European Union

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.

The presidents of France and Ukraine will meet one-on-one in Brussels on the margins of the EU and Western Balkans summit. Macron may miss an important NATO meeting on Ukraine because of a trip to Mayotte.

Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar said that Hungary has gone too far in deviating from EU norms. Even a change of government in 2026 may not remedy the situation due to deep institutional changes.

The IEA predicts a historic high in coal use in 2024, despite climate warnings. China remains the largest consumer, using 4.9 billion tons of coal.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has dismissed the claims filed by Oleg Deripaska, Rosbank and Tinkoff Bank to lift sanctions. Deripaska was also denied compensation for non-pecuniary damage of one million euros.

Following the signing of the law on tax increases, there has been a massive closure of individual entrepreneurs in Ukraine. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs are closing down every day, which is significantly higher than the usual figure of 700 closures.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of the loan repayment within the G7 commitment from January. The EU will provide Ukraine with €13 billion from the Fund and more than €18 billion from frozen Russian assets.

The EU has provided Ukraine with a second tranche of EUR 4. 1 billion under the Ukraine Facility program. The total amount of assistance under the program will be EUR 50 billion by 2027.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of opening a basic cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership at the beginning of 2025. Other clusters are planned to be considered during the same year.

Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the preparation of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The previous sanctions have already led to a fall in the ruble and an increase in inflation in some sectors of the Russian economy by up to 70%.

The European Parliament plans to vote on a resolution on disinformation and historical falsifications by Russia. The document exposes Russia's attempts to justify its aggression against Ukraine and influence EU policy.

France restored its flag at the embassy in Damascus after a 12-year break. European countries begin to establish diplomatic contacts with the new Syrian government.

The DPRK has earned up to $5. 5 billion from arms sales to Russia and can receive $572 million annually for sending troops. In exchange, North Korea receives oil, food, and modern weapons.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the country is not considering sending its troops anywhere. He plans to discuss with Zelenskyy ways to unite the West to support Ukraine.

Syria's transitional government secretary, Obaida Arnaout, called on Russia to reconsider its military presence in the country after the overthrow of the Assad regime. The new government is negotiating with other countries and seeking to establish international relations.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on the Western world to strengthen support for Ukraine and stop speculation about its possible defeat. He emphasized that a just peace is possible only if the entire Western world joins forces.

Donald Tusk announced maximum support for Ukraine during Poland's EU presidency from January 2024. According to him, if it were up to Poland, the accession process would take one day.

Germany's defense minister has announced the country's possible participation in securing a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Specific details of the peacekeeping mission have not yet been discussed due to the absence of cease-fire talks.

Zelenskyy announced ambitious plans to open all six clusters of negotiations with the EU in 2025. Stefanishyna confirmed the positive dynamics and the possibility of opening the first 15 negotiation chapters in the first half of 2025.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the development of the 16th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Italy will continue to support the sanctions policy and help companies that comply with it.

The European Commission has launched an official investigation against TikTok for violating the law on digital services during the Romanian elections. The platform is suspected of promoting a pro-Russian candidate through fake accounts.