European Commission

Infantino described 2026 World Cup prices as market-driven due to high demand in the US. Resale prices for the final have reached as high as $2.3 million.

In 2025, EU countries issued over 620,000 visas to Russians, which is 10. 2% more than last year. France, Italy, and Spain granted the highest number of permits.

Zelenskyy reported on the successful use of deep strikes and agreements in the Middle East. Ukraine, together with the EU, is developing a strategic cooperation plan called the Drone Deal.

Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the EU economy is slowing down and inflation is rising. New forecasts will depend on the conflict and energy prices.

The European Commission is blocking funding for Huawei solar inverters due to risks to energy grids. The ban also applies to manufacturers from the Russian Federation, Iran, and the DPRK.

The announcement of the US troop withdrawal from Germany forced EU leaders to discuss defense independence. In Yerevan, they also coordinated actions regarding Ukraine.

The plan includes seats in the European Parliament without voting rights and market access without subsidies. It also proposes involvement in the European Union's mutual defense.

Direct rail service has been restored between Prague and Copenhagen. The journey on ComfortJet trains via Berlin and Hamburg takes over 13 hours.

The trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur entered into provisional force on May 1. It covers 720 million people and provides for the abolition of billions in customs duties.

Ukraine plans to open six negotiation clusters by July and join the EU in 2027. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka during the Question Hour to the Government in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

European Commission spokesperson stated that American troops in Europe support the global role of the US. Germany is prepared for a possible reduction of the contingent.

Péter Magyar demands the expansion of rights for the Hungarian minority to approve Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. His demands concern education and language.

The European Commission has accused Meta of insufficient age verification for children on Facebook and Instagram. The company faces a fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.

Italy's Ministry of Culture is investigating the Biennale due to Russia's admission to the 2026 exhibition. The EU is threatening to cancel two million euros in funding for the event.

The European Commission has allowed EU countries to subsidize companies due to the rising cost of energy resources. The new rules will remain in effect until the end of the year to support businesses.

The first defense package from the €45 billion EU loan will arrive this quarter. Approximately €6 billion of these funds will be directed toward the procurement of drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The European Union has accused Meta of failing to adequately protect children under 13 on Facebook and Instagram. The company faces a fine of up to 6% of its annual turnover.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Kremlin is restricting the internet to hide inflation. Russians have found themselves behind a digital iron curtain due to the impact of sanctions.

The EU plans to provide 8. 4 billion euros on the condition of abolishing the 5% tax for businesses. The reform would bring 40 billion UAH to the budget, but faces resistance in Kyiv.

Péter Magyar discusses the unblocking of 20 billion euros in aid in Brussels. To receive the funds, Hungary must fulfill 27 conditions regarding reforms.

The introduction of VAT on parcels is a condition for IMF funding worth 8. 1 billion dollars. The absence of this law will also block funds from the European Commission.

France demands the inclusion of protective clauses in the EU-US trade agreement. Paris proposes limiting the document's duration and introducing the principle of reciprocity.

Ukraine needs €5. 4 billion to prepare for the heating season. Shmyhal proposed measures to the EU to accelerate the procurement of equipment.

European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that Ukraine's accession to NATO is impossible at this time. He proposes creating a European Defense Union to provide security guarantees.

Andrius Kubilius called for the integration of Ukraine into the EU market and defense system. He emphasized that security is a key condition for the country's recovery.

Péter Magyar will discuss the unblocking of billions of euros for Hungary in Brussels. Budapest risks losing 10 billion euros due to a deadline in August.

European Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated the ineffectiveness of current mechanisms: in 2025, 28% of 491,000 were returned. Preparing stricter rules, pressure on third countries and deportation to centers.

Ursula von der Leyen at the EU summit in Cyprus avoided the topic of Ukraine's associated membership proposed in Germany. She spoke about the EU budget, funding, and reforms on a merit-based principle.

António Costa urged EU leaders to be autonomous due to diverging interests with the US. The bloc fears an energy crisis and pressure from Washington.

Jury members will not consider works from countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity. This applies to representatives of Russia and Israel.