The European Parliament's Energy Committee supported the proposal for a partial ban on Russian hydrocarbons from 2026 and a full ban from 2027. Penalties for non-compliance are envisaged.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are part of the EU's defense roadmap, which was presented on October 16. The bloc plans to create a "Drone Alliance" with Ukraine by early next year, using Ukraine's experience in drone defense.
The European Commission has presented the "Preserving Peace - Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030" to strengthen European defense capabilities. It includes four flagship areas and sets goals for achieving full defense readiness by 2030.
The European Union is considering a ban on filtered cigarettes and electronic tobacco products. This initiative aims to reduce tobacco consumption and protect the environment.
The EU Council discussed the future defense readiness roadmap, which will define goals and objectives until 2030. The document will be adopted on October 16 and presented on October 23, 2025.
The European Commission aims to launch a "drone wall" by the end of 2026, with full functionality expected by the end of 2027. This initiative is part of a roadmap aimed at preparing the bloc for a potential attack from Moscow.
The European Commission will propose rules for short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb to counter the social crisis of affordable housing. The EU's first housing commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, noted that this issue is within the EU's competence.
Hungarian conservative politician, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, criticized the EU's energy policy at a conference in Moscow, noting that "contracts" with Russia "have always been honored. "
The European Commission intends to expand the "drone wall" initiative – a defense project initially aimed at protecting the EU's eastern border – to cover the whole of Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to ask European allies for help in raising salaries for Ukrainian military personnel. This comes against the backdrop of reduced spending on military salaries in the draft State Budget for 2026.
Europe's first rare-earth magnet factory, owned by Neo Performance Materials, has opened in Estonia. The enterprise is capable of annually producing magnets for 1 million electric vehicles and 1,000 wind turbines, reducing dependence on China.
A Polish court closed the case of Sławomir Nowak, former head of "Ukravtodor", due to the prosecutor's refusal to prosecute, which casts doubt on the evidence provided by NABU. Nowak's lawyer predicts lawsuits for moral and material damages. We investigated whether this entails reputational losses for Ukraine.
On October 13, the EU Council approved an update to the trade agreement with Ukraine, which provides for the reduction or abolition of duties on a number of agri-food products. This decision will promote further trade and integration of Ukraine with the EU, ensuring sustainable economic stability.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that work on using frozen Russian assets is ongoing. She noted that the EU aims to act quickly but has 27 member states with different concerns, so the process takes time.
The updated IUCN Red List shows that 10% of wild bees and 15% of butterflies in Europe are threatened with extinction. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change threaten not only insects but also food security and biodiversity on the continent.
From October 12, the EU is gradually implementing the biometric registration system EES, which will replace passport stamps. Ukrainians with temporary protection or a residence permit are not subject to registration, but for others, border crossing times may increase.
The European Commission is investigating allegations of Hungarian espionage against European institutions. An international journalistic investigation uncovered a network of secret agents operating through Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on EU and G7 member states to immediately approve a proposal to use frozen Russian assets. This should form the basis for a significant grant and loan to Ukraine, with repayment contingent on future Russian reparations.
Austria has suspended the adoption of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, demanding the unfreezing of Rasperia Trading assets to compensate Raiffeisen Bank. The bank seeks to recover 2.1 billion euros it lost due to a Russian court decision.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's violations of EU airspace and interference with infrastructure, demanding coordinated action and sanctions. The resolution calls for the creation of a European Defense Union and cooperation with Ukraine.
An investigation by SPIEGEL, De Tijd, and Direkt36 revealed that Hungarian intelligence appears to have been spying on EU institutions in Brussels for years, attempting to recruit European officials. One agent, operating under diplomatic cover, according to the investigation, offered money to a European Commission employee.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the creation of a Payment Agency, which will ensure transparent and timely state support for agricultural producers according to European standards. This will open up opportunities for using EU funds to implement the Common Agricultural Policy in Ukraine.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the European bureaucracy is irritated by the choice of the Georgian people and their struggle for peace. He expressed doubt about the cancellation of the visa-free regime with the EU, despite the European Commission's warnings about non-compliance with eight conditions.
Mars has received preliminary EU approval to acquire Kellanova, the owner of the Pringles brand, for $36 billion. This deal will bring leading confectionery, snack, and cereal brands under one roof.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) called the EU's plans to ban the sale of internal combustion engine cars from 2035 "very tough. " It called for measures that would give manufacturers greater flexibility, warning that current plans are based on outdated assumptions.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering providing Ukraine with additional funding for gas purchases. This will help ensure the smooth passage of the 2025-2026 heating season, especially after Russia's intensified attacks on the energy system.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that incidents involving MiGs and drones in EU airspace are part of a hybrid war. She presented the "Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030" with three main points to counter threats.
Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.
The European Parliament has voted for a more flexible mechanism to suspend visa-free travel to the EU, including hybrid threats and 'golden passports' as grounds. The legislation, unofficially agreed upon earlier, was approved by 518 votes in favor and will enter into force after official adoption by the EU Council.
The fight against corruption in Ukraine will be more effective after the elimination of NABU's monopoly, which has effectively removed the state from this process, believes Anatoliy Burmich, a member of the Verkhovna Rada's Anti-Corruption Committee. In his opinion, an external independent audit is also necessary.
