European Union

Experts say the controversial amendment to the draft law lobbied by Darnitsa plant will raise prices by 15%.

Andrius Kubilius met with representatives of the OP to discuss strengthening air defense and coordination with the United States. The parties discussed the fight against Russian propaganda and ways to achieve peace through strength.

The French president plans to discuss the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine after the ceasefire at the EU summit. France is forming a coalition of 5-8 European countries to implement this initiative.

The EU plans to impose sanctions against more than 12 individuals and 3 organizations in Russia for disinformation operations. Restrictions are also being prepared against 20 Belarusian officials before the elections.

Protesters gathered near the Georgian parliament ahead of the presidential election with a single candidate from the ruling party. The protests erupted after the announcement of the termination of negotiations with the EU, and the current president refuses to leave office.

Georgia is holding presidential elections, where the favorite is the candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Mikheil Kavelashvili. The incumbent president, Salome Zurabishvili, refuses to leave office, which exacerbates the political crisis in the country.

The European Union is planning to adopt a new package of sanctions against the terrorist country over the war in Ukraine. The restrictions will apply to the “shadow fleet”, North Korean mercenaries and those involved in hybrid attacks.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine met with the EU Commissioner to discuss expanding cooperation in 2025. The parties discussed the use of frozen assets of the Russian Federation, the expansion of the military training mission and attracting investments in the defense industry.

President of Ukraine had a conversation with Evika Silina on strengthening defense capabilities and European integration. Latvia is ready to support Ukraine in its military programs and EU accession negotiations.

A mass rally in favor of Georgia's European integration continues in the center of Batumi, despite strong winds and heavy rain. The protesters were joined by sailors and psychologists, and a delegation of the European Parliament arrived in Tbilisi to support the rally.

The Ukrainian president will meet with the leaders of key European countries, NATO and the EU to discuss support for Ukraine. The meeting will take place against the background of possible changes in US policy after Trump's return.

Salome Zurabishvili criticized the Tbilisi mayor's plans to light the Christmas tree during protests near the parliament. The President proposed to postpone the celebration to December 17 and change the location.

The presidents of Ukraine and Finland discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense after massive attacks by Russia. They also discussed Ukraine's accession to NATO and a new aid package from Finland worth 25 million euros.

The Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Orban's proposal for a “Christmas truce” was a PR stunt. The Hungarian prime minister did not have the authority to negotiate, and Russia used this to prepare new attacks.

Apple will stop selling the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 due to EU requirements for USB-C ports starting in 2025. The company does not plan to re-release these models with a new port, instead focusing on future versions.

Andrius Kubilius became the first EU defense commissioner due to the threat from Russia. According to intelligence, Russia is increasing its weapons production and may be preparing to attack EU countries by 2030.

The Supreme Court did not satisfy the request of MP Dubinsky to recognize the inaction of the Verkhovna Rada regarding the non-calling of the presidential election. The MP suspected of treason is currently in custody in a pre-trial detention center.

In some areas, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have achieved parity with Russian troops in the use of artillery, changing the ratio from 5:1 to 1:3. The occupiers are compensating for the loss of artillery superiority by using aviation and bombs.

During the large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine, the new European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius was in hiding. The invaders fired 93 missiles and about 200 drones at critical infrastructure.

Kaja Kallas stated that frozen russian assets should be used to help Ukraine. She also emphasized the importance of the EU's continued support for Ukraine even if the US cuts aid.

The EU Council has decided to abolish controls at the land borders with Bulgaria and Romania as of January 1, 2025. The countries have already been part of the Schengen area by air and sea since March 2024.

The Berlin Declaration is signed in Germany, confirming that peace talks are impossible without Ukraine and its European partners. The document provides for increased military and financial support for Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Minister of Agrarian Policy announced the creation of an EU-style payment agency for transit distribution of funds. The project is planned to be implemented in 2025 as part of the integration requirements.

The GUR has identified 238 tankers that help Russia make money on oil exports bypassing sanctions. russia has spent $10 billion to create a shadow fleet and earned $188 billion from oil exports.

Ukraine plans to launch a unified electronic system to automate the process of obtaining business permits and licenses by 2026. The project aims to simplify the regulatory environment and is a condition for EU funding.

EU and US companies continue to supply weapons to Russia through intermediary countries. Arms exports to Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other countries have increased 2.5 times in three years, from where they end up in Russia.

Public sector workers in Georgia joined 14 days of protests near the parliament. In response, the government is preparing amendments to the law that will make it more difficult for fired civil servants to return to work.

EU ambassadors have agreed on the 15th package of sanctions against Russia aimed at combating the “shadow fleet” of tankers. The sanctions will restrict the activities of third-country vessels and expand the list of sanctioned individuals and organizations.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna held a discussion with top EU officials on lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine. She emphasized the unacceptability of such a position due to the lack of a system for planning and training brigades.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna reported that Poland did not provide specifics on Ukraine's European integration during its upcoming presidency of the EU Council. The Polish leadership plans to focus on security issues.