US President Donald Trump said the chances of reaching a trade deal with the European Union are "50-50, maybe even less. " He noted that for an agreement, Europe would have to lower its tariffs.
This will increase the burden on Ukraine's state budget, whose deficit exceeded 20% of GDP last year.
The price on the spot gold market decreased by 0. 5% to $3350.08 per ounce. The strengthening of the US dollar and optimism regarding trade negotiations between the US and the EU are putting pressure on gold prices.
The European Commission has received support from EU member states for the introduction of 30% tariffs on goods from the USA if a trade agreement is not reached. The tariffs could affect goods worth 93 billion euros, but their introduction has been suspended until August 7 for negotiations.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
EU ambassadors have agreed to use the €392 billion cohesion fund for defense-related projects, which accounts for approximately one-third of the EU's 2021–2027 budget. This decision allows EU countries to use regional funds to support the defense industry and modernize infrastructure.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association called for additional incentives for electric vehicles after the largest drop in new car sales in 10 months in June. New EV registrations fell by 5.1% to 1.24 million, indicating a slowdown in demand growth.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. They urged China to use its influence on Russia to end its aggressive war against Ukraine, acknowledging that relations between Beijing and Brussels have reached a "watershed moment."
Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka assured Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate, of Ukraine's readiness for further legislative measures to comply with EU standards.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
New Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Ukraine's likely appeal to the IMF for additional financing, as international donors have provided only half of the necessary funds. She also plans to discuss financial aid and joint weapons production with the United States.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in the SAFE loan program for financing in 2026. The "Building with Ukraine" initiative is also being developed to expand joint defense-industrial projects.
The European Union has provided Ukraine with €164. 8 billion in financial support, of which €3.6 billion came from frozen Russian assets. The EU also extended the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians until March 2026.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would vote against the EU budget for 2028–2034, which provides for the allocation of 100 billion euros to support Ukraine. He justifies this by saying that the budget "sends Hungarians' money to Ukraine" and "destroys Hungarian farmers."
Ukraine welcomes the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, but considers it insufficient. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the need to strengthen sanction policy, particularly from the US, to limit Russia's ability to continue the war.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The EU Council has approved the gradual launch of a new digital border management system (EES) over six months. The system will record the entries and exits of non-EU citizens, increasing control efficiency and reducing fraud.
Hungary analyzed the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget for 2028-2034, stating that Ukraine could receive about 20% of the funds. Hungarian Minister for European Affairs János Bóka called this irrational.
The European Union has approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, covering the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors. The package includes a new dynamic oil price cap, and Slovakia supported it after receiving guarantees regarding gas prices.
EU ambassadors approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, which previously blocked the sanctions, supported them after reaching agreements with the European Commission on gas prices.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Yulia Svyrydenko on her appointment as Prime Minister of Ukraine. She also thanked Denys Shmyhal for his work and wished him success in his new position as Minister of Defense.
The German government expressed disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget, which included €100 billion in aid to Ukraine. Berlin considers an increase in the budget unacceptable when member states are consolidating their own budgets.
The European Commission has temporarily suspended its investigation into the social network X for violating digital transparency rules. This decision is related to trade negotiations between the EU and the US to avoid escalating tensions with Washington.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the country will not support the EU's REPowerEU initiative to abandon Russian gas from 2028. Slovakia links this issue to the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, demanding a postponement of the vote.
The European Commission presented a proposal for the EU budget for 2028-2034 amounting to 2 trillion euros. Of this amount, 100 billion euros are planned to be allocated to Ukraine to support its recovery and path to EU membership.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak met with representatives of the European Commission and the EU in Ukraine. Financial support and Ukraine's priorities were discussed, as well as readiness for negotiations on EU accession.
Lithuanian border guards shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle that flew into the country's airspace from the territory of Belarus. The drone was detected 4 km from the border after it was intercepted using special equipment.
The European Commission plans to increase the EU budget to €1. 717 trillion for the next 7 years, of which €88 billion could be allocated to support Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present this budget plan for 2028-2035.
Euroclear CEO Valerie Urbain believes that the European Commission's plan to invest frozen Russian assets in riskier instruments to increase profits for Ukraine is "expropriation. " She warns of significant risks and potential losses that could arise from such actions.
EU member states have extended protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 2027, ensuring access to the labor market, social benefits, and healthcare. A return strategy and transition to other forms of residence are being discussed.
