Belgium

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Central Bank’s chief warned EU leaders on Friday that their economies were heading for a “dramatic fall” due to the coronavirus crisis and urged them to agree quickly on a massive stimulus plan that has divided the bloc.

Christine Lagarde told a video-conference summit that the full effects of Europe’s worst recession since World War Two had yet to appear in the labour market and unemployment in the 19-country euro zone could jump to 10% from 7.3% now.

BRUSSELS (AP) — As they brace for the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states are to discuss the bloc’s future long-term budget and a multibillion-euro post-coronavirus recovery plan during a video summit Friday that is aimed at paving the way for a compromise later this summer.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators will decide by July 20 whether to clear Alphabet Inc-owned Google’s $2.1 billion bid for fitness trackers company Fitbit, a deal that has prompted concerns from consumer groups and privacy advocates.

Google sought EU approval on Monday, according to a filing on the European Commission website.

The EU competition enforcer can either clear the deal with or without concessions or it can open a four-month long investigation if it has serious concerns.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO is seeking details on U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cut U.S. troops numbers in Germany, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday, after the proposed reduction caught allies off guard.

Trump, who has criticized Germany for not spending more on defence, on Monday confirmed last week’s reports of a cut of 9,500 troops in what may be the first time the U.S. president carries through on threats to reduce support in Europe.

BRUSSELS, June 16 (NNN-XINHUA) – Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU), voiced concerns over Israel’s plan to annex the West Bank, at a video conference Monday, with U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who “has not accepted or refused anything.”

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, the move could affect the prospects of a two-state solution and regional stability.

BRUSSELS, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — EU foreign ministers will hold video talks with their US counterpart Mike Pompeo on Monday as transatlantic rifts widen over Israel, international organisations and how to deal with China.

The meeting kicks off a crunch week for US-Europe ties, with a virtual meeting of NATO defence ministers starting Wednesday already overshadowed by Washington’s controversial plans to slash its troop presence in Germany.

BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries.

LONDON -- Britain has reported 36 new deaths from COVID-19 as of Saturday afternoon -- the lowest number of daily fatalities since lockdown began, the Department of Health and Social Care said Sunday.

As of Saturday afternoon, of those who tested positive for novel coronavirus in Britain, 41,698 have died.

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

BRUSSELS, June 12. /TASS/: The North Atlantic Council recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, according to the statement of NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu.

"This decision recognizes Ukraine’s strong contributions to NATO missions, and demonstrates the Alliance’s continued commitment to its partnerships despite the COVID-19 pandemic," Lungescu said.

(Reuters) - The European Union is planning on filing formal antitrust charges against Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) over its treatment of third-party sellers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

BRUSSELS, June 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The European Parliament will on Friday urge Britain “to urgently revise its negotiating position” to avoid a breakdown in post-Brexit trade talks.

A draft resolution says London must agree that future UK-EU ties be governed by “a single, comprehensive and horizontal governance mechanism” to oversee compliance with a “level playing field” of economic regulations.