Nearly 7,300 demonstrators and 1,000 tractors are present in Brussels' European Quarter to protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement. The demonstration marched through the streets of Brussels earlier in the day but was eventually dispersed.
EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.
MEPs supported a resolution on abolishing internal borders for the movement of troops and equipment within the EU, which will enhance military mobility. This decision was made against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, with the aim of rapid cross-border movement of troops and equipment.
The European Parliament has voted for a scheme that would allow women from countries with restrictive abortion laws to have free abortions in another EU member state. The European Commission is expected to decide on this proposal in March.
Ursula von der Leyen criticized Donald Trump's attacks on Europe, calling for the continent's independence. She emphasized changes in the global economy and the need for its own path.
The European Parliament has finally approved a phased rejection of Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. The ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas on the EU spot market will come into effect at the beginning of 2026, and pipeline gas imports will cease by September 30, 2027.
The European Parliament awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and Georgian media worker Mzia Amaglobeli. Both laureates are behind bars, so their representatives received the awards.
The European Parliament will fast-track consideration of a proposal for a reparations loan for Ukraine, which will be secured by European Commission borrowings against frozen Russian assets. The vote will take place at the plenary session in January 2026.
The European Commission will open an antitrust procedure regarding the use of artificial intelligence in Meta-owned WhatsApp. The investigation will focus on the competitive implications of integrating Meta's AI assistant into the messenger.
MEPs are considering regulating energy drinks for minors due to health risks. Some EU countries already have age restrictions, but the European Commission notes that there is insufficient data for safe daily limits for children.
The European Union has agreed on final rules that provide for a gradual cessation of Russian natural gas imports. A full embargo on supplies will come into force by the end of 2027 after approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the EU to take more responsibility for European security and support peace in Ukraine. MEPs believe that lasting peace must be preceded by an effective ceasefire and reliable security guarantees from the EU and the US.
NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that Russia has no veto right on Ukraine's accession to the Alliance, rejecting a peace deal proposal that would block Ukraine's entry into NATO. He added that the Washington Treaty allows any country in the Euro-Atlantic region to join.
European politicians have agreed to improve the welfare of cats and dogs, as well as to track their origin. The document establishes minimum rules for all member states regarding microchipping, registration, and the prohibition of mutilation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Issues of strengthening sanctions against Russia, financial assistance to Ukraine, and the use of frozen Russian assets were discussed.
The European Parliament proposes raising the minimum age for social media access to 16, and for teenagers aged 13-16, allowing access only with parental consent. It also proposes limiting addiction-inducing features and strengthening advertising rules.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined five EU priorities for peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine in the European Parliament on November 26. She emphasized the importance of a just peace, Ukraine's sovereignty, financial support, the role of the EU and NATO, and the return of abducted children.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her readiness to present a legal text for a reparations loan to Ukraine amounting to €140 billion. This will happen after presenting EU countries with financing options for Ukraine in 2026-2027.
The European Council has officially approved the EU's annual budget for 2026 with commitments of €192. 8 billion and payments of €190.1 billion. The budget is aimed at defense, migration, competitiveness, and crisis preparedness.
On November 17, the EU Council approved an updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for citizens of third countries. The amended rules will allow the EU to react more quickly to abuses of the visa-free regime, including new grounds for activation and a simplified launch of the mechanism.
The European Commission proposes to expand ESMA's powers, including direct supervision of clearing houses, depositories, trading venues, and cryptocurrency companies. This would create a financial supervisory body similar to the SEC in the US.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of issuing joint EU debt to support Ukraine. This will happen if the plan to use frozen Russian assets fails due to Belgium's blocking.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the allocation of almost 6 billion euros to Ukraine under the ERA loan and the Ukraine Facility. The European Council also committed to covering Ukraine's financial needs over the next two years, considering three funding options, including a reparations loan based on immobilized Russian assets.
Marine Le Pen will not run for president of France in 2027 if the appeals court does not overturn her current ban on participating in elections. If the appeal is rejected, she will hand over the reins to a successor.
EU ambassadors have approved the simplification of the suspension of visa liberalization with the EU. The agreement will be approved by ministers on November 17, signed on November 26, and will enter into force in December.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, sent a letter to the Italian Ministry of Justice regarding Serhiy Kuznetsov, who was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. The Ukrainian is being held in inadequate conditions and is on a hunger strike, his health is critical.
The European Council and Parliament have agreed to accelerate investments in the EU defense industry as part of the ReArm Europe plan. Ukraine will gain access to the European Defense Fund for joint developments.
The European Commission has urged Serbia to restrict the issuance of passports to Russian citizens who use them for visa-free entry into the EU. This poses a threat to European security, so Serbia must align its visa policy with EU norms.
The Kremlin has created a network of agents for hybrid warfare against Europe, involving marginalized individuals, often Russian-speaking men with criminal records. This was revealed by GLOBSEC and ICCT experts in a joint report presented to the European Parliament.
The European Commission is developing a "military Schengen" plan to ensure the rapid transportation of military equipment and personnel in the event of a possible armed conflict with Russia.
