European Union

Europol reports a record increase in cocaine smuggling to Europe, with almost 70% of it being transported through the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam.

More than 190 settlements in 4 regions are without power due to the weather. Blackout schedules are in effect throughout the day. Significant electricity imports are planned, and emergency aid from two EU countries was received the day before.

Today, on July 3, servicemen of the anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force of Ukraine celebrate their professional holiday. In the first hours of the war, the units of anti-aircraft missile troops skillfully shot down enemy targets and prevented the aggressor from establishing control over the Ukrainian sky.

Chinese and Russian companies are working together to develop an attack drone similar to Iran's Shahed kamikaze drone, with China potentially providing whole drones or parts to be assembled in Russia.

Zelenskyy and Orban discussed how Hungary can demonstrate leadership in preparing for the second Peace Summit, with the possibility of organizing it this year.

During Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised to help Ukraine in every way possible, as he said during a joint press conference with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire and start negotiations to speed up the peace process.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Ukraine to understand how to help the country in the next six months, to discuss the prospects for peace, and the situation of the Hungarian community in Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visits Kyiv and meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirming his visit with a photo of them shaking hands.

Starting from July 2, 2024, additional imports of eggs and sugar from Ukraine to the EU will be subject to MFN duties due to the excess of tariff quotas under the free trade agreement.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday on his first visit to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on peace and bilateral relations.

Greece became the first EU country to allow employers to unilaterally introduce a six-day workweek with additional pay for the sixth day, but only in industries with round-the-clock operations and in case of emergency.

Hungary's presidency of the EU, which began on July 1, may cause difficulties in Ukraine's negotiations with the EU due to Hungary's demands on minority rights that are not related to accession negotiations, potentially blocking these negotiations.

According to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Russia was not elected to ECOSOC, one of the six main UN bodies, which shows that international criminals have no place in international bodies.

Zelenskyy announced further joint steps with European partners, progress in Ukraine's accession to the EU, and new bilateral security agreements in the coming months.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba congratulated Hungary on its presidency of the EU Council, thanked Belgium for its historic decisions during the presidency, and expressed interest in constructive cooperation and unity of the EU to protect peace and stability in Europe based on reliable support for Ukraine.

Ukraine has one month to agree with international creditors on a debt restructuring to avoid default, with creditors rejecting Ukraine's proposed 60% debt reduction and demanding a 22% reduction instead.

Starting from November 30, 2024, honey and other bee products intended for human consumption can only be imported into the EU from companies listed by the competent authority of the exporting country to combat fraud and counterfeiting.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy congratulated Hungary on its EU presidency, expressed readiness to contribute to strengthening Europe on the path to EU membership, and thanked Belgium for its leadership during the historic EU presidency, which helped advance Ukraine's accession negotiations and support programs.

Concerns are growing in European capitals about Joe Biden's mental acuity and physical limitations after his poor performance in the debate with Donald Trump. Some politicians are calling on Democrats to replace him as their presidential candidate.

More than half of Ukrainian parents surveyed in Poland believe that their children receive equal opportunities in Polish schools and have sufficient conditions for successful adaptation, although one-third reported facing discrimination, according to a study by the educational platform Mathema.

Poland has suspended the passage of Ukrainian trucks at the border without international freight permits. However, the EU-Ukraine freight liberalization agreement came into force on June 20, abolishing the need for Ukrainian carriers to have permits for bilateral transportation.

Poland has suspended the entry and exit of Ukrainian trucks without international freight permits at checkpoints on the Polish-Ukrainian border from July 1, 2024, while other border crossings continue to operate.

Hungary takes over the presidency of the EU Council for 6 months amid serious disagreements with the EU leadership on issues such as the war in Ukraine and migration.

Right-wing parties in Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have announced the creation of a new far-right faction, Patriots for Europe, in the European Parliament, which will fight against the Brussels establishment.

During the forum in Dubrovnik, Kuleba discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia the preparation of a bilateral security agreement.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met in Croatia with China's Special Representative for European Affairs Wu Hongbo and discussed efforts to restore peace in Ukraine on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, emphasizing the importance of considering Ukraine-China relations in the context of Ukraine's future EU membership.

The EU imposed restrictive measures on the Belarusian economy to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia, including extending the ban on the export of dual-use goods and technologies and restricting the transit of dual-use goods through Belarus.

This weekend, the Estonian Reform Party will nominate a new candidate for prime minister.

The IMF has approved a new tranche of $2. 2 billion for Ukraine under an Extended Fund Facility program aimed at supporting Ukraine's state budget and economic stability in the face of the ongoing conflict.