The EU is considering expanding the definition of defense investment and changing fiscal rules to increase military spending. Poland proposes to include spending on infrastructure and dual-use facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said that the bill to repeal the Lozovyi amendments may be delayed. The government also introduced a draft law on reforming the ARMA, agreed with the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for the ICC after the imposition of US sanctions. She emphasized the importance of fighting impunity and upholding international law.
Ukraine is ready to start consultations with the European Commission on tariff liberalization. This was stated by Ihor Zhovkva at a meeting with the French Minister of Foreign Trade.
The European Commission intends to extend the requirement for 90% occupancy of gas storage facilities after 2024. The largest storage countries are negotiating to reduce this limit due to the risk of speculation.
The European Commission plans to tighten customs control of goods from Asian marketplaces due to dangerous products. It is considering abolishing the exemption from customs duties on imports of goods below 150 euros.
The economic crisis in Hungary threatens Viktor Orban's victory in the 2026 elections. High inflation, falling living standards, and a declining birth rate are undermining the Fidesz party's position.
The EU plans to use an “anti-coercion tool” in response to possible US duties on European goods. Brussels could hit the US technology sector and restrict intellectual property rights.
The European Commission wants to start negotiations with the US as soon as possible to prevent the imposition of new duties. The EU is ready for difficult negotiations and to protect its own interests in trade.
The European Commission will discuss a response to Trump's announcement of tariffs on EU goods. The US has already imposed additional duties on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.
Due to a technical failure in Belgium's air traffic control system, Robert Fico's plane returned to Bratislava. The meeting with representatives of the European Commission on gas transit and other issues was canceled.
The European Commission has approved a €1. 065 billion European Defense Fund program for joint defense projects. The funds will be used for research in cyber defense, naval operations, and other critical areas.
The European Commission has officially denied information about the possibility of resuming purchases of Russian gas in exchange for peace talks. The spokesperson for the EC President confirmed the course of refusal from Russian gas.
US GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 grew by 2. 3% instead of the expected 2.7%. For the whole year, the economy grew by 2.8%, which is lower than in 2023 but higher than in 2022.
Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland call on the EU to increase military spending to 3% of GDP. The countries propose to use joint borrowing and allocate 50 billion euros for the production of artillery.
European officials are discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian pipeline gas as part of a peace settlement. Germany and Hungary support the initiative to reduce energy prices.
The European Commission plans to cut administrative costs for companies by 25% and for small businesses by 35%. The plan is aimed at stimulating innovation and increasing competitiveness with China and the United States.
The 16th EU sanctions package against Russia will not include a complete ban on Russian LNG imports. The package will include restrictions on shadow fleet tankers, aluminum, and gaming equipment.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to block EU aid to Ukraine if Russian gas transit does not resume. He called President Zelenskyy an “enemy” and accused him of creating problems for Slovakia.
Tesla is challenging in court the EU's anti-subsidy duty of up to 7. 8% on imports of electric vehicles from China. The company joined BMW and Chinese manufacturers who have also filed lawsuits against the new tariffs.
A representative of the American Chamber of Commerce commented on the Ministry of Health's proposals for changes in the regulation of the pharmaceutical market. He described the specifics of drug regulation in the EU and called for a balanced approach in Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of an American citizen from a Belarusian prison. The details of Anastasia Nufer's detention are unknown, and her name has not been mentioned publicly before.
Slovakia's prime minister criticized Zelenskyy's comment about the protests in Bratislava as interference in internal affairs. The Ukrainian president had earlier written “Bratislava is not Moscow, Slovakia is Europe.
The EU will not include a ban on Russian LNG imports in the new sanctions package. Instead, it will present a roadmap for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2027.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russian historical falsifications and disinformation to justify the war. 480 deputies supported the document on countering Russian propaganda and protecting the media space.
Europe has reduced gas imports from Russia by 75%, oil by 3%, and coal by zero. In February, the EU will present a clean energy development plan to reduce prices and increase energy independence.
Donald Trump officially took office as President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, NATO, and Finland have sent congratulations and expressed their willingness to cooperate.
Facebook, X, YouTube, and other tech companies have joined the EU's updated code of conduct on combating hate speech. The companies pledged to respond to complaints faster and implement automatic tools to detect harmful content.
Today is the inauguration of Donald Trump, after which he plans to sign about 100 executive orders. The EU is preparing for potential changes in trade, climate policy, and its position on Ukraine.
Maia Sandu announced her readiness to provide financial and humanitarian assistance to Transnistria to overcome the energy crisis.
