Slovakia's Prime Minister accuses Zelenskiy of “sabotage” over the suspension of Russian gas transit. Fico plans to discuss with the European Commissioner compensation for losses of €1.5 billion.
The Czech Republic plans to completely abandon the use of coal by 2033. By 2040, the share of nuclear power in the country will increase to 68% in the electricity generation structure.
Eight Nordic countries have announced their intention to increase assistance to Moldova after the suspension of Russian gas supplies on January 1, 2025. The NB8 countries praised the Moldovan authorities for their efforts to ensure energy stability.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denies Hungary's claims that the cessation of russian gas transit will have a negative impact on prices. Most EU countries have already adapted to the new realities, except for a few, including Hungary.
The European Commission has called on Transnistria to stop blocking Moldova's proposals for alternative energy sources. The region was left without heating after Russian gas supplies were cut off due to the end of the transit agreement.
The European Commission canceled a trilateral meeting with Slovakia and Ukraine on stopping the transit of Russian gas due to the absence of the Ukrainian side. Slovakia is waiting for a new date for consultations.
In Warsaw, thousands of farmers protest against the Green Deal and imports from Ukraine outside the European Commission. Politicians from the Confederation and Law and Justice parties are seen at the rally.
Ursula von der Leyen will not be able to attend the inaugural meeting due to Poland's presidency of the EU Council. The European Commission meeting in Gdansk, scheduled for January 9-10, will be postponed to another date.
On January 3, farmers will protest in Warsaw under the slogan “5 x STOP” against the EU and Ursula von der Leyen's policies. The participants are opposed to the Green Deal, imports from Ukraine and other EU initiatives.
The European Commission has announced that Hungary will lose its right to EU assistance due to violations of the rule of law. The country failed to fulfill the requirements for reforms to overcome corruption and conflicts of interest by the end of 2024.
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas through its territory. The EU declares its readiness for change, although the reaction of member states is mixed, ranging from support to concern.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine outlined three key areas of cooperation with Poland during its presidency of the EU Council. Sybiga expects an increase in military support, sanctions pressure, and acceleration of European integration.
The government plans to cover the 2025 budget deficit with $36. 9 billion in external borrowings. The EU, IMF, and the US will be the main donors, and Ukraine's economy may grow by 4.3%.
Poland has begun its six-month presidency of the EU Council, replacing Hungary. The new presidency will focus on defense and security issues, as well as help resolve controversial issues in European legislation.
Italy has provided €13 million for the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine. The funds will be used to restore the war-damaged energy infrastructure and stabilize electricity supply.
Scientists from University College London have found that the harm from smoking is twice as great as previously thought. One cigarette shortens life by 20 minutes, and smokers lose an average of 10 years of life.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico writes a letter to the EU leadership regarding Ukraine's termination of Russian gas transit after 2024.
Zoran Milanovic received almost half of the votes in the first round of the Croatian presidential election. The second round will be held on January 12, as no candidate has gained an absolute majority.
The Polish government plans to increase electricity production for Ukraine due to a possible suspension of supplies from Slovakia. Bratislava threatens to stop exports because of Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas.
The President instructed government officials to work with the EU to maintain the stability of the energy system. Ukraine is looking for alternatives to Slovak electricity imports, which currently account for 19% of the total.
The European Investment Bank has provided €55 million to Ukraine under EU guarantees to rebuild social infrastructure in 12 regions. The program covers 151 sub-projects, including hospitals, schools, and water supply systems.
The Accounting Chamber conducted an audit of ARMA, which revealed significant shortcomings in the management of seized assets. Transparency International Ukraine and international partners express serious reservations about the agency's activities.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to consider the European Commission's request for energy supplies. However, as of January 1, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will be suspended.
The President held a meeting on creating economic and social incentives for the return of citizens to Ukraine. It is planned to discuss systemic solutions with representatives of Ukrainian business.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated UAH 2. 8 billion in subventions to provide hot meals to primary school students. The funds will go to local budgets to organize high-quality meals for schoolchildren in grades 1-4.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved strategies for reforming psychoneurological institutions until 2034 and developing border infrastructure until 2030. Both documents are part of the Ukraine Facility Plan.
The government plans to attract more than $38 billion in foreign aid to cover non-military budget expenditures. In 2023, direct budget support from international partners amounted to about $41 billion.
The European Union is using gas reserves at a record pace due to cold weather and reduced imports. Storage utilization has fallen by 19% since September, reaching 75% in December.
The President of Ukraine commented on the visit of the Slovak prime minister to Moscow on the gas issue. According to Zelenskyy, Fico refused to compensate Slovaks and cooperate with the European Commission.
The Albanian government will block access to TikTok for one year starting in January. The decision was made after a deadly fight between teenagers near a school in Tirana, provoked by a conflict on social media.
