European Union

The European Union has started preparing the 16th package of sanctions against Russia until February 2025. The sanctions will affect new sectors of the Russian economy that were not previously subject to restrictions.

At a meeting of EU leaders, a conflict arose between Scholz and Duda over the confiscation of 260 billion euros of frozen Russian assets. Germany opposes it because of the risks to financial markets, while Poland supports the idea.

The IMF has presented an updated negative scenario for Ukraine with a forecast of war by mid-2026. According to this scenario, GDP is expected to fall by 2.5% in 2025 and the external financing deficit is expected to be $177.2 billion.

The European EQAR registry has suspended the registration of the National Center for the Development of Education Quality in Georgia. Experts warn of possible problems with diploma recognition and risks for European integration.

On Ukraine's western borders, there are queues at all checkpoints, with the longest at Krakivets-Korchova. Over the past day, 102,000 people crossed the border, 55,000 of whom left Ukraine.

Georgian authorities will set up a working group with the Council of Europe to amend the law on “foreign agents. ” Prime Minister Kobakhidze promised to release most of the detained protesters and stop the use of force.

For the first time, the European Council officially stated that “Russia must not win” the war against Ukraine. All 27 EU member states agreed on the new wording and called for an immediate increase in military support.

The leader of the largest party in Bulgaria, GERB, Boyko Borisov, refused to support the signing of a security agreement with Ukraine. The interim government appealed for a mandate from parliament, but Borisov stated that the situation had changed and the agreement was no longer appropriate.

Viktor Orban told EU leaders that he was not ready to extend sanctions against Russia until after Trump's inauguration in the United States. At the EU summit, the Hungarian prime minister called on Europeans to “show strategic patience.

European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has called for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. The EU is reassessing the risks of such a move amid a possible reduction in US aid.

The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 89 UAH/USD, which is 2 kopecks lower than the previous figure. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.85-41.87, the euro at UAH 43.51-43.52.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to discuss the details of the Russian-Ukrainian war with Donald Trump. The President of Ukraine counts on Trump's understanding and support in ending the war.

The President of Ukraine said that a serious plan to stop Putin is needed after Trump's inauguration. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a united position of the United States and Europe on this issue.

The President of Ukraine addressed the European Council on the situation in Georgia. Zelenskyy said that the Russian-controlled Georgian government refuses to cooperate with the EU and works in favor of Putin.

The President of Ukraine spoke at a meeting of the European Council, where he supported France's initiative to send a military contingent. Zelenskyy called on other partners to join these efforts to end the war.

The Ukrainian president said that Orban's relations with Putin are too “warm” for effective negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Hungarian prime minister has no mandate for such talks.

The President of Ukraine presented a seven-point plan for peace to the European Council. The plan includes joining NATO, EU membership, strengthening sanctions and using frozen Russian assets.

President Zelenskyy said that the United States and Europe could bring the end of the war closer if the EU has a united position. He called for the involvement of the Global South and supported the French initiative on the military contingent.

The President of Ukraine addressed a meeting of the European Council calling for sanctions against Rosatom and the Russian tanker fleet. The EU has already adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia to limit its military capabilities.

EU leaders plan to discuss with President Zelenskyy the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine after 2024. Slovenia and Ukraine are skeptical about the continuation of transit, but alternative options are being considered.

Ukraine's economy is performing better than Russia's for the first time since the invasion. The NBU forecasts GDP growth of 4% in 2024, while Russia expects only 0.5-1.5% in 2025.

Zelenskyy meets with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's accession to the EU. The parties discussed new macro-financial assistance and the use of frozen Russian assets.

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson does not rule out the deployment of Swedish troops in Ukraine and joint exercises. Sweden has already provided Ukraine with $4.4 billion in military aid.

The Verkhovna Rada has passed a law abolishing the institute of a “deliberation room” in courts. Now the court will immediately proceed to the decision-making stage, which should speed up the judicial process.

The EU's top diplomat called for an end to pressure on Zelenskyy regarding negotiations with Russia and for real security guarantees. Kallas emphasized that supporting Ukraine is now cheaper than the consequences of a possible Russian victory.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of unity between the US and the EU to achieve peace. Zelenskyy plans to discuss this issue with the US president after his inauguration.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa reiterated the EU's full support for Ukraine. The European Council will discuss Ukraine and its future membership in the EU.

EU leaders plan to reaffirm their continued support for Ukraine at a summit with Zelenskyy in Brussels. They will also discuss the challenges of Trump's return and a potential trade war with the United States.

The World Bank has approved a new $1. 05 billion DPO operation for Ukraine and an additional $1 billion grant. The funds will be used for economic reforms, railroad development, and renewable energy.

Salome Zurabishvili appealed to the European Parliament to put pressure on the Georgian government to hold new elections. She claimed repression of peaceful protesters and stolen voting results.