European Union

The EC has launched an official investigation into Temu for possible violations of the Digital Services Act. The platform may face fines of up to 6% of annual revenue for failing to comply with security and transparency rules.

The German Foreign Minister announced the closure of three Iranian consulates in response to the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd. 32 consulate employees must leave the country if they do not have German citizenship.

The President signed a law allowing plea bargaining in corruption cases. The document provides for a reduced sentence in exchange for the disclosure of accomplices and compensation for damages.

The President supported the idea of multiple citizenship for Ukrainians in the EU and close partners.

Zelenskyy announced the creation of special departments in Germany and Poland for the return of Ukrainians. The President noted that foreign countries would stop social payments to unemployed Ukrainians in the future, which would also be an incentive to return home.

In the province of Valencia, 92 people died due to severe flooding, and 95 in the country as a whole. Thousands of rescuers are searching for the missing, and the authorities have allocated 250 million euros to help the victims.

The President of Ukraine has launched regional discussions on an internal Strengthening Plan to complement the Victory Plan.

The Ministry of Culture has responded to the European Commission's comments on the United News telethon. The Ministry plans to stop supporting the marathon after the end of martial law.

Severe flooding in Spain has killed 95 people, most of them in Valencia. A three-day mourning period was declared, 115,000 people were left without power, and transportation was disrupted.

The European Intelligence Center detected thousands of North Korean troops on the territory of the Russian Federation. The EU called it a hostile act and warned of appropriate response measures.

The European Commission noted Ukraine's progress in fighting corruption and the work of anti-corruption bodies. The Commission provided recommendations to strengthen the HACC and protect civil society activists.

European Commissioner Oliver Varghese announced the possibility of Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2029. For this purpose, a special “Ukraine Plan” has been created and all the conditions for reforms must be met.

The EU has imposed duties of up to 35. 3% on Chinese electric cars, which has prompted threats from Beijing. China plans to freeze investments in the EU and impose sanctions on European goods in response.

The College of Commissioners of the European Commission has approved a report on Ukraine's progress in reforms for EU membership. Provided all requirements are met, negotiations on clusters can begin in 2025.

Eurozone GDP grew by 0. 4% from July to September, exceeding forecasts. Ireland led the way with growth of 2%, while Spain and France showed strong growth thanks to tourism and the Olympics.

Specialized cannabis shops will be opened in Hannover and Frankfurt am Main starting in 2025. The five-year experiment will involve 4000 participants and will be conducted under scientific supervision.

The European Commission has approved the annual Enlargement Package assessing Ukraine's progress towards the EU. Provided all requirements are met, negotiations on clusters could begin in 2025.

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö recommends that the EU create its own intelligence service. The proposal is part of a review of the bloc's war and crisis preparedness presented to Ursula von der Leyen.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo has spoken out against Ukraine's Victory Plan in an interview with a Russian propagandist. He said that there were allegedly “real” peace agreements in April 2022.

International donors provide support to small businesses in small towns in Ukraine through grants and consultations. Brovary community attracted over UAH 466 million in investments and created almost 600 jobs during the war.

Russia earns $10-12 billion a month from the shadow fleet, Zelensky said. The capacity of Russia's shadow oil fleet increased by 70% over the year, despite Western sanctions.

The European Commission has stated that it is impossible to start negotiations on Georgia's accession to the EU without changing the country's current course. The report points to problems with the parliamentary elections and the lack of progress in key reforms.

The government has approved a plan to join the European Network of Employment Services (EURES). Ukraine points to the need to study the classification of occupations, the role of intermediaries, and the coverage of students for effective integration.

The President of Ukraine said that Kyiv has never promoted the idea of EU soldiers taking part in combat operations. He emphasized that this is a dangerous topic that could lead to a loss of support.

The President said that Ukraine would not put pressure on citizens abroad to return home. He called on those who can to return and help the country.

At the fourth Ukraine-North Europe Summit, they discussed strengthening defense support, including air defense systems and the Petriot. The partner countries supported Ukraine's Victory Plan and agreed to increase defense production.

If Russia continues its attacks on generation facilities in the winter, power outages of up to 8 hours a day are possible. “Ukrenergo is preparing three winter scenarios, including the worst-case scenario.

The European Commission is preparing a report on the progress of the EU candidate countries. The document will recognize the successes of Ukraine and Moldova, but without specific recommendations for further integration steps.

Ukraine's energy system remains balanced, but the balance is fragile. Ukraine relies on electricity imports from the EU and encourages economical consumption during peak hours.

Josep Borrell expressed concern about violations during the parliamentary elections in Georgia. International observers did not recognize the elections as free, and the President of Georgia called them rigged.