European Union
Hungary is postponing a decision on whether to extend EU sanctions against Russia until consultations with the Trump administration. Minister János Boca said that Hungary's position will depend on the US vision of the sanctions regime.
The President of Ukraine said that the format of the upcoming talks with Russia is still unknown. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of European representation at the negotiating table, as Ukraine will become part of the EU.
Ukraine's president said it is possible to end the war this year with Trump's help. According to Zelenskyy, the newly elected US president is able to put pressure on Russia and provide Ukraine with real security guarantees.
The President of Ukraine stated that there are no secret negotiations with russia and emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of partners. Before the start of diplomatic dialogue, Ukraine needs clear security guarantees.
New US sanctions have stopped 10% of Russia's shadowy oil transportation fleet. About 65 tankers with Russian oil cannot enter the ports of China and other countries.
The President of Ukraine responded to Karol Navrotsky's statement about Ukraine's impossibility of membership in the EU and NATO. Zelenskyy warned that without Ukraine in the alliances, Poland would have to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Armenia's Defense Minister has stated that he wants to maintain a high level of cooperation with Russia, but needs to discuss important issues. The country does not actually participate in the CSTO, although it has not officially withdrawn from the organization.
Armenia and the United States have established a Strategic Partnership Commission to cooperate in economic, security, and defense. russia has responded with threats and criticism, especially regarding Armenia's intentions to join the EU.
The President of Ukraine said that without the Ukrainian army, EU troops would have no chance against Russia. Zelenskyy called on Europe to triple its weapons production and warned of a threat to neighboring countries.
Zelenskyy outlines ambitious plans for European integration during the Polish and Danish presidencies of the EU Council. Ukraine aims to open 5-6 negotiating clusters on EU accession within a year.
The President of Ukraine criticized the Slovak government's position on rapprochement with Russia and support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy started a dialog with Prime Minister Fico about understanding evil in war.
For the first time, the European Commission plans to impose sanctions against Russia without taking into account the vetoes of individual countries. Decisions on sanctions will be made by a qualified majority, not unanimously.
The President of Ukraine called on partners to provide the remaining funds from frozen Russian assets to strengthen defense capabilities. Only $50 billion of the $300 billion of frozen Russian assets have been allocated so far.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared his readiness to work to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU. He emphasized that an independent Ukraine is a key condition for the security of Poland and the whole of Europe.
The President's team is preparing the content and format of the meeting with Donald Trump after his inauguration. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of security guarantees and a just peace for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president expects active cooperation with US President-elect Trump in the spirit of “peace through strength. ” Zelenskyy also hopes to strengthen sanctions against Russia and discussed the prospects of Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tähkna said that Ukraine's full membership in the EU and NATO would ensure the stability of the whole of Europe. He emphasized the need for investment in Ukraine's defense industry and economy.
The European Union plans to present a new package of sanctions against Russia next week. The restrictions will affect aluminum, agricultural products, the shadow fleet, LNG, and additional banks.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine supported the EU sanctions against Belarus. The restrictions apply to 26 citizens and 2 legal entities due to their involvement in the Russian aggression.
Opposition parties in Slovakia announced an attempt to pass a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Fico. The main reason was his trip to Moscow and the change in the country's foreign policy course.
Latvia has provided Ukraine with military aid worth over €501 million. The countries discussed further cooperation, including support for the defense industry, military training, and the creation of a transport corridor.
The government has approved the WINWIN Digital Development Strategy until 2030 with a focus on 14 key technology areas. It is planned to create specialized centers of excellence and introduce innovation clusters.
According to the KIIS, 46% of Ukrainians consider joining NATO a top priority, while 22% support the EU. During the year, the number of those who do not support membership in any union increased from 12% to 22%.
Ukraine has formed 36 working groups to prepare positions for negotiation clusters with the EU. The government plans to go through the negotiation process as quickly as possible and make 2025 a turning point in European integration.
Ukraine expects the results of negotiations with the EU on joint customs control this year. It is planned to reconstruct 28 checkpoints and build 6 new ones by 2030.
The Spanish government is planning to introduce a tax of up to 100% on real estate for non-EU residents. This is one of ten measures to address the housing crisis and provide affordable housing for citizens.
The EU has approved Switzerland's invitation to participate in the PESCO Military Mobility project. The project is aimed at optimizing the transportation of military forces and equipment between EU countries.
Representatives of more than 20 countries discussed toughening sanctions against Russian oil exports. The Russian shadow fleet of 600 vessels brought the aggressor $180 billion in revenue last year.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the creation of a separate European defense alliance would require 8-10% of GDP and 15-20 years. Instead, he promised to deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.
Minister Sibiga says Russia is illegally trading in stolen Ukrainian grain and warns of sanctions against those involved. Ukraine has sent notes of protest and is preparing an appeal to the International Maritime Organization.