EU's Digital ID Wallet: Convenience vs Privacy
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The European Union (EU) is rolling out digital ID wallets for citizens to access services across the bloc. These wallets will store official documents and allow selective sharing of credentials.
Similar to India's DigiLocker: The EU's digital ID wallet is similar to India's DigiLocker, which stores government documents and allows users to share them electronically.
Focus on Privacy: The EU's system prioritizes privacy by allowing users to share only specific information and storing data locally on the wallets.
Security Concerns: Some civil society groups criticize the EU's system, fearing it could be exploited by tech companies and lead to profiling.
Potential Benefits: The EU's digital ID wallet could streamline online services ane verification easier.
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EU Gears Up for New Leadership Trio
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EU leaders are expected to endorse Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Kaja Kallas for the bloc's top positions.
Familiar Faces, New Terms: Von der Leyen is likely to secure a second term as European Commission president, while Costa is nominated to succeed European Council President Charles Michel.
Estonia's Kallas Takes Center Stage: Estonian Prime Minister Kallas is tipped to become the bloc's new top diplomat.
Deal Reflects Power Shift: The appointments come despite the rise of far-right groups in the recent EU Parliament election.
MEPs Hold the Key: While leaders nominate the Commission president, both von der Leyen and Kallas still need approval from lawmakers.
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https://indianexpress.com/article/world/european-union-leaders-set-to-endorse-von-der-leyen-9419043/
Tensions Flare as North Macedonia's New Leader Uses Old Name
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Greece accuses North Macedonia's new government of violating a 2018 deal by using the old name "Macedonia."
The name deal ended a long-standing dispute and allowed North Macedonia to join NATO.
Greece says North Macedonia's EU membership is at risk if it doesn't comply with the agreement.
North Macedonia's new president also caused friction by using the old name in her inauguration.
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https://indianexpress.com/article/world/greece-claims-north-macedonia-broke-name-deal-9410908/
EU and China Agree to Talk Tariffs on Electric Vehicles
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The EU and China have agreed to hold talks on the EU's planned tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
The tariffs are due to come into effect in July, but both sides are hopeful that a deal can be reached before then.
The EU says the tariffs are necessary to counter unfair subsidies given to Chinese EV companies.
China denies the subsidies are unfair and says the tariffs would hurt both sides.
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Karnataka Secures $6.2 Billion in European Investments
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Karnataka received $6.2 billion in investment offers from European corporations during a delegation led by IT Minister Priyank Kharge.
Investments span sectors such as chip design, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense, with potential for 35,000 to 40,000 new jobs.
The delegation also explored biotechnology collaborations in the U.S., visiting institutions like Salk Institute and Kyoto University.
Kharge accused the PMO of pressuring multinationals to favor Gujarat over Karnataka, seeking equal incentives from the central government.
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Unequal Treatment of Displaced People in Europe
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Preferential Treatment for Ukrainians: The Council of Europe's anti-racism commission reported that Ukrainians displaced by Russia's invasion received better support compared to those fleeing other conflicts.
Discrimination Within Ukraine Refugees: Ethnic minorities, such as Roma with Ukrainian citizenship, faced poorer living conditions than other Ukrainian refugees.
Call for Equal Treatment: The commission emphasized the need for equal protection and support for all displaced individuals, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
Rise in Hate Incidents: The report noted an increase in anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents, with Muslims facing blame for the Hamas-led attack on Israel and Jews experiencing heightened hostility in Europe.
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Michael McGrath: Ireland’s New EU Commissioner
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New Appointment: Michael McGrath, Ireland's finance minister, is set to become the country's next European Commissioner.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Jack Chambers, former minister of state at the Department of Transport, will replace McGrath as finance minister.
Economic Focus: McGrath's major achievement includes establishing a sovereign wealth fund to invest Ireland's corporation tax windfall, with hopes for an economics-focused portfolio in the EU.
Pre-Election Budget: Chambers will present a summer economic statement, setting the stage for a pre-election budget ahead of the general election due by March 2025.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czkk0lnz9dgo
Jacques Delors: Architect of Modern Europe Passes Away at 98
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Pioneering European Integration: Jacques Delors, former EU Commission President, crucially advanced the EU's integration, notably introducing the euro and establishing the common market.
Legacy in French Politics: A prominent Socialist, he served as France's finance minister and chose not to pursue the presidency despite his popularity.
Tributes from Global Leaders: Leaders, including French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz, praised Delors for his visionary work towards European unity.
Continued Influence: Post-politics, Delors founded think tanks promoting European federalism and warned against populism, maintaining his influence on European policy.
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