European Union

European Commissioner for Enlargement Martha Kos has announced the possibility of opening the 'Fundamentals' and 'External Action' clusters for Ukraine in the framework of the EU accession negotiations in the first half of the year. Implementation depends on the support of member states and the procedure in the EU Council.

The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions against Russia, which is expected to be ready by February. Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of continuing economic pressure and military support for Ukraine.

In 2025, Ukraine will receive more than $65 billion in international assistance from its partners. The funding will come from the EU, the IMF and the G7 countries' ERA initiative from frozen assets of the Russian Federation.

Tesla is challenging in court the EU's anti-subsidy duty of up to 7. 8% on imports of electric vehicles from China. The company joined BMW and Chinese manufacturers who have also filed lawsuits against the new tariffs.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of France to discuss further support and security cooperation. The parties discussed the format of security guarantees and support for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Satellite imagery shows Russian military equipment being transported from the Syrian port of Tartus to the Sparta and Sparta II vessels. The equipment is being loaded onto the ships of the Oboronlogistika company, which operates under the direction of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections in Belarus, where Lukashenko received 86. 82% of the vote. The Ministry joined the EU assessment, calling the elections a farce due to the lack of real competition and political repression.

EU foreign ministers agree on a plan to ease sanctions on Syria. Restrictions in the energy and transportation sectors may be lifted, but the decision could be reversed if the wrong steps are taken.

President Zelenskyy said that the war with Russia is a puzzle that Trump will have to solve. He called for tougher sanctions against Russia and increased aid to Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of the European Council in Krakow to discuss the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. They discussed defense assistance and the development of weapons production in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine met with Marshal of the Polish Sejm Shimon Holovna in Krakow. The parties discussed military support, sanctions against Russia and EU accession, as well as planned meetings with EU leaders.

Chisinau will provide Transnistria with 3 million cubic meters of gas to maintain pressure in the system. The EU will allocate 30 million euros to purchase gas for electricity generation in the region.

A representative of the American Chamber of Commerce commented on the Ministry of Health's proposals for changes in the regulation of the pharmaceutical market. He described the specifics of drug regulation in the EU and called for a balanced approach in Ukraine.

The EU Council has officially extended economic sanctions against Russia until July 31, 2025. The restrictions cover trade, finance, energy, technology and other sectors.

EU foreign ministers approve sanctions against three Russian GRU officers for cyberattacks on Estonia in 2020.

EU foreign ministers decided to suspend the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports. Slovakia and Hungary opposed the decision, but it was passed by a qualified majority.

EU foreign ministers have decided to extend sanctions against Russia for six months. According to Kaja Kallas, this will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to finance the war.

The EU has agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for 6 months after Hungary lifted the “reserve”. Budapest has received guarantees on energy security and negotiations with Ukraine on energy transit, the media reports.

Belarus is undergoing a transformation of its power system based on the Iranian model, which will lead to a transit of power. russia will try to maintain control, but new players are emerging - China and Turkey.

The EU plans to extend sanctions against Russia, and Hungary will stop its resistance to this decision. In exchange, the EU will provide guarantees for the bloc's energy security.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider the situation in Ukraine as the first item on the agenda. The meeting will be held on January 27 under the chairmanship of Kaja Kallas with the participation of Ukrainian Minister Andriy Sybiga.

Hungary is ready to give up blocking EU sanctions against Russia in exchange for a statement on energy security. EU diplomats expect a compromise to be reached at today's meeting.

Representatives of Hungary did not sign the joint appeal of the EU countries to not recognize the presidential election in Belarus. Slovakia also refused at first, but then joined the statement.

The European Union is preparing to lift restrictions on Syria's energy and transportation sectors. The issue of financial sanctions remains open, and a final decision is expected at a ministerial meeting in Brussels.

Turkey is seeking to resume energy negotiations with the EU and become an alternative route for gas supplies. The country could expand the Southern Gas Corridor and connect it to Mediterranean gas.

NATO has started sharing classified information on weapons standardization with the defense industry and the EU. The initiative is aimed at expanding production capacity and harmonizing military standards.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, said that the “peace plans” for 100 days are Russian information injections. The media had previously reported on Trump's plan to end the war, which included Ukraine's withdrawal from NATO.

Belarusian dictator Lukashenka took his spitz Umka with him to the polling station. The dog showed interest in the wall of the Belarusian State University of Physical Culture, where the voting was taking place, and noticed it.

The Belarusian dictator declared his indifference to the West's recognition of the election results in the country. He emphasized that the main thing is the recognition of the elections by Belarusians.

Voting in the presidential election is underway in belarus. In addition to lukashenka, four other candidates are running, but the EU has already called the election sham.