The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled&nbsp;in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-uk-coronavirus-variant-to-become-more-dominant-in-us-by-march-360187">Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March</a> 
 
The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the&nbsp;European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal".

The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track.

(With AFP inputs)

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move.

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border. "The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have. The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization. Also Read | Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines. Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal". The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track. (With AFP inputs)

EU backtracks on restrictions on COVID vaccine export to Northern Ireland

One in five people in the European Union, or more than 92.4 million of the bloc's population experienced poverty, said a United Nations report. This amounts to 21.1 per cent of the population experiencing poverty. The observation has been made by Olivier De Schutter, a UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, who interviewed dozens of EU officials to make his assessment.

De Schutter warned that the EU institutions -- which include the commission, the European Central Bank and the council of ministers -- must use the current covid crisis to "reinvent themselves" to fight poverty.

He also criticised EU&nbsp;policymakers for being focussed on austerity and balanced budgets rather than lifting tens of millions of Europeans out of poverty.

Currently, "EU member states are asked to be competitive and lean: they are pardoned for not being social enough," said the report.

EU member states all too often "compete with each other in very unhelpful ways", stifling social progress.

"They race to the bottom by lowering taxes, wages, and worker protections because they think that's how they can attract investors and improve... competitiveness," said De Schutter.

He also slammed the EU's much vaunted Green Deal, a vast programme that is meant to ensure the EU becomes carbon neutral by 2050.

"The fight against poverty is the missing piece of this Green Deal" even though it was presented as a key component, he said.

"But as long as this good intention is not translated into concrete actions, millions will continue to struggle for a decent standard of living in a society that leaves them behind."

He urged the EU to implement its so-called European Pillar of Social Rights, which should include minimum income guarantees and legally binding targets to erase poverty.

It "is an opportunity that should not be wasted," he said.&nbsp;

One in five people in the European Union, or more than 92.4 million of the bloc's population experienced poverty, said a United Nations report. This amounts to 21.

One in five people in the European Union, or more than 92.4 million of the bloc's population experienced poverty, said a United Nations report. This amounts to 21.1 per cent of the population experiencing poverty. The observation has been made by Olivier De Schutter, a UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, who interviewed dozens of EU officials to make his assessment. De Schutter warned that the EU institutions -- which include the commission, the European Central Bank and the council of ministers -- must use the current covid crisis to "reinvent themselves" to fight poverty. He also criticised EU policymakers for being focussed on austerity and balanced budgets rather than lifting tens of millions of Europeans out of poverty. Currently, "EU member states are asked to be competitive and lean: they are pardoned for not being social enough," said the report. EU member states all too often "compete with each other in very unhelpful ways", stifling social progress. "They race to the bottom by lowering taxes, wages, and worker protections because they think that's how they can attract investors and improve... competitiveness," said De Schutter. He also slammed the EU's much vaunted Green Deal, a vast programme that is meant to ensure the EU becomes carbon neutral by 2050. "The fight against poverty is the missing piece of this Green Deal" even though it was presented as a key component, he said. "But as long as this good intention is not translated into concrete actions, millions will continue to struggle for a decent standard of living in a society that leaves them behind." He urged the EU to implement its so-called European Pillar of Social Rights, which should include minimum income guarantees and legally binding targets to erase poverty. It "is an opportunity that should not be wasted," he said.

More than 92 million people in EU experience poverty: UN report

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union".

The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices.

"The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement.

AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc.

AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant.

Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments.

Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries. Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union". The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices. "The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement. AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc. AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant. Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments. Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. (with inputs from agencies)

EU publishes redacted AstraZeneca vaccine contract amid row

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout.

The update by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency followed reports that dozens of mainly elderly people had died in Norway and other European countries after receiving a first shot of the vaccine.

The EMA said it had looked at the deaths and "concluded that the data did not show a link to vaccination with Comirnaty (the vaccine) and the cases do not raise a safety concern."

In its first safety update since the EU started its vaccination campaign in December, the watchdog said that overall, data "is consistent with the known safety profile of the vaccine, and no new side effects were identified."

Reports of occasional severe allergic reactions did not go beyond what had already been found about this "known side effect".

"The benefits of Comirnaty in preventing Covid-19 continue to outweigh any risks, and there are no recommended changes regarding the use of the vaccine," the EMA said.

The EU watchdog has so far approved two vaccines, by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

It is set to give its verdict on a third, by AstraZeneca, later Friday. Germany recommended on Thursday that the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to under-65s.

The frail and the elderly are first in line for vaccinations in many countries.

Norway in particular registered 33 deaths among some 20,000 retirement home residents who had received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Concern grew as a number of countries, including France and also Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, gave similar reports.

Oslo said earlier this month it had not established a link but recommended doctors consider the overall health of the most frail before giving them the jab.

The EMA said that "given concerns which arose from Norway" it had reviewed reports of deaths of people of any age after receiving the jab.

"In many cases concerning individuals above 65 years of age, progression of (multiple) pre-existing diseases seemed to be a plausible explanation for death," it said.

Some had already received palliative care, it said.

The EMA noted that clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine had included people aged 75 and older.&nbsp;But the watchdog said it had asked the company to keep "reviewing all reports of suspected side effects with fatal outcome thoroughly."

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout.

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout. The update by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency followed reports that dozens of mainly elderly people had died in Norway and other European countries after receiving a first shot of the vaccine. The EMA said it had looked at the deaths and "concluded that the data did not show a link to vaccination with Comirnaty (the vaccine) and the cases do not raise a safety concern." In its first safety update since the EU started its vaccination campaign in December, the watchdog said that overall, data "is consistent with the known safety profile of the vaccine, and no new side effects were identified." Reports of occasional severe allergic reactions did not go beyond what had already been found about this "known side effect". "The benefits of Comirnaty in preventing Covid-19 continue to outweigh any risks, and there are no recommended changes regarding the use of the vaccine," the EMA said. The EU watchdog has so far approved two vaccines, by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. It is set to give its verdict on a third, by AstraZeneca, later Friday. Germany recommended on Thursday that the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to under-65s. The frail and the elderly are first in line for vaccinations in many countries. Norway in particular registered 33 deaths among some 20,000 retirement home residents who had received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Concern grew as a number of countries, including France and also Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, gave similar reports. Oslo said earlier this month it had not established a link but recommended doctors consider the overall health of the most frail before giving them the jab. The EMA said that "given concerns which arose from Norway" it had reviewed reports of deaths of people of any age after receiving the jab. "In many cases concerning individuals above 65 years of age, progression of (multiple) pre-existing diseases seemed to be a plausible explanation for death," it said. Some had already received palliative care, it said. The EMA noted that clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine had included people aged 75 and older. But the watchdog said it had asked the company to keep "reviewing all reports of suspected side effects with fatal outcome thoroughly."

Pfizer vaccine not linked to post-jab deaths, EU regulator assures

At Tricker's, a 192-year-old maker of English luxury shoes, relief at averting a no-deal Brexit on January 1 quickly turned to shock at the scale of the new cost of doing business with the European Union.

UK shoemaker feels pinch from hidden cost of Brexit

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for.

The 27-nation EU is not faring well in comparison to countries like Israel and the United Kingdom. Even the United States, whose response to the pandemic has otherwise been widely criticised and where tens of thousands of appointments for shots have been cancelled because of vaccine shortages, appears to be moving faster.

While Israel has given at least one shot of a two-dose vaccine to over 40 per cent of its population and that figure in Britain is 10 per cent, the EU total stands at just over 2 per cent.

For every 100 people in Italy, only 2.6 have received a vaccine dose. The number is 2.4 in Germany; 1.7 in France, 2.9 in Spain, 2.3 in Finland and Switzerland, 2.2 in Austria, 2.0 in Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus and Sweden.

Europe's best performing country -- Denmark -- has vaccinated just 3.6 people for every 100.

Britain has injected 7.1 million first doses of vaccines into arms, and is on track to deliver a shot to all over-70s, frontline medics and care workers, the clinically vulnerable and older care home residents - some 15 million people - by February 15.

In the northern French region of Hauts-de-France, France's second-most-densely-populated region, several vaccination centres were no longer taking appointments for a first jab. In several other French regions, some online appointment platforms closed booking options.

Spain's Madrid region has ceased first vaccinations for at least this week and next and was using the few doses it has to administer second shots to those who have had the first one, said deputy regional government chief Ignacio Aguado.

Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, last week postponed opening its vaccination centres until February 8, while the state of Brandenburg has also had to push back vaccination appointments originally scheduled for the end of January due to delivery delays.

Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper described the problems around procuring vaccines as a "scandal".

As vaccination centres in Germany and France cancelled or delayed appointments, the EU publically rebuked Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca for failing to deliver and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain.

The EU Commission, which has coordinated vaccine orders, said it would on Friday detail a mechanism to require both notification and authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine exports from the bloc.

Britain, which has repeatedly touted its lead in the vaccine rollout race since leaving the EU's orbit on January 1, said its deliveries must be honoured.

The swiftest mass vaccination drive in history is stoking tensions across the world as big powers buy up doses in bulk and poorer nations try to navigate a financial and diplomatic minefield to collect whatever supplies are left.

The EU scolded AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

Tensions have risen as both New York-based Pfizer and AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, England, have had production problems.

The EU rollout was also slowed because the European Medicines Agency took more time than the US or UK regulators to authorise its first vaccine.

But individual countries also share in the blame.

Germany, Europe’s cliche of an organised and orderly nation, was found sorely wanting, with its rollout marred by chaotic bureaucracy and technological failures.

The Dutch have been particularly criticized since they were the last in the EU to begin vaccinations, more than a week after the first shots were given in the bloc, and they have been especially slow to roll doses out to elderly people living at home.

(with inputs)

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for.

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for. The 27-nation EU is not faring well in comparison to countries like Israel and the United Kingdom. Even the United States, whose response to the pandemic has otherwise been widely criticised and where tens of thousands of appointments for shots have been cancelled because of vaccine shortages, appears to be moving faster. While Israel has given at least one shot of a two-dose vaccine to over 40 per cent of its population and that figure in Britain is 10 per cent, the EU total stands at just over 2 per cent. For every 100 people in Italy, only 2.6 have received a vaccine dose. The number is 2.4 in Germany; 1.7 in France, 2.9 in Spain, 2.3 in Finland and Switzerland, 2.2 in Austria, 2.0 in Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus and Sweden. Europe's best performing country -- Denmark -- has vaccinated just 3.6 people for every 100. Britain has injected 7.1 million first doses of vaccines into arms, and is on track to deliver a shot to all over-70s, frontline medics and care workers, the clinically vulnerable and older care home residents - some 15 million people - by February 15. In the northern French region of Hauts-de-France, France's second-most-densely-populated region, several vaccination centres were no longer taking appointments for a first jab. In several other French regions, some online appointment platforms closed booking options. Spain's Madrid region has ceased first vaccinations for at least this week and next and was using the few doses it has to administer second shots to those who have had the first one, said deputy regional government chief Ignacio Aguado. Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, last week postponed opening its vaccination centres until February 8, while the state of Brandenburg has also had to push back vaccination appointments originally scheduled for the end of January due to delivery delays. Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper described the problems around procuring vaccines as a "scandal". As vaccination centres in Germany and France cancelled or delayed appointments, the EU publically rebuked Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca for failing to deliver and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain. The EU Commission, which has coordinated vaccine orders, said it would on Friday detail a mechanism to require both notification and authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine exports from the bloc. Britain, which has repeatedly touted its lead in the vaccine rollout race since leaving the EU's orbit on January 1, said its deliveries must be honoured. The swiftest mass vaccination drive in history is stoking tensions across the world as big powers buy up doses in bulk and poorer nations try to navigate a financial and diplomatic minefield to collect whatever supplies are left. The EU scolded AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain. Tensions have risen as both New York-based Pfizer and AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, England, have had production problems. The EU rollout was also slowed because the European Medicines Agency took more time than the US or UK regulators to authorise its first vaccine. But individual countries also share in the blame. Germany, Europe’s cliche of an organised and orderly nation, was found sorely wanting, with its rollout marred by chaotic bureaucracy and technological failures. The Dutch have been particularly criticized since they were the last in the EU to begin vaccinations, more than a week after the first shots were given in the bloc, and they have been especially slow to roll doses out to elderly people living at home. (with inputs)

How Europe's Covid vaccine rollout became a disaster

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

The EU is making more comprehensive checks on vaccines before approval, which means a slower rollout of shots than former EU member Britain and growing public frustration.

The issue has been exacerbated by Anglo-Swedish&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;and Pfizer of the United States both announcing delivery hold-ups in recent weeks.

"We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a tweet.

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We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1. We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens.
— Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKyriakidesEU/status/1354525081213562882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens," she said, after&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;chief executive Pascal Soriot addressed a vaccine body made up of representatives from the EU's 27 members.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;said in a statement it had a constructive conversation with the EU about the complexities of scaling up production and had committed to closer coordination on working out deliveries in the coming months.

Earlier, Kyriakides told a news conference that two of the four factories from which&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;has committed to providing vaccines to the EU are in Britain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would have been a "great pity" if the United Kingdom had stayed in the European Union's vaccine programme rather than set up its own plan.

"I do think that we've been able to do things differently, and better, in some ways," he said in parliament.

AstraZeneca, which partnered with Britain's Oxford University to develop its vaccine, said last week it would cut supplies to the EU in the first quarter, with an EU official saying that meant the EU would receive 31 million doses in the period, or 60% less than initially agreed, due to production issues at a Belgian factory.

The EU has been pushing the company for a week to revise these cuts, but it is unclear how it can force delivery of the agreed amounts.

Soriot told newspapers on Tuesday the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries.

He said that vaccines meant for the EU were produced in four plants in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

But EU Commission officials said on Wednesday that the contract stipulated that the company had also committed to providing vaccines from two factories in Britain.

They added the firm had not provided sufficient explanations on why doses could not be shipped from stocks at fully functioning factories.

Reuters on Tuesday exclusively reported that EU's calls to reroute doses from Britain had not been answered by&nbsp;AstraZeneca.

As an example of how the glitches are biting, delays in deliveries are forcing health authorities in Spain's wealthiest regions of Madrid and Catalonia to restrict inoculations even as the third wave of contagion rages, officials said.

Adding to the confusion, a factory in Wales that produces&nbsp;AstraZeneca's vaccine was partially evacuated on Wednesday after it received a suspicious package and police said a bomb disposal unit was dealing with the incident.

Meeting or no meeting?

The EU has also threatened to monitor future exports of COVID-19 vaccines, although the EU trade commissioner ruled out any export bans.

Fraught relations showed up in confusion about the timing of a meeting between the EU and&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;and whether the company would even attend.

The EU contract with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided the vaccine is approved as safe and effective, with doses delivered in stages. It is expected to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday.

Officials added that the best-effort clause was standard in contracts with manufacturers of products in development. One EU official said best effort meant the company had to show an "overall" effort to develop and deliver vaccines.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;said on Wednesday that supply chains were developed with input from specific countries or international organisations and that each supply chain was dedicated to the relevant countries or regions, making use of local manufacturing where possible.

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain. The EU is making more comprehensive checks on vaccines before approval, which means a slower rollout of shots than former EU member Britain and growing public frustration. The issue has been exacerbated by Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca and Pfizer of the United States both announcing delivery hold-ups in recent weeks. "We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a tweet. We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1. We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens. — Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) January 27, 2021 × "We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens," she said, after AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot addressed a vaccine body made up of representatives from the EU's 27 members. AstraZeneca said in a statement it had a constructive conversation with the EU about the complexities of scaling up production and had committed to closer coordination on working out deliveries in the coming months. Earlier, Kyriakides told a news conference that two of the four factories from which AstraZeneca has committed to providing vaccines to the EU are in Britain. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would have been a "great pity" if the United Kingdom had stayed in the European Union's vaccine programme rather than set up its own plan. "I do think that we've been able to do things differently, and better, in some ways," he said in parliament. AstraZeneca, which partnered with Britain's Oxford University to develop its vaccine, said last week it would cut supplies to the EU in the first quarter, with an EU official saying that meant the EU would receive 31 million doses in the period, or 60% less than initially agreed, due to production issues at a Belgian factory. The EU has been pushing the company for a week to revise these cuts, but it is unclear how it can force delivery of the agreed amounts. Soriot told newspapers on Tuesday the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries. He said that vaccines meant for the EU were produced in four plants in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. But EU Commission officials said on Wednesday that the contract stipulated that the company had also committed to providing vaccines from two factories in Britain. They added the firm had not provided sufficient explanations on why doses could not be shipped from stocks at fully functioning factories. Reuters on Tuesday exclusively reported that EU's calls to reroute doses from Britain had not been answered by AstraZeneca. As an example of how the glitches are biting, delays in deliveries are forcing health authorities in Spain's wealthiest regions of Madrid and Catalonia to restrict inoculations even as the third wave of contagion rages, officials said. Adding to the confusion, a factory in Wales that produces AstraZeneca's vaccine was partially evacuated on Wednesday after it received a suspicious package and police said a bomb disposal unit was dealing with the incident. Meeting or no meeting? The EU has also threatened to monitor future exports of COVID-19 vaccines, although the EU trade commissioner ruled out any export bans. Fraught relations showed up in confusion about the timing of a meeting between the EU and AstraZeneca and whether the company would even attend. The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided the vaccine is approved as safe and effective, with doses delivered in stages. It is expected to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday. Officials added that the best-effort clause was standard in contracts with manufacturers of products in development. One EU official said best effort meant the company had to show an "overall" effort to develop and deliver vaccines. AstraZeneca said on Wednesday that supply chains were developed with input from specific countries or international organisations and that each supply chain was dedicated to the relevant countries or regions, making use of local manufacturing where possible.

European Union demands AstraZeneca plan to break vaccine deadlock

The European Commission has told Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to continue monthly reports on their efforts to tackle fake news, especially on COVID-19, for another six months.

Social media and online platforms have come under fire globally over the spread of fake news, leading to calls for regulators to force them to do more or face cumbersome rules.

The companies, together with TikTok and advertisers, have signed the European Union`s code of practice to tackle the spread of disinformation on their platforms, and had to submit reports on their efforts during an initial six-month period.

The reports will continue for another six months because of their relevance during the virus pandemic, the EU executive said.

The companies have been told to provide more data on how disinformation spreads during the coronavirus crisis and on the granular impact of their actions in EU countries.

"The pandemic has become a breeding ground for false claims and conspiracy theories and platforms are important amplifiers of this type of messages," Commission Vice-

President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova said in a statement.

"We must continue working together to improve our fight with disinformation, but we need more transparency and better effort from the online platforms," she said.

The European Commission has told Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to continue monthly reports on their efforts to tackle fake news, especially on COVID-19, for another six months.

The European Commission has told Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to continue monthly reports on their efforts to tackle fake news, especially on COVID-19, for another six months. Social media and online platforms have come under fire globally over the spread of fake news, leading to calls for regulators to force them to do more or face cumbersome rules. The companies, together with TikTok and advertisers, have signed the European Union`s code of practice to tackle the spread of disinformation on their platforms, and had to submit reports on their efforts during an initial six-month period. The reports will continue for another six months because of their relevance during the virus pandemic, the EU executive said. The companies have been told to provide more data on how disinformation spreads during the coronavirus crisis and on the granular impact of their actions in EU countries. "The pandemic has become a breeding ground for false claims and conspiracy theories and platforms are important amplifiers of this type of messages," Commission Vice- President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova said in a statement. "We must continue working together to improve our fight with disinformation, but we need more transparency and better effort from the online platforms," she said.

EU tells Google, Facebook and Twitter to extend fake news watch, COVID-19 in focus

Pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca said it would attend a meeting with EU representatives set to take place Wednesday to discuss delays of its Covid-19 vaccine, contradicting earlier claims from Brussels.

"We can confirm we have not pulled out, we will be attending the meeting with EU officials later today," an AstraZeneca spokeswoman said in a statement.

Reports earlier said the pharmaceutical group had pulled out of a meeting with representatives of the European Union.

The EU, in response, asked AstraZeneca to publish the contract it signed with the bloc on vaccine supplies.

The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided that the vaccine is approved as safe and effective.

The sudden cancellation by the Anglo-Swedish firm marked a dramatic new turn in escalating tensions between it and the European Commission, which is demanding AstraZeneca fulfil its contract for the vaccine doses.

In an interview with newspapers on Tuesday, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries.

Vaccine rollouts in the European Union have been slow compared with countries in some other regions, especially former EU member Britain, and fraught with problems, not least interruptions to supply chains.

AstraZeneca said in a statement on Wednesday: "Each supply chain was developed with input and investment from specific countries or international organisations based on the supply agreements, including our agreement with the European Commission.

"As each supply chain has been set up to meet the needs of a specific agreement, the vaccine produced from any supply chain is dedicated to the relevant countries or regions and makes use of local manufacturing wherever possible."

(with inputs from agencies)

Pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca said it would attend a meeting with EU representatives set to take place Wednesday to discuss delays of its Covid-19 vaccine, contradicting earlier claims from Brussels.

Pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca said it would attend a meeting with EU representatives set to take place Wednesday to discuss delays of its Covid-19 vaccine, contradicting earlier claims from Brussels. "We can confirm we have not pulled out, we will be attending the meeting with EU officials later today," an AstraZeneca spokeswoman said in a statement. Reports earlier said the pharmaceutical group had pulled out of a meeting with representatives of the European Union. The EU, in response, asked AstraZeneca to publish the contract it signed with the bloc on vaccine supplies. The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided that the vaccine is approved as safe and effective. The sudden cancellation by the Anglo-Swedish firm marked a dramatic new turn in escalating tensions between it and the European Commission, which is demanding AstraZeneca fulfil its contract for the vaccine doses. In an interview with newspapers on Tuesday, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries. Vaccine rollouts in the European Union have been slow compared with countries in some other regions, especially former EU member Britain, and fraught with problems, not least interruptions to supply chains. AstraZeneca said in a statement on Wednesday: "Each supply chain was developed with input and investment from specific countries or international organisations based on the supply agreements, including our agreement with the European Commission. "As each supply chain has been set up to meet the needs of a specific agreement, the vaccine produced from any supply chain is dedicated to the relevant countries or regions and makes use of local manufacturing wherever possible." (with inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca clarifies will attend EU meeting on Covid-19 vaccine delay

European Union foreign ministers on Monday debated a response to the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and a weekend police crackdown that saw thousands taken into custody during protests in support of the Kremlin critic.

European Union calls on Russia to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny

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Renewables beat fossil fuels in electricity mix in EU

Both US and the&nbsp;European Union have expressed ''deep concerns'' over&nbsp;Russia's response to mass protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny&nbsp;on Saturday.

Police clashed violently with protesters in Moscow and arrested more than 2,500 in cities across the country Saturday as Russians took to the streets to denounce Kremlin rule and demand the release of Navalny.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-wife-among-nearly-2000-people-detained-in-russia-at-rallies-358823">Navalny's wife among nearly 2,000 people detained in Russia at rallies</a>

"The United States strongly condemns the use of harsh tactics against protesters and journalists this weekend in cities throughout Russia," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Navalny being taken into custody and the arrests of his supporters were "troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hundreds-arrested-during-protests-in-support-of-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-358886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We call on Russian authorities to release all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Aleksey Navalny," Price said, using an alternative spelling.

"We urge Russia to fully cooperate with the international community's investigation into the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and credibly explain the use of a chemical weapon on its soil."

"Following unfolding events in #Russia with concern," Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter as tens of thousands protested in Russia in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

"I deplore widespread detentions, disproportionate use of force, cutting down internet and phone connections. We will discuss on Monday next steps with EU Foreign Ministers."

In Russia tens of thousands nationwide answered Navalny's call to rally, which he issued after he was detained at a Moscow airport on arrival from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent.

Saturday's protests took on an unprecedented geographic scale, spanning more than 100 cities across the country. Previous large-scale opposition demonstrations in 2012 and 2019 were largely centered in Moscow.

Both US and the European Union have expressed ''deep concerns'' over Russia's response to mass protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday. Police clashed violently with protesters in Moscow and arrested more than 2,500 in cities across the country Saturday as Russians took to the streets to denounce Kremlin rule and demand the release of Navalny.

Both US and the European Union have expressed ''deep concerns'' over Russia's response to mass protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday. Police clashed violently with protesters in Moscow and arrested more than 2,500 in cities across the country Saturday as Russians took to the streets to denounce Kremlin rule and demand the release of Navalny. Also read: Navalny's wife among nearly 2,000 people detained in Russia at rallies "The United States strongly condemns the use of harsh tactics against protesters and journalists this weekend in cities throughout Russia," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Navalny being taken into custody and the arrests of his supporters were "troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms," he added. "We call on Russian authorities to release all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Aleksey Navalny," Price said, using an alternative spelling. "We urge Russia to fully cooperate with the international community's investigation into the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and credibly explain the use of a chemical weapon on its soil." "Following unfolding events in #Russia with concern," Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter as tens of thousands protested in Russia in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "I deplore widespread detentions, disproportionate use of force, cutting down internet and phone connections. We will discuss on Monday next steps with EU Foreign Ministers." In Russia tens of thousands nationwide answered Navalny's call to rally, which he issued after he was detained at a Moscow airport on arrival from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent. Saturday's protests took on an unprecedented geographic scale, spanning more than 100 cities across the country. Previous large-scale opposition demonstrations in 2012 and 2019 were largely centered in Moscow.

US, EU express 'deep concerns' over 'widespread detentions' in Russia protests

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.Pfizer said last week that it was temporarily slowing supplies to Europe to make manufacturing changes that would boost output. &nbsp;On Friday, AstraZeneca also said that initial deliveries to the region will fall short because of a production glitch

"We plan to make the pharmaceutical companies respect the contracts they have signed ... by using the legal means at our disposal," Michel said on Europe 1 radio.

There are increasing voices of displeasure over declared delay in vaccine supply. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that delay in EU was serious breach of contract. The pm said that the delay was "unacceptable"

"This is unacceptable," Conte said in a Facebook post. "Our vaccination plan ... has been drawn up on the basis of contractual pledges freely undertaken by pharmaceutical companies with the European Commission."

vaccinations in Italy have slowed to 20,000-25,000 a day from peaks of more than 90,000 around two weeks ago, said the head of Italy's higher health council, Franco Locatelli.

Rome has threatened to sue Pfizer.

Conte said expected delays in the vaccine by AstraZeneca were even more worrying, adding Italy would receive 3.4 million doses instead of 8 million in the first quarter if the 60% reduction were confirmed.

He added the heads of AstraZeneca Italy had confirmed the reduction in production capacity at a meeting on Saturday with Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza and COVID-19 Special Commissioner Domenico Arcuri.

"Such delays in deliveries represent serious contractual violations, which cause enormous damage to Italy and other countries," Conte said.

"We'll use all available legal tools as we're already doing with Pfizer-BioNTech," he added.

(With Reuters inputs)

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.Pfizer said last week that it was temporarily slowing supplies to Europe to make manufacturing changes that would boost output. On Friday, AstraZeneca also said that initial deliveries to the region will fall short because of a production glitch "We plan to make the pharmaceutical companies respect the contracts they have signed ... by using the legal means at our disposal," Michel said on Europe 1 radio. There are increasing voices of displeasure over declared delay in vaccine supply. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that delay in EU was serious breach of contract. The pm said that the delay was "unacceptable" "This is unacceptable," Conte said in a Facebook post. "Our vaccination plan ... has been drawn up on the basis of contractual pledges freely undertaken by pharmaceutical companies with the European Commission." vaccinations in Italy have slowed to 20,000-25,000 a day from peaks of more than 90,000 around two weeks ago, said the head of Italy's higher health council, Franco Locatelli. Rome has threatened to sue Pfizer. Conte said expected delays in the vaccine by AstraZeneca were even more worrying, adding Italy would receive 3.4 million doses instead of 8 million in the first quarter if the 60% reduction were confirmed. He added the heads of AstraZeneca Italy had confirmed the reduction in production capacity at a meeting on Saturday with Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza and COVID-19 Special Commissioner Domenico Arcuri. "Such delays in deliveries represent serious contractual violations, which cause enormous damage to Italy and other countries," Conte said. "We'll use all available legal tools as we're already doing with Pfizer-BioNTech," he added. (With Reuters inputs)

EU: Will 'make' companies respect COVID vaccine supply contracts

AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc has informed European Union officials on Friday it would cut deliveries of its COVID-19 vaccine to the bloc by 60 per cent&nbsp;to 31 million doses in the first quarter of the year due to production problems, a senior official told Reuters.

The decrease deals another blow to Europe's COVID-19 vaccination drive after Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech SE slowed supplies of their vaccine to the bloc this week, saying the move was needed because of work to ramp up production.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;was expected to deliver about 80 million doses to the 27 EU countries by the end of March, the official who was involved in the talks said.

The official added&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;planned to begin deliveries to the EU from Feb. 15, in line with original plans.

The company confirmed the drop in deliveries without giving specific details on the magnitude of the shortfall.

"Initial volumes will be lower than originally anticipated due to reduced yields at a manufacturing site within our European supply chain," an&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;spokesman said in a written statement.

"We will be supplying tens of millions of doses in February and March to the European Union, as we continue to ramp up production volumes," he said of the vaccine developed with Oxford University.

The Britain-based drugmaker had also agreed to deliver more than 80 million doses in the second quarter. On Friday, the EU official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the company was not able to provide updated delivery targets for the April to June period due to the production issues.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;told EU officials at a meeting that the cut was due to production problems at a vaccine factory in Belgium run by its partner Novasep, the EU official said. Novasep was not immediately available to comment.

EU governments "expressed deep dissatisfaction with this," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said on Twitter after the announcement.

The EU drug regulator is due to decide on the approval of&nbsp;AstraZeneca's vaccine on Jan. 29. It has already received emergency authorisation in Britain.

The EU has a deal to purchase at least 300 million doses from&nbsp;AstraZeneca, with an option for an additional 100 million, part of the company's global commitments to supply more than 3 billion doses.

AstraZeneca Plc has informed European Union officials on Friday it would cut deliveries of its COVID-19 vaccine to the bloc by 60 per cent to 31 million doses in the first quarter of the year due to production problems, a senior official told Reuters.

AstraZeneca Plc has informed European Union officials on Friday it would cut deliveries of its COVID-19 vaccine to the bloc by 60 per cent to 31 million doses in the first quarter of the year due to production problems, a senior official told Reuters. The decrease deals another blow to Europe's COVID-19 vaccination drive after Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech SE slowed supplies of their vaccine to the bloc this week, saying the move was needed because of work to ramp up production. AstraZeneca was expected to deliver about 80 million doses to the 27 EU countries by the end of March, the official who was involved in the talks said. The official added AstraZeneca planned to begin deliveries to the EU from Feb. 15, in line with original plans. The company confirmed the drop in deliveries without giving specific details on the magnitude of the shortfall. "Initial volumes will be lower than originally anticipated due to reduced yields at a manufacturing site within our European supply chain," an AstraZeneca spokesman said in a written statement. "We will be supplying tens of millions of doses in February and March to the European Union, as we continue to ramp up production volumes," he said of the vaccine developed with Oxford University. The Britain-based drugmaker had also agreed to deliver more than 80 million doses in the second quarter. On Friday, the EU official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the company was not able to provide updated delivery targets for the April to June period due to the production issues. AstraZeneca told EU officials at a meeting that the cut was due to production problems at a vaccine factory in Belgium run by its partner Novasep, the EU official said. Novasep was not immediately available to comment. EU governments "expressed deep dissatisfaction with this," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said on Twitter after the announcement. The EU drug regulator is due to decide on the approval of AstraZeneca's vaccine on Jan. 29. It has already received emergency authorisation in Britain. The EU has a deal to purchase at least 300 million doses from AstraZeneca, with an option for an additional 100 million, part of the company's global commitments to supply more than 3 billion doses.

AstraZeneca to cut COVID-19 vaccine delivery to EU by 60%: Report

The Kremlin has dismissed Western demands to release Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying his calls for mass protests over his arrest were "troubling".

European Council chief Charles Michel demanded the "immediate release" of Navalny in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

The EU had already condemned an attempt to assassinate Navalny and his arrest on his return to Russia after treatment, but Michel has now expressed "grave concerns" directly to Putin. He told the Kremlin chief he would launch a "strategic debate" on EU-Russia relations when he convenes a summit of all 27 EU leaders in March.&nbsp;

"The President of the European Council informed President Putin of the grave concern in the EU and its Member States over recent developments and called to fully and unconditionally respect Alexei Navalny's rights," Michel's office said.

"Charles Michel stated that the EU is united in its call on Russia to swiftly release Mr Navalny and proceed with the investigation into the assassination attempt on him, in full transparency and without further delay."

Navalny, 44, was arrested on Sunday as he returned to Russia from Germany for the first time since he recovered from a near-fatal poisoning with the Soviet-designed Novichok nerve agent in August. He hit back Tuesday with the publication of a corruption investigation into a lavish, $1.35 billion property on Russia's Black Sea coast that he alleged was owned by Putin.

In a two-hour long video accompanying the report on his blog, Navalny described the vast estate as a "state within Russia" in which Putin is "tsar".&nbsp;

Navalny's allies are planning demonstrations on Saturday in dozens of Russian cities in support of the Kremlin critic who was arrested and jailed on his return to Russia following a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent.

Several close Navalny associates, including prominent activist Lyubov Sobol and his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh, were detained on Thursday for urging Russians to join the demonstrations and they face hefty fines and short jail stints.

Russian police said Friday that "any such protests will be regarded as a threat to public order and immediately suppressed".

EU members already have several sanctions in place against Russian targets, and capitals are mulling further action after Navalny's detention.

EU leaders met by video conference late Thursday principally to tackle the coronavirus epidemic, but afterwards Michel issued a stern statement calling again for the release of Navalny and his supporters.

The European Parliament also passed a non-binding resolution urging Brussels to block to completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption campaigner's arrest has triggered a wave of condemnation from Western countries which have called for his immediate release.

The Kremlin said the calls to protest were "troubling" and stressed it would not take into account Western demands to free Navalny.

"This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The leading Kremlin critic has repeatedly led large-scale street protests against Putin, including in 2011-2012 when tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest widespread claims of electoral fraud in parliamentary elections.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin has dismissed Western demands to release Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying his calls for mass protests over his arrest were "troubling".

The Kremlin has dismissed Western demands to release Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying his calls for mass protests over his arrest were "troubling". European Council chief Charles Michel demanded the "immediate release" of Navalny in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The EU had already condemned an attempt to assassinate Navalny and his arrest on his return to Russia after treatment, but Michel has now expressed "grave concerns" directly to Putin. He told the Kremlin chief he would launch a "strategic debate" on EU-Russia relations when he convenes a summit of all 27 EU leaders in March. "The President of the European Council informed President Putin of the grave concern in the EU and its Member States over recent developments and called to fully and unconditionally respect Alexei Navalny's rights," Michel's office said. "Charles Michel stated that the EU is united in its call on Russia to swiftly release Mr Navalny and proceed with the investigation into the assassination attempt on him, in full transparency and without further delay." Navalny, 44, was arrested on Sunday as he returned to Russia from Germany for the first time since he recovered from a near-fatal poisoning with the Soviet-designed Novichok nerve agent in August. He hit back Tuesday with the publication of a corruption investigation into a lavish, $1.35 billion property on Russia's Black Sea coast that he alleged was owned by Putin. In a two-hour long video accompanying the report on his blog, Navalny described the vast estate as a "state within Russia" in which Putin is "tsar". Navalny's allies are planning demonstrations on Saturday in dozens of Russian cities in support of the Kremlin critic who was arrested and jailed on his return to Russia following a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent. Several close Navalny associates, including prominent activist Lyubov Sobol and his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh, were detained on Thursday for urging Russians to join the demonstrations and they face hefty fines and short jail stints. Russian police said Friday that "any such protests will be regarded as a threat to public order and immediately suppressed". EU members already have several sanctions in place against Russian targets, and capitals are mulling further action after Navalny's detention. EU leaders met by video conference late Thursday principally to tackle the coronavirus epidemic, but afterwards Michel issued a stern statement calling again for the release of Navalny and his supporters. The European Parliament also passed a non-binding resolution urging Brussels to block to completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption campaigner's arrest has triggered a wave of condemnation from Western countries which have called for his immediate release. The Kremlin said the calls to protest were "troubling" and stressed it would not take into account Western demands to free Navalny. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The leading Kremlin critic has repeatedly led large-scale street protests against Putin, including in 2011-2012 when tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest widespread claims of electoral fraud in parliamentary elections. (with inputs from agencies)

EU chief has urged Putin to release Navalny. But Kremlin won't budge

The European Union hailed Joe Biden's inauguration later on Wednesday as U.S. president as a "new dawn" for Europe and the United States, while insisting U.S. technology companies should be regulated to stop the "dark forces" of hate speech online.

US and EU to collaborate on COVID-19 pandemic, climate change

China on Friday slammed an EU resolution condemning its crackdown on Hong Kong democracy activists, accusing the lawmakers of "gross interference" in its governance of the city.

Members of the European Parliament on Thursday passed the resolution calling for "targetted sanctions" against Chinese and Hong Kong officials held responsible for recent arrests of activists.

The lawmakers also said they "regret" the handling of a landmark investment deal with China pending ratification by MEPs, saying that talks over the deal should have been seized "as a leverage tool aimed at preserving Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, as well as its basic rights and freedoms".

To this end, Beijing struck back on Friday and urged EU lawmakers to "face up to the reality that Hong Kong has returned to China".

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the resolution showed that some MEPs had "confused right and wrong" and engaged in "gross interference in the affairs of China's Hong Kong".

The European Parliament should "stop any form of meddling", Hua said at a regular press briefing.

Beijing has imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong that effectively criminalises much dissent in a city supposedly guaranteed key liberties and autonomy -- following huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.

It also toppled the legal firewall between the two territories, giving China jurisdiction over major national security cases and allowing its security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time.&nbsp;

Nearly 100 people have been arrested since the law came in and could face life sentences if convicted.

China on Friday slammed an EU resolution condemning its crackdown on Hong Kong democracy activists, accusing the lawmakers of "gross interference" in its governance of the city.

China on Friday slammed an EU resolution condemning its crackdown on Hong Kong democracy activists, accusing the lawmakers of "gross interference" in its governance of the city. Members of the European Parliament on Thursday passed the resolution calling for "targetted sanctions" against Chinese and Hong Kong officials held responsible for recent arrests of activists. The lawmakers also said they "regret" the handling of a landmark investment deal with China pending ratification by MEPs, saying that talks over the deal should have been seized "as a leverage tool aimed at preserving Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, as well as its basic rights and freedoms". To this end, Beijing struck back on Friday and urged EU lawmakers to "face up to the reality that Hong Kong has returned to China". Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the resolution showed that some MEPs had "confused right and wrong" and engaged in "gross interference in the affairs of China's Hong Kong". The European Parliament should "stop any form of meddling", Hua said at a regular press briefing. Beijing has imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong that effectively criminalises much dissent in a city supposedly guaranteed key liberties and autonomy -- following huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. It also toppled the legal firewall between the two territories, giving China jurisdiction over major national security cases and allowing its security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time. Nearly 100 people have been arrested since the law came in and could face life sentences if convicted.

China slams interference by EU lawmakers on Hong Kong

Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules.&nbsp;

Over 20 large lorries from various seafood companies across the UK were parked, with large slogans painted saying "Brexit Carnage" and "Incompetent Government Destroying Shellfish Industry!", Sky News reported.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Live video of lorries parking up around Westminster and in front of Downing Street. It could turn into a very aromatic day for the government. (Courtesy of 'Only Way Is Dutch' on Facebook.) ~AA <a href="https://t.co/G56NHJDDqJ">pic.twitter.com/G56NHJDDqJ</a>
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One such vehicle was parked just metres from Downing Street, the official office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-warns-against-unthinking-sinophobia-amid-tensions-with-china-356542">UK PM Boris Johnson warns against 'unthinking Sinophobia' amid tensions with China</a>

Police were asking the drivers for details, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-move-to-247-vaccinations-soon-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-356493">Will move to 24/7 vaccinations soon, says UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

Several Scottish fishermen have not been able to send their stocks to Europe since the beginning of this year due to the launch of catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations, causing lengthy delays in delivery, which ultimately leads to a rejection from European buyers.&nbsp;

UK exports in huge numbers scallops, oysters, lobsters, mussels, langoustine and crab to the EU, and earlier these items were sent immediately to these nations after being harvested.

The seafood companies are "being tied in knots with paperwork requirements which would be easy enough to navigate", a spokesperson for DR Collin and Son, which participated in the protest with several lorries was quoted as saying by Sky News.&nbsp;

"However, all the training is going to waste as the technology is outdated and cannot cope with the demands being placed on it - which in turn is resulting in no produce being able to leave the UK."

 
&nbsp;

Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules.

Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules. Over 20 large lorries from various seafood companies across the UK were parked, with large slogans painted saying "Brexit Carnage" and "Incompetent Government Destroying Shellfish Industry!", Sky News reported. Watch | Live video of lorries parking up around Westminster and in front of Downing Street. It could turn into a very aromatic day for the government. (Courtesy of 'Only Way Is Dutch' on Facebook.) ~AA pic.twitter.com/G56NHJDDqJ — Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) January 18, 2021 × One such vehicle was parked just metres from Downing Street, the official office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson warns against 'unthinking Sinophobia' amid tensions with China Police were asking the drivers for details, news agency Reuters reported. Also read | Will move to 24/7 vaccinations soon, says UK PM Boris Johnson Several Scottish fishermen have not been able to send their stocks to Europe since the beginning of this year due to the launch of catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations, causing lengthy delays in delivery, which ultimately leads to a rejection from European buyers. UK exports in huge numbers scallops, oysters, lobsters, mussels, langoustine and crab to the EU, and earlier these items were sent immediately to these nations after being harvested. The seafood companies are "being tied in knots with paperwork requirements which would be easy enough to navigate", a spokesperson for DR Collin and Son, which participated in the protest with several lorries was quoted as saying by Sky News. "However, all the training is going to waste as the technology is outdated and cannot cope with the demands being placed on it - which in turn is resulting in no produce being able to leave the UK."

Over a dozen lorries parked near Downing Street to protest against new rules

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to mend Turkey's ties with European Union sensing a hostile US under Joe Biden administration. Relations between Ankara and Brussells are at a low.

And while Erdogan speaks of turning "a new page", the list of European grievances is long. Most recently, Brussels began drawing up a list of sanctions over Turkey's hunt for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, which triggered a naval standoff with Greece last year. But older suspicions simmer.

Erdogan's direct military interventions in the Syrian and Libyan conflicts raised hackles in Europe, while his vocal backing of Azerbaijan in the six-week Nagorno-Karabakh war upset Armenia's allies across the West.

Erdogan's threats to send millions of Syrian and other refugees Turkey is hosting to Europe if the bloc fails to provide more funding are a constant menace.

'Looking for friends'

Turkey is heavily dependent on Europe. EU member states accounted for 67.2 per cent of foreign direct investment in Turket from 2002 to 2018

With foreign sentiment dented, the Turkish lira lost a fifth of its value against the dollar last year, forcing the central bank to burn through most of its reserves trying to prop up the currency. 
Then Erdogan parted ways with his powerful son-in-law, who served as finance minister and bore the blame for Turkey's economic woes.

A few days later, Erdogan first mentioned reforms and "turning a new page" in relations with Europe.

"Erdogan is looking for friends anywhere and everywhere," said Ilke Toygur, an analyst at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and Elcano Royal Institute.

Donald Trump called Erdogan a "good friend". His loss ti Biden is understood to be the reason behind shift in Erdogan's tone.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to mend Turkey's ties with European Union sensing a hostile US under Joe Biden administration. Relations between Ankara and Brussells are at a low.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to mend Turkey's ties with European Union sensing a hostile US under Joe Biden administration. Relations between Ankara and Brussells are at a low. And while Erdogan speaks of turning "a new page", the list of European grievances is long. Most recently, Brussels began drawing up a list of sanctions over Turkey's hunt for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, which triggered a naval standoff with Greece last year. But older suspicions simmer. Erdogan's direct military interventions in the Syrian and Libyan conflicts raised hackles in Europe, while his vocal backing of Azerbaijan in the six-week Nagorno-Karabakh war upset Armenia's allies across the West. Erdogan's threats to send millions of Syrian and other refugees Turkey is hosting to Europe if the bloc fails to provide more funding are a constant menace. 'Looking for friends' Turkey is heavily dependent on Europe. EU member states accounted for 67.2 per cent of foreign direct investment in Turket from 2002 to 2018 With foreign sentiment dented, the Turkish lira lost a fifth of its value against the dollar last year, forcing the central bank to burn through most of its reserves trying to prop up the currency. Then Erdogan parted ways with his powerful son-in-law, who served as finance minister and bore the blame for Turkey's economic woes. A few days later, Erdogan first mentioned reforms and "turning a new page" in relations with Europe. "Erdogan is looking for friends anywhere and everywhere," said Ilke Toygur, an analyst at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and Elcano Royal Institute. Donald Trump called Erdogan a "good friend". His loss ti Biden is understood to be the reason behind shift in Erdogan's tone.

Erdogan seeks to mend ties with EU sensing a hostile US

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe&nbsp;as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat.

The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)&nbsp;paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread.

The EFSA said it had found the&nbsp;mealworms&nbsp;or Tenebrio molitor larva were safe to be eaten "either as a whole dried insect or in the form of powder" after an application from French insect-rearing firm Micronutris.&nbsp;

"Its main components are protein, fat and fibre," the statement said but warned that more research needed to be done on possible allergic reactions to the insects.

The move by EU's food watchdog&nbsp;is the preliminary step needed before officials can decide whether to allow the beetle larvae to be sold to consumers across the 27-nation bloc.

It is bound to give some tough competition to the vaunted Mediterranean diet and the French ''bon gout''.

Despite their name, mealworms&nbsp;are beetle larvae rather than&nbsp;worms&nbsp;and are already used in Europe as a pet food ingredient.

The burgeoning insect farming industy in Europe welcomed the decision and said they hoped to see authorities give permission for yellow&nbsp;mealworms&nbsp;to be marketed to the public by the middle of this year.

"The release of this document indeed represents an important milestone towards the wider EU commercialisation of edible insects," Antoine Hubert, president of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, said in a statement. &nbsp;

The Italy-based EFSA has more insect investigations on its plate and is also set to examine if crickets and grasshoppers are fit for consumption.

People across much of the world - including parts of Africa, Australia and New Zealand - already enjoy tucking into insect bars, cricket burgers and other grub-based foods.

They are already available for human consumption in a small number of EU countries and are more widely produced for use in animal feed.&nbsp;

The industry says it expects the European market for insect-based food products to grow rapidly in the coming years and for production to reach some 260,000 tonnes by 2030.&nbsp;

Some sociologists, however, believe psychological barriers particularly strong in Europe mean it will be some time before the yellow&nbsp;worms&nbsp;start flying off supermarket shelves there.

"There are cognitive reasons derived from our social and cultural experiences - the so-called ‘yuck factor’ - that make the thought of eating insects repellent to many Europeans," said Giovanni Sogari, a social and consumer researcher at the University of Parma in Italy.

"With time and exposure, such attitudes can change."

EFSA said it had received 156 applications for "novel food" safety assessments since 2018, covering everything from algae-derived foods to an array of insect species.

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat. The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread.

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat. The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread. The EFSA said it had found the mealworms or Tenebrio molitor larva were safe to be eaten "either as a whole dried insect or in the form of powder" after an application from French insect-rearing firm Micronutris. "Its main components are protein, fat and fibre," the statement said but warned that more research needed to be done on possible allergic reactions to the insects. The move by EU's food watchdog is the preliminary step needed before officials can decide whether to allow the beetle larvae to be sold to consumers across the 27-nation bloc. It is bound to give some tough competition to the vaunted Mediterranean diet and the French ''bon gout''. Despite their name, mealworms are beetle larvae rather than worms and are already used in Europe as a pet food ingredient. The burgeoning insect farming industy in Europe welcomed the decision and said they hoped to see authorities give permission for yellow mealworms to be marketed to the public by the middle of this year. "The release of this document indeed represents an important milestone towards the wider EU commercialisation of edible insects," Antoine Hubert, president of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, said in a statement. The Italy-based EFSA has more insect investigations on its plate and is also set to examine if crickets and grasshoppers are fit for consumption. People across much of the world - including parts of Africa, Australia and New Zealand - already enjoy tucking into insect bars, cricket burgers and other grub-based foods. They are already available for human consumption in a small number of EU countries and are more widely produced for use in animal feed. The industry says it expects the European market for insect-based food products to grow rapidly in the coming years and for production to reach some 260,000 tonnes by 2030. Some sociologists, however, believe psychological barriers particularly strong in Europe mean it will be some time before the yellow worms start flying off supermarket shelves there. "There are cognitive reasons derived from our social and cultural experiences - the so-called ‘yuck factor’ - that make the thought of eating insects repellent to many Europeans," said Giovanni Sogari, a social and consumer researcher at the University of Parma in Italy. "With time and exposure, such attitudes can change." EFSA said it had received 156 applications for "novel food" safety assessments since 2018, covering everything from algae-derived foods to an array of insect species.

Mealworms for dinner? European Union approves first insect food

The European Union has censured a US decision to label Yemen's Houthis as terrorists. US State Secretary Mike Pompeo had made this announcement on Sunday.

EU slams US for labelling Yemen's Houthis as terrorists

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and&nbsp;dairy products in the European Union.

Officers wearing high visibility jackets were captured confiscating ham sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil from drivers by Dutch media.

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Next time people tell you there's no new friction at the borders because of Brexit, you can show them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. <a href="https://t.co/B9eZfDWKFB">pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB</a>
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In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives had&nbsp;been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-uk-lorry-drivers-en-route-eu-face-ban-on-ham-and-cheese-sandwiches-351024">Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches</a>

This ban came&nbsp;into effect from December 31 from 11 pm and&nbsp;disallowed the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban also applied&nbsp;to tourists travelling to the EU.

"Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read.

The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated.

As per the European Union, the ban is necessary as it prevents the spread of pathogens in meat and dairy products.

As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they&nbsp;could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution.

While the meat and dairy products were&nbsp;disallowed,&nbsp;meat extracts and meat concentrates are still&nbsp;allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers.

The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and dairy products in the European Union.

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and dairy products in the European Union. Officers wearing high visibility jackets were captured confiscating ham sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil from drivers by Dutch media. Next time people tell you there's no new friction at the borders because of Brexit, you can show them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB — OwenAdamsYT (@OwenAdamsYT1) January 10, 2021 × In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives had been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01. Also read: Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches This ban came into effect from December 31 from 11 pm and disallowed the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban also applied to tourists travelling to the EU. "Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read. The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated. As per the European Union, the ban is necessary as it prevents the spread of pathogens in meat and dairy products. As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution. While the meat and dairy products were disallowed, meat extracts and meat concentrates are still allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers. The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

Brexit: Dutch custom officials seize ham sandwiches from British drivers

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions.

At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border.

The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses.

Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union.

For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty.

Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not.

"It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young.

"Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality."

The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK.

That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them.

(With agency inputs)

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck.

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions. At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border. The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses. Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union. For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty. Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not. "It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young. "Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU. "Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality." The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK. That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them. (With agency inputs)

Brexit deal 'rules of origin' create trade confusion 

The head of the EU executive called violence at the U.S. Capitol "outrageous" on Thursday (January 7) but said the fact Joe Biden was still confirmed by Congress proved that American democracy was resilient.

EU Chief: US Capitol violence 'outrageous' but US democracy is strong

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday.

The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported.

In 2020, temperatures globally were an average of 1.25 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) higher than in pre-industrial times, Copernicus said. The last six years were the world’s hottest on record.

“The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us that we have no time to lose,” said Matthias Petschke, Director for Space in the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. The bloc’s space programmes include the Copernicus earth observation satellites.

A preliminary tally found that 13 of last year’s disasters led to at least 188 deaths and costs of $46.6 billion, Smith said. NOAA was to release a complete survey of damages in 2020 at 1600 GMT (1100 a.m. EST) on Friday.

Last year also saw the highest temperature ever reliably recorded, when in August a California heatwave pushed the temperature at Death Valley in the Mojave Desert up to 54.4C (129.92°F).

The Arctic and northern Siberia continued to warm more quickly than the planet as a whole in 2020, with temperatures in parts of these regions averaging more than 6C above a 30-year average used as a baseline.

(with inputs from agencies)

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday. The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported.

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday. The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported. In 2020, temperatures globally were an average of 1.25 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) higher than in pre-industrial times, Copernicus said. The last six years were the world’s hottest on record. “The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us that we have no time to lose,” said Matthias Petschke, Director for Space in the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. The bloc’s space programmes include the Copernicus earth observation satellites. A preliminary tally found that 13 of last year’s disasters led to at least 188 deaths and costs of $46.6 billion, Smith said. NOAA was to release a complete survey of damages in 2020 at 1600 GMT (1100 a.m. EST) on Friday. Last year also saw the highest temperature ever reliably recorded, when in August a California heatwave pushed the temperature at Death Valley in the Mojave Desert up to 54.4C (129.92°F). The Arctic and northern Siberia continued to warm more quickly than the planet as a whole in 2020, with temperatures in parts of these regions averaging more than 6C above a 30-year average used as a baseline. (with inputs from agencies)

2020 ties 2016 as hottest year on record, EU climate change service says

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March.

The government unveiled its overhaul plan last month, proposing 2,000 job cuts by 2022 and pay cuts of up to 25%, while saying the airline would need around 2 billion euros ($2.46 billion) in extra funds with state guarantees to cover financing needs until 2024.

The stakes are high: if the EU executive rejects Lisbon`s proposal, TAP would have to immediately repay a 1.2 billion euro rescue loan agreed in June, which could lead to its insolvency.

Leao told Reuters that, as part of the rescue plan, the government envisaged converting that loan to equity, which could raise the government`s stake in the airline to about 90%. The government was not contemplating asking private bond holders to take a haircut on payments to ensure TAP`s financial viability, but had not yet ruled it out either.

"The main concern of the plan is that to make the firm sustainable," Leao told Reuters.

Formal negotiations with the European Commission formally started this month, he said, adding: "We expect in the first quarter to have the plan approved."

"We are proposing that a big part of this (1.2 billion euro) loan is converted from loans to equity, so that the financial indicators of the firm improve," Leao said.

The Portuguese government currently has a 72.5% stake in the company. Leao said "one possibility" was to turn the whole loan into equity, which he estimated could boost that stake to around 90%.

He stressed that "the support measures by the government are limited in time," adding that the aim was that TAP would eventually return to financing itself on the markets.

"It is important for the firm to live by itself ... so that as soon as possible, if possible starting next year or later on, the firm can stop having to be financed by the state."

Asked if the ailing carrier should aim to do so on a standlone basis or strike an alliance with another air carrier, he said: "it might be interesting to have another player to also help TAP to make sure the firm becomes competitive and profitable."

TAP reported losses of more than 700 million euros for the first nine months of 2020.

Asked if there could be a haircut on the 725 million euros of debt held by TAP`s bondholders, he responded: "so far, is not in the plan, but that is a discussion we need to have with the European Commission to make sure that all stakeholders are involved".

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March.

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March. The government unveiled its overhaul plan last month, proposing 2,000 job cuts by 2022 and pay cuts of up to 25%, while saying the airline would need around 2 billion euros ($2.46 billion) in extra funds with state guarantees to cover financing needs until 2024. The stakes are high: if the EU executive rejects Lisbon`s proposal, TAP would have to immediately repay a 1.2 billion euro rescue loan agreed in June, which could lead to its insolvency. Leao told Reuters that, as part of the rescue plan, the government envisaged converting that loan to equity, which could raise the government`s stake in the airline to about 90%. The government was not contemplating asking private bond holders to take a haircut on payments to ensure TAP`s financial viability, but had not yet ruled it out either. "The main concern of the plan is that to make the firm sustainable," Leao told Reuters. Formal negotiations with the European Commission formally started this month, he said, adding: "We expect in the first quarter to have the plan approved." "We are proposing that a big part of this (1.2 billion euro) loan is converted from loans to equity, so that the financial indicators of the firm improve," Leao said. The Portuguese government currently has a 72.5% stake in the company. Leao said "one possibility" was to turn the whole loan into equity, which he estimated could boost that stake to around 90%. He stressed that "the support measures by the government are limited in time," adding that the aim was that TAP would eventually return to financing itself on the markets. "It is important for the firm to live by itself ... so that as soon as possible, if possible starting next year or later on, the firm can stop having to be financed by the state." Asked if the ailing carrier should aim to do so on a standlone basis or strike an alliance with another air carrier, he said: "it might be interesting to have another player to also help TAP to make sure the firm becomes competitive and profitable." TAP reported losses of more than 700 million euros for the first nine months of 2020. Asked if there could be a haircut on the 725 million euros of debt held by TAP`s bondholders, he responded: "so far, is not in the plan, but that is a discussion we need to have with the European Commission to make sure that all stakeholders are involved".

Portugal confident it will get EU green light for TAP rescue plan in Q1

European Union on Wednesday called for release of dozens of opposition figures in Hong Kong. The EU also said that it was eyeing imposing more sanctions on China over its crackdown on pro-democracy activists, leaders and businessmen.

"We are currently analysing the situation to see how we might need to react. There are other possibilities open to us, sanctions for example," European Commission spokesman Peter Stano told journalists.

He said that the sanctions if imposed, will have to be unanimously agreed by EU's 27 member states. The states had come together in July 2019 to slap sanctions on China when it passed the controversial National Security Law. The law was invoked by China to stamp out dissent in Hong Kong.

Under a treaty China signed ahead of it taking back Hong Kong from British colonial rule in 1997, Beijing committed to maintain a "one country, two systems" approach guaranteeing relative autonomy in the territory for 50 years.

(With AFP inputs)

European Union on Wednesday called for release of dozens of opposition figures in Hong Kong. The EU also said that it was eyeing imposing more sanctions on China over its crackdown on pro-democracy activists, leaders and businessmen.

European Union on Wednesday called for release of dozens of opposition figures in Hong Kong. The EU also said that it was eyeing imposing more sanctions on China over its crackdown on pro-democracy activists, leaders and businessmen. "We are currently analysing the situation to see how we might need to react. There are other possibilities open to us, sanctions for example," European Commission spokesman Peter Stano told journalists. He said that the sanctions if imposed, will have to be unanimously agreed by EU's 27 member states. The states had come together in July 2019 to slap sanctions on China when it passed the controversial National Security Law. The law was invoked by China to stamp out dissent in Hong Kong. Under a treaty China signed ahead of it taking back Hong Kong from British colonial rule in 1997, Beijing committed to maintain a "one country, two systems" approach guaranteeing relative autonomy in the territory for 50 years. (With AFP inputs)

EU threatens China of more sanctions, wants Hong Kong opposition figures released

The European Union has denounced the living conditions of hundreds of homeless migrants in Bosnia.

The migrants have been left homeless in freezing and rainy conditions since their camp near the northwestern town of Bihac burned down last month.

To this end, EU envoy Johann Sattler said Saturday the conditions were "completely unacceptable".

“The situation is completely unacceptable,” he said&nbsp;

Sattler, the EU’s Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said after a meeting with Bosnia’s Security Minister Selmo Cikotic: "Lives and basic human rights of many hundreds of people are seriously jeopardised."

The aim of the meeting was “to discuss urgent solutions for the extremely concerning migration situation”, the statement said.

Fire engulfed the Lipa migrant centre in northwestern Bosnia on December 23. There were no casualties from the blaze but much of the infrastructure of the site was destroyed.

Police believe the blaze was started deliberately by migrants living there to protest the withdrawal of the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which had been running the camp.

The IOM had left complaining that the accommodation was not fit to house people during the cold winter months.

Opened in April, the Lipa camp had never been hooked up with electricity or running water.

Bosnia lies on the so-called Balkans route used since 2018 by tens of thousands of migrants heading towards Western Europe as they flee war and poverty in the Middle East, Asia and in Africa.

The country currently hosts some 8,500 migrants.

The European Commission, which finances the running of several migrant camps in Bosnia, has called for another centre in Bihac to be reopened, but local and regional officials oppose the idea.

The UN’s human rights office had already warned against “unacceptable suffering” of the migrants from the Lipa camp, calling for an urgent solution of the issue.

(with inputs)

The European Union has denounced the living conditions of hundreds of homeless migrants in Bosnia. The migrants have been left homeless in freezing and rainy conditions since their camp near the northwestern town of Bihac burned down last month.

The European Union has denounced the living conditions of hundreds of homeless migrants in Bosnia. The migrants have been left homeless in freezing and rainy conditions since their camp near the northwestern town of Bihac burned down last month. To this end, EU envoy Johann Sattler said Saturday the conditions were "completely unacceptable". “The situation is completely unacceptable,” he said Sattler, the EU’s Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said after a meeting with Bosnia’s Security Minister Selmo Cikotic: "Lives and basic human rights of many hundreds of people are seriously jeopardised." The aim of the meeting was “to discuss urgent solutions for the extremely concerning migration situation”, the statement said. Fire engulfed the Lipa migrant centre in northwestern Bosnia on December 23. There were no casualties from the blaze but much of the infrastructure of the site was destroyed. Police believe the blaze was started deliberately by migrants living there to protest the withdrawal of the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which had been running the camp. The IOM had left complaining that the accommodation was not fit to house people during the cold winter months. Opened in April, the Lipa camp had never been hooked up with electricity or running water. Bosnia lies on the so-called Balkans route used since 2018 by tens of thousands of migrants heading towards Western Europe as they flee war and poverty in the Middle East, Asia and in Africa. The country currently hosts some 8,500 migrants. The European Commission, which finances the running of several migrant camps in Bosnia, has called for another centre in Bihac to be reopened, but local and regional officials oppose the idea. The UN’s human rights office had already warned against “unacceptable suffering” of the migrants from the Lipa camp, calling for an urgent solution of the issue. (with inputs)

EU denounces conditions for hundreds of migrants in Bosnia

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition.

"We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country.

Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve.

Now the transition is over, EU rules no longer apply. The immediate consequence is an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states.

Customs border checks return for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal allowing Britain continued access to Europe's nearly 450 million consumers, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected.

Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II.

A parliamentary debate on Wednesday to ratify the trade deal was marked by farewells from pro-EU lawmakers, and warnings of disruption as Britain dismantles the intricate network of ties built since it joined the EU's forerunner in 1973.

British fishermen are, however, disgruntled at a compromise to allow continued access for EU boats in British waters.

(with inputs)

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition.

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country. Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve. Now the transition is over, EU rules no longer apply. The immediate consequence is an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states. Customs border checks return for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal allowing Britain continued access to Europe's nearly 450 million consumers, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected. Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II. A parliamentary debate on Wednesday to ratify the trade deal was marked by farewells from pro-EU lawmakers, and warnings of disruption as Britain dismantles the intricate network of ties built since it joined the EU's forerunner in 1973. British fishermen are, however, disgruntled at a compromise to allow continued access for EU boats in British waters. (with inputs)

UK formally quits EU single market in New Year climax to Brexit

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.&nbsp;

About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain.&nbsp;

Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-gibraltar-the-day-when-pakistan-infiltrated-deep-within-india-through-haji-pir-pass-323788">Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass</a>

Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-uk-discusses-border-policing-on-gibraltar-353337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended.&nbsp;

"It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations.&nbsp;

However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal.&nbsp;

"We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker.&nbsp;

However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal.&nbsp;

"Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley.

A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs.&nbsp;

Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar.

"Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.&nbsp;

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone. About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain. Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping. Also read | Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain. Watch | If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended. "It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations. However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal. "We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker. However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal. "Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley. A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs. Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar. "Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.

Big relief and some caution for Gibraltarians after UK-Spain deal

Chinese companies will receive binding commitments of access to the EU market under a new investment agreement, while China will open up its financial, manufacturing and services sectors to the 27-nation bloc, a Chinese government official said on Wednesday (December 30).

China-EU sign crucial deal ahead of Joe Biden's swearing in

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