European Union

The Ukrainian government has approved a draft agreement with the EU to receive €50 million for port repairs. During the 11 months of the sea corridor's operation, cargo turnover in the ports of Greater Odesa amounted to 60 million tons.

Economy Minister Sergiy Marchenko said that the tranche from the US will be enough until early September. The EU is also expected to receive €4.2 billion under the Ukraine Facility program.

In 2024, 228,319 vehicles were imported to Ukraine, which is 14. 2% more than last year. 71% of imported cars are used, with an average age of 9 years. The most popular brands: Volkswagen, Renault and Audi.

Head of the Verkhovna Rada Tax Committee opposes the use of individual entrepreneurs by Internet providers. The Internet Association of Ukraine asks the President for protection, urging him to stop the campaign to destroy small domestic telecom businesses.

Hungary's Foreign Minister reacted sharply to the European Commission's response to oil transit. Szijjarto called it a scandal and criticized the proposal to use an alternative route through Croatia.

Ukraine hopes for Turkey's active participation in ensuring food security and navigation safety in the Black Sea. The parties also discussed the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement and strengthening economic cooperation.

The price of bitcoin dropped to $63 thousand due to concerns about a slowdown in the economy and the possible sale of confiscated tokens by the US government. Uncertainty about the US election also affected the cryptocurrency market.

The European Commission has formed a special group to develop strategies in case Trump wins the US election. The team is analyzing potential consequences for trade, support for Ukraine, and relations with NATO.

ARMA failed to sell Medvedchuk's yacht after two years of arrest in Croatia. The head of the agency, Olena Duma, delayed the process, starting the sale only a month before the end of the arrest.

European gas prices rose by 2. 2% due to escalation in the Middle East and fears of supply disruptions. Traders are concerned about stockpiling for the winter, despite well-filled storage facilities.

The EU demands that Hungary explain its decision to ease visa rules for citizens of Russia and Belarus. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed concern about potential espionage and security risks for the bloc.

Matvienko, the head of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, said she was ready to engage in a dialogue with Georgia at the parliamentary level. She noted that the results of the October elections in Georgia will determine the country's future course.

The European Union has introduced the world's first comprehensive AI law. It defines risk categories for AI systems, establishes rules for their use, and provides for fines for violations.

Hungary has informed the EU of the end of its 'peace mission' in Ukraine after criticism from the Union. However, European capitals doubt the sincerity of this statement and do not rule out a possible resumption of the 'mission' by Orban.

The EU ignored Hungary and Slovakia's concerns about Ukraine's sanctions against Lukoil. The European Commission stated that the sanctions do not affect oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.

In the first half of 2024, agricultural trade between Ukraine and the EU increased by 5% to $8. 2 billion. Ukraine's trade surplus remained at $4.3 billion due to increased exports and imports.

The supreme audit institutions of Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have supported an international audit on the education of Ukrainian children in Europe. The audit will cover the issues of access to education, preservation of national identity and integration issues.

The Ukrainian president warned that without the support of its partners, Ukraine would not be able to hold the front line. Zelenskyy warned that in this case, Putin could seize part of the territory and move on to other European countries.

The President of Lithuania accused Hungary of increasing security risks for Europe by facilitating entry for russians and belarusians. Hungary's new visa scheme allows citizens of these countries to enter without security checks.

The President of Ukraine said that the issue of territorial integrity cannot be resolved without the Ukrainian people, as it contradicts the Constitution. Zelenskyy believes that territories can be won back diplomatically.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine assured the Slovak ambassador that sanctions against Russian companies do not pose a threat to Bratislava. Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's readiness to implement projects to strengthen energy security with the EU.

The President of Ukraine called on China to put pressure on Russia to end the war, rather than to be a mediator. Zelenskyy emphasized that stronger states should put more pressure on the aggressor.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine discussed with the Vice President of the European Commission the decision of the G7 to provide Ukraine with $50 billion. The funds are to be made available by the end of this year.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the Vice President of the European Commission. They discussed energy sanctions, Ukraine's receipt of $50 billion from Russian assets, and the Ukraine Facility program.

On August 1, a register for foreign-funded NGOs and media outlets was launched in Georgia. Organizations with more than 20% foreign funding must register by September 1, otherwise they will be fined.

The Ukrainian Intellectual Property Office has registered a new geographical indication 'Kherson Watermelon'. This is a recognition of the uniqueness of watermelons grown on the sandy soils of the Tavriya region of Kherson Oblast.

The United States suspends more than $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to anti-democratic actions. Blinken said that the actions of the Georgian government are incompatible with the norms of EU and NATO membership.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico on energy security. Shmyhal emphasized that Ukrainian sanctions do not threaten the energy security of Slovakia and Europe.

Draft law No. 11456 proposes to include victims of hate crimes in the list of persons entitled to free secondary legal aid. The document will come into force one year after the end of martial law.

According to the NBU, the number of counterfeits increased by 62% compared to last year. KFI experts spoke about the main features that can be used to distinguish genuine banknotes from counterfeits.