Germany on Monday accused Turkey of&nbsp;obstructing peace in&nbsp;Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya.

Soldiers from the frigate Hamburg boarded the Turkish freighter, the Rosaline A, overnight, but had to abandon checks and withdraw after Turkey protested to the EU mission, the German defence ministry said.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0665390f-f889-421c-8a4c-faf6fdb8d10e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_13.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;German Navy armed personnel stand in front of the Frigate Hamburg, docked at Port Rashid/REUTERS

The frigate was operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's Irini mission, which aims to stop arms reaching the warring factions in Libya.

"By the time the soldiers left the ship, they had not found anything suspicious," a German defence ministry spokesman said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

European states involved in efforts to end the conflict in Libya on Monday threatened sanctions against any parties or countries (Turkey)&nbsp;that harm the fragile peace process.

Britain, France, Germany and Italy in a joint statement urged "all Libyan and international parties to refrain from any parallel and uncoordinated initiative" that risked undermining the UN-led efforts.&nbsp;

Their statement said they were "ready to take measures against those who obstruct" the process, plunder state funds or commit rights abuses.&nbsp;

It did not name other states but Europe has in the past accused both Russia and&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;of interfering in Libya.

Moscow has been accused of backing mercenaries fighting the UN-backed Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) while&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has deployed its military as well as drones to back the GNA.

The four European countries said they welcomed the roadmap agreed by the Libyan parties to pave the way to national elections scheduled for December 24 following an October ceasefire deal.

"This is an important step to restore Libya's sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of its institutions," the statement said.

It said that the four countries shared the opposition of Libyans "to all foreign interference, and support their willingness to come together in peaceful and patriotic dialogue".

French President Emmanuel Macron has been a particularly vocal critic of&nbsp;Turkey's role in the Libya conflict, accusing it of seeking new influence in the eastern Mediterranean, in one of a number of issues that have triggered grave tensions between Paris and Ankara.

Last month's ceasefire formally ended fighting between forces of the Ankara-backed GNA and those of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, who was long favoured by Russia.

The ceasefire aims to end years of conflict following the 2011 killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Stephanie Williams, UN acting special envoy for Libya, said last week that rival forces in Libya had failed to begin withdrawing as required under an October ceasefire agreement.

Germany on Monday accused Turkey of obstructing peace in Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya.

Germany on Monday accused Turkey of obstructing peace in Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya. Soldiers from the frigate Hamburg boarded the Turkish freighter, the Rosaline A, overnight, but had to abandon checks and withdraw after Turkey protested to the EU mission, the German defence ministry said. In picture: German Navy armed personnel stand in front of the Frigate Hamburg, docked at Port Rashid/REUTERS The frigate was operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's Irini mission, which aims to stop arms reaching the warring factions in Libya. "By the time the soldiers left the ship, they had not found anything suspicious," a German defence ministry spokesman said. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea European states involved in efforts to end the conflict in Libya on Monday threatened sanctions against any parties or countries (Turkey) that harm the fragile peace process. Britain, France, Germany and Italy in a joint statement urged "all Libyan and international parties to refrain from any parallel and uncoordinated initiative" that risked undermining the UN-led efforts. Their statement said they were "ready to take measures against those who obstruct" the process, plunder state funds or commit rights abuses. It did not name other states but Europe has in the past accused both Russia and Turkey of interfering in Libya. Moscow has been accused of backing mercenaries fighting the UN-backed Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) while Turkey has deployed its military as well as drones to back the GNA. The four European countries said they welcomed the roadmap agreed by the Libyan parties to pave the way to national elections scheduled for December 24 following an October ceasefire deal. "This is an important step to restore Libya's sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of its institutions," the statement said. It said that the four countries shared the opposition of Libyans "to all foreign interference, and support their willingness to come together in peaceful and patriotic dialogue". French President Emmanuel Macron has been a particularly vocal critic of Turkey's role in the Libya conflict, accusing it of seeking new influence in the eastern Mediterranean, in one of a number of issues that have triggered grave tensions between Paris and Ankara. Last month's ceasefire formally ended fighting between forces of the Ankara-backed GNA and those of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, who was long favoured by Russia. The ceasefire aims to end years of conflict following the 2011 killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Stephanie Williams, UN acting special envoy for Libya, said last week that rival forces in Libya had failed to begin withdrawing as required under an October ceasefire agreement.

Germany accuses Turkey of obstructing Libya peace

Speaking in Kabul, Imran Khan promised to 'reduce violence' in Afghanistan. WION's Molly Gambhir asks: Will Pakistan reduce violence in Kashmir as well? Is it trying to fool the European Union with such tall promises?

Gravitas: Pak PM promises to reduce violence in Afghanistan

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed

"After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said.

"We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid."

The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks.

Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security.

(With agency inputs)

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said. "We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid." The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks. Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security. (With agency inputs)

'Progress' on Brexit talks but long way to go: EU chief

High-stakes meetings between the chief negotiators in Brexit talks were suspended on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for coronavirus, the EU's Michel Barnier said.

"One of the negotiators in my team has tested positive for COVID-19," Barnier said in a tweet, as lower-level meetings continued in Brussels.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇪🇺🇬🇧 update: one of the negotiators in my team has tested positive for COVID-19. With <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidGHFrost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidGHFrost</a> we have decided to suspend the negotiations at our level for a short period. The teams will continue their work in full respect of guidelines.
— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelBarnier/status/1329429958066925570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In coordination with UK counterpart David Frost, Barnier said, "we have decided to suspend the negotiations at our level for a short period. The teams will continue their work in full respect of guidelines."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am close contact with <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelBarnier?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michelbarnier</a> about the situation. The health of our teams comes first. I would like to thank the <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> for their immediate help and support. <a href="https://t.co/bXPtY1EgHd">https://t.co/bXPtY1EgHd</a>
— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidGHFrost/status/1329431155037376519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Officials earlier said the European Commission was holding off on updating EU contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit amid a final push in talks, with Britain to safeguard free trade from tariffs and quotas in six weeks' time.

Britain's standstill transition out of the European Union ends on December&nbsp;31 and the estranged allies are still trying, despite missed deadlines, to clinch a last-minute deal on a new partnership to avoid trade ruptures from 2021 and keep close ties on everything from security to energy and transport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-unveil-largest-military-investment-in-three-decades-344010" hreflang="en">UK to unveil 'largest military investment' in three decades</a>

The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Spain have asked the executive Commission - which negotiates with Britain on behalf of the 27 EU states - to update emergency plans to mitigate the worst damage if no new trade deal is put in place in time.

"Now that we are this late in November... it's high time we ask the Commission to come out with (contingency measures) because we have to prepare, in case we cannot fix an agreement in time," said a senior EU diplomat.

But the Commission has so far resisted the request, saying it remains focused on getting a deal and that countries, businesses and people have had a long time to prepare for an abrupt split in ties.

The Commission's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;spokesman had no comment on Thursday. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he and his chief negotiator remained focused on securing a "zero-quota, zero-tariff" free trade agreement in the talks.

Still&nbsp;no&nbsp;breakthrough

Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen will briefly update the 27 EU national leaders on&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;during a video call from 1700 GMT on Thursday intended to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the bloc's next budget and economic recovery plan.

Several EU leaders are expected to stress the need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which would affect an estimated trillion dollars worth of annual bilateral trade.

On Friday the EU's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;negotiator Michel Barnier will update member states' envoys on latest developments in the talks.

Some EU sources interpreted the Commission's silence on no-deal preparations as a sign that it does not want to sour the atmosphere in the final phase of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;talks.

Diplomats told Reuters on Thursday there had been no breakthrough on the three persistent sticking points: divvying up fish stocks, ensuring economic fair play for companies including on state aid and agreeing ways to settle any future trade disputes.

"It's been going round and round in circles on the level playing field and fisheries," said an EU official involved in the negotiations. "There is no breakthrough yet, both sides are in full agreement that the other side needs to move."

"What is needed is a political decision from the very top in the UK. We don't know when that comes. Or if it comes at all."

High-stakes meetings between the chief negotiators in Brexit talks were suspended on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for coronavirus, the EU's Michel Barnier said.

High-stakes meetings between the chief negotiators in Brexit talks were suspended on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for coronavirus, the EU's Michel Barnier said. "One of the negotiators in my team has tested positive for COVID-19," Barnier said in a tweet, as lower-level meetings continued in Brussels. 🇪🇺🇬🇧 update: one of the negotiators in my team has tested positive for COVID-19. With @DavidGHFrost we have decided to suspend the negotiations at our level for a short period. The teams will continue their work in full respect of guidelines. — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) November 19, 2020 × In coordination with UK counterpart David Frost, Barnier said, "we have decided to suspend the negotiations at our level for a short period. The teams will continue their work in full respect of guidelines." I am close contact with @michelbarnier about the situation. The health of our teams comes first. I would like to thank the @EU_Commission for their immediate help and support. https://t.co/bXPtY1EgHd — David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) November 19, 2020 × Officials earlier said the European Commission was holding off on updating EU contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit amid a final push in talks, with Britain to safeguard free trade from tariffs and quotas in six weeks' time. Britain's standstill transition out of the European Union ends on December 31 and the estranged allies are still trying, despite missed deadlines, to clinch a last-minute deal on a new partnership to avoid trade ruptures from 2021 and keep close ties on everything from security to energy and transport. Also read: UK to unveil 'largest military investment' in three decades The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Spain have asked the executive Commission - which negotiates with Britain on behalf of the 27 EU states - to update emergency plans to mitigate the worst damage if no new trade deal is put in place in time. "Now that we are this late in November... it's high time we ask the Commission to come out with (contingency measures) because we have to prepare, in case we cannot fix an agreement in time," said a senior EU diplomat. But the Commission has so far resisted the request, saying it remains focused on getting a deal and that countries, businesses and people have had a long time to prepare for an abrupt split in ties. The Commission's Brexit spokesman had no comment on Thursday. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he and his chief negotiator remained focused on securing a "zero-quota, zero-tariff" free trade agreement in the talks. Still no breakthrough Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen will briefly update the 27 EU national leaders on Brexit during a video call from 1700 GMT on Thursday intended to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the bloc's next budget and economic recovery plan. Several EU leaders are expected to stress the need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which would affect an estimated trillion dollars worth of annual bilateral trade. On Friday the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will update member states' envoys on latest developments in the talks. Some EU sources interpreted the Commission's silence on no-deal preparations as a sign that it does not want to sour the atmosphere in the final phase of Brexit talks. Diplomats told Reuters on Thursday there had been no breakthrough on the three persistent sticking points: divvying up fish stocks, ensuring economic fair play for companies including on state aid and agreeing ways to settle any future trade disputes. "It's been going round and round in circles on the level playing field and fisheries," said an EU official involved in the negotiations. "There is no breakthrough yet, both sides are in full agreement that the other side needs to move." "What is needed is a political decision from the very top in the UK. We don't know when that comes. Or if it comes at all."

European Union halts Brexit talks after negotiator tests positive

The European Union on Thursday urged Sri Lanka to end its import restrictions put in place as a response to economic hardships caused by the COVID-10 pandemic, saying the current curbs are having a negative impact on the businesses.

In April, the Lankan government stopped imports in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which it said would be restricted to essentials. This was being widely seen as easing the pressure on the local rupee to prevent it from sliding against the US dollar.

In a statement on Thursday, the EU said it had bought more than a billion Euros worth of goods (220 billion rupees) from Sri Lanka than it bought 2018 and 2019 creating a so-called trade surplus in favour of the island nation.

"Trade, however, is not a one-way street. The current import restrictions are having a negative impact on Sri Lankan and European businesses, and on Foreign Direct Investment,? it said in a statement issued by the EU Colombo office.

"Such measures impair Sri Lanka's efforts to become a regional hub and negatively impact Sri Lankan exports by constraining the import of raw material and machinery. We recall that a prolonged import ban is not in line with World Trade Organisation regulations," it added.

The call came after the Lankan government presented its 2021 budget, maintaining that import restrictions must remain in place to stabilise the rupee.

The local currency had depreciated by over 9 per cent by early April against the dollar. It recorded 196.75 to the dollar and now remains stabilized around 185 levels which the government mainly attributed to the banning of vehicle imports.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Finance Minister, presented the budget on Tuesday amid unprecedented health measures as the island nation since early October is witnessing a massive spike in COVID-19 infections.

Presenting the annual budget, Rajapaksa said the expected economic growth rate for 2021 is 5.5 per cent.

The GDP growth had reduced to 1.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020, following a 2 per cent growth in the last quarter of 2019, the Central Bank had previously announced.&nbsp;

The European Union on Thursday urged Sri Lanka to end its import restrictions put in place as a response to economic hardships caused by the COVID-10 pandemic, saying the current curbs are having a negative impact on the businesses.

The European Union on Thursday urged Sri Lanka to end its import restrictions put in place as a response to economic hardships caused by the COVID-10 pandemic, saying the current curbs are having a negative impact on the businesses. In April, the Lankan government stopped imports in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which it said would be restricted to essentials. This was being widely seen as easing the pressure on the local rupee to prevent it from sliding against the US dollar. In a statement on Thursday, the EU said it had bought more than a billion Euros worth of goods (220 billion rupees) from Sri Lanka than it bought 2018 and 2019 creating a so-called trade surplus in favour of the island nation. "Trade, however, is not a one-way street. The current import restrictions are having a negative impact on Sri Lankan and European businesses, and on Foreign Direct Investment,? it said in a statement issued by the EU Colombo office. "Such measures impair Sri Lanka's efforts to become a regional hub and negatively impact Sri Lankan exports by constraining the import of raw material and machinery. We recall that a prolonged import ban is not in line with World Trade Organisation regulations," it added. The call came after the Lankan government presented its 2021 budget, maintaining that import restrictions must remain in place to stabilise the rupee. The local currency had depreciated by over 9 per cent by early April against the dollar. It recorded 196.75 to the dollar and now remains stabilized around 185 levels which the government mainly attributed to the banning of vehicle imports. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Finance Minister, presented the budget on Tuesday amid unprecedented health measures as the island nation since early October is witnessing a massive spike in COVID-19 infections. Presenting the annual budget, Rajapaksa said the expected economic growth rate for 2021 is 5.5 per cent. The GDP growth had reduced to 1.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020, following a 2 per cent growth in the last quarter of 2019, the Central Bank had previously announced.

European Union asks Sri Lanka to end its import restrictions

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible".

Concerned over terrorism emanating from these countries Bardella demanded "real financial or trade sanctions" against Ankara, Islamabad, Kuwait city and Doha.

France in last one month has witnessed several terror attacks after Charlie Hebdo announced the republishing of a controversial caricature of Prophet Muhammed and French President Emmanuel Macron refused to criticise it in early October.

Protests erupted in Muslims countries over the incident. Social media users in many Muslim countries joined calls to boycott French goods.

On October 16, a terrorist beheaded a secondary school teacher Samuel Paty who used controversial cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo in his classes. On the morning of October 30, another terrorist attack occurred when a man stabbed three people to death and wounded several others in a church in Nice.

On November 2, an Islamist terrorist went on a deadly rampage in Vienna shooting dead four people and injuring more than 20 others in the city centre before he was killed by police.

"Ongoing tragedy and terrorism continues on European soil and Europe struggles to find a common solution to the constant killings of innocent victims at the hand of the terrorists and extremists," the European Chronicle reported.

In light of this, on 28 October 2020, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella posed a parliamentary question to the European Commission. Following his own statement "over and beyond feeble statements concerning the Turkish President's 'unacceptable' comments," MEP Bardella requested to know if the Commission is "planning to adopt any real financial or trade sanctions against countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Qatar, in order to reassert our common values and make European solidarity tangible?"Over recent months and weeks, European parliamentarians have raised increasing concerns regarding terrorism and extremism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan.

The European Commission is expected to answer the questions of MEP Bardella in the coming weeks.

French Member of European Parliament (MEP) Nicolas Bay has also asked the European Union (EU) to stop "showering" Ankara and Islamabad with subsidies and customs facilities and instead put sanctions against them.

"During the European Parliamentary plenary of November 11, French MEP Nicolas Bay from the Identity and Democracy Group had strong words against European aid to Pakistan and Turkey in light of threats coming from both countries. MEP Bay's comments were made in the context of a debate on the 'fight against terrorism, freedom of expression and education'," a press statement read.

Speaking to the European Commissioner Ylva Johansson responsible for Home Affairs, Nicolas Bay was critical of the support being given by the European Commission to the countries of concern.

"You are showering countries like Pakistan and Turkey with subsidies and customs facilities. We want to sanction them!"Linking terrorism threats to migration, MEP Bay gave the stark warning that the latest terrorist attacks in Paris had all been committed by migrants arriving in Europe.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible".

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible". Concerned over terrorism emanating from these countries Bardella demanded "real financial or trade sanctions" against Ankara, Islamabad, Kuwait city and Doha. France in last one month has witnessed several terror attacks after Charlie Hebdo announced the republishing of a controversial caricature of Prophet Muhammed and French President Emmanuel Macron refused to criticise it in early October. Protests erupted in Muslims countries over the incident. Social media users in many Muslim countries joined calls to boycott French goods. On October 16, a terrorist beheaded a secondary school teacher Samuel Paty who used controversial cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo in his classes. On the morning of October 30, another terrorist attack occurred when a man stabbed three people to death and wounded several others in a church in Nice. On November 2, an Islamist terrorist went on a deadly rampage in Vienna shooting dead four people and injuring more than 20 others in the city centre before he was killed by police. "Ongoing tragedy and terrorism continues on European soil and Europe struggles to find a common solution to the constant killings of innocent victims at the hand of the terrorists and extremists," the European Chronicle reported. In light of this, on 28 October 2020, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella posed a parliamentary question to the European Commission. Following his own statement "over and beyond feeble statements concerning the Turkish President's 'unacceptable' comments," MEP Bardella requested to know if the Commission is "planning to adopt any real financial or trade sanctions against countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Qatar, in order to reassert our common values and make European solidarity tangible?"Over recent months and weeks, European parliamentarians have raised increasing concerns regarding terrorism and extremism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan. The European Commission is expected to answer the questions of MEP Bardella in the coming weeks. French Member of European Parliament (MEP) Nicolas Bay has also asked the European Union (EU) to stop "showering" Ankara and Islamabad with subsidies and customs facilities and instead put sanctions against them. "During the European Parliamentary plenary of November 11, French MEP Nicolas Bay from the Identity and Democracy Group had strong words against European aid to Pakistan and Turkey in light of threats coming from both countries. MEP Bay's comments were made in the context of a debate on the 'fight against terrorism, freedom of expression and education'," a press statement read. Speaking to the European Commissioner Ylva Johansson responsible for Home Affairs, Nicolas Bay was critical of the support being given by the European Commission to the countries of concern. "You are showering countries like Pakistan and Turkey with subsidies and customs facilities. We want to sanction them!"Linking terrorism threats to migration, MEP Bay gave the stark warning that the latest terrorist attacks in Paris had all been committed by migrants arriving in Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising terror attacks, Member of European Parliament demands sanctions on Pakistan, Turkey

France has called European Union to impose financial & trade sanctions on Turkey & Pakistan. French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has expressed concerns over terrorism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan.

France demands EU sanctions after terror attacks in Paris, Nice & Vienna

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Several European Union envoys who had travelled to Givat Hamatos in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to protest the planned construction of new Jewish settler homes were called "anti-Semites" by shouting protesters.&nbsp;

"EU shame on you," protesters shouted as diplomats tried to speak.&nbsp;

EU representative in the Palestinian Territories Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff said the aim of the visit was to "demonstrate our disagreement" with the Israeli plans.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Israel's right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to build 2,000 homes for Jews in Givat Hamatos and 1,000 homes for Arabs in the adjacent mainly Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Safafa.&nbsp;

Last week, the Israel Land Authority issued tenders to build more than 1,200 mainly residential units in Givat Hamatos.&nbsp;

Watchdogs have warned that Israel was stepping up efforts to expand settlements before US President Donald Trump leaves office. &nbsp;

The Trump administration has broken with decades of bipartisan US practice by not opposing Jewish settlement activity in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

President-elect Joe Biden has said his administration will restore US opposition to the settlements which are considered illegal under international law and that many governments view as an obstacle to peace.

Von Burgsdorff said "the four years of Mr. Trump have severely compromised the possibility of reaching a two-state solution".

"Our hope is that with the US President-Elect taking up office... this very important process can be revitalised," he added.&nbsp;

The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.&nbsp;

Most of the international community believes Jewish settlement expansion in east Jerusalem threatens the peace process by cutting the city off from Bethlehem, thereby disrupting the continuity of the Palestinian territories.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday condemned an "escalating and intensive assault plan for the next 10 weeks in a race against time to create a new fait accompli before Donald Trump leaves the White House".

UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov called on Israel to "reverse" its plans in Givat Hamatos, saying the project would "significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State and for achieving a negotiated two-state solution". &nbsp;

Israel took control of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War, before annexing it in a move not recognised by most of the international community.

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood.

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood. Several European Union envoys who had travelled to Givat Hamatos in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to protest the planned construction of new Jewish settler homes were called "anti-Semites" by shouting protesters. "EU shame on you," protesters shouted as diplomats tried to speak. EU representative in the Palestinian Territories Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff said the aim of the visit was to "demonstrate our disagreement" with the Israeli plans. Earlier this year, Israel's right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to build 2,000 homes for Jews in Givat Hamatos and 1,000 homes for Arabs in the adjacent mainly Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Safafa. Last week, the Israel Land Authority issued tenders to build more than 1,200 mainly residential units in Givat Hamatos. Watchdogs have warned that Israel was stepping up efforts to expand settlements before US President Donald Trump leaves office. The Trump administration has broken with decades of bipartisan US practice by not opposing Jewish settlement activity in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. President-elect Joe Biden has said his administration will restore US opposition to the settlements which are considered illegal under international law and that many governments view as an obstacle to peace. Von Burgsdorff said "the four years of Mr. Trump have severely compromised the possibility of reaching a two-state solution". "Our hope is that with the US President-Elect taking up office... this very important process can be revitalised," he added. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Most of the international community believes Jewish settlement expansion in east Jerusalem threatens the peace process by cutting the city off from Bethlehem, thereby disrupting the continuity of the Palestinian territories. Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday condemned an "escalating and intensive assault plan for the next 10 weeks in a race against time to create a new fait accompli before Donald Trump leaves the White House". UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov called on Israel to "reverse" its plans in Givat Hamatos, saying the project would "significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State and for achieving a negotiated two-state solution". Israel took control of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War, before annexing it in a move not recognised by most of the international community.

Israel protesters taunt EU envoys in sensitive east Jerusalem area

European Union diplomats warned Britain on Monday that time was fast running out for a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;deal, and that it may already be too late to ratify one, as negotiators in Brussels began a last-ditch attempt to avoid a tumultuous exit at the end of December.

The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost are in Brussels in hopes of securing an agreement after eight months of talks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-eu-have-7-10-days-to-find-brexit-breakthrough-ireland-says-343463">Britain and EU have 7-10 days to find Brexit breakthrough, Ireland says</a>

The clock is ticking towards December 31 when a post-Brexit transition phase ends and the UK and Europe will need a trade deal to govern ties or face economic chaos.&nbsp;

Britain, which left the EU in January, called on the EU to show "more realism" if there was to be more progress in the coming days.

Ireland, the EU nation most exposed to&nbsp;Brexit, said there were just days, or possibly weeks, left to find a way to unlock trade talks, while a senior EU official said there may no longer be time to put any trade deal agreed into force.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-defeated-in-parliament-on-treaty-breaking-brexit-laws-342115">UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws</a>

A deal is needed early enough before that date to allow the ratification by European Parliament, which meets for the last time on December 16.

Britain said there had been some progress and that the two sides had common draft treaty texts, though significant elements were yet to be agreed.

Officials on both sides of the talks say negotiators are waiting for the opposite side to make a big move on the tough issues that have stymied the talks since the start.

For the UK, the EU must rescind its hopes of keeping permanent wide access to British waters for European fishermen.

The EU meanwhile is still waiting for London to lay down guarantees for fair competition on matters such as the environment, health, and state aid.

"We are very strict on our conditions. They are acceptable," said Thierry Breton, France's representative to the European Commission that is spearheading the talks for the EU.

If Prime Minister Boris Johnson "respects them, there will be a deal. If he does not respect them, there will be no deal," Breton told French broadcaster LCI.

The talks entered this most crucial phase as a cabinet crisis embroiled the Johnson government, which is also fighting the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

An EU leaders video call on Thursday to discuss the pandemic was considered as a de facto deadline, though the likelihood of a full-fledged deal by then seemed increasingly unlikely.

A "no-deal" finale to the&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;crisis would shock financial markets and disrupt delicate supply chains that stretch across Europe and beyond - just as the economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

European Union diplomats warned Britain on Monday that time was fast running out for a Brexit deal, and that it may already be too late to ratify one, as negotiators in Brussels began a last-ditch attempt to avoid a tumultuous exit at the end of December.

European Union diplomats warned Britain on Monday that time was fast running out for a Brexit deal, and that it may already be too late to ratify one, as negotiators in Brussels began a last-ditch attempt to avoid a tumultuous exit at the end of December. The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost are in Brussels in hopes of securing an agreement after eight months of talks. Also read: Britain and EU have 7-10 days to find Brexit breakthrough, Ireland says The clock is ticking towards December 31 when a post-Brexit transition phase ends and the UK and Europe will need a trade deal to govern ties or face economic chaos. Britain, which left the EU in January, called on the EU to show "more realism" if there was to be more progress in the coming days. Ireland, the EU nation most exposed to Brexit, said there were just days, or possibly weeks, left to find a way to unlock trade talks, while a senior EU official said there may no longer be time to put any trade deal agreed into force. Also read: UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws A deal is needed early enough before that date to allow the ratification by European Parliament, which meets for the last time on December 16. Britain said there had been some progress and that the two sides had common draft treaty texts, though significant elements were yet to be agreed. Officials on both sides of the talks say negotiators are waiting for the opposite side to make a big move on the tough issues that have stymied the talks since the start. For the UK, the EU must rescind its hopes of keeping permanent wide access to British waters for European fishermen. The EU meanwhile is still waiting for London to lay down guarantees for fair competition on matters such as the environment, health, and state aid. "We are very strict on our conditions. They are acceptable," said Thierry Breton, France's representative to the European Commission that is spearheading the talks for the EU. If Prime Minister Boris Johnson "respects them, there will be a deal. If he does not respect them, there will be no deal," Breton told French broadcaster LCI. The talks entered this most crucial phase as a cabinet crisis embroiled the Johnson government, which is also fighting the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. An EU leaders video call on Thursday to discuss the pandemic was considered as a de facto deadline, though the likelihood of a full-fledged deal by then seemed increasingly unlikely. A "no-deal" finale to the Brexit crisis would shock financial markets and disrupt delicate supply chains that stretch across Europe and beyond - just as the economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

'Extremely late': Time is running out for Brexit deal, says European Union

The European Union charged&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the US&nbsp;company uses its size, power, and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform.

The move by competition chief Margrethe Vestager, the latest European salvo against US&nbsp;tech giants, comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified&nbsp;Amazon's role in the global economy, with online sales soaring in lockdowns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/boycottamazon-trending-in-india-for-selling-om-printed-doormats-342118" hreflang="en">#BoycottAmazon trending in India for selling 'Om' printed doormats</a>

The European Commission has been investigating&nbsp;Amazon's position as both a marketplace for merchants and a rival seller, while the firm also faces scrutiny in the United States over its alleged mistreatment of sellers, as well as its dual role.

The EU regulator looked into how&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;collects data on competitors that sell on its platform, offering everything from electronics and toys to food and kitchenware. It says that&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;uses that sensitive information, which shows what is proving popular or not, to better target its own products.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-anti-trust-watchdog-launches-new-amazon-investigation-report-321008">German anti-trust watchdog launches new Amazon investigation: Report</a>

"The use of these data allows&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;to focus on the sale of the best-selling products and it marginalises third-party sellers and caps their ability to grow," European Competition Commissioner Vestager told a news conference.

Vestager, who has a reputation of being one of the world's toughest antitrust enforcers, said that regulators had to ensure that dual-role platforms with market power, such as&nbsp;Amazon, did not distort competition.

Amazon&nbsp;disagreed with the EU assertions.

"Amazon&nbsp;represents less than 1% of the global retail market, and there are larger retailers in every country in which we operate," the company said.

A US&nbsp;Congressional antitrust report earlier this year into the alleged abuse of market power by&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;also raised the concerns highlighted by the EU and is likely to influence the case US&nbsp;regulators bring against the company.

US&nbsp;Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and the top antitrust lawmaker in the House, applauded the EU and urged the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to take similar action.

"As we found as part of a 16-month bipartisan investigation,&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;has monopoly power over sellers on its platform," Cicilline said.

The EU charges are the latest example of how watchdogs around the world, led by Europe, are grappling with the challenges of regulating Big Tech, companies that have achieved dominance in their fields and vast troves of user data.

On Vestager's watch, the EU has imposed large fines on the Alphabet's Google and other companies. See FACTBOX:

A final EU decision could come next year.&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;faces being fined up to 10% of its global turnover if found guilty of breaching antitrust rules. However, it can avoid a hefty penalty and a finding of wrongdoing by offering concessions to settle.

NEW INVESTIGATION

The EU competition enforcer has been investigating&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;since July last year after rival traders voiced their grievances. The regulator said the charges related to&nbsp;Amazon's activities in France and Germany, its two biggest markets in Europe and where it is the dominant player.

The case focuses on its use of merchant data on its platform. Vestager said her officials had trawled 80 million transactions and reviewed 100 million products on&nbsp;Amazon's platform to put the case together.

The European Commission also opened a new investigation into&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;on Tuesday, over the possible preferential treatment of its own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use&nbsp;Amazon's logistics and delivery services.

That probe will look into the possible preferential treatment of&nbsp;Amazon's own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use&nbsp;Amazon's logistics and delivery services.

Regulators will investigate the criteria the company uses to select winners of its "buy box", which allows customers to add items from a specific retailer directly into their shopping carts.

"Its rules should not artificially favour&nbsp;Amazon's own retail offers or advantage the offers of retailers using&nbsp;Amazon's logistics and delivery services," Vestager said, citing the importance of e-commerce, an area which has gained importance with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Union charged Amazon with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the US company uses its size, power, and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform.

The European Union charged Amazon with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the US company uses its size, power, and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform. The move by competition chief Margrethe Vestager, the latest European salvo against US tech giants, comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified Amazon's role in the global economy, with online sales soaring in lockdowns. Also read: #BoycottAmazon trending in India for selling 'Om' printed doormats The European Commission has been investigating Amazon's position as both a marketplace for merchants and a rival seller, while the firm also faces scrutiny in the United States over its alleged mistreatment of sellers, as well as its dual role. The EU regulator looked into how Amazon collects data on competitors that sell on its platform, offering everything from electronics and toys to food and kitchenware. It says that Amazon uses that sensitive information, which shows what is proving popular or not, to better target its own products. Also read: German anti-trust watchdog launches new Amazon investigation: Report "The use of these data allows Amazon to focus on the sale of the best-selling products and it marginalises third-party sellers and caps their ability to grow," European Competition Commissioner Vestager told a news conference. Vestager, who has a reputation of being one of the world's toughest antitrust enforcers, said that regulators had to ensure that dual-role platforms with market power, such as Amazon, did not distort competition. Amazon disagreed with the EU assertions. "Amazon represents less than 1% of the global retail market, and there are larger retailers in every country in which we operate," the company said. A US Congressional antitrust report earlier this year into the alleged abuse of market power by Amazon also raised the concerns highlighted by the EU and is likely to influence the case US regulators bring against the company. US Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and the top antitrust lawmaker in the House, applauded the EU and urged the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to take similar action. "As we found as part of a 16-month bipartisan investigation, Amazon has monopoly power over sellers on its platform," Cicilline said. The EU charges are the latest example of how watchdogs around the world, led by Europe, are grappling with the challenges of regulating Big Tech, companies that have achieved dominance in their fields and vast troves of user data. On Vestager's watch, the EU has imposed large fines on the Alphabet's Google and other companies. See FACTBOX: A final EU decision could come next year. Amazon faces being fined up to 10% of its global turnover if found guilty of breaching antitrust rules. However, it can avoid a hefty penalty and a finding of wrongdoing by offering concessions to settle. NEW INVESTIGATION The EU competition enforcer has been investigating Amazon since July last year after rival traders voiced their grievances. The regulator said the charges related to Amazon's activities in France and Germany, its two biggest markets in Europe and where it is the dominant player. The case focuses on its use of merchant data on its platform. Vestager said her officials had trawled 80 million transactions and reviewed 100 million products on Amazon's platform to put the case together. The European Commission also opened a new investigation into Amazon on Tuesday, over the possible preferential treatment of its own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use Amazon's logistics and delivery services. That probe will look into the possible preferential treatment of Amazon's own retail offers and those of marketplace sellers that use Amazon's logistics and delivery services. Regulators will investigate the criteria the company uses to select winners of its "buy box", which allows customers to add items from a specific retailer directly into their shopping carts. "Its rules should not artificially favour Amazon's own retail offers or advantage the offers of retailers using Amazon's logistics and delivery services," Vestager said, citing the importance of e-commerce, an area which has gained importance with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Europe charges Amazon with using dominance and data to squeeze rivals

Top EU leaders have called for a 'rapid and coordinated' response to Islamist terrorism. For the first time since its inception, the EU is taking a serious look at extremism. How successful will Europe's anti-terror campaign be? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Islamist terror tops European Union's agenda

After the string of terror attacks, the European Union is mulling radical moves. It wants to set up a school to train imams in Europe. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the three measures the European Union plans to take to tackle radical Islam.

Gravitas: European Union mulls a school to train imams

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to soon make an "in-person" visit to India soon, a visit that will focus on strengthening ties even as the UK leaves European Union.&nbsp;

Acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson in said, "We are expecting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be paying an in-person visit to India in the next few months. Beyond that PM Boris Johnson is very very keen to come to India. So we hope over the next few months we will visits, by both FS Raab and PM Johnson"

The visit could be the first in-person visit, given high-level physical visits have been suspended globally due to COVID pandemic. Amid&nbsp;the pandemic, Indian Prime Minister has had five&nbsp;virtual summits starting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morison, EU leadership, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Denmark PM&nbsp;

Asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya, the acting British High Commissioner said, "Further legal issue that needs resolution before we will be in a position to extradite him....Extradition can't take place unless that particular legal issue can be resolved...we are trying to resolve the issue as quickly as we can."

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was in London a few weeks ago as part of his European tour during which cooperation in the Indo Pacific was discussed.&nbsp;

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to soon make an "in-person" visit to India soon, a visit that will focus on strengthening ties even as the UK leaves European Union.

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to soon make an "in-person" visit to India soon, a visit that will focus on strengthening ties even as the UK leaves European Union. Acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson in said, "We are expecting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be paying an in-person visit to India in the next few months. Beyond that PM Boris Johnson is very very keen to come to India. So we hope over the next few months we will visits, by both FS Raab and PM Johnson" The visit could be the first in-person visit, given high-level physical visits have been suspended globally due to COVID pandemic. Amid the pandemic, Indian Prime Minister has had five virtual summits starting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morison, EU leadership, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Denmark PM Asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya, the acting British High Commissioner said, "Further legal issue that needs resolution before we will be in a position to extradite him....Extradition can't take place unless that particular legal issue can be resolved...we are trying to resolve the issue as quickly as we can." The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was in London a few weeks ago as part of his European tour during which cooperation in the Indo Pacific was discussed.

British PM Johnson to make 'in-person' visit to India soon

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown.

The formal move came after EU member states gave their assent and the decision was published in the bloc's official journal.

Lukashenko, his son Viktor and the 13 others were added to an EU list drawn up in October that already had 40 names on it, including Belarus's interior minister.

The sanctions ban them from obtaining visas for the European Union and also freeze their assets in the EU.

The decision in principle to add Lukashenko and his son was made October 12 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers because of their responsibility for the "violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections".

The EU also held Lukashenko responsible for the exclusion of major opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists".&nbsp;

Lukashenko's son Viktor is an acting national security advisor in Belarus.&nbsp;

Among the others targeted are Lukashenko's chief of staff, the head of the country's KGB secret service, and the leader's press officer.

The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and has said it does not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown. The formal move came after EU member states gave their assent and the decision was published in the bloc's official journal. Lukashenko, his son Viktor and the 13 others were added to an EU list drawn up in October that already had 40 names on it, including Belarus's interior minister. The sanctions ban them from obtaining visas for the European Union and also freeze their assets in the EU. The decision in principle to add Lukashenko and his son was made October 12 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers because of their responsibility for the "violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections". The EU also held Lukashenko responsible for the exclusion of major opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists". Lukashenko's son Viktor is an acting national security advisor in Belarus. Among the others targeted are Lukashenko's chief of staff, the head of the country's KGB secret service, and the leader's press officer. The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and has said it does not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said.

The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote.

The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis.

However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader.&nbsp;

Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists".&nbsp;

The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus.&nbsp;

Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer.

The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said. The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said. The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote. The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis. However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader. Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP. It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists". The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus. Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer. The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

European Union launches sanctions against Belarus leader Lukashenko

EU and British Brexit negotiators Monday will continue talks in Brussels and until around mid-week -- in a sign both sides are still pushing to avoid a damaging breakdown in trade in less than nine weeks.

The talks are a final bid to seal a new partnership agreement for when Britain's transition out of the European Union runs its course at the end of this year.

If the sides overcome their differences, the new deal would govern everything from trade and energy to transport and fisheries. If they fail, an estimated $900 billion of annual bilateral trade in goods and services would be damaged from January 1 by tariffs and quotas.

Sources said negotiations would continue face-to-face in Brussels on Monday following a full weekend of talks. An update on their progress and the chances of a deal was expected on Wednesday or Thursday.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday that "much remains to be done" to seal a deal.

Both sides have previously signalled their readiness to compromise on fisheries.

For now, Britain and the EU face three main scenarios -- a deal this year that salvages free trade, a tumultuous economic split, or a fudged arrangement that would settle future ties in a handful of areas but leave the rest up in the air.

EU and British Brexit negotiators Monday will continue talks in Brussels and until around mid-week -- in a sign both sides are still pushing to avoid a damaging breakdown in trade in less than nine weeks.

EU and British Brexit negotiators Monday will continue talks in Brussels and until around mid-week -- in a sign both sides are still pushing to avoid a damaging breakdown in trade in less than nine weeks. The talks are a final bid to seal a new partnership agreement for when Britain's transition out of the European Union runs its course at the end of this year. If the sides overcome their differences, the new deal would govern everything from trade and energy to transport and fisheries. If they fail, an estimated $900 billion of annual bilateral trade in goods and services would be damaged from January 1 by tariffs and quotas. Sources said negotiations would continue face-to-face in Brussels on Monday following a full weekend of talks. An update on their progress and the chances of a deal was expected on Wednesday or Thursday. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday that "much remains to be done" to seal a deal. Both sides have previously signalled their readiness to compromise on fisheries. For now, Britain and the EU face three main scenarios -- a deal this year that salvages free trade, a tumultuous economic split, or a fudged arrangement that would settle future ties in a handful of areas but leave the rest up in the air.

EU, UK to try salvage trade deal in another round of Brexit talks

The World Health Organization (WHO) should be quickly overhauled, get more powers to handle pandemics and expose its member states' shortfalls in health emergencies, European Union officials said on Friday.

The comments were made at a video conference of EU health ministers that endorsed an EU document on the reform of the U.N. agency which for the first time outlines a series of sweeping changes needed to boost WHO's powers and resources, as exclusively reported by Reuters in September.

The moves followed criticisms that China and other countries did not share information on the COVID-19 pandemic in a timely fashion at its onset.

"The current pandemic challenges us very acutely ... but it is very important that the (WHO) reform debate is held in parallel," German Health Minister Jens Spahn told a news conference.

He did not say when the reform process should begin, but stressed that as a result of the overhaul the WHO should become faster in its reaction to health crises, while its member states should share more information in emergencies.

WHO officials did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

"It is extremely important we move ahead with this reform," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told the same news conference.

After months of international pressure, an independent panel was set up in September to review the global handling of the pandemic. The process to reform the WHO would begin after that, officials had said.

The EU draft document, which will represent the EU's position at a WHO assembly in mid-November, urges the UN&nbsp;agency to make public more quickly how and whether its member states respect their obligations on sharing information on health crises.

The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic, when critics say Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus which first appeared in the city of Wuhan.

The WHO has repeatedly dismissed these accusations.

"Transparency on who complies with the rules is fundamental," Kyriakides told ministers at the video conference, according to her speaking notes.

The draft document also says WHO countries should allow independent epidemiological assessments on-site in high risk zones during health crises.

The World Health Organization (WHO) should be quickly overhauled, get more powers to handle pandemics and expose its member states' shortfalls in health emergencies, European Union officials said on Friday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) should be quickly overhauled, get more powers to handle pandemics and expose its member states' shortfalls in health emergencies, European Union officials said on Friday. The comments were made at a video conference of EU health ministers that endorsed an EU document on the reform of the U.N. agency which for the first time outlines a series of sweeping changes needed to boost WHO's powers and resources, as exclusively reported by Reuters in September. The moves followed criticisms that China and other countries did not share information on the COVID-19 pandemic in a timely fashion at its onset. "The current pandemic challenges us very acutely ... but it is very important that the (WHO) reform debate is held in parallel," German Health Minister Jens Spahn told a news conference. He did not say when the reform process should begin, but stressed that as a result of the overhaul the WHO should become faster in its reaction to health crises, while its member states should share more information in emergencies. WHO officials did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. "It is extremely important we move ahead with this reform," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told the same news conference. After months of international pressure, an independent panel was set up in September to review the global handling of the pandemic. The process to reform the WHO would begin after that, officials had said. The EU draft document, which will represent the EU's position at a WHO assembly in mid-November, urges the UN agency to make public more quickly how and whether its member states respect their obligations on sharing information on health crises. The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic, when critics say Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus which first appeared in the city of Wuhan. The WHO has repeatedly dismissed these accusations. "Transparency on who complies with the rules is fundamental," Kyriakides told ministers at the video conference, according to her speaking notes. The draft document also says WHO countries should allow independent epidemiological assessments on-site in high risk zones during health crises.

EU urges quick WHO reform, asks for more transparency in pandemics

Only part of the European Union population can be inoculated against the new coronavirus before 2022, EU officials said in an internal meeting, as the vaccines the bloc is securing may not prove effective or may not be manufactured in sufficient doses.

The 27-nation bloc, with a population of 450 million, has booked more than 1 billion doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines from three drugmakers. It is negotiating the advance purchase of another billion vials with other companies.

"There will not be sufficient doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the entire population before the end of 2021," a European Commission official told diplomats from EU states in a closed-door meeting on Monday, a person who attended it told Reuters.

A second official confirmed the statement. An EU Commission spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

The EU Commission had earlier said vaccines will be limited "during the initial stages of deployment" but had never clarified how long the initial phase would last.

There is still no effective COVID-19 vaccine, but the first shots could be available at the beginning of next year, the Commission said earlier in October.

Given a likely limited supply, the Commission has for months urged EU governments to devise vaccination plans that would prioritise vulnerable and essential groups, such as healthcare workers, the elderly or people with chronic diseases.

But apart from a consensus on inoculating doctors and nurses, "there is no common line on other groups," the Commission official said at the internal meeting this week.

In July a paper agreed by the Commission and EU governments said at least 40% of the EU population should be vaccinated in the first phase.

Some EU countries want to book doses for their entire population with the aim of rolling them out already by mid-2021.

A third EU official said this bold goal could be achieved if the EU reached supply deals with at least seven vaccine candidates.

The EU has so far secured doses of the potential vaccines being developed by AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Johnson &amp; Johnson. It has also said it is in talks with Moderna, Pfizer and CureVac.

Only part of the European Union population can be inoculated against the new coronavirus before 2022, EU officials said in an internal meeting, as the vaccines the bloc is securing may not prove effective or may not be manufactured in sufficient doses.

Only part of the European Union population can be inoculated against the new coronavirus before 2022, EU officials said in an internal meeting, as the vaccines the bloc is securing may not prove effective or may not be manufactured in sufficient doses. The 27-nation bloc, with a population of 450 million, has booked more than 1 billion doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines from three drugmakers. It is negotiating the advance purchase of another billion vials with other companies. "There will not be sufficient doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the entire population before the end of 2021," a European Commission official told diplomats from EU states in a closed-door meeting on Monday, a person who attended it told Reuters. A second official confirmed the statement. An EU Commission spokesman was not immediately available for comment. The EU Commission had earlier said vaccines will be limited "during the initial stages of deployment" but had never clarified how long the initial phase would last. There is still no effective COVID-19 vaccine, but the first shots could be available at the beginning of next year, the Commission said earlier in October. Given a likely limited supply, the Commission has for months urged EU governments to devise vaccination plans that would prioritise vulnerable and essential groups, such as healthcare workers, the elderly or people with chronic diseases. But apart from a consensus on inoculating doctors and nurses, "there is no common line on other groups," the Commission official said at the internal meeting this week. In July a paper agreed by the Commission and EU governments said at least 40% of the EU population should be vaccinated in the first phase. Some EU countries want to book doses for their entire population with the aim of rolling them out already by mid-2021. A third EU official said this bold goal could be achieved if the EU reached supply deals with at least seven vaccine candidates. The EU has so far secured doses of the potential vaccines being developed by AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson. It has also said it is in talks with Moderna, Pfizer and CureVac.

EU warns not enough COVID vaccines for all in Europe until 2022

When is a burger not a burger? When it contains no meat. At least according to a divisive proposal that was in front of the European Parliament this week, part of a set of measures that would have banned the use of terms like “steak,” “sausage,” “escallop” or “burger” on labels for plant-based alternative products.

But after a decisive vote against the measure Friday, it seems veggie burgers will still be on the menu.

“Reason prevailed, and climate sinners lost,” Nikolaj Villumsen, a member of the European Parliament from Denmark posted on Twitter. “It’s worth celebrating with a veggie burger.”

A proposal to expand a ban on descriptions such as “yogurt-style” or “cream imitation” for non-dairy replacements did pass, extending previous limitations on the use of words like “milk” and “butter” on non-dairy alternatives.

The proposed changes — a small part of a package of agricultural measures — received more attention than perhaps desired either by their proponents among meat and livestock groups, who said they would prefer to focus on helping farmers work sustainably, or the environmentalists and food manufacturers opposing it, for whom it is a distraction from the climate-change policy.

Jasmijn de Boo, vice president of ProVeg International, a group aimed at reducing meat consumption, said that the proposal was not in the interest of consumers or manufacturers and that shoppers were not confused by the labels currently on store shelves.

“Why to change something to a ‘veggie disc’ or ‘tube’ instead of a sausage?” she said. “It’s ridiculous.”

Those in favor of the change said that labeling plant-based products with meat terms were misleading and could open the door for other confusing labels.

“We simply call for the work of millions of European farmers and livestock sector workers to be acknowledged and respected,” Jean-Pierre Fleury, chairman of Copa-Cogeca, Europe’s largest farming lobby group, said in a statement this month. He described the use of meatlike names for plant-based products as “cultural hijacking.”

“Consumers are in no way confused by a soy steak or chickpea-based sausage, so long as it is clearly labeled as vegetarian or vegan,” she said in a statement after the vote. “Terms such as ‘burger’ or ‘steak’ on plant-based items simply make it much easier for consumers to know how to integrate these products within a meal.”

When is a burger not a burger? When it contains no meat. At least according to a divisive proposal that was in front of the European Parliament this week, part of a set of measures that would have banned the use of terms like “steak,” “sausage,” “escallop” or “burger” on labels for plant-based alternative products.

When is a burger not a burger? When it contains no meat. At least according to a divisive proposal that was in front of the European Parliament this week, part of a set of measures that would have banned the use of terms like “steak,” “sausage,” “escallop” or “burger” on labels for plant-based alternative products. But after a decisive vote against the measure Friday, it seems veggie burgers will still be on the menu. “Reason prevailed, and climate sinners lost,” Nikolaj Villumsen, a member of the European Parliament from Denmark posted on Twitter. “It’s worth celebrating with a veggie burger.” A proposal to expand a ban on descriptions such as “yogurt-style” or “cream imitation” for non-dairy replacements did pass, extending previous limitations on the use of words like “milk” and “butter” on non-dairy alternatives. The proposed changes — a small part of a package of agricultural measures — received more attention than perhaps desired either by their proponents among meat and livestock groups, who said they would prefer to focus on helping farmers work sustainably, or the environmentalists and food manufacturers opposing it, for whom it is a distraction from the climate-change policy. Jasmijn de Boo, vice president of ProVeg International, a group aimed at reducing meat consumption, said that the proposal was not in the interest of consumers or manufacturers and that shoppers were not confused by the labels currently on store shelves. “Why to change something to a ‘veggie disc’ or ‘tube’ instead of a sausage?” she said. “It’s ridiculous.” Those in favor of the change said that labeling plant-based products with meat terms were misleading and could open the door for other confusing labels. “We simply call for the work of millions of European farmers and livestock sector workers to be acknowledged and respected,” Jean-Pierre Fleury, chairman of Copa-Cogeca, Europe’s largest farming lobby group, said in a statement this month. He described the use of meatlike names for plant-based products as “cultural hijacking.” “Consumers are in no way confused by a soy steak or chickpea-based sausage, so long as it is clearly labeled as vegetarian or vegan,” she said in a statement after the vote. “Terms such as ‘burger’ or ‘steak’ on plant-based items simply make it much easier for consumers to know how to integrate these products within a meal.”

EU says veggie burgers can keep their name

The European Union wants the World Health Organization to become more transparent about how states report emerging health crises, a draft proposal on reforming the UN&nbsp;agency says, following criticism of China's initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The paper, drawn up by the German government after discussions with other member states, is the latest to outline the EU's months-long plans to address the WHO's shortcomings on funding, governance, and legal powers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-coronavirus-pandemic-response-probe-a-litmus-test-for-the-agency-312377">WHO coronavirus pandemic response probe a litmus test for the agency</a>

The document, dated Oct. 19 and seen by Reuters, urges the WHO to adopt measures that would increase "transparency on national compliance" with International Health Regulations. These require WHO member states to quickly share information on health emergencies.

The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic when Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus - which first appeared in the city of Wuhan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-coronavirus-may-never-go-away-298548/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump has said the United States will end its membership in the agency and stop its funding as a result.

The WHO has repeatedly dismissed the allegations. It did not respond to requests for comment on the EU proposal.

Asked about the document on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China wanted to "actively participate" in WHO reform, which he said should not serve the interests of anyone country.

Reforms should "better remove political interference" from the WHO, increase its resources and ability to deal with global public health crises, and strengthen support for developing countries, he said in Beijing.

The German government declined to comment on the content of the document as it was still a draft.

The EU and its states are among the WHO's largest donors, and would become by far the top public contributors if the United States withdraws from the U.N. agency.

The EU draft will be discussed by EU health ministers at a video conference next week and is aimed to be the EU's common position ahead of the WHO assembly in mid-November, it said.

It reiterates EU support for the WHO and stresses the agency's central role in addressing global health challenges.

However, it lists insufficient transparency as the first of many challenges faced by the U.N. agency, as well as a lack of "predictable and sustainable" financing.

It also calls for "a more effective and consistently applied reporting system by State Parties to the WHO Secretariat".

That appears to be addressing criticisms that China and other countries have not shared information on the pandemic in a timely fashion.

The document says mechanisms to evaluate countries' compliance with reporting obligations should be strengthened and become periodic.

The disparity between WHO member states' expectations and the organisation's capacities should be addressed as a priority, it said.

"WAKE-UP CALL"

Preparations for a review of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO and governments have been underway for months, and Germany has repeatedly urged EU member states to speed up that process so that a reform of the body could be discussed in earnest.

EU health ministers have already broadly agreed a common position on reforms the WHO would need to undergo at a video conference they held in early October, according to a debrief of the meeting seen by Reuters.

Germany wanted a "much more ambitious" overhaul than many states would have accepted, the debrief says without elaborating.

At that meeting, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Gheybreyesus told EU ministers the COVID-19 pandemic "should be seen as a wake-up call" and said the agency was reviewing how its rules were applied by member states, according to the debrief.

The EU draft document, which was prepared after that meeting, also urges the WHO to revise its alerting methods in health emergencies, adopting a "traffic light system" that would convey more precisely the gravity of a crisis.

The European Union wants the World Health Organization to become more transparent about how states report emerging health crises, a draft proposal on reforming the UN agency says, following criticism of China's initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Union wants the World Health Organization to become more transparent about how states report emerging health crises, a draft proposal on reforming the UN agency says, following criticism of China's initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper, drawn up by the German government after discussions with other member states, is the latest to outline the EU's months-long plans to address the WHO's shortcomings on funding, governance, and legal powers. Also read: WHO coronavirus pandemic response probe a litmus test for the agency The document, dated Oct. 19 and seen by Reuters, urges the WHO to adopt measures that would increase "transparency on national compliance" with International Health Regulations. These require WHO member states to quickly share information on health emergencies. The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic when Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus - which first appeared in the city of Wuhan. President Donald Trump has said the United States will end its membership in the agency and stop its funding as a result. The WHO has repeatedly dismissed the allegations. It did not respond to requests for comment on the EU proposal. Asked about the document on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China wanted to "actively participate" in WHO reform, which he said should not serve the interests of anyone country. Reforms should "better remove political interference" from the WHO, increase its resources and ability to deal with global public health crises, and strengthen support for developing countries, he said in Beijing. The German government declined to comment on the content of the document as it was still a draft. The EU and its states are among the WHO's largest donors, and would become by far the top public contributors if the United States withdraws from the U.N. agency. The EU draft will be discussed by EU health ministers at a video conference next week and is aimed to be the EU's common position ahead of the WHO assembly in mid-November, it said. It reiterates EU support for the WHO and stresses the agency's central role in addressing global health challenges. However, it lists insufficient transparency as the first of many challenges faced by the U.N. agency, as well as a lack of "predictable and sustainable" financing. It also calls for "a more effective and consistently applied reporting system by State Parties to the WHO Secretariat". That appears to be addressing criticisms that China and other countries have not shared information on the pandemic in a timely fashion. The document says mechanisms to evaluate countries' compliance with reporting obligations should be strengthened and become periodic. The disparity between WHO member states' expectations and the organisation's capacities should be addressed as a priority, it said. "WAKE-UP CALL" Preparations for a review of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO and governments have been underway for months, and Germany has repeatedly urged EU member states to speed up that process so that a reform of the body could be discussed in earnest. EU health ministers have already broadly agreed a common position on reforms the WHO would need to undergo at a video conference they held in early October, according to a debrief of the meeting seen by Reuters. Germany wanted a "much more ambitious" overhaul than many states would have accepted, the debrief says without elaborating. At that meeting, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Gheybreyesus told EU ministers the COVID-19 pandemic "should be seen as a wake-up call" and said the agency was reviewing how its rules were applied by member states, according to the debrief. The EU draft document, which was prepared after that meeting, also urges the WHO to revise its alerting methods in health emergencies, adopting a "traffic light system" that would convey more precisely the gravity of a crisis.

In WHO overhaul push, EU urges changes to handling of pandemics

Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday to intensify trade talks and work on legal texts, a breakthrough of sorts after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would walk away from negotiations that had been deadlocked for weeks.

After a weekend of both sides trading blame for the lack of movement in talks and calling on the other to move first, chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier agreed to a British demand to start working on legal texts to revive the talks.

With just over two months before Britain ends a status quo transition arrangement with the EU, any chance of securing a trade deal was hanging in the balance after both sides called on the other to move first.

It seemed that to find progress, chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier decided to jump together.

"It is the case that my colleague David Frost was in conversation with Michel Barnier and I believe it is the case that Michel Barnier has agreed both to the intensification of talks and also to working on legal texts," Michael Gove, London's point man on the divorce deal, told parliament.

Barnier tweeted: "I just spoke to David Frost ... I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts."

The breakthrough came just as Gove was addressing parliament to again give the EU an ultimatum, that it must fundamentally change its approach to smooth billions of dollars-worth of trade between the neighbours at the end of the year.

Almost immediately, he changed tack saying Barnier's move was constructive and he was looking forward with optimism.

Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday to intensify trade talks and work on legal texts, a breakthrough of sorts after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would walk away from negotiations that had been deadlocked for weeks.

Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday to intensify trade talks and work on legal texts, a breakthrough of sorts after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would walk away from negotiations that had been deadlocked for weeks. After a weekend of both sides trading blame for the lack of movement in talks and calling on the other to move first, chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier agreed to a British demand to start working on legal texts to revive the talks. With just over two months before Britain ends a status quo transition arrangement with the EU, any chance of securing a trade deal was hanging in the balance after both sides called on the other to move first. It seemed that to find progress, chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier decided to jump together. "It is the case that my colleague David Frost was in conversation with Michel Barnier and I believe it is the case that Michel Barnier has agreed both to the intensification of talks and also to working on legal texts," Michael Gove, London's point man on the divorce deal, told parliament. Barnier tweeted: "I just spoke to David Frost ... I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts." The breakthrough came just as Gove was addressing parliament to again give the EU an ultimatum, that it must fundamentally change its approach to smooth billions of dollars-worth of trade between the neighbours at the end of the year. Almost immediately, he changed tack saying Barnier's move was constructive and he was looking forward with optimism.

Brexit breakthrough? UK, European Union agree to intensify trade talks 

EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Monday that Brussels was ready to pursue post-Brexit trade talks on the basis of "legal texts", but was waiting for a response from London.

The UK government, on its part, said there was no point resuming Brexit talks with the European Union without compromise from Brussels to recognise Britain's new-found sovereignty from next year.

"There's no point in negotiations proceeding as long as the EU sticks with this position. Such talks will be meaningless, and will take us no nearer to finding a workable solution," senior minister Michael Gove told parliament.

Gove also welcomed a new commitment from EU negotiator Michel Barnier to enshrine any talks in a legal document, after Britain had accused Brussels of dragging its feet in the countdown to a potential "no deal" separation at the end of this year.

"I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts. We now wait for the UK's reaction," Barnier tweeted as Gove was speaking, following fresh talks with his UK counterpart David Frost.&nbsp;

Gove responded: "I welcome that and obviously we need to make sure we work on the basis of the proposed intensification that they propose. I prefer to look forward in optimism rather than back in anger."

EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Monday that Brussels was ready to pursue post-Brexit trade talks on the basis of "legal texts", but was waiting for a response from London.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Monday that Brussels was ready to pursue post-Brexit trade talks on the basis of "legal texts", but was waiting for a response from London. The UK government, on its part, said there was no point resuming Brexit talks with the European Union without compromise from Brussels to recognise Britain's new-found sovereignty from next year. "There's no point in negotiations proceeding as long as the EU sticks with this position. Such talks will be meaningless, and will take us no nearer to finding a workable solution," senior minister Michael Gove told parliament. Gove also welcomed a new commitment from EU negotiator Michel Barnier to enshrine any talks in a legal document, after Britain had accused Brussels of dragging its feet in the countdown to a potential "no deal" separation at the end of this year. "I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts. We now wait for the UK's reaction," Barnier tweeted as Gove was speaking, following fresh talks with his UK counterpart David Frost. Gove responded: "I welcome that and obviously we need to make sure we work on the basis of the proposed intensification that they propose. I prefer to look forward in optimism rather than back in anger."

EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the&nbsp;Internal Market Bill,&nbsp;currently passing through parliament, to&nbsp;to bind Brexit treaty as per&nbsp;Bloomberg news.

Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the&nbsp;British government and the&nbsp;European Union.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-door-remains-ajar-for-post-brexit-trade-deal-336236">UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal</a>

The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is&nbsp;now winding its way through parliament&nbsp;and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday.

While Boris Johnson believed that the previous provisions in the bill&nbsp;a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, the proposed law had&nbsp;infuriated the Europeans who had&nbsp;launched a legal case against the country.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-eu-takes-legal-action-against-uk-over-internal-market-bill-331695">Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill</a>

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland.

However, this&nbsp;step would act as a breakthrough as it would give the British government&nbsp;the right to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Britain says the bill will not be needed if negotiations on future relations with the EU, notably trade, are successful.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the Internal Market Bill, currently passing through parliament, to to bind Brexit treaty as per Bloomberg news. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the British government and the European Union.

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the Internal Market Bill, currently passing through parliament, to to bind Brexit treaty as per Bloomberg news. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the British government and the European Union. Also read: UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is now winding its way through parliament and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday. While Boris Johnson believed that the previous provisions in the bill a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, the proposed law had infuriated the Europeans who had launched a legal case against the country. Also read| Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland. However, this step would act as a breakthrough as it would give the British government the right to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement. Britain says the bill will not be needed if negotiations on future relations with the EU, notably trade, are successful. Meanwhile, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

UK to change provisions in Internal Market Bill to bind Brexit treaty

Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner is investigating Instagram over how the platform handles personal data of kids. If the company has broken any privacy laws, Facebook, the parent company could be liable to pay a huge fine.

Recently, reports highlighting Instagram’s inability to protect data gained traction online. According the reports, Instagram allowed email address and phone numbers of minors, or those aged below 18, to become public.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/how-influencers-are-making-mega-bucks-promoting-products-on-instagram-335856" hreflang="en">How influencers are making mega bucks promoting products on Instagram</a>

Facebook has rejected the claims so far, but says it is&nbsp;cooperating with Ireland’s DPC.

DPC is the European Union’s lead regulator as part of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was implemented in 2018.

The responsibilities of the DPC include protecting one’s right to online privacy, and can levy huge fines on companies for misdemeanour.&nbsp;

The regulator is also taking into account whether Facebook does enough to protect the data of children that use Instagram. One has to be at least 13-years-old to make an Instagram account.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/instagram-agrees-curbs-on-paid-influencers-335719" hreflang="en">Instagram agrees curbs on paid influencers</a>

The DPC will also look at whether the company follows the guidelines in pace for “vulnerable people”.

Multiple media reports claim that the investigations began after a complaint from a US-based data scientist - David Stier, who spent the last year analysing at least 200,000 profiles on Instagram.

In the process of his research, Stier found how 60 million minor users on Instagram had been granted the option to convert their account into a business account.

Once an account is registered for business, they are required to display their email addresses and phone numbers publicly, thereby compromising the privacy of minors who had switched to a business account.

"We've made several updates to business accounts since the time of Mr Stier's mischaracterisation in 2019, and people can now opt out of including their contact information entirely”, a Facebook representative told BBC on Monday.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner is investigating Instagram over how the platform handles personal data of kids. If the company has broken any privacy laws, Facebook, the parent company could be liable to pay a huge fine.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner is investigating Instagram over how the platform handles personal data of kids. If the company has broken any privacy laws, Facebook, the parent company could be liable to pay a huge fine. Recently, reports highlighting Instagram’s inability to protect data gained traction online. According the reports, Instagram allowed email address and phone numbers of minors, or those aged below 18, to become public. Also read: How influencers are making mega bucks promoting products on Instagram Facebook has rejected the claims so far, but says it is cooperating with Ireland’s DPC. DPC is the European Union’s lead regulator as part of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was implemented in 2018. The responsibilities of the DPC include protecting one’s right to online privacy, and can levy huge fines on companies for misdemeanour. The regulator is also taking into account whether Facebook does enough to protect the data of children that use Instagram. One has to be at least 13-years-old to make an Instagram account. Also read: Instagram agrees curbs on paid influencers The DPC will also look at whether the company follows the guidelines in pace for “vulnerable people”. Multiple media reports claim that the investigations began after a complaint from a US-based data scientist - David Stier, who spent the last year analysing at least 200,000 profiles on Instagram. In the process of his research, Stier found how 60 million minor users on Instagram had been granted the option to convert their account into a business account. Once an account is registered for business, they are required to display their email addresses and phone numbers publicly, thereby compromising the privacy of minors who had switched to a business account. "We've made several updates to business accounts since the time of Mr Stier's mischaracterisation in 2019, and people can now opt out of including their contact information entirely”, a Facebook representative told BBC on Monday.

European Union is investigating Instagram's usage of children's data

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values. Things did not improve from there.

Four years later, Trump's abrasive foreign policy moves, often unveiled in all-caps tweets, have alienated not just Germany but much of Europe.

"The transatlantic relationship is practically on life support," said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Even if Democratic challenger Joe Biden wins the November 3 election, experts said there will be no magical healing of the EU-US rift.

Recent surveys by the Pew Research Center found that America's image among Europeans has plummeted to record lows, with just 26 percent of Germans now holding a favourable view of the superpower.

The "harsh judgement" can be partly attributed to the widespread belief that the Trump administration "mishandled the coronavirus", said Bruce Stokes, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a British think-tank.

"Europeans look at America and think there are a lot of domestic issues that are just breaking the country apart and how can it be a good partner (at such a time)?" added David-Wilp.

- 'A foe' -

From pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal to slapping tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, and defanging the World Trade Organization, Trump has dealt blow after blow to multilateralism, a much-valued European approach to global challenges.

He stunned allies by describing the European Union as a foe on trade, and "scared people" by cosying up to Russia, Stokes said.

Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, has been a regular target of Trump's anger, often over its failure to meet NATO's defence spending targets.

But on a personal level too, there is no love lost between Europe's most powerful woman, who is leaving office next year, and the real estate tycoon in the White House.

Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron who tried to woo Trump with a military parade and a dazzling Eiffel Tower dinner before ties soured, Merkel never went out of her way to court the mercurial American.

Relations turned even frostier in June after she rebuffed an invite for a G7 event in Washington over coronavirus concerns. Soon after, Trump announced he was slashing the number of US troops stationed in Germany.

"He has real trouble dealing with strong women," Stokes said.

But Trump has made some friends on the continent. Hungarian premier Viktor Orban, who shares his anti-immigrant sentiment, is openly backing him for reelection.

Poland, which stands to benefit from Trump's troop reshuffle, has experienced "a US re-engagement" and shares Washington's opposition to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany, said Justyna Gotkowska from the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW).

- If Biden wins -

Should Biden win, he "will see the need to revitalise relationships with allies," said David-Wilp.

Expect the former vice president to make a trip to Europe early on, rejoin the climate pact and restart nuclear talks with Iran, experts say.

But areas of friction will remain on military spending, Nord Stream 2, and Washington's campaign against Chinese tech giant Huawei.

Faced with a Covid-19 battered economy, Biden will probably eschew Trump's more protectionist tendencies but some sort of "America First" vision for sensitive industries will likely live on.

"Europeans have to understand that a Biden administration is going to be so domestically preoccupied," said Stokes.

The career politician is therefore expected to surround himself with seasoned foreign policy officials who will "even more than normally" be relied upon "to pull things back together, but hopefully also chart a new course" with Brussels, he added.

Should Trump be reelected, expect "a great sucking in of breath" across European capitals, Stokes said, and "another four years of a very rocky ride".

But even under Trump 2.0, it is "entirely possible" for the US and EU to form a united front when it's in their self-interest on issues such as the coronavirus or China policy, Stokes said.

Peter Beyer, Merkel's transatlantic coordinator, recently told AFP that a "new Cold War" between Washington and Beijing had already begun, and that Europe should "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with the US to face a rising China.

- 'Jolted' -

An unintended side effect of the Trump turbulence has been the growing realisation that Europe must speak and act more as one.

"Trump definitely jolted things," said David-Wilp.

The bloc's successful negotiation of a huge coronavirus stimulus package, spearheaded by Merkel and Macron, suggests a new impetus for closer cooperation and a reinvigorated German-Franco partnership.

Trump's attacks painting Europeans as taking advantage of the US have spurred higher NATO contributions, and a greater acceptance of burden-sharing on security issues.

There are plenty of obstacles ahead for the 27-member club with its disparate interests, not least the impending Brexit turmoil and elections looming in key member states.

"But if one wants to say the glass is half-full, the Trump presidency may have helped accelerate European unity," Stokes said.

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values.

Back in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Donald Trump's victory with an extraordinary warning: that she would work with the US president on the condition that he respect democratic values. Things did not improve from there. Four years later, Trump's abrasive foreign policy moves, often unveiled in all-caps tweets, have alienated not just Germany but much of Europe. "The transatlantic relationship is practically on life support," said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Even if Democratic challenger Joe Biden wins the November 3 election, experts said there will be no magical healing of the EU-US rift. Recent surveys by the Pew Research Center found that America's image among Europeans has plummeted to record lows, with just 26 percent of Germans now holding a favourable view of the superpower. The "harsh judgement" can be partly attributed to the widespread belief that the Trump administration "mishandled the coronavirus", said Bruce Stokes, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a British think-tank. "Europeans look at America and think there are a lot of domestic issues that are just breaking the country apart and how can it be a good partner (at such a time)?" added David-Wilp. - 'A foe' - From pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal to slapping tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, and defanging the World Trade Organization, Trump has dealt blow after blow to multilateralism, a much-valued European approach to global challenges. He stunned allies by describing the European Union as a foe on trade, and "scared people" by cosying up to Russia, Stokes said. Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, has been a regular target of Trump's anger, often over its failure to meet NATO's defence spending targets. But on a personal level too, there is no love lost between Europe's most powerful woman, who is leaving office next year, and the real estate tycoon in the White House. Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron who tried to woo Trump with a military parade and a dazzling Eiffel Tower dinner before ties soured, Merkel never went out of her way to court the mercurial American. Relations turned even frostier in June after she rebuffed an invite for a G7 event in Washington over coronavirus concerns. Soon after, Trump announced he was slashing the number of US troops stationed in Germany. "He has real trouble dealing with strong women," Stokes said. But Trump has made some friends on the continent. Hungarian premier Viktor Orban, who shares his anti-immigrant sentiment, is openly backing him for reelection. Poland, which stands to benefit from Trump's troop reshuffle, has experienced "a US re-engagement" and shares Washington's opposition to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany, said Justyna Gotkowska from the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW). - If Biden wins - Should Biden win, he "will see the need to revitalise relationships with allies," said David-Wilp. Expect the former vice president to make a trip to Europe early on, rejoin the climate pact and restart nuclear talks with Iran, experts say. But areas of friction will remain on military spending, Nord Stream 2, and Washington's campaign against Chinese tech giant Huawei. Faced with a Covid-19 battered economy, Biden will probably eschew Trump's more protectionist tendencies but some sort of "America First" vision for sensitive industries will likely live on. "Europeans have to understand that a Biden administration is going to be so domestically preoccupied," said Stokes. The career politician is therefore expected to surround himself with seasoned foreign policy officials who will "even more than normally" be relied upon "to pull things back together, but hopefully also chart a new course" with Brussels, he added. Should Trump be reelected, expect "a great sucking in of breath" across European capitals, Stokes said, and "another four years of a very rocky ride". But even under Trump 2.0, it is "entirely possible" for the US and EU to form a united front when it's in their self-interest on issues such as the coronavirus or China policy, Stokes said. Peter Beyer, Merkel's transatlantic coordinator, recently told AFP that a "new Cold War" between Washington and Beijing had already begun, and that Europe should "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with the US to face a rising China. - 'Jolted' - An unintended side effect of the Trump turbulence has been the growing realisation that Europe must speak and act more as one. "Trump definitely jolted things," said David-Wilp. The bloc's successful negotiation of a huge coronavirus stimulus package, spearheaded by Merkel and Macron, suggests a new impetus for closer cooperation and a reinvigorated German-Franco partnership. Trump's attacks painting Europeans as taking advantage of the US have spurred higher NATO contributions, and a greater acceptance of burden-sharing on security issues. There are plenty of obstacles ahead for the 27-member club with its disparate interests, not least the impending Brexit turmoil and elections looming in key member states. "But if one wants to say the glass is half-full, the Trump presidency may have helped accelerate European unity," Stokes said.

EU-US alliance 'on life support' after four years of Trump

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks.

The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal &nbsp;and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership.

However, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-brexit-trade-talks-are-over-unless-eu-shifts-335816">Also read:&nbsp;UK says Brexit trade talks are 'over' unless EU shifts</a>

The two sides disagree on the rules for fair competition, how these rules will be policed and how much access EU fishing fleets will get to UK waters.

Britain wants to reassert sovereignty over its waters and have no EU legal oversight over the deal -- insisting it wants a simple trade deal of the kind the EU signed with Canada.

But the EU says Britain's situation is completely different to that of Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-virus-surges-and-brexit-bears-down-boris-johnson-stalls-for-time-335716">Also read:&nbsp;As virus surges and Brexit bears down, Boris Johnson stalls for time</a>

"I want a deal, I'm keen to conclude one but it takes both sides to compromise in order for there to be one. The EU is not doing so at the moment," Gove told Sky News, adding that the EU did not seem serious in their desire to reach a deal.

Chief European negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Frost are due to discuss the structure of talks on Monday, according to the European Commission.

"The ball is in his court," Gove said of Barnier.&nbsp;

Failure to strike a deal would see Britain and Europe revert to World Trade Organization terms, with higher tariffs and quotas, potentially devastating for economies already weakened by the pandemic.

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks. The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership.

The British government said on Sunday it still wanted to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, despite deadlocked talks. The UK had imposed a deadline of last week's EU summit for a deal and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was now ready to walk away and prepare for a no-deal exit, after five decades of EU membership. However, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position. Also read: UK says Brexit trade talks are 'over' unless EU shifts The two sides disagree on the rules for fair competition, how these rules will be policed and how much access EU fishing fleets will get to UK waters. Britain wants to reassert sovereignty over its waters and have no EU legal oversight over the deal -- insisting it wants a simple trade deal of the kind the EU signed with Canada. But the EU says Britain's situation is completely different to that of Canada. Also read: As virus surges and Brexit bears down, Boris Johnson stalls for time "I want a deal, I'm keen to conclude one but it takes both sides to compromise in order for there to be one. The EU is not doing so at the moment," Gove told Sky News, adding that the EU did not seem serious in their desire to reach a deal. Chief European negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Frost are due to discuss the structure of talks on Monday, according to the European Commission. "The ball is in his court," Gove said of Barnier. Failure to strike a deal would see Britain and Europe revert to World Trade Organization terms, with higher tariffs and quotas, potentially devastating for economies already weakened by the pandemic.

UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event.

Austria`s Alexander Schallenberg and Belgium`s Sophie Wilmes sat next to each other during a group breakfast at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday in Luxembourg, a spokeswoman for Austria`s Foreign Ministry said.

"It is suspected that Schallenberg might have been infected at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday," the spokeswoman said, adding that he did not have symptoms and had been tested as a routine measure.

Wilmes said on Saturday she had tested positive for COVID-19, a day after going into self-isolation with suspected symptoms of the illness.

"Contamination probably occurred within my family circle given the precautions taken outside my home," she said on Twitter, without saying when she might have become infected.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tested negative on Friday and had no close contact with Schallenberg, his ministry said, while Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde will work from home until she receives a negative test result, her department said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian tested negative on Thursday while on a trip to Algeria.

Schallenberg`s only bilateral meeting in Luxembourg was with his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney but social distancing measures were implemented and Ireland has been informed of his positive test, his ministry`s spokeswoman said.

Schallenberg also attended a cabinet meeting on Wednesday but cabinet members wore face masks, she added.

"As a precautionary measure all members of the government will be tested on Saturday," the spokeswoman said.

Austria`s cabinet had a scare less than two weeks ago when a close colleague of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz`s was confirmed to have the virus.

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event.

The foreign ministers of Austria and Belgium have tested positive for coronavirus after attending a meeting with EU colleagues earlier this week, raising concerns the gathering may have been a so-called "super-spreader" event. Austria`s Alexander Schallenberg and Belgium`s Sophie Wilmes sat next to each other during a group breakfast at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday in Luxembourg, a spokeswoman for Austria`s Foreign Ministry said. "It is suspected that Schallenberg might have been infected at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday," the spokeswoman said, adding that he did not have symptoms and had been tested as a routine measure. Wilmes said on Saturday she had tested positive for COVID-19, a day after going into self-isolation with suspected symptoms of the illness. "Contamination probably occurred within my family circle given the precautions taken outside my home," she said on Twitter, without saying when she might have become infected. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tested negative on Friday and had no close contact with Schallenberg, his ministry said, while Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde will work from home until she receives a negative test result, her department said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian tested negative on Thursday while on a trip to Algeria. Schallenberg`s only bilateral meeting in Luxembourg was with his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney but social distancing measures were implemented and Ireland has been informed of his positive test, his ministry`s spokeswoman said. Schallenberg also attended a cabinet meeting on Wednesday but cabinet members wore face masks, she added. "As a precautionary measure all members of the government will be tested on Saturday," the spokeswoman said. Austria`s cabinet had a scare less than two weeks ago when a close colleague of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz`s was confirmed to have the virus.

Two foreign ministers test positive for COVID-19 after EU meeting

Britain on Friday said Brexit trade talks were effectively at an end unless the European Union shifted its position.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson&nbsp;declared Britain should "get ready" for an Australia-style agreement based on World Trade Organization rules from January "unless there is a fundamental change of approach" from Brussels.

Johnson's official spokesman told reporters,&nbsp;"As far as we're concerned, the trade talks are over. The EU have effectively ended them and only if the EU fundamentally shifts its position will it be worth talking."

European Union leaders had agreed&nbsp;a "fair" new partnership with Britain was "worth every effort" but that the bloc would not compromise at any cost and was ready for an abrupt split in trade worth a trillion euros every year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-chief-warns-uk-must-respect-brexit-withdrawal-deal-325745">European Union chief warns UK must respect Brexit withdrawal deal</a>

Talks have narrowed gaps on issues from social welfare to transport but three contentious areas have so far prevented a deal: fair competition, dispute resolution and&nbsp;fisheries, which is particularly important to France as it&nbsp;has coastal communities that fish in British waters. But Macron said the main priority for EU leaders was to ensure there would be fair competition rules between Britain and the EU.

Johnson accused Brussels of failing to negotiate seriously and, although leaving the door open, indicated he would slam it shut if there was no movement from the EU.

"It's over to the EU now. It can either fundamentally change position or we will leave on Australian terms, under which we will prosper," he added.

"The EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said around an hour after Johnson's comments, which sent sterling lower.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇪🇺-🇬🇧 talks: the EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price. 
 
As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1317067827518574593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Johnson said earlier on Friday that unless the EU changed course there would be no deal giving British businesses continued free access to the EU's huge single market.

That came after the EU leaders' summit on Thursday put the onus on London to budge in the talks or stand ready for major trade disruptions from 2021.

Britain on Friday said Brexit trade talks were effectively at an end unless the European Union shifted its position. Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared Britain should "get ready" for an Australia-style agreement based on World Trade Organization rules from January "unless there is a fundamental change of approach" from Brussels.

Britain on Friday said Brexit trade talks were effectively at an end unless the European Union shifted its position. Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared Britain should "get ready" for an Australia-style agreement based on World Trade Organization rules from January "unless there is a fundamental change of approach" from Brussels. Johnson's official spokesman told reporters, "As far as we're concerned, the trade talks are over. The EU have effectively ended them and only if the EU fundamentally shifts its position will it be worth talking." European Union leaders had agreed a "fair" new partnership with Britain was "worth every effort" but that the bloc would not compromise at any cost and was ready for an abrupt split in trade worth a trillion euros every year. Also read: European Union chief warns UK must respect Brexit withdrawal deal Talks have narrowed gaps on issues from social welfare to transport but three contentious areas have so far prevented a deal: fair competition, dispute resolution and fisheries, which is particularly important to France as it has coastal communities that fish in British waters. But Macron said the main priority for EU leaders was to ensure there would be fair competition rules between Britain and the EU. Johnson accused Brussels of failing to negotiate seriously and, although leaving the door open, indicated he would slam it shut if there was no movement from the EU. "It's over to the EU now. It can either fundamentally change position or we will leave on Australian terms, under which we will prosper," he added. "The EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said around an hour after Johnson's comments, which sent sterling lower. 🇪🇺-🇬🇧 talks: the EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price. As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 16, 2020 × Johnson said earlier on Friday that unless the EU changed course there would be no deal giving British businesses continued free access to the EU's huge single market. That came after the EU leaders' summit on Thursday put the onus on London to budge in the talks or stand ready for major trade disruptions from 2021.

UK says Brexit trade talks are 'over' unless EU shifts

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin left an EU summit to self-isolate as a precaution after attending a meeting this week with a Finnish MP who has since tested positive for Covid-19.

"The prime minister has today left the European Council and asked the Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, to represent Finland during the final meeting," the government said in a statement on Friday.

Marin will return to Finland, where she will be tested and then she will self-isolate at the prime minister's residence in Helsinki.

The move was described as a "precautionary" measure after Finnish parliamentarian Tom Packalen announced on Friday that he had tested positive for the virus.

The two had attended a joint meeting in Finland's parliament on Wednesday.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has also not been present at the meeting as he is self-isolating in his home country.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has objected to the EU meeting being held in person at a time when Europe is battling a surge of the virus.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin left an EU summit to self-isolate as a precaution after attending a meeting this week with a Finnish MP who has since tested positive for Covid-19.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin left an EU summit to self-isolate as a precaution after attending a meeting this week with a Finnish MP who has since tested positive for Covid-19. "The prime minister has today left the European Council and asked the Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, to represent Finland during the final meeting," the government said in a statement on Friday. Marin will return to Finland, where she will be tested and then she will self-isolate at the prime minister's residence in Helsinki. The move was described as a "precautionary" measure after Finnish parliamentarian Tom Packalen announced on Friday that he had tested positive for the virus. The two had attended a joint meeting in Finland's parliament on Wednesday. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has also not been present at the meeting as he is self-isolating in his home country. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has objected to the EU meeting being held in person at a time when Europe is battling a surge of the virus.

Finnish PM leaves EU summit as 'precautionary' measure

European Union countries edged closer to agreement on a new climate target at a summit on Thursday, but deferred a deal on the emissions-cutting goal to a meeting in December.

The leaders` discussion in Brussels was their first on upgrading the existing EU target of a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The EU`s executive, the European Commission, has said the bloc needs a cut of at least 55% by 2030, against 1990 levels, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 that all 27 countries bar coal-dependent Poland have committed to.

The leaders did not endorse a specific 2030 target on Thursday, but agreed to "return to the issue" in December, with the aim of finalising the goal by year-end.

The EU takes decisions by unanimity. Once countries agree a common position on the 2030 target, they must strike a deal with the European Parliament, which wants a 60% emissions cut.

Leaders agreed to postpone the deal until countries have more information on the national impact of the target. That could placate Poland, which has said it cannot back a new climate goal without this analysis.

The Council of EU leaders "invites the Commission to conduct in-depth consultations with member states to assess the specific situations and to provide more information about the impact at member states` level," a joint statement said.

It also confirmed the 2030 emissions-cutting target would be met "collectively" at the EU level. This could help convince the Czech Republic, which said on Thursday it could support an EU-wide 55% emissions cut by 2030, but that it could not achieve that goal at a national level.

"Every country has a different energy mix and we have to take it into consideration. So if we agree on a 55% average in the EU, the Czech Republic doesn`t have any problem," Prime Minister Andrej Babis said.

Babis also represented Poland at the summit, since Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is self-isolating after contact with a person infected with COVID-19.

"We are not sure, even roughly, what the cost would be for individual countries," said an official from a country that has not yet pledged support for the 55% emissions-cutting goal.

But if the EU allocates sufficient funds from its next budget to help carbon-intensive countries meet the goal, "then we will not get in the way of the consensus" in December, the official said.

Roughly half of the EU`s 27 members - including Germany, France, Spain, Latvia and Denmark - have said they support the "at least 55%" goal. The target would usher in sweeping changes to EU policies, including tighter car emissions standards and higher carbon costs for industry and airlines.

European Union countries edged closer to agreement on a new climate target at a summit on Thursday, but deferred a deal on the emissions-cutting goal to a meeting in December.

European Union countries edged closer to agreement on a new climate target at a summit on Thursday, but deferred a deal on the emissions-cutting goal to a meeting in December. The leaders` discussion in Brussels was their first on upgrading the existing EU target of a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The EU`s executive, the European Commission, has said the bloc needs a cut of at least 55% by 2030, against 1990 levels, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 that all 27 countries bar coal-dependent Poland have committed to. The leaders did not endorse a specific 2030 target on Thursday, but agreed to "return to the issue" in December, with the aim of finalising the goal by year-end. The EU takes decisions by unanimity. Once countries agree a common position on the 2030 target, they must strike a deal with the European Parliament, which wants a 60% emissions cut. Leaders agreed to postpone the deal until countries have more information on the national impact of the target. That could placate Poland, which has said it cannot back a new climate goal without this analysis. The Council of EU leaders "invites the Commission to conduct in-depth consultations with member states to assess the specific situations and to provide more information about the impact at member states` level," a joint statement said. It also confirmed the 2030 emissions-cutting target would be met "collectively" at the EU level. This could help convince the Czech Republic, which said on Thursday it could support an EU-wide 55% emissions cut by 2030, but that it could not achieve that goal at a national level. "Every country has a different energy mix and we have to take it into consideration. So if we agree on a 55% average in the EU, the Czech Republic doesn`t have any problem," Prime Minister Andrej Babis said. Babis also represented Poland at the summit, since Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is self-isolating after contact with a person infected with COVID-19. "We are not sure, even roughly, what the cost would be for individual countries," said an official from a country that has not yet pledged support for the 55% emissions-cutting goal. But if the EU allocates sufficient funds from its next budget to help carbon-intensive countries meet the goal, "then we will not get in the way of the consensus" in December, the official said. Roughly half of the EU`s 27 members - including Germany, France, Spain, Latvia and Denmark - have said they support the "at least 55%" goal. The target would usher in sweeping changes to EU policies, including tighter car emissions standards and higher carbon costs for industry and airlines.

EU leaders aim for deal in December on new climate change target

The&nbsp;European Union leaders on Thursday&nbsp;refused&nbsp;to ''compromise at any cost'' on Brexit with the United Kingdom.

However, agreeing upon a fair trade with Britain, EU said it is ready for an abrupt split in trade worth a trillion euros every year.

Meeting face-to-face for only the third time in the coronavirus pandemic, the EU leaders wore masks and kept their distance as they gathered in Brussels to discuss Brexit, where a new trade pact is still elusive as an year-end deadline nears.

"We want a deal, but obviously not at any price. It has to be a fair agreement that serves the interests of both sides. This is worth every effort," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Britain left the EU in January and the estranged allies have since been locked in complex negotiations to try and keep trading without tariffs or quotas from 2021.

Talks have narrowed gaps on issues from social welfare to transport but three contentious areas have so far prevented a deal: fair competition, dispute resolution and fisheries, which is particularly important to France.

"In no case shall our fishermen be sacrificed for Brexit," French President Emmanuel Macron said on arriving in Brussels.

"If these conditions are not met, it's possible we won't have a deal. If the right terms can't be found at the end of these discussions, we're ready for a no-deal for our future relations," he added.

With businesses and markets increasingly jittery as the deadline nears, Thursday's EU summit is to approve extending the negotiations with a demand for Britain to budge, as well as stepping up contingency plans for an abrupt split.

Ireland, the EU member most exposed to a chaotic rupture, said smooth post-Brexit trade between the world's sixth largest economy and biggest trading bloc was still possible and even more essential given the economic havoc of the COVID-19 crisis.

"Where there is a will there's a way," Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told EU leaders meeting in Brussels.

"With COVID-19 having such a devastating impact on society and on the economies in the United Kingdom and across Europe obviously leaders will not want to hit citizens with a shock a no-deal would represent."

'CRAZY'

The pandemic has thrust Europe into unprecedented recession and many nations are tightening restrictions again to combat a second infection wave sweeping the continent as winter looms.

Given the economic malaise and global instability, it would be "crazy" if the estranged allies failed to agree, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said Britain would reflect on the Brussels meeting before deciding next steps. "We've always been clear that a negotiated outcome is our preference," he said.

Many on financial markets expect a thin deal by early November, though after several more weeks of drama.

The EU has warned it will not leave fishing rights to last and that they must be part of a wider deal together with issues like financial services where London has a weaker hand.

The sides are also far apart on fair competition safeguards covering social, labour and environment standards, as well as state aid.

Britain wants to be able to regulate its own corporate subsidies freely in the future, while the EU seeks to lock in joint rules.

Otherwise, the bloc says Britain cannot have free access to its cherished single market of 450 million consumers.

The European Union leaders on Thursday refused to ''compromise at any cost'' on Brexit with the United Kingdom. However, agreeing upon a fair trade with Britain, EU said it is ready for an abrupt split in trade worth a trillion euros every year.

The European Union leaders on Thursday refused to ''compromise at any cost'' on Brexit with the United Kingdom. However, agreeing upon a fair trade with Britain, EU said it is ready for an abrupt split in trade worth a trillion euros every year. Meeting face-to-face for only the third time in the coronavirus pandemic, the EU leaders wore masks and kept their distance as they gathered in Brussels to discuss Brexit, where a new trade pact is still elusive as an year-end deadline nears. "We want a deal, but obviously not at any price. It has to be a fair agreement that serves the interests of both sides. This is worth every effort," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Britain left the EU in January and the estranged allies have since been locked in complex negotiations to try and keep trading without tariffs or quotas from 2021. Talks have narrowed gaps on issues from social welfare to transport but three contentious areas have so far prevented a deal: fair competition, dispute resolution and fisheries, which is particularly important to France. "In no case shall our fishermen be sacrificed for Brexit," French President Emmanuel Macron said on arriving in Brussels. "If these conditions are not met, it's possible we won't have a deal. If the right terms can't be found at the end of these discussions, we're ready for a no-deal for our future relations," he added. With businesses and markets increasingly jittery as the deadline nears, Thursday's EU summit is to approve extending the negotiations with a demand for Britain to budge, as well as stepping up contingency plans for an abrupt split. Ireland, the EU member most exposed to a chaotic rupture, said smooth post-Brexit trade between the world's sixth largest economy and biggest trading bloc was still possible and even more essential given the economic havoc of the COVID-19 crisis. "Where there is a will there's a way," Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told EU leaders meeting in Brussels. "With COVID-19 having such a devastating impact on society and on the economies in the United Kingdom and across Europe obviously leaders will not want to hit citizens with a shock a no-deal would represent." 'CRAZY' The pandemic has thrust Europe into unprecedented recession and many nations are tightening restrictions again to combat a second infection wave sweeping the continent as winter looms. Given the economic malaise and global instability, it would be "crazy" if the estranged allies failed to agree, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said Britain would reflect on the Brussels meeting before deciding next steps. "We've always been clear that a negotiated outcome is our preference," he said. Many on financial markets expect a thin deal by early November, though after several more weeks of drama. The EU has warned it will not leave fishing rights to last and that they must be part of a wider deal together with issues like financial services where London has a weaker hand. The sides are also far apart on fair competition safeguards covering social, labour and environment standards, as well as state aid. Britain wants to be able to regulate its own corporate subsidies freely in the future, while the EU seeks to lock in joint rules. Otherwise, the bloc says Britain cannot have free access to its cherished single market of 450 million consumers.

European Union refuses to 'compromise at any cost' on Brexit with UK

european-union

European Union, News on European Union, stories on European Union, articles on European Union, European Union stories at Wion, European Union news, European Union latest news

european union