European Commission
The President of the European Commission called for a change in the decision-making system due to the blocking of aid to Ukraine. She considers the post-war EU rules ineffective today.
The Hungarian Prime Minister appealed to the EU to suspend sanctions against Russian energy. Orban accuses Ukraine of blocking oil supplies.
The Slovak Prime Minister threatens to halt 90 billion euros in aid to Kyiv due to the cessation of oil transit. Fico demands an immediate resumption of supplies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held a briefing for EU and US diplomats, clarifying the situation with the detention of seven Oschadbank cash collectors in Hungary. The Ukrainian side refutes Hungary's accusations and calls on the EU to facilitate the release of its citizens.
The European Commission is exploring the possibility of financial support to restore oil supplies through the 'Druzhba' pipeline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will discuss this issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The European Commission has called unacceptable the rhetoric of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The EC stated that there can be no threats against EU member states.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the European Commission supports Ukraine and is cooperating with Croatia to block Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. According to him, Kyiv refuses to resume oil transit for political reasons.
The European Commission has suspended the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports. This decision was made due to Georgia's violation of its commitments in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights.
EU ambassadors stated that member states would not accept the 'membership first, then integration' model for Ukraine. This resistance blocks the model that the European Commission had been promoting for Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2027.
European Commissioner Marta Kos proposes revising the EU accession methodology to accelerate Ukraine's membership by 2027. This is intended to prevent the Kremlin from exploiting a security vacuum.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to meet with Zelenskyy after talks with Ursula von der Leyen. He demands that Ukraine allow inspection and resume transit of Russian oil.
Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a loan for Ukraine, the 20th sanctions package, and the impact of events in the Middle East on energy prices. Energy security and the availability of defense materials were also discussed.
The Hungarian Prime Minister called on the President of the European Commission to ensure the implementation of agreements that oblige Ukraine to allow the transit of oil through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.
Ukraine is under pressure from the EU to allow inspection of the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv claims significant damage from a Russian airstrike, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately blocking it.
In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy stated that the issue of changing European legislation to confiscate oil from detained vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" is being discussed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is convening a special meeting of the College of Commissioners on security on March 2 due to the situation in Iran. She emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation due to Iran's attacks.
Slovak President Robert Fico agreed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to hold talks on all aspects of Ukrainian-Slovak cooperation. This happened after discussing problems with oil transit through Ukraine.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU is valid until March next year, said European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert. He is not aware of the debates regarding men of conscription age, referring to the current rules.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed the transit of oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He proposes creating a joint inspection group to verify its functioning, as Slovakia and Hungary cannot receive paid oil.
The return to market tariffs for gas, electricity, and heating in Ukraine is possible only after the war ends. The government will develop a roadmap for the liberalization of gas and electricity markets by June 2026.
Ukraine is finalizing its energy recovery and updated protection strategy by March 1 for the next winter. President Zelenskyy called for taking into account the experience of the regions for greater resilience.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
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.
A Median poll showed that Hungary's opposition Tisza party leads the pro-government Fidesz by 20 percentage points among decided voters. Tisza has 55% support against Fidesz's 35%.
President Zelenskyy positively assessed the signing of the EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros by the President of the European Parliament, calling it a "significant guarantee. " He emphasized the importance of this decision coming into effect for Ukraine "as soon as possible and as effectively as possible."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the European Commission's commitment to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure one of the most important outcomes of the meetings. The European Commission will support the repair and strengthening of the energy grid's protection before next winter.
The Minister of Energy announced that a meeting of the energy "Ramstein" will take place in March. The European Union has allocated 920 million euros to support Ukraine.
During the repair period of 'Druzhba', oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary will be carried out via an alternative route through Croatia.