Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius calls on Lithuania and the Baltic states to create a drone shield and establish mass production of drones after a Russian "Gerbera" drone flew into Lithuanian territory. He emphasizes the need to train specialists for rapid drone production.
France considers Russia the biggest threat to its national interests and the stability of the Euro-Atlantic space. France's National Strategic Review of July 14 states that Europe must prepare for a possible open, high-intensity war by 2030.
Law enforcement officers exposed 8 criminal groups that produced over 400 tons of counterfeit pesticides in 12 regions of Ukraine. The products were sold in Ukraine and the EU under the guise of international brands, and over 175 tons of counterfeit goods were seized.
The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.
The Verkhovna Rada unblocked the signing of the law on reforming the Asset Recovery and Management Agency by rejecting the blocking resolution. This bill is a key requirement for receiving financial assistance from the EU.
Food inflation in Ukraine reached 23%, significantly exceeding overall consumer inflation. This leads to an increase in prices for meat and bread, while dairy producers suffer losses due to falling purchase prices and reduced exports to the EU.
During a meeting of the EU Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported on Russian strikes and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's airspace. He called for increased sanctions against Russia, increased investment in Ukraine's defense industry, and the advancement of its accession to the EU.
Malta and Slovakia did not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. A decision is expected after the meeting of EU ambassadors.
Three European Union countries oppose lowering prices for Russian oil as part of the 18th package of sanctions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated the lack of consensus, without naming specific countries.
The European Union is introducing a unified border crossing control system that will enhance security and apply to citizens of third countries, including Ukrainians. The new system will collect passport and biometric data, but will not require additional documents for entry.
EU foreign ministers approved a new package of sanctions against pro-Kremlin individuals and organizations accused of destabilizing Moldova. This happened after statements by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service about Moldova allegedly preparing for a conflict with Russia.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hope for the adoption of the bloc's 18th package of sanctions against Russia "today or tomorrow. " She also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia.
Oil prices fell after Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine eased supply concerns. Brent and WTI futures fell 0.2% as Trump's softening stance on sanctions and his tariff plan impacted the market.
On the night of July 15, drones attacked the Lipetsk, Voronezh, and Rostov regions of the Russian Federation. Explosions occurred in Yelets and Voronezh, and one person was injured.
The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Canada discussed strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. The leaders focused on competitiveness, defense procurement, and clean technologies.
The Netherlands plans to convert old trains into mobile hospitals for evacuating wounded military personnel. This initiative is part of a broader EU plan to enhance military mobility amid the threat from Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the EU to take action regarding forced mobilization in Ukraine after the death of Hungarian-Ukrainian citizen Jozsef Sebestyen. Hungary claims that the man died due to beatings at the military enlistment office, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called Budapest's statements manipulative.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that the EU could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week after receiving written guarantees regarding gas imports. Slovakia cannot block the ban on Russian gas imports from 2028, but requires unanimity for the sanctions package.
The EU Council approved Ukraine's accession to the European Union roaming zone from January 1, 2026. Ukrainians will use their operator's tariffs in the 27 EU countries, and European subscribers will have the same conditions in Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief foreign affairs representative, welcomed Donald Trump's tough stance on Russia but called the 50-day ultimatum to punish Moscow "very long. " Trump announced strict tariffs for Russia if there is no ceasefire agreement in Ukraine within 50 days.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to unconditionally unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. He insists on EU gas guarantees for Slovakia after the cessation of Russian gas supplies from 2028.
This week, the Verkhovna Rada will consider a draft resolution that blocked the signing of the bill on ARMA reform. The document, submitted by "Batkivshchyna," is to be considered on Thursday to unblock the agency's renewal process.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on July 14 supported the resolution on the creation of a network of Unity Centers for Ukrainians abroad. This decision enshrines the mechanism for implementing the project and allows the "National Unity Agency" to develop the network, which can be co-financed by the European Commission.
The government approved a program to support the thermal modernization of buildings until 2030, which provides for a phased increase in the energy efficiency of housing. The goal is to reduce energy consumption by 30% and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
US President Donald Trump threatens to impose 30% tariffs on European goods from August 1, which, according to the EU's chief negotiator with the US, Maroš Šefčovič, will "practically ban" transatlantic trade. The EU has postponed the introduction of retaliatory tariffs on American goods until August 1 and is discussing further countermeasures.
The world's most influential finance ministers are gathering for the second time this year in South Africa for a G20 meeting, which the US Treasury Secretary will again miss. This comes amid the trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump and his criticism of the BRICS countries.
European partners will contribute to the purchase of Patriot systems for Ukraine, while NATO will not be directly involved. Germany and Norway are discussing funding for several systems, awaiting US approval.
Ukraine approved the opening of the roaming sector with the EU, which is a step towards launching a "roaming visa-free regime" from 2026. This will allow Ukrainians not to pay for roaming in 27 EU countries.
