European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss a trade deal. European diplomats do not expect a quick agreement due to Trump's tendency for last-minute cancellations and the complexity of decision-making in the EU.
The European Parliament is considering proposals to accelerate the EU's abandonment of Russian gas to January 2027, a year earlier than the European Commission's initial plan. Lawmakers propose obliging governments to impose sanctions on companies that violate the ban.
US President Donald Trump said the chances of reaching a trade deal with the European Union are "50-50, maybe even less. " He noted that for an agreement, Europe would have to lower its tariffs.
The EU Council has decided to integrate Moldova into the "roam like at home" zone from January 1, 2026. This will allow citizens of Moldova and the EU to use mobile communications without additional costs in the respective countries.
G7 ambassadors welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's commitment to quickly restore and ensure the independence of anti-corruption bodies. They expect the Verkhovna Rada to quickly adopt the law submitted by Zelenskyy, which is key for reforms and EU integration.
Serbia has confirmed its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its European aspirations, but is not ready to join the EU sanctions against Russia. Minister Nemanja Starović explained this by economic consequences and the lack of security guarantees as a non-EU member.
The price on the spot gold market decreased by 0. 5% to $3350.08 per ounce. The strengthening of the US dollar and optimism regarding trade negotiations between the US and the EU are putting pressure on gold prices.
Chinese automaker Zeekr, part of the Geely group, plans to expand its operations in the EU despite the imposed tariffs. The company is preparing to enter the markets of Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 12-24 months.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed government officials to present the bill on strengthening the powers of NABU and SAPO to all partners and to engage expert capabilities. The bill provides for the return of old norms, mandatory polygraph for employees with access to state secrets, and a ban on travel abroad for NABU employees.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposing that Germany participate in the expert review of the draft law on anti-corruption bodies. The situation at the front and the need to finance drone production were also discussed.
The European Commission has received support from EU member states for the introduction of 30% tariffs on goods from the USA if a trade agreement is not reached. The tariffs could affect goods worth 93 billion euros, but their introduction has been suspended until August 7 for negotiations.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
In Ukraine, entrance exams to colleges for applicants after the 9th grade have ended. Ranking lists will be published by July 25, and admission to state-funded places will take place by August 1.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that cooperation between China and Russia is not directed against other states and should not be influenced by third parties. This was a response to EU calls for China to limit trade and industrial cooperation with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.
EU ambassadors have agreed to use the €392 billion cohesion fund for defense-related projects, which accounts for approximately one-third of the EU's 2021–2027 budget. This decision allows EU countries to use regional funds to support the defense industry and modernize infrastructure.
Estonia has made sanctions against Belarus indefinite, extending the entry ban for 273 regime representatives, including Oleksandr Lukashenka. This decision is due to the unchanged human rights situation and Minsk's support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Investment Capital Ukraine (ICU) met bondholders halfway, who had been in a suspended state for a long time — the so-called "hostages" — due to frozen issues of Loan Participation Notes (LPN) from EMIS Finance B. V.
Chinese engines are secretly supplied to the Russian drone manufacturer IEMZ Kupol through shell companies, which has allowed for an increase in the production of Harpy-A1 attack drones despite Western sanctions. The new Chinese firm Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade began supplying L550E engines to Kupol after sanctions were imposed on Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.
Indian company Ideal Detonators Private Limited supplied military-grade explosive octogen to Russia in December for $1. 4 million. This happened despite US warnings of possible sanctions against organizations supporting Russia's war efforts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. They urged China to use its influence on Russia to end its aggressive war against Ukraine, acknowledging that relations between Beijing and Brussels have reached a "watershed moment."
The European Union has concluded an agreement with the United States, under which it will fully pay for military equipment that Washington will send to the EU. A significant part of these weapons will be distributed to Ukraine.
The European Union and the United States are close to a trade agreement that would include a 15% tariff on EU goods imported into the United States. This rate could apply to cars, reflecting the US framework agreement with Japan.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko will hold a meeting with G7 ambassadors in August to discuss the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada must adopt changes regarding in absentia proceedings and war crimes to harmonize legislation with the EU.
Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka assured Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate, of Ukraine's readiness for further legislative measures to comply with EU standards.
The third round of negotiations on the establishment of an International Commission to consider claims for damages caused to Ukraine by the aggression of the Russian Federation took place in The Hague. The Commission will be established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, and the international treaty will take the form of an open convention of the Council of Europe.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
Preventive restructuring has been introduced in Ukraine, allowing companies facing financial difficulties to avoid bankruptcy. This mechanism, implemented from European law, enables the review of debts and negotiation with creditors.
Brent and WTI crude futures edged lower after three sessions of declines. This happened amid a US-Japan agreement and discussions of sanctions against Russian oil, which affects global trade sentiment.
Germany and France are rallying EU members to support retaliatory measures against US tariffs until Washington compromises. They propose using the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which would allow blocking American companies and restricting import/export.
According to Martin Wolf, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect the future of European liberal democracy. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for the right to choose its own destiny, against Russia's autocracy and its desire to dominate Europe.
