Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.
The European Commission has approved Bulgaria's transition to the euro from January 1, 2026, which will make it the 21st country in the Eurozone. The assessment confirms Bulgaria's compliance with the convergence criteria.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe must defend its independence by increasing defense spending and accepting Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Georgia into the EU.
The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.
The number of traffic violations by drivers with diplomatic license plates has increased in Berlin. Most violations are by drivers of the embassies of Saudi Arabia, the United States and Iraq, and Ukrainian diplomats are in seventh place.
On May 25, Ukraine celebrates Kyiv Day, the Day of the State Special Communications Service, and the International Day of Heroes of the Fight Against Totalitarianism. Also, the Orthodox honor the day of the third finding of the head of John the Baptist.
The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.
On May 27, the EU Council will discuss the suspension of Hungary's voting rights due to violations of EU values. This is the eighth hearing within the framework of the procedure initiated by the European Parliament in 2018.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, as well as agricultural goods. This decision aims to reduce the EU's dependence on imports from these countries.
The European People's Party is criticized for its rightward shift after the elections. Party leader Manfred Weber emphasizes the importance of avoiding the mistakes of the past, such as Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The politician is seeking cooperation with centrist political forces.
26 MEPs called on Brussels to freeze funding for Hungary due to restrictions on freedoms, undermining democracy and ignoring EU values. The letter was signed by representatives of several factions of the European Parliament.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on imports from Russia and Belarus: for fertilizers up to 430 euros per ton by 2028, for flour, sugar and animal feed by 50%. The goal is to prevent the financing of the war.
The European Central Bank expects all decisions regarding the digital euro to be made by the beginning of next year. The launch of the currency is expected in two to three years after that.
The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.
The European Parliament voted to renew the suspension of tariffs and quotas on steel imports from Ukraine. The European Commission is working on a long-term solution for trade.
The European Parliament has supported changing the protection status of wolves in the EU, downgrading it to "protected" to give countries more flexibility. States are obliged to ensure the conservation status of the wolf and can take stricter measures.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, condemning the actions of Russia and Belarus. They demand an immediate cessation of the crimes and the return of the children.
The Strichka coordination platform has launched a campaign to collect signatures for a petition to the European Parliament on the accelerated accession of Ukraine to the EU. This is necessary to strengthen European security.
Ursula von der Leyen said that a bad deal with Russia could provoke it to new aggression. A just peace presupposes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen called for speeding up Ukraine's accession to the EU, calling it a guarantee of peace. The EU is working to open the first cluster of accession negotiations in 2025.
Far-right candidate Grzegorz Braun burned the EU flag in a ministry building in Katowice, after wiping his feet on it. Earlier, he tore down a Ukrainian flag during a rally.
Ukrainian plant varieties meet EU standards, opening up new opportunities for export. NAAS institutes have created over 350 varieties, and hemp varieties are already being grown in the EU and Canada.
On Tuesday, President von der Leyen will participate in a debate in the European Parliament on supporting a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the European Commission.
The incident with the Ukrainian flag in Biała Podlaska is a deliberate provocation against the friendship of the countries. Ukraine is grateful to Poland for its support and respect for state symbols.
During a rally of the far-right politician Grzegorz Braun in Poland, the Ukrainian flag was torn down. The incident occurred in the Lublin Voivodeship, the identity of the perpetrator has been established.
China plans to lift sanctions on five members of the European Parliament who have criticised human rights abuses. This could open the way for trade talks between the two sides.
The Cabinet approved an agreement with Latvia on mutual recognition and exchange of national driver's licenses. A similar agreement has been in effect with Lithuania since October 2023.
The European Commission is considering banning EU firms from entering into new contracts for Russian fuel. It is also assessing legal ways to terminate gas contracts with Russia without penalties.
EU institutions have reached an agreement on the first law on soil, which provides for a five-level assessment of their condition. A public list of contaminated sites and the "polluter pays" principle will also be created.
The President of France commented on the verdict against Marine Le Pen in the case of embezzlement of funds. He emphasized that the law is the same for everyone, the judiciary is independent.
