The European Parliament supported the start of negotiations with the EU Council on a ban on the import of Russian gas and oil. This decision is aimed at protecting the EU's interests from Russia's use of energy resources for military purposes.
Cyprus criminalizes the provision of economic resources to sanctioned individuals, which may include accounts in sanctioned Russian banks for Russians with Cypriot passports. This is the implementation of a European Parliament directive, which only seven EU countries had implemented by May 20.
European Union energy ministers have agreed on a common position to ban all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027. This decision aims to completely end the bloc's dependence on Russian energy carriers.
The EU Council and the European Parliament have agreed on the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) for €1. 5 billion for 2025-2027. The program provides €300 million to support Ukraine and cooperate with Ukrainian companies.
The German University of Bonn has restricted access for Russian students to certain modules of the master's programs "Cybersecurity" and "Computer Science" due to sanctions. These students can continue their studies by choosing alternative modules and will receive individual consultations.
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.
The US Senate is ready to grant President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on China for buying Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this fuels the Russian war machine, as China buys 60% of Russian energy resources.
Politician Petro Poroshenko once again found himself in a scandal due to manipulations with aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, taking credit for transferring 25 electronic warfare systems to the army, which were purchased with state funds. This is not the first time Poroshenko has promoted himself on the topic of war, using collected donations or local budget funds.
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.
Over 63% of Poles are convinced that the US will protect them from Russian aggression. Only a quarter of respondents doubt the readiness of American allies to come to their aid.
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.
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.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
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.
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.
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.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg has voted to ban calling vegetarian meat substitutes burgers, schnitzels, and sausages. The decision still needs to be agreed upon with EU member states.
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.
European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu and 55 MEPs initiated a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa. They request the immediate start of negotiations on Moldova's membership in the European Union, citing support for Moldova's European future and recognition of the reforms carried out.
The European Parliament is considering accelerating the phasing out of Russian oil and gas imports. This involves stopping oil imports from 2026 and gas from 2027, according to amendments to the RePowerEU regulation.
Parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic will be held on October 3 and 4. Andrej Babiš's ANO party is leading in the polls, ahead of the ruling coalition.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa held a trilateral discussion. Ukraine and pan-European defense capabilities were discussed.
A former aide to a politician from the far-right AfD party has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for spying for China. He spied on Chinese dissidents and passed information from the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence.
On September 28, Moldovan citizens will vote in parliamentary elections that will decide whether the country maintains its course towards the EU or leans towards Russia. Large-scale disinformation campaigns supported by the Kremlin are creating a tense situation, and President Maia Sandu is urging citizens not to succumb to manipulation.
The European Commission has rejected the demand by EU lawmakers to confiscate 200 billion euros of frozen Russian central bank assets. This would violate international law and risk widespread retaliatory measures from Moscow.
Twenty committees of the European Parliament are vying for control over the largest EU budget documents. The Budget Committee seeks to lead work on three main issues, but other committees oppose this.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk denies criticism of bill No. 14057, which, according to the media community, threatens journalistic investigations. He claims that the bill expands the personal rights of citizens and does not create new restrictions for journalists, but only clarifies existing norms in accordance with European practice.
September 24 marks World Gorilla Day, World Cancer Research Day, and Women's Health and Fitness Day. World Day Against Software Patents is also held.
The BBC has uncovered a secret network, funded by Russia, that is trying to undermine democratic elections in Moldova on September 28. Participants in the network were promised money for spreading pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation against the pro-European party.
Ukraine discussed with World Bank Director Anna Bjerde the priorities of the State Budget for 2026, including defense and social stability. The discussion also covered combating the deficit and further reforms, particularly strengthening anti-corruption institutions.
