European Union

In the EU, all portable electronic devices must now have a USB Type-C port. The new rules apply to smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, and from 2026, laptops as well.

The President of Ukraine commented on the Slovak prime minister's statement about the possible termination of electricity supplies after January 1. Zelenskyy accused Fico of acting in the interests of Russia and recalled the economic consequences for Slovakia.

Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of a new railroad connecting China with Europe through Central Asia. The 450-500 km long project will allow cargo to be transported bypassing russia.

The NBU refutes myths about the new law on motor third party liability insurance, which will come into force on January 1, 2025. The law provides for a gradual transition to electronic policies and an increase in maximum payments to the European level.

Israel's Attorney General initiates an investigation into Sarah Netanyahu on suspicion of obstruction of justice. She is accused of putting pressure on witnesses and intimidating prosecutors in her husband's corruption case.

The United States and the World Bank have provided $485 million to Ukraine as part of the PEACE in Ukraine project. The funds will be used to cover social and humanitarian expenses of the state budget.

The Cabinet of Ministers has determined the list of goods subject to export licensing in 2025. Quotas for sugar and poultry exports and restrictions on grain exports to five EU countries were established.

Ukraine can receive €12. 5 billion from the EU in 2025 if it fulfills 56 indicators of the Ukraine Facility program. In 2024, €16.2 billion is expected after the 23 steps of the program are completed.

33 boarding school children from occupied Antratsyt and 40 people from Donetsk, Luhansk and Mariupol were brought to Belarus. The children were brought by the sanctioned Alexey Talay Foundation for “rehabilitation” in sanatoriums.

Romania's radar systems detected a small flying object that penetrated 6 km inland in the Tulcea County. The object stayed in the airspace for about 5 minutes, after which it disappeared from the radar.

The EU will strengthen the protection of submarine communications in the Baltic Sea after damage to cables suspected to be caused by russia. It plans to improve threat detection systems and expand international cooperation.

The Moldovan parliament has adopted the National Defense Strategy for 2024-2034, which recognizes Russia as the main threat. The document envisages an increase in defense spending and integration into EU military structures.

Following the damage to the EstLink 2 cable, Estonia plans to increase oversight of undersea infrastructure with NATO. The government held an emergency meeting and discussed protection measures with the allies.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Serbia have a telephone conversation to discuss the development of bilateral relations and coordination of efforts on the path to the EU. Serbia provides financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine, but refrains from sanctions against Russia.

In 2024, Ukraine's investment attractiveness index increased to 2. 49 points out of 5. Defense Tech and energy are identified as the most promising sectors for investment in 2025.

The European Parliament has begun preparing a resolution on systemic disinformation and historical falsifications by the Russian Federation. The document exposes Russia's attempts to interfere in the politics of the EU, the US and other countries through cyberattacks and manipulations.

After joining the Schengen area in 2025, Romania will close 30 land border crossings on its borders with Hungary and Bulgaria. The country will strengthen security measures due to the risks of illegal migration.

EU diplomats are skeptical about the possibility of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine without US involvement. The main obstacles are Russia's rejection and the difficulty of convincing the European population.

In Zaporizhzhia, a service dog, Master, who had been working as a sapper for 9 years at the State Emergency Service, was retired. The dog received a gift and will move to a new family.

Ukraine has received the second tranche of EUR 150 million from the EU under the Early Recovery Program. The funds will be used to feed schoolchildren, rebuild infrastructure and support the agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Reintegration of Ukraine denied information about demands to stop assistance to Ukrainian refugees in the EU. The agencies emphasize the creation of conditions only for the voluntary return of citizens.

The European Union is using gas reserves at a record pace due to cold weather and reduced imports. Storage utilization has fallen by 19% since September, reaching 75% in December.

Moldova will be able to use the unused part of the 2,100 MW quota for electricity imports from the EU shared with Ukraine. The country plans to import 400 MW through Romanian power lines to cover the deficit on the Right Bank.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticized Slovak Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow and his energy policy. The ministry emphasized the importance of abandoning Russian energy carriers and diversifying supplies for European security.

Donald Trump has stated that control over Greenland is essential for US national security. Denmark and the Greenlandic authorities have categorically rejected the possibility of selling the island.

69% of Ukrainians support joining the EU, which is 14% more than in February 2022. Support is highest among young people and residents of the Western and Central regions.

Switzerland has expanded its sanctions list by adding individuals and companies from Russia and Belarus. The new restrictions include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on 52 vessels carrying Russian oil.

The Head of the All-Ukrainian Chamber of Pharmacy criticizes the adoption of legislative decisions without discussion with the professional community. Experts warn about the risks of simplified registration of medicines and their potential danger to the public.

The leader of Slovakia's opposition party, Branislav Greling, called Prime Minister Fico's visit to Putin a betrayal of the country. Greling emphasized that Fico does not represent the opinion of the entire nation in negotiations with Russia.

YouTube traffic in Russia has dropped to 20% of normal levels due to deliberate restrictions by the authorities. Google shows a drop from 40 to 8.5 points.