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.
In Italy, there are calls to cancel the performance of Russian singer Ildar Abdrazakov, who is scheduled to perform at the Verona theater in 2026. The singer has become a confidant of Putin and heads a theater in annexed Sevastopol.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate for EU membership. This year, Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine have demonstrated significant progress in reforms.
Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO movement, has agreed on a government coalition with the right-conservative Motoristen party and the anti-European SPD. Babiš previously stated that he would not provide Ukraine with money for weapons from the budget.
Petro Poroshenko's "European Solidarity" party is accused of illegally using office premises in the center of Kyiv.
A People's Deputy swore using obscene language during a live broadcast of a Verkhovna Rada session. This happened because he was not allowed to speak during the consideration of a bill on parking for families with children.
The European Parliament has adopted new rules to reduce microplastic pollution from plastic pellets. Companies that produce, transport, or process pellets will be held responsible for spills and leaks.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution stating that Serbia will not be able to join the European Union without supporting sanctions against Russia. The document also condemns anti-European propaganda in Serbia and calls for free elections.
Two journalists, Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, have been awarded the 2025 Sakharov Prize. They were recognized for their freedom of thought and for speaking out against injustice while imprisoned on fabricated charges.
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.
