Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.
The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.
The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Canada discussed strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. The leaders focused on competitiveness, defense procurement, and clean technologies.
The Netherlands plans to convert old trains into mobile hospitals for evacuating wounded military personnel. This initiative is part of a broader EU plan to enhance military mobility amid the threat from Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that the EU could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week after receiving written guarantees regarding gas imports. Slovakia cannot block the ban on Russian gas imports from 2028, but requires unanimity for the sanctions package.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to unconditionally unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. He insists on EU gas guarantees for Slovakia after the cessation of Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on July 14 supported the resolution on the creation of a network of Unity Centers for Ukrainians abroad. This decision enshrines the mechanism for implementing the project and allows the "National Unity Agency" to develop the network, which can be co-financed by the European Commission.
Ukraine approved the opening of the roaming sector with the EU, which is a step towards launching a "roaming visa-free regime" from 2026. This will allow Ukrainians not to pay for roaming in 27 EU countries.
The Ukrainian government concluded 200 agreements worth over 13 billion euros at the Recovery Conference in Rome. The funds will be directed towards strengthening air defense, restoring infrastructure, housing, medicine, and supporting IDPs.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the adoption of the 18th package of anti-Russian EU sanctions. Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions against Russia and warned of Slovakia's possible isolation.
EU ambassadors have practically agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a 15% reduction in the price cap for Russian oil. A final agreement is expected before the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the possible introduction of 30% tariffs by the US would "hit German exports in the heart. " Germany is considering counter-tariffs and coordinating actions with EU leaders to prevent this.
Following the URC2025 conference, Ukraine received EUR 232. 7 million for recovery. The funds will be used for compensation for destroyed housing, restoration of cultural heritage and irrigation systems in Odesa region, as well as transport networks.
The European Union will continue negotiations with the United States on a trade agreement until August 1, but is ready for proportional countermeasures. This is a response to the US president's statement about introducing a 30% tariff on EU exports, which will harm businesses and consumers.
Slovakia aims to conclude an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by July 15 regarding energy security guarantees. Without these guarantees, the country is blocking a new package of sanctions against Russia, related to the cessation of Russian gas imports.
Russia's revenues from oil and petroleum product sales in June decreased by almost 14% compared to last year, amounting to $13. 57 billion. This happened amid a decline in global oil prices and almost unchanged oil production in Russia.
The European Commission this week will propose a floating price cap on Russian oil as part of a new package of sanctions. The mechanism will adjust price limits based on changes in the global price of energy resources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's defense needs. The leaders also touched upon strengthening air defense and cooperation in arms production.
President Zelenskyy met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The parties discussed Ukraine's European integration and the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as a new support package of over 2 billion euros.
EU governments are demanding that Brussels keep national plans for phasing out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027 secret. This is due to the desire to avoid influencing market prices and disclosing confidential information.
The European Commission has dismissed a freelance translator over security concerns. The translator took notes during a meeting between European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which is prohibited by the EU code of conduct.
Ukraine and Belgium signed a Letter of Intent at the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2025 in Rome. The document provides for an agreement between Belgian BIO Invest and Bank Lviv for 5 million euros for the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
The European Commission announced a new financial support package for Ukraine worth €2. 3 billion, which includes grants and loan guarantees. The funds will be directed towards supporting businesses, investments, urban reconstruction, energy security, and critical infrastructure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.
President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to use frozen Russian assets, not just profits, for Ukraine's reconstruction. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen successfully survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the far-right in the European Parliament. 360 MEPs voted against the resolution, 175 voted for, allowing her to retain her position.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of achieving justice for Ukraine, which has been suffering from war for over three years. She also stressed the need to rebuild destroyed schools and hospitals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He will speak at the plenary session alongside leaders from Italy, Germany, the European Commission, and Poland.
