European Union

The Spanish government is planning to introduce a tax of up to 100% on real estate for non-EU residents. This is one of ten measures to address the housing crisis and provide affordable housing for citizens.

The EU has approved Switzerland's invitation to participate in the PESCO Military Mobility project. The project is aimed at optimizing the transportation of military forces and equipment between EU countries.

Representatives of more than 20 countries discussed toughening sanctions against Russian oil exports. The Russian shadow fleet of 600 vessels brought the aggressor $180 billion in revenue last year.

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.

Minister Sibiga says Russia is illegally trading in stolen Ukrainian grain and warns of sanctions against those involved. Ukraine has sent notes of protest and is preparing an appeal to the International Maritime Organization.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed to Zelenskyy to meet to discuss the cessation of Russian gas transit. The meeting is planned to be held on the territory of Slovakia near the Ukrainian border.

The European Commission has announced a new humanitarian aid package of 148 million euros. 140 million will go to Ukraine for emergency aid, and 8 million to Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees.

The President outlined the priorities for Ukrainian diplomats in 2025. These include strengthening military support, integration into the EU and NATO, sanctions against Russia, and the launch of the e-Consul.

Georgian police detained about 20 people during the protests over the past day. Nine people were detained in Tbilisi, near a restaurant where judges were holding a corporate party, and eight more in Batumi.

At its congress in Saxony, the far-right Alternative for Germany party did not include a condemnation of Russian aggression in its program. 69% of the delegates voted against this initiative.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has joined the EU's position on non-recognition of the third "inauguration" of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Against the backdrop of mass protests, Maduro has begun a new presidential term until 2031.

A delegation from the Slovak parliament traveled to Russia to discuss gas supplies and the war in Ukraine. Due to Poland's ban, the delegation changed its route and flew via the Czech Republic and Germany.

Slovakia's prime minister announced guaranteed supplies of 3-3. 5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to the country. If the situation with gas transit through Ukraine does not change, he threatens to suspend aid and veto further support.

EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions against Syria. This was announced by Kaja Kallas during her visit to Saudi Arabia.

Cyprus plans to finalize all technical issues to join the Schengen area by the end of 2025. The country's president announced the expected benefits for tourism and investment, but experts warn of possible complications due to the island's divided status.

Peter Pellegrini canceled his visit to Kyiv because of Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit on January 1. He said that this step threatens Slovakia's energy security.

Olaf Scholz of the SPD and Alice Weidel of the AfD have become official candidates for the post of German Chancellor. Scholz promises social reforms, while Weidel proposes radical changes in the economy and migration policy.

The Stalin Museum in Gori has announced a tender for the restoration of the house where the Soviet dictator was born. The renovation work is to be completed in 11 days and will include renovation of the roof, floor and other elements of the building.

Mark Zuckerberg said that the new US government should stop fining US tech companies by the EU. Meta also announced the termination of its fact-checking program and DEI initiatives.

Germany is conducting a rescue operation of the Eventin tanker from the Russian “shadow fleet” that ran aground off the northern coast. The vessel was carrying 100,000 tons of oil and lost its ability to maneuver due to an engine failure.

Venezuela has temporarily closed its common border with Brazil after Nicolas Maduro took office for a third presidential term. The closure will last until next Monday, and the reasons for the decision have not been officially commented on.

The US and EU impose new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials over the Maduro regime's repression. The US State Department increased the reward to $25 million for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president.

Arkady Volozh hired a bodyguard for the first time after receiving a public health wish from Putin. The founder of Yandex has previously condemned the war in Ukraine and is not returning to Russia.

Peskov says Putin is ready to negotiate with Trump without preconditions. ISW emphasizes that the Kremlin's position on Ukraine remains unchanged: complete surrender and change of government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro began his third presidential term until 2031 amid mass protests. The inauguration took place under tight security, and Western countries imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan officials.

The EU Council added 15 new individuals to the Venezuelan sanctions list and extended the restrictions until 2026. In total, 69 people are sanctioned, with assets frozen and banned from entering the EU.

More than 50 Georgian civil servants are preparing a class action lawsuit over their dismissal for criticizing the country's rejection of EU membership. The dismissals took place without justification following amendments to the Law on Civil Service.

Russia uses more than 1,000 vessels to circumvent sanctions, which is 17% of the world's oil tanker fleet. The shadow fleet has brought Russia more profit than Ukraine has received in international aid since the beginning of the war.

In the suburbs of Damascus, militants affiliated with the new government publicly executed a local official, Masen Knehneh. He was accused of writing reports for the Assad regime that led to the torture of young people.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister had a phone conversation with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. The parties discussed coordination of efforts in Ukraine-EU relations, the Food from Ukraine initiative and assistance to Syria.