The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-blocks-nearly-10000-migrants-at-turkey-border-283562">Also Read:&nbsp;Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border</a>

"The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said.

"We will hold the line and our unity will prevail," she announced alongside&nbsp;Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the chiefs of the European Council and European Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen said EU would provide $777 million to help manage the migrant crisis to the Greek government.

Additionally, the EU executive commission head said Frontex the border agency would provide further 100 guards including helicopters and vehicles.

"Our first priority is making sure that order is maintained at the Greek external border, which is also the European border," von der Leyen added.

Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey between Saturday and Monday night.

Security forces used tear gas to prevent migrants from crossing into Greece as tensions raged on the border.

"The EU has an opportunity to show it has learned from the errors of the recent past by putting in place humane and efficient measures at the border that respect the right to seek asylum and people's dignity," EU director at Human Rights Watch, Lotte Leicht, said.

The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border "The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said.

The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border "The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said. "We will hold the line and our unity will prevail," she announced alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the chiefs of the European Council and European Parliament. Ursula von der Leyen said EU would provide $777 million to help manage the migrant crisis to the Greek government. Additionally, the EU executive commission head said Frontex the border agency would provide further 100 guards including helicopters and vehicles. "Our first priority is making sure that order is maintained at the Greek external border, which is also the European border," von der Leyen added. Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR). According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey between Saturday and Monday night. Security forces used tear gas to prevent migrants from crossing into Greece as tensions raged on the border. "The EU has an opportunity to show it has learned from the errors of the recent past by putting in place humane and efficient measures at the border that respect the right to seek asylum and people's dignity," EU director at Human Rights Watch, Lotte Leicht, said.

Situation on Greek border is Europe's responsibility: Ursula von der Leyen

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-at-mercy-of-politics-in-2020-experts-warn-273582">Brexit</a>.

The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme.

Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended.

Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an&nbsp;agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday.

The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-britain-heads-to-polls-a-glance-at-last-three-elections-267767">Democratic Unionist Party</a> (DUP) came to terms.

"Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters.

"We're ready to do business," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced".

"We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said.

The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government.

Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill&nbsp;would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women.

European Commission President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">Ursula von der Leyen</a> hailed the agreement&nbsp;as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". &nbsp;

Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike.

The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups.

Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs.

A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Northern Ireland</a> in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power.

The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>.

Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier.

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Boris Johnson's</a> EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland.

Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights.

The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity".

It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">UK government</a> additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid.

Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached.

"History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-british-take-it-or-leave-it-approach-amounts-to-no-deal-254585">Simon Coveney</a> after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government.

It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended. Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday. The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) came to terms. "Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters. "We're ready to do business," she said. DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced". "We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said. The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government. Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike. The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups. Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs. A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of Northern Ireland in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power. The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the European Union. Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland. Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights. The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity". It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute. The UK government additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid. Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached. "History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government. It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland government returns after three-year suspension

Britain stands to lose more than the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-agrees-on-2050-climate-neutrality-without-poland-268400">European Union</a> if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain set a hard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">deadline of December 2020</a> on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord.

"The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said.

"This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday. Britain set a hard deadline of December 2020 on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord. "The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said. "This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than European Union from lack of trade deal by end-2020: EU

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-leaders-to-push-for-climate-neutrality-by-2050-sources-265831">European Union</a> left Poland out of a 2050 climate neutrality agreement on Friday after hours of summit haggling with three poorer eastern member states that demanded more funds for economic transition and support for nuclear power.

The Czech Republic and Hungary eventually dropped their resistance after winning a guarantee that nuclear energy would be recognised as a way for EU states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-end-major-russian-gas-contract-by-2022-262384">Poland</a> remained against.

The tussle came a day after Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, the new head of the bloc's executive European Commission, proposed a 100-billion-euro (85.7 billion pounds) investment plan for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, declaring it Europe's "man on the moon moment".

With fires, floods and droughts ruining millions of lives around the world, the European Union's new push comes as popular protest demanding more action to fight climate change spreads around the bloc.

Von der Leyen said the Brussels summit deal, reached in the wee hours of Friday by 27 national EU leaders, was enough for the commission to start rolling out concrete climate legislative proposals for the bloc next year based on the 2050 goal.

"We acknowledge that the transition is a big one for Poland," she said. "It needs more time to go through the details, but this will not change the time frame ... for the commission."

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, whose country relies on highly polluting coal for some 80 per cent&nbsp;of its energy needs, said the negotiations had been "very difficult".

"Poland will be reaching climate neutrality at its own pace," he told reporters after the marathon talks.

German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> said she was satisfied with the outcome.

"There is no splitting of Europe into separate parts but one member state needing more time to see how it will be implemented," she said.

Warsaw's discussions about introducing nuclear energy in the largest ex-communist EU country have not yet been settled, partly due to high costs.

The neighbouring Czech Republic and Hungary want to invest in nuclear energy and won a line in the EU leaders' tortured decision specifically recognising their right to do that, despite opposition from Austria, Luxembourg and Germany.

"It was a long and difficult struggle," Austrian Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein said. "Every country can decide about its national energy mix. For Austria, nuclear energy is not a safe and sustainable source of energy."

Poland had demanded more specific guarantees on the scale and scope of financing for phasing out fossil fuels, which ties into another difficult debate in the bloc on its next budget for 2021-27. On Thursday night, EU leaders meeting in Brussels only agreed to push the can down the road on that to 2020.

But net payers like the Netherlands were adamant they would not offer more funds to Warsaw if it did not firmly commit to the more ambitious climate goal, which the Hague backs. The EU is supposed to return to that discussion in June.

Earlier in the day Poland floated the idea of setting the date at 2070. But a failure to agree at all on climate neutrality would have been a setback for the bloc's new leadership, including von der Leyen, who took office this month.

Underlining the stakes, Greenpeace climate activists scaled the glass-fronted Europa building where leaders meet, unfurling banners reading "Climate Emergency", firing off red flares and blaring fire alarm sirens.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban set the tone ahead of the talks, insisting that less affluent countries of eastern Europe must get generous financial guarantees.

"We cannot allow Brussels bureaucrats to have poor people and poor countries to pay the costs of the fight against climate change," he said.

The European Union left Poland out of a 2050 climate neutrality agreement on Friday after hours of summit haggling with three poorer eastern member states that demanded more funds for economic transition and support for nuclear power.

The European Union left Poland out of a 2050 climate neutrality agreement on Friday after hours of summit haggling with three poorer eastern member states that demanded more funds for economic transition and support for nuclear power. The Czech Republic and Hungary eventually dropped their resistance after winning a guarantee that nuclear energy would be recognised as a way for EU states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But Poland remained against. The tussle came a day after Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, the new head of the bloc's executive European Commission, proposed a 100-billion-euro (85.7 billion pounds) investment plan for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, declaring it Europe's "man on the moon moment". With fires, floods and droughts ruining millions of lives around the world, the European Union's new push comes as popular protest demanding more action to fight climate change spreads around the bloc. Von der Leyen said the Brussels summit deal, reached in the wee hours of Friday by 27 national EU leaders, was enough for the commission to start rolling out concrete climate legislative proposals for the bloc next year based on the 2050 goal. "We acknowledge that the transition is a big one for Poland," she said. "It needs more time to go through the details, but this will not change the time frame ... for the commission." Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, whose country relies on highly polluting coal for some 80 per cent of its energy needs, said the negotiations had been "very difficult". "Poland will be reaching climate neutrality at its own pace," he told reporters after the marathon talks. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was satisfied with the outcome. "There is no splitting of Europe into separate parts but one member state needing more time to see how it will be implemented," she said. Warsaw's discussions about introducing nuclear energy in the largest ex-communist EU country have not yet been settled, partly due to high costs. The neighbouring Czech Republic and Hungary want to invest in nuclear energy and won a line in the EU leaders' tortured decision specifically recognising their right to do that, despite opposition from Austria, Luxembourg and Germany. "It was a long and difficult struggle," Austrian Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein said. "Every country can decide about its national energy mix. For Austria, nuclear energy is not a safe and sustainable source of energy." Poland had demanded more specific guarantees on the scale and scope of financing for phasing out fossil fuels, which ties into another difficult debate in the bloc on its next budget for 2021-27. On Thursday night, EU leaders meeting in Brussels only agreed to push the can down the road on that to 2020. But net payers like the Netherlands were adamant they would not offer more funds to Warsaw if it did not firmly commit to the more ambitious climate goal, which the Hague backs. The EU is supposed to return to that discussion in June. Earlier in the day Poland floated the idea of setting the date at 2070. But a failure to agree at all on climate neutrality would have been a setback for the bloc's new leadership, including von der Leyen, who took office this month. Underlining the stakes, Greenpeace climate activists scaled the glass-fronted Europa building where leaders meet, unfurling banners reading "Climate Emergency", firing off red flares and blaring fire alarm sirens. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban set the tone ahead of the talks, insisting that less affluent countries of eastern Europe must get generous financial guarantees. "We cannot allow Brussels bureaucrats to have poor people and poor countries to pay the costs of the fight against climate change," he said.

EU leaves Poland out of 2050 climate deal after standoff

European Union lawmakers gave final approval to German conservative Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday to take over at the helm of the bloc's executive European Commission from December 1.

Ursula von der Leyen: 1st woman chief of European Union

German conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-president-elect-faces-final-vote-264765">Ursula von der Leyen</a> told the European Parliament on Wednesday that fighting climate change was an "existential" challenge and she would ensure money was provided to help adapt economies to lower fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking ahead of a final vote in the chamber to confirm her as European Commission president from December&nbsp;1, and also confirm the other Commission members, von der Leyen said: "We don't have a moment to waste any more on fighting climate change."

She said that the transition towards "climate neutrality" by mid-century had to be achieved in a "sustainable way", meaning it must keep onboard workers, regions, and governments that still rely on coal for jobs, energy needs, and economic growth.

"It must be inclusive or it will not happen at all," she said.

German conservative Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that fighting climate change was an "existential" challenge and she would ensure money was provided to help adapt economies to lower fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

German conservative Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that fighting climate change was an "existential" challenge and she would ensure money was provided to help adapt economies to lower fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking ahead of a final vote in the chamber to confirm her as European Commission president from December 1, and also confirm the other Commission members, von der Leyen said: "We don't have a moment to waste any more on fighting climate change." She said that the transition towards "climate neutrality" by mid-century had to be achieved in a "sustainable way", meaning it must keep onboard workers, regions, and governments that still rely on coal for jobs, energy needs, and economic growth. "It must be inclusive or it will not happen at all," she said.

Incoming European union chief vows to fight 'existential' climate risks

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath.

President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will divulge the portfolios of her vice presidents and commissioners, drawn from each member state, minus Britain whose government wants to leave the bloc on October 31.

If her selection is approved by the European Parliament and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-eu-commission-to-have-almost-as-many-women-as-men-248648"> EU leaders</a>, it will boast near gender parity, with 13 women and 14 men, meeting one of von der Leyen's key modernizing pledges.

The global issues they face will include the fight against climate change, trade wars, defending international institutions and defending Europe's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

They will face headwinds from America, an ally seen by many as unreliable and isolationist under President Donald Trump, who is pressuring Europe on trade and for cracking down on the tax strategies of Silicon Valley giants.

Iran's shrink-back from the landmark nuclear deal it struck with world powers after America's exit, and more generally tensions across the Middle East as well as an assertive Turkey and a troublesome Russia also present foreign policy wildcards for Brussels.

And problems to confront within the European bloc include slowing growth, members such as Poland and Hungary spurning EU principles of solidarity and rule of law, and the populist current that is sustaining far-right politicians.

Mind the gap&nbsp;

Von der Leyen spent the last couple of weeks interviewing and vetting a list of candidates whose names were confirmed on Monday, though not their commission posts.

The first big drama they will likely star in will be Brexit, which, if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets his way, will be effective from the first day of the new Commission.

Even if that is the case which is not entirely certain given fierce British parliamentary opposition to the no-deal Brexit that Johnson says he is willing to impose negotiations to work out Britain's relationship with the EU will drag on for years.

"Our working assumption is that Brexit will happen on the 31st of October," a European Commission spokeswoman said Monday.

With Brexit, the EU would also have to find a way to fill the budget gap left by the departure of the UK, a top-tier economy in the bloc.

Negotiations are under way for the next budget cycle covering 2021-27 and meant to amount to 1.28 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion), but remaining EU members are reticent to increase their contributions to cover the shortfall.

To spur growth in the EU, von der Leyen has vowed to ease the fiscal rectitude that has notably been the hallmark of her home country of Germany.

That issue has taken on added urgency with ominous signs of a possible global recession, or at least a pronounced slowdown not helped by the US-China trade war.

Von der Leyen, previously Germany's defence minister, will be able to call on experienced hands on her team.

They include former Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders.

There are also holdovers from the previous Commission Margrethe Vestager from Denmark and Phil Hogan from Ireland for instance, taking on new roles along with Commission vice president Frans Timmermans.

Political currents

Von der Leyen will also have to surf competing political currents within Europe.

That is why on Tuesday, attention will be focused on how she divvies up portfolios among the dominant political families, as well as among western and eastern EU states, and how her priorities will be reflected by the heft of each directorate.

On Monday, a source close to the Commission selection process acknowledged to AFP that von der Leyen has "some problems to work out" in configuring her team.

The traditional influence exerted by EU heavyweights France and Germany will also be scrutinized, especially as President Emmanuel Macron has been carving out a more pronounced global leadership role while Chancellor Angela Merkel is to bow off the political stage in 2021.

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath.

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath. President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will divulge the portfolios of her vice presidents and commissioners, drawn from each member state, minus Britain whose government wants to leave the bloc on October 31. If her selection is approved by the European Parliament and EU leaders, it will boast near gender parity, with 13 women and 14 men, meeting one of von der Leyen's key modernizing pledges. The global issues they face will include the fight against climate change, trade wars, defending international institutions and defending Europe's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. They will face headwinds from America, an ally seen by many as unreliable and isolationist under President Donald Trump, who is pressuring Europe on trade and for cracking down on the tax strategies of Silicon Valley giants. Iran's shrink-back from the landmark nuclear deal it struck with world powers after America's exit, and more generally tensions across the Middle East as well as an assertive Turkey and a troublesome Russia also present foreign policy wildcards for Brussels. And problems to confront within the European bloc include slowing growth, members such as Poland and Hungary spurning EU principles of solidarity and rule of law, and the populist current that is sustaining far-right politicians. Mind the gap Von der Leyen spent the last couple of weeks interviewing and vetting a list of candidates whose names were confirmed on Monday, though not their commission posts. The first big drama they will likely star in will be Brexit, which, if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets his way, will be effective from the first day of the new Commission. Even if that is the case which is not entirely certain given fierce British parliamentary opposition to the no-deal Brexit that Johnson says he is willing to impose negotiations to work out Britain's relationship with the EU will drag on for years. "Our working assumption is that Brexit will happen on the 31st of October," a European Commission spokeswoman said Monday. With Brexit, the EU would also have to find a way to fill the budget gap left by the departure of the UK, a top-tier economy in the bloc. Negotiations are under way for the next budget cycle covering 2021-27 and meant to amount to 1.28 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion), but remaining EU members are reticent to increase their contributions to cover the shortfall. To spur growth in the EU, von der Leyen has vowed to ease the fiscal rectitude that has notably been the hallmark of her home country of Germany. That issue has taken on added urgency with ominous signs of a possible global recession, or at least a pronounced slowdown not helped by the US-China trade war. Von der Leyen, previously Germany's defence minister, will be able to call on experienced hands on her team. They include former Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders. There are also holdovers from the previous Commission Margrethe Vestager from Denmark and Phil Hogan from Ireland for instance, taking on new roles along with Commission vice president Frans Timmermans. Political currents Von der Leyen will also have to surf competing political currents within Europe. That is why on Tuesday, attention will be focused on how she divvies up portfolios among the dominant political families, as well as among western and eastern EU states, and how her priorities will be reflected by the heft of each directorate. On Monday, a source close to the Commission selection process acknowledged to AFP that von der Leyen has "some problems to work out" in configuring her team. The traditional influence exerted by EU heavyweights France and Germany will also be scrutinized, especially as President Emmanuel Macron has been carving out a more pronounced global leadership role while Chancellor Angela Merkel is to bow off the political stage in 2021.

Wildcards, headwinds as new European Commission executive to take over

Incoming European Union president Ursula von der Leyen's European Commission will meet her gender balance target, with 13 women and 14 men leading the bloc's new executive.

The lineup was announced on Monday, the day before von der Leyen is to assign roles to the nominees chosen by the governments of 27 EU members.

The former German defence minister had stated before inviting EU capitals to name their candidates that she hoped to achieve gender balance in her top team

Many countries did not send in two names as requested, but enough qualified women were nominated to allow her to name the EU's largest female contingent yet.

"This follows a series of formal interviews President-elect von der Leyen held over the past weeks with each of the persons suggested, " her office said.

On Tuesday, von der Leyen will assign portfolios to each, after which member states and the EU parliament must approve the list.

Britain has not nominated a commissioner, as Brussels assumes that Brexit will take place on October 31, one day before von der Leyen takes office.

The nominees for posts are:

Austria: &nbsp;Johannes Hahn

Belgium: Didier Reynders

Bulgaria: Mariya Gabriel

Croatia: Dubravka Suica

Cyprus: Stella Kyriakides

Czech Republic: Vera Jourova

Denmark: Margrethe Vestager

Estonia: Kadri Simson

Finland: &nbsp;Jutta Urpilainen

France: Sylvie Goulard

Germany: Ursula von der Leyen

Greece: Margaritis Schinas

Hungary: Laszlo Trocsanyi

Ireland: Phil Hogan

Italy: Paolo Gentiloni

Latvia: Valdis Dombrovskis

Lithuania: Virginijus Sinkievicius

Luxemburg: Nicolas Schmit

Malta: Helena Dalli

Netherlands: Frans Timmermans

Poland: Janusz Wojciechowski

Portugal: Elisa Ferreira

Romania: Rovana Plumb

Slovakia: Maros Sefcovic

Slovenia: Janez Lenarcic

Spain: Josep Borrell

Sweden: Ylva Johansson

Incoming European Union president Ursula von der Leyen's European Commission will meet her gender balance target, with 13 women and 14 men leading the bloc's new executive.

Incoming European Union president Ursula von der Leyen's European Commission will meet her gender balance target, with 13 women and 14 men leading the bloc's new executive. The lineup was announced on Monday, the day before von der Leyen is to assign roles to the nominees chosen by the governments of 27 EU members. The former German defence minister had stated before inviting EU capitals to name their candidates that she hoped to achieve gender balance in her top team Many countries did not send in two names as requested, but enough qualified women were nominated to allow her to name the EU's largest female contingent yet. "This follows a series of formal interviews President-elect von der Leyen held over the past weeks with each of the persons suggested, " her office said. On Tuesday, von der Leyen will assign portfolios to each, after which member states and the EU parliament must approve the list. Britain has not nominated a commissioner, as Brussels assumes that Brexit will take place on October 31, one day before von der Leyen takes office. The nominees for posts are: Austria: Johannes Hahn Belgium: Didier Reynders Bulgaria: Mariya Gabriel Croatia: Dubravka Suica Cyprus: Stella Kyriakides Czech Republic: Vera Jourova Denmark: Margrethe Vestager Estonia: Kadri Simson Finland: Jutta Urpilainen France: Sylvie Goulard Germany: Ursula von der Leyen Greece: Margaritis Schinas Hungary: Laszlo Trocsanyi Ireland: Phil Hogan Italy: Paolo Gentiloni Latvia: Valdis Dombrovskis Lithuania: Virginijus Sinkievicius Luxemburg: Nicolas Schmit Malta: Helena Dalli Netherlands: Frans Timmermans Poland: Janusz Wojciechowski Portugal: Elisa Ferreira Romania: Rovana Plumb Slovakia: Maros Sefcovic Slovenia: Janez Lenarcic Spain: Josep Borrell Sweden: Ylva Johansson

New European Union Commission to have almost as many women as men

A no-deal Brexit would hurt Britain more than the rest of Europe no matter how much <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-tells-civil-servants-their-top-priority-is-preparing-for-no-deal-brexit-sky-241873">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s government pretends otherwise, outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in remarks published on Saturday.

Britain has been pressing the European Union to amend the terms of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-urges-lawmakers-to-back-october-31-brexit-241537">Britain's withdrawal agreement</a>, saying Brussels would have to take responsibility for a no-deal Brexit if it does not compromise.

But at the end of the day that would do the most harm to Britain, Juncker told a regional newspaper in the Austrian province of Tyrol, where he regularly spends his summer holiday.

"If it comes to a hard Brexit, that is in no one's interest, but the British would be the big losers. They are acting as though that were not the case but it is," Juncker told the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper.

"We are fully prepared even though some in Britain say we are not well set up for a 'no deal'. But I am not taking part in these little summer games," said Juncker, who is due to be succeeded by German conservative Ursula von der Leyen once she has put together her Commission.

The European Union has said the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the previous British administration led by Theresa May will not be re-opened. Johnson says it wants a key element of that deal, the so-called Irish "backstop", to be scrapped.

The backstop, agreed between Brussels and May's government, aims to keep the border between the Republic of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland open, and would effectively keep Northern Ireland within the EU's single market if no alternative arrangement can be found.

"We have made clear that we are not prepared to hold new negotiations on the withdrawal agreement but only to make certain clarifications in the framework of the political declarations that regulate future relations between the United Kingdom and European Union," Juncker said.

"We are well prepared (for no deal) and I hope the British are too." 
&nbsp;

A no-deal Brexit would hurt Britain more than the rest of Europe no matter how much Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government pretends otherwise, outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in remarks published on Saturday.

A no-deal Brexit would hurt Britain more than the rest of Europe no matter how much Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government pretends otherwise, outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in remarks published on Saturday. Britain has been pressing the European Union to amend the terms of Britain's withdrawal agreement, saying Brussels would have to take responsibility for a no-deal Brexit if it does not compromise. But at the end of the day that would do the most harm to Britain, Juncker told a regional newspaper in the Austrian province of Tyrol, where he regularly spends his summer holiday. "If it comes to a hard Brexit, that is in no one's interest, but the British would be the big losers. They are acting as though that were not the case but it is," Juncker told the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper. "We are fully prepared even though some in Britain say we are not well set up for a 'no deal'. But I am not taking part in these little summer games," said Juncker, who is due to be succeeded by German conservative Ursula von der Leyen once she has put together her Commission. The European Union has said the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the previous British administration led by Theresa May will not be re-opened. Johnson says it wants a key element of that deal, the so-called Irish "backstop", to be scrapped. The backstop, agreed between Brussels and May's government, aims to keep the border between the Republic of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland open, and would effectively keep Northern Ireland within the EU's single market if no alternative arrangement can be found. "We have made clear that we are not prepared to hold new negotiations on the withdrawal agreement but only to make certain clarifications in the framework of the political declarations that regulate future relations between the United Kingdom and European Union," Juncker said. "We are well prepared (for no deal) and I hope the British are too."

If it comes to hard Brexit, British would be the big losers: European Union's Jean-Claude Juncker tells UK

Ursula Von Der Leyen Becomes The First Woman To Hold European Commission's Top Job European Commission's new President Ursula Von Der Leyen has been breaking glass ceilings for years now. The former defence minister of Germany has become the first woman to become EU commission's President. Here's a profile charting the rise of Ursula Von Der Leyen

Gravitas: The rise & rise of Ursula von der Leyen, the new EU commission president

Germany's Ursula von der Leyen secured European parliamentary approval on Tuesday to become the first female European Commission president after she won over socialists and liberals with her vision of a greener, fairer and rule-based Europe.

Gaining the support of both groups, on top of endorsement by her fellow conservatives, is expected to give her legitimacy, allowing her to tackle controversial issues such as climate change, trade and maintaining democracy in the bloc.

Rejection by the European legislature would have been a painful blow for the bloc, beset by challenges ranging from trade to Brexit and erosion of democratic norms, and a headache for EU leaders who would have to come up with another candidate in a month.

As head of the EU executive, von der Leyen will be in charge of trade negotiations, economic and climate policy for 500 million Europeans and antitrust rulings involving powerful tech giants.

She secured 383 votes to 327 against, the speaker of the assembly, David Sassoli, said. The threshold was 374.

"The trust you placed in me is the confidence you placed in Europe. Your confidence in a united and strong Europe, from east to west, from south to north," the German conservative said. "It`s a big responsibility and my work starts now."

"Let us work together constructively because the endeavour is a united and strong Europe," said von der Leyen, who will take up her new role on November 1.

The liberal group Renew Europe and the Socialists and Democrats Group had earlier announced support for the 60-year-old, who this week resigned as German defence minister, regardless of the EU lawmakers' decision.

Earlier on Tuesday, von der Leyen set out her climate goals, going further than current targets, in a bid to convince both socialists and liberals. She had already pledged the ambitious targets in letters to the two groups the previous day.

"Our most pressing challenge is keeping our planet healthy. This is the greatest responsibility and opportunity of our times. I want Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050," she told EU lawmakers.

She added she would propose a Green Deal for Europe in her first 100 days in office, turn parts of the European Investment Bank into a Climate Bank and introduce a Carbon Border Tax.

Von der Leyen promised to defend the rule of law, took aim at U.S. tech giants` low tax bill in Europe and said she would update EU-wide norms for tackling the migrant issue.

"We need to address the legitimate concerns of many and look at how we can overcome our differences," she said.

In her biggest cross-party promise, von der Leyen offered to help allow the chamber the right to propose new legislation - currently the Commission`s prerogative.

Germany's Ursula von der Leyen secured European parliamentary approval on Tuesday to become the first female European Commission president after she won over socialists and liberals with her vision of a greener, fairer and rule-based Europe.

Germany's Ursula von der Leyen secured European parliamentary approval on Tuesday to become the first female European Commission president after she won over socialists and liberals with her vision of a greener, fairer and rule-based Europe. Gaining the support of both groups, on top of endorsement by her fellow conservatives, is expected to give her legitimacy, allowing her to tackle controversial issues such as climate change, trade and maintaining democracy in the bloc. Rejection by the European legislature would have been a painful blow for the bloc, beset by challenges ranging from trade to Brexit and erosion of democratic norms, and a headache for EU leaders who would have to come up with another candidate in a month. As head of the EU executive, von der Leyen will be in charge of trade negotiations, economic and climate policy for 500 million Europeans and antitrust rulings involving powerful tech giants. She secured 383 votes to 327 against, the speaker of the assembly, David Sassoli, said. The threshold was 374. "The trust you placed in me is the confidence you placed in Europe. Your confidence in a united and strong Europe, from east to west, from south to north," the German conservative said. "It`s a big responsibility and my work starts now." "Let us work together constructively because the endeavour is a united and strong Europe," said von der Leyen, who will take up her new role on November 1. The liberal group Renew Europe and the Socialists and Democrats Group had earlier announced support for the 60-year-old, who this week resigned as German defence minister, regardless of the EU lawmakers' decision. Earlier on Tuesday, von der Leyen set out her climate goals, going further than current targets, in a bid to convince both socialists and liberals. She had already pledged the ambitious targets in letters to the two groups the previous day. "Our most pressing challenge is keeping our planet healthy. This is the greatest responsibility and opportunity of our times. I want Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050," she told EU lawmakers. She added she would propose a Green Deal for Europe in her first 100 days in office, turn parts of the European Investment Bank into a Climate Bank and introduce a Carbon Border Tax. Von der Leyen promised to defend the rule of law, took aim at U.S. tech giants` low tax bill in Europe and said she would update EU-wide norms for tackling the migrant issue. "We need to address the legitimate concerns of many and look at how we can overcome our differences," she said. In her biggest cross-party promise, von der Leyen offered to help allow the chamber the right to propose new legislation - currently the Commission`s prerogative.

Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen voted new European Commission president

Germany's Ursula von der Leyen secured European parliamentary approval on Tuesday (July 16) to become the first female European Commission president after she won over socialists and liberals with her vision of a greener, fairer and rule-based Europe.

Von der Leyen secures powerful EU executive top job

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly.

"The secret to happiness is freedom. The secret to freedom is courage. Let's have courage together," she urged lawmakers, citing the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. &nbsp;

"A speech is just a speech, it's limited," she admitted, urging members to consult a hastily put together manifesto designed to answer demands from conservative, socialist and liberal pro-European parties.&nbsp;

She promised: "A climate-neutral Europe in 2015. A more social and competitive Europe. A Europe that makes use of its full potential.&nbsp;

"A Europe that has a new push on European democracy and a strong Europe that protects our European way of life."

Von der Leyen had&nbsp;had only a short time since the 28 EU leaders nominated her to win over the main centre-right EPP, socialist S&amp;D and liberal Renew Europe blocs she hopes will get her the necessary 374 votes.

The Brussels-born political blueblood and London School of Economics graduate is the only minister to have served with Merkel since the beginning of her marathon reign in 2005 and previously ran the family affairs and labour ministries.

A life-long high achiever, she has at times drawn envy and animosity for her best-in-class style. But she has played up the persona of a super-mum with iron discipline in her campaign for the top EU job.

She was once dubbed "the soloist" for her go-it-alone style, and a recent opinion poll by Bild am Sonntag newspaper rated her as the second-least popular member of Merkel's cabinet.

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday. The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly.

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday. The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly. "The secret to happiness is freedom. The secret to freedom is courage. Let's have courage together," she urged lawmakers, citing the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. "A speech is just a speech, it's limited," she admitted, urging members to consult a hastily put together manifesto designed to answer demands from conservative, socialist and liberal pro-European parties. She promised: "A climate-neutral Europe in 2015. A more social and competitive Europe. A Europe that makes use of its full potential. "A Europe that has a new push on European democracy and a strong Europe that protects our European way of life." Von der Leyen had had only a short time since the 28 EU leaders nominated her to win over the main centre-right EPP, socialist S&D and liberal Renew Europe blocs she hopes will get her the necessary 374 votes. The Brussels-born political blueblood and London School of Economics graduate is the only minister to have served with Merkel since the beginning of her marathon reign in 2005 and previously ran the family affairs and labour ministries. A life-long high achiever, she has at times drawn envy and animosity for her best-in-class style. But she has played up the persona of a super-mum with iron discipline in her campaign for the top EU job. She was once dubbed "the soloist" for her go-it-alone style, and a recent opinion poll by Bild am Sonntag newspaper rated her as the second-least popular member of Merkel's cabinet.

Lawmakers narrowly approve Von der Leyen as EU chief

European Council President Donald Tusk praised an agreement to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lagarde-temporarily-steps-down-as-imf-chief-american-economist-david-lipton-named-interim-leader-232570">assign two senior EU jobs</a> on to women for the first time.

"After all, Europe is a woman," he told a news conference after three day of tortuous talks between 28 EU leaders on assigning the bloc's top jobs exposed their deepening divisions.

Tusk said the appointment of Germany's defence minister Ursula von der Leyen to lead the next European Commission still needed approval from the European Parliament.

He also said he was "absolutely sure" that France's Christine Lagarde would be an independent new head of the European Central Bank.

European Union leaders agreed on Tuesday to name France's Christine Lagarde as the new head of the European Central Bank and sealed a deal on filling the EU's other top four jobs after marathon talks that have exposed deep divisions in the bloc.

Three days of summit negotiations that at times looked close to collapse ended with a deal that now must be approved by the European Parliament and was immediately rejected by the socialist and green bloc in the assembly in Strasbourg.

Leaders hope the decision to nominate two women, Lagarde and German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, to the top of EU decision-making for the first time will send a positive message and repair damage wrought by such a fractious summit, diplomats said.

Lagarde, once France's first woman finance minister and since 2011 head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is a strong advocate of female empowerment, although she has no direct, active monetary policy experience.

The biggest task for Lagarde, who had previously denied any interest in an EU job, will be to revive the eurozone economy.

"Christine Lagarde will ... be a perfect president of the European Central Bank," Tusk said. "I am absolutely sure that she will be a very independent president ..."

European Council President Donald Tusk praised an agreement to assign two senior EU jobs on to women for the first time. "After all, Europe is a woman," he told a news conference after three day of tortuous talks between 28 EU leaders on assigning the bloc's top jobs exposed their deepening divisions.

European Council President Donald Tusk praised an agreement to assign two senior EU jobs on to women for the first time. "After all, Europe is a woman," he told a news conference after three day of tortuous talks between 28 EU leaders on assigning the bloc's top jobs exposed their deepening divisions. Tusk said the appointment of Germany's defence minister Ursula von der Leyen to lead the next European Commission still needed approval from the European Parliament. He also said he was "absolutely sure" that France's Christine Lagarde would be an independent new head of the European Central Bank. European Union leaders agreed on Tuesday to name France's Christine Lagarde as the new head of the European Central Bank and sealed a deal on filling the EU's other top four jobs after marathon talks that have exposed deep divisions in the bloc. Three days of summit negotiations that at times looked close to collapse ended with a deal that now must be approved by the European Parliament and was immediately rejected by the socialist and green bloc in the assembly in Strasbourg. Leaders hope the decision to nominate two women, Lagarde and German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, to the top of EU decision-making for the first time will send a positive message and repair damage wrought by such a fractious summit, diplomats said. Lagarde, once France's first woman finance minister and since 2011 head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is a strong advocate of female empowerment, although she has no direct, active monetary policy experience. The biggest task for Lagarde, who had previously denied any interest in an EU job, will be to revive the eurozone economy. "Christine Lagarde will ... be a perfect president of the European Central Bank," Tusk said. "I am absolutely sure that she will be a very independent president ..."

After all, Europe is a woman, says EU president Tusk after top jobs deal

Two women have won the backing of the EU's leaders to head the European commission and European Central Bank. Watch full video to know more.

Germany's Ursula von der Leyen may become first European Commission President

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war.

Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said.

He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday.

"We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government.

Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday.

Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue.

Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations.

"Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said.

Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia.

Moscow denies any involvement in either case.

Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people.

"The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN Security Council action on the war

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war. Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said. He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday. "We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government. Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday. Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue. Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations. "Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said. Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in either case. Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people. "The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany says will push for new international effort to end war in Syria

Chancellor Angela Merkel&rsquo;s cabinet approved plans on Wednesday to expand Germany&rsquo;s military missions abroad, including in Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq, government sources said.

The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300.

It also changes Germany&rsquo;s military operations in Iraq. After their successful work training Kurdish Peshmerga forces in north, German forces would now also be stationed in Baghdad.

The cabinet&rsquo;s decision implements an agreement on defense made by Merkel&rsquo;s conservatives and the center-left SPD during negotiations about a re-run of the &lsquo;grand coalition&rsquo; that ruled Germany since 2013.

It also includes a plan to add 100 more troops to Germany&rsquo;s 1,000-strong deployment to a UN&nbsp;peacekeeping mission in Mali in order to meet increased maintenance needs and Germany&rsquo;s new responsibility for a military base in Gao.

The decision to increase German military presence in Afghanistan comes against a backdrop of increased violence there and a new peace initiative launched by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen told broadcaster ARD the move should be matched with accelerated reforms by Kabul. She warned the mission would likely extend for some time.

&ldquo;We need patience and a long breath, without question,&rdquo; von der Leyen told ARD, citing a history of progress and setbacks in Afghanistan in recent years.

She praised the military&rsquo;s success in training the Peshmerga, adding, &ldquo;That is moving to a different level now,&rdquo; von der Leyen said.

In addition, the cabinet backed the continuation of surveillance and refueling flights by the German military in support of allied efforts to fight Islamic State, as well as AWACs flights carried out on behalf of NATO.

Germany has carried out limited engagements abroad since World War Two, focusing mainly on training , surveillance, medical rescue and peacekeeping, although it participated in the 1999 air offensive on what was then Yugoslavia.

The minister acknowledged shortfalls in military equipment and personnel disclosed in a critical report last week, but said troops headed on overseas missions like those in Iraq and Afghanistan would be adequately equipped.

The new governing coalition has already agreed to add 10 billion euros to the military budget over the next four years, but von der Leyen has said further increases will be needed to rebuild the German military after years of spending cuts.

The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet approved plans on Wednesday to expand Germany’s military missions abroad, including in Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq, government sources said. The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300. It also changes Germany’s military operations in Iraq. After their successful work training Kurdish Peshmerga forces in north, German forces would now also be stationed in Baghdad. The cabinet’s decision implements an agreement on defense made by Merkel’s conservatives and the center-left SPD during negotiations about a re-run of the ‘grand coalition’ that ruled Germany since 2013. It also includes a plan to add 100 more troops to Germany’s 1,000-strong deployment to a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali in order to meet increased maintenance needs and Germany’s new responsibility for a military base in Gao. The decision to increase German military presence in Afghanistan comes against a backdrop of increased violence there and a new peace initiative launched by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen told broadcaster ARD the move should be matched with accelerated reforms by Kabul. She warned the mission would likely extend for some time. “We need patience and a long breath, without question,” von der Leyen told ARD, citing a history of progress and setbacks in Afghanistan in recent years. She praised the military’s success in training the Peshmerga, adding, “That is moving to a different level now,” von der Leyen said. In addition, the cabinet backed the continuation of surveillance and refueling flights by the German military in support of allied efforts to fight Islamic State, as well as AWACs flights carried out on behalf of NATO. Germany has carried out limited engagements abroad since World War Two, focusing mainly on training , surveillance, medical rescue and peacekeeping, although it participated in the 1999 air offensive on what was then Yugoslavia. The minister acknowledged shortfalls in military equipment and personnel disclosed in a critical report last week, but said troops headed on overseas missions like those in Iraq and Afghanistan would be adequately equipped. The new governing coalition has already agreed to add 10 billion euros to the military budget over the next four years, but von der Leyen has said further increases will be needed to rebuild the German military after years of spending cuts.

German cabinet approves increase in troops for Afghanistan

Germany&#39;s defence minister said on Thursday (August 11) that the country was in the &quot;crosshairs of terrorism&quot; and pressed for plans for closer collaboration between the military and police in preparation for potential large-scale militant attacks. 
 
Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at an operations centre in the town of Uedem near the Dutch border, said military and police already worked together on disaster response and to defend against 9/11-style attacks and chemical and biological threats; but it was critical to meet changing circumstances. 
 
&quot;We all know that Germany has long been in the crosshairs of terrorism and we all know as well the fantastic job the national forces are doing, like police and all the forces they work with. The level of protection is so high and so good that we can live in peace. However, we have to be prepared,&quot; von der Leyen told reporters. 
 
&quot;For us, the debate about using the military domestically is important simply because we are now pragmatically preparing for situations that we could not imagine before the attacks in Paris and Brussels,&quot; she said. 
 
Islamist militants killed 130 people in simultaneous attacks in Paris last November. 
 
In March, 32 people died in attacks on Brussels airport and a metro station. 
 
Earlier on Thursday, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere, speaking in Berlin, said Germany must spend considerably more on its police and security forces, create a special unit to counter cyber crime and terrorism, and clamp down on foreigners convicted of crimes. 
 
Germany is debating security measures including domestic use of military forces after a spate of attacks on civilians, two claimed by the Islamic State group, and a mass shooting in Munich initially seen as a possible terrorist attack. It was later found to be the work of an 18-year-old deranged gunman. 
 
The use of the military at home is a sensitive matter. Von der Leyen triggered questions when she put a unit of 100 military police on alert for possible deployment during the Munich shooting. Germany&#39;s postwar constitution, intended to protect democracy after the Nazi era, forbids the army from deploying at home, except for defence against invasion or in&nbsp;case of natural disasters or extreme emergencies. 
 
(Reuters)

Von der Leyen said the level of protection in Germany is so high and good that they could live in peace but they would have to be prepared

Germany's defence minister said on Thursday (August 11) that the country was in the "crosshairs of terrorism" and pressed for plans for closer collaboration between the military and police in preparation for potential large-scale militant attacks. Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at an operations centre in the town of Uedem near the Dutch border, said military and police already worked together on disaster response and to defend against 9/11-style attacks and chemical and biological threats; but it was critical to meet changing circumstances. "We all know that Germany has long been in the crosshairs of terrorism and we all know as well the fantastic job the national forces are doing, like police and all the forces they work with. The level of protection is so high and so good that we can live in peace. However, we have to be prepared," von der Leyen told reporters. "For us, the debate about using the military domestically is important simply because we are now pragmatically preparing for situations that we could not imagine before the attacks in Paris and Brussels," she said. Islamist militants killed 130 people in simultaneous attacks in Paris last November. In March, 32 people died in attacks on Brussels airport and a metro station. Earlier on Thursday, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere, speaking in Berlin, said Germany must spend considerably more on its police and security forces, create a special unit to counter cyber crime and terrorism, and clamp down on foreigners convicted of crimes. Germany is debating security measures including domestic use of military forces after a spate of attacks on civilians, two claimed by the Islamic State group, and a mass shooting in Munich initially seen as a possible terrorist attack. It was later found to be the work of an 18-year-old deranged gunman. The use of the military at home is a sensitive matter. Von der Leyen triggered questions when she put a unit of 100 military police on alert for possible deployment during the Munich shooting. Germany's postwar constitution, intended to protect democracy after the Nazi era, forbids the army from deploying at home, except for defence against invasion or in case of natural disasters or extreme emergencies. (Reuters)

Germany is prepared for an eventual attack: defence minister

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