European Union

The European Union has introduced the world's first comprehensive AI law. It defines risk categories for AI systems, establishes rules for their use, and provides for fines for violations.

Hungary has informed the EU of the end of its 'peace mission' in Ukraine after criticism from the Union. However, European capitals doubt the sincerity of this statement and do not rule out a possible resumption of the 'mission' by Orban.

The EU ignored Hungary and Slovakia's concerns about Ukraine's sanctions against Lukoil. The European Commission stated that the sanctions do not affect oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.

In the first half of 2024, agricultural trade between Ukraine and the EU increased by 5% to $8. 2 billion. Ukraine's trade surplus remained at $4.3 billion due to increased exports and imports.

The supreme audit institutions of Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have supported an international audit on the education of Ukrainian children in Europe. The audit will cover the issues of access to education, preservation of national identity and integration issues.

The Ukrainian president warned that without the support of its partners, Ukraine would not be able to hold the front line. Zelenskyy warned that in this case, Putin could seize part of the territory and move on to other European countries.

The President of Lithuania accused Hungary of increasing security risks for Europe by facilitating entry for russians and belarusians. Hungary's new visa scheme allows citizens of these countries to enter without security checks.

The President of Ukraine said that the issue of territorial integrity cannot be resolved without the Ukrainian people, as it contradicts the Constitution. Zelenskyy believes that territories can be won back diplomatically.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine assured the Slovak ambassador that sanctions against Russian companies do not pose a threat to Bratislava. Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's readiness to implement projects to strengthen energy security with the EU.

The President of Ukraine called on China to put pressure on Russia to end the war, rather than to be a mediator. Zelenskyy emphasized that stronger states should put more pressure on the aggressor.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine discussed with the Vice President of the European Commission the decision of the G7 to provide Ukraine with $50 billion. The funds are to be made available by the end of this year.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the Vice President of the European Commission. They discussed energy sanctions, Ukraine's receipt of $50 billion from Russian assets, and the Ukraine Facility program.

On August 1, a register for foreign-funded NGOs and media outlets was launched in Georgia. Organizations with more than 20% foreign funding must register by September 1, otherwise they will be fined.

The Ukrainian Intellectual Property Office has registered a new geographical indication 'Kherson Watermelon'. This is a recognition of the uniqueness of watermelons grown on the sandy soils of the Tavriya region of Kherson Oblast.

The United States suspends more than $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to anti-democratic actions. Blinken said that the actions of the Georgian government are incompatible with the norms of EU and NATO membership.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico on energy security. Shmyhal emphasized that Ukrainian sanctions do not threaten the energy security of Slovakia and Europe.

Draft law No. 11456 proposes to include victims of hate crimes in the list of persons entitled to free secondary legal aid. The document will come into force one year after the end of martial law.

According to the NBU, the number of counterfeits increased by 62% compared to last year. KFI experts spoke about the main features that can be used to distinguish genuine banknotes from counterfeits.

In the first half of 2024, Gazprom's net loss amounted to 480. 64 billion rubles, almost twice as much as in the same period of 2023. At the same time, the company's revenue increased by 7% to RUB 2.9 trillion.

Hungary vetoed the EU's joint statement on the Venezuelan elections, where Maduro was declared the winner. Borrell has independently expressed concerns about shortcomings and irregularities during the vote.

Hungary's Foreign Minister accused the EU of cutting off Russian oil supplies through Ukraine. Hungary is demanding the resumption of transit, which accounts for a third of its oil imports.

Lithuania plans to appeal Hungary's decision to simplify entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens in the EU. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister believes that this poses a threat to the security of the Schengen area.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister suggested that the EU could have asked Ukraine to stop the transit of Lukoil's oil. He accused the European Commission of inaction in protecting the interests of Hungary and Slovakia.

Border guards detained three Sri Lankan citizens who were trying to illegally cross the border from Ukraine to Slovakia. The foreigners were hiding in sunflowers and corn, and were detected using video surveillance and a drone.

Denmark has suspended four years of military cooperation with Georgia due to the EU's decision. The country calls on Georgia to return to the Euro-Atlantic path and to adhere to the EU's reform agenda.

In 11 months, cargo turnover through the Ukrainian sea corridor reached 60 million tons, of which 40. 6 million tons were exported food. Ukraine remains the guarantor of global food security, and export revenues are the basis of financial stability.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó holds phone consultations with his counterparts from Russia and Slovakia over Ukraine's decision to stop the transit of Lukoil's oil. Hungary considers Ukraine's actions a violation of the Association Agreement with the EU.

The European Commission is going to clarify with Hungary the issue of Budapest's simplification of visa procedures for citizens of Belarus and Russia, emphasizing that all instruments should guarantee the security of the EU and the Schengen area.

The European People's Party calls on the EU to take urgent action over Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russians. This creates security risks and may allow Russians to circumvent restrictions in the Schengen area.

Ukraine's government plans to expand rail and road connections with Poland by opening a new border crossing point, and to set up a commission with Moldova to build a bridge across the Dniester.