The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EU

  • EU to respond ‘firmly’ to Trump’s tariffs

    EU to respond ‘firmly’ to Trump’s tariffs

    European Union officials have said they would respond “firmly” if United States President, Donald Trump, presses ahead with his plan for steep global duties on metals.

    EU trade chiefs are considering slapping 25 per cent tariffs on around $3.5bn (£2.5bn) of imports from the U.S.

    World Trade Organization Director General, Roberto Azevedo, said: “A trade war is in no one’s interests.”

    The rhetoric ramped up as Mr. Trump tweeted that “trade wars are good.”

    International condemnation has greeted the U.S President’s Thursday announcement that he plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminium next week.

    The EU is reported to be considering retaliatory tariffs, targeting U.S steel, agriculture and other products.

    European Commission head, Jean-Claude Juncker, promised to react firmly.

    “We will not sit idly while our industry is hit with unfair measures that put thousands of European jobs at risk,” he said.

    French Economy Minister, Bruno Le Maire, said there would “only be losers” in a U.S-EU trade war.

    Mr. Le Maire vowed a “strong, co-ordinated and united response from the EU.”

    Canada, Mexico, China and Brazil have also said they are considering retaliatory steps.

     

  • EU rejects UK’s plan on citizens’ rights during Brexit transition

    EU rejects UK’s plan on citizens’ rights during Brexit transition

    The European Parliament said it will not accept the British government’s revised proposal to protect the rights of European Union citizens in the country during a transition of up to two years after Brexit.

    A Home Office document said the government wants to introduce a registration system to allow EU citizens, who arrive during the transition, to apply for indefinite leave to remain in Britain after five years of continuous residence.

    It said the rights were “enforceable in the United Kingdom legal system.’’

    But Guy Verhofstadt, the EU Parliament’s pointman on Brexit, said the proposals were unacceptable, dealing another blow to under-pressure Prime Minister Theresa May.

    “We have taken note of the UK government policy statement and the clarification it provides for EU citizens, who will go to the UK during the Brexit transition period and, will in principle, have the right to settle permanently in the UK, Verhofstadt said in a statement.

    He, however, said “we cannot accept any form of discrimination between EU citizens, who arrive before or after the start of any transition.

    “The full EU acquits must apply during any transition, including for citizens, and no differentiation can take place.

    “It can certainly not be the case that EU citizens arriving during any transition are forced to accept a lower standard of rights, in particular those relating to family reunion, child benefits and access to judicial redress via the European Court of Justice,’’ Verhofstadt added.

  • May rejects EU’s draft option for Northern Ireland

    May rejects EU’s draft option for Northern Ireland

    A European Union proposal for Northern Ireland border threatens the “constitutional integrity” of the United Kingdom, Theresa May has said.

    The EU’s draft legal agreement proposes a “common regulatory area” after Brexit on Ireland – in effect keeping Northern Ireland in a Customs union – if no other solution is found.

    May said “no UK prime minister could ever agree” to this.

    The EU says the “backstop” option is not intended to “provoke” the UK.

    Unveiling the draft agreement on what has proved to be a busy day for Brexit news, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier called on the UK to come up with alternatives.

    He said the text was “no surprise” and was just a legally-worded assessment of what had been agreed in the negotiations so far.

    The EU’s 120-page paper covers issues, which have been negotiated so far – including the UK’s financial settlement, citizens’ rights and the future of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – which is a member of the EU – after Brexit.

    On how to avoid border checks in Northern Ireland, the EU says a “backstop” is needed in case neither of the UK’s preferred solutions can be found.

    This would involve an “area without internal borders in which the free movement of goods is ensured”, covering Customs, VAT, energy, agriculture, goods and other sectors, across the island of Ireland.

  • British PM rejects EU’s Brexit draft

    British PM rejects EU’s Brexit draft

    The British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, said on Wednesday the European Union proposal for the Northern Ireland border threatens the “constitutional integrity” of the United Kingdom.

    The EU’s draft legal agreement proposes a “common regulatory area” after Brexit on the island of Ireland – in effect keeping Northern Ireland in a customs union – if no other solution is found, the BBC reports.

    Mrs. May said “no UK prime minister could ever agree” to this.

    The EU said the “backstop” option is not intended to “provoke” the UK.

    Unveiling the draft agreement, EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, urged the UK to come up with alternatives.

    He said the text was “no surprise” and was just a legally-worded assessment of what had been agreed so far.

    Mr. Barnier said the document contained “concrete and realistic solutions” in relation to the question of how to avoid a hard border once the UK leaves the EU’s customs union.

    Other options – a UK-EU deal that means checks are not needed and technological solutions – will also be explored.

    Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mrs. May said she would be making her opposition to the “backstop” option “crystal clear” to the EU Commission.

  • Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau and the European Union have thrown their weight behind the Edo State government’s efforts at combating the scourge of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    At a Senate Round-table on Migration and Human Trafficking held in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, on Monday, Saraki commended the effort of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in the fight against the menace.

    He said that the effort by the Edo State Government was the beginning of many steps to be taken in halting illegal migration.

    He canvassed for renewed efforts in stemming the tide, noting that it was regrettable that youths save funds to leave the country and, in the process, fall prey to predators that sell them as slaves.

    Saraki urged stakeholders to join forces to fight the menace, noting, “The government has been doing its best to liberate Nigerians from slave trade in Libya, as many lives have been lost in the cause of irregular migration. The time is apt to end the scourge.”

    Noting that the summit is expected to provide direction on how to improve collaborations to tackle human trafficking, he said that some of the resolutions will lead to improved legislation, funding to agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and accelerating pending treaties.

    In his address, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking has become critical, noting that its magnitude wasn’t fully grasped before.

    Obaseki said the Edo government considered the menace at variance to the culture and value of the people, which led to the establishment of the taskforce to handle the issue.

    He added that the taskforce has “worked assiduously to achieve its objectives, as it has coordinated the receipt and reintegration of returnees, led the prosecution of offenders, and managed public perception to tackle stigmatisation.

    “Edo State Government under my watch considers modern day slavery, a practice that is at variance with our rich cultures and values.”

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, expressed concern over the trend, noting that it was unpalatable for youths to risk their lives across difficult terrains to Europe.

    The European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, said it has recorded no fewer than 10,000 cases of irregular migration within the last two months.

    Karlsen said that EU’s illegal migration registration of the 10,000 took place in 2018, as the records were taken between January and February.

    He said that in 2017, EU registered about 187,000 cases, while number of deaths registered so far was 411, as against 116 reordered in 2017.

    He said that of the figure, Nigeria accounts for about 60 percent, adding that in view of this, there was need to correct the worrisome error.

    “What should be of worry and concern was the irregular migration and the conditions the victims were being migrated. We should also look at the causes for such migration,” he said.

  • EU, BBOG, CDHR, PDP condemn abduction

    EU, BBOG, CDHR, PDP condemn abduction

    There has been a torrent of reactions to Monday’s Boko Haram attack on Dapchi, Yobe state and the believed abduction of some of the school girls.

    The European Union (EU) said it stood resolutely with the people and government of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency.

    EU in a statement issued in Abuja noted that an attack on children is an attack on entire humanity.

    The statement reads: “Targeting children and abducting young girls as they seek to attend school is an attack on our common humanity.

    “The EU sends its solidarity with the affected families and the people of Nigeria. The girls deserve freedom and a chance to shape their own future.

    “The EU remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.

    “We stand resolute to continue our humanitarian and development work, including the rights and protection of girls.”

    The members of the #BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG) advocasy asked the government to locate the whereabouts of the Dapchi girls.

    “There have been conflicting reports on the incidence among state and federal institutions and officials . This draws dreadful and eerie similarities with the confusion that surrounded official communication following the abduction of our #ChibokGirls on 14th April 2014 who have remained with the Boko Haram terrorists for 1, 410 days today The group said in a statement by its spokesperson Sesugh Akume.

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) condemned the unfortunate attack and described the development as “primitive and wicked.”

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the federal government and the security agencies to rescue the girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at the Government Girls Technical Secondary School, Dapchi in Yobe State.

    The PDP, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, faulted official reports indicating that 48 of the girls, who were abducted in their school hostels on Monday, had been rescued by security agencies.

  • 2019: INEC assures EU, development partners of credible elections

    2019: INEC assures EU, development partners of credible elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the European Union (EU) and other development partners of the commission’s readiness to conduct a more credible elections come 2019.

    The commission therefore sort the support of international partners INEC welcomes the in the areas of voter education and sensitisation; training and capacity-building for Commission staff, officials of political parties and security agencies; the promotion of inclusivity with particular reference to women, youths, persons with disabilities and the internally displaced as well as election conflict mitigation.

    Yakubu spoke yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    The EU-SDGN support programme, which was conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020 and funded through the 11thEuropean Development Fund (11th EDF), is aimed at consolidating democracy in Nigeria.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu  said the electoral body would continue to ensure the consolidation of electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    He said: “Once again, let me reassure the EU delegation to Nigeria that we will spare no effort in improving the credibility of our elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. INEC will continue to welcome international election observation missions. The commission considers the deployment of such missions as an important means of enhancing public confidence and trust in the electoral process. We have already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General Elections. We hope that interested international election observation missions can commence early planning for the deployment of observers. The Commission is ready to facilitate the process in accordance with our guidelines.

    “Today’s project launch is unique. I wish to express our appreciation to the European Union delegation to Nigeria for the formulation of the SDGN project and it is my expectation that the implementing partners will continue to work in synergy to deliver the envisaged support to all targeted beneficiaries in order to further strengthen democratic institutions and the electoral process in Nigeria. We are all the more excited because the EU-SDGN Project being launched today is expected to be implemented from 2017-2022 which coincides with the implementation timeframe of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan of Action 2017-2021.”

  • Nigeria gets EU grant for electoral process

    Nigeria gets EU grant for electoral process

    The European Union on Thursday re-affirmed its support for Nigeria’s electoral process with a 26.5m Euros grant.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil KarLsen, made the disclosure at the launch of the EU Support Programme to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).

    Karsen said the electoral process, which would be funded over a period of five years, was aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

    He said: “The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building of strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions.

    “Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.

    “The EU continues to partner with Nigeria in the ongoing reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections with ample participation of all Nigerians.

    “For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties, candidates, media and civil society.’’

    KarLsen said the project would be anchored in the priority areas identified by the Nigerian government.

    NAN

     

  • UK, EU set for clash over citizens’ rights during transition

    UK, EU set for clash over citizens’ rights during transition

    Prime Minister Theresa May has warned that European citizens arriving in Britain after Brexit in 2019 may lose some rights, setting up a clash with the EU over their treatment during any transition period.

    Curbing immigration was a key reason why Britons voted to leave the EU in 2016, following a large influx of EU citizens, especially from poorer countries in eastern Europe.

    The European Union has offered Britain a status quo transition until the end of 2020 after Brexit. The bloc wants its three million citizens to remain eligible for all the same rights until the end of that period.

    May has suggested EU citizens coming to Britain after March next year will be treated differently.

    “People who had come to the UK when we were a member of the EU had set up certain expectations – they made a life choice and set up certain expectation,” May told reporters on her way to China.

    “I‘m clear there’s a difference between those people who came prior to us leaving and those who will come when they know the UK is no longer a member of the EU.”

    Read Also:  EU to enhance SMEs growth in Nigeria

    This is one obstacle Britain and the EU will need to resolve to reach a transitional deal, which will give the two sides time to prepare for the far-reaching impact of the end of 46 years of union.

    Philippe Lamberts, a European lawmaker who deals with Brexit, told our reporter on Thursday of the looming clash: “Citizens’ rights will be a negotiation point and we want to stand firm on this that new provisions only enter into force after the end of the transition period.”

    Many Brexit backers are voicing concern that the referendum result may be betrayed with the plan to change little of the current relationship immediately after Britain formally leaves on March 29, 2019.

    May dismissed some of those concerns.

    “They did not vote for nothing to change when we come out of the EU.

    “What we’re doing now is doing the job that the British people asked the government to do which is to deliver on Brexit.”

    NAN

  • EU ambassador urges China to release Hong Kong bookseller

    EU ambassador urges China to release Hong Kong bookseller

    The European Union’s ambassador to China on Wednesday joined the Swedish Foreign Ministry in calling on Beijing to release a Hong Kong-based bookseller of Swedish citizenship who was arrested by Chinese authorities at the weekend.

    Amb. Hans-Dietmar Schweisgut has told the EU expects Chinese authorities to immediately release Gui Minhai from detention and to allow him to reunite with his family.

    “Gui should also consulate support and medical support in line with his rights, because he is a Swedish citizen and also a citizen of the EU,’’ Schweisgut noted.

    A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman replied that the ministry had no “new information” about the situation and that it is “unreasonable” for Sweden and the EU to call for Gui’s release.

    “Any foreign country should respect Chinese authorities’ handling of cases of foreign citizens in China according to the law,’’ spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

    Read Also:EU to immunise children in Lagos

    Hua added that Beijing provides assistance to foreign embassy officials to perform their duties according to international law and that other countries should “educate” their citizens in advance to respect China’s domestic laws.

    Angela Gui said a naturalised Swedish citizen, was arrested on Saturday while en route to Beijing, where he had been due to undergo medical tests, his daughter.

    Gui was detained on a train by plain-clothes police in the presence of two Swedish diplomats.

    According to Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, Sweden takes Gui’s detention very seriously and expects his immediate release.

    Gui is one of five previously detained Hong Kong publishers with links to a publishing house specialising in books banned in mainland China.

    NAN