President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Cyprus' presidency of the EU Council in 2026 could be historic for Ukraine regarding the opening of negotiation clusters. He also thanked Cyprus for its support and emphasized the need for a new package of sanctions against Russia.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has arrived in Ukraine on an official visit. He is preparing for the country's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The European Union has agreed on final rules that provide for a gradual cessation of Russian natural gas imports. A full embargo on supplies will come into force by the end of 2027 after approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament.
EU officials do not expect new sanctions against Russia before the holidays, and discussions on the 20th sanctions package are reportedly not expected to begin until January. This package will reportedly focus on closing loopholes, particularly in the export of natural rubber, which is used in Russia's defense industry.
European politicians have agreed to improve the welfare of cats and dogs, as well as to track their origin. The document establishes minimum rules for all member states regarding microchipping, registration, and the prohibition of mutilation.
European leaders will gather on December 18 for the last EU summit in 2025 to address Ukraine's funding, aiming to avoid a funding shortfall by mid-next year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for coordinated action, warning of costly alternatives.
On November 17, the EU Council approved an updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for citizens of third countries. The amended rules will allow the EU to react more quickly to abuses of the visa-free regime, including new grounds for activation and a simplified launch of the mechanism.
The sanctions include asset freezes and a ban on entry into the EU. In addition, EU individuals and organizations are prohibited from providing them with funds, financial assets, or economic resources.
The Council of the European Union has approved amendments to Ukraine's Plan under the Ukraine Facility program, adopted by the government in August 2025. The amendments concerned the adjustment of the implementation deadlines for certain steps, while Ukraine's commitments remained unchanged.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend a meeting of the European Council, where further support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia will be discussed. EU leaders will also consider financial assistance, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
The European Parliament supported the start of negotiations with the EU Council on a ban on the import of Russian gas and oil. This decision is aimed at protecting the EU's interests from Russia's use of energy resources for military purposes.
The EU Council and the European Parliament have agreed on the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) for €1. 5 billion for 2025-2027. The program provides €300 million to support Ukraine and cooperate with Ukrainian companies.
The German University of Bonn has restricted access for Russian students to certain modules of the master's programs "Cybersecurity" and "Computer Science" due to sanctions. These students can continue their studies by choosing alternative modules and will receive individual consultations.
The EU Council discussed the future defense readiness roadmap, which will define goals and objectives until 2030. The document will be adopted on October 16 and presented on October 23, 2025.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's violations of EU airspace and interference with infrastructure, demanding coordinated action and sanctions. The resolution calls for the creation of a European Defense Union and cooperation with Ukraine.
The European Parliament has voted for a more flexible mechanism to suspend visa-free travel to the EU, including hybrid threats and 'golden passports' as grounds. The legislation, unofficially agreed upon earlier, was approved by 518 votes in favor and will enter into force after official adoption by the EU Council.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that the funds allocated for Ukraine's defense are significantly less than the real needs of the security sector. The parliament prioritizes supporting the defense sector, seeking sources of revenue for the budget.
Negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU could start after the parliamentary elections in Hungary in April 2026. Hungary is blocking the opening of the first negotiation cluster, despite Ukraine fulfilling all preconditions.
On September 28, Moldovan citizens will vote in parliamentary elections that will decide whether the country maintains its course towards the EU or leans towards Russia. Large-scale disinformation campaigns supported by the Kremlin are creating a tense situation, and President Maia Sandu is urging citizens not to succumb to manipulation.
Lithuania has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 4, 2027. The Lithuanian government made this decision on September 24, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The EU Council has adopted recommendations for Ukrainians, which provide for a gradual exit from temporary protection and a transition to other residence permits. The document also includes support for return and reintegration in Ukraine.
The EU Council has adopted a recommendation on the transition of Ukrainians from temporary protection to other residence statuses, as well as on their sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine. This recommendation prepares the EU for a coordinated approach when conditions in Ukraine allow for the lifting of temporary protection.
The EU Council has extended sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity until March 15, 2026. The restrictions include a travel ban and asset freezes for over 2,500 targeted individuals and entities.
The European Union strongly condemns the deliberate violation of the airspace of an EU member state by Russian drones on September 10. The EU will strengthen sanctions against Russia and provide support to Poland.
European Commissioner Marta Kos declared the irreversibility of Ukraine's path to the EU, emphasizing that membership is a guarantee of security for Ukraine and Europe. She called on the EU Council to decide on opening the first cluster of negotiations.
On August 8, Ukraine and the European Commission began screening Ukrainian legislation under the last negotiating chapter in the agriculture cluster. Meetings will continue until September 10 in a hybrid format.
Poland is working to regulate the legal status of Ukrainian citizens after President Karol Nawrocki's veto of the aid law. The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Poland discussed this issue with the Ambassador of Ukraine.
MEP Rihards Kols stated that the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are destroying Europe from within. He expressed disappointment with Europe's stance and hope for changes in Hungary after the upcoming elections.
EU country ambassadors will hold an extraordinary meeting on August 16 after the summit of the US and Russian presidents in Alaska. The Coreper 2 meeting will begin at 09:30 local time.
Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka held his first conversation with Swedish Minister Jessika Roswall. They discussed preparations for opening the negotiation cluster "Fundamentals of the EU Accession Process" and reforms.
