The EU plans to cut about 10 foreign delegations and 100 local staff due to changing priorities and budget cuts. Priority will be given to countries important for enforcing sanctions against Russia.
Talks between Leo XIV and J. D. Vance took place in the Vatican. They discussed cooperation between the Church and the state, issues of religious freedom, and the situation in Ukraine.
The European Commission has lowered its forecast for Ukraine's GDP growth to 2% in 2025 due to attacks on infrastructure. Inflation is expected to rise to 12.6% due to rising energy prices.
The European Commission is lowering its growth estimates for the bloc in 2025 due to the consequences of Trump's tariffs. Uncertainty has reached the level of the beginning of the pandemic, and an escalation of tensions could reduce growth and revive inflation.
Finland has signed an agreement with the EC on the supply of heavy ammunition to Ukraine. The purchase of 90 million euros will be financed by funds from frozen Russian assets.
Giorgia Meloni met with the US Vice President and the head of the European Commission against the background of trade tensions. Italy is acting as a mediator to restore Western unity.
The US, along with Europe, will strengthen sanctions against Russia if Putin does not conduct peace talks with Ukraine. According to US Treasury Secretary Bessent, Washington's previous sanctions against the Russian Federation have proven ineffective.
The President of the European Commission and the Vice President of the United States held a meeting in Rome, discussing trade issues and the situation in Ukraine. They expressed a shared desire for a just and lasting peace.
The President of Ukraine met with EU leaders, thanking them for the preparation of the 17th sanctions package. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine on its path to the EU.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated the need to prepare for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and support for Ukraine.
António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen assured of their support for Ukraine and emphasized the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. This is being done to force Putin to negotiate for peace.
The European Commission is tightening the conditions for payments to Hungary due to violations of EU legislation. Budapest is already losing 18 billion euros, but the amount may increase due to restrictions on democracy.
The European Union is ready to increase sanctions pressure on Russia to force Putin to negotiate. The new sanctions package will include restrictions against "Nord Stream", shadow fleet vessels and banks.
The British Prime Minister stated that Putin's behavior indicates his disinterest in peace. Allies will continue to work on a ceasefire and new sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine and the European Commission are discussing trade conditions after June 5. The goal is to agree on a transitional period of visa-free trade before amendments are made to the Association Agreement.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on imports from Russia and Belarus: for fertilizers up to 430 euros per ton by 2028, for flour, sugar and animal feed by 50%. The goal is to prevent the financing of the war.
The European Union is considering restoring quotas on imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from June to December. The restrictions were lifted in 2022 to support Ukraine.
The European Commission believes that TikTok does not provide enough information about advertising content and restricts advertising search. If the accusations are confirmed, the company faces a fine of up to 6% of its income.
The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".
The French President confirmed negotiations on expanding the "nuclear umbrella". He stressed that Paris will not pay for the security of other countries.
The European Union is discussing how to avoid Hungary blocking negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels is looking for ways to circumvent the veto needed to open and conclude negotiations.
Google is facing a wave of civil lawsuits in Europe worth more than 12 billion euros. The company denies any grounds for the lawsuits.
The European Commission is considering changes to sustainability rules to make it easier to attract private investment in the defense industry. This should stimulate arms production in Europe.
The European Union plans to ban these vessels from entering EU ports and using European maritime services. Sanctions are also expected against captains, 54 companies and 14 individuals.
EU leaders demand that the European Commission introduce large-scale sanctions against the oil and financial sectors of Russia. Sanctions will be imposed if the Kremlin does not agree to a ceasefire.
EU ministers stressed that negotiations with Russia are possible only after a ceasefire, but Putin ignores the deadline. Zelenskyy will wait for the Russian president in Turkey.
European allies of Ukraine are considering blocking Nord Stream 2 if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. The EU may also double the number of vessels on the sanctions list for transporting Russian oil.
The head of the European Commission supported a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The EU is ready to impose tough sanctions against Russia in case of violation of the truce.
Dmitry Peskov stated that Trump has influence on Ukraine for negotiations, but Kyiv is not ready. He expressed hope for Trump's mediation for the flexibility of the Kyiv regime.
