Tag: EUROPEAN UNION

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Germany to soon deploy Leopard tanks in Ukraine

Germany, who in recent months came under growing pressure over its apparent hesitation to send weapons to Ukraine, agreed in January to allow German-made, heavy Leopard tanks to be sent to the war-torn nation.

Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that his country will “very soon” deploy the Leopard tanks in Ukraine.

In his speech at the MSC on Friday which comes just days ahead of the first anniversary of the ongoing invasion, the Chancellor said it was “wise to prepare for a long war” and show Russian President Vladimir Putin that Germany and its allies would not give up on Ukraine, reports the BBC.

“Putin’s revisionism will not win. Ukraine is more united than ever. The EU stands united and behind Ukraine’s future EU membership. And NATO is growing by two new members.

“It is not our arms deliveries that are prolonging the war. On the contrary: the sooner President Putin realizes that he will not achieve his imperialist goal, the greater the chance that the war will end soon and that Russian troops will withdraw,” he was quoted as saying.

The MSC which is an annual gathering of leaders, officials and diplomats, also saw the attendance of French President Emmanuel Macron, US Vice President Kamala Harris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as well as 30 European heads of government.

Germany, who in recent months came under growing pressure over its apparent hesitation to send weapons to Ukraine, agreed in January to allow German-made, heavy Leopard tanks to be sent to the war-torn nation, the BBC reported.

It also allowed other countries to send their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, which was restricted until now under export regulations.

No Russian officials have been invited to the Conference.

ALSO READ: US General: Diplomatic talks to end Russia-Ukraine war

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EU News Films Lite Blogs

India@ European Film Festival to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relationship

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The Virtual film festival is a great opportunity for all cinema lovers and people who are generally interested in discovering new cultures & stories to get access to films that are not easily available and may not ever have a theatrical release…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) wrapped off its physical edition in New Delhi on November 13 and launched its virtual version from November 15 through December 15 of 2022. The Indian audience will have access to 35 films in 25 languages, spanning 6 genres, and they may stream them whenever and whenever they want.

The virtual avatar of the 27th edition of EUFF will bring to the audience a boutique of 30 days of handpicked, high-quality cinema that’s curated to delight them. It brings award-winning movies across three sections: Eurorama: screening latest, award-winning movies from across 27 EU member states; India @ European Film Festivals: curated by Dharamshala International Film Festival it’s a selection of outstanding Indian films that have participated at prestigious European film festivals; and Green Cinema: Addressing Climate Change.

The specially curated “India@ European Film Festival” section celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relationship between the EU and India and puts a spotlight on the works of some of the most watched filmmakers from India such as Rajan Khosa, Shrihari Sathe, Rima Das and Shubhashish Bhutiani.

The Virtual film festival is a great opportunity for all cinema lovers and people who are generally interested in discovering new cultures & stories to get access to films that are not easily available and may not ever have a theatrical release. The European Union Film Festival is by design the cinema through a completely new lens- the lens of curators who search the world of stories that have the capability to take us by surprise and provide an absolutely new perspective on cinema.

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The “free for all” festival organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Embassies of EU Member States and regional partners, will feature movies from India and 27 EU member states – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Highlighting individual stories yet reflecting universal experiences, these films offer a ‘Window to Europe’ and demonstrate the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and create shared experiences.

Commenting on the festival, H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India said: “It gives me great pleasure to bring the virtual edition of the European Union Film Festival to a larger audience in India. The festival will take audiences on a journey across Europe & India through different genres such as comedy, action, drama and animation. As we mark 60 years of EU-India diplomatic relationship this year, the film festival is a testament to our long-standing cultural ties. To celebrate this landmark, the ‘virtual leg of the festival’ will showcase a special section on ‘India @ European Festivals’ featuring the best of Indian cinema. Cinema is a bridge between different cultures; it provides insights into everyday lives, experiences, aspirations beyond geographical boundaries. I invite you on an unparalleled cinematic journey across Europe. Happy viewing!”

Talking about the line up, curators Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso said: “The line up at the 27th edition of the European Union Film Festival is aimed at creating a dialogue while also taking a viewer on a cathartic journey. The festival offers an exciting mix of genres and styles, from new spectacular frontiers of documentary to the ever more sophisticated and lively field of animation, from the bittersweet laughs of sharp comedy to the emotional touch of moving drama and the power-packed world of action. Our selection underlines the crucial role of intergenerational and intercultural dialogues as a way to banish stereotypes.”

They added: “Europe & India share a long-standing love for stories that has manifested over the years through mutual inspiration, learning and inter-cultural dialogues. And the European Union Film Festival this year is a celebration of this deep bond and stories that restore the depth of the human experience, beyond limits and borders.”

The films to be screened at the virtual edition of EUFF 2022 are:

European films

Austria/Fox in a Hole; Belgium/Playground; Bulgaria/The Naked Truth About Zhiguli Band (Golata istina za grupa Zhiguli); Croatia/Even Pigs Go to Heaven (Nosila je rubac crleni); Cyprus/Dog; Czech Republic/Even Mice Belong in Heaven (Mysi patri do nebe); Denmark/Riders of Justice; Estonia/Rain; Finland/Force of Habit (En vanefraga); France/Les Parfumes; Germany/Coup; Greece/Tailor I Raftis; Hungary/Wild Roots (Kulon falka); Ireland/Rose Plays Julie; Italy/Easy Living (Easy Living- La Vita Facile); Latvia/The Pit (Bedre); Lithuania/Feature Film About Life; Luxembourg/Io Sto Bene; Malta/ Luzzu; Netherlands/Romy’s; Portugal/My Grandfather’s Demon (Os demonios do meu avo); Romania/The Island; Slovenia/Sanremo; Slovakia/Chlieb Nas Kazdodenny (Liquid Bread); Spain The Volunteer (La voluntaria); Sweden/ Comedy Queen

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.( Photo:IANSLIFE)

Ukrainian Film

My Thoughts Are Silent

Climate Change Films

Denmark/ Into the Ice; France / The Velvet Queen; India / Jharia ; India/ The Climate Challenge

Indian Films

Ek Hazarachi Note; Gattu: Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) ; Village Rockstars

Registration Process to watch the films virtually:

Login to www.euffindia.com

Click on the film you want to see

You will be redirected to Festival Scope

If it is your first visit, you will have to register here

ALSO READ-‘Kantara’ reaches OTT

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-Top News EU News

EU winter gas plan to enter into force next week

An emergency mechanism to trigger a bloc-wide alert in the event of widespread gas shortages is also included to make the gas-savings targets mandatory, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

An emergency European Union (EU) gas conservation plan, prompted by fears of a cut-off of Russian gas supplies, will enter into force at the start of next week after the bloc’s member states completed a final procedural step, the Czech EU Presidency announced.

The plan provides for a voluntary 15 per cent reduction in EU member states’ gas consumption between August 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, compared to the average consumption in the same period over the past five years, reports dpa news agency.

An emergency mechanism to trigger a bloc-wide alert in the event of widespread gas shortages is also included to make the gas-savings targets mandatory.

The aim of the consumption cuts is to ensure emergency transfers of gas to member states who face shortages if supplies fall to critical levels, in a move to reduce Russia’s leverage over the EU.

EU member states agreed the plan in July as Russia cut gas deliveries to the bloc, citing maintenance and technical issues linked to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow for invading Ukraine.

Picture shows Nord Stream pipeline equipments before the opening ceremony of the North Stream second gas link in Portovaya bay, near the town of Vyborg in northwestern Russia. (Xinhua_IANS)

The EU regards the decision as retaliation for the punitive measures and politically motivated.

Germany in particular is under pressure to save gas amid severely restricted Russian supplies.

Based on European Commission data, dpa has calculated that Germany needs to reduce its gas consumption by more than any other EU state in order to achieve the bloc’s agreed savings target of 15 per cent.

In order to reach the EU target, Germany must save 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas between the beginning of August and March next year, the equivalent to the average annual gas consumption of 5 million four-person households.

ALSO READ: Amid tensions, US, Russia, China attend ASEAN meetings

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-Top News EU News Europe

Russia expands list of ‘unfriendly countries’

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Twitter@KremlinRussia_E)

Russia has expanded its list of “unfriendly countries” to include Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, Croatia and Slovakia, the Russian government has announced.

The blacklisted countries are subject to a quota or even a complete ban when their embassies, consulates and government bodies in Russia want to hire local employees, Xinhua news agency reported.

Now Greece has a limit of 34 people, Denmark 20, Slovakia 16, while Slovenia and Croatia will not be able to hire employees in their diplomatic missions and consular offices, the Russian government said in a statement on Friday.

“Naturally, being included in the list of unfriendly countries entails a decrease in the level of contacts (with Russia),” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily briefing commenting on the government decision.

He did not rule out that the affected countries may face other consequences in addition to the restrictions on the recruitment of personnel.

Russia, Ukraine sign grain deal

Russia and Ukraine separately signed a deal in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations to resume grain shipments from Ukrainian ports to international markets via the Black Sea.

The deal was first signed by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and later by Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov with the other two sides, Xinhua news agency reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: Twitter@KremlinRussia_E)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also attended the ceremony.

The first round of negotiations among military delegations of Turkiye, Russia, and Ukraine, and the United Nations representatives concluded last week with an agreement on the basic principles of the shipment process through the Black Sea. The sides also agreed to establish a coordination center in Istanbul to conduct and control the shipment process.

According to the state-run Anadolu agency, the deal will allow approximately 20 million tons of grain waiting at the ports in Ukraine to be shipped to the world via the Black Sea.

ALSO READ: EU to tighten sanctions on Russia

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Arab News

EU Struggles To Meet Gas Demands With Israeli Supply

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett

Israeli gas exports can hardly fill European energy gap left by Russia …. Writes Zhang Tianlang

 Ramping up gas exports from Israel to Europe, backed by the latest trilateral deal reached with the European Union and Egypt on expanding LNG shipments, can hardly fill the huge gap in energy supply to the European countries left by Russia, experts said.

Israel on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt and the EU in Cairo to allow more Israeli gas to be liquefied in Egypt and then transported to Europe. Shortly after the signing ceremony, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded the deal as “a big step forward in the energy supply to Europe.”

The EU seems to have been striving to cut heavy reliance on Russian gas, with its latest such efforts seen in the respective meetings in Jerusalem on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett by von der Leyen, the EU chief, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

The two major Israeli gas fields off its coast in the East Mediterranean, Tamar and the nearby Leviathan, supplied about 19.5 billion cubic meters in 2021, and 7.2 billion cubic meters of them were exported, Ofira Ayalon, a professor in environment and energy policy at the University of Haifa, told Xinhua.

However, that was only a fraction of the EU’s 55 billion-cubic meter of gas imports from Russia last year, which account for 45 percent of the bloc’s total gas imports, according to the International Energy Agency.

“For Europe, the Israeli gas export will not be a game-changer,” Ayalon said. “What Israel can do is give or export only a small part of the European consumption.”

The EU has been preparing for the risk of a complete Russian “gas cutoff” to the bloc, as its relations with Russia have deteriorated rapidly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in late February.

Russia has now cut off gas supplies to several EU members including Finland, Bulgaria and Poland over a gas-for-rubles payment dispute and has reduced maximum gas supply volumes to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline by 40 percent.

For Israel, a large number of natural gas resources have been discovered in the eastern Mediterranean Sea over the past 20 years, enabling it to actively seek energy cooperation with neighbouring countries.

After multiple rounds of negotiation, Israel, Egypt and the EU on Wednesday signed a five-year agreement in Cairo. But that is far from enough, experts said.

Adi Wolfson, an expert in sustainability at Shamoon College of Engineering in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva, said Israel and Egypt can hardly play a key role in solving the European energy crisis as they are not able to handle the whole European market in terms of capacity, infrastructure, and facilities.

ALSO READ:Naftali warns Iran over alleged attempts to attack Israelis abroad

Both experts agreed that exporting natural gas is beneficial for Israel geopolitically, as Israel has been exploring the possibility of boosting ties with other countries by promoting energy cooperation.

Israeli President Issac Herzog visited Turkey in March, the first such visit by an Israeli president in 14 years. After meeting with Herzog, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the media that Turkey was willing to promote energy cooperation with Israel, indicating that Israeli gas could be sent to Europe via Turkey.

Herzog’s visit was hailed by Erdogan as a “new turning point” of the bilateral ties, which have been at a low level since 2010, while energy cooperation has been widely viewed as an important chance for both sides to break the ice.

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Afghanistan Arab News

Gargash receives EU special envoy for Afghanistan

Gargash receives EU special envoy for Afghanistan

Dr. Gargash and Nicholson discussed the latest developments and the situation in Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to UAE President, has received Thomas Nicholson, European Union Special Representative for Afghanistan, in the presence of Andrea Matteo Fontana, European Union Ambassador to the UAE.

Dr. Gargash and Nicholson discussed the latest developments and the situation in Afghanistan, the international efforts to find effective solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, in addition to enhancing cooperation between the UAE and the European Union (EU) in this context.

During the meeting, they reviewed the distinguished efforts by the UAE to enhance the humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan, especially initiatives related to the health and social fields, relief and charitable work, and the provision of humanitarian aid.

Dr. Gargash emphasised the significance of continuing efforts to restore stability and recovery in Afghanistan, in cooperation and coordination with regional partnerships and the international community for the benefit of the Afghan people and to safeguard its stability, security, peace and ensure a decent life.

Two weeks ago, Thomas West, US Special Representative for Afghanistan, and his accompanying delegation, visited UAE as part of a regional tour.

During the meeting held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, the West met with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State and discussed the situation in Afghanistan, international efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis, and avenues of cooperation between the UAE and US in this regard.

ALSO READ:‘Afghanistan has been forgotten’

Al Sayegh reviewed the UAE’s efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, especially through initiatives in the health and food sectors.

He highlighted the importance of sustaining efforts to restore stability and promote recovery in Afghanistan in cooperation with regional partners and the international community to serve the interests of the Afghan people and improve their living conditions. He also emphasised the significance of ensuring education for girls as part of relief efforts.

The US envoy praised the UAE’s contributions to support the Afghan people, stressing the need to intensify the international community’s efforts to achieve a better future for Afghanistan and alleviate the suffering of its people.

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-Top News Europe

Europe braces for a nuclear war

The two incidents have led to a spike in demand in the EU, Russia, and even the US for potassium-iodine pills, which help reduce the impact of radiation on the human system….reports Asian Lite News

 As the conflict in Ukraine continues to rage, the European Commission has urged EU member states to stockpile iodine pills, other designated drugs, and nuclear-protective suits.

It is also stepping up preparations for dealing with the aftermath of a possible chemical or biological attack, RT reported.

“The commission is working to ensure it enhances preparedness in the area of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats generally, and this predates the war in Ukraine,” a spokesman told the Financial Times on Monday.

Russia put its nuclear weapons on high alert a few days after launching its military operation in Ukraine in late February, citing what it described as the “aggressive statements” made by NATO and the draconian financial sanctions imposed by the West.

In early March, there was a fire at Ukraine’s Zaporozhskaya nuclear power plant, which has been seized by Russian forces. The blaze was swiftly extinguished, with the International Atomic Energy Agency saying there had been “no critical impact on safety” at the plant.

A few days later, Moscow announced that it had prevented an attempt by what it called Ukrainian radicals to cut power to the former Chernobyl nuclear power station, which became the site of the world’s most devastating nuclear disaster in 1986.

The two incidents have led to a spike in demand in the EU, Russia, and even the US for potassium-iodine pills, which help reduce the impact of radiation on the human system. Earlier in March, pharmacies in Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and elsewhere reported that they has run out of the medication, RT reported.

The EU’s preparations for nuclear incidents are being led by the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), which was established last September after the bloc was caught off guard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, European lawmakers have insisted that HERA needs to work faster in order to keep up with the pace of events in Ukraine.

ALSO READ: Russia’s hypersonic missile not a game-changer: Austin

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News UAE News Woman

EU parliament praises UAE

UAE FLAG

The EU Parliament delegation expressed admiration for the measurable and sustainable actions taken by the UAE to bring women into leadership roles…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation of members from the European Parliament, headed by Anna Michel, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Trade, expressed great admiration at the UAE’s successes in supporting women and advancing gender balance.

The delegation was received by Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

At the start of the meeting, Mona Al Marri introduced the history of gender balance in the UAE, emphasising that women’s empowerment began with the founding of the nation through the leadership’s commitment to women and girls’ education and health. This set a strong foundation for expanding the commitment to women’s empowerment across other realms including the economy, legal framework, and society more broadly.

She reiterated that gender balance and women’s support have been a core principle since the founding of the UAE in 1971, based on the belief of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan that sustainable development cannot be achieved without equal opportunities and the equal participation of both women and men, noting that the UAE constitution guarantees women’s rights to education, jobs and access to social and health benefits and establishes the principle of equality for all. Recent legislative reforms in the labor law and personal status law, which have both strengthened women’s rights and increased access to the labor force, were also highlighted as successful actions.

The EU Parliament delegation expressed admiration for the measurable and sustainable actions taken by the UAE to bring women into leadership roles. The delegation stated they would further explore and aimed to learn from the UAE’s quota approach for boards of directors and parliaments. Additionally, delegates expressed a desire to learn more about how the UAE is developing a home-grown, evidence-based gender-responsive budgeting model which will be implemented in the next budget cycle.

Mona Al Marri stressed that the UAE has made significant progress over the past 50 years in improving the status of women in the country and is now considered a leading example in supporting and empowering women, both regionally and globally.

ALSO READ: Emirati women’s faces illuminate Expo 2020

She explained that the UAE’s approach to gender balance stems from the country’s keenness to honour its international commitments and to build long-lasting partnerships with international organisations and governments. This emphasis on global collaboration has led to demonstrable successes including in the UAE’s rapid rise in global competitiveness reports and indicators measuring gender equality.

The European Parliament delegation requested to strengthen cooperation with the UAE Gender Balance Council and has extended an invitation to Mona Al Marri to visit and present the UAE’s successful experience in supporting women and advancing gender balance.

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News World World News

Macron presents French EU Council Presidency’s priorities to EP

French President Emmanuel Macron

Addressing the European Parliament’s (EP) plenary session in Strasbourg, France, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the priorities of his country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU)…reports Asian Lite News

The EU, Macron said, has the capability and resources to be a powerful actor in the international community, Xinhua news agency reported.

At the helm of the EU Council, France intends to “create together a European power of the future … an independent Europe that has given itself the means to decide its own future and not rely on the decisions of other major powers,” he said.

The French EU Council Presidency will promote and protect the values “that are being weakened,” he said, naming democracy, solidarity and respect for the rule of law.

Macron also said that the EU should add to its Charter of Fundamental Rights the protection of the environment and women’s right to abortion.

Emmanuel Macron

Macron said he wished to see the rule of law reinforced “in dialogue” in order to “convince people again who have drifted away from it.”

He said that the French Presidency would deliver on solidarity, with new texts being presented or adopted in the coming weeks on topics such as employment, gender gap in pay or the fight against discrimination.

To make sure that progress benefits all EU citizens, the bloc must face the challenges posed by climate change and the digital transition, he said.

France will push for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and mirror measures in commercial agreements, he said. A “One Ocean” summit will be held in February to strengthen the protection of marine biodiversity, Macron recalled.

ALSO READ: Macron ‘Optimistic’ For 2022

France also wants to preserve peace through a better migration policy and better neighborly relations. Relationships with Africa, the Western Balkan countries, and Russia will be at the heart of the French presidency.

“We will continue to seek a political solution to the conflict in Ukraine,” he said, and “will ensure that Europe makes its united and strong voice heard on the question of strategic armaments.” He called for a “European proposal building a new order of security and stability.”

He also said that the EU must find a “path of trust” with the United Kingdom in a post-Brexit era.

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-Top News Arab News World

GCC Secretary-General to visit Brussels to strengthen GCC-EU ties

GCC Secretary-General to visit Brussels to strengthen GCC-EU ties

The Secretary-General expressed his hope that his visit will further strengthen the Gulf-European relations…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has stressed the importance of the GCC-EU relations and the need to further develop them to achieve common interests, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Dr. Al-Hajraf made these remarks ahead his official visit that will start tomorrow, Monday, to the headquarters of the European Union in the Belgian capital, Brussels. During the visit, he will meet a number of senior officials of the European Union, said the SPA report on Sunday.

ALSO READ: UAE and South Korea sign defence pact

The Secretary-General expressed his hope that his visit will further strengthen the Gulf-European relations, as it is important for both the GCC and the EU to enhance the regional and international security and stability, especially in the light of a number of global challenges.

Dr. Nayef Al Hajraf said that the visit will include a discussion on potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest, exchanging views regarding regional issues and political developments. The two sides will also discuss the importance of strengthening and developing economic and investment relations, said the SPA report.