European Commission

The next round of EU-Ukraine bilateral meetings within the framework of the screening process has begun in Brussels. The Ukrainian delegation presents the state of approximation of legislation to EU norms in the field of justice, freedom and security.

The former president of Finland proposes that the EU create an intelligence agency to counter external threats. The goal is to collect information about threats outside the EU without duplicating the work of national agencies.

On October 25, G7 partners will announce contributions to a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. The repayment will be made from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, and the EU is expected to provide €35 billion.

The European Parliament will consider a proposal for a €35 billion loan to Ukraine from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. This is part of a $50 billion G7 package to support Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the European Commission expressed concern about the possible deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia. This violates UN resolutions and indicates an escalation of Russia's illegal actions against Ukraine.

Roksolana Pidlasa explained that Orban could not block the EU's €35 billion allocation to Ukraine. All that is needed to disburse the funds is a simple majority vote in the EU Council, not a unanimous decision.

EU countries are seeking to resume discussions on sanctions against Russia in January, when Poland takes over the presidency from Hungary. The plan is to tighten measures against Russian fuel and eliminate existing loopholes in the sanctions regime.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has again blocked EU sanctions against Russia, which are necessary to provide Ukraine with $50 billion. He postpones the decision until after the US election, hoping for a Trump victory.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Ukraine's Victory Plan within the competence of the EC. The plan has been endorsed by 18 EU members and several NATO defense ministers.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of a new tranche under the Ukraine Facility program by the end of the year. The total amount of the program is EUR 50 billion for 2024-2027, of which more than EUR 12 billion has already been allocated.

Ursula von der Leyen stated the need to increase the enforcement of decisions on deportations of migrants to the EU. Currently, the return rate of illegal migrants is only 20%, which requires legislative changes.

12 EU countries have called on the European Commission to support the creation of energy associations to reduce energy prices. They presented a joint document at a meeting of EU energy ministers, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation.

Apple has announced the updated 7th generation iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence. The tablet has improved performance, support for Apple Pencil Pro, and new AI features.

The EU plans to change the rules for sending migrants without the right to stay. The new law should streamline the deportation process and oblige member states to cooperate in this matter.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister thanked the EU for supporting proposals for €35 billion in macro-financial assistance and €45 billion in frozen assets from Russia. The decisions are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

At the EU Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and energy resilience. He called for a joint response to Russian attacks on ports and ships.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is preparing to disrupt a $50 billion loan to Ukraine to help Trump in the election. He refuses to extend EU sanctions, blocking US participation in the financing.

The European Commission says the EU is shocked by reports of the death of journalist Victoria Roshchina in Russia. The EU calls on Moscow to comply with international law and stop violating the rights of prisoners.

The head of the Budget Committee, Roksolana Pidlasa, explained the need to distribute the $50 billion loan from the EU and the US over two years. This is due to the one-time nature of the payment and the lack of new agreements for the future.

The EU has postponed the introduction of fingerprint and face scanning at the borders. Germany, France, and the Netherlands declared that the systems are not ready, and no new implementation schedule has been set.

Lifecell and Datagroup-Volia will receive $435 million from European partners to restore the telecommunications sector. The funds will be used to purchase equipment to expand Internet coverage and improve mobile communications.

The Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko discussed the G7 mechanism for increasing Ukraine's budget at the expense of frozen Russian assets. He also spoke about external financing plans for 2025.

The President of the European Commission accused the Hungarian prime minister of flirting with Putin and allowing foreign interference. She also criticized his policies on migration and the EU single market.

The Verkhovna Rada appealed to the EU to synchronize Ukrainian sanctions with EU restrictive measures. A total of 304 deputies voted in favor of the resolution.

Taiwan's president said that China cannot be the island's “homeland”. China accused Taiwan of “severing historical ties”. The visit of Taiwan's ex-president to Europe may increase tensions.

The European Union has suspended €121. 3 million in aid to Georgia due to deteriorating democratic standards. This decision is related to the adoption of the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” and the restriction of LGBT rights.

The third round of bilateral EU-Ukraine sessions within the framework of the legislative compliance screening has started in Brussels. The meetings are taking place in a hybrid format from October 8 to 10, covering economic criteria and other important areas.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the composition of a six-member competition commission to select the director of the Bureau of Economic Security. Three members of the commission are from the government and three are from international partners.

The EC is suing Hungary in the European Court of Justice over the Law on the Protection of National Sovereignty. The Commission considers that the law violates EU rights, including fundamental freedoms and data protection.

The Romanian Minister of Agriculture announced his intention to restrict imports of eggs and poultry meat from Ukraine. Romania supported Bulgaria's proposal to ban imports of Ukrainian eggs due to the negative impact on local producers.