European Commission

The Polish government is preparing a bill to revoke the "Special Law" on assistance to Ukrainians from March 4, 2026. Refugees will transition to general rules for the stay of foreigners, which will lead to a reduction in social benefits.

The US President called the bloc's members 'weak', but joint action on funding for Ukraine would send a 'very strong signal', according to Kaja Kallas.

The European Parliament will fast-track consideration of a proposal for a reparations loan for Ukraine, which will be secured by European Commission borrowings against frozen Russian assets. The vote will take place at the plenary session in January 2026.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke cautiously about the role of European forces for Ukraine, noting that much would depend on Putin's actions. He supported the idea of a European military presence but pointed to unresolved issues regarding their deployment.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha named five reasons why this step must be taken now.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 12285-d, which brings national regulation in the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare in line with EU legal acts. The document eliminates inconsistencies between Ukrainian legislation and the EU acquis, creating legal grounds for the implementation of European requirements.

Belgium opposed the European Commission's proposals to unblock a €210 billion loan for Ukraine, financed by frozen Russian assets. This dashes the EU's hopes for a deal before the leaders' summit, as Belgium considers the guarantees provided insufficient.

Leaders of eight EU countries bordering Russia will demand targeted defense funding in the next long-term budget of the bloc at a summit in Helsinki. This is due to growing concerns about Russia's aggressive actions, which are testing their borders.

The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia and confirms the freezing of Russian assets. The EU is ready to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years, which amounts to about 90 billion euros.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.

Canadian defense manufacturers will be able to access loans under the EU's SAFE program totaling 150 billion euros, with a limit of 80% of the value of purchased equipment. This is a significant increase compared to the usual 35% for manufacturers from third countries, with Canada also paying an entry fee.

EU ambassadors in Brussels today are discussing the European Commission's amendments to the reparations loan proposal for financing Ukraine. These amendments aim to address the concerns of Belgium, as well as Italy, Bulgaria, and Malta, who are calling for alternative options.

US representatives have been invited to the evening talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Rutte have confirmed their participation.

The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.

A shooting occurred on Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish Hanukkah holiday event. At least 11 people were killed and dozens were injured, prompting shock and condolences from world leaders.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy John Cole announced that Alexander Lukashenka promised to stop balloon flights over Lithuania after negotiations with the US. Earlier, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to these flights.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed a peace plan for Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets. The parties agreed that Europe would support Ukraine in achieving a just peace.

The new Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, stated that the country would not guarantee financing for Ukraine. He noted that the Czech Republic needs funds for its citizens and is lobbying for the restoration of access to preferential loans under the SAFE program.

Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria have opposed the EU's plan to transfer 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. They are calling on the European Commission to consider alternative options for financial assistance, such as joint EU debt.

The European Commission is ready to include the guarantees that Belgium is demanding for the use of immobilized assets of the Russian central bank. This will allow Ukraine to be provided with a "reparation loan" to compensate for war damages.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would not support the European Commission's proposal for a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets if the funds were to be used for military purposes. He sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, warning of a blockade of decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine's military needs for 2026-2027.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is committed to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine that will not contain the seeds of future conflicts. During the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," the need for reliable security guarantees and funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 was also discussed.

The European Commission refused to comment on media reports about the alleged expanded US National Security Strategy. According to the press, the document names Italy, Austria, and Poland as targets for weakening ties with the EU.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka announced in Lviv an agreed action plan for Ukraine for the coming year. The plan envisages accelerating key reforms and aims to confirm the country's readiness for EU membership.

The European Union has announced the approval of a new approach to Ukraine's accession talks, which provides for technical negotiations to advance the process. This decision was made following an informal meeting of the bloc's European affairs ministers in Lviv.

The European Union is developing strategies to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support the allocation of 210 billion euros to Ukraine. If Belgium continues to block the plan, it may be ignored at the EU level, similar to Hungary.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever does not rule out legal action if the EU decides to seize Russian assets in Euroclear, emphasizing that the risks cannot be borne solely by Belgium. He considers confiscation a radical and ill-considered step, proposing other options for financing aid to Ukraine.

Chipmaker Intel has lost its appeal against a European Union antitrust decision. However, the court reduced the fine imposed on the company two years ago by a third, cutting it by 140 million euros.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, is confident that a decision on financing for Ukraine for 2026-2027 will be made at the December EU summit. He noted that the bloc is "very close to reaching a decision" amid the proposal of two options: a "reparations loan" or EU borrowing.

The European Union has launched an investigation into Google, suspecting abuse of its dominant position through the use of content for AI tools. The Commission will check whether Google distorts competition by imposing unfair terms on publishers and content creators.