European Union

Hungarian company MOL considers the Odesa-Brody oil pipeline and sea deliveries as the best solution to reduce energy dependence on Russia. The project requires significant investment and political support, given the war in Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in Rome. Issues discussed included the return of Ukrainian children, European integration, sanctions against Russia, and the creation of a Special Tribunal.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, assuring support for Ukraine and expressing hope for a swift start to negotiations regarding EU accession. He emphasized that Ukraine's security is linked to Europe's security.

The European Business Association supports draft law No. 13233 on Ukraine's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), but proposes to refine certain provisions. This concerns the definition of "senior management", simplification of non-resident verification, revision of financial monitoring thresholds, and alternative approaches to beneficiary identification.

Production of strong alcohol in Russia fell by 16% in the first half of 2025, and vodka by 10. 9% compared to 2024. At the same time, alcohol consumption is growing, and sales of rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila increased by 10.2%.

Law enforcement conducted a large-scale special operation to eliminate criminal schemes at customs in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi, and Volyn regions. A high-ranking State Customs Service official was detained, and officials who demanded bribes and facilitated smuggling were exposed.

As of July 2, 2025, 14 cases of Chikungunya fever have been registered in seven regions of France. This is due to favorable climatic conditions and an increase in imported cases, which led to early symptom detection.

Poland calls on the European Union to fine Elon Musk's xAI Grok AI for obscene comments and antisemitic posts. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated that Poland could block the X social network.

The EU has not yet agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the European Commission proposed on June 10. Slovakia is blocking it due to unresolved issues of gas supplies after 2027.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for the resignation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and rejected Brussels' economic recommendations regarding fiscal policy. The Hungarian government refused the EC's demands for permanent fiscal measures to reduce the budget deficit, citing national priorities.

EU ambassadors approved sanctions against 7 individuals and 3 organizations accused of destabilizing the situation in Moldova. The sanctions will officially come into force next week.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's war crimes in Ukraine and supporting the investigation by the International Criminal Court. MEPs emphasized that Russia is responsible for the war of aggression and violations of international law.

Brent and WTI crude futures fell after rising to two-week highs. Investors are awaiting new developments regarding Trump's tariffs and the increase in US crude oil inventories.

US President Donald Trump has postponed the increase of trade tariffs on imports from the EU until August 1. Experts believe that this may be another postponement, as the customs war is not beneficial to either side, and its impact on Ukraine will be insignificant.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.

A deal between the EU and US President Donald Trump on threatened tariffs is unlikely to be reached in the coming days, according to Irish Minister Paschal Donohoe. The deadline for the agreement has been moved to August 1, allowing more time for negotiations.

President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."

The European Union is considering creating a 100 billion euro fund for long-term support to Ukraine, which will start flowing from 2028. This will strengthen Europe's role in financing Ukraine amid uncertainty regarding aid from the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in the British Parliament, warned Europe against excessive dependence on the United States and China. He emphasized the need to protect democratic models from foreign interference and disinformation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will open a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Rome this week, together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The event aims to mobilize investments, particularly from the private sector, for Ukraine.

Ukraine and the EU have started the final review under Cluster 4 "Green Course and Sustainable Development of Transport Infrastructure", considering chapters 15 and 21. Ukraine is a strong player in the EU energy market and is ready for further implementation of the acquis.

The State Food and Consumer Service provided recommendations for preparing animals for travel abroad, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination and document processing. Entry to the EU requires a rabies antibody titer, which necessitates chipping, vaccination, and a 3-month waiting period after blood collection.

The European Parliament has finally approved the gradual deployment of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the EU's external borders. The system will register biometric data of third-country nationals to enhance security and speed up border control.

Negotiations to lower the upper price limit for Russian oil from $60 to $50 USD are ongoing. Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak reports that there is momentum for this decision.

The European Union calls on China to help end Russian aggression against Ukraine. China's support for Russia's military efforts negatively affects relations between the EU and China.

In 2024, the gender gap in employment in the EU cultural sector narrowed to 0. 8 percentage points, reaching its lowest level in a decade. However, women in the cultural sector are more likely to receive low wages than men.

MP Oksana Dmytriieva explained that the Ministry of Justice demands the removal of percentage restrictions from the draft resolution on regulating marketing in the pharmaceutical market, as they are not provided for by the current law.

French President Emmanuel Macron began a state visit to Great Britain, where a Franco-British summit will take place. Security, defense, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, culture, and support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The Port of Rotterdam is reserving berths for vessels with military cargo and planning cargo diversions in case of conflict. This is being done in coordination with Antwerp and at NATO's request.

The European Union is considering further financial assistance to Ukraine after 2026. Danish Minister of Economy Stephanie Lose confirmed that this issue will be a priority during Denmark's presidency of the EU Council.