The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home.

The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-migrant-crisis-tense-situation-on-the-greek-turkish-border-285032">Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border</a>

It is a temporary scheme which is open for one month and it is valid only for migrants who arrived prior January 1.

However, 5,000 migrants will be eligible for ''voluntary return''.

Hundreds of migrants and refugees have reached Greek islands near Turkey by boat this month, &nbsp;this has increased the pressure on struggling reception centres.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

The camps on those islands already have nearly 42,000 asylum seekers, though they were designed for about 6,000.

According to Stephan Oberreit, head of an aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres in Greece, "men, women and children are living in horrific conditions in these overcrowded centres, in constant fear and with very basic access to services like toilets, showers, electricity".

However, it is not clear how many would qualify for refugee status.

Many of the migrants are Syrians fleeing the civil war, but there are also Afghans, Pakistanis and West Africans.&nbsp;

European Union officials on had promised more cash for Greece during a visit to its border with Turkey which tens of thousands of migrants and refugees were trying breach.

The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home. The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday.

The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home. The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday. Also read: Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border It is a temporary scheme which is open for one month and it is valid only for migrants who arrived prior January 1. However, 5,000 migrants will be eligible for ''voluntary return''. Hundreds of migrants and refugees have reached Greek islands near Turkey by boat this month, this has increased the pressure on struggling reception centres. Also read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates The camps on those islands already have nearly 42,000 asylum seekers, though they were designed for about 6,000. According to Stephan Oberreit, head of an aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres in Greece, "men, women and children are living in horrific conditions in these overcrowded centres, in constant fear and with very basic access to services like toilets, showers, electricity". However, it is not clear how many would qualify for refugee status. Many of the migrants are Syrians fleeing the civil war, but there are also Afghans, Pakistanis and West Africans. European Union officials on had promised more cash for Greece during a visit to its border with Turkey which tens of thousands of migrants and refugees were trying breach.

European Union announces €2000 as aid to migrants in Greece to return home

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-pandemic-india-reports-first-death-as-cases-reach-73-285995">Covid-19 pandemic: India reports first death as cases reach 73</a>

<img alt="Covid-19 pandemic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8544ee17-e2cb-4a6a-94dd-8becdd099d11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_80.jpg" />

A 76-year-old man became the first fatality of the coronavirus from India, health ministry officials confirmed on Thursday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-pandemic-india-reports-first-death-as-cases-reach-73-285995">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection</a>

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The United States Congress has shut capitol building to the public until April, in a reaction to the rapid spread of coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-vladimir-putin-may-remain-president-for-life-285897">WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life</a>

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By removing the term limits, Putin has joined a club of global leaders, that have prolonged their tenures one way or another.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-vladimir-putin-may-remain-president-for-life-285897">READ MORE</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-premier-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-285996" hreflang="en">Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting</a>

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Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-premier-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-285996">READ MORE</a>
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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Covid-19 pandemic: India reports first death as cases reach 73 A 76-year-old man became the first fatality of the coronavirus from India, health ministry officials confirmed on Thursday.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Covid-19 pandemic: India reports first death as cases reach 73 A 76-year-old man became the first fatality of the coronavirus from India, health ministry officials confirmed on Thursday. READ MORE Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection The United States Congress has shut capitol building to the public until April, in a reaction to the rapid spread of coronavirus. READ MORE WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life By removing the term limits, Putin has joined a club of global leaders, that have prolonged their tenures one way or another.READ MORE Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Covid-19 pandemic, America shuts down and more

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-could-get-bigger-in-winters-study-285720">Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study</a> 
 
<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6dcb4b74-dca1-4aed-8be4-4e22a18a0354" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_8.JPG" />

Individuals with extremely mild cases may also go undetected because they do not seek medical attention or mild symptoms are mistaken for the common cold. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-could-get-bigger-in-winters-study-285720">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-tom-hanks-and-wife-rita-wilson-test-positive-for-coronavirus-285713">Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus</a> 
 
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The actor, 63, said that he and Wilson, also 63, were tested in Australia, where he is working on a film after they felt tired with slight fevers.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-tom-hanks-and-wife-rita-wilson-test-positive-for-coronavirus-285713">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-how-vladimir-putin-could-stay-russian-president-for-two-more-terms-285657">Explained: How Vladimir Putin could stay Russian President for two more terms</a> 
 
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Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for Presidents.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-how-vladimir-putin-could-stay-russian-president-for-two-more-terms-285657">READ MORE</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study Individuals with extremely mild cases may also go undetected because they do not seek medical attention or mild symptoms are mistaken for the common cold.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study Individuals with extremely mild cases may also go undetected because they do not seek medical attention or mild symptoms are mistaken for the common cold. READ MORE Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus The actor, 63, said that he and Wilson, also 63, were tested in Australia, where he is working on a film after they felt tired with slight fevers.READ MORE Explained: How Vladimir Putin could stay Russian President for two more terms Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for Presidents.READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus, Taliban, Harvey Weinstein and more

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days.&nbsp;

EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action". &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-travel-from-europe-to-us-in-coronavirus-crisis-285714">Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis</a>

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump criticised European Union for failing to take precautions and restrict "travel from China and other hotspots".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-should-get-tested-for-coronavirus-285845">Who should get tested for coronavirus?</a>

"The European Union disapproves of the fact that the US decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation," the statement said.&nbsp;

"The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus."

On Wednesday, in a primetime address from the Oval Office, Trump announced a series of measures to control the outbreak and insisted that "the virus will not have a chance."

"This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," Trump said.&nbsp;

The major announcement was the ban on European travel, which Trump added would go into effect from "midnight Friday."

So far, over 1,100 infections and 32 deaths are confirmed in the United States, as per the tally by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The US president also announced short-term tax deferments and asked the Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief."

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days. EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action".

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days. EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action". Also read: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump criticised European Union for failing to take precautions and restrict "travel from China and other hotspots". Also read: Who should get tested for coronavirus? "The European Union disapproves of the fact that the US decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation," the statement said. "The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus." On Wednesday, in a primetime address from the Oval Office, Trump announced a series of measures to control the outbreak and insisted that "the virus will not have a chance." "This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," Trump said. The major announcement was the ban on European travel, which Trump added would go into effect from "midnight Friday." So far, over 1,100 infections and 32 deaths are confirmed in the United States, as per the tally by Johns Hopkins University. The US president also announced short-term tax deferments and asked the Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief."

EU slams US for travel ban on Europe over coronavirus

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-health-minister-nadine-dorries-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285519">British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus</a>

<img alt="corona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa71f6e9-5591-4e43-bdef-868b99d16a08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_85.jpg" />

Six people have died in Britain from the virus, with more than 370 confirmed cases.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-health-minister-nadine-dorries-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285519">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-government-to-release-5000-taliban-prisoners-if-violence-eases-285520">Afghanistan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners if violence eases</a>

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1,500 of them will be released first — in batches of 100 per day. The initial release is expected to start this Saturday.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-government-to-release-5000-taliban-prisoners-if-violence-eases-285520">READ MORE</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus Six people have died in Britain from the virus, with more than 370 confirmed cases.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus Six people have died in Britain from the virus, with more than 370 confirmed cases.READ MORE Afghanistan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners if violence eases 1,500 of them will be released first — in batches of 100 per day. The initial release is expected to start this Saturday.READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus in UK, Taliban prisoner release and more

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-congressmen-exposed-to-coronavirus-before-meeting-trump-285349">Two US congressmen exposed to coronavirus before meeting Trump</a>

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Collins was with Trump last Friday visiting the Atlanta, Georgia CDC headquarters where they were briefed on the virus's spread.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-congressmen-exposed-to-coronavirus-before-meeting-trump-285349">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-congressmen-exposed-to-coronavirus-before-meeting-trump-285349">Threat of coronavirus 'pandemic' has become very real: WHO</a>

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WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said added that over 70 per cent of people infected with coronavirus in China had recovered. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-congressmen-exposed-to-coronavirus-before-meeting-trump-285349">READ MORE</a>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/commonwealth-links-and-a-wealth-of-knowledge-285177">Opinion: Commonwealth links and a wealth of knowledge</a>

<img alt="Commonwealth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a26ffafc-ad80-4b64-85a2-d1de0cddd5bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_18.jpg" />

The Commonwealth is a natural constituency for India. It gives India the appropriate platform to shape the global debate.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/commonwealth-links-and-a-wealth-of-knowledge-285177">READ MORE</a>
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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Two US congressmen exposed to coronavirus before meeting Trump Collins was with Trump last Friday visiting the Atlanta, Georgia CDC headquarters where they were briefed on the virus's spread.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Two US congressmen exposed to coronavirus before meeting Trump Collins was with Trump last Friday visiting the Atlanta, Georgia CDC headquarters where they were briefed on the virus's spread.Read More Threat of coronavirus 'pandemic' has become very real: WHO WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said added that over 70 per cent of people infected with coronavirus in China had recovered. READ MORE Opinion: Commonwealth links and a wealth of knowledge The Commonwealth is a natural constituency for India. It gives India the appropriate platform to shape the global debate.READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus threat, climate change and more

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/turkey-and-china-tie-themselves-in-knots-over-syria-and-xinjiang-257735">Turkey and China tie themselves in knots over Syria and Xinjiang</a>

In an interview with state-owned Anadolu news agency, Cavusoglu said that EU visa liberalisation and an update of the country's customs union with the bloc must be implemented to help solve the migrant issue.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-to-discuss-migrant-issues-with-eu-on-monday-285115"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-to-discuss-migrant-issues-with-eu-on-monday-285115">Turkish President Erdogan to discuss migrant issues with EU on Monday</a>

Late on Monday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan left meetings in Brussels with European Union and NATO leaders without issuing a joint statement nor appearing at a joint press conference, as had been planned.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue. Also Read: Turkey and China tie themselves in knots over Syria and Xinjiang In an interview with state-owned Anadolu news agency, Cavusoglu said that EU visa liberalisation and an update of the country's customs union with the bloc must be implemented to help solve the migrant issue. Also Read: Turkish President Erdogan to discuss migrant issues with EU on Monday Late on Monday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan left meetings in Brussels with European Union and NATO leaders without issuing a joint statement nor appearing at a joint press conference, as had been planned.

Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey

European Union considers taking in 1,500 child refugees in Greece: German government

The European Union is considering taking in up to 1,500 migrant children who are currently housed in Greek camps, Germany said Monday.

"A humanitarian solution is being negotiated at the European level for a 'coalition of the willing' to take in these children," said the government in a statement. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-considers-taking-in-1500-child-refugees-in-greece-german-government-285139">Read more</a>

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Aurat March: Islamists hurl stones and shoes at Women's Day marchers in Islamabad

Members of Islamists groups and red mosque affiliates pelted participants of 'Aurat March' (women march) &nbsp;with stones, shoes and sticks as they marched through Pakistan's capital on Sunday (March 8) to mark International Women's Day. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aurat-march-islamists-hurl-stones-and-shoes-at-womens-day-marchers-in-islamabad-285135">Read more</a>

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South Korean PM says 'turning point' near in coronavirus fight

South Korean officials warned against prematurely calling the peak of the coronavirus outbreak while expressing hope on Monday that the country was nearing a "turning point" in the crisis, as the pace of new infections trended lower. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-pm-says-turning-point-near-in-coronavirus-fight-285173">Read more</a>

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European Union considers taking in 1,500 child refugees in Greece: German government The European Union is considering taking in up to 1,500 migrant children who are currently housed in Greek camps, Germany said Monday.

European Union considers taking in 1,500 child refugees in Greece: German government The European Union is considering taking in up to 1,500 migrant children who are currently housed in Greek camps, Germany said Monday. "A humanitarian solution is being negotiated at the European level for a 'coalition of the willing' to take in these children," said the government in a statement. Read more Aurat March: Islamists hurl stones and shoes at Women's Day marchers in Islamabad Members of Islamists groups and red mosque affiliates pelted participants of 'Aurat March' (women march) with stones, shoes and sticks as they marched through Pakistan's capital on Sunday (March 8) to mark International Women's Day. Read more South Korean PM says 'turning point' near in coronavirus fight South Korean officials warned against prematurely calling the peak of the coronavirus outbreak while expressing hope on Monday that the country was nearing a "turning point" in the crisis, as the pace of new infections trended lower. Read more × ×

Morning News Brief: Migrants at Greek border, Aurat march and more

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday repeated his call for more help in coping with the millions of refugees it hosts from neighbouring war-torn Syria even as he said that he would be meeting European Union officials on Monday to discuss migration.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday repeated his call for more help in coping with the millions of refugees it hosts from neighbouring war-torn Syria even as he said that he would be meeting European Union officials on Monday to discuss migration. Saddled with the influx of Syrians fleeing the fighting, Turkey recently said it would no longer abide by a 2016 deal to prevent them from travelling on to the EU. "We were hoping to get much more support from international community when it comes to refugees. I have a meeting with European Union officials tomorrow in Belgium. We will discuss these issues," Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. Also read | Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border Turkey hosts some 3.6 million refugees from southern neighbour Syria, where civil war has been raging since 2011. "We have fulfilled the obligations of the agreement we have made with the EU. However, the EU did not fulfil its commitments except for minimal contributions ... I hope we will get different results this time," Erdogan said. Under the 2016 deal, the EU were to provide 6 billion euros ($6.8 billion) to help Turkey finance housing, schools and medical centres for the refugees. Turkey says the EU has failed to honour promises including visa-free travel for Turkish citizens and an enhanced customs union. Ankara also wants more European support in Syria, where its troops are supporting rebels against Russian-backed Syrian government forces.

Turkish President Erdogan to discuss migrant issues with EU on Monday

Following Britain's departure from the European Union (EU), the images of the UK's new blue colour passport has created a new controversy.&nbsp;

The Home Office earlier released pictures of the new passport, describing it as a return to the "iconic blue", however, several experts and Twitterati say that the colour is closer to black than blue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-passport-to-return-to-iconic-blue-colour-284289">UK passport to return to iconic blue colour</a>

Stephen Westland, professor of colour science and technology at the University of Leeds said that when most people would look at the passport, they would call it black, reported BBC.

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There is some right Emperors New Clothes going on with this 'blue' passport that actually looks black <a href="https://t.co/Nb4eRJkz0I">https://t.co/Nb4eRJkz0I</a>
— Smith (@AnotherSmith909) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnotherSmith909/status/1234438772076371969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Netizens shared interesting memes that took a dig on the passport's colour.

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Checking out my “iconic” new blue passport <a href="https://t.co/L2dRftXePT">pic.twitter.com/L2dRftXePT</a>
— Nick Taylor (@Nick_Tea) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nick_Tea/status/1234606820733394944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is like that dress thing again. 
 
When we had the passports before they were black. And now they're black again. We've literally never had blue passports! 
 
Can someone let me in on the bizarre naming convention? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BluePassport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BluePassport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotBluePassport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotBluePassport</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackPassport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackPassport</a> <a href="https://t.co/6IZ6XDJPyO">pic.twitter.com/6IZ6XDJPyO</a>
— Michael Birtwhistle (@SalfordMH) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalfordMH/status/1234451906052882433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The UK's passport was of dark blue in colour during the pre-EU days and the passport with the new colour will be made by a Franco-Dutch firm.&nbsp;

"By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one,” Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel had earlier said in a statement.

From early March, the new passport will be phased and from mid-2020, all new passports will be with the blue colour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Following Britain's departure from the European Union (EU), the images of the UK's new blue colour passport has created a new controversy. The Home Office earlier released pictures of the new passport, describing it as a return to the "iconic blue", however, several experts and Twitterati say that the colour is closer to black than blue.

Following Britain's departure from the European Union (EU), the images of the UK's new blue colour passport has created a new controversy. The Home Office earlier released pictures of the new passport, describing it as a return to the "iconic blue", however, several experts and Twitterati say that the colour is closer to black than blue. Also read: UK passport to return to iconic blue colour Stephen Westland, professor of colour science and technology at the University of Leeds said that when most people would look at the passport, they would call it black, reported BBC. There is some right Emperors New Clothes going on with this 'blue' passport that actually looks black https://t.co/Nb4eRJkz0I — Smith (@AnotherSmith909) March 2, 2020 × Netizens shared interesting memes that took a dig on the passport's colour. Checking out my “iconic” new blue passport pic.twitter.com/L2dRftXePT — Nick Taylor (@Nick_Tea) March 2, 2020 × This is like that dress thing again. When we had the passports before they were black. And now they're black again. We've literally never had blue passports! Can someone let me in on the bizarre naming convention? #BluePassport #NotBluePassport#BlackPassport pic.twitter.com/6IZ6XDJPyO — Michael Birtwhistle (@SalfordMH) March 2, 2020 × The UK's passport was of dark blue in colour during the pre-EU days and the passport with the new colour will be made by a Franco-Dutch firm. "By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one,” Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel had earlier said in a statement. From early March, the new passport will be phased and from mid-2020, all new passports will be with the blue colour.

Black or Blue? Fresh controversy erupts over new colour of Britain's passport

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report.

Estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Wednesday said that the slowdown of manufacturing in China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting world trade and could result in a 50 billion dollar decrease in exports across global value chains.

The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment.

Among the most affected economies are the European Union ($15.6 billion), the United States ($5.8 billion), Japan ($5.2 billion), South Korea ($3.8 billion), Taiwan Province of China ($2.6 billion) and Vietnam ( $2.3 billion).

India is among the 15 most-affected economies due to the coronavirus epidemic and slow down in production in China, with a trade impact of 348 million dollars.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-inch-higher-virus-fears-limit-gains-284413">Sensex, Nifty inch higher, virus fears limit gains</a>

The trade impact for India is less as compared to other economies such as EU, the US, Japan and South Korea.

Trade impact for Indonesia is 312 million dollars.

For India, the trade impact is estimated to be the most for the chemicals sector at 129 million dollars, textiles and apparel at 64 million dollars, automotive sector at 34 million dollars, electrical machinery at 12 million dollars, leather products at 13 million dollars, metals and metal products at 27 million dollars and wood products and furniture at 15 million dollars.

Besides its worrying effects on human life, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has the potential to significantly slowdown not only the Chinese economy but also the global economy. China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations. Any disruption of China's output is expected to have repercussions elsewhere through regional and global value chains, UNCTAD said.

Over the last month, China has seen a dramatic reduction in its manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) to 37.5, its lowest reading since 2004.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Coronavirus live updates: 29 positive coronavirus cases in India, including 16 Italians, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>

This drop implies a 2 per cent reduction in output on an annual basis.

This has come as a direct consequence of the spread of corona virus (COVID-19).

The 2 per cent contraction in China's output has ripple effects through the global economy and thus far has caused an estimated drop of about $50 billion across countries,"UNCTAD said.

"The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment, it added.

UNCTAD said because China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations, a slowdown in Chinese production has repercussions for any given country depending on how reliant its industries are on Chinese suppliers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-end-lower-as-coronavirus-cases-jump-to-28-284272">Nifty, Sensex end lower as coronavirus cases jump to 28</a>

In addition to grave threats to human life, the coronavirus outbreak carries serious risks for the global economy, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said.

Any slowdown in manufacturing in one part of the world will have a ripple effect in economic activity across the globe because of regional and global value chains, he said.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, who heads UNCTAD's Division on International Trade and Commodities, said for developing economies that are reliant on selling raw materials, the effects could be felt very, very intensely.

Assuming that it is not mitigated in the short-term, it's likely that the overall impact on the global economy is going to be significant in terms of a negative downturn, she said.

The estimated global effects of COVID-19 are subject to change depending on the containment of the virus and or changes in the sources of supply.

Watch: 

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Meanwhile, the extent of the damage to the global economy caused by novel coronavirus COVID-19 moved further into focus as UN economists announced a likely $50 billion drop in worldwide manufacturing exports in February alone.

Highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the epidemic, in which there have been more than 90,000 confirmed cases in more than 70 countries (the majority in China) and over 3,000 deaths, Coke-Hamilton said that US measures in terms of visitor arrivals, cancelling various meetings were having a knock-on effect in terms of demand.

So right now, we're not clear on where it will go a lot will depend on what happens with COVID-19; if they are able to come up with a vaccine then hallelujah, hopefully it will end very quickly, but if not, the impact can be severe, she said.

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report.

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report. Estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Wednesday said that the slowdown of manufacturing in China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting world trade and could result in a 50 billion dollar decrease in exports across global value chains. The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment. Among the most affected economies are the European Union ($15.6 billion), the United States ($5.8 billion), Japan ($5.2 billion), South Korea ($3.8 billion), Taiwan Province of China ($2.6 billion) and Vietnam ( $2.3 billion). India is among the 15 most-affected economies due to the coronavirus epidemic and slow down in production in China, with a trade impact of 348 million dollars. Also read: Sensex, Nifty inch higher, virus fears limit gains The trade impact for India is less as compared to other economies such as EU, the US, Japan and South Korea. Trade impact for Indonesia is 312 million dollars. For India, the trade impact is estimated to be the most for the chemicals sector at 129 million dollars, textiles and apparel at 64 million dollars, automotive sector at 34 million dollars, electrical machinery at 12 million dollars, leather products at 13 million dollars, metals and metal products at 27 million dollars and wood products and furniture at 15 million dollars. Besides its worrying effects on human life, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has the potential to significantly slowdown not only the Chinese economy but also the global economy. China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations. Any disruption of China's output is expected to have repercussions elsewhere through regional and global value chains, UNCTAD said. Over the last month, China has seen a dramatic reduction in its manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) to 37.5, its lowest reading since 2004. Also see: Coronavirus live updates: 29 positive coronavirus cases in India, including 16 Italians, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan This drop implies a 2 per cent reduction in output on an annual basis. This has come as a direct consequence of the spread of corona virus (COVID-19). The 2 per cent contraction in China's output has ripple effects through the global economy and thus far has caused an estimated drop of about $50 billion across countries,"UNCTAD said. "The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment, it added. UNCTAD said because China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations, a slowdown in Chinese production has repercussions for any given country depending on how reliant its industries are on Chinese suppliers. Also read: Nifty, Sensex end lower as coronavirus cases jump to 28 In addition to grave threats to human life, the coronavirus outbreak carries serious risks for the global economy, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. Any slowdown in manufacturing in one part of the world will have a ripple effect in economic activity across the globe because of regional and global value chains, he said. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, who heads UNCTAD's Division on International Trade and Commodities, said for developing economies that are reliant on selling raw materials, the effects could be felt very, very intensely. Assuming that it is not mitigated in the short-term, it's likely that the overall impact on the global economy is going to be significant in terms of a negative downturn, she said. The estimated global effects of COVID-19 are subject to change depending on the containment of the virus and or changes in the sources of supply. Watch: × Meanwhile, the extent of the damage to the global economy caused by novel coronavirus COVID-19 moved further into focus as UN economists announced a likely $50 billion drop in worldwide manufacturing exports in February alone. Highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the epidemic, in which there have been more than 90,000 confirmed cases in more than 70 countries (the majority in China) and over 3,000 deaths, Coke-Hamilton said that US measures in terms of visitor arrivals, cancelling various meetings were having a knock-on effect in terms of demand. So right now, we're not clear on where it will go a lot will depend on what happens with COVID-19; if they are able to come up with a vaccine then hallelujah, hopefully it will end very quickly, but if not, the impact can be severe, she said.

Trade impact of Coronavirus epidemic for India estimated at 348 million dollars: UN report

The EU's top diplomat and its crisis-management chief set off for Turkey on Tuesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned he could allow millions of refugees to head for Europe.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-pursuing-military-operation-against-syrian-regime-283560">Turkey says pursuing military operation against Syrian regime</a>

EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner&nbsp;Janez Lenarcic will spend two days in the country for "high-level" meetings with Turkish officials on the Syrian crisis and the row about refugees and migrants.

Watch: Syria shuts down air space over Idlib

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"They will hold talks on the ongoing escalation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib and the humanitarian consequences for the civilian population on the ground, as well as the situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey," Borrell's office said.

"During their visit to Ankara, they will meet with high-level interlocutors of the Turkish authorities."

After the talks in Ankara, Borrell will attend an EU foreign ministers meeting in Zagreb on March 5 and 6, and Lenarcic will visit refugee centres in Turkey's southeastern province of Gaziantep.

The visit comes amid intense fighting in the Syrian city of Idlib between pro-government forces and Turkish-backed rebels, and after Erdogan escalated the refugee dispute with Brussels.&nbsp;

Turkey has given a green light to refugees and migrants on its territory, many of them displaced Syrians, to leave for the European Union, in defiance of a 2016 deal to keep them.

On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel described Turkey's move as "unacceptable" and EU migration commissioner Margaritis Schinas said nobody could "blackmail or intimidate the EU".

The EU's top diplomat and its crisis-management chief set off for Turkey on Tuesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned he could allow millions of refugees to head for Europe.

The EU's top diplomat and its crisis-management chief set off for Turkey on Tuesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned he could allow millions of refugees to head for Europe. Also read: Turkey says pursuing military operation against Syrian regime EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarcic will spend two days in the country for "high-level" meetings with Turkish officials on the Syrian crisis and the row about refugees and migrants. Watch: Syria shuts down air space over Idlib "They will hold talks on the ongoing escalation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib and the humanitarian consequences for the civilian population on the ground, as well as the situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey," Borrell's office said. "During their visit to Ankara, they will meet with high-level interlocutors of the Turkish authorities." After the talks in Ankara, Borrell will attend an EU foreign ministers meeting in Zagreb on March 5 and 6, and Lenarcic will visit refugee centres in Turkey's southeastern province of Gaziantep. The visit comes amid intense fighting in the Syrian city of Idlib between pro-government forces and Turkish-backed rebels, and after Erdogan escalated the refugee dispute with Brussels. Turkey has given a green light to refugees and migrants on its territory, many of them displaced Syrians, to leave for the European Union, in defiance of a 2016 deal to keep them. On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel described Turkey's move as "unacceptable" and EU migration commissioner Margaritis Schinas said nobody could "blackmail or intimidate the EU".

Top European Union envoy heads to Turkey for Syrian refugee talks

The European Union described the historic peace deal between the US and the Taliban, and a separate US-Afghanistan declaration, as &nbsp;"important first steps towards a comprehensive peace process" in Afghanistan.

Reacting to the official signing, EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement that "the current opportunity to move towards peace should not be missed" and the bloc expected "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations to start without delay in an inclusive manner and aiming at a lasting peace".

Borrell also said the EU stood ready to help with an Afghan peace process in which "all political factions, where notably Afghan women and minorities as well as the civil society, are represented in a meaningful manner".

"It is vital that all people of Afghanistan feel represented in the next government and in peace negotiations. This would help address grievances, including in the context of the recent electoral process, and promote reconciliation," he added.

The United States signed a deal with Taliban insurgents on Saturday that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war in the nation.

While the agreement creates a path for the United States to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect the talks to come between the Afghan sides may be much more complicated.

There are hopes it will put an end to nearly two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, where US-led forces have propped up the government in Kabul in the face of an unceasing Taliban insurgency.

To achieve peace, though, the accord will have to lead to intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

The Afghan government was not directly involved in the negotiations resulting in Saturday's deal signed in Doha. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was in Kabul to make a joint declaration with the government.

Saudi Arabia also welcomed the peace agreement.

In a statement, the foreign ministry hoped that the deal would lead to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and nationwide peace in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union described the historic peace deal between the US and the Taliban, and a separate US-Afghanistan declaration, as "important first steps towards a comprehensive peace process" in Afghanistan.

The European Union described the historic peace deal between the US and the Taliban, and a separate US-Afghanistan declaration, as "important first steps towards a comprehensive peace process" in Afghanistan. Reacting to the official signing, EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement that "the current opportunity to move towards peace should not be missed" and the bloc expected "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations to start without delay in an inclusive manner and aiming at a lasting peace". Borrell also said the EU stood ready to help with an Afghan peace process in which "all political factions, where notably Afghan women and minorities as well as the civil society, are represented in a meaningful manner". "It is vital that all people of Afghanistan feel represented in the next government and in peace negotiations. This would help address grievances, including in the context of the recent electoral process, and promote reconciliation," he added. The United States signed a deal with Taliban insurgents on Saturday that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war in the nation. While the agreement creates a path for the United States to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect the talks to come between the Afghan sides may be much more complicated. There are hopes it will put an end to nearly two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, where US-led forces have propped up the government in Kabul in the face of an unceasing Taliban insurgency. To achieve peace, though, the accord will have to lead to intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The Afghan government was not directly involved in the negotiations resulting in Saturday's deal signed in Doha. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was in Kabul to make a joint declaration with the government. Saudi Arabia also welcomed the peace agreement. In a statement, the foreign ministry hoped that the deal would lead to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and nationwide peace in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

US-Taliban deal first step to Afghanistan peace process, says European Union

Britain warned Thursday it would not commit to following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">European Union</a> (EU) rules in a post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">Brexit </a>trade deal, and threatened to abandon talks in June if no compromise was possible.

Two days after EU ministers approved their own joint approach to the negotiations, which start on Monday, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">Boris Johnson</a>'s government set out its own red lines.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/canada-uk-free-trade-a-post-brexit-opportunity-279098">Canada-UK free trade: A post-Brexit opportunity</a>

The formal negotiating mandate says London wants to agree a relationship "based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals" before the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31.

But it warns: "We will not agree to any obligations for our laws to be aligned with the EU's or for the EU's institutions including the Court of Justice, to have any jurisdiction in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">UK</a>."

The document also states that if both sides have not been able to reach a "broad outline of an agreement" by June, then it would have to decide whether to walk away from the talks.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines</a>

When Britain left the European Union on January 31, both sides agreed a standstill period while they establish a new partnership to replace 47 years of political and economic integration.

London has the option to extend the transition beyond the end of 2020 but says it will not.

So in June, it would decide "whether the UK's attention should move away from negotiations and focus solely on continuing domestic preparations to exit the transition period in an orderly fashion".

Failure to reach a new agreement with the EU -- Britain's largest trading partner -- is likely to be hugely disruptive on both sides of the Channel.

Britain warned Thursday it would not commit to following European Union (EU) rules in a post-Brexit trade deal, and threatened to abandon talks in June if no compromise was possible.

Britain warned Thursday it would not commit to following European Union (EU) rules in a post-Brexit trade deal, and threatened to abandon talks in June if no compromise was possible. Two days after EU ministers approved their own joint approach to the negotiations, which start on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government set out its own red lines. Also read: Canada-UK free trade: A post-Brexit opportunity The formal negotiating mandate says London wants to agree a relationship "based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals" before the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31. But it warns: "We will not agree to any obligations for our laws to be aligned with the EU's or for the EU's institutions including the Court of Justice, to have any jurisdiction in the UK." The document also states that if both sides have not been able to reach a "broad outline of an agreement" by June, then it would have to decide whether to walk away from the talks. Also read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines When Britain left the European Union on January 31, both sides agreed a standstill period while they establish a new partnership to replace 47 years of political and economic integration. London has the option to extend the transition beyond the end of 2020 but says it will not. So in June, it would decide "whether the UK's attention should move away from negotiations and focus solely on continuing domestic preparations to exit the transition period in an orderly fashion". Failure to reach a new agreement with the EU -- Britain's largest trading partner -- is likely to be hugely disruptive on both sides of the Channel.

United Kingdom rejects European Union trade demands, threatens to walk away

Britain will start re-introducing traditional blue passports next month, the interior ministry said on Saturday, replacing the burgundy European Union documents that have been in use since 1988.

Reverting to the dark blue of pre-EU days has been a point of pride for many Britons who voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum - even though the new passport will be made by a Franco-Dutch firm.

“By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one,” Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said in a statement.

Britain formally left the EU at the end of January and introduction of the new passport will be phased in from early March. From mid-2020, all new passports will be blue.

The blue cover is a return to the original appearance of the British passport, with the colour first used in 1921, the ministry said.

The back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The new passport will incorporate new security features, including a super-strength polycarbonate data page. It also includes printing and design techniques to give better protection against identity theft and forgery.

Awarding the 260 million pound ($335 million) contract to a foreign firm, Gemalto, with a French parent company Thales, generated some awkward headlines three years ago for then Prime Minister Theresa May.

"Sacre Bleu" commented the Daily Mail, while the former CEO of the British De La Rue printing company that lost the contract did not mince his words.

"I’m going to have to go and face (our) workers, look them in the whites of the eyes and try and explain to them why the British government thinks it’s a sensible decision to buy French passports not British passports,” Martin Sutherland told BBC radio at the time.

Britain will start re-introducing traditional blue passports next month, the interior ministry said on Saturday, replacing the burgundy European Union documents that have been in use since 1988.

Britain will start re-introducing traditional blue passports next month, the interior ministry said on Saturday, replacing the burgundy European Union documents that have been in use since 1988. Reverting to the dark blue of pre-EU days has been a point of pride for many Britons who voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum - even though the new passport will be made by a Franco-Dutch firm. “By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one,” Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said in a statement. Britain formally left the EU at the end of January and introduction of the new passport will be phased in from early March. From mid-2020, all new passports will be blue. The blue cover is a return to the original appearance of the British passport, with the colour first used in 1921, the ministry said. The back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The new passport will incorporate new security features, including a super-strength polycarbonate data page. It also includes printing and design techniques to give better protection against identity theft and forgery. Awarding the 260 million pound ($335 million) contract to a foreign firm, Gemalto, with a French parent company Thales, generated some awkward headlines three years ago for then Prime Minister Theresa May. "Sacre Bleu" commented the Daily Mail, while the former CEO of the British De La Rue printing company that lost the contract did not mince his words. "I’m going to have to go and face (our) workers, look them in the whites of the eyes and try and explain to them why the British government thinks it’s a sensible decision to buy French passports not British passports,” Martin Sutherland told BBC radio at the time.

Back to blue: UK passports revert to old colour from next month

Alphabet Inc-owned Google's $2.1 billion bid for fitness trackers company Fitbit could pose privacy risks, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) warned on Thursday, adding its voice to other critics of the deal.

Google announced the deal in November last year, as it seeks to compete with Apple and Samsung in the crowded market for fitness trackers and smart watches.

Fitbit, whose fitness trackers and other devices monitor users' daily steps, calories burned and distance travelled, would give the U.S. tech giant access to a trove of health data gathered from Fitbit devices.

Such access is worrying, the EU privacy watchdog said.

"The possible further combination and accumulation of sensitive personal data regarding people in Europe by a major tech company could entail a high level of risk to privacy and data protection," it said.

It urged the companies to assess their data privacy requirements and privacy implications in a transparent way and mitigate possible privacy and data protection risks before seeking EU antitrust approval for the deal.

Google said it would never sell personal information to anyone and that Fitbit health and wellness data would not be used for its ads while Fitbit users would have the option to review or delete their data.

"Protecting peoples' information is core to what we do, and we will continue to work constructively with regulators to answer their questions," the company said in a statement.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who will vet the deal, in November voiced her concerns about big companies targeting data-heavy rivals.

The European Commission on Thursday in an emailed comment said it had yet to be formally notified.

"It is always up to the companies to notify transactions with an EU dimension to the European Commission," it said

Alphabet Inc-owned Google's $2.1 billion bid for fitness trackers company Fitbit could pose privacy risks, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) warned on Thursday, adding its voice to other critics of the deal.

Alphabet Inc-owned Google's $2.1 billion bid for fitness trackers company Fitbit could pose privacy risks, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) warned on Thursday, adding its voice to other critics of the deal. Google announced the deal in November last year, as it seeks to compete with Apple and Samsung in the crowded market for fitness trackers and smart watches. Fitbit, whose fitness trackers and other devices monitor users' daily steps, calories burned and distance travelled, would give the U.S. tech giant access to a trove of health data gathered from Fitbit devices. Such access is worrying, the EU privacy watchdog said. "The possible further combination and accumulation of sensitive personal data regarding people in Europe by a major tech company could entail a high level of risk to privacy and data protection," it said. It urged the companies to assess their data privacy requirements and privacy implications in a transparent way and mitigate possible privacy and data protection risks before seeking EU antitrust approval for the deal. Google said it would never sell personal information to anyone and that Fitbit health and wellness data would not be used for its ads while Fitbit users would have the option to review or delete their data. "Protecting peoples' information is core to what we do, and we will continue to work constructively with regulators to answer their questions," the company said in a statement. European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who will vet the deal, in November voiced her concerns about big companies targeting data-heavy rivals. The European Commission on Thursday in an emailed comment said it had yet to be formally notified. "It is always up to the companies to notify transactions with an EU dimension to the European Commission," it said

EU privacy body warns of privacy risks in Google, Fitbit deal

Pompeii's House of Lovers reopens 40 years after being ravaged

The European Union (EU) has rejected Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's white paper on online content regulation, saying the social networking platform must take responsibility for harmful, fake and illegal content. Zuckerberg on February 17 pushed forward a white paper titled "Charting a Way Forward: Online Content Regulation" that builds on recent developments, including legislative efforts and scholarship.

EU rejects Facebook CEO's offer on regulating online content

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">European Union</a> (EU) has rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Facebook </a>CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Mark Zuckerberg</a>'s offer&nbsp;on online content regulation, saying the social networking platform must take responsibility for harmful, fake and illegal content. 
 
On Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Zuckerberg&nbsp;</a>had proposed&nbsp;reforms regarding the regulation of Facebook's online content with the slogan "charting a way forward: online content regulation".

After meeting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Facebook </a>CEO in Brussels, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">EU </a>industry commissioner Thierry Breton said the proposed Internet rules are insufficient and it was for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Facebook </a>to adapt and adherer to Europe's standards, not the other way round.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Facebook CEO Zuckerberg meets top EU officials ahead of proposals regulating AI&nbsp;</a>

Breton who is tasked with overseeing the bloc's data strategy, said Facebook "was being slow in coming forward with ideas on how to remove illegal content and warning that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">EU </a>was preparing to act." 
 
Last year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Zuckerberg </a>called for governments to work with online platforms to create and adopt new regulation for online content, noting, "It's impossible to remove all harmful content from the Internet, but when people use dozens of different sharing services all with their own policies and processes we need a more standardised approach." 
 
According to Monika Bickert, Vice President, Content Policy at Facebook, the white paper poses some key questions which go to the heart of the debate about regulating content online. 
 
"How can content regulation best achieve the goal of reducing harmful speech while preserving free expression? By requiring systems such as user-friendly channels for reporting content or external oversight of policies or enforcement decisions, and by requiring procedures such as periodic public reporting of enforcement data," said Bickert.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-zuckerberg-asks-facebook-to-be-treated-like-something-between-a-telco-and-a-newspaper-280887">Zuckerberg asks Facebook&nbsp;to be treated "'like something between a telco and a newspaper"</a>

"Regulators could consider certain requirements for companies, such as publishing their content standards, consulting with stakeholders when making significant changes to standards, or creating a channel for users to appeal a company's content removal or non-removal decision". 
 
Facebook said regulators should develop an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of technology in content moderation and allow internet companies the flexibility to innovate. 
 
However, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">EU </a>justice chief Vera Jourova who met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Zuckerberg </a>also rejected the white paper. 
 
"Facebook cannot push away all the responsibility. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-facebook-ceo-zuckerberg-meets-top-eu-officials-ahead-of-proposals-regulating-ai-281238">Zuckerberg </a>have to answer themselves a question 'who do they want to be'&nbsp;as a company and what values they want to promote," she said in a statement.

The European Union (EU) has rejected Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's offer on online content regulation, saying the social networking platform must take responsibility for harmful, fake and illegal content.

The European Union (EU) has rejected Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's offer on online content regulation, saying the social networking platform must take responsibility for harmful, fake and illegal content. On Monday, Zuckerberg had proposed reforms regarding the regulation of Facebook's online content with the slogan "charting a way forward: online content regulation". After meeting the Facebook CEO in Brussels, EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton said the proposed Internet rules are insufficient and it was for Facebook to adapt and adherer to Europe's standards, not the other way round. Also read: Facebook CEO Zuckerberg meets top EU officials ahead of proposals regulating AI Breton who is tasked with overseeing the bloc's data strategy, said Facebook "was being slow in coming forward with ideas on how to remove illegal content and warning that the EU was preparing to act." Last year, Zuckerberg called for governments to work with online platforms to create and adopt new regulation for online content, noting, "It's impossible to remove all harmful content from the Internet, but when people use dozens of different sharing services all with their own policies and processes we need a more standardised approach." According to Monika Bickert, Vice President, Content Policy at Facebook, the white paper poses some key questions which go to the heart of the debate about regulating content online. "How can content regulation best achieve the goal of reducing harmful speech while preserving free expression? By requiring systems such as user-friendly channels for reporting content or external oversight of policies or enforcement decisions, and by requiring procedures such as periodic public reporting of enforcement data," said Bickert. Also read: Zuckerberg asks Facebook to be treated "'like something between a telco and a newspaper" "Regulators could consider certain requirements for companies, such as publishing their content standards, consulting with stakeholders when making significant changes to standards, or creating a channel for users to appeal a company's content removal or non-removal decision". Facebook said regulators should develop an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of technology in content moderation and allow internet companies the flexibility to innovate. However, EU justice chief Vera Jourova who met Zuckerberg also rejected the white paper. "Facebook cannot push away all the responsibility. Facebook and Zuckerberg have to answer themselves a question 'who do they want to be' as a company and what values they want to promote," she said in a statement.

European Union rejects Mark Zuckerberg's offer on regulating online content

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commission-could-slap-3-billion-euro-fine-on-italy-for-excessive-debt-deputy-pm-salvini-222359">European Commission</a> has opened an investigation into whether China is dumping aluminium extrusions, products widely used in transport, construction and electronics, in the European Union, it said on Friday.

A notice in the EU's Official Journal said it was acting on a complaint filed last month by industry group European Aluminium representing seven producers.

"The evidence provided by the complainant shows that the volume and the prices of the imported product under investigation have had, among other consequences, a negative impact," the Commission said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-google-goes-to-court-for-825-billion-euros-over-eu-antitrust-violations-280222">Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines</a>

European Aluminium welcomed the move, calling for an urgent launch of anti-dumping duties.

"In the past year, production lines and entire plants closed, with significant job losses as a result. We ask the EU to be proactive rather than wait until it is too late," Gerd Götz, director general of European Aluminium, said in a statement.

Aluminium extrusions from China are already subject to anti-dumping duties in the United States, Canada, Australia and Vietnam, the statement added.

Aluminium extrusions are used for engine blocks and chassis in autos, to house coaxial cables for electronics and as building facades in construction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-union-slaps-anti-dumping-duty-on-steel-imports-from-china-11764">European Union slaps anti-dumping duty on steel imports from China</a>

Wen Xianjun, vice chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, who previously led aluminium anti-dumping negotiations with the United States, said his department opposed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-union-slaps-anti-dumping-duty-on-steel-imports-from-china-11764">EU </a>investigation and was studying it.

"It will further increase global trade protectionism. We will organise related companies to actively respond to the complaint," said Wen, who is also an independent non-executive director at China's top aluminium extruder China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd.

Members of European Aluminium include Norsk Hydro, Rio Tinto and Alcoa.

They are battling a weak market impacted by a lack of demand, including from the auto sector.

The European Commission has opened an investigation into whether China is dumping aluminium extrusions, products widely used in transport, construction and electronics, in the European Union, it said on Friday.

The European Commission has opened an investigation into whether China is dumping aluminium extrusions, products widely used in transport, construction and electronics, in the European Union, it said on Friday. A notice in the EU's Official Journal said it was acting on a complaint filed last month by industry group European Aluminium representing seven producers. "The evidence provided by the complainant shows that the volume and the prices of the imported product under investigation have had, among other consequences, a negative impact," the Commission said. Also read: Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines European Aluminium welcomed the move, calling for an urgent launch of anti-dumping duties. "In the past year, production lines and entire plants closed, with significant job losses as a result. We ask the EU to be proactive rather than wait until it is too late," Gerd Götz, director general of European Aluminium, said in a statement. Aluminium extrusions from China are already subject to anti-dumping duties in the United States, Canada, Australia and Vietnam, the statement added. Aluminium extrusions are used for engine blocks and chassis in autos, to house coaxial cables for electronics and as building facades in construction. Also read: European Union slaps anti-dumping duty on steel imports from China Wen Xianjun, vice chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, who previously led aluminium anti-dumping negotiations with the United States, said his department opposed the EU investigation and was studying it. "It will further increase global trade protectionism. We will organise related companies to actively respond to the complaint," said Wen, who is also an independent non-executive director at China's top aluminium extruder China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd. Members of European Aluminium include Norsk Hydro, Rio Tinto and Alcoa. They are battling a weak market impacted by a lack of demand, including from the auto sector.

European Union launches anti-dumping investigation on China aluminium products

The United States is increasing tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-beats-goal-with-863-jet-deliveries-in-2019-ousts-boeing-from-top-spot-271445">Airbus planes</a> imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable.

Friday's decision to hike tariffs from March 18 "further escalates trade tensions between the US and the EU", the European aerospace giant said in a statement, adding it creates "more instability for US airlines that are already suffering from a shortage of aircraft."

The announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) came just days after President Donald Trump said it was time to talk "very seriously" about a trade deal with the European Union.

Duties have been at 10 per cent since October when Washington hit European products worth $7.5 billion with tariffs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-strikes-anti-corruption-deals-with-france-uk-us-277133">Also read: Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US</a>

"Airbus deeply regrets USTR's decision to increase tariffs on aircraft imported from the EU as well as the decision to maintain tariffs on goods from other sectors," the company said, referring to products -- including wine, cheese, coffee and olives &nbsp;-- which have been taxed at 25 per cent since October.

The latest decision also "ignores the many submissions made by US airlines, highlighting the fact that they -– and the US flying public -– will ultimately have to pay these tariffs," it added.

'Ultimately harmful'

The German finance ministry said it had taken note of the move by the United States, and reiterated its stance on tariffs.

"Our basic position is clear: we reject any unilateral increase in customs taxes," it said in a statement. "Customs taxes are ultimately harmful to everyone, including the USA."

Washington imposed punitive taxes on the $7.5 billion in European products after the World Trade Organization (WTO) gave the United States a green light to take retaliatory trade measures against the EU over its subsidies to European aerospace giant Airbus.

Industry executives in Europe and the United States are on tenterhooks awaiting each new announcement from trade authorities.

"It has become abundantly clear that tariffs on distilled spirits products are causing rough seas on both sides of the Atlantic," the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said in a statement Friday.

The council called on authorities to withdraw 25 per cent taxes on American whiskeys in the EU, and 25 per cent taxes on liquors imported from five European countries, pointing to fears of a negative impact on the US economy and jobs.

But Trump, a real estate developer turned politician, sees tariffs as a negotiating tool.

After a trade war with China that lasted nearly two years and featured punishing reciprocal tariffs, Trump declared at the signing of a "phase one" trade deal with Beijing in January that it was a "momentous step ... righting the wrongs of the past."

He has now turned his sights to Europe as Washington brandishes the threat of taxing European auto imports, a move targeting Germany, Europe's biggest auto exporter.

Trump wants EU member states to further open their markets to American products, particularly agricultural goods.

He has also threatened to hike tariffs on French wine -- currently taxed at 25 per cent -- even further unless there is a deal on a digital tax which European nations want to impose on American giants such as Amazon and Facebook.

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable.

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable. Friday's decision to hike tariffs from March 18 "further escalates trade tensions between the US and the EU", the European aerospace giant said in a statement, adding it creates "more instability for US airlines that are already suffering from a shortage of aircraft." The announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) came just days after President Donald Trump said it was time to talk "very seriously" about a trade deal with the European Union. Duties have been at 10 per cent since October when Washington hit European products worth $7.5 billion with tariffs. Also read: Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US "Airbus deeply regrets USTR's decision to increase tariffs on aircraft imported from the EU as well as the decision to maintain tariffs on goods from other sectors," the company said, referring to products -- including wine, cheese, coffee and olives -- which have been taxed at 25 per cent since October. The latest decision also "ignores the many submissions made by US airlines, highlighting the fact that they -– and the US flying public -– will ultimately have to pay these tariffs," it added. 'Ultimately harmful' The German finance ministry said it had taken note of the move by the United States, and reiterated its stance on tariffs. "Our basic position is clear: we reject any unilateral increase in customs taxes," it said in a statement. "Customs taxes are ultimately harmful to everyone, including the USA." Washington imposed punitive taxes on the $7.5 billion in European products after the World Trade Organization (WTO) gave the United States a green light to take retaliatory trade measures against the EU over its subsidies to European aerospace giant Airbus. Industry executives in Europe and the United States are on tenterhooks awaiting each new announcement from trade authorities. "It has become abundantly clear that tariffs on distilled spirits products are causing rough seas on both sides of the Atlantic," the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said in a statement Friday. The council called on authorities to withdraw 25 per cent taxes on American whiskeys in the EU, and 25 per cent taxes on liquors imported from five European countries, pointing to fears of a negative impact on the US economy and jobs. But Trump, a real estate developer turned politician, sees tariffs as a negotiating tool. After a trade war with China that lasted nearly two years and featured punishing reciprocal tariffs, Trump declared at the signing of a "phase one" trade deal with Beijing in January that it was a "momentous step ... righting the wrongs of the past." He has now turned his sights to Europe as Washington brandishes the threat of taxing European auto imports, a move targeting Germany, Europe's biggest auto exporter. Trump wants EU member states to further open their markets to American products, particularly agricultural goods. He has also threatened to hike tariffs on French wine -- currently taxed at 25 per cent -- even further unless there is a deal on a digital tax which European nations want to impose on American giants such as Amazon and Facebook.

Airbus 'deeply regrets' US tariff hike from 10% to 15%

EU lawmakers overwhelmingly called on Thursday for rules to establish a common charger for all mobile device makers across Europe, a drive that iPhone maker Apple has criticised.

Members of the European Parliament voted by 582-40 for a resolution urging the European Commission, which drafts EU laws, to ensure that EU consumers are no longer obliged to buy new chargers with each new device.

The Commission should adopt new rules by July, the lawmakers' resolution said.

The resolution said voluntary agreements in the industry had significantly reduced the number of charger types but had not resulted in one common standard.

Electronic waste, the resolution said, was some 16.6 kilograms (36.6 pounds) per EU inhabitant in 2016, for a total of 12.3 million tonnes, an unnecessarily large amount.

The resolution also said wireless charging could prove beneficial by mitigating waste, but urged the Commission to adopt rules that ensured wireless chargers were able to charge many different mobile devices.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-may-be-forced-to-ditch-its-lightning-cable-as-european-commission-presses-for-universal-charger-275218">Apple may be forced to ditch its lightning cable as European Commission presses for universal charger</a>

A move to a common charger would affect Apple more than any other company as iPhones and most of its mobile products are powered by its Lightning cable, whereas Android devices are powered by USB-C connectors.

Apple said last week that the industry was already moving to USB-C and that regulation to force conformity would stifle innovation, harming European consumers. An abrupt switch would itself result in a mountain of e-waste, it said.

The European Commission, which acts as the executive for the EU, has been pushing for a common charger for more than a decade.

In 2009 it got four companies including Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Nokia to sign a voluntary memorandum of understanding to harmonize chargers for new models of smartphones coming into the market in 2011.

However, Commission officials say the voluntary approach is not working and the EU executive is now looking into the legislation and has included the common charger as one of the set of actions it plans for this year.

EU lawmakers overwhelmingly called on Thursday for rules to establish a common charger for all mobile device makers across Europe, a drive that iPhone maker Apple has criticised.

EU lawmakers overwhelmingly called on Thursday for rules to establish a common charger for all mobile device makers across Europe, a drive that iPhone maker Apple has criticised. Members of the European Parliament voted by 582-40 for a resolution urging the European Commission, which drafts EU laws, to ensure that EU consumers are no longer obliged to buy new chargers with each new device. The Commission should adopt new rules by July, the lawmakers' resolution said. The resolution said voluntary agreements in the industry had significantly reduced the number of charger types but had not resulted in one common standard. Electronic waste, the resolution said, was some 16.6 kilograms (36.6 pounds) per EU inhabitant in 2016, for a total of 12.3 million tonnes, an unnecessarily large amount. The resolution also said wireless charging could prove beneficial by mitigating waste, but urged the Commission to adopt rules that ensured wireless chargers were able to charge many different mobile devices. Also read: Apple may be forced to ditch its lightning cable as European Commission presses for universal charger A move to a common charger would affect Apple more than any other company as iPhones and most of its mobile products are powered by its Lightning cable, whereas Android devices are powered by USB-C connectors. Apple said last week that the industry was already moving to USB-C and that regulation to force conformity would stifle innovation, harming European consumers. An abrupt switch would itself result in a mountain of e-waste, it said. The European Commission, which acts as the executive for the EU, has been pushing for a common charger for more than a decade. In 2009 it got four companies including Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Nokia to sign a voluntary memorandum of understanding to harmonize chargers for new models of smartphones coming into the market in 2011. However, Commission officials say the voluntary approach is not working and the EU executive is now looking into the legislation and has included the common charger as one of the set of actions it plans for this year.

EU lawmakers, with eye on Apple, call for common mobile charger

President Donald Trump said Monday the time has come to pursue trade negotiations with the European Union which he said imposes "incredible" barriers to US goods.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-imposes-record-75-billion-tariffs-on-european-union-256583">Also read: US imposes record $7.5 billion tariffs on EU goods, targeting Airbus, wine and whisky</a> 
 
"Europe has been treating us very badly," Trump said at a White House event with US state governors.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">Also read: Trump threatens tariffs on French wine as he heads to G7</a>

After a reaching a series of trade deals with Canada, Mexico and Japan, and a phase-one agreement with China, Trump said, "The next thing could be Europe, where we talk to them very seriously."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-macron-over-digital-tax-on-us-tech-giants-threatens-reciprocal-action-against-french-wine-238733">Also read: Trump slams Macron over digital tax on US tech giants, threatens 'reciprocal action' against French wine</a> 
 
Relations between the two major economies have lingered for months in a tense truce.

Trump has imposed punishing tariffs on EU goods like French wine in a dispute over Airbus, and other goods in a confrontation over tax on digital giants like Google and Amazon.

But so far he has held off on threatened punitive duties on European cars aimed at forcing a change in trade policy. Trump reached a ceasefire with the EU in mid-2018, when the sides agreed to pursue negotiations -- talks that so far have not resulted in anything concrete.

Trump said he focused first on the dispute with China and renegotiating the continental free trade pact with Canada and Mexico because he "didn't want to do the whole world at one time."

But Monday he renewed his complaints about EU trade policy, even claiming improbably that the economic bloc "was really formed so they could treat us badly."&nbsp;

"They have barriers that are incredible," Trump said, adding, "They're ready for a deal."

President Donald Trump said Monday the time has come to pursue trade negotiations with the European Union which he said imposes "incredible" barriers to US goods.

President Donald Trump said Monday the time has come to pursue trade negotiations with the European Union which he said imposes "incredible" barriers to US goods. Also read: US imposes record $7.5 billion tariffs on EU goods, targeting Airbus, wine and whisky "Europe has been treating us very badly," Trump said at a White House event with US state governors. Also read: Trump threatens tariffs on French wine as he heads to G7 After a reaching a series of trade deals with Canada, Mexico and Japan, and a phase-one agreement with China, Trump said, "The next thing could be Europe, where we talk to them very seriously." Also read: Trump slams Macron over digital tax on US tech giants, threatens 'reciprocal action' against French wine Relations between the two major economies have lingered for months in a tense truce. Trump has imposed punishing tariffs on EU goods like French wine in a dispute over Airbus, and other goods in a confrontation over tax on digital giants like Google and Amazon. But so far he has held off on threatened punitive duties on European cars aimed at forcing a change in trade policy. Trump reached a ceasefire with the EU in mid-2018, when the sides agreed to pursue negotiations -- talks that so far have not resulted in anything concrete. Trump said he focused first on the dispute with China and renegotiating the continental free trade pact with Canada and Mexico because he "didn't want to do the whole world at one time." But Monday he renewed his complaints about EU trade policy, even claiming improbably that the economic bloc "was really formed so they could treat us badly." "They have barriers that are incredible," Trump said, adding, "They're ready for a deal."

Europe has been treating us very badly, time for 'very serious' trade negotiations: Donald Trump

The second batch of foreign envoys, many of them from the European Union will be taken to Jammu and Kashmir later this week as part of the government's efforts to display the measures taken to restore normalcy in the newly created union territory. The two-day visit will begin on February 12. Of the 25 envoys in the group, 10 belong to the European Union. The group will visit Budgam, where they will be briefed by the army.

WION Dispatch: Another batch of foreign envoys to visit J&K this week

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-backs-iraqi-call-for-its-sovereignty-to-be-respected-276541">Pope Francis</a> will make an official trip to Malta on May 31, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-backs-iraqi-call-for-its-sovereignty-to-be-respected-276541">Vatican </a>said Monday, bringing the pontiff to one of the top disembarkation spots for migrants fleeing Libya.

The visit, to both the main island of Malta and the archipelago's island of Gozo, is the pontiff's first announced journey for 2020.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-appoints-new-envoy-to-france-after-abuse-claims-273638">Pope </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-backs-iraqi-call-for-its-sovereignty-to-be-respected-276541">backs Iraqi call for its sovereignty to be respected</a>

Malta is on the front line of migration into Europe, situated 95 kilometres&nbsp;south of Sicily and due north of Libya's capital of Tripoli.

That makes it a central port of entry into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-appoints-new-envoy-to-france-after-abuse-claims-273638">Europe </a>for the increasing numbers of migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing, fleeing the renewed fighting in Libya.&nbsp;

Francis has often spoken up for migrants and has called on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-appoints-new-envoy-to-france-after-abuse-claims-273638">European Union</a> to be more welcoming of those fleeing chaos in their home countries.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-appoints-new-envoy-to-france-after-abuse-claims-273638">Pope appoints new envoy to France after abuse claims</a>

The Argentine pontiff will meet Malta's new prime minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-robert-abela-set-to-become-new-pm-as-joseph-muscat-steps-down-273792">Robert Abela</a>, who took office in January promising to strengthen the rule of law there.

Malta has been gripped by a widespread allegations of corruption, another global problem regularly addressed in the pope's declarations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-robert-abela-set-to-become-new-pm-as-joseph-muscat-steps-down-273792">Malta: Robert Abela set to become new PM as Joseph Muscat steps down</a>

Malta's previous prime minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-robert-abela-set-to-become-new-pm-as-joseph-muscat-steps-down-273792">Joseph Muscat</a>, stepped down as the investigation into the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 implicated some of his closest collaborators.&nbsp;

According to Catholic tradition, St. Paul was shipwrecked in the Maltese archipelago on his way to his trial in Rome in the year 60 AD.&nbsp;

While no other papal trips have yet been announced for this year, he has been formally invited to visit Iraq, Cyprus, Indonesia and Montenegro.

He has also expressed an interest in visiting South Sudan, where he has personally interceded in efforts to end the civil war there.

Pope Francis will make an official trip to Malta on May 31, the Vatican said Monday, bringing the pontiff to one of the top disembarkation spots for migrants fleeing Libya.

Pope Francis will make an official trip to Malta on May 31, the Vatican said Monday, bringing the pontiff to one of the top disembarkation spots for migrants fleeing Libya. The visit, to both the main island of Malta and the archipelago's island of Gozo, is the pontiff's first announced journey for 2020. Also read: Pope backs Iraqi call for its sovereignty to be respected Malta is on the front line of migration into Europe, situated 95 kilometres south of Sicily and due north of Libya's capital of Tripoli. That makes it a central port of entry into Europe for the increasing numbers of migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing, fleeing the renewed fighting in Libya. Francis has often spoken up for migrants and has called on the European Union to be more welcoming of those fleeing chaos in their home countries. Also read: Pope appoints new envoy to France after abuse claims The Argentine pontiff will meet Malta's new prime minister, Robert Abela, who took office in January promising to strengthen the rule of law there. Malta has been gripped by a widespread allegations of corruption, another global problem regularly addressed in the pope's declarations. Also read: Malta: Robert Abela set to become new PM as Joseph Muscat steps down Malta's previous prime minister, Joseph Muscat, stepped down as the investigation into the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 implicated some of his closest collaborators. According to Catholic tradition, St. Paul was shipwrecked in the Maltese archipelago on his way to his trial in Rome in the year 60 AD. While no other papal trips have yet been announced for this year, he has been formally invited to visit Iraq, Cyprus, Indonesia and Montenegro. He has also expressed an interest in visiting South Sudan, where he has personally interceded in efforts to end the civil war there.

Pope Francis to visit Malta in May

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">surgical masks</a> bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media.

Hospitals, towns and cities across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">China </a>are scrambling for supplies of equipment, in particular protective masks, as the number of cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in the central city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Wuhan </a>in December, approaches 30,000.

Nearly 600 people have died.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment&nbsp;</a>

The government of Dali city, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, was accused this week of making an "emergency requisition" of a shipment of masks bound for the hard-hit municipality of Chongqing, state media reported.

Chongqing told Dali to give them back but the Dali government said on Wednesday it had already distributed the 598 boxes of masks and so could not retrieve them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China</a>

Dali drew widespread anger on China's social media, with many users accusing the city of theft.

Even hospitals in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Wuhan</a>, are facing dwindling supplies. The city, which has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of infection, has called on public support for protective supplies such as masks and suits.

Medical resources are very stretched across China as cases of infection and the death toll rise.

The central government said on Saturday that Premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-premier-li-keqiang-warns-us-against-trade-war-13404">Li Keqiang</a> had asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-presses-uk-to-resubmit-brexit-plan-as-end-game-looms-254002">European Union</a> to help China get urgent medical supplies.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Dali govt snatched up masks destined for Chengdu &amp; Chongqing and sold them online. Local govts have been scrambling for masks amid a desperate shortage of medical supplies. But this is the first time that a city snatches the supplies from other cities to make profts online. <a href="https://t.co/JUDkdEalUV">pic.twitter.com/JUDkdEalUV</a>
— Secret Beijing (@Secret_Beijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Secret_Beijing/status/1225296099159576576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of surgical masks bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media.

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of surgical masks bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media. Hospitals, towns and cities across China are scrambling for supplies of equipment, in particular protective masks, as the number of cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December, approaches 30,000. Nearly 600 people have died. Also read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment The government of Dali city, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, was accused this week of making an "emergency requisition" of a shipment of masks bound for the hard-hit municipality of Chongqing, state media reported. Chongqing told Dali to give them back but the Dali government said on Wednesday it had already distributed the 598 boxes of masks and so could not retrieve them. Also read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China Dali drew widespread anger on China's social media, with many users accusing the city of theft. Even hospitals in Wuhan, are facing dwindling supplies. The city, which has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of infection, has called on public support for protective supplies such as masks and suits. Medical resources are very stretched across China as cases of infection and the death toll rise. The central government said on Saturday that Premier Li Keqiang had asked the European Union to help China get urgent medical supplies. The Dali govt snatched up masks destined for Chengdu & Chongqing and sold them online. Local govts have been scrambling for masks amid a desperate shortage of medical supplies. But this is the first time that a city snatches the supplies from other cities to make profts online. pic.twitter.com/JUDkdEalUV — Secret Beijing (@Secret_Beijing) February 6, 2020 ×

Chinese city accused of stealing virus masks from hard-hit neighbor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/roger-federer-asks-for-recommendation-of-bollywood-films-twitter-sends-him-arbaaz-khan-movie-titles-253399">Twitter</a>&nbsp;said on Monday that it had discovered attempts by possible&nbsp;state&nbsp;actors&nbsp;to access the&nbsp;phone&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;associated with user accounts after a security researcher unearthed a flaw in the company's "contacts upload" feature.

In a&nbsp;statement published on its privacy blog,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;said it had identified a "high volume of requests" to use the feature coming from IP addresses in Iran, Israel, and Malaysia. It said, without elaborating, that "some of these IP addresses&nbsp;may&nbsp;have&nbsp;ties to&nbsp;state-sponsored&nbsp;actors."

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-thousands-of-accounts-that-were-linked-to-saudi-arabia-269402">Twitter suspends thousands of accounts that were 'linked to Saudi Arabia'</a>

A company spokeswoman declined to say how many user&nbsp;phone&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;had been exposed, saying&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;was unable to identify all of the accounts that&nbsp;may&nbsp;have&nbsp;been impacted.

She said&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;suspected a possible connection to&nbsp;state-backed&nbsp;actors&nbsp;because the attackers in Iran appeared to&nbsp;have&nbsp;had unrestricted access to&nbsp;Twitter, even though the network is banned there.

Tech publication <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-date-again-dating-app-donalddaters-leaks-data-report-171691">TechCrunch</a> reported&nbsp;on December&nbsp;24 that a security researcher, Ibrahim Balic, had managed to match 17 million&nbsp;phone&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;to specific&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;user accounts by exploiting a flaw in the contacts feature of its Android app. TechCrunch said it was able to identify a senior Israeli politician by matching a&nbsp;phone&nbsp;number through the tool.

The feature, which allows people with a user's&nbsp;phone&nbsp;number to find and connect with that user on&nbsp;Twitter, is off by default for users in the European Union where stringent privacy rules are in place. It is switched on by default for all other users globally, the spokeswoman said.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-space-force-unveils-camouflage-uniform-gets-trolled-on-twitter-275237">US Space Force unveils camouflage uniform, gets trolled on Twitter</a>

Twitter&nbsp;said in its&nbsp;statement that it has changed the feature so it no longer reveals specific account names in response to requests. It has also suspended any accounts believed to&nbsp;have&nbsp;been abusing the tool.

However, the company is not sending individual notifications to users whose&nbsp;phone&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;were&nbsp;accessed&nbsp;in the data leak, which information security experts consider a best practice.

Twitter said on Monday that it had discovered attempts by possible state actors to access the phone numbers associated with user accounts after a security researcher unearthed a flaw in the company's "contacts upload" feature.

Twitter said on Monday that it had discovered attempts by possible state actors to access the phone numbers associated with user accounts after a security researcher unearthed a flaw in the company's "contacts upload" feature. In a statement published on its privacy blog, Twitter said it had identified a "high volume of requests" to use the feature coming from IP addresses in Iran, Israel, and Malaysia. It said, without elaborating, that "some of these IP addresses may have ties to state-sponsored actors." Read More: Twitter suspends thousands of accounts that were 'linked to Saudi Arabia' A company spokeswoman declined to say how many user phone numbers had been exposed, saying Twitter was unable to identify all of the accounts that may have been impacted. She said Twitter suspected a possible connection to state-backed actors because the attackers in Iran appeared to have had unrestricted access to Twitter, even though the network is banned there. Tech publication TechCrunch reported on December 24 that a security researcher, Ibrahim Balic, had managed to match 17 million phone numbers to specific Twitter user accounts by exploiting a flaw in the contacts feature of its Android app. TechCrunch said it was able to identify a senior Israeli politician by matching a phone number through the tool. The feature, which allows people with a user's phone number to find and connect with that user on Twitter, is off by default for users in the European Union where stringent privacy rules are in place. It is switched on by default for all other users globally, the spokeswoman said. Read More: US Space Force unveils camouflage uniform, gets trolled on Twitter Twitter said in its statement that it has changed the feature so it no longer reveals specific account names in response to requests. It has also suspended any accounts believed to have been abusing the tool. However, the company is not sending individual notifications to users whose phone numbers were accessed in the data leak, which information security experts consider a best practice.

State-sponsored actors may have accessed users' phone numbers, says Twitter

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will lay&nbsp;out&nbsp;his negotiating&nbsp;terms&nbsp;for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal.

After marking Britain's departure from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;at a party in his Downing Street residence on Friday,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will use a speech to ram home his message that Brexit, for him, means that sovereignty trumps the economy.

The sides have until the end of the year, when a standstill transitional period expires, to try to secure a deal on trade and future relations - something London and Brussels both say they want to do but on very different&nbsp;terms.

Trade&nbsp;talks&nbsp;will begin in March. After criticising his predecessor Theresa May's approach in negotiating a divorce deal with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nato-and-the-eu-a-short-history-of-an-uneasy-relationship-265984">EU</a>,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is striking a much&nbsp;tougher tone, saying Britain will not adhere to the bloc's rules and regulations.

And he will say that if the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;fails to grant a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the&nbsp;terms&nbsp;the bloc now has in place with Canada, Britain will pursue a much looser arrangement, as one Australia has.

"There is no need for a free trade agreement to involve accepting&nbsp;EU&nbsp;rules on competition policy, subsidies, social protection, the environment, or anything similar, any more than the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;should be obliged to accept UK rules,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will say, according to excerpts of his speech distributed by his office.&nbsp;

Promising to maintain "the highest standards",&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will suggest the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has already offered a free trade deal along the lines of the one it has with Canada, which does not have to follow the bloc's rules.

"We have made our choice: we want a free trade agreement, similar to Canada's, but in the very unlikely event that we do not succeed, then our trade will have to be based on our existing Withdrawal Agreement with the&nbsp;EU," he will tell businesses, think tanks and ambassadors.

"The choice is emphatically not 'deal or no-deal'.&nbsp;The question is whether we agree with a trading relationship with the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;comparable to Canada's – or more like Australia's."

At the moment, much of&nbsp;EU-Australia trade runs along with basic World Trade Organization rules, though there are specific agreements for certain goods. Australia is in the process of negotiating a trade deal with the&nbsp;EU, however.

One British source who declined to be named has said UK negotiators are furious because they believe the&nbsp;EU, Britain's biggest trading partner, is going back on the divorce deal by suggesting that London would have to adhere to the bloc's rules to secure a free trade agreement.

On Sunday, Irish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irish-prime-minister-leo-varadkar-visits-family-in-india-270879">Leo Varadkar</a> and French Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-fm-urges-iran-to-show-political-maturity-over-us-nuclear-deal-pullout-217880">Jean-Yves Le Drian</a> repeated their fears that Britain could undercut the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;by failing to agree to what the bloc calls a "level playing field" - shorthand for shared rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has repeatedly warned Britain that the level of access to its single market of 450 million people will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to such rules.

<img alt="European Union" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02ae0e9e-a781-4b2a-a017-70a0df458ac2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2821%29_2.jpg" />

But&nbsp;Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as an endorsement of his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses.

Ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to such a future despite the appeals of many for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely.

More than three years after Britain voted to quit the bloc,&nbsp;Johnson, the face of the campaign to leave, wants to draw a line under an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country.

But he also wants to fulfil his pledge to "take back control" and, in his speech, will suggest that Britain would thrive either with a Canada-style deal or a looser arrangement.

"In either case, I have no doubt that Britain will prosper,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will say. "And of course our new relationship with our closest neighbours will range far beyond trade."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lay out his negotiating terms for talks with the European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lay out his negotiating terms for talks with the European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal. After marking Britain's departure from the EU at a party in his Downing Street residence on Friday, Johnson will use a speech to ram home his message that Brexit, for him, means that sovereignty trumps the economy. The sides have until the end of the year, when a standstill transitional period expires, to try to secure a deal on trade and future relations - something London and Brussels both say they want to do but on very different terms. Trade talks will begin in March. After criticising his predecessor Theresa May's approach in negotiating a divorce deal with the EU, Johnson is striking a much tougher tone, saying Britain will not adhere to the bloc's rules and regulations. And he will say that if the EU fails to grant a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada, Britain will pursue a much looser arrangement, as one Australia has. "There is no need for a free trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policy, subsidies, social protection, the environment, or anything similar, any more than the EU should be obliged to accept UK rules," Johnson will say, according to excerpts of his speech distributed by his office. Promising to maintain "the highest standards", Johnson will suggest the EU has already offered a free trade deal along the lines of the one it has with Canada, which does not have to follow the bloc's rules. "We have made our choice: we want a free trade agreement, similar to Canada's, but in the very unlikely event that we do not succeed, then our trade will have to be based on our existing Withdrawal Agreement with the EU," he will tell businesses, think tanks and ambassadors. "The choice is emphatically not 'deal or no-deal'. The question is whether we agree with a trading relationship with the EU comparable to Canada's – or more like Australia's." At the moment, much of EU-Australia trade runs along with basic World Trade Organization rules, though there are specific agreements for certain goods. Australia is in the process of negotiating a trade deal with the EU, however. One British source who declined to be named has said UK negotiators are furious because they believe the EU, Britain's biggest trading partner, is going back on the divorce deal by suggesting that London would have to adhere to the bloc's rules to secure a free trade agreement. On Sunday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian repeated their fears that Britain could undercut the EU by failing to agree to what the bloc calls a "level playing field" - shorthand for shared rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid. The EU has repeatedly warned Britain that the level of access to its single market of 450 million people will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to such rules. But Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as an endorsement of his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. Ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to such a future despite the appeals of many for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely. More than three years after Britain voted to quit the bloc, Johnson, the face of the campaign to leave, wants to draw a line under an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. But he also wants to fulfil his pledge to "take back control" and, in his speech, will suggest that Britain would thrive either with a Canada-style deal or a looser arrangement. "In either case, I have no doubt that Britain will prosper," Johnson will say. "And of course our new relationship with our closest neighbours will range far beyond trade."

'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy.

The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid.

But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules.

Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday.

"We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement."

After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada.

Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same."

Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia.

"There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said.

The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do.

"If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder.

"One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade. After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy. The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid. But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules. Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday. "We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement." After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada. Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same." Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia. "There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said. The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do. "If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder. "One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Sovereignty comes first: Britain lays out tough stance for EU trade talks

The United Kingdom leaves the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barnier-warns-european-union-and-britain-must-rebuild-after-brexit-276906">European Union</a> on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying.

Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit?

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In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come.

In pics<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chief-characters-in-britains-brexit-saga-277805">: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga</a>

At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London.

Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-newsnew-dawn-or-biggest-gamble-uk-headlines-on-brexit-day-277638">'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day</a>

Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish.

In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole.

Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro.

But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-changes-and-what-stays-the-same-for-uk-277885">: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK?</a>

Anticlimax?

The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts.

Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020.

By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc.

"These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited.

Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom</a>

"You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights."

US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels".

Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither.

'Independence day'

For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people.

They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals.

Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating."

Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump.

David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU:

"It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller."

"It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course."

Brexit was always about much more than Europe.

The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness.

Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit.

But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two. The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying. Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit? × In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come. In pics: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London. Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. "This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change." Also read: 'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole. Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro. But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave. Also read: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK? Anticlimax? The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts. Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020. By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc. "These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited. Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club. Also read: After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom "You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights." US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels". Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither. 'Independence day' For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people. They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals. Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating." Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump. David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU: "It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller." "It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course." Brexit was always about much more than Europe. The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness. Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit. But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager.

Britain cuts loose from EU with delight, anger and indifference

Three and a half years after the referendum - Britain has finally left the European Union. Here is how the British people celebrated the first day of Brexit.

Britain exits from the European Union: Day 1 | Gravitas

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