German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the EU and India could sign a free trade agreement by the end of January after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The presidents of the European Commission and the European Council will visit India to sign the agreement if it is finally agreed upon.
Top Slovak officials, including the president, the speaker of the National Council, and the prime minister, have advocated for an end to military aid to Ukraine. The country will also not send soldiers or participate in guarantees for a large loan from the European Commission.
EU countries have supported a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, paving the way for its signing next week. The agreement, which concludes 25 years of negotiations, will create an integrated market with 780 million consumers.
French farmers have blocked roads to Paris and landmarks, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. They demand an end to government policies destroying cattle herds.
European governments, concerned about Donald Trump's intentions regarding Greenland, are considering four strategies to counter them. These include seeking a compromise, financial injections, an economic response, and the deployment of ground forces.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.
A clear US commitment to support Ukraine has been removed from the text of the joint statement adopted in Paris. Instead, the US commits to supporting forces in the event of an attack and providing intelligence and logistical assistance.
Ukrainian negotiators, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held consultations in Paris with national security advisors from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, with the participation of the US, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. The parameters of security guarantees, deterring Russian aggression, and the logic of further steps in the peace process were discussed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Cyprus today, where the ceremony marking the country's assumption of the EU Council presidency will take place. He will meet with the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that his country will provide Ukraine with "aviation and a fleet" to maintain peace after the war ends. This decision was announced after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the goal of the Coalition of the Willing meeting is to provide reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine's accession to the EU will be a key security guarantee and a central pillar of prosperity.
The European Commission and the British regulator Ofcom are demanding explanations from X over the dissemination of intimate images created by Grok AI. European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier stated that such content grossly violates European law.
The European Commission plans to introduce digital infrastructure laws in 2026. The goal is to reduce the EU's dependence on foreign technology companies, which could lead to a conflict with Washington.
In 2025, the number of initial asylum applications in Germany decreased by 51% compared to 2024, reaching 113,236 applications. This is explained by increased border controls, the suspension of family reunification, and a change of regime in Syria, as well as a 20% increase in deportations.
National security advisers from European countries have arrived in Kyiv. They will hold consultations on security and economic issues, and coordinate further steps with partners.
According to Kaliňák, Ukraine will never be in NATO. In his opinion, Ukraine will also have problems joining the European Union.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced preparations for a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" on January 3. Representatives from over 10 countries, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council will take part, and American partners will join online.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov reported to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of telephone conversations with American and European partners. Positions were coordinated and further meetings were planned for January, including a meeting on January 3 with the participation of more than 10 countries and international organizations.
Poland has appealed to the European Commission to investigate the spread of AI-generated content on TikTok that calls for the country's withdrawal from the EU. The government stated that these materials constitute a coordinated disinformation campaign and threaten democratic processes.
In 2025, Ukraine received 4 out of 5 points for bringing its state energy policy closer to EU standards. The European Commission noted progress in the implementation of the National Energy and Climate Plan.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a "coalition of the willing" will gather in Paris in early January 2026. The goal is to finalize the agreement on specific contributions of countries to security guarantees for Ukraine.
The President of Finland reported on negotiations in the US involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen. The discussions lasted over an hour, focusing on concrete steps to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
The President of the European Commission announced significant progress in peace talks, emphasizing the importance of reliable security guarantees. She held talks with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, where peace agreements were discussed.
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump named the European leaders with whom they communicated. He also recognized the war in Ukraine as the largest since World War II.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned Ukraine in her Christmas greetings. She expressed hope for a just and lasting peace, as well as for Ukraine's secure future in the EU.
The European Union, France, and Germany have condemned US visa bans imposed on five European citizens, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. The restrictions are related to their activities in combating online disinformation and hate speech, which Washington considers censorship of free speech.
The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on five individuals accused of attempting to censor content and restrict freedom of speech. Among them are former European Commissioner Thierry Breton and leaders of organizations that research dangerous online content.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the decision on 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027, adopted on December 19.
Banks in a number of countries around the world have begun to massively block accounts of Russians and tighten checks on their transactions. This is happening after Russia was included in the list of high-risk countries by the European Commission.
