European Commission
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.
EU ambassadors reached an agreement on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The European Parliament is likely to vote next week.
Ukraine considers self-sufficiency as a "Plan B" for security guarantees, as it cannot fully rely on the promises of its allies. The country aims to create a powerful army and develop its own defense production.
The European Union may ban the import of iridium, rhodium, platinum, and copper from Russia as part of new sanctions. The restrictions, if supported by member states, will affect GMK Norilsk Nickel.
President Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed energy support for Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia. The European Union will provide Ukraine with generators and energy equipment, and will finalize the 20th sanctions package.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the proposal for a joint European army's role in peacekeeping in Ukraine. He stated that these ideas are not immediate solutions to Europe's problems.
The European Union may replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on maritime services. This would strengthen sanctions against Moscow and simplify their application.
The European Union is extending temporary protection for Ukrainians without introducing new policies. The decision to extend the regime until March 2027 was agreed upon by all member states.
The European Commission confirmed discussions on Ukraine's future accession to the EU in the context of peace negotiations. Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier stated that Ukraine has made steady progress and is moving very well.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will be technically ready to join the EU by 2027. He stated that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will have completed the main steps required for membership.
Naftogaz Group received 50 million euros from the EIB to ensure critical gas imports and support Ukraine's energy resilience during winter. The funds will allow for the purchase of fuel for combined heat and power plants and stable gas supply, and will also be reinvested in renewable energy.
The European Union plans to provide Ukraine with the first tranche of financial assistance within the framework of a new 90 billion euro loan package in April. This assistance is designed for 2026-2027, of which 60 billion euros will go to military needs, and 30 billion euros - to budget support.
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 European Commission is providing Ukraine with 145 million euros in humanitarian aid and Moldova with 8 million euros to support Ukrainian refugees. Millions of Ukrainians are facing freezing temperatures without electricity due to Russian bombardments.
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 Union will exempt gas from the United States and Qatar from additional checks under the ban on Russian gas. This will accelerate the supply of alternative energy sources and support the EU's energy security.
A new survey in 23 EU countries revealed growing skepticism about Brussels' migration policy. The majority of citizens demand that national governments independently guard their borders, which threatens the Schengen area.
The Hungarian government has launched a campaign to collect signatures against EU funding for Ukraine, arguing that it threatens to impoverish Hungarians. The campaign is unfolding ahead of elections where Orbán's party could lose its lead.
The European Union and India have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, which includes reducing tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement strengthens economic and political ties between the world's second and fourth largest economies and has mixed implications for Ukraine.
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."
Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne stated that Ukraine will be discussed during the visit of EU leaders to India. The visit aims to conclude a free trade agreement.
The European Commission maintained contact with the Ukrainian and American delegations before and after the trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that the results of the talks would be communicated to the Europeans.
The European Commission confirmed its work on a prosperity plan for Ukraine, but without mentioning a date for EU accession. The issue of accession is considered a security guarantee and an element of prosperity.
The European Union has launched an official investigation into the Grok chatbot over suspicions of creating manipulative sexualized images. Regulators will check the company's compliance with the Digital Services Act.
European leaders and industry representatives met in Hamburg to discuss cooperation in energy and security in the North Sea. The UK and Europe signed the Hamburg Declaration to implement large-scale offshore wind energy projects.
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.
Relations between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are worse than with her predecessor Josep Borrell. Kallas complains about von der Leyen's dictatorial methods; her position is weakened by her background and limited political power.
International partners at the G7+ "Energy Ramstein" meeting confirmed their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine. Countries will provide over $400 million, almost €23 million, €23 million, €60 million, €10 million, and other aid packages.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the documents regarding the prosperity program for post-war Ukraine are not yet ready. He emphasized the importance of understanding the sources of funding for the country's reconstruction.