European Commission

Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that the start of Ukraine's EU accession talks does not require unanimous support from all 27 member states. Hungary's blocking has pushed the EU to seek legal solutions for continuing European integration.

Danish Economy Minister Stephanie Lose warned that a massive increase in military spending in the EU could pose a serious risk to the bloc's financial stability. This applies to countries that do not control the reduction of budget deficits and public debt.

Apple has appealed the European Commission's decision to fine it 500 million euros for violating competition rules. Apple believes that the Commission's demands exceed the limits of the law and impose confusing conditions for developers.

The European Union plans to create emergency reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth metals, and cable repair kits. This decision was made amid growing concerns about the EU's vulnerability to attacks and hybrid threats.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country's future in the EU depends on Moldovans ahead of the September parliamentary elections. The EU has allocated the first tranche of 270 million euros for Moldova.

Slovakia has blocked the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia for the second time, demanding guarantees from the European Commission regarding the RePowerEU initiative. This initiative envisages abandoning Russian gas by 2028, which, according to Slovakia, will have negative economic consequences.

The European Union and Moldova signed a declaration condemning Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and hybrid attacks. The document also demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria.

Intelligence services of the Netherlands and Germany have collected evidence of Russia's widespread use of prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine, including the dropping of a suffocating substance from drones. The Dutch Minister of Defense called for increased sanctions against Moscow, as at least three Ukrainian deaths are linked to the use of chemical weapons.

The European Union may soon adopt the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia has received guarantees from the European Commission regarding a gradual phase-out of Russian energy carriers by 2027, which removes obstacles to the approval of new restrictions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with EU and Danish leaders, discussing Ukraine's accession to the EU, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and military aid. The parties emphasized the importance of pressure on the Russian Federation and the use of frozen Russian assets.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the "Future of Ukraine" award to 11-year-old Danish volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen for raising funds to help Ukrainian children. The boy collected over 34,000 Danish kroner by selling blue and yellow beaded chickens, which he used to purchase school backpacks and supplies.

Denmark insists on applying Article 7 of the EU Treaty against Hungary due to violations of fundamental rights. Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre in Aarhus mentioned Budapest's blocking of Ukraine's membership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the transfer of two million shells and 1. 5 billion euros to Ukraine. The aid is financed by Russian funds, which underscores the importance of the Save Safe program for investments in Ukraine's defense.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated the need for a strategic rethinking of the EU's defense policy. They emphasized that supporting Ukraine with weapons is an investment in the security of the European Union, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are deterring a threat to Europe.

During his visit to Denmark, President Zelenskyy stated that he is counting on Denmark's financial contribution to the production of drones for Ukraine. He will also discuss the missile program with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

46 executives from leading European companies have called on Brussels to suspend the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act for two years. They argue that the EU's unclear rules hinder business and innovation.

Ryanair has canceled 170 flights, affecting over 30,000 passengers, due to a nationwide air traffic control strike in France. The disruptions affect flights to/from France and over its airspace, impacting routes from the UK to Greece and from Spain to Ireland.

Negotiations on the €1. 5 billion EU Defense Industry Program (EDIP) depend on funding for non-European companies. The European Parliament opposes exceptions for arms manufacturers outside the EU, aiming to build up the European defense sector.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will face a no-confidence vote on July 10. The initiative from the Romanian far-right party AUR has gathered almost 80 signatures.

Prices for dairy products in the consumer basket mostly increased by 2. 9%, with butter becoming the most expensive. The abolition of EU trade preferences may lead to lower domestic prices in Ukraine.

The European Commission supports Ukraine and Moldova in the reform process, stating that both countries are making steady progress. Ukraine has met the criteria for opening the first cluster, including a positive assessment of the plan for minorities.

The European Commission and Ukraine have reached a principal agreement on the revision of the free trade area, which will facilitate Ukraine's integration into the EU single market. The modernized agreement includes a level playing field, safeguard clauses, and increased trade flows, taking into account the sensitivity of agricultural sectors.

The European Commission wants to allow EU countries, starting from 2036, to transfer part of their climate efforts to poorer countries by using international carbon credits. This would allow counting greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved in other countries towards the EU's own 2040 target, which stipulates a 90% emission reduction from 1990 levels.

Romania has extended the mandatory licensing requirement for Ukrainian products until December 31, 2025. This measure, introduced to protect local farmers, covers the entire agri-food supply chain.

Budapest is set to host Pride. A record number of participants are expected to protest the Hungarian government's restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.

Donald Trump announced the suspension of negotiations with Ottawa on tariffs in response to Canada's introduction of a digital services tax on American tech companies. The U.S. will impose tariffs on Canada within seven days.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov considers the suspicion of abuse of office and receiving a bribe to be unfounded. He explains his frequent foreign trips by the need to cooperate with foreign governments and Ukrainians abroad.

The European Commission confirmed its readiness to transfer 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025 and to provide the remaining 11 billion euros of G7 loans. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also emphasized the continuation of financial, military, and political support for Ukraine.

The European Council on June 26 approved the extension of sanctions against Russia despite threats from Hungary and Slovakia. Negotiations are currently underway on the 18th package of sanctions, which includes restrictions on pipelines and imports of Russian fuel.

The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.