European Parliament


European Parliament approved new von der Leyen's European Commission: at the debate they talked about Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Parliament voted to approve the second European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. The new composition received 370 votes in favor and is expected to begin work on December 1, 2024.

MEP Mecola calls on Germany to provide Ukraine with TAURUS missiles
The President of the European Parliament supported the provision of German TAURUS cruise missiles with a range of 500 km to Ukraine. Mecola emphasized the urgent need for military assistance due to the intensification of Russian attacks.

Lithuania has a new prime minister: who is it
The Lithuanian parliament has elected Gintautas Palutskas as the country's new prime minister. The 45-year-old computer scientist and deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party is to form a government within 15 days.

President: Ukraine should become the fastest in joining the EU
Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to start negotiations on the first cluster of accession to the EU in early 2025. The President emphasized the need to become the fastest country in the process of European integration.

Zelensky called on Russia to force adequate negotiations
The President of Ukraine called on the EU to put pressure on Russia to start adequate negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia could be forced to peace by limiting its money and power.

President: Putin is involving DPRK soldiers in the war, their number may increase to 100,000
President Zelenskyy tells the European Parliament that Putin is using DPRK troops in the war in Ukraine. According to him, the number of North Korean soldiers could reach 100,000.

Zelenskyy to the European Parliament: We can work together to force Russia to make a just peace
The President of Ukraine addressed the members of the European Parliament. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of joint efforts to achieve real peace.

EU prepares new sanctions against rf shadow fleet: what will change
The European Union is developing a package of sanctions against tankers transporting Russian oil in circumvention of restrictions. It is planned to introduce fines for the trade participants and additional measures in early 2024.

Borrell reveals position on a possible deal between Trump's US and Putin's Russia bypassing Ukraine and EU
The EU foreign policy chief spoke out against a diplomatic solution that would marginalize Ukraine and the EU. Borrell emphasized the need to continue supporting Ukraine even if the US position changes.

European Parliament is going to call for tough measures against the Russian shadow fleet: what is expected
The European Parliament is considering a resolution to strengthen control over Russian oil tankers and their insurance. The document envisages systematic sanctions and enhanced satellite monitoring of the vessels.

EU proposes to create its own security organization
The head of the European Parliament, Roberta Mecola, has proposed creating the EU's own security and defense alliance. The new alliance should complement NATO, not compete with it, especially against the backdrop of the unstable situation due to the war in Ukraine.

A student in Iran undressed in protest and was detained and beaten
In Tehran, security forces detained a student who stripped down to her underwear near the Islamic Azad University. According to the student newspaper, the girl was beaten during her detention, and Amnesty International is demanding her release.

Yermak voiced a key condition for peace: “the return of the last soldier of the invaders' army to russia”
The conference on the sixth point of the Peace Formula discussed the conditions for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. The event was organized by Ukraine and Lithuania and attended by representatives of 56 countries and international organizations.

Yermak met with the European Parliament delegation: what they discussed
The head of the OP met with the European Parliament delegation to discuss preparations for the second Peace Summit. The parties discussed the Victory Plan and the holding of thematic conferences on the points of the Peace Formula.

Venezuelan opposition leaders receive Sakharov Prize
María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia have been awarded the Sakharov Prize in 2024. The award was given for their struggle to restore democracy in Venezuela.

EU approves up to 35 billion euros in aid to Ukraine using profits from Russian assets: envisages a 45-year loan
The EU Council approves an aid package for Ukraine that includes €35 billion in macro-financial assistance and a €45 billion loan repayment support mechanism. The funds will come from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.

Currency exchange rate as of October 23: hryvnia continues to devalue
The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 3313 UAH/USD, which devalued the hryvnia by 5 kopecks. The euro exchange rate was set at 44.70 UAH/euro.

Ukraine and Greece discuss start of implementation of bilateral security agreement: details
Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Zhovkva met with representatives of the Greek Foreign Ministry. They discussed preparations for the Peace Summit, the restoration of Ukraine and the implementation of the bilateral security agreement.

G7 to announce $50 billion loan for Ukraine on October 25 - European Commissioner
On October 25, G7 partners will announce contributions to a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. The repayment will be made from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, and the EU is expected to provide €35 billion.

Zelensky signs law to improve bankruptcy procedure
The President signed a law to bring the bankruptcy procedure closer to European standards. The law introduces preventive restructuring and implements EU Directive 2019/1023 into Ukrainian law.

The European Parliament will vote today to grant Ukraine a 35 billion euro loan
The European Parliament will consider a proposal for a €35 billion loan to Ukraine from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. This is part of a $50 billion G7 package to support Ukraine.

Podlasa on Orban's statements about blocking 35 billion euros to Ukraine: it was a political farce
Roksolana Pidlasa explained that Orban could not block the EU's €35 billion allocation to Ukraine. All that is needed to disburse the funds is a simple majority vote in the EU Council, not a unanimous decision.

Zelenskyy discusses Ukraine's future EU membership with the President and leaders of political groups in the European Parliament
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the European Parliament and leaders of political groups. The parties discussed financial assistance, support for the Peace Formula and Ukraine's future membership in the EU.

Investment potential of Ukrainian defense industry for 2025 is estimated at $20 billion - Umerov
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called for financial support for the Ukrainian defense industry. He noted successes in the production of drones and invited European partners to train Ukraine's strategic reserves.

Umerov presents the Victory Plan in the European Parliament: Ukraine needs air defense and lifting restrictions on strikes on Russia
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov presented the Victory Plan in the European Parliament. He called for the development of air defense, the lifting of restrictions on strikes against Russia, and investment in the Ukrainian defense industry.

Zelenskyy goes to Brussels to present Victory Plan to EU leaders
The President of Ukraine leaves for Belgium for a meeting of the European Council. Zelenskyy will present the Victory Plan and hold meetings with the European Parliament and NATO to strengthen Ukraine's defense.

Currency exchange rates as of October 15: the dollar rose slightly
The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 1963 UAH/USD, which devalued the hryvnia by 1 kopeck. On the interbank market, the dollar is traded at UAH 41.14-41.19, the euro at UAH 44.94-44.98.

MEPs approve 35 billion euros for Ukraine
The European Parliament's Committee on Trade has supported a €35 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine. This is the EU's contribution to the G7 initiative to support Ukraine with $50 billion to meet its urgent needs.

MEPs evacuated from train in Strasbourg due to explosion
A train carrying members of the European Parliament was evacuated in Strasbourg after an unexplained explosion, probably in the locomotive. Train traffic was suspended due to smoke coming out of the train.

EU countries approve 35 bln euros loan for Ukraine using frozen russian assets - mass media
EU member states have agreed on a plan to lend 35bn euros to Ukraine using frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia as collateral. This is part of a wider G7 initiative to provide Kiev with 45bn euros in aid.