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The European Unions Foreign Affairs Commission is reportedly debating punitive measures against Israel should it push forward with its plans to annex parts of Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley in accordance with the Trump administrations Middle East peace plan.

Sources familiar with the initiative told Israel Hayom that European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is the one pushing for sanctions. Borrell, a Spanish diplomat, is known for his animosity toward Israel. This attitude is currently offset by the positive sentiment expressed toward Israel by Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, a German diplomat and the sitting president of the European Commission.

The European Unions charter states that all major foreign policy decisions can be made only by a consensus among the blocs 27 member states. It is therefore believed that Israels allies in the European UnionHungary, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republicwill block any major punitive action Borrell may try to promote.

Currently, Sweden, Ireland and Luxembourg are pushing for the harshest response, namely suspending the E.U.-Israel Association Agreement, which regulates relations between the two.

Another potential measure being considered is the exclusion of Israel from Horizon Europe, an ambitious E.U. research and innovation framework slated to run between 2021 and 2027. The program aims to strengthen the E.U.s scientific and technological bases, boost Europes innovation capacity, competitiveness and jobs and to deliver on citizens priorities and sustain socio-economic model and values, according to its website.

A third scenario may see the European Union pull out of the open skies agreement with Israel, which it has yet to ratify.

Each of these scenarios entail a significant economic impact on Israel.

The E.U.s foreign ministers are expected to debate the issue in their next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, though it is unlikely a decision will be made at that time, as the session will convene a mere day after the new Israeli government is to be sworn in.

Over the weekend, a Palestinian NGO called on Borrell to impose sanctions on Israel over its plans to annex the large settlement blocs in Judea and Samaria, calling the move illegal, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

In a letter to Borrell, the European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine expressed concerns over Israels planned annexation of parts of the West Bank that P.A. seeks to maintain as part of a future state, calling the move part of the ongoing ethnic cleansing, apartheid and colonization pursued by Israel.

The ECCPs letter said that to confront Israels unilateral land grab and annexation, immediate actions must to be taken, including sanctions and [other] concrete measures.

Meanwhile last week, the Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned E.U. Ambassador to Israel Emanuele Giaufret for clarifications following the publication of a memo suggesting that groups supporting, identifying or affiliated with terrorist organizations could receive European Union funding.

The Unions policy on financing terrorist organizations is a letter of endorsement for incitement, support and involvement in terrorism, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The E.U. Mission in Israel said in response that The EU opposes any incitement to violence or hatred. The allegations that the EU supports terrorism are unfounded and unacceptable, and we strongly oppose any such statement.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

The post EU said to debate punitive measures over Israeli annexation plans appeared first on JNS.org.

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EU said to debate punitive measures over Israeli annexation plans - Cleveland Jewish News

The Director of UK in a Changing Europe, Anand Menon, argued the EU continues to get more frustrated with Boris Johnson and the UK. While speaking to Reuters Institute, Mr Menon claimed Mr Johnson was ignoring the EU's priorities in post-Brexit trade talks. Mr Menon used the fisheries as an example of the EU's top priority and insisted the Prime Minister's stance was frustrating the bloc.

He added the EU believes the UK is not taking negotiations seriously and isn't focussing on the obligations set out in the initial withdrawal agreement.

Mr Menon said: "Coronavirus is affecting things but I think the main thing that is affecting how we are seen by the European Union at the moment is our approach to the post-Brexit trade negotiations.

"I cannot stress enough how irritated the European Union is getting with the way Britain is approaching the negotiations."

Mr Menon noted the key annoyances felt by the European Union during the trade talks with the UK.

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He said: "Firstly because the EU thinks we are not approaching the talks seriously.

"That is to say they believe the Government is not acting as if it wants an agreement by December.

"Because if the Government was it would address the EU's priorities.

"These are things like fisheries but the UK has simply ignored them.

"The second thing is we are bound by the withdrawal agreement we have signed off to put in place the measures necessary to implement the Northern Ireland protocol.

"This would involve checks on goods going between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and we are very behind schedule on that.

"There are people in Brussels saying that the British are negotiating in bad faith.

"This is because they are not taking their obligations seriously and there is a growing sense of irritation on the EU's side.

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The UK and EU are expected to have another round of post-Brexit trade negotiations next week by video conference call.

During the coronavirus briefing on Friday, Environment Secretary George Eustice insisted that coronavirus would not cause a delay to Brexit progress.

He insisted that the UK had already left the European Union and the UK would be leaving the current transition period on time at the end of the year.

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Boris Johnson 'frustrating' EU with bold Brexit tactic - 'EU irritation growing' - Express.co.uk

Prince Albert II supports the European Unions initiative to provide a global response to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Monday, May 4, 2020, the European Union, associated with various international partners, organized online an International Conference of donors the global response to the coronavirus. This was in response to the joint call launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and global players in the health field to allow rapid and equitable access to screening tests, treatments and vaccines against the coronavirus.

HSH Prince Albert II supported this initiative alongside numerous Heads of State and Governments*,including in particular French President E. Macron, German Chancellor A. Merkel, Prime Ministers of Japan S. Abe, of Canada J. Trudeau, of the United Kingdom B. Johnson, of Israel B. Netanyahu, and the President of the Italian Council G. Conte.

Participating in this online conference through a video message, His Excellency the Sovereign Prince recalled that the Principality has always held its place in the concert of Nations in the humanitarian fields where international solidarity is manifested.

This is the reason why the Principality of Monaco, in solidarity, undertakes to contribute to this common effort.

He also stressed the vital importance of ensuring equitable access to essential medical technologies for the fight against the virus for all, through mobilization on a global scale.

I am convinced that it is only together and united that we will be able to overcome this ordeal which, in our recent history, has no equivalent. Together and united, we will also have the opportunity to steer the future towards a more sustainable and inclusive path.

Donations raised by the European Union, which aim to reach 7.5 billion euros by the end of May, will be used to refine and develop effective diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine available worldwide for an affordable price.

On the evening of May 4, the European Union declared that it had already raised 7.4 billion euros in the form of pledges.

Part of the funds collected by Monaco will more specifically support the actions of GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) with which the Monegasque Cooperation has been collaborating for many years.

* List of Countries

Norway, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, South Africa, Turkey, Switzerland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Serbia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Australia, Denmark, Greece , Austria, Malta, Belgium, Latvia, South Korea, Mexico, Kuwait, Slovenia, Lithuania, Oman, Finland, Romania, China, United Arab Emirates.

Find the full video message of H.S.H. Prince Albert II on the Facebook page of the Princes Palace:

Corona Global Response

Aujourdhui, lundi 4 mai 2020, la Principaut de Monaco a dcid de participer lappel aux dons lanc par lUnion europenne afin dapporter une rponse mondiale la lutte contre la pandmie Covid-19. Aussi, S.A.S. le Prince Albert a enregistr ce jour un message video rpondant cet appel aux dons et apportant, aux cts de nombreux Chefs d'Etat et de Gouvernement, son soutien dans sa dmarche Mme Ursula Von der Leyen, Prsidente de la Commission europenne. Les fonds recueillis par lUnion europenne, dont lobjectif est datteindre 7,5 milliards deuros, serviront mettre au point et fournir des diagnostics, des traitements et un vaccin efficaces et disponibles sur lensemble de la plante pour un prix abordable.

Posted by Palais Princier de Monaco Prince's Palace of Monaco on Esmaspev, 4. mai 2020

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The Principality supports the European Union initiative against Covid-19 which raises 7.5 billion euros - Hello Monaco!

Yangon, 09/05/2020 - 00:31, UNIQUE ID: 200509_8

At the occasion of Europe Day on 9 May, European Union (EU) Ambassador Kristian Schmidt handed over food, personal hygiene and household products to nurses and doctors at two government hospitals where COVID-19 patients are treated.

The health workers are the real heroes at the frontline of our joint fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Their great courage and dedicated service are admirable. We are immensely thankful for their important service, and we hope with these items we can support the health workers and their families in these difficult times, said Ambassador Schmidt.

The EU donated food, washing powder, soap and other personal hygiene and household products to 550 health workers at the hospitals in Wai Bar Gyi and South Okkapala.

The EU has recently mobilised more than 350 million (526.2 billion kyats) to assist the ASEAN region in the fight against COVID-19. In Myanmar, many of the EUs development programmes have adapted their activities to support the government and civil society in raising awareness about the virus and necessary measures to prevent its further spread, and in distributing hygiene and personal protection equipment. A 5 million (7.9 billion kyats) EU Myan Ku emergency cash fund assists garment workers who lost their jobs over the coronavirus crisis. In cooperation with the French Development Agency, the EU supports the National Health Laboratory - a key part of Myanmars COVID-19 response to increase its testing capacities and preparedness for this and future epidemics. More information about the EUs assistance to Myanmar in responding to COVID-19 can be found here.

Author

Press and Information Team of the Delegation to MyanmarPress and Information

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EU Ambassador marks Europe Day in Myanmar with donation to health workers - Myanmar - ReliefWeb

The Sarajevo City Hall was illuminated on Saturday night in the colors of the flags of the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the occasion of May 9, Europe Day.

The city administration reminds that it has already become a tradition to mark Europe Day and Victory Day over fascism with concerts.

Thus, on the anniversary of the opening in 2015, a concert of the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the most famous Austrian and world orchestras today, was organized.

Tonight, from the same place, our Amira Medunjanin gave us an unforgettable evening and for who knows how many times, confirmed that music is a powerful tool in connecting people, erasing borders and spreading love and peace, and our architectural gem shone in the colors of the European Union flag. The City of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the EU Delegation to BiH, sent another strong message of unity and solidarity, it was said from the city administration.

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City Hall illuminated with Colours of EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo Times