German exports fell unexpectedly in October while vibrant domestic demand pushed up imports, narrowing its trade surplus and adding to evidence that Europe&#39;s biggest economy started the fourth quarter on a weak footing, data showed on Friday.

The German economy, which is expected to grow by more than 2 percent this year, is enjoying a consumer-led upswing, propelled by record-high employment, rising real wages, moderate inflation, and ultra-low borrowing costs.&nbsp;

Seasonally adjusted exports edged down by 0.4 per cent on the month while imports jumped by 1.8 per cent, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed. The exports figure confounded expectations for a 1.0 per cent rise while imports beat a forecast for a 1.1 per cent increase.

&quot;German industry has gone through a small roller coaster ride since the start of the summer&quot;, ING economist Carsten Brzeski said, adding that disappointing numbers had been followed by impressive rebounds.&nbsp;

&quot;Behind the vacation and weather-driven white noise of monthly data, however, there is a clear upward trend. The export sector has once more become an important growth driver in 2017&quot;, Brzeski&nbsp;continued.

A breakdown of unadjusted figures showed that German imports from other European Union countries surged by 10.1 per cent while those from countries outside the bloc rose by 4.8 per cent.&nbsp;The seasonally adjusted trade surplus narrowed to 19.9 billion euros from an upwardly revised 21.9 billion euros in September. The October reading was lower than the Reuters consensus forecast for 21.8 billion euros.

Germany&#39;s wider current account surplus, which measures the flow of goods, services, and investments, fell to 18.1 billion euros after an upwardly revised reading of 25.8 billion euros in September, unadjusted data showed.&nbsp;

The trade figures followed economic data released on Thursday that showed industrial output fell unexpectedly in October - a drop economists linked to public holidays that let workers take long weekends.

The weak figures came after data on Wednesday showed that industrial orders had risen unexpectedly in October, suggesting that output could bounce back in the coming months.&nbsp;Rising exports and business investment in equipment helped the German economy to shift into a higher gear in the third quarter - it expanded by 0.8 per cent on the quarter, up from 0.6 per cent in the previous three months.

&quot;This week&#39;s industrial data show that even the German economy can have weaker moments&quot;, Brzeski said, adding that the fourth quarter could bring a slowdown in overall growth.&nbsp;For 2017 as a whole, the Ifo Institute for Economic Research predicts economic growth of 2.3 per cent which would translate into a calendar-adjusted expansion rate of 2.6 per cent - the fastest pace in six years.

Europe's second-biggest economy - Germany - takes a hit as it sees an unexpected decline in exports sector

German exports fell unexpectedly in October while vibrant domestic demand pushed up imports, narrowing its trade surplus and adding to evidence that Europe's biggest economy started the fourth quarter on a weak footing, data showed on Friday. The German economy, which is expected to grow by more than 2 percent this year, is enjoying a consumer-led upswing, propelled by record-high employment, rising real wages, moderate inflation, and ultra-low borrowing costs. Seasonally adjusted exports edged down by 0.4 per cent on the month while imports jumped by 1.8 per cent, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed. The exports figure confounded expectations for a 1.0 per cent rise while imports beat a forecast for a 1.1 per cent increase. "German industry has gone through a small roller coaster ride since the start of the summer", ING economist Carsten Brzeski said, adding that disappointing numbers had been followed by impressive rebounds. "Behind the vacation and weather-driven white noise of monthly data, however, there is a clear upward trend. The export sector has once more become an important growth driver in 2017", Brzeski continued. A breakdown of unadjusted figures showed that German imports from other European Union countries surged by 10.1 per cent while those from countries outside the bloc rose by 4.8 per cent. The seasonally adjusted trade surplus narrowed to 19.9 billion euros from an upwardly revised 21.9 billion euros in September. The October reading was lower than the Reuters consensus forecast for 21.8 billion euros. Germany's wider current account surplus, which measures the flow of goods, services, and investments, fell to 18.1 billion euros after an upwardly revised reading of 25.8 billion euros in September, unadjusted data showed. The trade figures followed economic data released on Thursday that showed industrial output fell unexpectedly in October - a drop economists linked to public holidays that let workers take long weekends. The weak figures came after data on Wednesday showed that industrial orders had risen unexpectedly in October, suggesting that output could bounce back in the coming months. Rising exports and business investment in equipment helped the German economy to shift into a higher gear in the third quarter - it expanded by 0.8 per cent on the quarter, up from 0.6 per cent in the previous three months. "This week's industrial data show that even the German economy can have weaker moments", Brzeski said, adding that the fourth quarter could bring a slowdown in overall growth. For 2017 as a whole, the Ifo Institute for Economic Research predicts economic growth of 2.3 per cent which would translate into a calendar-adjusted expansion rate of 2.6 per cent - the fastest pace in six years.

Unexpected decline in German exports narrows trade surplus

The EU took Hungary to the bloc&#39;s top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros.

The move underscores the EU&#39;s toughening stance toward both the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing allies in Poland over the bloc&#39;s democracy norms and migration.

Brussels warned Budapest in October that it would take the case to the European Court of Justice, the top court in the 28-nation EU, if it did not take the necessary measures to comply.

The European Commission -- the executive arm of the EU -- said Hungary had repeatedly failed to answer its concerns over both cases.

It said in a statement that it was suing Hungary as the education law &quot;disproportionally restricts EU and non-EU universities in their operations and needs to be brought back in line with EU law.&quot;

Hungary has introduced an education law that could shut the Soros-founded Central University in Budapest, which has long been seen as a hostile bastion of liberalism by Orban&#39;s right-wing government.

In June, Hungary approved a law aimed at forcing civil society groups receiving more than 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in overseas funding to register as a &quot;foreign-supported organisation&quot;, or face closure.&nbsp;

In a separate statement, the commission said that the laws on foreign non-governmental organisations &quot;indirectly discriminate and disproportionately restrict donations from abroad to civil society organisations.&quot;

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it was also taking Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to court over their refusal to accept refugees under a controversial EU scheme.

The EU took Hungary to the bloc's top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros

The EU took Hungary to the bloc's top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros. The move underscores the EU's toughening stance toward both the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing allies in Poland over the bloc's democracy norms and migration. Brussels warned Budapest in October that it would take the case to the European Court of Justice, the top court in the 28-nation EU, if it did not take the necessary measures to comply. The European Commission -- the executive arm of the EU -- said Hungary had repeatedly failed to answer its concerns over both cases. It said in a statement that it was suing Hungary as the education law "disproportionally restricts EU and non-EU universities in their operations and needs to be brought back in line with EU law." Hungary has introduced an education law that could shut the Soros-founded Central University in Budapest, which has long been seen as a hostile bastion of liberalism by Orban's right-wing government. In June, Hungary approved a law aimed at forcing civil society groups receiving more than 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in overseas funding to register as a "foreign-supported organisation", or face closure. In a separate statement, the commission said that the laws on foreign non-governmental organisations "indirectly discriminate and disproportionately restrict donations from abroad to civil society organisations." The European Commission announced on Thursday that it was also taking Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to court over their refusal to accept refugees under a controversial EU scheme.

EU takes Hungary to court over 'anti-Soros' laws

Big companies are stepping up their plans in case Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal as Prime Minister Theresa May struggles to get talks back on track after a major setback.&nbsp;

Britain is aiming to agree with the EU on December 14 to move the Brexit talks on to the second phase. This would focus on trade and a two-year transition deal to smooth the departure after March 2019. But the timetable has been thrown into doubt after discussions broke down in Brussels on Monday.&nbsp;

Senior executives in the financial services sector, which accounts for about 12 percent of the economy, told Reuters May&#39;s efforts to secure a transition deal had come too late and they had no choice but to start restructuring.&nbsp;Big supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury&#39;s have been working with suppliers to identify potential delays, shortages or price rises. They have lined up alternative providers, according to suppliers and sources in the industry.

The uncertainty is particularly painful for the manufacturing sector as low margins make it risky for them to restructure unless it is essential. They have been holding off on investment but are preparing for new certification that would allow them to sell in Europe if there is no deal.&nbsp;&quot;The delay is so great and the uncertainty is so great that companies have no choice but to start triggering their plans,&quot; the head of one of Britain`s largest companies said.

Britain and the EU are working to get talks back on track this week but the chairman of one large international bank said its executives had decided to plan for the worst at a conference call on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;The question is no longer whether we are moving (operations to the EU), it is a question of how big those moves are going to be&quot; he said.&nbsp;Like other executives, he had been asked by his board and the government not to divulge their&nbsp;thinking.&nbsp;

The chairman said the bank has started discussions with customers about rerouting client activity to European hubs, including rewriting thousands of contracts.&nbsp;Senior employees were told last month if they had to relocate to Europe, he said.&nbsp;

Another senior executive at a large U.S. bank said that he was increasingly concerned that May&#39;s government could collapse after the Brussels talks broke down over a dispute over the Irish border, adding to the uncertainty. &quot;We are at the maximum point of danger,&quot; he said.

The financial sector needs extra time to make sure its clients are prepared. For instance, a British bank opening a subsidiary in Europe may need its clients to adopt a new sort code throughout their own supply chains.&nbsp;In other sectors, companies are making smaller changes that would enable them to operate in Europe after Brexit, from preparing compliance changes to drawing up shadow supply chains and looking for additional warehouse space.&nbsp;

Fruit and beef&nbsp;

Food retailers are lining up alternative suppliers in Britain or outside the EU in case of delays at borders or new tariffs disrupt deliveries. Around 30 percent of Britain`s food and drink comes from the EU.&nbsp;Some changes would need to be made early next year in time for the 2019 departure. Changing a fresh fruit supplier could require a lead time of a year, depending on the growing cycle.&nbsp;

Ali Capper, a partner in Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, central England, and a chair of the Horticulture and Potatoes Board at the National Farmers Union, said there were signs retail customers were requesting more British produce.&nbsp;Ireland provides almost 70 percent of UK beef imports, or 270,000 tonnes a year. Were tariffs or border delays to make Irish beef less competitive, supermarkets could look further afield, for instance to Argentina.&nbsp;

Manufacturing pressure

Many manufacturers are unwilling to sign off on new plans until they know how Britain will trade in the future.&nbsp;The drugs sector has been among the first to move so they can comply with EU regulations. GSK and AstraZeneca have already set up new facilities in mainland Europe to test batches of drugs made in Britain.&nbsp;Autos and aerospace firms are focusing on certification. According to the aerospace and defense trade body, ADS, some companies are considering applying to the European Aviation Safety Agency for a status that would enable them to sell in the EU if Britain was no longer a member state.&nbsp;

Japanese carmaker Honda, which builds around 8 percent of British cars at its plant in Swindon, is considering increasing its warehouse capacity in Britain and stock levels to counter any new border delays.&nbsp;Manufacturers reluctance to sign off on big plans has had a knock-on effect on companies in the supply chain.&nbsp;

&quot;The biggest impact we see is a general unwillingness to make investment and capacity decisions as result of the continued uncertainty,&quot; said Stephen Cheetham, owner of PK Engineering Ltd of Hereford, a supplier of components to the aerospace and scientific industries.&nbsp;&quot;We would expect continued paralysis and short-termism until a trade deal is finalized,&quot; he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Having a transition deal will allow businesses to survive the two years after Brexit by allowing them to defer any big decisions until the final parameters of Brexit are worked out, said Andrew Bonfield, finance director of National Grid and chairman of the 100 Group of finance chiefs.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s about the avoidance of a cliff edge,&quot; he said.

Banks, food retailers, drug manufacturers, and car makers are preparing for disorderly Brexit.

Big companies are stepping up their plans in case Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal as Prime Minister Theresa May struggles to get talks back on track after a major setback. Britain is aiming to agree with the EU on December 14 to move the Brexit talks on to the second phase. This would focus on trade and a two-year transition deal to smooth the departure after March 2019. But the timetable has been thrown into doubt after discussions broke down in Brussels on Monday. Senior executives in the financial services sector, which accounts for about 12 percent of the economy, told Reuters May's efforts to secure a transition deal had come too late and they had no choice but to start restructuring. Big supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's have been working with suppliers to identify potential delays, shortages or price rises. They have lined up alternative providers, according to suppliers and sources in the industry. The uncertainty is particularly painful for the manufacturing sector as low margins make it risky for them to restructure unless it is essential. They have been holding off on investment but are preparing for new certification that would allow them to sell in Europe if there is no deal. "The delay is so great and the uncertainty is so great that companies have no choice but to start triggering their plans," the head of one of Britain`s largest companies said. Britain and the EU are working to get talks back on track this week but the chairman of one large international bank said its executives had decided to plan for the worst at a conference call on Tuesday. "The question is no longer whether we are moving (operations to the EU), it is a question of how big those moves are going to be" he said. Like other executives, he had been asked by his board and the government not to divulge their thinking. The chairman said the bank has started discussions with customers about rerouting client activity to European hubs, including rewriting thousands of contracts. Senior employees were told last month if they had to relocate to Europe, he said. Another senior executive at a large U.S. bank said that he was increasingly concerned that May's government could collapse after the Brussels talks broke down over a dispute over the Irish border, adding to the uncertainty. "We are at the maximum point of danger," he said. The financial sector needs extra time to make sure its clients are prepared. For instance, a British bank opening a subsidiary in Europe may need its clients to adopt a new sort code throughout their own supply chains. In other sectors, companies are making smaller changes that would enable them to operate in Europe after Brexit, from preparing compliance changes to drawing up shadow supply chains and looking for additional warehouse space. Fruit and beef Food retailers are lining up alternative suppliers in Britain or outside the EU in case of delays at borders or new tariffs disrupt deliveries. Around 30 percent of Britain`s food and drink comes from the EU. Some changes would need to be made early next year in time for the 2019 departure. Changing a fresh fruit supplier could require a lead time of a year, depending on the growing cycle. Ali Capper, a partner in Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, central England, and a chair of the Horticulture and Potatoes Board at the National Farmers Union, said there were signs retail customers were requesting more British produce. Ireland provides almost 70 percent of UK beef imports, or 270,000 tonnes a year. Were tariffs or border delays to make Irish beef less competitive, supermarkets could look further afield, for instance to Argentina. Manufacturing pressure Many manufacturers are unwilling to sign off on new plans until they know how Britain will trade in the future. The drugs sector has been among the first to move so they can comply with EU regulations. GSK and AstraZeneca have already set up new facilities in mainland Europe to test batches of drugs made in Britain. Autos and aerospace firms are focusing on certification. According to the aerospace and defense trade body, ADS, some companies are considering applying to the European Aviation Safety Agency for a status that would enable them to sell in the EU if Britain was no longer a member state. Japanese carmaker Honda, which builds around 8 percent of British cars at its plant in Swindon, is considering increasing its warehouse capacity in Britain and stock levels to counter any new border delays. Manufacturers reluctance to sign off on big plans has had a knock-on effect on companies in the supply chain. "The biggest impact we see is a general unwillingness to make investment and capacity decisions as result of the continued uncertainty," said Stephen Cheetham, owner of PK Engineering Ltd of Hereford, a supplier of components to the aerospace and scientific industries. "We would expect continued paralysis and short-termism until a trade deal is finalized," he told Reuters. Having a transition deal will allow businesses to survive the two years after Brexit by allowing them to defer any big decisions until the final parameters of Brexit are worked out, said Andrew Bonfield, finance director of National Grid and chairman of the 100 Group of finance chiefs. "It's about the avoidance of a cliff edge," he said.

Companies prepare for disorderly Brexit as talks stall

EU President Donald Tusk said Monday that a deal to unblock stalled divorce talks between the European Union and Britain was closer than ever after a breakthrough on the thorny topic of Ireland.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tell me why I like Mondays! Encouraged after my phone call with Taoiseach <a href="https://twitter.com/campaignforleo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@campaignforleo</a> on progress on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brexit</a> issue of Ireland. Getting closer to sufficient progress at December <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUCO</a>.
&mdash; Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/937663925482590208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Tell me why I like Mondays!&quot; Tusk, a former Polish president, said on his Twitter account, in an apparent reference to the 1979 hit &quot;I don`t like Mondays&quot;, sung by the Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof.

&quot;Encouraged after my phone call with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on progress on Brexit issue of Ireland. Getting closer to sufficient progress at December (EU summit),&quot; Tusk said.

Varadkar later retweeted Tusk&#39;s message on his own Twitter account. He was due to give a statement later Monday.

The EU had set Monday as the last deadline for Britain to make sufficient progress on three key Brexit divorce issues - Northern Ireland, its exit bill and the rights of EU citizens living in Britain - in order to move on to trade talks at a summit on December 14.

Tusk sent his tweet just hours before sitting down for talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, which follows a lunch between May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

EU President Donald Tusk said on Monday that a deal to unblock stalled divorce talks between the European Union and Britain was closer than ever after a breakthrough on the thorny topic of Ireland

EU President Donald Tusk said Monday that a deal to unblock stalled divorce talks between the European Union and Britain was closer than ever after a breakthrough on the thorny topic of Ireland. Tell me why I like Mondays! Encouraged after my phone call with Taoiseach @campaignforleo on progress on #Brexit issue of Ireland. Getting closer to sufficient progress at December #EUCO. — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) December 4, 2017 × "Tell me why I like Mondays!" Tusk, a former Polish president, said on his Twitter account, in an apparent reference to the 1979 hit "I don`t like Mondays", sung by the Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof. "Encouraged after my phone call with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on progress on Brexit issue of Ireland. Getting closer to sufficient progress at December (EU summit)," Tusk said. Varadkar later retweeted Tusk's message on his own Twitter account. He was due to give a statement later Monday. The EU had set Monday as the last deadline for Britain to make sufficient progress on three key Brexit divorce issues - Northern Ireland, its exit bill and the rights of EU citizens living in Britain - in order to move on to trade talks at a summit on December 14. Tusk sent his tweet just hours before sitting down for talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, which follows a lunch between May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

'Getting closer' to Brexit divorce deal: EU's Tusk

Rex Tillerson will meet European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday for talks on boosting transatlantic cooperation, the EU said, as the US secretary of state&#39;s political future appeared to hang by a thread.

&quot;Foreign affairs ministers will have an informal meeting with the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson in Brussels on 5 December,&quot; the European Council said Friday.

Tillerson is also expected to attend a NATO meeting on the same day.

With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump&#39;s &#39;America First&#39; policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers &quot;will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges.&quot;

Since Trump&#39;s election, the EU and US have disagreed on issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal, climate change and trade.

Mogherini said in a letter to the EU ministers that she was &quot;convinced that the meeting will be an excellent opportunity to address topical foreign policy issues and discuss how we can strengthen transatlantic cooperation.&quot;

News of the visit comes as Trump refused to rule out Tillerson&#39;s imminent departure amid reports of a plan to replace the former oil man with CIA director Mike Pompeo, seen as more amenable to the president&#39;s hardline views.

Asked if he wants Tillerson to remain in his post, Trump said only that &quot;Rex is here&quot; at the White House, a break from the usual expression of confidence in such a circumstances.

The State Department said that Tillerson &quot;enjoys this job&quot;, adding that he also had meetings planned in Vienna and Paris.

With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges

Rex Tillerson will meet European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday for talks on boosting transatlantic cooperation, the EU said, as the US secretary of state's political future appeared to hang by a thread. "Foreign affairs ministers will have an informal meeting with the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson in Brussels on 5 December," the European Council said Friday. Tillerson is also expected to attend a NATO meeting on the same day. With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers "will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges." Since Trump's election, the EU and US have disagreed on issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal, climate change and trade. Mogherini said in a letter to the EU ministers that she was "convinced that the meeting will be an excellent opportunity to address topical foreign policy issues and discuss how we can strengthen transatlantic cooperation." News of the visit comes as Trump refused to rule out Tillerson's imminent departure amid reports of a plan to replace the former oil man with CIA director Mike Pompeo, seen as more amenable to the president's hardline views. Asked if he wants Tillerson to remain in his post, Trump said only that "Rex is here" at the White House, a break from the usual expression of confidence in such a circumstances. The State Department said that Tillerson "enjoys this job", adding that he also had meetings planned in Vienna and Paris.

Tillerson to meet EU ministers in Brussels on Tuesday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/audrey-azoulay-confirmed-to-head-unesco-23935">France</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-imperils-one-in-four-natural-heritage-sites-report-24124">Germany</a> edged towards achieving a 70-year-old ambition to integrate European defences on Monday, signing a pact with 21 other EU governments to fund, develop and deploy armed forces after Britain&rsquo;s decision to quit the bloc.

First proposed in the 1950s and long resisted by Britain, European defence planning, operations and weapons development now stands its best chance in years as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-sindhis-pledge-unity-for-common-struggle-against-pakistan-in-london-24031">London</a> steps aside and the United States pushes Europe to pay more for its security.

Foreign and defence ministers gathered at a signing ceremony in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/ousted-catalan-leader-carles-puigdemont-speaks-from-brussels-6462">Brussels</a> to represent 23 EU governments joining the pact, paving the way for EU leaders to sign it in December.

Those governments will for the first time legally bind themselves into joint projects as well as pledging to increase defence spending and contribute to rapid deployments.

&ldquo;Today we are taking a historic step,&rdquo; Germany&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters. &ldquo;We are agreeing on the future cooperation on security and defence issues ... it&rsquo;s really a milestone in European development,&rdquo; he said.

The pact includes all EU governments except Britain, which is leaving the bloc, Denmark, which has opted out of defence matters, Ireland, Portugal and Malta. Traditionally neutral Austria was a late addition to the pact.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/global-2-rise-in-co2-giant-leap-backwards-for-humankind-24118">Paris</a> originally wanted a vanguard of EU countries to bring money and assets to French-led military missions and projects, while Berlin has sought to be more inclusive, which could reduce effectiveness.

Its backers say that if successful, the formal club of 23 members will give the European Union a more coherent role in tackling international crises and end the kind of shortcomings seen in Libya in 2011, when European allies relied on the United States for air power and munitions.

Unlike past attempts, the U.S.-led NATO alliance backs the project, aiming to benefit from stronger militaries.

The club will be backed by a 5-billion-euro defence fund for buying weapons, a special fund to finance operations and money from the EU&rsquo;s common budget for defence research.

Members will also be required to submit national plans and be subject to a review system identifying weak spots in European armies with the goal of plugging those gaps together.

Many governments say Russia&rsquo;s seizure of Ukraine&rsquo;s Crimea in 2014 was a turning point, after years of defence spending cuts that left Europe without vital capabilities.

&ldquo;This is a commitment for countries to do better together,&rdquo; French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said. &ldquo;It comes at a time of significant tension,&rdquo; he said, referring indirectly to Russia&rsquo;s rising military reach and Islamic militants who have attacked European cities. 
&nbsp;

ROLE FOR BRITAIN?

Despite an Anglo-French-led EU defence integration effort in 1998, Britain blocked formal collaboration on military matters, wary of the creation of an EU army.

Defence integration was revived by France and Germany, with support from Italy and Spain, in a show of unity after Britons voted to leave the EU in June 2016.

The EU had struggled in military and humanitarian missions in the Balkans, Libya and in Africa over the past 20 years and were caught off guard by Russia&rsquo;s Crimea annexation.

As the EU initiative, known as Permanent Structured Cooperation, has gained momentum, British officials have been pressing for involvement. Britain&rsquo;s aerospace industry and its biggest defence firm BAE Systems fear losing out, diplomats said.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson likened London&rsquo;s support to Gothic architecture, saying: &ldquo;We are there, like a flying buttress to support the cathedral,&rdquo; he told reporters.

In a possible compromise, Britain may be able to join in, but only on an exceptional basis if it provides substantial funds and expertise.

France and Germany edged towards achieving a 70-year-old ambition to integrate European defences on Monday, signing a pact with 21 other EU governments to fund, develop and deploy armed forces after Britain?s decision to quit the bloc.

France and Germany edged towards achieving a 70-year-old ambition to integrate European defences on Monday, signing a pact with 21 other EU governments to fund, develop and deploy armed forces after Britain’s decision to quit the bloc. First proposed in the 1950s and long resisted by Britain, European defence planning, operations and weapons development now stands its best chance in years as London steps aside and the United States pushes Europe to pay more for its security. Foreign and defence ministers gathered at a signing ceremony in Brussels to represent 23 EU governments joining the pact, paving the way for EU leaders to sign it in December. Those governments will for the first time legally bind themselves into joint projects as well as pledging to increase defence spending and contribute to rapid deployments. “Today we are taking a historic step,” Germany’s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters. “We are agreeing on the future cooperation on security and defence issues ... it’s really a milestone in European development,” he said. The pact includes all EU governments except Britain, which is leaving the bloc, Denmark, which has opted out of defence matters, Ireland, Portugal and Malta. Traditionally neutral Austria was a late addition to the pact. Paris originally wanted a vanguard of EU countries to bring money and assets to French-led military missions and projects, while Berlin has sought to be more inclusive, which could reduce effectiveness. Its backers say that if successful, the formal club of 23 members will give the European Union a more coherent role in tackling international crises and end the kind of shortcomings seen in Libya in 2011, when European allies relied on the United States for air power and munitions. Unlike past attempts, the U.S.-led NATO alliance backs the project, aiming to benefit from stronger militaries. The club will be backed by a 5-billion-euro defence fund for buying weapons, a special fund to finance operations and money from the EU’s common budget for defence research. Members will also be required to submit national plans and be subject to a review system identifying weak spots in European armies with the goal of plugging those gaps together. Many governments say Russia’s seizure of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014 was a turning point, after years of defence spending cuts that left Europe without vital capabilities. “This is a commitment for countries to do better together,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said. “It comes at a time of significant tension,” he said, referring indirectly to Russia’s rising military reach and Islamic militants who have attacked European cities. ROLE FOR BRITAIN? Despite an Anglo-French-led EU defence integration effort in 1998, Britain blocked formal collaboration on military matters, wary of the creation of an EU army. Defence integration was revived by France and Germany, with support from Italy and Spain, in a show of unity after Britons voted to leave the EU in June 2016. The EU had struggled in military and humanitarian missions in the Balkans, Libya and in Africa over the past 20 years and were caught off guard by Russia’s Crimea annexation. As the EU initiative, known as Permanent Structured Cooperation, has gained momentum, British officials have been pressing for involvement. Britain’s aerospace industry and its biggest defence firm BAE Systems fear losing out, diplomats said. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson likened London’s support to Gothic architecture, saying: “We are there, like a flying buttress to support the cathedral,” he told reporters. In a possible compromise, Britain may be able to join in, but only on an exceptional basis if it provides substantial funds and expertise.

EU signs defence pact in decades-long quest

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched Saturday to demand the release of regional officials jailed for their push for independence from Spain, which has left the country mired in a political crisis.

The more than two-hour long protest in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, came a day after the region&#39;s parliament speaker, one of dozens of lawmakers sacked by Madrid last month, was released from jail after posting 150,000 euros ($175,000) bail.

The demonstrators gathered on an avenue next to the regional parliament building waving Catalan independence flags and chanting &quot;Freedom!&quot; while some held up banners announcing: &quot;SOS Democracy&quot;.

Children in riding helmets climbed castells&nbsp;the region&#39;s traditional human towers as others held placards bearing caricatures of some jailed lawmakers.

Barcelona municipal police put turnout for the march at some 750,000 people as crowds stretched for more than 15 blocks along the boulevard.&nbsp;

The Catalonia crisis has caused concern in the European Union as the bloc deals with Brexit and uncertainty over the fate of the region&#39;s 7.5 million people. More than 2,400 businesses have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere.

On Wednesday a general strike called by a pro-independence union caused travel chaos, blocking 60 roads and train lines including Spain&#39;s main highway link to France and the rest of Europe.

Since lawmakers in Catalonia a wealthy region with its own language and distinct culture&nbsp;declared independence on October 27 following a banned referendum, pro-separatist officials have come under huge pressure from Madrid.

The central government has dismissed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his government and the parliament, suspended the region&#39;s autonomy and called for new elections there on December 21.

Barcelona&#39;s popular mayor earlier slammed the actions of Puigdemont&#39;s government.

&quot;They&#39;ve provoked tensions and carried out a unilateral independence declaration which the majority do not want,&quot; Ada Colau told a meeting of her party members.

&quot;They&#39;ve tricked the population for their own interests.&quot;

Eight members of the axed Catalan cabinet are currently detained on charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds.&nbsp;

A further six fired officials including parliament speaker Carme Forcadell were granted bail this week on similar charges by Spain&#39;s Supreme Court.

Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Belgium awaiting a hearing on possible extradition back to Spain after Madrid issued an EU-wide warrant.

&quot;The situation is sad, the politicians haven&#39;t done their jobs,&quot; said Robert Muni, who was protesting with his children, although some protesters shouted their support for Puigdemont, &quot;our president&quot;.

&#39;We want freedom&#39;&nbsp;

Puigdemont and four ex-ministers say they are in Brussels because they cannot be guaranteed a fair trial back home.&nbsp;

&quot;Although some of us are far away from you and others are in prison, we have an opportunity to express loudly and clearly that we want freedom and democracy,&quot; Puigdemont told Catalan television.&nbsp;

Saturday&#39;s protest was organised by two pro-independence lobby groups, ANC and Omnium, whose two leaders are also detained.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what&#39;s going to happen but we know what we want: the release of political prisoners,&quot; said demonstrator Maria Angels Quintana.

Puigdemont has said he travelled to Brussels after declaring independence in order to raise international awareness on the treatment of separatists in Spain.

But the European Union, nervous that Catalan independence could stir up separatist tensions in several member states, has repeatedly backed the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over the crisis.&nbsp;

Some participants at the rally betrayed their frustration at the lack of support from Brussels for their cause, holding banners printed in English asking &quot;Europe, where are you?&quot;&nbsp;

Rajoy himself will be in Barcelona on Sunday &nbsp;his first visit to Catalonia since the independence crisis erupted to show support for his Popular Party candidates in next month&#39;s vote.

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched Saturday to demand the release of regional officials jailed for their push for independence from Spain, which has left the country mired in a political crisis

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched Saturday to demand the release of regional officials jailed for their push for independence from Spain, which has left the country mired in a political crisis. The more than two-hour long protest in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, came a day after the region's parliament speaker, one of dozens of lawmakers sacked by Madrid last month, was released from jail after posting 150,000 euros ($175,000) bail. The demonstrators gathered on an avenue next to the regional parliament building waving Catalan independence flags and chanting "Freedom!" while some held up banners announcing: "SOS Democracy". Children in riding helmets climbed castells the region's traditional human towers as others held placards bearing caricatures of some jailed lawmakers. Barcelona municipal police put turnout for the march at some 750,000 people as crowds stretched for more than 15 blocks along the boulevard. The Catalonia crisis has caused concern in the European Union as the bloc deals with Brexit and uncertainty over the fate of the region's 7.5 million people. More than 2,400 businesses have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere. On Wednesday a general strike called by a pro-independence union caused travel chaos, blocking 60 roads and train lines including Spain's main highway link to France and the rest of Europe. Since lawmakers in Catalonia a wealthy region with its own language and distinct culture declared independence on October 27 following a banned referendum, pro-separatist officials have come under huge pressure from Madrid. The central government has dismissed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his government and the parliament, suspended the region's autonomy and called for new elections there on December 21. Barcelona's popular mayor earlier slammed the actions of Puigdemont's government. "They've provoked tensions and carried out a unilateral independence declaration which the majority do not want," Ada Colau told a meeting of her party members. "They've tricked the population for their own interests." Eight members of the axed Catalan cabinet are currently detained on charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds. A further six fired officials including parliament speaker Carme Forcadell were granted bail this week on similar charges by Spain's Supreme Court. Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Belgium awaiting a hearing on possible extradition back to Spain after Madrid issued an EU-wide warrant. "The situation is sad, the politicians haven't done their jobs," said Robert Muni, who was protesting with his children, although some protesters shouted their support for Puigdemont, "our president". 'We want freedom' Puigdemont and four ex-ministers say they are in Brussels because they cannot be guaranteed a fair trial back home. "Although some of us are far away from you and others are in prison, we have an opportunity to express loudly and clearly that we want freedom and democracy," Puigdemont told Catalan television. Saturday's protest was organised by two pro-independence lobby groups, ANC and Omnium, whose two leaders are also detained. "We don't know what's going to happen but we know what we want: the release of political prisoners," said demonstrator Maria Angels Quintana. Puigdemont has said he travelled to Brussels after declaring independence in order to raise international awareness on the treatment of separatists in Spain. But the European Union, nervous that Catalan independence could stir up separatist tensions in several member states, has repeatedly backed the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over the crisis. Some participants at the rally betrayed their frustration at the lack of support from Brussels for their cause, holding banners printed in English asking "Europe, where are you?" Rajoy himself will be in Barcelona on Sunday his first visit to Catalonia since the independence crisis erupted to show support for his Popular Party candidates in next month's vote.

Catalans inundate Barcelona to demand leaders' freedom

Britain&#39;s economy will grow more slowly in the short term if the country fails to secure a deal for its future trading relationship with the European Union after Brexit, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Sunday.

Asked in an interview with ITV television if Britain&#39;s economy would take a hit if there is no Brexit deal, Carney said&nbsp;&quot;The short answer is yes, in the short term. In the short term, without question, if we have materially less access (to the EU) than we have now, this economy is going to need to reorient and during that period of time it will weigh on growth.&quot;

Carney also said British business investment should be booming, given the strength of the world economy and other factors, but it was only just growing because of the uncertainty about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

The BoE on Thursday raised interest rates for the first time since 2007, before the start of the global financial crisis, but sterling fell sharply as the central bank also said it expected only &#39;very gradual&#39;&nbsp;rate rises ahead.

The BoE on Thursday raised interest rates for the first time since 2007.

Britain's economy will grow more slowly in the short term if the country fails to secure a deal for its future trading relationship with the European Union after Brexit, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Sunday. Asked in an interview with ITV television if Britain's economy would take a hit if there is no Brexit deal, Carney said "The short answer is yes, in the short term. In the short term, without question, if we have materially less access (to the EU) than we have now, this economy is going to need to reorient and during that period of time it will weigh on growth." Carney also said British business investment should be booming, given the strength of the world economy and other factors, but it was only just growing because of the uncertainty about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. The BoE on Thursday raised interest rates for the first time since 2007, before the start of the global financial crisis, but sterling fell sharply as the central bank also said it expected only 'very gradual' rate rises ahead.

Bank of England's Carney sees slower growth without Brexit deal

The Bank of England suspects that up to 75,000 jobs could be lost in financial services following Britain&rsquo;s departure from the European Union, according to BBC on Monday.

In a study done by Oliver Wyman, a management consultancy which has often been quoted by banking lobby groups assessing the impact of Brexit, in 2016 suggested that there could be around&nbsp;65,000 and 75,000 job losses, which is what the current scenario looks like.&nbsp;

The report also suggested that around 40,000 job losses&nbsp;could solely be from financial services and about 30-40,000 going in related fields like&nbsp;legal work and professional services.

The&nbsp;Bank of England&nbsp;has asked banks and other financial services firms about&nbsp;their plan of action&nbsp;for both a hard and soft Brexit scenario.

If a deal is fixed, the Bank of England assumes that&nbsp;job losses would be lower, though still significant, as banks and other financial services firms would shuffle&nbsp;some jobs, however, if does not work in their favor then 10,000 jobs figure is likely to be the day one&nbsp;of Brexit, BBC reported.&nbsp;

In January, the chief executive of the&nbsp;London Stock Exchange, Xavier Rolet, claimed that Brexit could cause the City of London upto 200,000&nbsp;approximately the&nbsp;if the Government fails to provide a systematic plan for post-Brexit&nbsp;operations.

Moreover, a&nbsp;pole conducted by Reuters of&nbsp;more than 100 finance firms indicates that&nbsp;the industry expects the number of job losses to be below 10K in the few years&nbsp;after Brexit.&nbsp;

The remaining 27 EU states agreed at a summit earlier this month to start analyzing feasible&nbsp;options for trade talks with the UK.

The remaining 27 EU states agreed at a summit earlier this month to start analyzing feasible?the options for trade talks with the UK.

The Bank of England suspects that up to 75,000 jobs could be lost in financial services following Britain’s departure from the European Union, according to BBC on Monday. In a study done by Oliver Wyman, a management consultancy which has often been quoted by banking lobby groups assessing the impact of Brexit, in 2016 suggested that there could be around 65,000 and 75,000 job losses, which is what the current scenario looks like. The report also suggested that around 40,000 job losses could solely be from financial services and about 30-40,000 going in related fields like legal work and professional services. The Bank of England has asked banks and other financial services firms about their plan of action for both a hard and soft Brexit scenario. If a deal is fixed, the Bank of England assumes that job losses would be lower, though still significant, as banks and other financial services firms would shuffle some jobs, however, if does not work in their favor then 10,000 jobs figure is likely to be the day one of Brexit, BBC reported. In January, the chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, Xavier Rolet, claimed that Brexit could cause the City of London upto 200,000 approximately the if the Government fails to provide a systematic plan for post-Brexit operations. Moreover, a pole conducted by Reuters of more than 100 finance firms indicates that the industry expects the number of job losses to be below 10K in the few years after Brexit. The remaining 27 EU states agreed at a summit earlier this month to start analyzing feasible options for trade talks with the UK.

Bank of England suspects upto 75,000 job losses in financial services post-Brexit

Spain is facing its deepest constitutional crisis since the restoration of democracy in 1977, and it&rsquo;s only getting deeper. On October 18, the Spanish government invoked Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, beginning the process of stripping the Catalan government of its autonomy and imposing the direct federal rule. Just hours after the announcement was made by the Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, 450,000 people took to the streets in protest.

Citing the Catalan government&rsquo;s &ldquo;conscious and systematic rebellion and disobedience&rdquo;, this is a heavy-handed response to Catalonia&rsquo;s recent separatist moves. Spain hardened its line when it jailed the leaders of two of the largest separatist organisations. The national attorney general has now threatened to arrest the Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, and others for sedition should a further declaration of independence be issued.

These tough measures aren&rsquo;t just politically risky and pragmatically dubious, but also constitutionally untested. It is the first time that Article 155 has been invoked, allowing the government to intervene in one of Spain&rsquo;s regions if its autonomous government &ldquo;fails to fulfil the obligations imposed upon it by the constitution or other laws or acts in a way seriously prejudicing the general interests of Spain&rdquo;.

The Constitution of 1978 provides for a flexible and open framework that recognises both &ldquo;the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation&rdquo; and &ldquo;the right to autonomy of nationalities and regions&rdquo;. And while the Catalan government&rsquo;s decision to hold the October 1 referendum undoubtedly violated both the Spanish Constitution and the Catalan Statute of Autonomy, the refusal of the central government to pursue dialogue with the Catalan government, and its attempts to oust democratically elected leaders and suspend regional autonomy will only deepen the antagonism between Catalonia and Madrid.

The question, then, is what an appropriate and reasonable response to this secession claim would look like. And inconveniently, this is something of a grey area.

Taking independence seriously

While international law affirms that peoples have a general right to self-determination, it provides little guidance on how that right should be exercised. It&rsquo;s particularly vague when it comes to secession, which leaves claims like the Catalans&rsquo; in something of a legal vacuum. In its Kosovo opinion of 2010, the International Court of Justice found that a unilateral declaration of independence does &ldquo;not violate general international law&rdquo;, but the specific international or domestic legal ramifications of a secessionist claim were left unclear.

The upshot is that different national governments can treat these claims almost as they see fit. The resulting ambiguity is a tricky problem, and it&rsquo;s played out vividly in two analogous independence movements: Quebec&rsquo;s and Scotland&rsquo;s.

In 1995, the Quebecois independence movement lost a referendum on independence by a mere 1.16 per cent. The result kicked off years of political talks and legal wrangling, and in 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada weighed in on whether secession claims were legitimate in principle.

It concluded that outside of a colonial context and in the absence of severe repression or exclusion from the state, there is no positive entitlement to claim statehood. But it also found that the Canadian state, at least on the basis of its own constitutional law, could not &ldquo;remain indifferent to the clear expression of a clear majority of Quebecers that they no longer wish to remain in Canada&rdquo;. Crucially, the court noted that under the Canadian constitution, the government has a duty to negotiate. Were it to refuse, that could undermine its claim to legitimacy, which could have international ramifications.

Following this logic were Quebec to vote for independence in some future referendum, that would impose a duty on the federal government and the province alike to enter into negotiations in good faith &ndash; though there would be no specific obligation to conclude the negotiations amicably.

Then there&rsquo;s Scotland. The UK Government took a similar approach to Canada, passing the Edinburgh Agreement in 2012, which granted Scottish nationalists legal authority to stage an independence referendum. They duly did so in 2014. And while that vote ultimately endorsed the status quo, had a majority been in favour of independence, it was largely accepted that the result would have been binding.

Refuse and reject

The Spanish government has chosen to pursue a different course. While the vast majority of Catalans wanted to vote in a referendum, the central authorities have been steadfast in their refusal to allow a vote, or recognise the result, and are now refusing to engage in dialogue with the Catalan authorities.

This intransigence dates back to at least 2010 when the independence campaign emerged in response to a growing dissatisfaction with current constitutional arrangements, a centralisation of the distribution of competences, and the impact of the financial crisis. With the Spanish government not responding to requests for dialogue, the Catalan authorities have for years continually invoked a &ldquo;right to decide&rdquo;, derived from a broad reading of self-determination as the right to &ldquo;democratic management of public affairs&rdquo;.

Legally speaking, it&rsquo;s a stretch to argue that the principle of self-determination guarantees the right to hold a vote on secession. Nevertheless, the principle of free political participation and representation is clearly established under international law, and it could certainly provide the basis of a demand for dialogue and negotiation where there is broad public support for independence.

Given that there is also scope for seeking dialogue under the Spanish Constitution, this latest sabre-rattling by the Spanish government is unwarranted, as are its actions in recent weeks &ndash; threats to arrest Catalan mayors, interference with civic budgets, raids on newspaper office, and mass police deployment including excessive force used by the Spanish police in attempting to prevent the Referendum taking place. These all reinforce the secessionists&rsquo; narrative of repression by an anti-Catalan Spanish regime.

For the good of Spain as a whole, a collaborative and productive dialogue needs to begin. The Spanish government&rsquo;s actions have not yet crossed the threshold of repression that would grant the Catalans a so-called &ldquo;remedial right&rdquo; of independence under international law, but its intransigent, hardline approach is inflaming tensions to no end &ndash; and enhancing the credibility of the Catalan claim.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/spains-hard-line-on-catalonia-is-no-way-to-handle-a-serious-secession-crisis-86243" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

Photo Credit: EPA

The Spanish government is dealing with the Catalonian secession movement in entirely the wrong way, its intransigent, hardline approach is inflaming tensions to no end

Spain is facing its deepest constitutional crisis since the restoration of democracy in 1977, and it’s only getting deeper. On October 18, the Spanish government invoked Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, beginning the process of stripping the Catalan government of its autonomy and imposing the direct federal rule. Just hours after the announcement was made by the Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, 450,000 people took to the streets in protest. Citing the Catalan government’s “conscious and systematic rebellion and disobedience”, this is a heavy-handed response to Catalonia’s recent separatist moves. Spain hardened its line when it jailed the leaders of two of the largest separatist organisations. The national attorney general has now threatened to arrest the Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, and others for sedition should a further declaration of independence be issued. These tough measures aren’t just politically risky and pragmatically dubious, but also constitutionally untested. It is the first time that Article 155 has been invoked, allowing the government to intervene in one of Spain’s regions if its autonomous government “fails to fulfil the obligations imposed upon it by the constitution or other laws or acts in a way seriously prejudicing the general interests of Spain”. The Constitution of 1978 provides for a flexible and open framework that recognises both “the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation” and “the right to autonomy of nationalities and regions”. And while the Catalan government’s decision to hold the October 1 referendum undoubtedly violated both the Spanish Constitution and the Catalan Statute of Autonomy, the refusal of the central government to pursue dialogue with the Catalan government, and its attempts to oust democratically elected leaders and suspend regional autonomy will only deepen the antagonism between Catalonia and Madrid. The question, then, is what an appropriate and reasonable response to this secession claim would look like. And inconveniently, this is something of a grey area. Taking independence seriously While international law affirms that peoples have a general right to self-determination, it provides little guidance on how that right should be exercised. It’s particularly vague when it comes to secession, which leaves claims like the Catalans’ in something of a legal vacuum. In its Kosovo opinion of 2010, the International Court of Justice found that a unilateral declaration of independence does “not violate general international law”, but the specific international or domestic legal ramifications of a secessionist claim were left unclear. The upshot is that different national governments can treat these claims almost as they see fit. The resulting ambiguity is a tricky problem, and it’s played out vividly in two analogous independence movements: Quebec’s and Scotland’s. In 1995, the Quebecois independence movement lost a referendum on independence by a mere 1.16 per cent. The result kicked off years of political talks and legal wrangling, and in 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada weighed in on whether secession claims were legitimate in principle. It concluded that outside of a colonial context and in the absence of severe repression or exclusion from the state, there is no positive entitlement to claim statehood. But it also found that the Canadian state, at least on the basis of its own constitutional law, could not “remain indifferent to the clear expression of a clear majority of Quebecers that they no longer wish to remain in Canada”. Crucially, the court noted that under the Canadian constitution, the government has a duty to negotiate. Were it to refuse, that could undermine its claim to legitimacy, which could have international ramifications. Following this logic were Quebec to vote for independence in some future referendum, that would impose a duty on the federal government and the province alike to enter into negotiations in good faith – though there would be no specific obligation to conclude the negotiations amicably. Then there’s Scotland. The UK Government took a similar approach to Canada, passing the Edinburgh Agreement in 2012, which granted Scottish nationalists legal authority to stage an independence referendum. They duly did so in 2014. And while that vote ultimately endorsed the status quo, had a majority been in favour of independence, it was largely accepted that the result would have been binding. Refuse and reject The Spanish government has chosen to pursue a different course. While the vast majority of Catalans wanted to vote in a referendum, the central authorities have been steadfast in their refusal to allow a vote, or recognise the result, and are now refusing to engage in dialogue with the Catalan authorities. This intransigence dates back to at least 2010 when the independence campaign emerged in response to a growing dissatisfaction with current constitutional arrangements, a centralisation of the distribution of competences, and the impact of the financial crisis. With the Spanish government not responding to requests for dialogue, the Catalan authorities have for years continually invoked a “right to decide”, derived from a broad reading of self-determination as the right to “democratic management of public affairs”. Legally speaking, it’s a stretch to argue that the principle of self-determination guarantees the right to hold a vote on secession. Nevertheless, the principle of free political participation and representation is clearly established under international law, and it could certainly provide the basis of a demand for dialogue and negotiation where there is broad public support for independence. Given that there is also scope for seeking dialogue under the Spanish Constitution, this latest sabre-rattling by the Spanish government is unwarranted, as are its actions in recent weeks – threats to arrest Catalan mayors, interference with civic budgets, raids on newspaper office, and mass police deployment including excessive force used by the Spanish police in attempting to prevent the Referendum taking place. These all reinforce the secessionists’ narrative of repression by an anti-Catalan Spanish regime. For the good of Spain as a whole, a collaborative and productive dialogue needs to begin. The Spanish government’s actions have not yet crossed the threshold of repression that would grant the Catalans a so-called “remedial right” of independence under international law, but its intransigent, hardline approach is inflaming tensions to no end – and enhancing the credibility of the Catalan claim. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Photo Credit: EPA

Catalonia: Spain's hard line is no way to handle a secession crisis

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016, a Global Forest Watch report has said.

The alarming pace of destruction of 51% higher than the prior year with a loss of 73.4 million acres (29.7 million hectares), according to data from the University of Maryland&nbsp;was partially due to climate change that has increased the risks and intensity of wildfires by triggering temperature rise and drought in some places, the monitor said yesterday.

The 2015-2016 weather phenomenon El Nino, one of the strongest on record, also played a role, having created particularly dry conditions in the tropics. Many of those tropical areas are not naturally prone to catching fire&nbsp;but vulnerability increased due to poor management and was exacerbated by El Nino.

Deadly blazes in Brazil and Indonesia were among those contributing to the loss. This year, deadly blazes have again devastated regions of Portugal as well as California.

Brazil&#39;s Amazon region lost 9.1 million acres of tree cover more than three times that of 2015. And Portugal saw some 4% of its forests go up in smoke in 2016, the highest proportion of any other country.

Nearly half of all forests burned in the European Union in 2016 were in Portugal, where fire-prone eucalyptus and pine plantations along with poor soil encouraged the deadly flames.

The country is set to break the record for destroyed forests in 2017, with recent disasters killing dozens of people.

Early 2016 saw one of the largest fires ever recorded in Central Africa, destroying 37,000 acres of forest in the Republic of Congo.

Last year&#39;s Fort McMurray fire in Canada ravaged more than 1.5 million acres, causing $8.8 billion in damage.

Deforestation resulting from agriculture, logging and mining also contributed to the losses.

The report urged improving fire and forest management, including early warning systems, fire bans during dry seasons and more augmented investment in forest protection and restoration.

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016, a Global Forest Watch report has said. The alarming pace of destruction of 51% higher than the prior year with a loss of 73.4 million acres (29.7 million hectares), according to data from the University of Maryland was partially due to climate change that has increased the risks and intensity of wildfires by triggering temperature rise and drought in some places, the monitor said yesterday. The 2015-2016 weather phenomenon El Nino, one of the strongest on record, also played a role, having created particularly dry conditions in the tropics. Many of those tropical areas are not naturally prone to catching fire but vulnerability increased due to poor management and was exacerbated by El Nino. Deadly blazes in Brazil and Indonesia were among those contributing to the loss. This year, deadly blazes have again devastated regions of Portugal as well as California. Brazil's Amazon region lost 9.1 million acres of tree cover more than three times that of 2015. And Portugal saw some 4% of its forests go up in smoke in 2016, the highest proportion of any other country. Nearly half of all forests burned in the European Union in 2016 were in Portugal, where fire-prone eucalyptus and pine plantations along with poor soil encouraged the deadly flames. The country is set to break the record for destroyed forests in 2017, with recent disasters killing dozens of people. Early 2016 saw one of the largest fires ever recorded in Central Africa, destroying 37,000 acres of forest in the Republic of Congo. Last year's Fort McMurray fire in Canada ravaged more than 1.5 million acres, causing $8.8 billion in damage. Deforestation resulting from agriculture, logging and mining also contributed to the losses. The report urged improving fire and forest management, including early warning systems, fire bans during dry seasons and more augmented investment in forest protection and restoration.

Forest fires contributed to record global tree cover loss: Report

Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that Britain would only agree a detailed financial settlement for Brexit once its future relationship with the EU was agreed.

&quot;The full and final settlement will come as part of the final agreement that we&#39;re getting in relation to the future partnership. I think that&#39;s absolutely right,&quot; she said at a summit in Brussels.

May said Britain would only?agree on a detailed financial settlement for Brexit once its future relationship with the EU was agreed

Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that Britain would only agree a detailed financial settlement for Brexit once its future relationship with the EU was agreed. "The full and final settlement will come as part of the final agreement that we're getting in relation to the future partnership. I think that's absolutely right," she said at a summit in Brussels.

Brexit bill must wait until final deal with EU: May

EU President Donald Tusk said Friday that reports of a deadlock in Brexit talks were &quot;exaggerated&quot; after leaders agreed at a summit to start internal preparations to unlock the next phase of negotiations.

Tusk added that Britain&#39;s proposals on future relations would be taken into account by the EU&#39;s internal work on a trade deal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-bill-must-wait-until-final-deal-with-eu-22662">in a further olive branch to British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spains-rajoy-says-critical-point-reached-in-catalonia-22677" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Critical point reached in Catalonia: Spanish Prime Minister</a>

&quot;My impression is that reports of the deadlock between the European Union and the UK have been exaggerated, and while progress has not been sufficient, it does not mean there is no progress at all,&quot; Tusk told a news conference in Brussels.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker played down fears Britain could leave the bloc without a deal in 2019.

&quot;Our working assumption is not the no deal scenario, I hate the no deal scenario,&quot; said Juncker, standing alongside Tusk. &quot;I want to have a fair deal with Britain.&quot;

Tusk said a face-to-face meeting with Theresa May and a meeting with the remaining 27 EU states had contributed to a more &quot;positive narrative&quot;, despite the bloc saying there was not sufficient progress to start full trade talks until at least December.

&quot;My feeling today and in my tete-a-tete with Theresa May, I feel for sure that both sides present only goodwill,&quot; he said.

The approval of preparatory work on a trade deal &quot;would not be possible&quot; without May&#39;s key speech in Florence last month outlining further Brexit plans, including on the bill Britain must pay.

&quot;I would like to reassure our British friends that in our internal work we will take account of proposals present there (in Florence),&quot; he added.

EU President Donald Tusk said Friday that reports of a deadlock in Brexit talks were 'exaggerated'after leaders agreed at a summit to start internal preparations to unlock the next phase of negotiations

EU President Donald Tusk said Friday that reports of a deadlock in Brexit talks were "exaggerated" after leaders agreed at a summit to start internal preparations to unlock the next phase of negotiations. Tusk added that Britain's proposals on future relations would be taken into account by the EU's internal work on a trade deal, in a further olive branch to British Prime Minister Theresa May. Also Read: Critical point reached in Catalonia: Spanish Prime Minister "My impression is that reports of the deadlock between the European Union and the UK have been exaggerated, and while progress has not been sufficient, it does not mean there is no progress at all," Tusk told a news conference in Brussels. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker played down fears Britain could leave the bloc without a deal in 2019. "Our working assumption is not the no deal scenario, I hate the no deal scenario," said Juncker, standing alongside Tusk. "I want to have a fair deal with Britain." Tusk said a face-to-face meeting with Theresa May and a meeting with the remaining 27 EU states had contributed to a more "positive narrative", despite the bloc saying there was not sufficient progress to start full trade talks until at least December. "My feeling today and in my tete-a-tete with Theresa May, I feel for sure that both sides present only goodwill," he said. The approval of preparatory work on a trade deal "would not be possible" without May's key speech in Florence last month outlining further Brexit plans, including on the bill Britain must pay. "I would like to reassure our British friends that in our internal work we will take account of proposals present there (in Florence)," he added.

Reports of Brexit deadlock exaggerated: EU president Tusk

British Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to set a date to move forward with legislation to sever ties with the European Union, her spokesman said on Wednesday, after reports that the government was delaying its passage through parliament.

Asked whether he could confirm an earlier report that the bill would not be taken to the so-called committee stage of the parliamentary process when lawmakers will demand concessions, the spokesman said: &quot;We haven&#39;t yet confirmed a date for the bill at the committee stage, but the leader of the house will set out (next week&#39;s business) tomorrow.&quot;

Earlier on Wednesday, the prime minister said&nbsp;Britain was working to win the best possible deal for when it leaves the European Union but that government had to plan for every eventuality, including exiting without a deal.

Asked in parliament whether the government was contemplating a no-deal Brexit which critics say could plunge Britain into economic uncertainty,&nbsp;May&nbsp;said: &quot;It would be irresponsible of government not to prepare for all possible scenarios. That&#39;s exactly what we are doing.&quot;

British Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to set a date to move forward with legislation to sever ties with the European Union, her spokesman said on Wednesday, after reports that the government was delaying its passage through parliament.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to set a date to move forward with legislation to sever ties with the European Union, her spokesman said on Wednesday, after reports that the government was delaying its passage through parliament. Asked whether he could confirm an earlier report that the bill would not be taken to the so-called committee stage of the parliamentary process when lawmakers will demand concessions, the spokesman said: "We haven't yet confirmed a date for the bill at the committee stage, but the leader of the house will set out (next week's business) tomorrow." Earlier on Wednesday, the prime minister said Britain was working to win the best possible deal for when it leaves the European Union but that government had to plan for every eventuality, including exiting without a deal. Asked in parliament whether the government was contemplating a no-deal Brexit which critics say could plunge Britain into economic uncertainty, May said: "It would be irresponsible of government not to prepare for all possible scenarios. That's exactly what we are doing."

PM May yet to set date to move forward with Brexit: UK

Unless the Catalan and Spanish governments immediately open a dialogue about the constitutional future of Catalonia, the violent scenes in the region may only be a precursor of things to come. But for this dialogue to take place, the EU must be involved.

With the instant, worldwide circulation of images of brutal police repression of defenceless, peaceful voters, the Catalan government won the battle for public sympathy. However, it is in fact isolated in its struggle.

Madrid has maintained its hard line, refusing to recognise the vote or its result. This strategy has been bolstered by King Felipe&rsquo;s intervention. Rather than appealing for national unity, he offered a one-sided condemnation of the conflict. The government is also supported by most other Spanish parties, as well as the editorial line of the main Spanish dailies such as El Pais and El Mundo. Catalonia&rsquo;s potential allies in other historic regions such as the Basque country have remained remarkably silent.

Beyond Spain, European leaders have either taken a neutral stance, relegating the conflict to an internal matter for Spain to resolve or have offered support to the Spanish government&rsquo;s defence of the rule of law.

Risky strategies

The Catalan government&rsquo;s current trajectory is fraught with risk. It hasn&rsquo;t, for one thing, acknowledged the real divisions that exist within Catalonia about the desirability of independence.

And its extreme position is only being met by more immovability from Madrid. The courts have already promised to suspend the parliamentary session in which the Catalan government could declare independence. The central government could go further. It could use its constitutional powers to impose direct rule. If police intervention were met with protest, it could lead to further clashes, replete with truncheons, rubber bullets, and bloodshed.

But this strategy is equally risky. It does nothing to address the growing sources of grievances in Catalonia. It only adds to the cycle of conflict. Nor is it clear that it could actually work. The 10,000 members of the Guardia Civil deployed across Catalonia could not prevent over 2m voters from casting their ballots. It is doubtful that the Spanish central government could credibly prevent Catalonia from declaring independence without taking brutally repressive measures. But this would have serious economic and political ramifications for the EU.

Already, two large Spanish banks &ndash; Sabadell and CaixaBank &ndash; are switching their main offices so as not to be based in Catalonia. With capital flying out of its largest economic region, the Spanish stock exchange took a tumble. This has the potential to seriously affect the value of the euro. The messy economics of a divorce could trigger a return to the volatility that the eurozone experienced in 2011-12.

The EU has remained shamefully powerless in the face of the illiberal measures deployed by right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary, towards their media and judiciary. Its reputation would be further tarnished if one of its more established members could curtail the rights of its national minorities.

For these reasons, the EU has the duty to facilitate a dialogue between the Catalan and Spanish governments and to bring them back from the brink.

The EU&rsquo;s reluctance to engage stems from the fact that these are uncharted waters. The violent territorial conflicts that have beset other countries such as Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina were mediated, to varying degrees of success, by national governments, the United Nations and third parties like the United States. The EU has few procedures for bringing parties in a territorial conflict to the negotiation table. Creativity will be needed.

What the EU could do

The first action is for the European Parliament to pass a resolution, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, condemning the situation. This should assign responsibility to both parties and recall the cardinal values of the rule of law, democracy and minority rights in the European constitutional order. This resolution should receive a full endorsement from Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, as well as the heads of governments, such as Germany&rsquo;s Angela Merkel and France&rsquo;s Emmanuel Macron.

Then the EU must offer to act as an impartial mediator in the dialogue. Given the heightened tensions and mutual recriminations, this dialogue cannot be left unmediated. The Catalan government will not accept that the Spanish government takes on the role of both an interlocutor and an arbiter.

The EU needs to offer a way out of the conflict. The basic condition for dialogue is a formal renunciation of the unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalan government, in exchange for the right to hold a new legally-sanctioned referendum on independence. In case of a NO vote, the Catalan government should then open negotiation for a revision of the Catalan Statute of Autonomy, that offers symbolic recognition of Catalonia&rsquo;s nationhood and a better fiscal pact.

This deal needs to be accompanied by the promise that the EU will not recognise Catalan independence if is illegal and that the Spanish government will be suspended from the Council of Ministers if it violates civil rights in Catalonia.

Europe is not short of diplomatic talent that could be called upon to help foster dialogue: Ireland&rsquo;s former president Mary Robinson, Carld Bildt, who negotiated Sweden&rsquo;s EU accession, and Paddy Ashdown, who served as the high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, are well-seasoned politicians who could play a constructive role in diffusing the crisis.

Failing to act

Inaction would have devastating repercussions for Catalonia, Spain and the EU.

To force a reluctant central government to the negotiation table, Catalan people could deploy their most successful strategy so far: mass protests, general strikes, and widespread civil disobedience that would bring the regional and national economy to a standstill and generate further political turmoil.

Or, realising that negotiation is not a forthcoming strategy, it could choose to declare independence unilaterally, with all the consequences that this could reap.

Both scenarios would result from the failure to act.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/crisis-in-catalonia-what-the-eu-must-do-now-85377" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

The European Union should intervene to resolve standoff on Catalonia issue

Unless the Catalan and Spanish governments immediately open a dialogue about the constitutional future of Catalonia, the violent scenes in the region may only be a precursor of things to come. But for this dialogue to take place, the EU must be involved. With the instant, worldwide circulation of images of brutal police repression of defenceless, peaceful voters, the Catalan government won the battle for public sympathy. However, it is in fact isolated in its struggle. Madrid has maintained its hard line, refusing to recognise the vote or its result. This strategy has been bolstered by King Felipe’s intervention. Rather than appealing for national unity, he offered a one-sided condemnation of the conflict. The government is also supported by most other Spanish parties, as well as the editorial line of the main Spanish dailies such as El Pais and El Mundo. Catalonia’s potential allies in other historic regions such as the Basque country have remained remarkably silent. Beyond Spain, European leaders have either taken a neutral stance, relegating the conflict to an internal matter for Spain to resolve or have offered support to the Spanish government’s defence of the rule of law. Risky strategies The Catalan government’s current trajectory is fraught with risk. It hasn’t, for one thing, acknowledged the real divisions that exist within Catalonia about the desirability of independence. And its extreme position is only being met by more immovability from Madrid. The courts have already promised to suspend the parliamentary session in which the Catalan government could declare independence. The central government could go further. It could use its constitutional powers to impose direct rule. If police intervention were met with protest, it could lead to further clashes, replete with truncheons, rubber bullets, and bloodshed. But this strategy is equally risky. It does nothing to address the growing sources of grievances in Catalonia. It only adds to the cycle of conflict. Nor is it clear that it could actually work. The 10,000 members of the Guardia Civil deployed across Catalonia could not prevent over 2m voters from casting their ballots. It is doubtful that the Spanish central government could credibly prevent Catalonia from declaring independence without taking brutally repressive measures. But this would have serious economic and political ramifications for the EU. Already, two large Spanish banks – Sabadell and CaixaBank – are switching their main offices so as not to be based in Catalonia. With capital flying out of its largest economic region, the Spanish stock exchange took a tumble. This has the potential to seriously affect the value of the euro. The messy economics of a divorce could trigger a return to the volatility that the eurozone experienced in 2011-12. The EU has remained shamefully powerless in the face of the illiberal measures deployed by right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary, towards their media and judiciary. Its reputation would be further tarnished if one of its more established members could curtail the rights of its national minorities. For these reasons, the EU has the duty to facilitate a dialogue between the Catalan and Spanish governments and to bring them back from the brink. The EU’s reluctance to engage stems from the fact that these are uncharted waters. The violent territorial conflicts that have beset other countries such as Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina were mediated, to varying degrees of success, by national governments, the United Nations and third parties like the United States. The EU has few procedures for bringing parties in a territorial conflict to the negotiation table. Creativity will be needed. What the EU could do The first action is for the European Parliament to pass a resolution, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, condemning the situation. This should assign responsibility to both parties and recall the cardinal values of the rule of law, democracy and minority rights in the European constitutional order. This resolution should receive a full endorsement from Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, as well as the heads of governments, such as Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Emmanuel Macron. Then the EU must offer to act as an impartial mediator in the dialogue. Given the heightened tensions and mutual recriminations, this dialogue cannot be left unmediated. The Catalan government will not accept that the Spanish government takes on the role of both an interlocutor and an arbiter. The EU needs to offer a way out of the conflict. The basic condition for dialogue is a formal renunciation of the unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalan government, in exchange for the right to hold a new legally-sanctioned referendum on independence. In case of a NO vote, the Catalan government should then open negotiation for a revision of the Catalan Statute of Autonomy, that offers symbolic recognition of Catalonia’s nationhood and a better fiscal pact. This deal needs to be accompanied by the promise that the EU will not recognise Catalan independence if is illegal and that the Spanish government will be suspended from the Council of Ministers if it violates civil rights in Catalonia. Europe is not short of diplomatic talent that could be called upon to help foster dialogue: Ireland’s former president Mary Robinson, Carld Bildt, who negotiated Sweden’s EU accession, and Paddy Ashdown, who served as the high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, are well-seasoned politicians who could play a constructive role in diffusing the crisis. Failing to act Inaction would have devastating repercussions for Catalonia, Spain and the EU. To force a reluctant central government to the negotiation table, Catalan people could deploy their most successful strategy so far: mass protests, general strikes, and widespread civil disobedience that would bring the regional and national economy to a standstill and generate further political turmoil. Or, realising that negotiation is not a forthcoming strategy, it could choose to declare independence unilaterally, with all the consequences that this could reap. Both scenarios would result from the failure to act. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Crisis in Catalonia: what the EU must do now

Moscow and the European Union hit out at the United States on Wednesday after an overwhelming vote by the House of Representatives to impose new sanctions on Russia left President Donald Trump facing a tough call.&nbsp;

The package, which targets Russia, Iran and North Korea, &quot;tightens the screws on our most dangerous adversaries in order to keep Americans safe,&quot; House Speaker Paul Ryan said after it passed on Tuesday by 419 votes to three.

It now heads to the Senate before Trump faces the tricky choice of whether to veto the bill, which has been opposed by the White House and considerably constrains his ability to lift the penalties.

While Moscow and Tehran raised the prospect of retaliation over any fresh punitive measures, the EU also warned it was &quot;ready to act to protect European interests&quot; if the legislation hit dealings with the Russian energy sector. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US bill was the result of a congressional compromise aimed at punishing the Kremlin for allegedly interfering in the 2016 US presidential election and intervening in Ukraine.

Key among the provisions is one that handcuffs Trump by complicating any unilateral efforts to ease santions against Moscow in future -- effectively placing him under Congress&#39;s watch.

&quot;Left unchecked, Russia is sure to continue its aggression,&quot; House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Ed Royce said, applauding the bill&#39;s backing.

Sanctions &#39;will not go unanswered&#39;&nbsp;

Despite initially opposing the bill, Trump appears to have few options in the face of near-total consensus in Congress, with a decision likely due by mid-August.

Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the White House was still &quot;reviewing the House legislation and awaits a final legislative package for the president&#39;s desk&quot;.

But even if Trump were to veto the legislation, Congress would likely be able to overcome such a blockage with a two-thirds majority in each chamber.

Moscow responded angrily to the vote, with deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov insisting Washington had been warned &quot;dozens of times&quot; that any new sanctions would &quot;not go unanswered&quot;.

&quot;The authors and sponsors of this bill are taking a very serious step towards destroying the possibilities for normalising relations with Russia,&quot; he told state-run TASS news agency.&nbsp;

Ties between Moscow and Washington have been at their lowest point since the Cold War since the US began slapping sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Trump repeatedly pledged to improve relations during his campaign, raising the prospect that he could roll back the Obama-era punishments.

Since then, accusations from US intelligence that the Kremlin meddled in the vote to get Trump elected have made any softening of the stance on Russia politically toxic.

The bill also includes fresh sanctions against Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which stands accused of supporting terrorism, and North Korea, for its missile tests, are also included.&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would respond in kind to any breach by the US of the 2015 nuclear deal after the vote.

The Iranian parliament&#39;s national security and foreign affairs committee said it would hold an extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss its response.

European &#39;concerns

In a rare feat, the US vote has also managed to upset European Union nations worried that it could damage their energy interests.

European commissioners, the EU executive&#39;s top officials, &quot;expressed their concerns notably because of the draft bill&#39;s possible impact on EU energy independence,&quot; the bloc said in a statement following talks in Brussels on Wednesday.

In an apparent concession, the House modified a provision so the bill only targets pipelines originating in Russia, sparing those that merely pass through, such as the Caspian pipeline that carries oil from Kazakhstan to Europe.

But Brussels worries that the fresh wave of measures could end up penalising European firms that contribute to the development of Russia&#39;s energy sector.

&quot;Depending on its implementation, this could affect infrastructure transporting energy resources to Europe,&quot; including those transiting through Ukraine, the EU said in a statement.&nbsp;

Brussels also decried the sanctions bill as a unilateral action by Washington that disrupted previous close cooperation on measures against Russia, which took a toll on its economy.&nbsp;

The EU and US imposed the punishment after Russia&#39;s annexation of Crimea, before Moscow was later accused of backing a separatist insurgency to halt Ukraine&#39;s pivot to the West.&nbsp;

The two sides later imposed broader economic sanctions after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, which international investigators say was downed by a Russian missile fired from rebel-held territory.&nbsp;

The US vote has managed to upset European Union nations worried that it could damage their energy interests

Moscow and the European Union hit out at the United States on Wednesday after an overwhelming vote by the House of Representatives to impose new sanctions on Russia left President Donald Trump facing a tough call. The package, which targets Russia, Iran and North Korea, "tightens the screws on our most dangerous adversaries in order to keep Americans safe," House Speaker Paul Ryan said after it passed on Tuesday by 419 votes to three. It now heads to the Senate before Trump faces the tricky choice of whether to veto the bill, which has been opposed by the White House and considerably constrains his ability to lift the penalties. While Moscow and Tehran raised the prospect of retaliation over any fresh punitive measures, the EU also warned it was "ready to act to protect European interests" if the legislation hit dealings with the Russian energy sector. The US bill was the result of a congressional compromise aimed at punishing the Kremlin for allegedly interfering in the 2016 US presidential election and intervening in Ukraine. Key among the provisions is one that handcuffs Trump by complicating any unilateral efforts to ease santions against Moscow in future -- effectively placing him under Congress's watch. "Left unchecked, Russia is sure to continue its aggression," House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Ed Royce said, applauding the bill's backing. Sanctions 'will not go unanswered' Despite initially opposing the bill, Trump appears to have few options in the face of near-total consensus in Congress, with a decision likely due by mid-August. Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the White House was still "reviewing the House legislation and awaits a final legislative package for the president's desk". But even if Trump were to veto the legislation, Congress would likely be able to overcome such a blockage with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. Moscow responded angrily to the vote, with deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov insisting Washington had been warned "dozens of times" that any new sanctions would "not go unanswered". "The authors and sponsors of this bill are taking a very serious step towards destroying the possibilities for normalising relations with Russia," he told state-run TASS news agency. Ties between Moscow and Washington have been at their lowest point since the Cold War since the US began slapping sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Trump repeatedly pledged to improve relations during his campaign, raising the prospect that he could roll back the Obama-era punishments. Since then, accusations from US intelligence that the Kremlin meddled in the vote to get Trump elected have made any softening of the stance on Russia politically toxic. The bill also includes fresh sanctions against Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which stands accused of supporting terrorism, and North Korea, for its missile tests, are also included. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would respond in kind to any breach by the US of the 2015 nuclear deal after the vote. The Iranian parliament's national security and foreign affairs committee said it would hold an extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss its response. European 'concerns In a rare feat, the US vote has also managed to upset European Union nations worried that it could damage their energy interests. European commissioners, the EU executive's top officials, "expressed their concerns notably because of the draft bill's possible impact on EU energy independence," the bloc said in a statement following talks in Brussels on Wednesday. In an apparent concession, the House modified a provision so the bill only targets pipelines originating in Russia, sparing those that merely pass through, such as the Caspian pipeline that carries oil from Kazakhstan to Europe. But Brussels worries that the fresh wave of measures could end up penalising European firms that contribute to the development of Russia's energy sector. "Depending on its implementation, this could affect infrastructure transporting energy resources to Europe," including those transiting through Ukraine, the EU said in a statement. Brussels also decried the sanctions bill as a unilateral action by Washington that disrupted previous close cooperation on measures against Russia, which took a toll on its economy. The EU and US imposed the punishment after Russia's annexation of Crimea, before Moscow was later accused of backing a separatist insurgency to halt Ukraine's pivot to the West. The two sides later imposed broader economic sanctions after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, which international investigators say was downed by a Russian missile fired from rebel-held territory.

European Union, Moscow warn US after House votes for new Russia sanctions

The G-20 (Group of 20)&nbsp;is an international forum which was formed with the purpose of establishing international cooperation on global economic and financial&nbsp;issues. The forum plays an important role in decision making on issues of international relevance.

G20 countries account for three-quarters of global trade. The G-20 countries produce more than&nbsp;80 per cent of the global economic&nbsp;output.&nbsp;

Around two-third&nbsp;of the global population lives in G-20 member countries.&nbsp;

The G-20 started in 1999 as a meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis that sent shockwaves through the global economic community.

In 2008, the first G-20 Leaders&rsquo; Summit was held, and the group played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis that rattled world markets causing massive financial instabilty and leading to the collapse of financial institutions.&nbsp;Its decisive and coordinated actions boosted consumer and business confidence and supported the global&nbsp;economic recovery.&nbsp;

How it works 
Each year in December&nbsp;a different G-20 member country assumes presidency of the forum. To ensure continuity, the presidency is supported by a &ldquo;troika&rdquo; (Trio) made up of the current, immediate past and next host countries. Being an informal group, the group has no permanent secretariat.&nbsp;

The G-20 president is responsible for bringing together the G-20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy. The summit and the preparatory processes &ndash; often including more than 60 ministerial and working group meetings per year &ndash; are coordinated by the respective host country.

Members of G20 
The twenty members of the forum are :

<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<ul>
				<li>Argentina</li>
				<li>Australia</li>
				<li>Brazil</li>
				<li>Canada</li>
				<li>China</li>
				<li>France</li>
				<li>Germany</li>
			</ul>
			</td>
			<td>
			<ul>
				<li>India</li>
				<li>Indonesia</li>
				<li>Italy</li>
				<li>Japan</li>
				<li>Republic of Korea</li>
				<li>Mexico</li>
				<li>Russia</li>
			</ul>
			</td>
			<td>
			<ul>
				<li>Saudi Arabia</li>
				<li>South Africa</li>
				<li>Turkey</li>
				<li>The United Kingdom</li>
				<li>The united States</li>
				<li>The European Union</li>
			</ul>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/1-20170707014700.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
The map displays the member countries, which represent two-thirds of the world population (Image source: g20.org) (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

At the invitation of each Presidency, international organisations also regularly attend the G20 meetings. These organisations include the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the World Bank (WB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations (UN). The German G20 Presidency has also invited the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017.

Spain attends the G-20 Summits as a permanent guest. The Presidency can also invite representatives of regional organisations and guests to the G-20 Summit.&nbsp;

India and G20

India has enacted a number of legislations and taken steps to tackle issues like black money, terror financing and food security which can be traced back to G-20. &nbsp;

For instance, India enacted the&nbsp;National Food Security Act with the objective to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantity of food at affordable prices to people.&nbsp;

India stands to gain from G-20 knowledge sharing and best practices of improving food security without increasing water consumption to unsustainable levels. The same can then also form part of implementation under the National Water Policy of India.

G-20 has emerged as an important forum where global leaders come together to discuss issues of international significance. At a time, when countries like US are turning inwards and showing signs of protectionism, forums like G-20 have assumed all the more importance to steer the global economic community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

G20 is an international informal forum where India has made the mark of an emerging economy which aspires to take the world along with it towards development

The G-20 (Group of 20) is an international forum which was formed with the purpose of establishing international cooperation on global economic and financial issues. The forum plays an important role in decision making on issues of international relevance. G20 countries account for three-quarters of global trade. The G-20 countries produce more than 80 per cent of the global economic output. Around two-third of the global population lives in G-20 member countries. The G-20 started in 1999 as a meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis that sent shockwaves through the global economic community. In 2008, the first G-20 Leaders’ Summit was held, and the group played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis that rattled world markets causing massive financial instabilty and leading to the collapse of financial institutions. Its decisive and coordinated actions boosted consumer and business confidence and supported the global economic recovery. How it works Each year in December a different G-20 member country assumes presidency of the forum. To ensure continuity, the presidency is supported by a “troika” (Trio) made up of the current, immediate past and next host countries. Being an informal group, the group has no permanent secretariat. The G-20 president is responsible for bringing together the G-20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy. The summit and the preparatory processes – often including more than 60 ministerial and working group meetings per year – are coordinated by the respective host country. Members of G20 The twenty members of the forum are : Argentina Australia Brazil Canada China France Germany India Indonesia Italy Japan Republic of Korea Mexico Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey The United Kingdom The united States The European Union The map displays the member countries, which represent two-thirds of the world population (Image source: g20.org) (Others) × At the invitation of each Presidency, international organisations also regularly attend the G20 meetings. These organisations include the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the World Bank (WB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations (UN). The German G20 Presidency has also invited the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017. Spain attends the G-20 Summits as a permanent guest. The Presidency can also invite representatives of regional organisations and guests to the G-20 Summit. India and G20 India has enacted a number of legislations and taken steps to tackle issues like black money, terror financing and food security which can be traced back to G-20. For instance, India enacted the National Food Security Act with the objective to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantity of food at affordable prices to people. India stands to gain from G-20 knowledge sharing and best practices of improving food security without increasing water consumption to unsustainable levels. The same can then also form part of implementation under the National Water Policy of India. G-20 has emerged as an important forum where global leaders come together to discuss issues of international significance. At a time, when countries like US are turning inwards and showing signs of protectionism, forums like G-20 have assumed all the more importance to steer the global economic community.

All you need to know about G-20

European union antitrust regulators slammed Google&#39;s Alphabet unit with 2.42-billion-euro ($2.7 billion) fine, on allegations that the world&#39;s most popular internet search engine favours its own shopping services and did not exercise a healthy competition with rivals.

The European Commission said that Google has 90 days to stop its unfair practices or Alphabet shall face a further penalty of up to 5 per cent of it&#39;s average daily global turnover.

After a seven-year long investigation, the Commission found that Google had systematically given prominent placement in searches to its own comparison shopping service -- Google Shopping, and demoted those of rivals in search results.

&quot;What Google has done is illegal under EU antitrust rules. It denied other companies the chance to compete on the merits and to innovate. And most importantly, it denied European consumers a genuine choice of services and the full benefits of innovation,&quot; European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

It is the biggest regulatory setback for Google, which settled with US&nbsp;enforcers in 2013 with a requirement to stop &quot;scraping&quot; reviews and other data from rival websites for its own products.

The hard fine, which is the largest for a single company in an EU antitrust case, exceeding the 1.06-billion-euro sanction handed down to US&nbsp;chipmaker Intel in 2009, hints that EU will be just as tough with Google in the two other cases.

The EU competition enforcer has charged Google with using its Android mobile operating system to crush rivals, a case that could potentially be the most damaging for the company, with the system used in most smartphones.

The company has also been accused of blocking rivals in online search advertising, with the Commission warning of deterrent fines if Google is found guilty of breaching EU rules.&nbsp;

Google has released a statement, denying the allegations.

($1 = 0.8890 euros)

(With inputs from Reuters)

The commission found that Google had systematically given prominent placement in searches to its own comparison shopping service

European union antitrust regulators slammed Google's Alphabet unit with 2.42-billion-euro ($2.7 billion) fine, on allegations that the world's most popular internet search engine favours its own shopping services and did not exercise a healthy competition with rivals. The European Commission said that Google has 90 days to stop its unfair practices or Alphabet shall face a further penalty of up to 5 per cent of it's average daily global turnover. After a seven-year long investigation, the Commission found that Google had systematically given prominent placement in searches to its own comparison shopping service -- Google Shopping, and demoted those of rivals in search results. "What Google has done is illegal under EU antitrust rules. It denied other companies the chance to compete on the merits and to innovate. And most importantly, it denied European consumers a genuine choice of services and the full benefits of innovation," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. It is the biggest regulatory setback for Google, which settled with US enforcers in 2013 with a requirement to stop "scraping" reviews and other data from rival websites for its own products. The hard fine, which is the largest for a single company in an EU antitrust case, exceeding the 1.06-billion-euro sanction handed down to US chipmaker Intel in 2009, hints that EU will be just as tough with Google in the two other cases. The EU competition enforcer has charged Google with using its Android mobile operating system to crush rivals, a case that could potentially be the most damaging for the company, with the system used in most smartphones. The company has also been accused of blocking rivals in online search advertising, with the Commission warning of deterrent fines if Google is found guilty of breaching EU rules. Google has released a statement, denying the allegations. ($1 = 0.8890 euros) (With inputs from Reuters)

EU slams Google with record 2.42 billion-euro fine for tampering with search results

Prime Minister Theresa May set out what she called a &quot;fair deal&quot; for EU citizens living in Britain on Thursday, saying in her first test of negotiating strength that she did not want anyone to have to leave because of Brexit or to split up families.

Outlining the five main principles of her &quot;fair and serious offer&quot;, May told other EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that she wanted to offer certainty to EU citizens about their future in Britain, again using a softer tone in her approach to Brexit.

But while her five principles go some way to ease concerns of the roughly 3 million EU nationals in Britain, their leaders will no doubt want to see more detail and may query the lack of a firm cut-off date for any changes to immigration rules - the EU is insisting on no changes until Britain leaves in 2019.

And her reduced stature, after losing her parliamentary majority in a June 8 election, among leaders who have made clear that they are more concerned about the future of the European Union than Britain&#39;s departure, could see her on the back foot.

&quot;The prime minister tonight set out details of the rights and status EU citizens in the UK will enjoy after Brexit - vowing to give them reassurance, and to make them a priority in negotiations,&quot; a senior British government source said.

&quot;The PM said the UK&#39;s position represented a fair and serious offer &ndash; and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives, and contributing so much to our society.&quot;

It was her first foray into the Brexit talks, one which was timed to coincide with coffee at the end of dinner by EU leaders who have warned the British prime minister not to use Council summits as a negotiating chamber for Britain&#39;s departure.

May outlined the plan many in her party who campaigned for Brexit hope will reduce the flow of migrants to Britain, then she left. The others went on to discuss Britain&#39;s departure from the European Union without her.

Certainity

May told leaders she wanted to offer certainty by saying no EU citizens in Britain lawfully would be asked to leave at the time of Brexit, and that all EU citizens lawfully in the country at the point of Brexit would be able to regularise their status.

She would also offer any EU citizen resident for five years - at some cut-off date - the opportunity to get settled status, a new category which would treat them as if they were British citizens for healthcare, education, benefits and pensions.

Those who by then had less than five years residency would be allowed to build up to five years to obtain that status. The government will also offer a grace period of most likely up to two years to allow people to regularise their status so that &quot;no one will face a cliff edge&quot;, she said.

The 85-page residency form, which many struggled to fill in after Britain voted to leave the European Union a year ago on Friday, will be replaced by a more streamlined system, &quot;using digital tools to register people in a light-touch way&quot;.

In a nod to the million or more Britons living on the continent, she said that: &quot;Reciprocity was, of course, vital.&quot;

But, even with the softer tone and expressed eagerness to sort out one of the relatively easy problems that the Brexit talks will have to unpick, there were bound to be sticking points.

EU leaders argue that while Britain is in the bloc it must adhere to its rules. May offered a window in which to set the cut-off which can be debated with Brussels - no earlier than her confirmation of withdrawal three months ago and no later than Brexit, due on March 30, 2019, two years after it was triggered.

There would be no changes until the latter date: &quot;All EU citizens currently (in Britain) will have their rights protected under EU law until the date we leave the EU,&quot; the source said.

Other non-negotiables were the role of the European Court of Justice - May has repeatedly said that &quot;we&#39;re taking back control of our own rules&quot; and, the source said, EU citizens could rely on the protection of &quot;our highly respected courts&quot;.

The EU wants their citizens&#39; rights after Brexit enforceable in their European court in Luxembourg.

May&#39;s aides declined to add detail, saying the government would present a paper to parliament on Monday that would explore the implications of the changes for family members from non-EU states and marriages of people of different nationality.

The EU has insisted that sweeping political guarantees are worth little without detailed legal agreements which tackle the complex diversity of people&#39;s family situations.

&quot;Both sides should seek to agree terms and give certainty as early as possible in the talks,&quot; May said.

The loss of majority for Theresa May in the June 8 elections has undercut her negotiating power in the Brexit talks with EU leaders who have hinted that they are more concerned about the future of EU than Britain's departure

Prime Minister Theresa May set out what she called a "fair deal" for EU citizens living in Britain on Thursday, saying in her first test of negotiating strength that she did not want anyone to have to leave because of Brexit or to split up families. Outlining the five main principles of her "fair and serious offer", May told other EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that she wanted to offer certainty to EU citizens about their future in Britain, again using a softer tone in her approach to Brexit. But while her five principles go some way to ease concerns of the roughly 3 million EU nationals in Britain, their leaders will no doubt want to see more detail and may query the lack of a firm cut-off date for any changes to immigration rules - the EU is insisting on no changes until Britain leaves in 2019. And her reduced stature, after losing her parliamentary majority in a June 8 election, among leaders who have made clear that they are more concerned about the future of the European Union than Britain's departure, could see her on the back foot. "The prime minister tonight set out details of the rights and status EU citizens in the UK will enjoy after Brexit - vowing to give them reassurance, and to make them a priority in negotiations," a senior British government source said. "The PM said the UK's position represented a fair and serious offer – and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives, and contributing so much to our society." It was her first foray into the Brexit talks, one which was timed to coincide with coffee at the end of dinner by EU leaders who have warned the British prime minister not to use Council summits as a negotiating chamber for Britain's departure. May outlined the plan many in her party who campaigned for Brexit hope will reduce the flow of migrants to Britain, then she left. The others went on to discuss Britain's departure from the European Union without her. Certainity May told leaders she wanted to offer certainty by saying no EU citizens in Britain lawfully would be asked to leave at the time of Brexit, and that all EU citizens lawfully in the country at the point of Brexit would be able to regularise their status. She would also offer any EU citizen resident for five years - at some cut-off date - the opportunity to get settled status, a new category which would treat them as if they were British citizens for healthcare, education, benefits and pensions. Those who by then had less than five years residency would be allowed to build up to five years to obtain that status. The government will also offer a grace period of most likely up to two years to allow people to regularise their status so that "no one will face a cliff edge", she said. The 85-page residency form, which many struggled to fill in after Britain voted to leave the European Union a year ago on Friday, will be replaced by a more streamlined system, "using digital tools to register people in a light-touch way". In a nod to the million or more Britons living on the continent, she said that: "Reciprocity was, of course, vital." But, even with the softer tone and expressed eagerness to sort out one of the relatively easy problems that the Brexit talks will have to unpick, there were bound to be sticking points. EU leaders argue that while Britain is in the bloc it must adhere to its rules. May offered a window in which to set the cut-off which can be debated with Brussels - no earlier than her confirmation of withdrawal three months ago and no later than Brexit, due on March 30, 2019, two years after it was triggered. There would be no changes until the latter date: "All EU citizens currently (in Britain) will have their rights protected under EU law until the date we leave the EU," the source said. Other non-negotiables were the role of the European Court of Justice - May has repeatedly said that "we're taking back control of our own rules" and, the source said, EU citizens could rely on the protection of "our highly respected courts". The EU wants their citizens' rights after Brexit enforceable in their European court in Luxembourg. May's aides declined to add detail, saying the government would present a paper to parliament on Monday that would explore the implications of the changes for family members from non-EU states and marriages of people of different nationality. The EU has insisted that sweeping political guarantees are worth little without detailed legal agreements which tackle the complex diversity of people's family situations. "Both sides should seek to agree terms and give certainty as early as possible in the talks," May said.

Theresa May offers 'fair deal' to EU citizens living in Britain

The European Parliament has criticised Pakistan&#39;s human rights record, and squarely reminded Islamabad that it has grossly erred in handing down capital punishment for those allegedly violating the nation&#39;s blasphemy law, in the excessive of military courts and in denying India consular access to former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav on multiple occasions.

European Union Parliament members unanimously endorsed a resolution that criticised the abuse of capital punishment by Pakistan for fulfilling its political aims in trials related to civilians.

 
Calling for the abolition of the death penalty, the European Parliament members reiterated their strong opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances and called on Pakistan to reintroduce a moratorium on executions and commute all death sentences to various terms of imprisonment.

&quot;Death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment and a miscarriage of justice,&quot; said one the members of the European Parliament.

Referring specifically to the Jadhav case, wherein he has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April on charges of espionage and sabotage, the EU Parliament deplored the use of military courts for holding hearings in camera and sought an assurance from the Government of Pakistan to reverse the decision to the extent military courts should apply their jurisdiction only on breaches of military discipline, and that too, only those committed by military personnel.

The European Parliament resolution also insisted that authorities in Pakistan should grant access to international observers and human rights organisations for purposes of monitoring the use of military courts and strengthen the civilian judiciary in line with international standards on judicial proceedings.

As India was denied consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan, the resolution underscored that &quot;third country nationals brought to trial, must be allowed access to consular services and protection.&quot;

The European Parliament reminded Islamabad of its obligation to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of thought and freedom of expression and other international and regional human rights instruments.

Expressing its grave concern about the recent mass trials leading to a vast number of death sentences, the resolution sought an immediate and definitive end to such practices, which violate international human rights standards.

Stressing about the prevailing situation regarding human rights violation in Pakistan, the resolution said ,&quot;Several minority people have been killed and persecuted because they are not being protected by the government and death penalty are the tools for setting personal vendetta or to suppress minorities.&quot;

The European Parliament said that the death penalty is incompatible with values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, on which the Union is founded, and that any member state reintroducing the death penalty would, therefore, be in violation of the Treaties and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The European Parliament then instructed its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Commission Vice-President, EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Pakistan and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for further deliberation and action.

European Union Parliament members unanimously endorsed a resolution that criticised the abuse of capital punishment by Pakistan for fulfilling its political aims in trials related to civilians

The European Parliament has criticised Pakistan's human rights record, and squarely reminded Islamabad that it has grossly erred in handing down capital punishment for those allegedly violating the nation's blasphemy law, in the excessive of military courts and in denying India consular access to former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav on multiple occasions. European Union Parliament members unanimously endorsed a resolution that criticised the abuse of capital punishment by Pakistan for fulfilling its political aims in trials related to civilians. Calling for the abolition of the death penalty, the European Parliament members reiterated their strong opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances and called on Pakistan to reintroduce a moratorium on executions and commute all death sentences to various terms of imprisonment. "Death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment and a miscarriage of justice," said one the members of the European Parliament. Referring specifically to the Jadhav case, wherein he has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April on charges of espionage and sabotage, the EU Parliament deplored the use of military courts for holding hearings in camera and sought an assurance from the Government of Pakistan to reverse the decision to the extent military courts should apply their jurisdiction only on breaches of military discipline, and that too, only those committed by military personnel. The European Parliament resolution also insisted that authorities in Pakistan should grant access to international observers and human rights organisations for purposes of monitoring the use of military courts and strengthen the civilian judiciary in line with international standards on judicial proceedings. As India was denied consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan, the resolution underscored that "third country nationals brought to trial, must be allowed access to consular services and protection." The European Parliament reminded Islamabad of its obligation to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of thought and freedom of expression and other international and regional human rights instruments. Expressing its grave concern about the recent mass trials leading to a vast number of death sentences, the resolution sought an immediate and definitive end to such practices, which violate international human rights standards. Stressing about the prevailing situation regarding human rights violation in Pakistan, the resolution said ,"Several minority people have been killed and persecuted because they are not being protected by the government and death penalty are the tools for setting personal vendetta or to suppress minorities." The European Parliament said that the death penalty is incompatible with values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, on which the Union is founded, and that any member state reintroducing the death penalty would, therefore, be in violation of the Treaties and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The European Parliament then instructed its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Commission Vice-President, EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Pakistan and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for further deliberation and action.

EU slams Pakistan's poor rights record, stand on Kulbhushan Jadhav

British Prime Minister Theresa May reached an &quot;outline agreement&quot; on Saturday with the ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party in order to be able to govern after a humiliating election that has left her authority in tatters.

She also confirmed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a phone call that Britain was ready to begin Brexit negotiations &quot;as planned in the next couple of weeks&quot;, reassuring EU leaders who had expressed doubts after May&#39;s electoral losses.

May&#39;s Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority in Thursday&#39;s vote and need the support of the 10 MPs from Northern Ireland&#39;s DUP to have a majority.

&quot;We can confirm that the Democratic Unionist Party have agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support the Conservative government,&quot; a spokesman for May said.

The spokesman indicated this would not be a formal coalition but a minority government with looser DUP support on a &quot;confidence and supply basis&quot;.

&quot;We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond,&quot; he said.

The details of the agreement &quot;will be put forward for discussion and agreement&quot; at a cabinet meeting on Monday, a day before the new parliament meets, the spokesman said.

There was no mention of what concessions the DUP may have asked for, amid growing concern about the influence of a party opposed to abortion and gay marriage, and which has proved hugely controversial in the past over the homophobic and sectarian views of some of its representatives.

May earlier on Saturday lost her two closest aides as she struggled to reassert her leadership after a crushing election setback.

The Conservative leader has been warned that her days are numbered after calling Thursday&#39;s vote three years early hoping to strengthen her hand going into Brexit negotiations with Brussels, only to lose her majority.

Senior party figures have cautioned against any immediate leadership challenge, saying it would cause only further disruption as Britain prepares to start the Brexit talks as early as June 19.

But media reports suggest they had demanded the departure of May&#39;s joint chiefs of staff, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, as the price for allowing the 60-year-old vicar&#39;s daughter to stay in office.

They were replaced by Gavin Barwell, a former housing minister who lost his seat in the election.

&#39;Toxic&#39; atmosphere&nbsp;

May put on a brave face after Thursday&#39;s vote, expressing sorrow for the MPs who lost their seats but refusing to acknowledge how her election gamble backfired.

&quot;From hubris to humiliation,&quot; said the left-leaning Guardian, while the Times headline read: &quot;May stares into the abyss&quot;.

The resignations of Timothy and Hill, on whom May had been heavily reliant since her previous job at the interior ministry, will be a personal blow.

Timothy said he took responsibility for the Conservative manifesto, including a plan for elderly social care that caused a backlash among core voters.

A party spokesman confirmed the resignation of Hill, a combative character who one former colleague said had helped create a &quot;toxic&quot; atmosphere at the heart of the government.

May is preparing to name the rest of her cabinet, after revealing Friday that her five most senior ministers would stay in their posts.

Several Conservative lawmakers have warned she cannot carry on indefinitely, after throwing away a 17-seat majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.

But former party leader Iain Duncan Smith said a leadership contest now would be a &quot;catastrophe&quot;.

&#39;DUP has got to go&#39;

The Conservatives won 318 seats, down from 331 in 2015 after the opposition Labour party under socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn scored hefty gains.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is gay, was among the first to express disquiet over a deal with the ultra-conservative DUP.

&quot;I sought, and to be fair to the prime minister, received a categoric assurance that in talking to the DUP that there would be no suggestion of any rollback on LGBTI rights in the rest of the UK,&quot; she told reporters.

Several hundred people -- many Labour voters -- protested in central London against the potential alliance, with one organiser leading chants of &quot;racist, sexist, anti-gay, the DUP has got to go&quot;.

Joining forces with the hardline Protestant party also threatens London&#39;s neutrality in Northern Ireland, which is key to the delicate balance of power in a province once plagued by violence.

On Brexit, the DUP supports leaving the EU but opposes a return to a &quot;hard&quot; border with Ireland -- which could happen if May carries through her threat to walk away from the talks rather than accept a &quot;bad deal&quot;.

The new parliament will be sworn in Tuesday, but the real test for May is likely to come when MPs vote on her programme after it is outlined in parliament by Queen Elizabeth II on June 19.

European Council President Donald Tusk has warned there is &quot;no time to lose&quot; in starting Brexit talks, after May on March 29 started the two-year countdown to ending Britain&#39;s four-decade membership.

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British PM Theresa May told?German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a phone call that Britain was ready to begin Brexit negotiations 'as planned in the next couple of weeks'

British Prime Minister Theresa May reached an "outline agreement" on Saturday with the ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party in order to be able to govern after a humiliating election that has left her authority in tatters. She also confirmed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a phone call that Britain was ready to begin Brexit negotiations "as planned in the next couple of weeks", reassuring EU leaders who had expressed doubts after May's electoral losses. May's Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority in Thursday's vote and need the support of the 10 MPs from Northern Ireland's DUP to have a majority. "We can confirm that the Democratic Unionist Party have agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support the Conservative government," a spokesman for May said. The spokesman indicated this would not be a formal coalition but a minority government with looser DUP support on a "confidence and supply basis". "We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond," he said. The details of the agreement "will be put forward for discussion and agreement" at a cabinet meeting on Monday, a day before the new parliament meets, the spokesman said. There was no mention of what concessions the DUP may have asked for, amid growing concern about the influence of a party opposed to abortion and gay marriage, and which has proved hugely controversial in the past over the homophobic and sectarian views of some of its representatives. May earlier on Saturday lost her two closest aides as she struggled to reassert her leadership after a crushing election setback. The Conservative leader has been warned that her days are numbered after calling Thursday's vote three years early hoping to strengthen her hand going into Brexit negotiations with Brussels, only to lose her majority. Senior party figures have cautioned against any immediate leadership challenge, saying it would cause only further disruption as Britain prepares to start the Brexit talks as early as June 19. But media reports suggest they had demanded the departure of May's joint chiefs of staff, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, as the price for allowing the 60-year-old vicar's daughter to stay in office. They were replaced by Gavin Barwell, a former housing minister who lost his seat in the election. 'Toxic' atmosphere May put on a brave face after Thursday's vote, expressing sorrow for the MPs who lost their seats but refusing to acknowledge how her election gamble backfired. "From hubris to humiliation," said the left-leaning Guardian, while the Times headline read: "May stares into the abyss". The resignations of Timothy and Hill, on whom May had been heavily reliant since her previous job at the interior ministry, will be a personal blow. Timothy said he took responsibility for the Conservative manifesto, including a plan for elderly social care that caused a backlash among core voters. A party spokesman confirmed the resignation of Hill, a combative character who one former colleague said had helped create a "toxic" atmosphere at the heart of the government. May is preparing to name the rest of her cabinet, after revealing Friday that her five most senior ministers would stay in their posts. Several Conservative lawmakers have warned she cannot carry on indefinitely, after throwing away a 17-seat majority in the 650-seat House of Commons. But former party leader Iain Duncan Smith said a leadership contest now would be a "catastrophe". 'DUP has got to go' The Conservatives won 318 seats, down from 331 in 2015 after the opposition Labour party under socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn scored hefty gains. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is gay, was among the first to express disquiet over a deal with the ultra-conservative DUP. "I sought, and to be fair to the prime minister, received a categoric assurance that in talking to the DUP that there would be no suggestion of any rollback on LGBTI rights in the rest of the UK," she told reporters. Several hundred people -- many Labour voters -- protested in central London against the potential alliance, with one organiser leading chants of "racist, sexist, anti-gay, the DUP has got to go". Joining forces with the hardline Protestant party also threatens London's neutrality in Northern Ireland, which is key to the delicate balance of power in a province once plagued by violence. On Brexit, the DUP supports leaving the EU but opposes a return to a "hard" border with Ireland -- which could happen if May carries through her threat to walk away from the talks rather than accept a "bad deal". The new parliament will be sworn in Tuesday, but the real test for May is likely to come when MPs vote on her programme after it is outlined in parliament by Queen Elizabeth II on June 19. European Council President Donald Tusk has warned there is "no time to lose" in starting Brexit talks, after May on March 29 started the two-year countdown to ending Britain's four-decade membership.

Britain's May reaches 'outline' power deal, Brexit talks to begin in 'next couple of weeks'

By Ankit Saproo

British PM Theresa May&#39;s decision to call for early snap elections in April was guided mainly by polls which pointed to a huge victory. However, as early results poured in it clearly revealed&nbsp;Britain was a different country two months ago.

Her political instinct was clearly out of sync with reality. A majority&nbsp;would have given her an entire five-year term to negotiate the Brexit process on her own terms.&nbsp;

In her speech announcing the early elections, May had said, &quot;It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.&quot;

A confident May even suggested to&nbsp;the British people that they should vote for the Conservative party&nbsp;if they want Brexit to be a success.&nbsp;Unfortunately, the election results out today prove&nbsp;her political instincts were&nbsp;clearly out of sync with reality.

What led to the failure?

Just like her predecessor ex-prime minister David Cameron, May was against Brexit but remained silent during the entire campaign leading up to the referendum on June 23, 2016.

David Cameron resigned as the Prime Minister&nbsp;after Britain voted in favour of Brexit.&nbsp;Theresa May, who was home secretary in the Cameron government, took over as the next Prime Minister and quickly became a votary of Brexit saying that it is what the people wanted. In the end, it was her &#39;Great Switch&#39; which was rejected by the British people.&nbsp;

On March 29, 2016, she won a major victory in the UK Parliament when the European Union Bill was passed by a huge majority with the support of the Labour party. The Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats had opposed the bill.

With the bipartisan support for the bill to initiate the process of UK&#39;s exit, Theresa May activated Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. This was a major victory for the Theresa May-led government and gave her the confidence to go for what has been described as &quot;Hard Brexit&quot;.

In a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-signs-letter-that-will-start-brexit-13913">letter to the European Council President Donald Tusk</a>, Theresa May said that the Brexit referendum &quot;was a vote to restore, as we see it, our national self-determination&quot;.

Donald Tusk urged Theresa May not to let &quot;emotions&quot;&nbsp;get in the way of the negotiating process as it would lead to talks collapsing even before they start.

The appeal from the European Council President came after Theresa May accused Brussels of meddling in the election process and undermining British stance on the terms of negotiations governing Brexit.&nbsp;With her allegedly hard position on Brexit negotiations, she alienated most of UK&#39;s allies in the European Union.&nbsp;

What next?

With&nbsp;the Conservative party losing the majority in the House of Commons&nbsp;Theresa May is clearly handicapped, almost a lame duck when she leads the Brexit talks.

In fact, analysts are already hinting at the possibility of a new referendum on Brexit. The House is clearly divided after this historic verdict. Is this the beginning of the end of Brexit or end of a&nbsp;new beginning? &nbsp; &nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp;

May even went to the extent of suggesting that the British people should vote the Conservatives to power if they want Brexit to be a success, a report in The Guardian said

By Ankit Saproo British PM Theresa May's decision to call for early snap elections in April was guided mainly by polls which pointed to a huge victory. However, as early results poured in it clearly revealed Britain was a different country two months ago. Her political instinct was clearly out of sync with reality. A majority would have given her an entire five-year term to negotiate the Brexit process on her own terms. In her speech announcing the early elections, May had said, "It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond." A confident May even suggested to the British people that they should vote for the Conservative party if they want Brexit to be a success. Unfortunately, the election results out today prove her political instincts were clearly out of sync with reality. What led to the failure? Just like her predecessor ex-prime minister David Cameron, May was against Brexit but remained silent during the entire campaign leading up to the referendum on June 23, 2016. David Cameron resigned as the Prime Minister after Britain voted in favour of Brexit. Theresa May, who was home secretary in the Cameron government, took over as the next Prime Minister and quickly became a votary of Brexit saying that it is what the people wanted. In the end, it was her 'Great Switch' which was rejected by the British people. On March 29, 2016, she won a major victory in the UK Parliament when the European Union Bill was passed by a huge majority with the support of the Labour party. The Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats had opposed the bill. With the bipartisan support for the bill to initiate the process of UK's exit, Theresa May activated Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. This was a major victory for the Theresa May-led government and gave her the confidence to go for what has been described as "Hard Brexit". In a letter to the European Council President Donald Tusk, Theresa May said that the Brexit referendum "was a vote to restore, as we see it, our national self-determination". Donald Tusk urged Theresa May not to let "emotions" get in the way of the negotiating process as it would lead to talks collapsing even before they start. The appeal from the European Council President came after Theresa May accused Brussels of meddling in the election process and undermining British stance on the terms of negotiations governing Brexit. With her allegedly hard position on Brexit negotiations, she alienated most of UK's allies in the European Union. What next? With the Conservative party losing the majority in the House of Commons Theresa May is clearly handicapped, almost a lame duck when she leads the Brexit talks. In fact, analysts are already hinting at the possibility of a new referendum on Brexit. The House is clearly divided after this historic verdict. Is this the beginning of the end of Brexit or end of a new beginning? (WION)

Theresa May's gamble and why it failed

The Philippines said Thursday it would refuse European Union grants that &quot;interfered&quot; with its internal affairs, following the bloc&#39;s repeated criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s deadly drug war.

The European Union has been one of the most vocal international critics of the drug war, which has seen thousands of people killed since Duterte came to power last year.&nbsp;

&quot;The president has approved the recommendation of the department of finance not to accept grants... from the EU that may allow it to interfere with the internal policies of the Philippines,&quot; presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters.

Abella said one grant had already been declined for having &quot;objectionable&quot; conditions attached to it, although he refused to elaborate.

The European Union is the Philippines&#39; eighth biggest source of aid, with assistance last year worth $217 million, according to government data.

It was not clear how much money was in jeopardy.

Abella said humanitarian aid would still be accepted but the EU ambassador to Manila, Franz Jessen, said the decision impacted 250 million euros ($278 million) in grants.

Economic secretary Ernesto Pernia added to the confusion by saying Duterte may retract it.

&quot;I will not take that as a policy. It is more of a reaction to criticisms. To me, on face value, it appears kind of unwelcome or not a good move but perhaps, I don&#39;t think it&#39;s going to remain as such,&quot; Pernia told reporters.

Duterte, 72, has repeatedly criticised European lawmakers and the EU for condemning his drug war, which has led to accusations of a crime against humanity.&nbsp;

The European Union has said is reviewing Philippine exports&#39; duty-free status because of rights concerns, which also include Duterte&#39;s plans to bring back the death penalty and lower the age of criminal responsibility to nine.

Duterte last year used vulgar language and raised his middle finger in response to a European parliament statement expressing concern over the killings.

Foreign policy pivot

The German government also expressed concern after Duterte last year drew parallels between his drug war and Nazi Germany leader Adolf Hitler&#39;s Holocaust.

&quot;Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now there are three million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I&#39;d be happy to slaughter them,&quot; Duterte said, underestimating the number of people killed in the Holocaust.

He later apologised for the Hitler reference but said he was &quot;emphatic&quot; about wanting to kill addicts.

Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after promising to end crime by killing tens of thousands of drug traffickers and addicts.

Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since Duterte took office at the end of June and immediately launched his war on drugs.

Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other violent deaths are under investigation, according to police data.

Partly in response to American criticism of the drug war, Duterte has also loosened the Philippines&#39; ties with traditional ally the United States.

Duterte has instead embraced China, which has supported his drug war and sought to deepen economic ties by providing billions of dollars worth of investments and aid to the Philippines.

Asked about how to make up for the loss of EU money, Abella said Duterte had already attracted huge new sources of funds.&nbsp;

&quot;He has brought in an enormous amount, huge slabs of bacon,&quot; Abella said, in an apparent reference to China.

Duterte, a self-described socialist, has also forged warmer relations with Russia, and will travel to Moscow next week to meet President Vladimir Putin.

(AFP)

The European Union has been one of the most vocal international critics of President Duterte's drug war which has seen thousands of people killed

The Philippines said Thursday it would refuse European Union grants that "interfered" with its internal affairs, following the bloc's repeated criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war. The European Union has been one of the most vocal international critics of the drug war, which has seen thousands of people killed since Duterte came to power last year. "The president has approved the recommendation of the department of finance not to accept grants... from the EU that may allow it to interfere with the internal policies of the Philippines," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters. Abella said one grant had already been declined for having "objectionable" conditions attached to it, although he refused to elaborate. The European Union is the Philippines' eighth biggest source of aid, with assistance last year worth $217 million, according to government data. It was not clear how much money was in jeopardy. Abella said humanitarian aid would still be accepted but the EU ambassador to Manila, Franz Jessen, said the decision impacted 250 million euros ($278 million) in grants. Economic secretary Ernesto Pernia added to the confusion by saying Duterte may retract it. "I will not take that as a policy. It is more of a reaction to criticisms. To me, on face value, it appears kind of unwelcome or not a good move but perhaps, I don't think it's going to remain as such," Pernia told reporters. Duterte, 72, has repeatedly criticised European lawmakers and the EU for condemning his drug war, which has led to accusations of a crime against humanity. The European Union has said is reviewing Philippine exports' duty-free status because of rights concerns, which also include Duterte's plans to bring back the death penalty and lower the age of criminal responsibility to nine. Duterte last year used vulgar language and raised his middle finger in response to a European parliament statement expressing concern over the killings. Foreign policy pivot The German government also expressed concern after Duterte last year drew parallels between his drug war and Nazi Germany leader Adolf Hitler's Holocaust. "Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now there are three million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I'd be happy to slaughter them," Duterte said, underestimating the number of people killed in the Holocaust. He later apologised for the Hitler reference but said he was "emphatic" about wanting to kill addicts. Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after promising to end crime by killing tens of thousands of drug traffickers and addicts. Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since Duterte took office at the end of June and immediately launched his war on drugs. Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other violent deaths are under investigation, according to police data. Partly in response to American criticism of the drug war, Duterte has also loosened the Philippines' ties with traditional ally the United States. Duterte has instead embraced China, which has supported his drug war and sought to deepen economic ties by providing billions of dollars worth of investments and aid to the Philippines. Asked about how to make up for the loss of EU money, Abella said Duterte had already attracted huge new sources of funds. "He has brought in an enormous amount, huge slabs of bacon," Abella said, in an apparent reference to China. Duterte, a self-described socialist, has also forged warmer relations with Russia, and will travel to Moscow next week to meet President Vladimir Putin. (AFP)

Philippines to refuse EU grants that 'interfere' with its internal affairs

The European Commission on Thursday fined US social media giant Facebook 110 million euros ($120 million) for providing incorrect and misleading information on its takeover of WhatsApp.

&quot;Today&#39;s decision sends a clear signal to companies that they must comply with all aspects of EU merger rules, including the obligation to provide correct information,&quot; EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

&quot;The Commission must be able to take decisions about mergers&#39; effects on competition in full knowledge of accurate facts,&quot; Vestager said.

EU regulators cleared the then $19 billion Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp in late 2014, finding no reason to believe it would dampen competition in the burgeoning social media sector.

In its statement Thursday, the Commission recalled that the merger rules require companies to provide regulators with the accurate information essential to any review.

It noted that when Facebook notified the Commission of the acquisition in 2014, the company had said it would &quot;be unable to establish reliable automated matching between Facebook users&#39; accounts and WhatsApp users&#39; accounts&quot;.

&quot;However, in August 2016, WhatsApp announced updates to its terms of service and privacy policy, including the possibility of linking WhatsApp users&#39; phone numbers with Facebook users&#39; identities,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

After launching a probe last year, the Commission &quot;found that, contrary to Facebook&#39;s statements in the 2014 merger review process, the technical possibility of automatically matching Facebook and WhatsApp users&#39; identities already existed in 2014, and that Facebook staff were aware of such a possibility.&quot;

The Commission said Thursday&#39;s decision and the fine would have no impact on its October 2014 clearance of the deal.

(AFP)

The Commission 'found that, contrary to Facebook's statements in the 2014 merger review process, the technical possibility of automatically matching Facebook and WhatsApp users' identities already existed in 2014, and that Facebook staff were aware of such a possibility.'

The European Commission on Thursday fined US social media giant Facebook 110 million euros ($120 million) for providing incorrect and misleading information on its takeover of WhatsApp. "Today's decision sends a clear signal to companies that they must comply with all aspects of EU merger rules, including the obligation to provide correct information," EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "The Commission must be able to take decisions about mergers' effects on competition in full knowledge of accurate facts," Vestager said. EU regulators cleared the then $19 billion Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp in late 2014, finding no reason to believe it would dampen competition in the burgeoning social media sector. In its statement Thursday, the Commission recalled that the merger rules require companies to provide regulators with the accurate information essential to any review. It noted that when Facebook notified the Commission of the acquisition in 2014, the company had said it would "be unable to establish reliable automated matching between Facebook users' accounts and WhatsApp users' accounts". "However, in August 2016, WhatsApp announced updates to its terms of service and privacy policy, including the possibility of linking WhatsApp users' phone numbers with Facebook users' identities," it said. After launching a probe last year, the Commission "found that, contrary to Facebook's statements in the 2014 merger review process, the technical possibility of automatically matching Facebook and WhatsApp users' identities already existed in 2014, and that Facebook staff were aware of such a possibility." The Commission said Thursday's decision and the fine would have no impact on its October 2014 clearance of the deal. (AFP)

EU fines Facebook 110 mn euros over 'misleading' info in WhatsApp takeover

US&nbsp;Homeland Security chief John Kelly has not made a final decision on extending a ban on larger electronic devices on airplanes, but the department still believes an expansion is likely, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Fears that a bomb could be concealed in electronic devices prompted the United States to announce in March it would restrict passengers from bringing devices larger than cellphones on flights originating from 10 airports, including in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Britain followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes.

DHS spokesman David Lapan declined to offer guidance on when a decision on an expansion would be made, but reiterated it was likely the restrictions would be expanded. He also said any expansion could affect international airports in Europe and elsewhere.

European Union and US&nbsp;officials will meet on Wednesday to discuss airline security, including a possible extension of a ban on passengers carrying laptops in aircraft cabins, a European Commission spokesman said.

The meeting was arranged during a phone call between Kelly and EU ministers on Friday. DHS Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke will attend the meeting.

The United States has been considering increasing the number of airports affected by the ban to possibly include some European ones, prompting the EU to hold a meeting of aviation security officials last week.

In Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday the country may ban passengers from bringing laptop computers into the cabin on some international flights.

&quot;We are looking at it very closely, taking into account all the information and advice we are receiving internationally and working very closely with our partners,&quot; Turnbull said, according to a transcript released by his office.

Chief among the Europeans&#39; concerns is the fire risk from placing hundreds of devices with lithium-ion batteries in luggage holds.

Reuters reported last week that the Trump administration would likely expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries but was reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in holds do not explode in midair, citing officials briefed on the matter.

Any expansion of the ban could affect US&nbsp;and European carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc&nbsp;and American Airlines Group.

In 2016, 30 million people flew to the United States from Europe, according to US Transportation Department data.

(Reuters)

European Union and US?officials will meet on Wednesday to discuss airline security, including a possible extension of a ban on passengers carrying laptops in aircraft cabins

US Homeland Security chief John Kelly has not made a final decision on extending a ban on larger electronic devices on airplanes, but the department still believes an expansion is likely, a spokesman said on Tuesday. Fears that a bomb could be concealed in electronic devices prompted the United States to announce in March it would restrict passengers from bringing devices larger than cellphones on flights originating from 10 airports, including in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Britain followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes. DHS spokesman David Lapan declined to offer guidance on when a decision on an expansion would be made, but reiterated it was likely the restrictions would be expanded. He also said any expansion could affect international airports in Europe and elsewhere. European Union and US officials will meet on Wednesday to discuss airline security, including a possible extension of a ban on passengers carrying laptops in aircraft cabins, a European Commission spokesman said. The meeting was arranged during a phone call between Kelly and EU ministers on Friday. DHS Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke will attend the meeting. The United States has been considering increasing the number of airports affected by the ban to possibly include some European ones, prompting the EU to hold a meeting of aviation security officials last week. In Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday the country may ban passengers from bringing laptop computers into the cabin on some international flights. "We are looking at it very closely, taking into account all the information and advice we are receiving internationally and working very closely with our partners," Turnbull said, according to a transcript released by his office. Chief among the Europeans' concerns is the fire risk from placing hundreds of devices with lithium-ion batteries in luggage holds. Reuters reported last week that the Trump administration would likely expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries but was reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in holds do not explode in midair, citing officials briefed on the matter. Any expansion of the ban could affect US and European carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc and American Airlines Group. In 2016, 30 million people flew to the United States from Europe, according to US Transportation Department data. (Reuters)

Expansion of laptop ban likely: US

Emmanuel Macron will be inaugurated as France&#39;s youngest-ever president on Sunday, facing daunting challenges to rejuvenate the economy and breathe new life into the beleaguered EU.

Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, will take over from President Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and bloody terror attacks, in a ceremony at 0800 GMT.

After ascending the red carpet at the Elysee Palace in central Paris, Macron and Hollande will have a private meeting in the president&#39;s office where Macron will be given the codes to launch France&#39;s nuclear weapons.

Hollande is clearly delighted at the election of the former investment banker, who scored a clear victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen on May 7.

The current president launched Macron&#39;s political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister.

&quot;I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it&#39;s far simpler,&quot; Hollande said on Thursday.

Security will be tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads will be blocked off.

At the end of the ceremony, a 21-gun salute will ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine.

After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris&#39;s town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his &quot;host&quot; city.

He will be accompanied by his wife Brigitte, his 64-year-old former drama teacher whose romance with the new president, and their 25-year age gap, has already generated media interest around the world.

PM named, then Berlin 
On Monday, Macron is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called &quot;motor&quot; of the EU.

Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members.

He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone.

Merkel welcomed Macron&#39;s decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried &quot;the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe&quot;.

In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a &quot;third round of the presidential election&quot; when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote.

The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda.

The year-old political movement &quot;Republique en Marche&quot; (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country.

It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament.

Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women.

Host of new faces 
Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an &quot;immense responsibility&quot;.

&quot;You are the new faces of French politics,&quot; some of those present quoted him as saying.

Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign.

Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at &quot;democratic destabilisation&quot;.

US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack.

The election saw voters reject France&#39;s two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round.

Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958.&nbsp;

(AFP)

He will be France's youngest-ever President

Emmanuel Macron will be inaugurated as France's youngest-ever president on Sunday, facing daunting challenges to rejuvenate the economy and breathe new life into the beleaguered EU. Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, will take over from President Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and bloody terror attacks, in a ceremony at 0800 GMT. After ascending the red carpet at the Elysee Palace in central Paris, Macron and Hollande will have a private meeting in the president's office where Macron will be given the codes to launch France's nuclear weapons. Hollande is clearly delighted at the election of the former investment banker, who scored a clear victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen on May 7. The current president launched Macron's political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister. "I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it's far simpler," Hollande said on Thursday. Security will be tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads will be blocked off. At the end of the ceremony, a 21-gun salute will ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine. After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris's town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his "host" city. He will be accompanied by his wife Brigitte, his 64-year-old former drama teacher whose romance with the new president, and their 25-year age gap, has already generated media interest around the world. PM named, then Berlin On Monday, Macron is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called "motor" of the EU. Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members. He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone. Merkel welcomed Macron's decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried "the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe". In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a "third round of the presidential election" when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote. The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda. The year-old political movement "Republique en Marche" (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country. It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament. Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women. Host of new faces Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an "immense responsibility". "You are the new faces of French politics," some of those present quoted him as saying. Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign. Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at "democratic destabilisation". US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack. The election saw voters reject France's two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round. Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958. (AFP)

Macron to take office as French President today

Theresa May faces her first nationwide electoral test as Britain&#39;s prime minister on Thursday, as she toughens her Brexit position just weeks before a crucial general election.

Britain will choose thousands of new local councillors in a vote that will be closely watched for proof of the strength of May&#39;s Conservatives, which opinion polls suggest are on course for a thumping victory in the June 8 parliamentary elections.

Nearly 5,000 local authority seats are being contested across England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday along with eight metropolitan mayoralties.

Experts warn against using the results to predict the outcome of next month&#39;s vote, noting that such elections are normally fought on local issues, and are often used to punish the sitting government.

But the proximity of the general election and the political upheaval caused by last year&#39;s shock Brexit referendum has created a unique context.

&#39;Threats against Britain&#39;

May invoked Britain&#39;s formal notice of its intention to leave the European Union on March 29.

Two weeks ago the prime minister called the surprise June general election to strengthen her mandate as she heads into EU negotiations, and she is well aware Brexit will be on many voters&#39; minds on Thursday.

Speaking outside her Downing Street office a day before the local elections, May took aim at Brussels for making &quot;threats against Britain&quot; over the divorce proceedings.

The two sides have clashed over the costs of the exit, prompting May to accuse the EU of toughening its stance in statements &quot;deliberately timed to affect the result of the general election&quot; in June.

Opposition leaders have claimed the prime minister is using the EU talks as a distraction from other issues, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accusing May of &quot;playing party games with Brexit&quot;.

Labour sits more than 20 points behind the Conservatives, with the local polls expected to indicate the challenge facing Corbyn&#39;s party ahead of the general election.

&quot;They will provide some vital information about the pattern of support and where parties are performing particularly strongly or weakly,&quot; said Anthony Wells of polling company YouGov.

Local elections spillover

&quot;The Conservatives are doing very well and that is almost certainly likely to have some spillover into the local elections,&quot; said Roger Scully, a politics professor at the University of Cardiff.

But drawing a national picture from Thursday&#39;s vote will be made harder by the absence of council elections in England&#39;s biggest cities, where Labour is traditionally strong.

&quot;Let&#39;s see what happens. That might be an interesting measure of how things are going more generally, and how accurate the polling is,&quot; a senior Labour source said.

The smaller, pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who were almost wiped out in the 2015 general election after entering a coalition government with the Conservatives, are hoping to pick up some momentum for the June vote with gains on Thursday.

By contrast, the anti-EU, anti-mass immigration UK Independence Party is predicted to lose most of its council seats as it struggles to define itself now that its principal goal -- Brexit -- is on its way to being achieved.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, the local elections will indicate the strength of the ruling Scottish National Party, which has used the Brexit vote to call for a new referendum on independence.

(AFP)

Britain will choose thousands of new local councillors in a vote that will be closely watched for proof of the strength of May's Conservatives

Theresa May faces her first nationwide electoral test as Britain's prime minister on Thursday, as she toughens her Brexit position just weeks before a crucial general election. Britain will choose thousands of new local councillors in a vote that will be closely watched for proof of the strength of May's Conservatives, which opinion polls suggest are on course for a thumping victory in the June 8 parliamentary elections. Nearly 5,000 local authority seats are being contested across England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday along with eight metropolitan mayoralties. Experts warn against using the results to predict the outcome of next month's vote, noting that such elections are normally fought on local issues, and are often used to punish the sitting government. But the proximity of the general election and the political upheaval caused by last year's shock Brexit referendum has created a unique context. 'Threats against Britain' May invoked Britain's formal notice of its intention to leave the European Union on March 29. Two weeks ago the prime minister called the surprise June general election to strengthen her mandate as she heads into EU negotiations, and she is well aware Brexit will be on many voters' minds on Thursday. Speaking outside her Downing Street office a day before the local elections, May took aim at Brussels for making "threats against Britain" over the divorce proceedings. The two sides have clashed over the costs of the exit, prompting May to accuse the EU of toughening its stance in statements "deliberately timed to affect the result of the general election" in June. Opposition leaders have claimed the prime minister is using the EU talks as a distraction from other issues, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accusing May of "playing party games with Brexit". Labour sits more than 20 points behind the Conservatives, with the local polls expected to indicate the challenge facing Corbyn's party ahead of the general election. "They will provide some vital information about the pattern of support and where parties are performing particularly strongly or weakly," said Anthony Wells of polling company YouGov. Local elections spillover "The Conservatives are doing very well and that is almost certainly likely to have some spillover into the local elections," said Roger Scully, a politics professor at the University of Cardiff. But drawing a national picture from Thursday's vote will be made harder by the absence of council elections in England's biggest cities, where Labour is traditionally strong. "Let's see what happens. That might be an interesting measure of how things are going more generally, and how accurate the polling is," a senior Labour source said. The smaller, pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who were almost wiped out in the 2015 general election after entering a coalition government with the Conservatives, are hoping to pick up some momentum for the June vote with gains on Thursday. By contrast, the anti-EU, anti-mass immigration UK Independence Party is predicted to lose most of its council seats as it struggles to define itself now that its principal goal -- Brexit -- is on its way to being achieved. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the local elections will indicate the strength of the ruling Scottish National Party, which has used the Brexit vote to call for a new referendum on independence. (AFP)

May takes tough Brexit stance as UK holds local elections

British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying it was the only way to guarantee political stability for years ahead as Britain negotiates its way out of the European Union. 
&nbsp;

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Hearing May will announce General Election for June 8th - one source not confirmed
&mdash; Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbclaurak/status/854272269748772864">April 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The pound strengthened by almost half a cent against the dollar as May spoke, reflecting investor relief that earlier rumours of a shock resignation did not transpire. Ten-year British government bond yields rose slightly.

&quot;I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June,&quot; May said in a surprise statement outside her Downing Street office.

&quot;It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.&quot;

She said she would introduce legislation on Wednesday to pave the way for the early election. Under current legislation, the next election was not scheduled to take place until 2020.

Despite repeatedly rejecting calls from within her Conservative party for an early vote, May has now decided to take advantage of her commanding lead over the main opposition Labour Party in opinion polls.

The margin reached 20 points in the latest polls.

May accused her domestic political opponents of &quot;game-playing&quot; over Brexit.

May&#39;s Conservatives, who were split on the issue of European Union membership ahead of last year&#39;s referendum, are currently far ahead of Labour, the main opposition party, according to opinion polls.

She said this was a one-off chance to get an election done while the EU was agreeing on its negotiating position.&nbsp;The other 27 EU leaders are set to hold a summit on April 29 where they will agree on a strategy for negotiating Britain&#39;s expected departure in 2019.

The negotiations themselves are not expected to start until May or June at the earliest -- and Brussels said this timetable would not change.

May said the government had the right plan to negotiate Brexit, and there would be no change of course.

(Agencies)

May said it was the only way to guarantee political stability for years ahead as Britain negotiates its way out of the European Union

British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying it was the only way to guarantee political stability for years ahead as Britain negotiates its way out of the European Union. Hearing May will announce General Election for June 8th - one source not confirmed — Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) April 18, 2017 × The pound strengthened by almost half a cent against the dollar as May spoke, reflecting investor relief that earlier rumours of a shock resignation did not transpire. Ten-year British government bond yields rose slightly. "I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June," May said in a surprise statement outside her Downing Street office. "It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond." She said she would introduce legislation on Wednesday to pave the way for the early election. Under current legislation, the next election was not scheduled to take place until 2020. Despite repeatedly rejecting calls from within her Conservative party for an early vote, May has now decided to take advantage of her commanding lead over the main opposition Labour Party in opinion polls. The margin reached 20 points in the latest polls. May accused her domestic political opponents of "game-playing" over Brexit. May's Conservatives, who were split on the issue of European Union membership ahead of last year's referendum, are currently far ahead of Labour, the main opposition party, according to opinion polls. She said this was a one-off chance to get an election done while the EU was agreeing on its negotiating position. The other 27 EU leaders are set to hold a summit on April 29 where they will agree on a strategy for negotiating Britain's expected departure in 2019. The negotiations themselves are not expected to start until May or June at the earliest -- and Brussels said this timetable would not change. May said the government had the right plan to negotiate Brexit, and there would be no change of course. (Agencies)

British PM Theresa May confirms early UK election on June 8

Philippines&#39; President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out on Friday at European Union critics of his bloody anti-narcotics campaign, threatening to &quot;slap&quot; them.

It is the latest of the leader&#39;s near-daily diatribe against the United States, EU and the United Nations while heaping praise on China and Russia.

&quot;Come here and we will talk because I want to slap you,&quot; Duterte said in a speech during celebrations of Women&#39;s Day at the presidential palace late on Friday.

Duterte scoffed at the bloc for recommending the Philippines build &quot;clinics around like in other countries, and give shabu, cocaine and heroin like in Holland.&quot;

The Southeast Asian leader lashed out on the EU last week for hypocrisy and called the bloc &quot;sons of bitches&quot; for recommending a rehabilitation-centred solution to the drugs problem.

More than 8,000 people have been killed since Duterte took power on June 30 last year, with police taking responsibility for a third of those deaths, citing self-defence during anti-narcotics operations.

The government rejects local and international human rights groups&#39; allegations that police are involved in thousands of mysterious deaths.

Duterte castigated the EU for believing reports of non-government groups that tag the leader for the killings.

&quot;Even if it&#39;s just epilepsy, they count it against me,&quot; he said, to the laughter of the crowd.

Duterte boasted of his new-found friendship with China, which had been embroiled in a territorial spat with the Philippines before Duterte took office.

As for Russia, Duterte said he plans to make it the trade gateway for Eastern Europe.

(Reuters)

'Come here and we will talk because I want to slap you,' Duterte said in a speech during celebrations of Women's Day

Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out on Friday at European Union critics of his bloody anti-narcotics campaign, threatening to "slap" them. It is the latest of the leader's near-daily diatribe against the United States, EU and the United Nations while heaping praise on China and Russia. "Come here and we will talk because I want to slap you," Duterte said in a speech during celebrations of Women's Day at the presidential palace late on Friday. Duterte scoffed at the bloc for recommending the Philippines build "clinics around like in other countries, and give shabu, cocaine and heroin like in Holland." The Southeast Asian leader lashed out on the EU last week for hypocrisy and called the bloc "sons of bitches" for recommending a rehabilitation-centred solution to the drugs problem. More than 8,000 people have been killed since Duterte took power on June 30 last year, with police taking responsibility for a third of those deaths, citing self-defence during anti-narcotics operations. The government rejects local and international human rights groups' allegations that police are involved in thousands of mysterious deaths. Duterte castigated the EU for believing reports of non-government groups that tag the leader for the killings. "Even if it's just epilepsy, they count it against me," he said, to the laughter of the crowd. Duterte boasted of his new-found friendship with China, which had been embroiled in a territorial spat with the Philippines before Duterte took office. As for Russia, Duterte said he plans to make it the trade gateway for Eastern Europe. (Reuters)

Philippines' Duterte invites EU critics, wants to 'slap them'

British PM Theresa May addressed the British Parliament declaring &quot;Britain&#39;s better days are ahead&quot; as Britain formally launched the process to leave the EU on Wednesday.

The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union,&quot; May told parliament nine months after Britain shocked investors and world leaders by unexpectedly voting to quit the bloc. &quot;This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back.&quot;

PM Theresa May said,&quot;We will remain reliable partners of the European Union, despite Brexit we will partner NATO.&quot;

Tim Barrow, Britain&#39;s ambassador to the European Union, personally delivered the letter signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Tusk&#39;s office in Brussels to trigger Britain&#39;s exit from the European Union, AFP reported.

German chancellor Angela Merkel urged&nbsp;&#39;fair and constructive&#39; Brexit negotiations. French President Francois Hollande said Brexit will be &quot;economically painful&quot; for Britain, after London formally launched the process to quit the European Union.&nbsp;

The move will &quot;force Europe to go forward, undoubtedly with different speeds&quot;, the French president declared.

&nbsp;

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After nine months the UK has delivered. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash">#Brexit</a>
&mdash; Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/847047933405093892">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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The Article 50 letter. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash">#Brexit</a> <a href="https://t.co/SO5R5BTvhw">pic.twitter.com/SO5R5BTvhw</a>
&mdash; Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/847048551792291840">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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At 13.20 today, UK <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash">#Brexit</a> notification letter (article 50) will be handed to me by Ambassador Tim Barrow: <a href="https://t.co/HYCdJfmuLH">https://t.co/HYCdJfmuLH</a> <a href="https://t.co/FBcAx8MSon">pic.twitter.com/FBcAx8MSon</a>
&mdash; Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/846983434484494338">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The European Union (EU) was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012 for&nbsp;&quot;for over six decades having&nbsp;contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe&quot;. Britain will become the first country ever to seek a divorce, striking a blow at the heart of the union forged after&nbsp;World War II.

(WION with Agency inputs)

Britain formally launched the process to leave the European Union, handing a letter to EU president Donald Tusk

British PM Theresa May addressed the British Parliament declaring "Britain's better days are ahead" as Britain formally launched the process to leave the EU on Wednesday. The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union," May told parliament nine months after Britain shocked investors and world leaders by unexpectedly voting to quit the bloc. "This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back." PM Theresa May said,"We will remain reliable partners of the European Union, despite Brexit we will partner NATO." Tim Barrow, Britain's ambassador to the European Union, personally delivered the letter signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Tusk's office in Brussels to trigger Britain's exit from the European Union, AFP reported. German chancellor Angela Merkel urged 'fair and constructive' Brexit negotiations. French President Francois Hollande said Brexit will be "economically painful" for Britain, after London formally launched the process to quit the European Union. The move will "force Europe to go forward, undoubtedly with different speeds", the French president declared. After nine months the UK has delivered. #Brexit — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) March 29, 2017 × The Article 50 letter. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/SO5R5BTvhw — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) March 29, 2017 × At 13.20 today, UK #Brexit notification letter (article 50) will be handed to me by Ambassador Tim Barrow: https://t.co/HYCdJfmuLH pic.twitter.com/FBcAx8MSon — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) March 29, 2017 × The European Union (EU) was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012 for "for over six decades having contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe". Britain will become the first country ever to seek a divorce, striking a blow at the heart of the union forged after World War II. (WION with Agency inputs)

Britain officially triggers Brexit, PM Theresa May says 'no turning back'

Britain&#39;s economy has for months defied the cataclysmic predictions made by campaigners for staying in the EU ahead of last year&#39;s referendum but its smooth run shows signs of hitting the skids.

As Britain begins the delicate process of extracting itself from the European Union, headwinds are expected for the economy even though the forecast financial storm has so far failed to materialise.

The first nine months since the Brexit vote have been deftly handled by Prime Minister Theresa May, aided by the Bank of England&#39;s injections of liquidity into the banking system and unflagging consumer confidence.

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<h5>The real question is what will happen over the two years of likely fraught negotiations ahead</h5>
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The economy grew by a wholly respectable 1.8 per cent in 2016 and could expand by 2 per cent this year, according to the latest forecasts.

But economists say the positive results are due to the fact that nothing concrete has happened on the Brexit front since the referendum on June 23.

The real question is what will happen over the two years of likely fraught negotiations ahead.

Top of the rollercoaster&nbsp;

&quot;Right now, it feels like we&#39;re just reaching the top of the Article 50 rollercoaster,&quot; said Paul Drechsler, head of the Confederation of British Industry, the country&#39;s main big business lobby.

&quot;Any minute now... we&#39;ll suddenly drop into the twists and turns of negotiations,&quot; he said.

Drechsler said the worst outcome would be if London and Brussels were to hammer out a divorce without a new trade deal in place that would allow businesses on both sides to prepare for the hefty cost of Britain leaving the European single market.

May, who has said she will take Britain out of the single market in order to be able to reduce immigration, has said she is ready to implement Brexit without a deal if the conditions put forward by EU negotiators are too demanding.

Businesses are warning against such an outcome and say that it would hit two key sectors particularly hard -- the powerful financial sector and a car industry that is currently in full bloom.

By way of example, if Britain is forced to fall back on World Trade Organization rules for trading with the EU after it leaves, British car exports would face a 10-per cent tariff at the EU border.

Any announcement by carmakers about their activities in Britain is already making the government jumpy, be that investment by Nissan in Sunderland in northeast England, job cuts by Ford in Wales or PSA&#39;s takeover of Vauxhall factories.

British employers have also been pushing hard for EU nationals to be allowed to continue coming in.

The immigrant labour force, particularly from Eastern Europe, has greatly helped the economy in recent years but constituted a key argument for the Brexit campaign and helped explain the vote outcome.

Sectors that depend on low-skilled workers such as retail, catering and construction have already suffered from a slowdown in arrivals seen since the vote, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said in a study published last month.

Gas in the tank

Businesses are also questioning whether to invest over the next two years, since there will be uncertainty until the end of the negotiations.

&quot;UK demand for funding from both businesses and households has been softening somewhat at the beginning of this year, which we believe is the first sign of the gradual slowing of the economy that we expect for 2017,&quot; said Boris Glass, senior economist at S&amp;P Global Ratings.

Consumers are also beginning to feel the effect of a sharp rise in prices due to more expensive imports -- a consequence of the devaluation of the pound on currency markets caused by the Brexit vote.

With Britain facing turbulence, finance minister Philip Hammond presented a cautious budget last week that he hopes will give him enough spending power to act quickly if the economy starts to sputter.

Hammond said that &quot;as we embark on the journey that we will be taking over the next couple of years, we are confident that we have got enough gas in the tank to see us through that journey&quot;.

(AFP)

Economists say the positive results so far are due to the fact that nothing concrete has happened on the Brexit front since the referendum

Britain's economy has for months defied the cataclysmic predictions made by campaigners for staying in the EU ahead of last year's referendum but its smooth run shows signs of hitting the skids. As Britain begins the delicate process of extracting itself from the European Union, headwinds are expected for the economy even though the forecast financial storm has so far failed to materialise. The first nine months since the Brexit vote have been deftly handled by Prime Minister Theresa May, aided by the Bank of England's injections of liquidity into the banking system and unflagging consumer confidence. The real question is what will happen over the two years of likely fraught negotiations ahead × The economy grew by a wholly respectable 1.8 per cent in 2016 and could expand by 2 per cent this year, according to the latest forecasts. But economists say the positive results are due to the fact that nothing concrete has happened on the Brexit front since the referendum on June 23. The real question is what will happen over the two years of likely fraught negotiations ahead. Top of the rollercoaster "Right now, it feels like we're just reaching the top of the Article 50 rollercoaster," said Paul Drechsler, head of the Confederation of British Industry, the country's main big business lobby. "Any minute now... we'll suddenly drop into the twists and turns of negotiations," he said. Drechsler said the worst outcome would be if London and Brussels were to hammer out a divorce without a new trade deal in place that would allow businesses on both sides to prepare for the hefty cost of Britain leaving the European single market. May, who has said she will take Britain out of the single market in order to be able to reduce immigration, has said she is ready to implement Brexit without a deal if the conditions put forward by EU negotiators are too demanding. Businesses are warning against such an outcome and say that it would hit two key sectors particularly hard -- the powerful financial sector and a car industry that is currently in full bloom. By way of example, if Britain is forced to fall back on World Trade Organization rules for trading with the EU after it leaves, British car exports would face a 10-per cent tariff at the EU border. Any announcement by carmakers about their activities in Britain is already making the government jumpy, be that investment by Nissan in Sunderland in northeast England, job cuts by Ford in Wales or PSA's takeover of Vauxhall factories. British employers have also been pushing hard for EU nationals to be allowed to continue coming in. The immigrant labour force, particularly from Eastern Europe, has greatly helped the economy in recent years but constituted a key argument for the Brexit campaign and helped explain the vote outcome. Sectors that depend on low-skilled workers such as retail, catering and construction have already suffered from a slowdown in arrivals seen since the vote, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said in a study published last month. Gas in the tank Businesses are also questioning whether to invest over the next two years, since there will be uncertainty until the end of the negotiations. "UK demand for funding from both businesses and households has been softening somewhat at the beginning of this year, which we believe is the first sign of the gradual slowing of the economy that we expect for 2017," said Boris Glass, senior economist at S&P Global Ratings. Consumers are also beginning to feel the effect of a sharp rise in prices due to more expensive imports -- a consequence of the devaluation of the pound on currency markets caused by the Brexit vote. With Britain facing turbulence, finance minister Philip Hammond presented a cautious budget last week that he hopes will give him enough spending power to act quickly if the economy starts to sputter. Hammond said that "as we embark on the journey that we will be taking over the next couple of years, we are confident that we have got enough gas in the tank to see us through that journey". (AFP)

First warning signs appear post-Brexit for UK's resilient economy

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