Council of the European Union
Ukraine needs €5. 4 billion to prepare for the heating season. Shmyhal proposed measures to the EU to accelerate the procurement of equipment.
Cyprus, presiding in the Council of the EU, plans to present a negotiating document with parameters of the new long-term EU budget at the June summit. President Christodoulides stated this after the EU leaders' meeting.
New restrictions cover 20 banks, 46 shadow fleet vessels, and digital ruble operations. Companies from China and the UAE were sanctioned for assisting the military-industrial complex.
The European Union has officially approved financial assistance to Ukraine and increased sanctions pressure on Russia. The new package of restrictions will reduce the aggressor's military capabilities.
Marta Kos stated her readiness to open all negotiation clusters for Ukraine. Progress depends on the decisions of the EU Council and the pace of internal reforms.
EU ambassadors have provisionally agreed on a loan to Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Final approval is expected on Thursday after the procedures are completed.
The European Commission is preparing the Ukraine Support Loan program to cover the state's and defense needs. The first €45 billion is planned to be allocated in 2026.
The EU plans to allocate funds during the second quarter of this year. Intensive work is currently underway on loan agreements and updating the reform plan.
EU ambassadors plan to approve a loan to Ukraine on Wednesday after Hungary lifts its veto. The money will arrive in May, provided the Druzhba oil pipeline resumes operation.
Starting April 15, a hub for consultations on returning to Ukraine and social services will open in Berlin. The center will offer educational activities and assistance from the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
The restrictive measures will be in effect until September 15, 2026, for individuals and legal entities. Two individuals and five deceased figures have been removed from the lists.
The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Lithuania discussed strengthening sanctions and energy cooperation ahead of the EU Council meeting. Sybiha reported on Hungary's seizure of funds from Ukrainian banks.
The European Commission is discussing with the European Parliament and member states options to secure a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. This is happening against the backdrop of Budapest's blockade, despite prior agreement, confirmed European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho.
Hungary will block the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, demanding that Ukraine restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
The EU Council has updated the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, adding Vietnam and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Fiji, Samoa, and Trinidad and Tobago were removed from the list, leaving 10 countries and territories.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The leaders discussed Ukraine's European integration and financial support, including 90 billion euros for 2026–2027.
The European Parliament has approved a support loan for Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros for 2026-2027. These funds will be directed towards macro-financial assistance and strengthening defense capabilities.
The European Union is preparing for a week of intense diplomatic meetings, including a meeting of defense ministers, an economic summit, and the Munich Security Conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the Munich Conference.
The EU Council has approved a legal framework for providing Ukraine with financial support of 90 billion euros, with the exception of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The funds will be directed to budget support and defense needs, and the first payment is expected in early Q2.
In January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held 20 meetings and 14 telephone conversations, visiting France, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Lithuania. Following these contacts, Ukraine received NASAMS air defense missiles from Norway, the 31st package of military aid from Finland, and significant energy support from other partners.
Estonia has proposed to the EU Council an indefinite entry ban for all Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. This is intended to prevent the legalization of these individuals in the Schengen area after the end of hostilities.
The EU Council imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and 6 entities in Iran for human rights violations, as well as on 4 individuals and 6 entities for military support to Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will today consider a prosperity plan for post-war Ukraine. The European Commission is working on this plan, which is closely linked to Europe.
The European Commission is preparing to ban Russian nuclear products, said spokeswoman Ana-Kaisa Itkonen. This is part of the EU's plan to remove all Russian energy carriers from the market.
The European Union and India have reached a free trade agreement that provides for a significant reduction in tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement is called the "mother of all deals."
On January 26, the EU Council adopted a regulation on a gradual ban on Russian gas imports. The full ban on LNG imports will come into effect in early 2027, and on pipeline gas in autumn 2027.
MHP became the first Ukrainian company to close a deal on a new Eurobond issue after the full-scale war. This opens a window to the public bond market for Ukraine. The funds will be used to repurchase 2026 bonds.
Spain's Foreign Minister called on the EU to form a single armed force to deter external threats. This statement came amid discussions of Trump's threats regarding Greenland.
MEPs will vote on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion support loan at the next plenary session. This instrument will provide military and budgetary support, as well as support Ukraine's defense industry.
The European Commission has approved a legislative package for financial support to Ukraine for 2026-2027 totaling €90 billion. This support includes military aid and general budgetary support, as well as the possibility of using Russian assets.