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.
Prime Minister Tusk announced that Poland will not extend the duty-free import of goods from Ukraine after June 5, 2025. He stated the threat to the Polish market and the need to protect interests.
The EU has created a SAFE instrument with borrowing of up to €150 billion for investments in defense. Ukraine will receive support through increased military assistance and integration of defense industries.
According to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the EU will abandon the ATM mechanism, which allowed duty-free imports of Ukrainian goods. Warsaw will return to the pre-war regime.
Solidarity Lanes have become a lifeline for the Ukrainian economy, providing exports of €61 billion and imports of €150 billion. Ukrainian scientists have resumed research for the development of the agricultural sector.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the 18th package of EU sanctions with Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the need to restrict Russian oil and financial schemes. They also coordinated actions after negotiations with Trump.
European countries are trying to persuade Trump not to withdraw from the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine. After Trump's conversation with Putin, European leaders were shocked.
Trump informed European leaders that Putin is ready for negotiations. According to sources, some leaders were "surprised" or "shocked" during the conversation.
European Commissioner Kos stated that opening the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU may help resolve disagreements with Hungary. Ukraine has fulfilled all the requirements for opening the cluster.
The EU plans to cut about 10 foreign delegations and 100 local staff due to changing priorities and budget cuts. Priority will be given to countries important for enforcing sanctions against Russia.
Talks between Leo XIV and J. D. Vance took place in the Vatican. They discussed cooperation between the Church and the state, issues of religious freedom, and the situation in Ukraine.
The European Commission has lowered its forecast for Ukraine's GDP growth to 2% in 2025 due to attacks on infrastructure. Inflation is expected to rise to 12.6% due to rising energy prices.
The European Commission is lowering its growth estimates for the bloc in 2025 due to the consequences of Trump's tariffs. Uncertainty has reached the level of the beginning of the pandemic, and an escalation of tensions could reduce growth and revive inflation.
Finland has signed an agreement with the EC on the supply of heavy ammunition to Ukraine. The purchase of 90 million euros will be financed by funds from frozen Russian assets.
Giorgia Meloni met with the US Vice President and the head of the European Commission against the background of trade tensions. Italy is acting as a mediator to restore Western unity.
The US, along with Europe, will strengthen sanctions against Russia if Putin does not conduct peace talks with Ukraine. According to US Treasury Secretary Bessent, Washington's previous sanctions against the Russian Federation have proven ineffective.
The President of the European Commission and the Vice President of the United States held a meeting in Rome, discussing trade issues and the situation in Ukraine. They expressed a shared desire for a just and lasting peace.
The President of Ukraine met with EU leaders, thanking them for the preparation of the 17th sanctions package. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine on its path to the EU.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated the need to prepare for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and support for Ukraine.
António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen assured of their support for Ukraine and emphasized the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. This is being done to force Putin to negotiate for peace.
The European Commission is tightening the conditions for payments to Hungary due to violations of EU legislation. Budapest is already losing 18 billion euros, but the amount may increase due to restrictions on democracy.