European Union

The third round of bilateral EU-Ukraine sessions within the framework of the legislative compliance screening has started in Brussels. The meetings are taking place in a hybrid format from October 8 to 10, covering economic criteria and other important areas.

During a meeting with Denys Shmyhal, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his full support for Ukraine's accession to the EU. At the same time, he confirmed that he would block Ukraine's membership in NATO as long as he was in power.

The EU is considering voluntary contributions to the European Peace Fund to circumvent Hungary's veto. This would make it possible to provide assistance to Ukraine without the unanimous support of all EU countries.

Prime Minister Shmyhal announced a meeting with the Slovak government. They will discuss infrastructure projects, energy security, support for the peace plan, and Ukraine's membership in the EU.

For the first time in years, Germany has approved a significant arms deal with Turkey worth about 336 million euros. This includes air defense missiles, torpedoes, and equipment for the modernization of submarines and frigates.

“Georgian Dream criticizes the EU ambassador for condemning the use of images of destroyed Ukrainian cities in election campaigning. The party considers this interference in the election campaign.

The President of Ukraine signed a decree imposing sanctions against three individuals and 18 Ukrainian LLCs for three years. The sanctions were imposed by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, with the Secretary of the Council in charge of monitoring their implementation.

Diana Ciosoaca, the leader of a far-right party, was removed from the list of presidential candidates in Romania. She accused the West of trying to rig the election, and politicians expressed concern about democratic values.

Four batches of military items were found on passenger trains from Kaliningrad to Moscow. Camouflage pants and camouflage nets intended for the Russian military in Ukraine were confiscated.

Three opposition TV channels in Georgia refused to broadcast the ruling party's election ads featuring images of destruction in Ukraine. They face heavy fines, which could lead to the suspension of the channels' operations.

Slovak Prime Minister Fico wants to convince Ukraine to keep oil and gas transit at a joint government meeting. He emphasizes the benefits for both countries and supports Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General commented on Putin's visit to Mongolia, calling it an attempt to set a precedent for other countries to sign the Rome Statute. Kostin emphasized that international justice continues to work.

The largest bank in Cyprus closed 20,000 accounts belonging to 7,000 Russian clients after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

At least 19 people have died due to heavy rains and flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia, Croatia, and the EU are ready to assist in the aftermath of the disaster.

Law enforcement officers exposed a scheme to smuggle men of military age abroad. The organizers charged $10,000 per person, transporting about 40 people through Zakarpattia to Romania.

Billionaires Arkady and Boris Rotenberg have seized 10 plots of land in Crimea that previously belonged to Ukrainian businessmen. The land is needed for the construction of a yacht marina in Balaklava Bay on behalf of Putin.

Pavlo Gerchynsky called the posters of the “Georgian Dream” with the ruins of Ukrainian cities outrageous and shameful. The ambassador emphasized that peace in Georgia and the EU was achieved at the cost of the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that certain FIFA rules on player transfers are in conflict with EU legislation on the free movement of workers. The decision may have significant implications for the transfer market.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed a desire to restore economic relations with Russia after the war in Ukraine ends. He is also in favor of maintaining the transit of Russian raw materials to Europe through Ukraine.

The EU plans to impose sanctions on Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. The first package of restrictions will apply to about a dozen individuals and legal entities, including companies in the machine-building, metallurgical and aviation industries.

Vladyslav Kosinyak-Kamysh said that Ukraine will not join the EU without resolving the issue of exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. He emphasized the importance of historical truth and reconciliation for EU accession.

In Kyiv, an increased air quality index was recorded in almost all districts except Holosiivskyi. Doctors advise to limit outdoor activities and physical activity in the open air.

In Moldova, five websites were blocked on the instructions of the Information and Security Service, including Russian Yandex, Rutube, and Dzen. Two websites of the MD24 Internet TV channel, associated with oligarch Ilan Shor, were also blocked.

Moldovan police say that Russia transferred $15 million to 130,000 citizens to vote against joining the EU. The funds were transferred through the network of pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor.

The Romanian Minister of Agriculture announced his intention to restrict imports of eggs and poultry meat from Ukraine. Romania supported Bulgaria's proposal to ban imports of Ukrainian eggs due to the negative impact on local producers.

Ukraine plans to create a €16 billion investment fund to support communities and businesses affected by the war. The fund will be part of the Ukraine Facility program and will be financed by international financial institutions.

The external independent audit of the NABU has started. Experts will assess the effectiveness of detectives' work, which is important for Ukraine to receive international financial assistance and EU membership.

Shalva Papuashvili signed a package of laws restricting the rights of LGBT people in Georgia. The country's president refused to sign the document, but the speaker of the parliament did so in accordance with the constitution.

Over the past two years, almost 120 thousand transit declarations have been processed in the NCTS system. The number of declarations has increased 3.7 times over the past year, with the total amount of guarantees reaching EUR 450 million.

The Ukrainian Defense Minister discussed expanding cooperation with leading defense companies. Umerov called for the localization of production and the creation of joint ventures, in particular for the production of missiles and drones.