European Parliament

Negotiations on the €1. 5 billion EU Defense Industry Program (EDIP) depend on funding for non-European companies. The European Parliament opposes exceptions for arms manufacturers outside the EU, aiming to build up the European defense sector.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will face a no-confidence vote on July 10. The initiative from the Romanian far-right party AUR has gathered almost 80 signatures.

Budapest hosted its largest LGBTQ+ Pride in 30 years, gathering 200,000 participants despite the Orbán government's ban. The Mayor of Budapest and the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain led the demonstration, while the European Parliament emphasized support for European values.

Budapest is set to host Pride. A record number of participants are expected to protest the Hungarian government's restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.

On June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day, adopted in 1996. On the same day, the world celebrates International Milk Chocolate Day and other events.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov considers the suspicion of abuse of office and receiving a bribe to be unfounded. He explains his frequent foreign trips by the need to cooperate with foreign governments and Ukrainians abroad.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces a vote of no confidence over "Pfizergate" and other accusations. Far-right MEPs are trying to initiate a vote, but the chances of success are low due to the need for majority support.

The European Commission has presented the EU Space Law, aimed at improving the competitiveness of the European space sector, its security and sustainable development. The document unifies space regulations and aims to reduce bureaucracy.

The European Parliament is considering banning airlines from charging for hand luggage weighing up to 7 kilograms. This initiative aims to standardize baggage rules and improve passenger rights.

The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy supported the draft resolution on recognizing the DPRK as a state-aggressor. The document provides for an appeal to international organizations regarding sanctions against the DPRK for supplying weapons to Russia.

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have agreed on a reform of the visa-free suspension mechanism. Israel and Serbia are the first at risk due to accusations of human rights violations.

The European Commission plans to legislate a ban on imports of Russian gas and LNG by the end of 2027. New contracts will be prohibited from 2026, and long-term contracts from 2028.

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have recognized the Ukrainian seed certification system for beet, sunflower, rapeseed, and soy as equivalent to EU standards. This paves the way for the full export of seeds to the EU.

The Chancellery of the Sejm of Poland has banned Grzegorz Braun from entering the parliament for violating the dignity of the parliament. Earlier, the European Parliament lifted the politician's immunity.

The Association of Ukrainian Banks has included the leading Ukrainian insurtech project UKASKO as a member.

The European Union has added Monaco to the list of countries with a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. Russia was again not included in the updated list.

Israeli forces have taken control of a ship with aid for Gaza, on board which was Greta Thunberg. The yacht was intercepted at night and is currently heading to an Israeli port.

Ukrainian refugees in Brussels have created a choir that performs in the European Parliament and at festivals. Singing helps them cope with stress and promote Ukrainian culture.

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.