European Union

German company Kontron, through its Slovenian subsidiary Iskra Technologies, exported telecom technologies to Russia, despite EU sanctions. The export lasted from July to November 2023.

On May 27, the EU Council will discuss the suspension of Hungary's voting rights due to violations of EU values. This is the eighth hearing within the framework of the procedure initiated by the European Parliament in 2018.

Brent and WTI crude fell more than 2%, weekly decline for the first time in three weeks. OPEC+ is considering increasing production by 411,000 barrels per day.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that "Nord Stream-2" will not receive a license for exploitation. The German government is ready to counteract attempts to restore the project after the damage.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands and 7 other EU countries have called for an urgent strengthening of civil preparedness for man-made and natural disasters. They insist on accelerating work on threat analysis.

The Russian military-industrial complex plant "Energiya" in the Lipetsk region, which supplied power elements for UAVs and other equipment of the Russian army, was attacked by drones. Due to the attack, the plant is suspending its operations.

Alexander Stubb stated that the future of Ukraine is key to the security of Europe and stability in the Middle East. This issue was discussed during a meeting with the President of Cyprus.

According to Stefanishyna, Ukraine and the EU have started a dialogue on trade. The European Commission's decision on transitional measures for export is intermediate.

The EU Council has decided to open another 8 chapters of membership negotiations with Albania within the "Competition and Inclusive Growth" cluster. Benchmarks have been set for the provisional closure of these chapters.

Italy fully supports EU efforts to stop importing Russian gas by 2027. The country has already achieved energy independence from Russia by minimizing gas imports.

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko stated that the expenses for the Ukrainian army for the EU are a small percentage of GDP. He emphasized that this will help to strengthen Europe's defense faster.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha held negotiations with the head of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. They discussed peace for Ukraine and sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and invited him to the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit. Slovenia will be represented at the summit.

Governments are forced to cut spending due to the high cost of long-term borrowing. Also, rising rates affect lending to businesses and households. Their opportunities are limited.

EU Foreign Minister Kaya Kallas stated that Serbia must implement real reforms, including in the fight against corruption, in order to move towards the EU. In addition, the European Union criticizes the country's authorities for strengthening ties with Russia.

Finland is closely monitoring Russia's troop buildup on the border. The Finnish military is preparing for the worst-case scenario, fearing an expansion of the Kremlin's aggression.

Over three years, Ukraine has received over $133 billion in international aid. Germany has provided €17.3 billion, and Canada – €10.3 billion.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy coordinated steps towards EU membership with Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The parties also discussed preparations for the summit of leaders of Southeast European countries.

Poland has strengthened border protection due to the threat of a breakthrough by illegal migrants, and not for provocations against joint exercises of the Russian Federation and Belarus. Kremlin fakes are aimed at elections in Poland.

The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, as well as agricultural goods. This decision aims to reduce the EU's dependence on imports from these countries.

The finance ministers of the G7 countries agreed to continue supporting Ukraine. Despite uncertainty about the US position, the group of countries is determined to show solidarity.

The President of Ukraine announced the Ukraine - Southeastern Europe summit, where he invited the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine.

The EU is investing €40 million in the European Defence Fund for the first time to boost military capabilities. This comes amid growing security threats due to the war in Ukraine.

Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.

26 MEPs called on Brussels to freeze funding for Hungary due to restrictions on freedoms, undermining democracy and ignoring EU values. The letter was signed by representatives of several factions of the European Parliament.

Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Council, António Costa, regarding sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's membership in the EU. Costa confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, sanctions will be applied.

Prime Minister Tusk announced that Poland will not extend the duty-free import of goods from Ukraine after June 5, 2025. He stated the threat to the Polish market and the need to protect interests.

The President ratified the law for uninterrupted trade between Ukraine and the EU during the transition to new customs regulations from January 1, 2025. Until the end of 2025, parallel use of old and new rules of origin of goods is allowed.

Due to the April and May frosts in Ukraine, up to 55% of the cherry harvest and 35-50% of the cherry harvest were lost, the southern and northern regions were the most affected. Experts predict rising prices for berries and possible shortages.

Ukraine proposes that the EU confiscate Russian assets and impose sanctions on oil buyers, as the US hesitates to increase pressure on the Russian Federation. Kyiv calls on the EU to take the lead in sanctions policy.