European Commission
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.
The European Union is ready to increase sanctions pressure on Russia to force Putin to negotiate. The new sanctions package will include restrictions against "Nord Stream", shadow fleet vessels and banks.
The British Prime Minister stated that Putin's behavior indicates his disinterest in peace. Allies will continue to work on a ceasefire and new sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine and the European Commission are discussing trade conditions after June 5. The goal is to agree on a transitional period of visa-free trade before amendments are made to the Association Agreement.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on imports from Russia and Belarus: for fertilizers up to 430 euros per ton by 2028, for flour, sugar and animal feed by 50%. The goal is to prevent the financing of the war.
The European Union is considering restoring quotas on imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from June to December. The restrictions were lifted in 2022 to support Ukraine.
The European Commission believes that TikTok does not provide enough information about advertising content and restricts advertising search. If the accusations are confirmed, the company faces a fine of up to 6% of its income.
The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".
The French President confirmed negotiations on expanding the "nuclear umbrella". He stressed that Paris will not pay for the security of other countries.