Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her. 
 
Cavusoglu said the Turkish and EU sides agreed on the protocol ahead of Tuesday`s meeting with Erdogan, reports DPA news agency. 
 
"The seating arrangement was made in line with suggestions from the EU side," Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah in Ankara. 
 
Cavusoglu`s remarks came after the European Commission expressed disappointment that its President was relegated to a sofa on the side, while European Council President Charles Michel was offered the only chair next to Erdogan during their visit at the Turkish presidential palace. 
 
The unequal seating arrangements prompted social media allegations of sexism or a purposeful affront against the commission. 
 
Cavusoglu called the criticism against Turkey "very unfair", adding the meeting was held "within the frame of international protocol rules and Turkish hospitality". 
 
"We would not put this so clearly if it wasn`t for the accusations," the top Turkish diplomat added. 
 
Cavusoglu described the meeting as "very productive". 
 
In a Facebook post late Wednesday, Michel described the situation as "regrettable" and added the EU leaders decided to focus on the substance of the meeting rather than cause a "public incident".

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her. Cavusoglu said the Turkish and EU sides agreed on the protocol ahead of Tuesday`s meeting with Erdogan, reports DPA news agency. "The seating arrangement was made in line with suggestions from the EU side," Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah in Ankara. Cavusoglu`s remarks came after the European Commission expressed disappointment that its President was relegated to a sofa on the side, while European Council President Charles Michel was offered the only chair next to Erdogan during their visit at the Turkish presidential palace. The unequal seating arrangements prompted social media allegations of sexism or a purposeful affront against the commission. Cavusoglu called the criticism against Turkey "very unfair", adding the meeting was held "within the frame of international protocol rules and Turkish hospitality". "We would not put this so clearly if it wasn`t for the accusations," the top Turkish diplomat added. Cavusoglu described the meeting as "very productive". In a Facebook post late Wednesday, Michel described the situation as "regrettable" and added the EU leaders decided to focus on the substance of the meeting rather than cause a "public incident".

Turkey denies it snubbed EU chief during Ankara visit

The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration.

The visit is part of a relaunch of relations approved by EU leaders in March, after Turkey moved to calm a dispute over hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean, but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member Turkey was still fragile, in part over human rights.

Turkey hosts some four million refugees, mostly Syrian, and has repeatedly accused the EU of not honouring its promises as per a 2016 migrant deal, under which it curbed migrant flows to Europe in exchange for financial aid.

Turkey is formally a candidate for EU membership, but its bid to join the 27-nation bloc has been at a standstill.

Von der Leyen also emphasised that Turkey must respect the rule of law and implement rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, voicing alarm over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, aimed to protect women's rights, and other issues.

The visit by von der Leyen and Michel follows an EU summit last month at which the bloc said work could begin on deeper trade ties and on providing more money for refugees in Turkey, in a sign of improving ties after&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;took a constructive tone following months of tensions.

At the summit, the EU also warned Ankara of sanctions if it restarts energy exploration in disputed Mediterranean waters and voiced concern over Turkey's human rights record.

Both the EU and the United States have criticised a case to close Turkey's third biggest party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

A row between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus over energy resources and jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean has strained ties between the bloc and Ankara. Tensions flared in August when Turkish and Greek navy frigates escorted vessels exploring for hydrocarbons in disputed waters.

The European Union backs Athens, while Ankara has accused the bloc of bias.

Michel said the EU welcomed and supported the resumption of talks between Ankara and Athens over the decades-old dispute.

At last month's summit, the EU opened the door to begin modernising a Customs Union as Ankara has demanded. This would bring EU candidate Turkey into the internal market of the world's largest trading bloc and allow unhindered flow of goods and services.

While citing it as a strategic goal,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has downplayed EU membership in recent years amid increasing criticism from the bloc toward Ankara's foreign policy and human rights record, and the threat of EU sanctions.

The EU chiefs, who last held in-person talks with&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;a year ago, said they would cooperate with Ankara in three areas if the de-escalation continues, including improving economic ties, a formula to support refugees in Turkey, and ways to increase mobility

The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration.

The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration. The visit is part of a relaunch of relations approved by EU leaders in March, after Turkey moved to calm a dispute over hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean, but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member Turkey was still fragile, in part over human rights. Turkey hosts some four million refugees, mostly Syrian, and has repeatedly accused the EU of not honouring its promises as per a 2016 migrant deal, under which it curbed migrant flows to Europe in exchange for financial aid. Turkey is formally a candidate for EU membership, but its bid to join the 27-nation bloc has been at a standstill. Von der Leyen also emphasised that Turkey must respect the rule of law and implement rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, voicing alarm over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, aimed to protect women's rights, and other issues. The visit by von der Leyen and Michel follows an EU summit last month at which the bloc said work could begin on deeper trade ties and on providing more money for refugees in Turkey, in a sign of improving ties after Erdogan took a constructive tone following months of tensions. At the summit, the EU also warned Ankara of sanctions if it restarts energy exploration in disputed Mediterranean waters and voiced concern over Turkey's human rights record. Both the EU and the United States have criticised a case to close Turkey's third biggest party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). A row between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus over energy resources and jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean has strained ties between the bloc and Ankara. Tensions flared in August when Turkish and Greek navy frigates escorted vessels exploring for hydrocarbons in disputed waters. The European Union backs Athens, while Ankara has accused the bloc of bias. Michel said the EU welcomed and supported the resumption of talks between Ankara and Athens over the decades-old dispute. At last month's summit, the EU opened the door to begin modernising a Customs Union as Ankara has demanded. This would bring EU candidate Turkey into the internal market of the world's largest trading bloc and allow unhindered flow of goods and services. While citing it as a strategic goal, Erdogan has downplayed EU membership in recent years amid increasing criticism from the bloc toward Ankara's foreign policy and human rights record, and the threat of EU sanctions. The EU chiefs, who last held in-person talks with Erdogan a year ago, said they would cooperate with Ankara in three areas if the de-escalation continues, including improving economic ties, a formula to support refugees in Turkey, and ways to increase mobility

EU leaders meet Turkey's Erdogan for talks on migration, trade

EU chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Turkey on April 6 for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an EU spokesman said Monday.&nbsp;

EU leaders said at a summit last week they were ready to improve cooperation with Ankara if Erdogan maintained the current "de-escalation", following a spike in tensions over the eastern Mediterranean last year.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-vs-nato-in-turkey-eu-rift-256136/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The EU threatened sanctions on Ankara over a row between&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and EU member Greece last year over maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean but halted the plans after a more constructive tone from&nbsp;Erdogan.

Von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;was still fragile.

"Turkey&nbsp;has shown a more constructive attitude including in its bilateral relations with several EU member states. These are positive and welcomed steps on which we must try to build on," Von der Leyen said.

Negotiations could still take several years to complete and the EU is concerned that Erdogan could change course as he seeks a bigger regional role for&nbsp;Turkey, moving against the EU.

"If&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;does not move forward constructively, it returns to unilateral actions or provocations in particular in the Eastern Mediterranean, of course, would suspend this cooperation measures," the former German defence minister said.

EU chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Turkey on April 6 for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an EU spokesman said Monday.

EU chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Turkey on April 6 for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an EU spokesman said Monday. EU leaders said at a summit last week they were ready to improve cooperation with Ankara if Erdogan maintained the current "de-escalation", following a spike in tensions over the eastern Mediterranean last year. The EU threatened sanctions on Ankara over a row between Turkey and EU member Greece last year over maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean but halted the plans after a more constructive tone from Erdogan. Von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member Turkey was still fragile. "Turkey has shown a more constructive attitude including in its bilateral relations with several EU member states. These are positive and welcomed steps on which we must try to build on," Von der Leyen said. Negotiations could still take several years to complete and the EU is concerned that Erdogan could change course as he seeks a bigger regional role for Turkey, moving against the EU. "If Turkey does not move forward constructively, it returns to unilateral actions or provocations in particular in the Eastern Mediterranean, of course, would suspend this cooperation measures," the former German defence minister said.

European Union chiefs to visit Turkey on April 6

The European Union (EU) threatened to invoke emergency powers to block&nbsp;European&nbsp;exports of Covid-19 vaccines to ensure "reciprocity" with other suppliers, urging Britain to send Europe more jabs.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen gave her warning as Brussels unveiled its plan for a vaccine travel certificate, part of its effort to free up travel despite an emerging third wave of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-to-get-astrazeneca-vaccine-as-he-dismisses-safety-fears-371185" hreflang="en">UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears</a>

"All options are on the table," the former German defence minister said, warning that the vaccine situation would be addressed among EU leaders at talks next week.

"We are in the crisis of the century, and I'm not ruling out any anything for now, because we have to make sure that Europeans are vaccinated as soon as possible," she said and briefly alluded to emergency powers last used during the OPEC oil shock of the 1970s.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab hit back, accusing the Commission of brinkmanship and calling for an explanation after the government had received assurances that the EU did not intend to curb exports that are under contract.

"I think it takes some explaining because the world's watching... It also cuts across the direct assurances that we had from the Commission," Raab said. "We expect those assurances and legal, contracted supply to be respected."

"Frankly, I'm surprised we're having this conversation. It is normally what the UK and EU team up with to reject, when other countries with less democratic regimes than our own engage in that kind of brinkmanship."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-proposes-digital-green-certificates-and-stricter-curbs-on-vaccine-exports-371168" hreflang="en">EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports</a>

Europe's vaccination campaign has struggled to get off the ground due to delayed deliveries, as well as a bitter row with pharma giant AstraZeneca and fears over the safety of its vaccine.

The EU has already set up special oversight of vaccine exports in which manufacturers contracted to supply Europe must declare if they intend to export doses outside the bloc.

Most of the EU's worry is over Britain, home of the AstraZeneca vaccine, where the inoculation campaign has progressed at a much faster pace than in the EU.

Brussels has accused London of operating a de facto export ban to achieve its vaccine success, a claim furiously denied by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government.

Digital vaccine certificates

Von der Leyen spoke as six EU countries complained to Brussels about reduced deliveries that are hampering the bloc's already troubled inoculation campaign struggling amid reduced deliveries by AstraZeneca.

Further complicating matters, various EU nations including its largest members Germany, France and Italy this week halted AstraZeneca shots pending safety checks.

The EU's announced travel certificate, meanwhile, is intended to help restore freedom of movement within the bloc for citizens inoculated against the coronavirus.

The certificate will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," von der Leyen said.

The idea is to allow inoculated tourists to get around restrictions on non-essential travel that have spread across Europe, as a second and third wave of Covid-19 infections brought much intra-EU travel to a standstill.

"With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner."

The plan, however, will face stiff resistance from many member states, a key concern being that those still awaiting vaccinations would be discriminated against.

In addition, some member states are worried that the legal path to create the pass, which would include approval by&nbsp;European&nbsp;Parliament, will take too long, with the summer holidays just three months away.

The commission is adamant that the process can be fast-tracked and is working to have it ready by June.

The International Air Transport Association, the airline industry group, urged member states to approve the certificate "very soon".

"We should see something similar all around the world if it can help reopening air travel everywhere," said IATA head Alexandre de Juniac.

The European Union (EU) threatened to invoke emergency powers to block European exports of Covid-19 vaccines to ensure "reciprocity" with other suppliers, urging Britain to send Europe more jabs.

The European Union (EU) threatened to invoke emergency powers to block European exports of Covid-19 vaccines to ensure "reciprocity" with other suppliers, urging Britain to send Europe more jabs. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen gave her warning as Brussels unveiled its plan for a vaccine travel certificate, part of its effort to free up travel despite an emerging third wave of the pandemic. Also read: UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears "All options are on the table," the former German defence minister said, warning that the vaccine situation would be addressed among EU leaders at talks next week. "We are in the crisis of the century, and I'm not ruling out any anything for now, because we have to make sure that Europeans are vaccinated as soon as possible," she said and briefly alluded to emergency powers last used during the OPEC oil shock of the 1970s. British foreign minister Dominic Raab hit back, accusing the Commission of brinkmanship and calling for an explanation after the government had received assurances that the EU did not intend to curb exports that are under contract. "I think it takes some explaining because the world's watching... It also cuts across the direct assurances that we had from the Commission," Raab said. "We expect those assurances and legal, contracted supply to be respected." "Frankly, I'm surprised we're having this conversation. It is normally what the UK and EU team up with to reject, when other countries with less democratic regimes than our own engage in that kind of brinkmanship." Also read: EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports Europe's vaccination campaign has struggled to get off the ground due to delayed deliveries, as well as a bitter row with pharma giant AstraZeneca and fears over the safety of its vaccine. The EU has already set up special oversight of vaccine exports in which manufacturers contracted to supply Europe must declare if they intend to export doses outside the bloc. Most of the EU's worry is over Britain, home of the AstraZeneca vaccine, where the inoculation campaign has progressed at a much faster pace than in the EU. Brussels has accused London of operating a de facto export ban to achieve its vaccine success, a claim furiously denied by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government. Digital vaccine certificates Von der Leyen spoke as six EU countries complained to Brussels about reduced deliveries that are hampering the bloc's already troubled inoculation campaign struggling amid reduced deliveries by AstraZeneca. Further complicating matters, various EU nations including its largest members Germany, France and Italy this week halted AstraZeneca shots pending safety checks. The EU's announced travel certificate, meanwhile, is intended to help restore freedom of movement within the bloc for citizens inoculated against the coronavirus. The certificate will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," von der Leyen said. The idea is to allow inoculated tourists to get around restrictions on non-essential travel that have spread across Europe, as a second and third wave of Covid-19 infections brought much intra-EU travel to a standstill. "With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner." The plan, however, will face stiff resistance from many member states, a key concern being that those still awaiting vaccinations would be discriminated against. In addition, some member states are worried that the legal path to create the pass, which would include approval by European Parliament, will take too long, with the summer holidays just three months away. The commission is adamant that the process can be fast-tracked and is working to have it ready by June. The International Air Transport Association, the airline industry group, urged member states to approve the certificate "very soon". "We should see something similar all around the world if it can help reopening air travel everywhere," said IATA head Alexandre de Juniac.

'Crisis of century': EU threatens ban on coronavirus vaccine exports to UK

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> exports..

During a press conference about the EU's response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, the EU chief talked about stricter curbs on coronavirus vaccines and digital certificates for easier and safer travel.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we strengthen the <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_commission</a>'s response to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> with: 
 
• Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU 
• A common path to a gradual, safe and lasting re-opening<a href="https://t.co/opAMGkeSNf">https://t.co/opAMGkeSNf</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1372153020495114242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

These digital certificates will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," Ursula von der Leyen explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-envoys-agree-for-first-china-sanctions-in-three-decades-diplomats-371157">EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats</a>

"With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner," she added.

Talking about exporting the coronavirus vaccines, she stressed that "open roads run in both directions" by saying that although EU has been cooperating globally by supplying coronavirus vaccines, "if needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality."

Using the example of emergency powers used during the OPEC oil shock in the 1970, she said, "We are in the crisis of the century. And I'm not ruling out any anything for now".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The EU has been exporting vaccines in support of global cooperation. 
 
But open roads run in both directions. 
 
If needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1372155232449347584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This warning has come as the EU has been on crossroads with the UK over vaccine delivery after the EU accused Britain of operating a de facto export ban, which Boris Johnson denied.

Von Der Leyen claimed the EU was still waiting its AstraZeneca orders to come to the UK from two sites in the UK, even though 10 million doses have been delivered from the EU to the UK.

"This is an invitation to show us that there are also doses from the UK coming to the European Union, so that we have reciprocity," she said.

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against coronavirus vaccine exports.

The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU, while warning stricter curbs against coronavirus vaccine exports.. During a press conference about the EU's response to COVID-19, the EU chief talked about stricter curbs on coronavirus vaccines and digital certificates for easier and safer travel. Today we strengthen the @EU_commission's response to #COVID19 with: • Digital Green Certificates for free and safe movement in the EU • A common path to a gradual, safe and lasting re-openinghttps://t.co/opAMGkeSNf — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 17, 2021 × These digital certificates will show "whether the person has either been vaccinated, or has a recent negative test, or has recovered from Covid, and thus has antibodies," Ursula von der Leyen explained. Also read | EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats "With this digital certificate we aim to help member states reinstate the freedom of movement in a safe, responsible and trusted manner," she added. Talking about exporting the coronavirus vaccines, she stressed that "open roads run in both directions" by saying that although EU has been cooperating globally by supplying coronavirus vaccines, "if needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality." Using the example of emergency powers used during the OPEC oil shock in the 1970, she said, "We are in the crisis of the century. And I'm not ruling out any anything for now". The EU has been exporting vaccines in support of global cooperation. But open roads run in both directions. If needed we’ll reflect on how to adjust our exports based on reciprocity and, in the case of countries with higher vaccination rates than us, proportionality. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 17, 2021 × This warning has come as the EU has been on crossroads with the UK over vaccine delivery after the EU accused Britain of operating a de facto export ban, which Boris Johnson denied. Von Der Leyen claimed the EU was still waiting its AstraZeneca orders to come to the UK from two sites in the UK, even though 10 million doses have been delivered from the EU to the UK. "This is an invitation to show us that there are also doses from the UK coming to the European Union, so that we have reciprocity," she said.

EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports

European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said women must know whether their employers treat them fairly, while pitching to address wage imbalances and close the gender<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-to-pay-us62-million-to-settle-charges-for-not-passing-on-tips-361073"> pay</a> gap.

According to reports, the EU has proposed firms that employ over 250 workers to publish a report on the salary gap among those who perform the same kind of work. The measures include fines in case of violations. Reports say if gender-based discrimination is found, then full compensation for missing wages and bonuses would be required.&nbsp;

Leyen has proposed legislation to boost pay transparency across the 27-nation bloc. &nbsp;

According to EU statistics, the average pay gap between men and women currently stands at 14.1 per cent, with the European body keen to introduce rules on pay transparency and mechanism to enforce it.

The EU is also seeking to strengthen the confidence of workers who demand compensation before&nbsp;courts, with the aim to ensure it benefits both businesses and workers -&nbsp;women and men.

"I won't stop pushing for gender quotas on boards until we get a fair system for all European countries," Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament's committee on women's rights.

"Women should always be able to reach for the top, including in private companies," von der Leyen added.

A 2012 proposal had called for listing companies in the EU to fill at least 40 per cent of their non-executive board seats with women, however, some EU countries had refused to adopt the target as law.

European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said women must know whether their employers treat them fairly, while pitching to address wage imbalances and close the gender pay gap.

European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said women must know whether their employers treat them fairly, while pitching to address wage imbalances and close the gender pay gap. According to reports, the EU has proposed firms that employ over 250 workers to publish a report on the salary gap among those who perform the same kind of work. The measures include fines in case of violations. Reports say if gender-based discrimination is found, then full compensation for missing wages and bonuses would be required. Leyen has proposed legislation to boost pay transparency across the 27-nation bloc. According to EU statistics, the average pay gap between men and women currently stands at 14.1 per cent, with the European body keen to introduce rules on pay transparency and mechanism to enforce it. The EU is also seeking to strengthen the confidence of workers who demand compensation before courts, with the aim to ensure it benefits both businesses and workers - women and men. "I won't stop pushing for gender quotas on boards until we get a fair system for all European countries," Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament's committee on women's rights. "Women should always be able to reach for the top, including in private companies," von der Leyen added. A 2012 proposal had called for listing companies in the EU to fill at least 40 per cent of their non-executive board seats with women, however, some EU countries had refused to adopt the target as law.

Won't stop pushing for gender quotas on boards, says EU's Ursula von der Leyen on gender pay gap

The EU has so far approved three vaccines – those produced by BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca, but roll-outs have been hampered by delivery delays.

EU Chief Ursula Von Der Leyen acknowledges failings in Covid Vaccine rollout

In recent weeks, the European Union countries have faced a delay in the delivery of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">coronavirus vaccines</a> which has raised alarms. The delay has been caused as the Pfizer-BioNTech has not been able to supply the promised doses.

However, now, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen has asked the pharmaceutical companies to stay serve their word and not cause any delays in the deliveries of the vaccines.

"Europe invested billions to help develop the world's first Covid-19 vaccines," the EU chief said in a live video address.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The challenges we face are complex and connected - from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> to climate change. 
 
Only new forms of partnerships - global, public, private - can solve them. We need new alliances, for new solutions. 
 
My address <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DavosAgenda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DavosAgenda</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/tUm3ejGr9K">https://t.co/tUm3ejGr9K</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1354006554144550912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-denounces-me-first-approach-to-covid-jabs-359278" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca denounces 'me first' approach to Covid jabs</a>

While talking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum, Ursula said the companies must deliver the orders on time.

"Now, the companies must deliver. They must honour their obligations," she said in the live address.

This statement has come a few hours after the EU Chief proposed new measures on travel in the EU, considering the new variants of coronavirus, mainly found in the UK and South Africa.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In parallel, we propose stronger requirements for international travellers into the EU: testing, quarantines and a future common European Passenger Locator Form. 
 
We need to stop the spread of the virus variants &amp; keep us all safe. 
 
Together, we will overcome this pandemic.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1353668986676916224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-vaccine-effective-against-uk-and-south-africa-coronavirus-variant-359262" hreflang="en">Moderna vaccine effective against UK and South Africa coronavirus variant</a>

"We update the colour code of @ECDC_EU maps &amp; apply stricter measures for travellers from higher risk areas," she tweeted. "At the same time we need to avoid border closures &amp; keep the Single Market flowing."

The Germany Health Minister Jens Spahn has also backed the Eu Chief's statement and has asked for control on the export of the coronavirus vaccines amid the delays.

Spahn has asked for "vaccines leaving the EU needing a licence so that we at least know what is being produced, what is leaving Europe — and if it is leaving Europe, whether there is then a fair distribution."

This has come at a time when the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, too, has also said it would not be able to satisfy the contractual demand and supply the promised doses due to unexplained "reduced yields" in the company's European supply chain.

In recent weeks, the European Union countries have faced a delay in the delivery of the coronavirus vaccines which has raised alarms. The delay has been caused as the Pfizer-BioNTech has not been able to supply the promised doses.

In recent weeks, the European Union countries have faced a delay in the delivery of the coronavirus vaccines which has raised alarms. The delay has been caused as the Pfizer-BioNTech has not been able to supply the promised doses. However, now, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen has asked the pharmaceutical companies to stay serve their word and not cause any delays in the deliveries of the vaccines. "Europe invested billions to help develop the world's first Covid-19 vaccines," the EU chief said in a live video address. The challenges we face are complex and connected - from #COVID19 to climate change. Only new forms of partnerships - global, public, private - can solve them. We need new alliances, for new solutions. My address @wef #DavosAgenda https://t.co/tUm3ejGr9K — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 26, 2021 × Also read| AstraZeneca denounces 'me first' approach to Covid jabs While talking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum, Ursula said the companies must deliver the orders on time. "Now, the companies must deliver. They must honour their obligations," she said in the live address. This statement has come a few hours after the EU Chief proposed new measures on travel in the EU, considering the new variants of coronavirus, mainly found in the UK and South Africa. In parallel, we propose stronger requirements for international travellers into the EU: testing, quarantines and a future common European Passenger Locator Form. We need to stop the spread of the virus variants & keep us all safe. Together, we will overcome this pandemic. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 25, 2021 × Also read| Moderna vaccine effective against UK and South Africa coronavirus variant "We update the colour code of @ECDC_EU maps & apply stricter measures for travellers from higher risk areas," she tweeted. "At the same time we need to avoid border closures & keep the Single Market flowing." The Germany Health Minister Jens Spahn has also backed the Eu Chief's statement and has asked for control on the export of the coronavirus vaccines amid the delays. Spahn has asked for "vaccines leaving the EU needing a licence so that we at least know what is being produced, what is leaving Europe — and if it is leaving Europe, whether there is then a fair distribution." This has come at a time when the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, too, has also said it would not be able to satisfy the contractual demand and supply the promised doses due to unexplained "reduced yields" in the company's European supply chain.

EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees

The EU Chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only&nbsp;way to eradicate the virus."

Talking about the upcoming&nbsp;Social Summit in Porto in May,&nbsp;she also said she wants to "deepen our ties" with India with an aim to "revive the transatlantic relationship".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Finally, we are both committed to a stronger Europe in the world. 
This will be a crucial period: 
 
🔸To revive the transatlantic relationship 
🔸To further develop our relations with Africa 
🔸To deepen our ties with India. 
 
Looking forward to the EU-India Summit in Porto this May.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1350102069986942976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, deliveries of the coronavirus vaccine being manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech will be delayed to several European Union (EU) countries because of some modifications happening at the company's plant in Belgium.

"At short notice, the EU Commission and, via it, the EU member states, were informed that Pfizer will not be able to fully meet the already promised delivery volume for the next three to four weeks due to modifications at the Puurs plant," Germany's health ministry said on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-chief-praises-india-for-taking-decisive-steps-to-tackle-covid-19-356957">IMF chief praises India for taking 'decisive' steps to tackle Covid-19</a>

Pfizer has revealed the modifications are taking place to increase the capacity of vaccine production. The EU ministers voice serious concern over vaccine delay; EU Chief news has come as a shock and Germany admitted it "took note of this very last minute and unexpected news with regret".

The ministry also added, it "expects the EU commission to seek clarity and certainty for further deliveries and delivery dates from Pfizer as soon as possible".

Meanwhile, after the announcement, ministers from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden expressed concern over this shocking news that can have a dangering effect and wrote a letter to the European Union Commission. "We are obliged to inform our public and the particular risk groups... that their vaccination will be delayed, regardless of the outstanding efforts by our governments to ensure timely delivery," the letter read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-variant-already-in-uk-confirms-top-scientist-356937" hreflang="en">Brazil variant already in UK, confirms top scientist</a>

"We request you to urgently engage with BioNTech/Pfizer to demand a public explanation of the situation and to stress the need to ensure stability and transparency of timely deliveries," it added. "Some were given the deadline of February 8, 2021, some were given no information on the duration of the intended decreased deliveries."

While the EU Chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen has assured the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines' deliveries will be made on time, the pharmaceutical company has admitted there may be fluctuations. "There may be fluctuations in orders and shipping schedules at our Puurs (Belgium) facility in the immediate future to quickly enable the increased production volumes," the company said.

"Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March," it added.

The EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only way to eradicate the virus.

The EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only way to eradicate the virus." Talking about the upcoming Social Summit in Porto in May, she also said she wants to "deepen our ties" with India with an aim to "revive the transatlantic relationship". Finally, we are both committed to a stronger Europe in the world. This will be a crucial period: 🔸To revive the transatlantic relationship 🔸To further develop our relations with Africa 🔸To deepen our ties with India. Looking forward to the EU-India Summit in Porto this May. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 15, 2021 × Meanwhile, deliveries of the coronavirus vaccine being manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech will be delayed to several European Union (EU) countries because of some modifications happening at the company's plant in Belgium. "At short notice, the EU Commission and, via it, the EU member states, were informed that Pfizer will not be able to fully meet the already promised delivery volume for the next three to four weeks due to modifications at the Puurs plant," Germany's health ministry said on Friday. Also read| IMF chief praises India for taking 'decisive' steps to tackle Covid-19 Pfizer has revealed the modifications are taking place to increase the capacity of vaccine production. The EU ministers voice serious concern over vaccine delay; EU Chief news has come as a shock and Germany admitted it "took note of this very last minute and unexpected news with regret". The ministry also added, it "expects the EU commission to seek clarity and certainty for further deliveries and delivery dates from Pfizer as soon as possible". Meanwhile, after the announcement, ministers from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden expressed concern over this shocking news that can have a dangering effect and wrote a letter to the European Union Commission. "We are obliged to inform our public and the particular risk groups... that their vaccination will be delayed, regardless of the outstanding efforts by our governments to ensure timely delivery," the letter read. Also read| Brazil variant already in UK, confirms top scientist "We request you to urgently engage with BioNTech/Pfizer to demand a public explanation of the situation and to stress the need to ensure stability and transparency of timely deliveries," it added. "Some were given the deadline of February 8, 2021, some were given no information on the duration of the intended decreased deliveries." While the EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen has assured the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines' deliveries will be made on time, the pharmaceutical company has admitted there may be fluctuations. "There may be fluctuations in orders and shipping schedules at our Puurs (Belgium) facility in the immediate future to quickly enable the increased production volumes," the company said. "Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March," it added.

EU Chief aims to strengthen Indo-EU ties; Ministers raise concern on vaccine delay

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he wanted to improve relations with the European Union and was hoping for the same approach from the 27-nation bloc.

"We are ready to put our relations back on track," Erdogan said during a televised meeting with EU ambassadors in Ankara. "We expect our European friends to show the same goodwill."

After talking to Erdogan on video call&nbsp; President of the EU Commission&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen tweeted she had a ''Good exchange with Turkish President''.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good exchange with Turkish President <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a>. 
 
We exchanged on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> situation, the economic recovery and the implementation of tasking of the European Council of December 2020. <a href="https://t.co/uiWY5g58Nx">pic.twitter.com/uiWY5g58Nx</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1347943142528589824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Turkey&nbsp;and Greece will resume long-suspended exploratory talks over territorial claims in the Mediterranean Sea that brought them close to conflict last year, on Jan. 25 in Istanbul, the NATO members said on Monday.

Ankara and Athens held 60 rounds of talks from 2002 to 2016, but plans for a resumption of talks last year foundered after a disagreement over a Turkish seismic exploration vessel deployed to disputed waters. The ship has since returned to Turkish shores.

"The 61st round of the Exploratory Talks will take place in Istanbul on 25 January 2021," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, without elaborating. The Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed the date and location in a statement but provided no further details.

Earlier on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said he was inviting Greece for talks by the end of January on all issues, adding that Athens "has no excuse" since the Oruc Reis returned to&nbsp;Turkey.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said later that Athens was seeking a "fertile and productive" relationship with its neighbour&nbsp;Turkey, adding his government would join the talks once finalised.

Turkey&nbsp;and Greece are at odds over the extent of their continental shelves in the Mediterranean, energy rights in the region, air space and the status of some islands in the Aegean Sea.

Their dispute threatened to spill into open conflict when Turkish and Greek warships collided in August as they shadowed the Oruc Reis as it surveyed for oil and gas west of Cyprus.

Previous attempts to resume the talks had been complicated by what both sides were prepared to discuss. The Greek Foreign Ministry said on Monday it was willing to talk about the demarcation of an Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf.

Ankara has said all issues between the NATO members should be discussed, saying that was the format before the talks were suspended in 2016.

On Monday, Cavusoglu said he was ready to meet Greek Foreign Minister Niko Dendias in Tirana after Albania's premier offered to mediate. He also said some European Union members, including Germany, which has mediated the dispute thus far, had urged Greece to engage with&nbsp;Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he wanted to improve relations with the European Union and was hoping for the same approach from the 27-nation bloc.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he wanted to improve relations with the European Union and was hoping for the same approach from the 27-nation bloc. "We are ready to put our relations back on track," Erdogan said during a televised meeting with EU ambassadors in Ankara. "We expect our European friends to show the same goodwill." After talking to Erdogan on video call President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen tweeted she had a ''Good exchange with Turkish President''. Good exchange with Turkish President @RTErdogan. We exchanged on the #COVID19 situation, the economic recovery and the implementation of tasking of the European Council of December 2020. pic.twitter.com/uiWY5g58Nx — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 9, 2021 × Turkey and Greece will resume long-suspended exploratory talks over territorial claims in the Mediterranean Sea that brought them close to conflict last year, on Jan. 25 in Istanbul, the NATO members said on Monday. Ankara and Athens held 60 rounds of talks from 2002 to 2016, but plans for a resumption of talks last year foundered after a disagreement over a Turkish seismic exploration vessel deployed to disputed waters. The ship has since returned to Turkish shores. "The 61st round of the Exploratory Talks will take place in Istanbul on 25 January 2021," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, without elaborating. The Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed the date and location in a statement but provided no further details. Earlier on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said he was inviting Greece for talks by the end of January on all issues, adding that Athens "has no excuse" since the Oruc Reis returned to Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said later that Athens was seeking a "fertile and productive" relationship with its neighbour Turkey, adding his government would join the talks once finalised. Turkey and Greece are at odds over the extent of their continental shelves in the Mediterranean, energy rights in the region, air space and the status of some islands in the Aegean Sea. Their dispute threatened to spill into open conflict when Turkish and Greek warships collided in August as they shadowed the Oruc Reis as it surveyed for oil and gas west of Cyprus. Previous attempts to resume the talks had been complicated by what both sides were prepared to discuss. The Greek Foreign Ministry said on Monday it was willing to talk about the demarcation of an Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf. Ankara has said all issues between the NATO members should be discussed, saying that was the format before the talks were suspended in 2016. On Monday, Cavusoglu said he was ready to meet Greek Foreign Minister Niko Dendias in Tirana after Albania's premier offered to mediate. He also said some European Union members, including Germany, which has mediated the dispute thus far, had urged Greece to engage with Turkey.

Turkish President Erdogan says want EU ties 'back on track'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core.

'Joe Biden has a daunting task ahead of him', says EU chief Ursula von der Leyen over Capitol riots

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional&nbsp;300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies.

"We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe &amp; effective #COVID19 vaccines," the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference.

"We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU," she said. "They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/ 
@Pfizer&nbsp;vaccine."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe &amp; effective <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccines. 
 
We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU. 
 
They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioNTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioNTech</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> vaccine.<a href="https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL">https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1347468965732360192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We have right now, access to 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. Now the good news is, we now have agreed with BioNTech/Pfizer to extend this contract. With the new agreement we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-uk-variant-reported-in-ile-de-france-and-brittany-355374">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-uk-variant-reported-in-ile-de-france-and-brittany-355374/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This&nbsp;agreement includes a possible immediate order for 200 million doses and an additional option to buy another 100 million, the Commission said.

The announcement has come at a time when the European countries are struggling to contain the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus. Many countries have also started looking for vaccines from local producers, and some have also turned to Moderna Inc. Brazil's private clinics have taken a step further and requested for the usage of India's local vaccine, which was approved by the Indian government last week.

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional 300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies.

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional 300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies. "We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe & effective #COVID19 vaccines," the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference. "We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU," she said. "They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/ @Pfizer vaccine." We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe & effective #COVID19 vaccines. We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU. They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/@Pfizer vaccine.https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 8, 2021 × "We have right now, access to 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. Now the good news is, we now have agreed with BioNTech/Pfizer to extend this contract. With the new agreement we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine," she said. WATCH| × This agreement includes a possible immediate order for 200 million doses and an additional option to buy another 100 million, the Commission said. The announcement has come at a time when the European countries are struggling to contain the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus. Many countries have also started looking for vaccines from local producers, and some have also turned to Moderna Inc. Brazil's private clinics have taken a step further and requested for the usage of India's local vaccine, which was approved by the Indian government last week.

EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA),&nbsp;approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine</a>

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. 
 
Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/pYOj5vS2gV">pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1342751465274806273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576" hreflang="en">Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations</a>

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway."

Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and&nbsp;approved by the experts.

Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe. Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said. Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 26, 2020 × "We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message. Also read| Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway." Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and approved by the experts. Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow

Negotiations on finalising a Brexit trade deal has been completed, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the agreement as fair, balanced and right.

'It was worth fighting for this Brexit deal', says EU Commission Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed. UK is set to transition out of the world's largest trading bloc at the end of the year and time is short for both sides to agree over a trade deal.

UK PM Boris Johnson said he hoped the EU would "see sense" and agree a deal that respected Britain`s sovereignty, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bloc favoured agreement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament: "I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not. But I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement now. The path may be very narrow but it is there."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-talks-on-a-post-brexit-trade-deal-continue-eu-chief-says-next-days-decisive-350154">Intense talks on a post-Brexit trade deal continue, EU chief says 'next days decisive'</a>

EU chief added that there were issues to be resolved.

"We have found a way forward on most issues but two issues still remain outstanding: the level playing field and fisheries," she said. "Issues linked to governance now have largely been resolved. The next days are going to be decisive."

A trade deal between UK and the EU would be necessary in order to keep an estimated one trillion dollars of annual trade free of tariffs and quotas beyond December 31.

(With Reuters inputs)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed. UK is set to transition out of the world's largest trading bloc at the end of the year and time is short for both sides to agree over a trade deal. UK PM Boris Johnson said he hoped the EU would "see sense" and agree a deal that respected Britain`s sovereignty, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bloc favoured agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament: "I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not. But I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement now. The path may be very narrow but it is there." Also Read | Intense talks on a post-Brexit trade deal continue, EU chief says 'next days decisive' EU chief added that there were issues to be resolved. "We have found a way forward on most issues but two issues still remain outstanding: the level playing field and fisheries," she said. "Issues linked to governance now have largely been resolved. The next days are going to be decisive." A trade deal between UK and the EU would be necessary in order to keep an estimated one trillion dollars of annual trade free of tariffs and quotas beyond December 31. (With Reuters inputs)

Closer to Brexit trade deal but success unclear, says EU chief in European Parliament

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-covid-19-350463/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU," &nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's Europe's moment. 
 
On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU. 
 
We protect our citizens together. We are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> <a href="https://t.co/6VxDumysBL">pic.twitter.com/6VxDumysBL</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1339525459864936450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The European Medicines Agency is set to meet on Monday to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine even as the UK and US have already begun administering the vaccine amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/conspiracy-crackdown-twitter-to-scrub-posts-claiming-covid-19-vaccines-cause-harm-350494">coronavirus </a>cases.

The European Union will be sending out the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-silver-bullet-who-calls-for-greater-vigilance-of-covid-19-vaccine-350431">vaccine </a>to all 27 member nations. The EU Commission president had earlier stated that the EU will begin its drive on the same day.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being produced at a&nbsp;facility in Belgium and sent out in trucks and planes. The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius to keep it viable.

Europe has been hit hard with the virus as countries have issued new guidelines ahead of the crucial Christmas season fearing a bigger surge in cases.

The Netherlands, Germany and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">France </a>have introduced new curbs.

Germany had declared earlier that it will begin vaccinations on December 27 ahead of European Commission president's announcement today as the Franch government said that it would receive around 1.16 million vaccine doses by end 2020 and a further 2.3 million over the next two months in 2021.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez entered quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron who tested positive for the virus on Thursday. The Spanish PM's wife was infected with the virus in March when the virus began spreading in the country.

Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the EU hit by the virus with over 48,000 fatalities and 1.7 million infected cases. Several countries including Sweden which had earlier contained the virus are now experiencing a new surge as Europe grapples with the virus.

In Sweden on Monday, the number of people receiving hospital care reached 2,406, near the peak of 2,412 in April. The death toll in Sweden due to coronavirus has reached 7,802 with 500 last week and over 1,800 since the beginning of November.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27. Watch: "It's Europe's moment.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27. Watch: "It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU," Ursula von der Leyen said in a tweet. It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU. We protect our citizens together. We are #StrongerTogether#EUvaccinationdays pic.twitter.com/6VxDumysBL — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 17, 2020 × The European Medicines Agency is set to meet on Monday to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine even as the UK and US have already begun administering the vaccine amid a surge in coronavirus cases. The European Union will be sending out the vaccine to all 27 member nations. The EU Commission president had earlier stated that the EU will begin its drive on the same day. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being produced at a facility in Belgium and sent out in trucks and planes. The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius to keep it viable. Europe has been hit hard with the virus as countries have issued new guidelines ahead of the crucial Christmas season fearing a bigger surge in cases. The Netherlands, Germany and France have introduced new curbs. Germany had declared earlier that it will begin vaccinations on December 27 ahead of European Commission president's announcement today as the Franch government said that it would receive around 1.16 million vaccine doses by end 2020 and a further 2.3 million over the next two months in 2021. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez entered quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron who tested positive for the virus on Thursday. The Spanish PM's wife was infected with the virus in March when the virus began spreading in the country. Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the EU hit by the virus with over 48,000 fatalities and 1.7 million infected cases. Several countries including Sweden which had earlier contained the virus are now experiencing a new surge as Europe grapples with the virus. In Sweden on Monday, the number of people receiving hospital care reached 2,406, near the peak of 2,412 in April. The death toll in Sweden due to coronavirus has reached 7,802 with 500 last week and over 1,800 since the beginning of November.

'Europe's moment': COVID-19 vaccination to begin on December 27 across EU

As per the&nbsp;EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, Brexit talks have now entered the "last mile" on Monday. Leyen expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Brexit talks with the UK.

"First of all there is movement. That is good... We are talking about a new beginning with old friends," she told a conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-businesses-urge-pm-boris-johnson-for-trade-deal-with-eu-349555">Brexit: UK businesses urge PM Boris Johnson for trade deal with EU</a>

While she was content with the way the post-Brexit trade pact talks were progressing, she also mentioned how this last mile was essential. "We are on the very last mile to go. But it is an essential one. We want a level playing field, not only at the start, but also over time," she said.

Talking about the need to figure out the details of the pact, she added, "This is the architecture we are building. We are fine about the architecture itself, but the details in it -- do they really fit? These are crucial points because it is a matter of fairness, fair competition and we want to ensure that."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-manufacturers-warn-of-knockout-blow-from-no-deal-brexit-349612">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-manufacturers-warn-of-knockout-blow-from-no-deal-brexit-349612/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Her statement has come a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula had met for a detailed talk and had urged the experts and negotiators to figure out a way of making the deal work even at such a late stage. While the motion was applauded by many, the&nbsp;French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned Britishers that in the situation of a no-deal, the "losers will be the British. We don't lose much."

"Brexit, to quote a very simple phrase of John Le Carre -- to whom I take this opportunity to pay tribute -- is 'lunacy'," he said and added, "I&nbsp;regret that my British friends have to pay the price, because they are paying the price for populism, they are paying the price for lies."

As per the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, Brexit talks have now entered the "last mile" on Monday. Leyen expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Brexit talks with the UK.

As per the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, Brexit talks have now entered the "last mile" on Monday. Leyen expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Brexit talks with the UK. "First of all there is movement. That is good... We are talking about a new beginning with old friends," she told a conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Also read| Brexit: UK businesses urge PM Boris Johnson for trade deal with EU While she was content with the way the post-Brexit trade pact talks were progressing, she also mentioned how this last mile was essential. "We are on the very last mile to go. But it is an essential one. We want a level playing field, not only at the start, but also over time," she said. Talking about the need to figure out the details of the pact, she added, "This is the architecture we are building. We are fine about the architecture itself, but the details in it -- do they really fit? These are crucial points because it is a matter of fairness, fair competition and we want to ensure that." WATCH| × Her statement has come a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula had met for a detailed talk and had urged the experts and negotiators to figure out a way of making the deal work even at such a late stage. While the motion was applauded by many, the French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned Britishers that in the situation of a no-deal, the "losers will be the British. We don't lose much." "Brexit, to quote a very simple phrase of John Le Carre -- to whom I take this opportunity to pay tribute -- is 'lunacy'," he said and added, "I regret that my British friends have to pay the price, because they are paying the price for populism, they are paying the price for lies."

Satisfied with movement in Brexit talks: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen

UK and EU have agreed to carry on post-Brexit trade talks after a call between leaders earlier on Sunday. In a joint statement, Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said both sides had asked their negotiators to continue and see whether deal could be struck.

Brexit Trade Talks: UK PM, EU Chief agree to continue talks

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen layer has delivered some heartening news for those who feared Brexit trade deal talks between EU and UK were failing. She said that both sides had asked their negotiators to continue and see whether deal could be struck 'even at this late stage'.

UK and EU had set today's deadline for a deal.

"Despite the fact the deadlines have been missed over and over, we both think that it is responsible at this point in time, to go the extra mile. We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue this task and to see whether an agreement can be reached even at this late stage," said Ursula von der Leyen

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We had a useful call with <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> this morning. 
 
We agreed that talks will continue.<a href="https://t.co/rZpN4PmS1i">https://t.co/rZpN4PmS1i</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1338087730690060288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

European Union and UK have been locked in frantic rounds of discussions in the past week. Britain is set leave the economic bloc at the end of this month and there is no trade deal between the two sides.

Both sides differ on the issues of competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-bank-of-england-talks-of-disruption-in-financial-services-in-new-year-349028">Brexit: Bank of England talks of 'disruption' in financial services in new year</a>

It was apparent that all was not well as UK PM Boris Johnson said on Friday that there was a "strong possibility" that EU and Britain would not be able to strike a trade deal. However, he had said that he would explore all options in order to seal a deal.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-navy-to-help-uk-in-case-of-no-deal-brexit-349216">Royal Navy to help UK in case of no-deal Brexit</a>

On Thursday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had tweeted that positions of EU and UK "remain far apart"

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen layer has delivered some heartening news for those who feared Brexit trade deal talks between EU and UK were failing.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen layer has delivered some heartening news for those who feared Brexit trade deal talks between EU and UK were failing. She said that both sides had asked their negotiators to continue and see whether deal could be struck 'even at this late stage'. UK and EU had set today's deadline for a deal. "Despite the fact the deadlines have been missed over and over, we both think that it is responsible at this point in time, to go the extra mile. We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue this task and to see whether an agreement can be reached even at this late stage," said Ursula von der Leyen We had a useful call with @BorisJohnson this morning. We agreed that talks will continue.https://t.co/rZpN4PmS1i — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 13, 2020 × European Union and UK have been locked in frantic rounds of discussions in the past week. Britain is set leave the economic bloc at the end of this month and there is no trade deal between the two sides. Both sides differ on the issues of competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play. Also Read | Brexit: Bank of England talks of 'disruption' in financial services in new year It was apparent that all was not well as UK PM Boris Johnson said on Friday that there was a "strong possibility" that EU and Britain would not be able to strike a trade deal. However, he had said that he would explore all options in order to seal a deal. Also Read | Royal Navy to help UK in case of no-deal Brexit On Thursday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had tweeted that positions of EU and UK "remain far apart"

Brexit deal talks to continue, says EU chief on day of the deadline

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will hold another -- and probably, the last -- crisis call on Sunday to decide whether or not to abandon post-Brexit trade talks.

British negotiator David Frost met his EU counterpart Michel Barnier ahead of the leaders' call for last-ditch talks in the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels.

Sunday is just the latest in a string of supposedly hard deadlines for the negotiations but, with Britain due to leave the EU single market in 19 days, tensions are rising.

Johnson has said it is "very, very likely" the talks will fail, and EU officials have expressed similar pessimism, but British negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier carried on talking late into Saturday night ahead of Sunday's deadline.

On Saturday, Britain took the dramatic step of announcing that armed naval vessels will patrol its waters from January 1 to exclude European crews from the fisheries they have shared, in some cases for centuries.

Brussels' tone has been less bellicose, and von der Leyen has made it clear that the EU will respect UK sovereignty after Britain's post-Brexit transition period, but neither side is yet ready to compromise on its core principles.

Without a trade deal cross-Channel trade will revert to WTO rules, with tariffs driving up prices and generating paperwork for importers, and the failed negotiation may poison relations between London and Brussels for years to come.

On Wednesday, the EU chief said they had agreed to "come to a decision by the end of the weekend". Much of the text of a possible trade deal is said to be ready, but Britain has rejected Brussels' insistence on a mechanism to allow it to retaliate if UK and EU law diverge in a way that puts continental firms at a competitive disadvantage. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to AFP, a spokesman for the Johnson government has stressed that Britain was ready to leave the union and handle its own affairs after 47 years of close economic integration and that "as things stand, the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable.&nbsp;

Earlier, Downing Street had said the government had a playbook that "maps out every single foreseeable scenario" for potential problems after December 31, and "no one needs to worry about our food, medicine or vital supply chains".

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will hold another -- and probably, the last -- crisis call on Sunday to decide whether or not to abandon post-Brexit trade talks.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will hold another -- and probably, the last -- crisis call on Sunday to decide whether or not to abandon post-Brexit trade talks. British negotiator David Frost met his EU counterpart Michel Barnier ahead of the leaders' call for last-ditch talks in the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels. Sunday is just the latest in a string of supposedly hard deadlines for the negotiations but, with Britain due to leave the EU single market in 19 days, tensions are rising. Johnson has said it is "very, very likely" the talks will fail, and EU officials have expressed similar pessimism, but British negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier carried on talking late into Saturday night ahead of Sunday's deadline. On Saturday, Britain took the dramatic step of announcing that armed naval vessels will patrol its waters from January 1 to exclude European crews from the fisheries they have shared, in some cases for centuries. Brussels' tone has been less bellicose, and von der Leyen has made it clear that the EU will respect UK sovereignty after Britain's post-Brexit transition period, but neither side is yet ready to compromise on its core principles. Without a trade deal cross-Channel trade will revert to WTO rules, with tariffs driving up prices and generating paperwork for importers, and the failed negotiation may poison relations between London and Brussels for years to come. On Wednesday, the EU chief said they had agreed to "come to a decision by the end of the weekend". Much of the text of a possible trade deal is said to be ready, but Britain has rejected Brussels' insistence on a mechanism to allow it to retaliate if UK and EU law diverge in a way that puts continental firms at a competitive disadvantage. According to AFP, a spokesman for the Johnson government has stressed that Britain was ready to leave the union and handle its own affairs after 47 years of close economic integration and that "as things stand, the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable. Earlier, Downing Street had said the government had a playbook that "maps out every single foreseeable scenario" for potential problems after December 31, and "no one needs to worry about our food, medicine or vital supply chains".

UK PM Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to decide fate of Brexit deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend. She tweeted her statement after her latest interaction with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although von der Leyen said the discussion was "lively and interesting", she noted that positions of Britain and the EU "remain far apart"

Ursula von der Leyen tweeted her statement after her interaction with Johnson

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We had a lively &amp; interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues. 
 
We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart. 
 
The teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these issues. We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend. <a href="https://t.co/jG0Mfg35YX">pic.twitter.com/jG0Mfg35YX</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1336801873836249089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The emergency meeting between Johnson and von der Leyen to seek a post-Brexit trade deal has ended without breakthrough as "very large gaps remain" between the two sides, British media reported late Wednesday.

Brexit transition period ends at the end of this year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/back-down-or-expect-no-deal-boris-johnson-threatens-the-european-union-on-brexit-348629">Back down or expect no deal: Boris Johnson threatens the European Union on Brexit</a>

The trade negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal.

Failure to reach a free trade agreement means bilateral trade will fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in 2021.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend. She tweeted her statement after her latest interaction with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although von der Leyen said the discussion was "lively and interesting", she noted that positions of Britain and the EU "remain far apart" Ursula von der Leyen tweeted her statement after her interaction with Johnson We had a lively & interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues. We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart. The teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these issues. We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend. pic.twitter.com/jG0Mfg35YX — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 9, 2020 × The emergency meeting between Johnson and von der Leyen to seek a post-Brexit trade deal has ended without breakthrough as "very large gaps remain" between the two sides, British media reported late Wednesday. Brexit transition period ends at the end of this year. Also Read: Back down or expect no deal: Boris Johnson threatens the European Union on Brexit The trade negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal. Failure to reach a free trade agreement means bilateral trade will fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in 2021.

Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen

The pair will hold talks over dinner, after negotiations between officials ended in deadlock.

UK PM Boris Johnson to meet Ursula von der Leyen for trade deal talks

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are all set to come face to face in an attempt to seal a post-brexit trade deal. UK & EU's repeated efforts to narrow their differences have fallen flat.

UK, EU to discuss post-brexit trade deal, both sides still stuck over 3 issues

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told lawmakers today that the first EU citizen could be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-envoys-to-visit-pune-on-dec-4-to-see-indias-covid-19-vaccine-programme-345322">vaccinated</a> against COVID-19 before Christmas.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-the-oxford-shot-be-the-cheapest-available-vaccine-345171/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest development comes as Pfizer announced its first coronavirus vaccine in the US and Moderna as both said their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recipharm-to-produce-some-of-modernas-covid-19-vaccine-in-france-345283">vaccines</a> was found to be around 95 per cent effective. European authorities had signalled that inoculations could start as soon as mid-December.

However, the European Commission president warned that member countries should prepare their logistical chains for the rollout of millions of doses vaccines.&nbsp;

European Commission President told EU lawmakers that "there's finally light at the end of the tunnel" claiming "the first European citizens might already be vaccinated before the end of December."

Vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University are currently leading the race. The EU had said earlier that it had concluded sixth contract to reserve doses of up to 160 million from Moderna.

"Every member state will receive it at the same time on a pro rata basis," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had said.

French President Macron had echoed similar thoughts asserting that first COVID-19 vaccine could be available by the end of December or in early January in the country.

The Austrian government had said it that it would acquire over 16 million doses of the vaccine through the EU and start its vaccination campaign in January, also Spain said its vaccinations could start in January.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told lawmakers today that the first EU citizen could be vaccinated against COVID-19 before Christmas. Watch: The latest development comes as Pfizer announced its first coronavirus vaccine in the US and Moderna as both said their vaccines was found to be around 95 per cent effective.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told lawmakers today that the first EU citizen could be vaccinated against COVID-19 before Christmas. Watch: The latest development comes as Pfizer announced its first coronavirus vaccine in the US and Moderna as both said their vaccines was found to be around 95 per cent effective. European authorities had signalled that inoculations could start as soon as mid-December. However, the European Commission president warned that member countries should prepare their logistical chains for the rollout of millions of doses vaccines. European Commission President told EU lawmakers that "there's finally light at the end of the tunnel" claiming "the first European citizens might already be vaccinated before the end of December." Vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University are currently leading the race. The EU had said earlier that it had concluded sixth contract to reserve doses of up to 160 million from Moderna. "Every member state will receive it at the same time on a pro rata basis," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had said. French President Macron had echoed similar thoughts asserting that first COVID-19 vaccine could be available by the end of December or in early January in the country. The Austrian government had said it that it would acquire over 16 million doses of the vaccine through the EU and start its vaccination campaign in January, also Spain said its vaccinations could start in January.

'Light at the end of the tunnel': European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says first European citizen might be vaccinated before end December

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

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

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

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

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19.

Von der Leyen said she was at a meeting on Tuesday last week attended by a person who tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.

"In accordance with regulations in force, I'm therefore self-isolating until tomorrow morning. I've tested negative on Thursday and am tested again today," she tweeted.

The head of the EU executive did not mention this in her announcement, but on Tuesday last week she was visiting Lisbon for talks with senior Portuguese officials.

When she is in Brussels, von der Leyen generally stays in a small flat on the 13th floor of the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters, near her office. She is not the first senior EU official to be quarantined in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive.

The summit went ahead on Thursday and Friday last week, and was attended by Von der Leyen.

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19.

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19. Von der Leyen said she was at a meeting on Tuesday last week attended by a person who tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. "In accordance with regulations in force, I'm therefore self-isolating until tomorrow morning. I've tested negative on Thursday and am tested again today," she tweeted. The head of the EU executive did not mention this in her announcement, but on Tuesday last week she was visiting Lisbon for talks with senior Portuguese officials. When she is in Brussels, von der Leyen generally stays in a small flat on the 13th floor of the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters, near her office. She is not the first senior EU official to be quarantined in recent weeks. Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive. The summit went ahead on Thursday and Friday last week, and was attended by Von der Leyen.

EU chief von der Leyen 'self-isolating' after exposure to COVID-19

European Union chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned Turkey against trying to intimidate Greece and Cyprus, as tensions grow over energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.

In her annual State of the EU speech, Ursula von der Leyen said Ankara was a key partner doing important work hosting refugees but stressed "none of this is justification for attempts to intimidate its neighbours".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/now-turkey-stages-military-exercises-in-eastern-mediterranean-amid-tensions-with-greece-323929">Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece</a>

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said the Mediterranean island&nbsp;is ready to engage in dialogue with Turkey to resolve differences but not under threats.

"Yesterday unfortunately a Turkish NAVTEX to expand illegal drilling by the Yavuz vessel was extended when at the same time a series of initiatives are ongoing that seek an end to Ankara's unlawful actions and de-escalation," he said, after a meeting with EU Council President Charles Michel in Nicosia.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

Anastasiades said Turkey was continuing its provocations in the eastern Mediterranean.

On Tuesday, Turkey extended the operations of its Yavuz energy drill ship in disputed Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until Oct. 12, in a move that could stir tension between the island's Greek Cypriot government and Ankara.

Turkey, Greece and Cyprus have been locked in a row over energy resources and maritime borders in the region, with Ankara infuriating the EU countries by sending research ships with naval escorts to work in contested waters.

There have been fears of conflict erupting and Cyprus is pressing the rest of the EU to impose fresh sanctions on Ankara over the drilling.

"Turkey is and will always be an important neighbour, but while we are close together on the map, the distance between us appears to be growing," von der Leyen told the European Parliament.

"Yes, Turkey is in a troubled neighbourhood. And yes, it is hosting millions of refugees, for which we support them with considerable funding. But none of this is justification for attempts to intimidate its neighbours."

Greece and Cyprus can count on Europe's "full solidarity on protecting their legitimate sovereignty rights", she added.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned Turkey against trying to intimidate Greece and Cyprus, as tensions grow over energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned Turkey against trying to intimidate Greece and Cyprus, as tensions grow over energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. In her annual State of the EU speech, Ursula von der Leyen said Ankara was a key partner doing important work hosting refugees but stressed "none of this is justification for attempts to intimidate its neighbours". Also see: Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said the Mediterranean island is ready to engage in dialogue with Turkey to resolve differences but not under threats. "Yesterday unfortunately a Turkish NAVTEX to expand illegal drilling by the Yavuz vessel was extended when at the same time a series of initiatives are ongoing that seek an end to Ankara's unlawful actions and de-escalation," he said, after a meeting with EU Council President Charles Michel in Nicosia. Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes Anastasiades said Turkey was continuing its provocations in the eastern Mediterranean. On Tuesday, Turkey extended the operations of its Yavuz energy drill ship in disputed Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until Oct. 12, in a move that could stir tension between the island's Greek Cypriot government and Ankara. Turkey, Greece and Cyprus have been locked in a row over energy resources and maritime borders in the region, with Ankara infuriating the EU countries by sending research ships with naval escorts to work in contested waters. There have been fears of conflict erupting and Cyprus is pressing the rest of the EU to impose fresh sanctions on Ankara over the drilling. "Turkey is and will always be an important neighbour, but while we are close together on the map, the distance between us appears to be growing," von der Leyen told the European Parliament. "Yes, Turkey is in a troubled neighbourhood. And yes, it is hosting millions of refugees, for which we support them with considerable funding. But none of this is justification for attempts to intimidate its neighbours." Greece and Cyprus can count on Europe's "full solidarity on protecting their legitimate sovereignty rights", she added.

European Union chief warns Turkey against 'intimidating' neighbours

The much delayed India-European Union summit will now take place on 15th July. The summit that was to take place earlier this year was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

It is the 15th edition of the summit and will be co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. &nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs release said, "The Summit will review India-EU cooperation covering political &amp; security relations, trade &amp; investment and economic cooperation."

COVID-19 crisis will be a major focus&nbsp;with EU release on the summit saying, "As the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders will discuss global cooperation and solidarity to protect lives, to mitigate the socio-economic consequences and to strengthen preparedness and response capacities."

Reviving the India-EU FTA talks is also expected to be the&nbsp;top focus.

An aggressive China will also be another area of priority. Recently in an exclusive interview with WION, the EU envoy to India Ugo Astuto had said, "EU and India share the same values of democracies and pluralism, we are an open society. We strongly believe in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations.. EU and India share priorities that will be central when we shape the world's agenda in a post-COVID-19 world. "

Adding, "It is important we strengthen EU cooperation with other major Asian partners such as India, notably India but also Japan, South Korea."

It is the 2nd virtual summit in which Indian PM will participate, the first one being with Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison. The last India EU summit, that is the 14th summit took place in Delhi on 6th October 2017. 
&nbsp;

The much delayed India-European Union summit will now take place on 15th July. The summit that was to take place earlier this year was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

The much delayed India-European Union summit will now take place on 15th July. The summit that was to take place earlier this year was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. It is the 15th edition of the summit and will be co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Ministry of external affairs release said, "The Summit will review India-EU cooperation covering political & security relations, trade & investment and economic cooperation." COVID-19 crisis will be a major focus with EU release on the summit saying, "As the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders will discuss global cooperation and solidarity to protect lives, to mitigate the socio-economic consequences and to strengthen preparedness and response capacities." Reviving the India-EU FTA talks is also expected to be the top focus. An aggressive China will also be another area of priority. Recently in an exclusive interview with WION, the EU envoy to India Ugo Astuto had said, "EU and India share the same values of democracies and pluralism, we are an open society. We strongly believe in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations.. EU and India share priorities that will be central when we shape the world's agenda in a post-COVID-19 world. " Adding, "It is important we strengthen EU cooperation with other major Asian partners such as India, notably India but also Japan, South Korea." It is the 2nd virtual summit in which Indian PM will participate, the first one being with Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison. The last India EU summit, that is the 14th summit took place in Delhi on 6th October 2017.

Virtual India-EU summit to take place on July 15

The European Union warned of “very negative consequences” if Beijing goes ahead with a new security law on Hong Kong that the West says will curtail basic rights.

Calling China a partner and a rival, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Beijing had not followed up on a 2019 deal to allow greater access for European companies in China or drop rules requiring investors to share their know-how in Chinese joint ventures.

The Chinese were unreciprocated towards the meeting. The video summit did not produce any results. No joint statement was released. For EU — the lack of progress on trade negotiations is a sore point. For china — the EU raising a voice against the new security law is irritating. The European Union officials warned China of very negative consequences — if Beijing goes ahead with the law.

Some have called on the EU to take China to the international court of justice. Others have called for economic sanctions. Last week — a resolution was introduced at the EU assembly. The Chinese parliament went berserk at this move. This is the latest flashpoint.

China rebuked EU saying — do not interfere in our domestic affair. During the video call — the EU was tough on China. The US has been pressurizing it to take a more hardline view towards China. But — the bloc had been reluctant to alienate either superpower. It's difficult —there is a lack of unity among its 27 member states. Many have been courted by China. But — across the Atlantic, the situation is very different. The US will not stop going after China.

It has designated four more Chinese media Organisations as foreign diplomatic missions. The US says — they are being used to peddle communist propaganda on American soil.

The four news outlets are China Central Television (CCTV), China News Service, People's daily and The Global Times.

They have to report details about their staff and — the properties they hold in the USA total of nine Chinese media outlets are under scrutiny.

Ironically — Chinese spokesperson tried to school America about free speech. The same spokesperson went on to urge the US to abandon cold war thinking and — ideological bias.

China's global posturing shows it does not favour a multi-lateral world. As far as ideology goes — not willing to sort out trade negotiations with the EU shows that China's only ideology is self-interest.

The European Union warned of “very negative consequences” if Beijing goes ahead with a new security law on Hong Kong that the West says will curtail basic rights.

The European Union warned of “very negative consequences” if Beijing goes ahead with a new security law on Hong Kong that the West says will curtail basic rights. Calling China a partner and a rival, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Beijing had not followed up on a 2019 deal to allow greater access for European companies in China or drop rules requiring investors to share their know-how in Chinese joint ventures. The Chinese were unreciprocated towards the meeting. The video summit did not produce any results. No joint statement was released. For EU — the lack of progress on trade negotiations is a sore point. For china — the EU raising a voice against the new security law is irritating. The European Union officials warned China of very negative consequences — if Beijing goes ahead with the law. Some have called on the EU to take China to the international court of justice. Others have called for economic sanctions. Last week — a resolution was introduced at the EU assembly. The Chinese parliament went berserk at this move. This is the latest flashpoint. China rebuked EU saying — do not interfere in our domestic affair. During the video call — the EU was tough on China. The US has been pressurizing it to take a more hardline view towards China. But — the bloc had been reluctant to alienate either superpower. It's difficult —there is a lack of unity among its 27 member states. Many have been courted by China. But — across the Atlantic, the situation is very different. The US will not stop going after China. It has designated four more Chinese media Organisations as foreign diplomatic missions. The US says — they are being used to peddle communist propaganda on American soil. The four news outlets are China Central Television (CCTV), China News Service, People's daily and The Global Times. They have to report details about their staff and — the properties they hold in the USA total of nine Chinese media outlets are under scrutiny. Ironically — Chinese spokesperson tried to school America about free speech. The same spokesperson went on to urge the US to abandon cold war thinking and — ideological bias. China's global posturing shows it does not favour a multi-lateral world. As far as ideology goes — not willing to sort out trade negotiations with the EU shows that China's only ideology is self-interest.

Self-interest shapes China’s policies toward international trade

European Union leaders have agreed upon a plan for injecting billions of euros of emergency aid into Europe's battered economies.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the fund would mobilise €1 trillion of investment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-people-from-ethnic-communities-are-worst-affected-by-coronavirus-in-uk-294312" hreflang="en">Why people from ethnic communities are worst affected by coronavirus in UK</a>

The various heads of the bloc held a meeting through video conferencing during which&nbsp;they agreed to set up a massive recovery fund, closely tied to it's seven-year budget.

They also confirmed that €540bn of financial support would be released through existing mechanisms from 1 June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-trial-on-humans-starts-in-uk-294384" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK</a>

Previously, a bitter argument had taken place regarding how to fund the much-needed aid.

Italy, which has hit the hardest by the outbreak in Europe,&nbsp;had urged its EU partners&nbsp;to show more solidarity.

However, after the relief fund got passed it's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said "great progress" had been made.

Leaders also agreed to follow guidance from the EU Commission, the organisation's executive arm, on easing their respective lockdowns once the spread of the virus had reduced for a "significant period".

Details of how the longer term recovery plan will be funded will be discussed at another videoconference on May 6.

&nbsp;

European Union leaders have agreed upon a plan for injecting billions of euros of emergency aid into Europe's battered economies. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the fund would mobilise €1 trillion of investment.

European Union leaders have agreed upon a plan for injecting billions of euros of emergency aid into Europe's battered economies. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the fund would mobilise €1 trillion of investment. Also read: Why people from ethnic communities are worst affected by coronavirus in UK The various heads of the bloc held a meeting through video conferencing during which they agreed to set up a massive recovery fund, closely tied to it's seven-year budget. They also confirmed that €540bn of financial support would be released through existing mechanisms from 1 June. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK Previously, a bitter argument had taken place regarding how to fund the much-needed aid. Italy, which has hit the hardest by the outbreak in Europe, had urged its EU partners to show more solidarity. However, after the relief fund got passed it's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said "great progress" had been made. Leaders also agreed to follow guidance from the EU Commission, the organisation's executive arm, on easing their respective lockdowns once the spread of the virus had reduced for a "significant period". Details of how the longer term recovery plan will be funded will be discussed at another videoconference on May 6.

EU leaders agree to mobilise €1 trillion as Covid-19 rescue plan

Greek police clashed with migrants on the border as several hundred people gathered to cross into Europe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-blocks-nearly-10000-migrants-at-turkey-border-283562">Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border</a>

The clash occurred along the Greek and Turkish sides of the Kastanies border crossing as authorities fired tear gas at the migrants. The area has become the scene of frequent clashes. At least one person was injured in the clash even as&nbsp;Turkish officials claimed that one migrant was killed.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-syria-conflict-escalates-284066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say 10,000 migrants have been trying to breach the border.

The situation occurred after Turkey said last week it would no longer abide by the 2016 deal with the European Union to halt illegal migration flow into Europe.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head had said on Monday that the situation at the Greek border is &nbsp;"not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-blocks-nearly-10000-migrants-at-turkey-border-283562">Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border</a>

The EU executive commission head had promised to provide $777 million to the Greek government to help manage the migrant crisis.

According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey last week.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">250,000 migrants fleeing from Syria's Idlib towards Turkey: Tayyip Erdogan</a>

Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

Greek authorities have termed it an "invasion" and have employed aggressive measures including tear gas, batons, stun grenades and rubber bullets to repel thousands of refugees.

The country has reinforced its waters as well, in a bid to stop the migrants from crossing over.

Greek police clashed with migrants on the border as several hundred people gathered to cross into Europe. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border The clash occurred along the Greek and Turkish sides of the Kastanies border crossing as authorities fired tear gas at the migrants.

Greek police clashed with migrants on the border as several hundred people gathered to cross into Europe. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border The clash occurred along the Greek and Turkish sides of the Kastanies border crossing as authorities fired tear gas at the migrants. The area has become the scene of frequent clashes. At least one person was injured in the clash even as Turkish officials claimed that one migrant was killed. Watch Video: Reports say 10,000 migrants have been trying to breach the border. The situation occurred after Turkey said last week it would no longer abide by the 2016 deal with the European Union to halt illegal migration flow into Europe. Also Read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head had said on Monday that the situation at the Greek border is "not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole." Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border The EU executive commission head had promised to provide $777 million to the Greek government to help manage the migrant crisis. According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey last week. Also Read: 250,000 migrants fleeing from Syria's Idlib towards Turkey: Tayyip Erdogan Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Greek authorities have termed it an "invasion" and have employed aggressive measures including tear gas, batons, stun grenades and rubber bullets to repel thousands of refugees. The country has reinforced its waters as well, in a bid to stop the migrants from crossing over.

Greek police fire tear gas at migrants on Turkish border