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January 20, 07:20 AM • 50419 viewsJanuary 20, 02:39 PM • 21272 viewsApple has appealed against the European Commission's requirements to disclose user data to third-party developers under the DMA. The company believes that this violates privacy and restricts innovation.
The escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine and a new threat from Trump to double tariffs on steel and aluminum have forced investors to seek refuge in gold. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $3311.33 per ounce.
The European Union plans to end funding for the COVID recovery fund, which was supposed to last until the end of 2026. This puts Italy, Spain and Poland, which are most dependent on these funds, at risk.
The government has approved negotiating positions for clusters 2 and 6 for Ukraine's accession to the EU. Cluster 2 concerns the internal market, and cluster 6 concerns foreign policy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe must defend its independence by increasing defense spending and accepting Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Georgia into the EU.
The court found Peter Kažimír guilty of bribery when he was Minister of Finance. He has to pay a fine of 200,000 euros, but remains in office for now.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been awarded the Charlemagne Prize. The award is given for outstanding contributions to the development and unity of Europe, the promotion of peace and integration.
Russia's budget deficit for 2025 has increased to 3. 8 trillion rubles due to falling oil prices and a stronger ruble. Sanctions against Russia are putting pressure on energy exports.
The President of Ukraine is urgently returning to Kyiv due to the buildup of Russian troops in the Sumy region. He has canceled his trip to the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen.
Experts discuss the possible end of the "trade visa-free regime" with the EU, which may complicate Ukrainian exports. Negotiations are underway on a transition period and new measures.
The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.
The European Union plans to create a maritime security center in the Black Sea to monitor threats and protect infrastructure. The information will be transferred to Ukraine and other countries in the region.
Ukraine has preliminarily approved draft negotiating positions for clusters 2 and 6 for negotiations on joining the EU. The position on cluster 1 has already been submitted to the European Commission.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Pornhub and other platforms over possible violations of the DSA in the field of child protection. The investigations will focus on the platforms' age verification measures.
The European Commission and the European Central Bank will give their consent for Bulgaria to join the Eurozone. This is expected to happen on January 1, 2026, making the country the 21st member of the currency union.
Gold prices fell after Trump delayed the introduction of 50% duties on European goods. Interest in gold as a safe asset has decreased.
The European Commission has confirmed discussions within the G7 on lowering the price cap on oil from Russia, and this idea is supported by other partners. The new limit should be lower than the current $60 per barrel.
The European Commission is working on strengthening sanctions against Russia due to its attacks on Ukraine. It is necessary to increase defense support for Ukraine and increase pressure on the Russian Federation.
US President Trump has postponed the introduction of a 50% tariff on trade with the EU until July 9, 2025, at the request of Ursula von der Leyen. Negotiations between the EU and the US are to begin in the near future.
According to European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the EU seeks to reach an agreement with the US, but on the basis of respect. European politicians have expressed disappointment over possible further tariffs from the US.
The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.
The European Union plans to disconnect more than 20 Russian banks from SWIFT. Lowering the oil price ceiling to $45 and banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines are also being considered.
The European Union plans to impose sanctions against the "Nord Stream-2" gas pipeline to prevent the return of Russian gas. Germany supports this step to completely abandon gas imports from Russia by 2027.
The introduction of EU duties on Ukrainian agricultural products may cause economic damage to Ukraine and undermine confidence in Europe. This will reduce Ukraine's export revenue to 3.5 billion euros.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands and 7 other EU countries have called for an urgent strengthening of civil preparedness for man-made and natural disasters. They insist on accelerating work on threat analysis.
According to Stefanishyna, Ukraine and the EU have started a dialogue on trade. The European Commission's decision on transitional measures for export is intermediate.
Governments are forced to cut spending due to the high cost of long-term borrowing. Also, rising rates affect lending to businesses and households. Their opportunities are limited.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, as well as agricultural goods. This decision aims to reduce the EU's dependence on imports from these countries.
The European People's Party is criticized for its rightward shift after the elections. Party leader Manfred Weber emphasizes the importance of avoiding the mistakes of the past, such as Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The politician is seeking cooperation with centrist political forces.
26 MEPs called on Brussels to freeze funding for Hungary due to restrictions on freedoms, undermining democracy and ignoring EU values. The letter was signed by representatives of several factions of the European Parliament.
