The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation has approved funding for 140 feature films for 2025. most of the films will be propaganda, in particular about the “heroism of the participants of the armed forces” and “traditional values.
Wine producers in the EU are adapting to falling demand due to changing consumer habits, especially among young people. Experts recommend developing the market for non-alcoholic wines, which will grow to 14 billion euros by 2031.
Remzi Memetov, Zevri Abseitov and Rustem Abiltarov were released after serving their full sentences in Russian colonies. They were convicted in 2018 in the case of the “first Bakhchisarai group” of Hizb ut-Tahrir.
The Polish Minister of European Affairs announces the second tranche of funds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. The EU also plans to introduce the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on the anniversary of the invasion.
The Russian Federation and the Russian Orthodox Church systematically violate international humanitarian law in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Religious communities are being forcibly subjugated and the clergy of various denominations are being repressed.
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani named three key steps for the EU to avoid a trade war with the United States. According to him, Europe needs to increase purchases of American goods, raise defense spending, and deregulate its economy.
Georgian President Kavelashvili announced the suspension of EU accession talks due to his unwillingness to comply with Brussels' demands. He accused “foreign governments” of trying to drag Georgia into the war in Ukraine.
Billionaire Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination is related to his contribution to the protection of freedom of speech and human rights.
The President of Ukraine, along with representatives of 60 countries, took part in the commemoration ceremony in Auschwitz. The event was attended by 50 former prisoners of the concentration camp, where more than a million people died.
The EU will not include a ban on Russian LNG imports in the new sanctions package. Instead, it will present a roadmap for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2027.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russian historical falsifications and disinformation to justify the war. 480 deputies supported the document on countering Russian propaganda and protecting the media space.
The NATO Secretary General noted the effectiveness of Ukrainian radar systems as an example of defense innovation. He emphasized the need to increase NATO defense spending from 2% to over 3% of GDP.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the creation of a separate European defense alliance would require 8-10% of GDP and 15-20 years. Instead, he promised to deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.
French far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen has died at the age of 96. The five-time French presidential candidate was known for his scandalous statements about the Holocaust and racial discrimination.
In the EU, all portable electronic devices must now have a USB Type-C port. The new rules apply to smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, and from 2026, laptops as well.
Russia's foreign ministry is creating a network of fake advertising agencies to spread disinformation in the West and the Global South. One of these companies, AdNow, founded by a Russian woman named Serebryanskaya, has already been identified by the Financial Times.
The European Parliament has begun preparing a resolution on systemic disinformation and historical falsifications by the Russian Federation. The document exposes Russia's attempts to interfere in the politics of the EU, the US and other countries through cyberattacks and manipulations.
Salome Zurabishvili appealed to the European Parliament to put pressure on the Georgian government to hold new elections. She claimed repression of peaceful protesters and stolen voting results.
The President of the European Commission plans to ask EU leaders to increase aid to repair and modernize Ukraine's energy system. The EU has already provided significant support, but more needs to be done because of the capacity shortage.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of the loan repayment within the G7 commitment from January. The EU will provide Ukraine with €13 billion from the Fund and more than €18 billion from frozen Russian assets.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of opening a basic cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership at the beginning of 2025. Other clusters are planned to be considered during the same year.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the preparation of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The previous sanctions have already led to a fall in the ruble and an increase in inflation in some sectors of the Russian economy by up to 70%.
The European Parliament plans to vote on a resolution on disinformation and historical falsifications by Russia. The document exposes Russia's attempts to justify its aggression against Ukraine and influence EU policy.
Edmundo González and María Corina Machado received the Sakharov Prize 2024 for their struggle for democracy in Venezuela. González accepted the award in person, while Machado spoke via video link.
Ukrenergo's Supervisory Board held its first meeting and elected its management. Jeppe Kofod from Denmark became the chairman, and Anatoliy Hulei, a representative of the state, became his deputy.
A mass rally in favor of Georgia's European integration continues in the center of Batumi, despite strong winds and heavy rain. The protesters were joined by sailors and psychologists, and a delegation of the European Parliament arrived in Tbilisi to support the rally.
The European Parliament delegation arrives in Tbilisi and supports a pro-European rally on Rustaveli Avenue. The protesters demand sanctions against the Georgian Dream, and MEPs recognize only the institution of the president as legitimate.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the updated composition of the Ukrenergo Supervisory Board with 7 members. The composition includes 4 independent members with European experience and 3 representatives of the state.
Poland will focus on security, energy and competitiveness during its EU presidency from January 2025. Tusk called on Europe to be more "selfish" and solidarity in facing external challenges.
Denmark will provide Ukraine with €6 million to restore damaged energy infrastructure through the Energy Support Fund. The country is one of the leaders in terms of the volume of assistance to Ukraine relative to its own GDP.
