taxes to Luxembourg as Europe's second highest court dealt a blow to the bloc's efforts to make multinational corporations pay more tax.

Amazon on Wednesday won its fight against an EU order to pay about 250 million euros ($303 million) in back taxes to Luxembourg as Europe's second highest court dealt a blow to the bloc's efforts to make multinational corporations pay more tax. The Luxembourg-based General Court said Amazon had not enjoyed a selective advantage in its tax deal with the Grand Duchy. "The Commission did not prove to the requisite legal standard that there was an undue reduction of the tax burden of a European subsidiary of the Amazon group," the judge said. Amazon in a statement welcomed the ruling, saying it was in line with its "long-standing position that we followed all applicable laws and that Amazon received no special treatment". The Amazon decision is a blow for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who has aggressively used the bloc's state aid rules to tackle sweetheart tax deals between multinationals and EU countries. Vestager has a mixed record so far in her fight against taxation deals the Commission regards as unfair. In a separate case on Wednesday, French utility Engie lost its appeal against an EU order to pay back taxes of 120 million euros ($145.7 million) to Luxembourg. But the win against Engie pales beside last year's setback when the General Court threw out Vestager's order to iPhone maker Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes. The Commission appealed against that decision in September. Vestager has, however, successfully made Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium change their tax ruling practices, and spurred the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to aim for a global deal on how multinational companies are taxed. The OECD said last week that the chances of a global deal had never been higher. The European Commission in its 2017 ruling, knocked down on Wednesday, said Luxembourg spared Amazon from paying taxes on almost three-quarters of its profits from EU operations by allowing it to channel profits to a holding company tax-free. Since the 2017 ruling, Amazon's fortunes have soared. The US online retailer reported $8.1 billion in first quarter profits, a record, as consumers turned to it for their shopping needs during the pandemic and businesses paid it more to warehouse and advertise their products. In its 2018 decision on Engie, the EU said the arrangement with Luxembourg authorities artificially reduced the company's tax burden, which meant it paid an effective corporate tax rate of 0.3 per cent on certain profits in Luxembourg for about a decade. The court sided with the Commission, saying the French utility had benefited from a tax advantage. The cases are T-816/17 Luxembourg v Commission & T-318/18 Amazon EU v Commission.

Amazon wins court fight against $303 million EU tax order

The European Union is ditching the AstraZeneca vaccine for the Pfizer shot. The bloc hasn't placed new orders for the Oxford vaccine beyond June. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: European Union ditches AstraZeneca

The European Union is all set to launch a second legal case against AstraZeneca over its delayed deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines. The move is mostly procedural after a first case was launched in April, according to a leading official.

EU to launch new legal action against AstraZeneca over vaccine deliveries

AstraZeneca Plc has delivered 50 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to European Union countries, according to EU`s latest supply data, a milestone it was originally due to hit in January. 
 
Repeated cuts to supplies, which contributed to delays in the EU`s vaccination drive, pushed the European executive commission to sue the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker in late April in a bid to get more doses by mid-year. 
 
AstraZeneca had shipped nearly 50 million doses as of May 7, an EU official told Reuters on Monday, citing the latest EU internal figures on vaccine supplies. 
 
In mid-March, the company had pledged to deliver 50.2 million doses to the EU by the end of April, an AstraZeneca document seen by Reuters shows. 
 
But AstraZeneca had shipped only 47.6 million doses by the evening of April 30, a spokesman for the company said, adding that other doses were sent over the first weekend of May and in the following days "following requests to not ship to a few countries that had public holidays during this period". 
 
Immediately after the EU sued the company, AstraZeneca issued a statement on April 26 saying it would deliver "almost 50 million doses to European countries by the end of April". 
 
Under its contract with the EU, the company had committed to its "best reasonable efforts" to deliver 300 million doses by the end of June, of which 70 million were supposed to be delivered by the end of January. 
 
Citing production problems and export restrictions, AstraZeneca in March said it would deliver to the EU only 100 million doses by the end of June. It delivered 30 million in total by the end of March. 
 
The vaccine was approved for use in the EU in late January, but the EU Commission has said AstraZeneca should have applied earlier.

AstraZeneca Plc has delivered 50 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to European Union countries, according to EU`s latest supply data, a milestone it was originally due to hit in January.

AstraZeneca Plc has delivered 50 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to European Union countries, according to EU`s latest supply data, a milestone it was originally due to hit in January. Repeated cuts to supplies, which contributed to delays in the EU`s vaccination drive, pushed the European executive commission to sue the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker in late April in a bid to get more doses by mid-year. AstraZeneca had shipped nearly 50 million doses as of May 7, an EU official told Reuters on Monday, citing the latest EU internal figures on vaccine supplies. In mid-March, the company had pledged to deliver 50.2 million doses to the EU by the end of April, an AstraZeneca document seen by Reuters shows. But AstraZeneca had shipped only 47.6 million doses by the evening of April 30, a spokesman for the company said, adding that other doses were sent over the first weekend of May and in the following days "following requests to not ship to a few countries that had public holidays during this period". Immediately after the EU sued the company, AstraZeneca issued a statement on April 26 saying it would deliver "almost 50 million doses to European countries by the end of April". Under its contract with the EU, the company had committed to its "best reasonable efforts" to deliver 300 million doses by the end of June, of which 70 million were supposed to be delivered by the end of January. Citing production problems and export restrictions, AstraZeneca in March said it would deliver to the EU only 100 million doses by the end of June. It delivered 30 million in total by the end of March. The vaccine was approved for use in the EU in late January, but the EU Commission has said AstraZeneca should have applied earlier.

AstraZeneca finally delivers vaccines to EU which were due in January

The historic between the European Union and India has now concluded and as expected trade became one of the main topics on the agenda. In a major development India and EU have decided to resume negotiations for Free Trade Agreement after eight years of a stalemate.

FTA: India & European Union hail meeting as 'Historic'

The European Union has posted bail for Georgia's jailed opposition leader Nika Melia. The move has paved the way of his release and ending a protected political crisis in Georgia.

European Union posts to free jailed opposition leader of Georgia

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world.

Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally.

During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. &nbsp;All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis.&nbsp;

French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-covid-drug-by-indias-defence-research-and-development-organisation-gets-regulator-nod-383728">Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod</a>

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI.

Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa.

'Kem Chho'

Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue.

7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic.

It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world. Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally. During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis. French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID. Also Read | Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa. 'Kem Chho' Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue. 7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic. It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

India-EU Summit: EU leaders extend solidarity to India, PM Modi presses for vaccine patent waivers

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

"Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal.

"Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy to announce that <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> for 2021-2023. 
 
Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1390967173460463619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots.

They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added.

Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective.

BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU.

EU rollout accelerating

Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab.&nbsp;

The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period.

Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow.

Europe is now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">debating with the United States</a> over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver</a>

The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan".

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together".

The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal. "Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal. "Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised. Happy to announce that @EU_Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with @BioNTech_Group @Pfizer for 2021-2023. Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2021 × The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots. They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added. Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective. BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU. EU rollout accelerating Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab. The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period. Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow. Europe is now debating with the United States over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries. Also Read | EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan". The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together". The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses

After a long Gap India and European Union are all set to resume talks on a comprehensive free trade agreement from today.

Crucial India-EU Summit: India, European Union to hold key virtual trade talks

The&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission said&nbsp;that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

"We now in a sense have&nbsp;suspended... political outreach activities from the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said&nbsp;in an interview.

"It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter-sanctions in place, including against members of&nbsp;European&nbsp;Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-eu-choses-india-over-china-for-free-trade-383089">Watch |</a>

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To the surprise of many, the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany.

The pact has been defended as a much-needed opening to China's long-closed economy for&nbsp;European&nbsp;companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Parliament.

Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs.

The&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;sanctioned four Chinese officials&nbsp;in March over suspected human rights violations in China's Xinjiang.

China responded by imposing its own sanctions against&nbsp;European&nbsp;politicians, scholars and research groups.

India and&nbsp;the European Union have long held conversations on ways to enhance trade.

A free-trade pact was discussed in 2013&nbsp;but the talks were put on hold due to&nbsp;disagreements on technical issues like tariffs, patents and data security.

Now the two sides are looking to settle these differences. This Saturday, a&nbsp;summit will be held between EU leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aim will be to revive the stalled discussions.

According to a draft summit statement, The two sides plan to resume&nbsp;negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement.

''We emphasise our commitment to free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region space, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, democracy and rule of law,'' it added.

The European Commission said that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

The European Commission said that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions. "We now in a sense have suspended... political outreach activities from the European Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said in an interview. "It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter-sanctions in place, including against members of European Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said. Watch | To the surprise of many, the European Union and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany. The pact has been defended as a much-needed opening to China's long-closed economy for European companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the European Parliament. Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs. The European Union sanctioned four Chinese officials in March over suspected human rights violations in China's Xinjiang. China responded by imposing its own sanctions against European politicians, scholars and research groups. India and the European Union have long held conversations on ways to enhance trade. A free-trade pact was discussed in 2013 but the talks were put on hold due to disagreements on technical issues like tariffs, patents and data security. Now the two sides are looking to settle these differences. This Saturday, a summit will be held between EU leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aim will be to revive the stalled discussions. According to a draft summit statement, The two sides plan to resume negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement. ''We emphasise our commitment to free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region space, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, democracy and rule of law,'' it added.

How will India benefit from EU's ratification of China investment deal?

Britain has granted full diplomatic status to the European Union's ambassador in London, ending a dispute that has strained relations between the two sides after Brexit.

Britain initially refused to grant the same diplomatic status and privileges to EU Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida as it gives to envoys of other countries, on the basis that the EU is not a nation state.

The European Union responded by shutting the British ambassador in Brussels out of meetings. The disagreement was resolved after a meeting between Britain's foreign minister Dominic Raab and Josep Borrell, the bloc’s top diplomat, on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in London.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement together, based on goodwill and pragmatism," Raab said in a statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The EU Ambassador will have a status consistent with heads of missions of states, including agrément and presentation of the credentials to the Head of State."

Under the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations, envoys representing countries have certain privileges such as immunity from detention and, in some cases prosecution, as well as tax exemptions.

Representatives of international organisations whose status is not covered by the convention tend to have limited and less clearly defined privileges.

The European Commission, the 27-member bloc’s executive body, said the EU’s 143 delegations around the world had all been granted a status equivalent to that of diplomatic missions of states.

Britain has granted full diplomatic status to the European Union's ambassador in London, ending a dispute that has strained relations between the two sides after Brexit.

Britain has granted full diplomatic status to the European Union's ambassador in London, ending a dispute that has strained relations between the two sides after Brexit. Britain initially refused to grant the same diplomatic status and privileges to EU Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida as it gives to envoys of other countries, on the basis that the EU is not a nation state. The European Union responded by shutting the British ambassador in Brussels out of meetings. The disagreement was resolved after a meeting between Britain's foreign minister Dominic Raab and Josep Borrell, the bloc’s top diplomat, on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in London. "We are pleased to have reached an agreement together, based on goodwill and pragmatism," Raab said in a statement on Wednesday. "The EU Ambassador will have a status consistent with heads of missions of states, including agrément and presentation of the credentials to the Head of State." Under the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations, envoys representing countries have certain privileges such as immunity from detention and, in some cases prosecution, as well as tax exemptions. Representatives of international organisations whose status is not covered by the convention tend to have limited and less clearly defined privileges. The European Commission, the 27-member bloc’s executive body, said the EU’s 143 delegations around the world had all been granted a status equivalent to that of diplomatic missions of states.

Britain grants full diplomatic status to EU ambassador to London

Part two&nbsp;of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a&nbsp;second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi.

France is also going to send liquid oxygen from French company Air Liquide's plants in the region to India via sea including with help of&nbsp;Indian armed forces.&nbsp;The first shipment of liquid O2 will arrive in the coming days.

Informed sources told WION that the Indian Airforce might also be involved in getting supplies from France.&nbsp;Indian Air force is already playing a key role and in the last few days airlifted 900 empty Oxygen cylinders from the UK, four&nbsp;cryogenic oxygen containers from Perth, Australia.

As a part of its&nbsp;solidarity mission, France had&nbsp;sent eight&nbsp;medical oxygen generators last week. Each generator can make an Indian hospital autonomous in oxygen supply for approximately 10 years. The country also sent specialised medical equipment&nbsp;including 28 ventilators as well as 200 electric syringe pumps.

France is supporting India&nbsp;under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (MPCU). Under the mechanism, more than 15&nbsp;members of the European Union are sending assistance to New Delhi.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced that it will allocate an initial €2.2 million in emergency funding to respond to the ongoing Covid crisis in India.

"We are providing additional EU support towards the fight against COVID-19 in India. This comes on top of the generous and swift assistance from the EU Member States that stepped up as part of Team Europe to offer critical supplies of oxygen, ventilators, and medicines over the last few days", said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.

EU member states that have already mobilised supplies of urgently needed oxygen, ventilators, and medicines are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

Part two of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi.

Part two of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi. France is also going to send liquid oxygen from French company Air Liquide's plants in the region to India via sea including with help of Indian armed forces. The first shipment of liquid O2 will arrive in the coming days. Informed sources told WION that the Indian Airforce might also be involved in getting supplies from France. Indian Air force is already playing a key role and in the last few days airlifted 900 empty Oxygen cylinders from the UK, four cryogenic oxygen containers from Perth, Australia. As a part of its solidarity mission, France had sent eight medical oxygen generators last week. Each generator can make an Indian hospital autonomous in oxygen supply for approximately 10 years. The country also sent specialised medical equipment including 28 ventilators as well as 200 electric syringe pumps. France is supporting India under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (MPCU). Under the mechanism, more than 15 members of the European Union are sending assistance to New Delhi. Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced that it will allocate an initial €2.2 million in emergency funding to respond to the ongoing Covid crisis in India. "We are providing additional EU support towards the fight against COVID-19 in India. This comes on top of the generous and swift assistance from the EU Member States that stepped up as part of Team Europe to offer critical supplies of oxygen, ventilators, and medicines over the last few days", said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. EU member states that have already mobilised supplies of urgently needed oxygen, ventilators, and medicines are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

Covid crisis: France to begin phase two of solidarity mission; EU announces €2.2m support

The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

"We now in a sense have suspended... political outreach activities from the European Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told AFP in an interview.

"It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter sanctions in place, including against members of European Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said.

Trying to ratify the deal "will depend really on how broader EU-China relations will evolve", he added.

To the surprise of many, the European Union and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany.

The pact has been defended as a much needed opening to China's long-closed economy for European companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the European Parliament.

Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs.

The European Union sanctioned four Chinese officials in March over suspected human rights violations in China's far western region of Xinjiang.

China responded by imposing its own sanctions against European politicians, scholars and research groups.

 
&nbsp;

The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions.

The European Commission said Tuesday that efforts to win approval for the EU's massive investment deal with China were effectively "suspended" given the soured diplomatic relations between both sides after tit-for-tat sanctions. "We now in a sense have suspended... political outreach activities from the European Commission side," EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told AFP in an interview. "It's clear in the current situation with the EU sanctions in place against China and Chinese counter sanctions in place, including against members of European Parliament (that) the environment is not conducive for ratification of the agreement," Dombrovskis said. Trying to ratify the deal "will depend really on how broader EU-China relations will evolve", he added. To the surprise of many, the European Union and China in late December approved a major investment pact, wrapping up seven years of painstaking negotiations thanks to a final push by Germany. The pact has been defended as a much needed opening to China's long-closed economy for European companies, but was sure to face a difficult ratification amongst the 27 member states as well as the European Parliament. Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is in charge of spearheading that approval process in the EU, which has already met with pushback from key MEPs. The European Union sanctioned four Chinese officials in March over suspected human rights violations in China's far western region of Xinjiang. China responded by imposing its own sanctions against European politicians, scholars and research groups.

EU efforts to ratify China investment deal on ice after sanctions

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. 
 
The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." 
 
The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. 
 
The aim is to win support ahead of a UN&nbsp;meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. 
 
At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. 
 
The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. 
 
India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. 
 
India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. 
 
Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. 
 
The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. The aim is to win support ahead of a UN meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

EU seeks India's support for plastics treaty, draft summit statement suggests

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms.

The regulation, to be announced by EU competition supremo Margrethe Vestager on Wednesday, is part of Europe's hardening stance against Beijing, all while China remains the continent's second-biggest trading partner after the United States.

Brussels is trying to maintain a careful balancing act in its relations with the Asian superpower, with Germany eager to nurture ties with a country that remains a top destination for its exports.

But other member states point to China's increasing authoritarianism, especially as seen in the plight of the Uyghur minority and in the political crackdown in Hong Kong.

According to an official document seen by AFP on Tuesday, the proposal would give Brussels new powers to investigate non-EU companies seeking to buy European firms with sales of 500 million euros or more.

State aid investigations could also be launched in companies bidding for big public contracts in Europe - such as trains or telecommunication equipment -- worth 250 million euros or more.

Furthermore, the commission could open probes of its own initiative, without a transaction necessarily meeting those thresholds.

Illegal subsidies could include companies enjoying zero-interest loans, preferential tax treatment or more traditional direct grants, the document said.

The proposal does not mention China and officially it is not intended to counter any country in particular, but sources agreed that long-held concerns about China were central to the idea.

The regulation comes shortly after the commission, which handles trade policy for the EU 27, surprised many by sealing an investment deal with Beijing when negotiations had been bogged down for years.

The investment pact faces a brutal ratification process and the anti-subsidy proposal by Vestager could reassure sceptics that the deal does not mean weaker scrutiny of Beijing.

The anti-subsidy regulation, after being announced by the commission, faces potential modifications by European Parliament and member states before coming into force.&nbsp;

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms.

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms. The regulation, to be announced by EU competition supremo Margrethe Vestager on Wednesday, is part of Europe's hardening stance against Beijing, all while China remains the continent's second-biggest trading partner after the United States. Brussels is trying to maintain a careful balancing act in its relations with the Asian superpower, with Germany eager to nurture ties with a country that remains a top destination for its exports. But other member states point to China's increasing authoritarianism, especially as seen in the plight of the Uyghur minority and in the political crackdown in Hong Kong. According to an official document seen by AFP on Tuesday, the proposal would give Brussels new powers to investigate non-EU companies seeking to buy European firms with sales of 500 million euros or more. State aid investigations could also be launched in companies bidding for big public contracts in Europe - such as trains or telecommunication equipment -- worth 250 million euros or more. Furthermore, the commission could open probes of its own initiative, without a transaction necessarily meeting those thresholds. Illegal subsidies could include companies enjoying zero-interest loans, preferential tax treatment or more traditional direct grants, the document said. The proposal does not mention China and officially it is not intended to counter any country in particular, but sources agreed that long-held concerns about China were central to the idea. The regulation comes shortly after the commission, which handles trade policy for the EU 27, surprised many by sealing an investment deal with Beijing when negotiations had been bogged down for years. The investment pact faces a brutal ratification process and the anti-subsidy proposal by Vestager could reassure sceptics that the deal does not mean weaker scrutiny of Beijing. The anti-subsidy regulation, after being announced by the commission, faces potential modifications by European Parliament and member states before coming into force.

EU targets China with new powers over state-backed firms

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine.&nbsp;

The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-inches-closer-to-covid-certificate-for-travel-381467" hreflang="en">EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel</a>

According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed.

"The Commission proposes to allow entry to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an&nbsp;EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-covid-crisis-eu-envoy-ugo-astuto-says-robust-response-by-team-europe-381810" hreflang="en">India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe</a>

The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly.

"This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added.

The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore. People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine. The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in. Also read: EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed. "The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read. Also read: India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly. "This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added. The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU plans to open up countries to more foreign tourists this summer

European Union regulators have accused Apple of violating the antitrust laws. EU has said that Apple has distorted competition in music streaming.

EU regulators accuse Apple of violating the Antitrust Laws

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh.

"Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

"They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added.

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan.

"The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said.

He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights.

"We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further.

Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous"&nbsp;text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.

In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life.

Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.&nbsp;

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh. "Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. "They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan. "The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said. He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights. "We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further. Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty. In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life. Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan

Several European Union (EU) member states have teamed up to assist India as it deals with the covid crisis by sending Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen Generators, Remdesivir, Ventilators. The member states are sending supplies to India under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism that was activated to send the assistance.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission in a tweeted statement said," the EU stands with India. The first shipment of urgently needed oxygen, medicine and equipment will be delivered over the coming days under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The EU stands with India. 
 
A first shipment of urgently needed oxygen, medicine and equipment will be delivered over the coming days under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
I want to thank 🇮🇪🇧🇪 🇷🇴 🇱🇺 🇵🇹 🇸🇪 for their solidarity. 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 expected soon. <a href="https://t.co/CN0niOY5Lz">https://t.co/CN0niOY5Lz</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1387013704202457089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Indian Envoy to Brussels Santosh Jha in her tweet thanked EU leadership and member states for the assistance, highlighting, "Cooperation and solidarity have always been the hallmark of the India-EU Strategic Partnership."

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vonderleyen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JanezLenarcic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JanezLenarcic</a> for the assistance. We deeply appreciate this gesture. We also thank the EU member states for their support. Cooperation and solidarity has always been the hallmark of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. <a href="https://t.co/ONs1hcRXTC">https://t.co/ONs1hcRXTC</a>
— Santosh Jha (@santjha) <a href="https://twitter.com/santjha/status/1387048010832498694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Under the mechanism, Ireland will send 700 oxygen concentrators, 1 oxygen generator, 365 ventilators, Belgium will send 9,000 doses of antiviral medicines Remdesivir, Romania will send 80 oxygen concentrators and 75 oxygen cylinders, Luxembourg will send 58 ventilators, Portugal will send 5,503 vials of Remdesivir and 20,000 litres of oxygen per week and Sweden 120 ventilators.

Commissioner for the EU Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said, "the EU stands in full solidarity with the Indian people and is ready to do our utmost to support them at this critical time. I would like to thank our Member States that came in numerously with generous offers of help, showing that the EU is a trusted partner and a friend at times of need".

EU's entire-assistance is being coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission which is providing logistical arrangements.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, France announced assistance in 2 phases. Phase 1 arriving this week will have, 8 large Oxygen Generating Plants, Liquid Oxygen, Respiratory material - 28 respirators and their consumables, and 200 electric syringe pushers. Phase 2, starting next week will have 5 liquid oxygen containers.&nbsp;

In a Facebook post in Hindi, French President Emmanuel Macron had put a message on France's "solidarity mission" for India saying, "Solidarity is at the heart of the friendship between France and India. We will win this fight together."

Germany will send Mobile oxygen production plant that will be made available for 3 months, 120 ventilators, more than 80 million KN95 masks. A Webinar on testing, RNA sequencing of Coronavirus is also being planned. Already, the AFMS (Armed Forces Medical Services) is importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany for deployment in hospitals.

Meanwhile, as the international community pitches in to support India, a high-level Inter-Ministerial group has established a procedure for "immediate clearance" of the material support. Support would be then be dispatched to recipient institutions across the country.

Several European Union (EU) member states have teamed up to assist India as it deals with the covid crisis by sending Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen Generators, Remdesivir, Ventilators.

Several European Union (EU) member states have teamed up to assist India as it deals with the covid crisis by sending Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen Generators, Remdesivir, Ventilators. The member states are sending supplies to India under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism that was activated to send the assistance. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission in a tweeted statement said," the EU stands with India. The first shipment of urgently needed oxygen, medicine and equipment will be delivered over the coming days under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism." The EU stands with India. A first shipment of urgently needed oxygen, medicine and equipment will be delivered over the coming days under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. I want to thank 🇮🇪🇧🇪 🇷🇴 🇱🇺 🇵🇹 🇸🇪 for their solidarity. 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 expected soon. https://t.co/CN0niOY5Lz — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 27, 2021 × Indian Envoy to Brussels Santosh Jha in her tweet thanked EU leadership and member states for the assistance, highlighting, "Cooperation and solidarity have always been the hallmark of the India-EU Strategic Partnership." Thank you @vonderleyen @JanezLenarcic for the assistance. We deeply appreciate this gesture. We also thank the EU member states for their support. Cooperation and solidarity has always been the hallmark of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. https://t.co/ONs1hcRXTC — Santosh Jha (@santjha) April 27, 2021 × Under the mechanism, Ireland will send 700 oxygen concentrators, 1 oxygen generator, 365 ventilators, Belgium will send 9,000 doses of antiviral medicines Remdesivir, Romania will send 80 oxygen concentrators and 75 oxygen cylinders, Luxembourg will send 58 ventilators, Portugal will send 5,503 vials of Remdesivir and 20,000 litres of oxygen per week and Sweden 120 ventilators. Commissioner for the EU Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said, "the EU stands in full solidarity with the Indian people and is ready to do our utmost to support them at this critical time. I would like to thank our Member States that came in numerously with generous offers of help, showing that the EU is a trusted partner and a friend at times of need". EU's entire-assistance is being coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission which is providing logistical arrangements. Earlier on Monday, France announced assistance in 2 phases. Phase 1 arriving this week will have, 8 large Oxygen Generating Plants, Liquid Oxygen, Respiratory material - 28 respirators and their consumables, and 200 electric syringe pushers. Phase 2, starting next week will have 5 liquid oxygen containers. In a Facebook post in Hindi, French President Emmanuel Macron had put a message on France's "solidarity mission" for India saying, "Solidarity is at the heart of the friendship between France and India. We will win this fight together." Germany will send Mobile oxygen production plant that will be made available for 3 months, 120 ventilators, more than 80 million KN95 masks. A Webinar on testing, RNA sequencing of Coronavirus is also being planned. Already, the AFMS (Armed Forces Medical Services) is importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany for deployment in hospitals. Meanwhile, as the international community pitches in to support India, a high-level Inter-Ministerial group has established a procedure for "immediate clearance" of the material support. Support would be then be dispatched to recipient institutions across the country.

COVID-19 crisis: European Union member states team up to support India

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules.

The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine">COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine</a>

Because of disagreement on how to apply trade rules in Northern Ireland, some EU legislators previously threatened to hold back the ratification vote, but a large majority of lawmakers are in favor of the deal.

Results of the vote are set to be announced on Wednesday, almost five years after U.K. Voters decided to withdraw from the bloc.

This deal is not good because Brexit is not good. The situation is also complicated because we cannot be sure how trustworthy the UK government really is," said Terry Reintke, the vice-president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament.

Still, this agreement can be a starting point reconstructing what we lost due to Brexit."

Top European Union officials and their British counterparts have so far failed to find common ground on implementing the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, which were designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, and to guarantee the integrity of the bloc's single market.

In March, the U.K. Government unilaterally extended until October a grace period for not conducting checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K., a decision that led the EU to start legal action against its former member nation.

In an address to EU lawmakers ahead of Tuesday's ratification vote, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she shared their concerns on ?unilateral actions taken by (the) United Kingdom" but noted some progress in the talks with British officials.

In recent days and weeks, we have seen a new constructive dynamic, and we will continue to work closely with the U.K. To find constructive solutions that respect what was agreed,&nbsp;she said.

Northern Ireland is part of the U.K. But remained part of the EU's single market for goods after Brexit to avoid customs checks at the territory's border with EU member Ireland. An open Irish border helped underpin the peace process that ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

But tensions and violence have escalated in recent weeks, with unionists saying the arrangement the British government and the EU worked out has amounted to the creation of a border between the territory and the rest of the U.K.

The sensitivity of Northern Ireland's status also was in September when the U.K. Parliament considered legislation that would have given Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government the power to override part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement relating to Northern Ireland.

The tension increased in January when the EU threatened to ban shipments of coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland as part of moves to shore up the bloc's supply. That would have drawn a hard border on the island of Ireland - exactly the scenario the Brexit deal was crafted to avoid.

Relations between the EU and the U.K. Have been strained since a Brexit transition period ended on Jan. 1.

The two sides have argued so far this year over issues ranging from COVID-19 vaccine supplies to the full diplomatic recognition of the EU in Britain.

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules.

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules. The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval. Also read: COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine Because of disagreement on how to apply trade rules in Northern Ireland, some EU legislators previously threatened to hold back the ratification vote, but a large majority of lawmakers are in favor of the deal. Results of the vote are set to be announced on Wednesday, almost five years after U.K. Voters decided to withdraw from the bloc. This deal is not good because Brexit is not good. The situation is also complicated because we cannot be sure how trustworthy the UK government really is," said Terry Reintke, the vice-president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament. Still, this agreement can be a starting point reconstructing what we lost due to Brexit." Top European Union officials and their British counterparts have so far failed to find common ground on implementing the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, which were designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, and to guarantee the integrity of the bloc's single market. In March, the U.K. Government unilaterally extended until October a grace period for not conducting checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K., a decision that led the EU to start legal action against its former member nation. In an address to EU lawmakers ahead of Tuesday's ratification vote, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she shared their concerns on ?unilateral actions taken by (the) United Kingdom" but noted some progress in the talks with British officials. In recent days and weeks, we have seen a new constructive dynamic, and we will continue to work closely with the U.K. To find constructive solutions that respect what was agreed, she said. Northern Ireland is part of the U.K. But remained part of the EU's single market for goods after Brexit to avoid customs checks at the territory's border with EU member Ireland. An open Irish border helped underpin the peace process that ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. But tensions and violence have escalated in recent weeks, with unionists saying the arrangement the British government and the EU worked out has amounted to the creation of a border between the territory and the rest of the U.K. The sensitivity of Northern Ireland's status also was in September when the U.K. Parliament considered legislation that would have given Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government the power to override part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement relating to Northern Ireland. The tension increased in January when the EU threatened to ban shipments of coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland as part of moves to shore up the bloc's supply. That would have drawn a hard border on the island of Ireland - exactly the scenario the Brexit deal was crafted to avoid. Relations between the EU and the U.K. Have been strained since a Brexit transition period ended on Jan. 1. The two sides have argued so far this year over issues ranging from COVID-19 vaccine supplies to the full diplomatic recognition of the EU in Britain.

European Parliament set to greenlight post-Brexit trade deal

American tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to visit the European Union over the summer, the head of the bloc’s executive body said in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday, more than a year after shutting down nonessential travel from most countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The fast pace of vaccination in the United States, and advanced talks between U.S. authorities and the European Union over how to make vaccine certificates acceptable as proof of immunity for visitors, will enable the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, to recommend a switch in policy that could see trans-Atlantic leisure travel restored.

“The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said Sunday in an interview with the Times in Brussels. “This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union.

“Because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA,” she added. The agency, the bloc’s drugs regulator, has approved all three vaccines being used in the United States, namely the Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson shots.

Von der Leyen did not offer a timeline on when tourist travel might open up or details on how it would occur. But her comments are a top-level statement that the current travel restrictions are set to change on the basis of vaccination certificates.

She noted that the United States was “on track” and making “huge progress” with its campaign to reach so-called herd immunity, or the vaccination of 70% of adults, by mid-June.

She added that resumption of travel would depend “on the epidemiological situation, but the situation is improving in the United States, as it is, hopefully, also improving in the European Union.”

Diplomats from Europe’s tourist destination countries, mostly led by Greece, have argued for weeks that the bloc’s criteria for determining whether a country is a “safe” origin purely based on low cases of COVID-19 are fast becoming irrelevant given the progress of vaccination campaigns in the United States, Britain and some other countries.

Technical discussions have been going on for several weeks between European Union and U.S. officials on how to practically and technologically make vaccine certificates from each place broadly readable so that citizens can use them to travel without restrictions.

These discussions are continuing, officials in Brussels said, and it is possible that a low-tech solution would be used in the near future to enable people to travel freely on the basis of vaccination. For example, a traveler to Europe could get an EU vaccine-certificate equivalent on arrival after showing a bona fide certificate issued by his or her own government.

The hope, officials said, is that this step would soon be unnecessary as government-issued vaccine certificates issued by foreign governments would be acceptable and readable in the European Union, and vice versa.

The European Union itself has begun the process of furnishing its own citizens with “digital green certificates,” which will state whether the traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19; has recovered from the disease in recent months; or has tested negative for the virus in the past few days. Europeans will be able to use those to travel without added restrictions, at least in principle, within the bloc of 27 nations.

Based on von der Leyen’s comments, the European Commission will recommend the change in travel policy, though individual member states may reserve the right to keep stricter limits. They might not permit citizens from outside the bloc to visit or might enforce restrictions like quarantines, even on visitors who have vaccination certificates.

But countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia that welcome millions of American tourists each summer, and greatly depend on them for income and jobs, are set to jump at the opportunity to reopen to the American tourism market with the EU’s blessing.

Until now, nonessential travel to the European Union has been officially banned with the exception of visitors from a shortlist of countries with very low caseloads of the virus, including Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

Some EU countries have made small exceptions to permit visitors from outside the bloc. Greece, for example, said last week that it would open its borders to travelers from the United States starting Monday, provided they show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test.

The visitors from the handful of countries that are officially permitted to visit the European Union under existing rules would normally still have to comply with various sets of requirements implemented on a country-by-country basis, including having a negative COVID-19 test and following quarantine rules.

The return of vaccinated visitors to Europe’s beaches and tourist sites would bring a desperately needed financial boost for countries in its southern rim, in particular. And for millions of would-be tourists around the world, as well as for airlines and the broader travel industry, it would herald a cautious and limited return to something that feels like normalcy.

For Americans especially, it would also highlight a stark change in COVID-19 fortunes: going from undesirable in Europe a year ago, when the pandemic was raging in the United States, to being in the front of the line of global travelers free to resume leisure trips.

But the return of leisure travel to Europe on a bigger scale will also highlight the deepening inequality between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, both within countries and, particularly, on a global level. With India in the throes of the worst rise in COVID-19 infections in the world, and with the past week’s global coronavirus case total the highest since the pandemic began, that contrast could become even more jarring.

American tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to visit the European Union over the summer, the head of the bloc’s executive body said in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday, more than a year after shutting down nonessential travel from most countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

American tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to visit the European Union over the summer, the head of the bloc’s executive body said in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday, more than a year after shutting down nonessential travel from most countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The fast pace of vaccination in the United States, and advanced talks between U.S. authorities and the European Union over how to make vaccine certificates acceptable as proof of immunity for visitors, will enable the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, to recommend a switch in policy that could see trans-Atlantic leisure travel restored. “The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said Sunday in an interview with the Times in Brussels. “This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union. “Because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA,” she added. The agency, the bloc’s drugs regulator, has approved all three vaccines being used in the United States, namely the Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots. Von der Leyen did not offer a timeline on when tourist travel might open up or details on how it would occur. But her comments are a top-level statement that the current travel restrictions are set to change on the basis of vaccination certificates. She noted that the United States was “on track” and making “huge progress” with its campaign to reach so-called herd immunity, or the vaccination of 70% of adults, by mid-June. She added that resumption of travel would depend “on the epidemiological situation, but the situation is improving in the United States, as it is, hopefully, also improving in the European Union.” Diplomats from Europe’s tourist destination countries, mostly led by Greece, have argued for weeks that the bloc’s criteria for determining whether a country is a “safe” origin purely based on low cases of COVID-19 are fast becoming irrelevant given the progress of vaccination campaigns in the United States, Britain and some other countries. Technical discussions have been going on for several weeks between European Union and U.S. officials on how to practically and technologically make vaccine certificates from each place broadly readable so that citizens can use them to travel without restrictions. These discussions are continuing, officials in Brussels said, and it is possible that a low-tech solution would be used in the near future to enable people to travel freely on the basis of vaccination. For example, a traveler to Europe could get an EU vaccine-certificate equivalent on arrival after showing a bona fide certificate issued by his or her own government. The hope, officials said, is that this step would soon be unnecessary as government-issued vaccine certificates issued by foreign governments would be acceptable and readable in the European Union, and vice versa. The European Union itself has begun the process of furnishing its own citizens with “digital green certificates,” which will state whether the traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19; has recovered from the disease in recent months; or has tested negative for the virus in the past few days. Europeans will be able to use those to travel without added restrictions, at least in principle, within the bloc of 27 nations. Based on von der Leyen’s comments, the European Commission will recommend the change in travel policy, though individual member states may reserve the right to keep stricter limits. They might not permit citizens from outside the bloc to visit or might enforce restrictions like quarantines, even on visitors who have vaccination certificates. But countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia that welcome millions of American tourists each summer, and greatly depend on them for income and jobs, are set to jump at the opportunity to reopen to the American tourism market with the EU’s blessing. Until now, nonessential travel to the European Union has been officially banned with the exception of visitors from a shortlist of countries with very low caseloads of the virus, including Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Some EU countries have made small exceptions to permit visitors from outside the bloc. Greece, for example, said last week that it would open its borders to travelers from the United States starting Monday, provided they show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test. The visitors from the handful of countries that are officially permitted to visit the European Union under existing rules would normally still have to comply with various sets of requirements implemented on a country-by-country basis, including having a negative COVID-19 test and following quarantine rules. The return of vaccinated visitors to Europe’s beaches and tourist sites would bring a desperately needed financial boost for countries in its southern rim, in particular. And for millions of would-be tourists around the world, as well as for airlines and the broader travel industry, it would herald a cautious and limited return to something that feels like normalcy. For Americans especially, it would also highlight a stark change in COVID-19 fortunes: going from undesirable in Europe a year ago, when the pandemic was raging in the United States, to being in the front of the line of global travelers free to resume leisure trips. But the return of leisure travel to Europe on a bigger scale will also highlight the deepening inequality between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, both within countries and, particularly, on a global level. With India in the throes of the worst rise in COVID-19 infections in the world, and with the past week’s global coronavirus case total the highest since the pandemic began, that contrast could become even more jarring.

EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit"

"We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission".

It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April.

"AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said.

"We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible."

Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads.

The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action.&nbsp;

"What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters.

"They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them."

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings. AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission". It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April. "AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said. "We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible." Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads. The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action. "What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters. "They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them." (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit'

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months. 
 
Speaking after visiting Pfizer`s vaccine plant in Puurs, Belgium, where the main vaccine used so far in the EU has been produced, von der Leyen said the goal could be achieved by the end of July instead of late September as had been previously predicted, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. 
 
"With the enormous efforts of BioNTech-Pfizer and the acceleration of their vaccine deliveries, I am now confident that we will have sufficient doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of the adult population in the European Union already in July," she said, commending the two joint partners as "strong and reliable suppliers." 
 
She expressed her satisfaction that "the EU`s vaccination campaign is on track," passing the mark of 150 million doses delivered and 123 million vaccinations deployed. This made the bloc "among the top three in terms of Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide, after the United States and China." 
 
She said her commission was close to concluding a deal with BioNTech and Pfizer to supply 1.8 billion additional vaccine doses for 2022 and 2023. 
 
"We will conclude it in the next days. It will secure the doses necessary to give booster shots to increase our immunity against the virus. It will provide vaccines adapted to escape variants that no longer respond to the vaccines," she told a press conference. 
 
Von der Leyen said the European Medicines Agency had approved the increase of the site`s production capacity by a further 20 per cent, making it one of the biggest vaccine fill and finish sites in Europe.

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months.

Brussels, April 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought forward the expected date for the European Union (EU) to vaccinate its 70 per cent of adult population by nearly two months. Speaking after visiting Pfizer`s vaccine plant in Puurs, Belgium, where the main vaccine used so far in the EU has been produced, von der Leyen said the goal could be achieved by the end of July instead of late September as had been previously predicted, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. "With the enormous efforts of BioNTech-Pfizer and the acceleration of their vaccine deliveries, I am now confident that we will have sufficient doses to vaccinate 70 per cent of the adult population in the European Union already in July," she said, commending the two joint partners as "strong and reliable suppliers." She expressed her satisfaction that "the EU`s vaccination campaign is on track," passing the mark of 150 million doses delivered and 123 million vaccinations deployed. This made the bloc "among the top three in terms of Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide, after the United States and China." She said her commission was close to concluding a deal with BioNTech and Pfizer to supply 1.8 billion additional vaccine doses for 2022 and 2023. "We will conclude it in the next days. It will secure the doses necessary to give booster shots to increase our immunity against the virus. It will provide vaccines adapted to escape variants that no longer respond to the vaccines," she told a press conference. Von der Leyen said the European Medicines Agency had approved the increase of the site`s production capacity by a further 20 per cent, making it one of the biggest vaccine fill and finish sites in Europe.

EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July

According to the sources, the European Commission is working on legal proceedings against AstraZeneca after the drug maker cut COVID-19 vaccine deliveries. EU plans to split ties with the drug maker after repeatedly cut supplies to the block.

EU to file lawsuit against AstraZeneca over vaccine shortfall

The EU's drug watchdog on Friday said that Oxford-AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine's </a>benefits increase with age.&nbsp;

"It showed that the benefits of vaccination increase with increasing age and infection rates," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a statement said, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The EMA also said that its benefits to adults still outweigh the risks despite reports of blood clots.&nbsp;

"The benefits of Vaxzevria outweigh its risks in adults of all age groups; however, very rare cases of blood clots with low blood platelets have occurred following vaccination," the statement further said, taking the official brand name for AstraZeneca's vaccine.

Earlier, the European Commission asked the EMA to look into concerns after several countries banned the drugs for older people.&nbsp;

Concerns rose after the EU's watchdog on April 7 said that a very rare, but often fatal form of blood clotting should be taken as a side-effect of the drug.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-says-astrazeneca-lawsuit-not-priority-for-now-379519">Germany says AstraZeneca lawsuit 'not priority' for now</a>

Britain's medicines regulator earlier on Thursday said there had been 168 major blood clots following a jab of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, a rate of 7.9 cases per million doses, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

This was more than 100 clot cases reported last week by the UK.&nbsp;

The UK has urged under-30s to receive an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca&nbsp;drug, while several European countries have restricted the drug's use to young adults.&nbsp;

France has said that only people above the age of 55 are allowed to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. &nbsp;

The EU's drug watchdog on Friday said that Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine's benefits increase with age. "It showed that the benefits of vaccination increase with increasing age and infection rates," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a statement said, as quoted by news agency AFP.

The EU's drug watchdog on Friday said that Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine's benefits increase with age. "It showed that the benefits of vaccination increase with increasing age and infection rates," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a statement said, as quoted by news agency AFP. Watch | The EMA also said that its benefits to adults still outweigh the risks despite reports of blood clots. "The benefits of Vaxzevria outweigh its risks in adults of all age groups; however, very rare cases of blood clots with low blood platelets have occurred following vaccination," the statement further said, taking the official brand name for AstraZeneca's vaccine. Earlier, the European Commission asked the EMA to look into concerns after several countries banned the drugs for older people. Concerns rose after the EU's watchdog on April 7 said that a very rare, but often fatal form of blood clotting should be taken as a side-effect of the drug. Also read | Germany says AstraZeneca lawsuit 'not priority' for now Britain's medicines regulator earlier on Thursday said there had been 168 major blood clots following a jab of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, a rate of 7.9 cases per million doses, news agency Reuters reported. This was more than 100 clot cases reported last week by the UK. The UK has urged under-30s to receive an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca drug, while several European countries have restricted the drug's use to young adults. France has said that only people above the age of 55 are allowed to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab.

Benefits of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine increase with age: EU's watchdog

European Union member states on Thursday started&nbsp;administering Johnson &amp; Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine after backing by Europe’s drug regulator, earlier this week.

This green flag comes just days after EMA announced a possible link to a rare blood clotting disorder. As with the AstraZeneca vaccine, several EU countries are expected to impose age restrictions.

Some Spanish regions like Galicia and Navarre began using Johnson &amp; Johnson's coronavirus vaccine to inoculate 70-79 year-olds on Thursday.

Spain&nbsp;has already distributed the first batch of vials to regional health authorities, which are in charge of administering the injections.

An initial shipment of 146,000 doses of the single-shot drug landed in&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;last week but they were impounded in a warehouse on arrival over concerns the vaccines cause a rare type of clotting disorder.

For people aged 70 to 79, regional health authorities in Spain started administering the shot from Thursday, merely two days after the European Medicines Agency’s announcement about the possible side-effect. This decision was largely inspired by the drug regulator’s analysis that the shot’s benefits outweighed the risks.

According to EMA these events should be considered “very rare side effect” of the jab, similar to those experienced by a small number of people who received the AstraZeneca shot. The agency also said that a warning will be added to the vaccine’s labels.

Both Johnson &amp; Johnson’s and AstraZeneca use the same viral vector technology. Akin to AstraZeneca, the EMA has entrusted the EU member states to take a call on how to use the J&amp;J vaccine “according to their national situations and needs”.

Germany’s health ministry has said that the vaccine would be administered in country’s state vaccination centre’s “as soon as possible”.

Italy’s health ministry recommends using the vaccine for people aged 60 or older.&nbsp; Greece is starting the vaccine administration from May 5, while Denmark will announce its decision next week.

The&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;will begin using the J&amp;J vaccine shot next week., while according to a French government spokesman, France which has already received 200,000 doses of the vaccine will start using it from Saturday.

The country’s health authority, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), had earlier this month approved the J&amp;J vaccine for use, while imposing the same age limit as AstraZeneca shot, i.e., only for use in people aged 55 and older. The agency is expected to reiterate the restriction by Friday.

“For the time being”, Iceland, has approved J&amp;J vaccine with no age restrictions, and will also begin administering it next week.

Governments are eager to prevent any reservations as the EU’s early slow rollout accelerates but experts caution that this intense scrutiny of the J&amp;J shot and earlier AstraZeneca may shake public confidence in the two vaccines.

J&amp;J has been given the contract for the delivery of approximately 55m or 25 per cent of the total 400m doses of four different vaccines that EU is scheduled to receive in the second quarter.

According to the European commission, by mid-July member states will receive enough doses to meet the target of fully vaccinating 70 per cent&nbsp;of the adult population, a level considered by epidemiologists to be sufficient for herd immunity.

In the US, J&amp;J rollout was temporarily suspended on 13 April. on Friday the country is expected to announce its decision on the time, and the conditions, under which it will resume vaccine rollout.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

European Union member states on Thursday started administering Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine after backing by Europe’s drug regulator, earlier this week.

European Union member states on Thursday started administering Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine after backing by Europe’s drug regulator, earlier this week. This green flag comes just days after EMA announced a possible link to a rare blood clotting disorder. As with the AstraZeneca vaccine, several EU countries are expected to impose age restrictions. Some Spanish regions like Galicia and Navarre began using Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine to inoculate 70-79 year-olds on Thursday. Spain has already distributed the first batch of vials to regional health authorities, which are in charge of administering the injections. An initial shipment of 146,000 doses of the single-shot drug landed in Spain last week but they were impounded in a warehouse on arrival over concerns the vaccines cause a rare type of clotting disorder. For people aged 70 to 79, regional health authorities in Spain started administering the shot from Thursday, merely two days after the European Medicines Agency’s announcement about the possible side-effect. This decision was largely inspired by the drug regulator’s analysis that the shot’s benefits outweighed the risks. According to EMA these events should be considered “very rare side effect” of the jab, similar to those experienced by a small number of people who received the AstraZeneca shot. The agency also said that a warning will be added to the vaccine’s labels. Both Johnson & Johnson’s and AstraZeneca use the same viral vector technology. Akin to AstraZeneca, the EMA has entrusted the EU member states to take a call on how to use the J&J vaccine “according to their national situations and needs”. Germany’s health ministry has said that the vaccine would be administered in country’s state vaccination centre’s “as soon as possible”. Italy’s health ministry recommends using the vaccine for people aged 60 or older. Greece is starting the vaccine administration from May 5, while Denmark will announce its decision next week. The Netherlands will begin using the J&J vaccine shot next week., while according to a French government spokesman, France which has already received 200,000 doses of the vaccine will start using it from Saturday. The country’s health authority, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), had earlier this month approved the J&J vaccine for use, while imposing the same age limit as AstraZeneca shot, i.e., only for use in people aged 55 and older. The agency is expected to reiterate the restriction by Friday. “For the time being”, Iceland, has approved J&J vaccine with no age restrictions, and will also begin administering it next week. Governments are eager to prevent any reservations as the EU’s early slow rollout accelerates but experts caution that this intense scrutiny of the J&J shot and earlier AstraZeneca may shake public confidence in the two vaccines. J&J has been given the contract for the delivery of approximately 55m or 25 per cent of the total 400m doses of four different vaccines that EU is scheduled to receive in the second quarter. According to the European commission, by mid-July member states will receive enough doses to meet the target of fully vaccinating 70 per cent of the adult population, a level considered by epidemiologists to be sufficient for herd immunity. In the US, J&J rollout was temporarily suspended on 13 April. on Friday the country is expected to announce its decision on the time, and the conditions, under which it will resume vaccine rollout. (With inputs from agencies)

Use of single-dose J&J COVID-19 vaccine begins in European Union

EU plans to snap ties and to sue AstraZeneca over vaccine shortfall

The&nbsp;European Union clinched a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;in the early hours of Wednesday on a landmark&nbsp;law&nbsp;to make its&nbsp;climate-change&nbsp;goals legally binding, including a target to slash its net greenhouse gas&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;by at least 55 per cent this decade.

The&nbsp;deal&nbsp;arrives just in time for a summit of world leaders hosted by the US&nbsp;government on Thursday and Friday, where the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and other global powers will promote their pledges to protect the planet.

The&nbsp;European&nbsp;climate&nbsp;law&nbsp;sets the framework that will guide&nbsp;EU&nbsp;climate-related regulations in the coming decades, steering it towards reaching zero net&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;by 2050 - a pathway which, if adopted globally, would limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and avoid the worst impacts of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change.

More than a year after the&nbsp;European Commission proposed the bill, negotiators representing the&nbsp;European Parliament and the 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;governments finally finished its contents on Wednesday, after all-night talks.

The target to cut&nbsp;EU-wide net&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;by at least 55 per cent by&nbsp;2030, from 1990 levels, replaces a previous&nbsp;goal&nbsp;for a 40 per cent&nbsp;cut. By 2019,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;were already 24 per cent&nbsp;lower than in 1990.

EU&nbsp;lawmakers had wanted to go further to 60 per cent&nbsp;by&nbsp;2030. Environmental campaigners had said the cut should be 65 per cent.

Negotiators agreed to limit the amount of&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;removals that can be counted towards the&nbsp;2030&nbsp;target, to 225 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

That aims to ensure the&nbsp;goal&nbsp;is met by cutting&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;from polluting sectors, rather than relying on removing CO2 from the atmosphere through carbon-absorbing forests and wetlands.

"This is a landmark moment for the&nbsp;EU. We have reached an ambitious agreement to write our&nbsp;climate&nbsp;neutrality target into binding legislation, as a guide to our policies for the next 30 years," Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said in a statement.

The European Union clinched a deal in the early hours of Wednesday on a landmark law to make its climate-change goals legally binding, including a target to slash its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent this decade.

The European Union clinched a deal in the early hours of Wednesday on a landmark law to make its climate-change goals legally binding, including a target to slash its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent this decade. The deal arrives just in time for a summit of world leaders hosted by the US government on Thursday and Friday, where the EU and other global powers will promote their pledges to protect the planet. The European climate law sets the framework that will guide EU climate-related regulations in the coming decades, steering it towards reaching zero net emissions by 2050 - a pathway which, if adopted globally, would limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. More than a year after the European Commission proposed the bill, negotiators representing the European Parliament and the 27 EU governments finally finished its contents on Wednesday, after all-night talks. The target to cut EU-wide net emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, from 1990 levels, replaces a previous goal for a 40 per cent cut. By 2019, EU emissions were already 24 per cent lower than in 1990. EU lawmakers had wanted to go further to 60 per cent by 2030. Environmental campaigners had said the cut should be 65 per cent. Negotiators agreed to limit the amount of emissions removals that can be counted towards the 2030 target, to 225 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That aims to ensure the goal is met by cutting emissions from polluting sectors, rather than relying on removing CO2 from the atmosphere through carbon-absorbing forests and wetlands. "This is a landmark moment for the EU. We have reached an ambitious agreement to write our climate neutrality target into binding legislation, as a guide to our policies for the next 30 years," Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said in a statement.

EU clinches deal on climate law, tougher 2030 emissions goal

The European Union announced sanctions on 10 Myanmar junta officials and two conglomerates linked to the military over the coup and bloody crackdown on protesters in their country.

EU sanctions 10 Myanmar junta officials, 2 firms

European Union negotiators will on Tuesday seek a deal on a law to make the bloc's emissions-cutting goals legally binding, as it seeks to cement its claim to be a global climate leader ahead of a summit of global powers this week.

The EU is racing to finish its climate law ahead of a US-hosted summit on Thursday and Friday, when the White House will urge world leaders to make tougher pledges to protect the planet.

Europe's commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions have so far outstripped those of most major emitters, and the EU hopes to raise the leadership bar by enshrining more ambitious targets in law. Only a handful of countries, including Britain, have made their climate goals legally binding.

Negotiators from EU countries and the European Parliament meet on Tuesday to attempt to finish the law containing the EU's goal to eliminate its net emissions by 2050, and a 2030 target to cut emissions faster than previously planned.

"It would be a missed opportunity to show the world that we really do mean business," Danish climate minister Dan Jorgensen said of the possibility that Tuesday's talks would not yield a deal. He said there was no risk the EU would backtrack on a minimum EU target agreed in December to cut net emissions at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels.

The main quarrel in Tuesday's negotiations will be whether that goal should be more ambitious. The European Parliament wants a 60% cut in outright emissions.

"I'm absolutely hoping for a deal," Jytte Guteland, Parliament's lead negotiator, said. "But this net target is not ambitious enough."

Member states will moot a compromise on Tuesday to limit the amount of emissions removals that can be counted towards the 2030 target, according to EU officials and documents seen by Reuters.

That could soothe some lawmakers' concerns that polluting sectors would be let off the hook by a net target that can be met by reducing the CO2 produced by sectors like energy or industry, or by removing CO2 from the atmosphere through carbon-absorbing forests and wetlands.

European Union negotiators will on Tuesday seek a deal on a law to make the bloc's emissions-cutting goals legally binding, as it seeks to cement its claim to be a global climate leader ahead of a summit of global powers this week.

European Union negotiators will on Tuesday seek a deal on a law to make the bloc's emissions-cutting goals legally binding, as it seeks to cement its claim to be a global climate leader ahead of a summit of global powers this week. The EU is racing to finish its climate law ahead of a US-hosted summit on Thursday and Friday, when the White House will urge world leaders to make tougher pledges to protect the planet. Europe's commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions have so far outstripped those of most major emitters, and the EU hopes to raise the leadership bar by enshrining more ambitious targets in law. Only a handful of countries, including Britain, have made their climate goals legally binding. Negotiators from EU countries and the European Parliament meet on Tuesday to attempt to finish the law containing the EU's goal to eliminate its net emissions by 2050, and a 2030 target to cut emissions faster than previously planned. "It would be a missed opportunity to show the world that we really do mean business," Danish climate minister Dan Jorgensen said of the possibility that Tuesday's talks would not yield a deal. He said there was no risk the EU would backtrack on a minimum EU target agreed in December to cut net emissions at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels. The main quarrel in Tuesday's negotiations will be whether that goal should be more ambitious. The European Parliament wants a 60% cut in outright emissions. "I'm absolutely hoping for a deal," Jytte Guteland, Parliament's lead negotiator, said. "But this net target is not ambitious enough." Member states will moot a compromise on Tuesday to limit the amount of emissions removals that can be counted towards the 2030 target, according to EU officials and documents seen by Reuters. That could soothe some lawmakers' concerns that polluting sectors would be let off the hook by a net target that can be met by reducing the CO2 produced by sectors like energy or industry, or by removing CO2 from the atmosphere through carbon-absorbing forests and wetlands.

EU seeks deal on climate change law, ahead of world leaders' summit

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not be attending and that Thailand would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister.

"Some other countries will also send their foreign ministers," Prayuth, a former army chief who led a coup in Thailand in 2014, told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

A Thai government official said on Saturday that&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta chief Min Aung Hlaing would go to Jakarta, although the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;government has not commented. However, this is seen as unlikely - in previous stints of military rule,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has usually been represented at regional meetings by a prime minister or foreign minister.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way to guide fellow member&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;out of the bloody turmoil that it descended into after the military overthrew an elected government, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on February&nbsp;1.

But there have been divergent views among ASEAN members over how to respond to the army's use of lethal force against civilians and the group's policies of consensus and non-interference in each others’ affairs have limited its ability to act.

Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have sought to ramp up pressure on the junta. Thailand,&nbsp;Myanmar's neighbour, has said it is "gravely concerned" about escalating bloodshed, but close military ties and fears of a flood of refugees mean it is unlikely to go further.

Brunei, the current chair of the bloc, said after a meeting of the group's foreign ministers in March that ASEAN expressed concern about the situation in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and called on "all parties to refrain from instigating further violence".

LITTLE WILLINGNESS

Romeo Jr. Abad Arca, assistant director of the community relations division of the ASEAN Secretariat, said Saturday's summit would take place at its Jakarta headquarters under strict health and security protocols due to the pandemic, confirming an earlier advisory.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 738 people have been killed by&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;security forces since the coup.

Myanmar's military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death.

Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) on Friday.

It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities.

The NUG says it is the legitimate authority and has called for international recognition and an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in place of the junta leader.

Former U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged his successor to engage directly with&nbsp;Myanmar's military to prevent rising violence and said Southeast Asian countries should not dismiss the turmoil as an internal issue for&nbsp;Myanmar.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' special envoy on&nbsp;Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, has communicated with the military since the coup, but the junta has not allowed her to visit.

In its firmest response yet, the European Union said on Monday nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. Information Minister U Chit Naing was sanctioned also.

The decision follows similar measures by the United States. Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month.

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in Myanmar at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers.

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in Myanmar at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not be attending and that Thailand would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister. "Some other countries will also send their foreign ministers," Prayuth, a former army chief who led a coup in Thailand in 2014, told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting. A Thai government official said on Saturday that Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing would go to Jakarta, although the Myanmar government has not commented. However, this is seen as unlikely - in previous stints of military rule, Myanmar has usually been represented at regional meetings by a prime minister or foreign minister. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way to guide fellow member Myanmar out of the bloody turmoil that it descended into after the military overthrew an elected government, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on February 1. But there have been divergent views among ASEAN members over how to respond to the army's use of lethal force against civilians and the group's policies of consensus and non-interference in each others’ affairs have limited its ability to act. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have sought to ramp up pressure on the junta. Thailand, Myanmar's neighbour, has said it is "gravely concerned" about escalating bloodshed, but close military ties and fears of a flood of refugees mean it is unlikely to go further. Brunei, the current chair of the bloc, said after a meeting of the group's foreign ministers in March that ASEAN expressed concern about the situation in Myanmar and called on "all parties to refrain from instigating further violence". LITTLE WILLINGNESS Romeo Jr. Abad Arca, assistant director of the community relations division of the ASEAN Secretariat, said Saturday's summit would take place at its Jakarta headquarters under strict health and security protocols due to the pandemic, confirming an earlier advisory. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 738 people have been killed by Myanmar security forces since the coup. Myanmar's military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death. Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) on Friday. It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities. The NUG says it is the legitimate authority and has called for international recognition and an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in place of the junta leader. Former U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged his successor to engage directly with Myanmar's military to prevent rising violence and said Southeast Asian countries should not dismiss the turmoil as an internal issue for Myanmar. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, has communicated with the military since the coup, but the junta has not allowed her to visit. In its firmest response yet, the European Union said on Monday nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. Information Minister U Chit Naing was sanctioned also. The decision follows similar measures by the United States. Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month.

ASEAN calls summit on Myanmar crisis as EU imposes sanctions

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