Council of the European Union
Ukraine's Foreign Minister thanked international partners for paving the way for the use of funds from frozen russian assets to help Ukraine.
Following the meeting with Macron, Tusk said that the positions of the parties are very similar, especially in the context of Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
The European Commission expects a framework for negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU to be presented in the coming weeks.
The EU is preparing to expand its sanctions list and approve a new package of restrictions against Russia on February 24, the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The European Parliament supports the adoption of a directive that would make speeding and drunk driving punishable in all EU member states.
The President of the European Council called on the U. S. House of Representatives to urgently approve $60 billion in aid for Ukraine's financial stability and emphasized that assistance to Ukraine supports European security.
The EU is preparing the 13th package of sanctions against Russia by February 24, the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have agreed to establish a €50 billion Ukraine Fund over the next four years to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernization efforts.
By the end of February, the EU may vote to allocate 50 billion euros to Ukraine, allowing the country to receive the first tranche of aid of 1. 5 billion euros in March.
The €50 billion aid program for Ukraine approved by EU leaders includes €33 billion in loans and €17 billion in grants, and sets out the prerequisites for receiving the funds and possible revisions to the program.
The EU will make every effort to speed up the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine by the end of the year, European Council President Charles Michel said.
The Belgian prime minister expressed confidence that EU leaders will be able to reach an agreement on financial assistance to Ukraine at their summit.
The European Commission's proposal to extend the 'economic visa-free regime' for Ukraine will help lift the bans on agricultural imports imposed by Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
EU ambassadors have agreed to use the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine. This was reported by Belgium, which holds the presidency of the EU Council.
The European Council has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another 6 months until July 31, 2024 in response to Russia's actions to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. The sanctions, first introduced in 2014, have been significantly expanded since February 2022 and include restrictions on trade, finance, technology, industry, transportation and luxury goods.
The EU denies reports that it plans to impose financial sanctions on Hungary to force it to agree to fund aid to Ukraine.