The European Union plans to tighten visa restrictions for Russian citizens, allowing only single-entry visas for entry into the Schengen area starting this week. Exceptions will be made for humanitarian reasons or for individuals with dual EU citizenship.
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 considering covering Ukraine's funding deficit through funds raised from common EU debt and bilateral grants from member states. These options complement the proposal to use immobilized sovereign Russian assets totaling 140 billion euros.
Five Norwegian political parties have called on Oslo to intervene to overcome Belgium's concerns about using frozen Russian assets to finance a €140 billion 'reparations loan' to Ukraine. The Norwegian Prime Minister has ordered a full review of the country's possible participation.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, during a visit to Beijing, called on China to stop economic support for Russia and join international efforts to establish peace in Ukraine. He also raised the issue of China's supply of dual-use goods that could be used for military purposes by Russia.
Russian propagandist Ekaterina Mizulina and singer Yaroslav Dronov, known as Shaman, got married in occupied Donetsk. Collaborator Denis Pushilin was present at the ceremony.
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.
Deputies of "European Solidarity" are preparing for winter holidays abroad. The faction demands that the Cabinet of Ministers lift restrictions on the departure of officials, claiming business trips.
EU countries have agreed to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, a compromise ahead of COP30. The agreement provides for flexibility, including the possibility of purchasing international carbon credits.
Estonian special services detained pro-Russian propagandist Oleg Besedin. He is suspected of activities against the Republic of Estonia and violating international sanctions.
New EU member states may be subject to a "probationary period" of several years, with the possibility of suspending membership or expelling them from the bloc if they deviate from democratic principles.
A Ukrainian citizen, suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream explosions, has declared a hunger strike in an Italian prison due to harsh detention conditions. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has taken personal control of the case and appealed to his Italian counterpart.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Maternova stated that Ukraine is demonstrating an example of implementing reforms during wartime. She noted that such a situation has not yet occurred in the history of the European Union.
The American OFAC office has lifted some sanctions from the Belarusian airline.
The European Commission has published reports on political developments in 10 EU candidate countries, positively assessing most but sharply criticizing Georgia. The report points to a significant democratic backsliding in Georgia due to repressive measures against civil society, media, and the opposition.
The UN warns of dangerous global warming of up to 2. 8°C, despite minor improvements in climate policy. A report by the organization, published ahead of climate talks in Brazil, points to rising emissions and the lack of significant impact of current policies on their reduction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Ukraine would become an EU member by 2030, emphasizing the importance of quickly opening clusters. The European Commission noted Ukraine's progress but called for accelerating reforms to achieve this goal.
European Commissioner Marta Kos urged Ukraine not to backtrack on anti-corruption measures to maintain its leading position on the path to the EU. This is necessary to complete accession negotiations by 2028.
In Russia, the government was urged to prepare a long-term development plan in the field of "rare and rare earth metals. " By order of Putin, the responsible ministers must approve a "roadmap" by December 1, 2025.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Russia would not attack any other European country, as NATO is the strongest army in the world. At the same time, he noted that Russia is engaged in provocations against EU countries using drones.
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.
President Zelenskyy and government officials reacted to the European Commission's report, calling it the best assessment result to date. Ukraine is confidently moving towards EU membership and is ready to open negotiation clusters.
The European Commission presented its annual Enlargement Package, noting Ukraine's progress in key reforms and the fulfillment of conditions for opening negotiation clusters. The Commission believes that to achieve Ukraine's ambitious goal of accession by the end of 2028, an acceleration of the pace of reforms is necessary, especially regarding the rule of law.
The heating season in Ukraine began on October 15 for the social sector and on October 28 for private households. The government allocated over UAH 1.5 billion to protect energy facilities and provided EUR 1.36 billion for gas procurement to prepare for winter.
The EU Council has approved the fifth tranche of 1. 8 billion euros within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program. This is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's financial stability and supporting the functioning of its public administration.
In the first 10 months of this year, Russia launched over 44,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine, which is four times more than in the entire year 2024. About 64% of these drones were destroyed, indicating the strain on Ukraine's air defense.
Poland plans to start creating a national anti-drone system to plug gaps in the country's defense.
German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil called for a complete ban on Russian steel imports, including steel billets processed in the EU. He emphasized the need to strengthen European patriotism and support domestic steel production.
The European Commission noted Ukraine's "exceptional determination" on its path to the EU, but called for accelerating reforms in the judicial sphere and strengthening anti-corruption measures. The report emphasizes the need to overcome pressure on anti-corruption bodies and ensure their independence.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced the 12th package of military aid for Ukraine, which will be presented in the near future. Italy has already provided 11 aid packages worth up to 3 billion euros, including SAMP/T systems.
