The European Commission is exploring the possibility of obliging EU member states to gradually remove Huawei and ZTE from their telecommunications networks. This could turn a 2020 recommendation into a legal requirement due to deteriorating trade and political ties with China.
From spring 2026, "Roskomnadzor" will be able to block websites and disconnect the Russian internet without a court decision. This is a step towards complete censorship and isolation of Russians from alternative sources of information.
Belgium has sought assistance from allies after a series of drone incursions near airports, military bases, and nuclear power plants. Officials say the incidents "resemble" Russian actions, but there is no direct evidence yet.
The European Union will discuss two main ways to raise financial support for Ukraine: borrowing or using frozen Russian assets. EU finance ministers are meeting in Brussels after pledging to cover Ukraine's needs in 2026-2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen avoided a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the COP30 conference due to Brussels' demands for London to pay billions of euros. The British leader wanted to discuss dissatisfaction with EU demands for a payment of up to 6.5 billion euros to participate in the "credits for weapons" program and contributions to the EU budget.
The Paris Court of Appeal is considering the request of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for release from prison pending appeal. Sarkozy, sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy, has been in La Santé prison since October 21.
New data indicates millions of tons of Russian oil were transshipped through a port partly owned by Macquarie Bank, with potential sales to Australian companies. Australia has imported over 3 million tons of Russian-origin petroleum products since 2023 through third countries, creating loopholes in sanctions.
Ukraine intends to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from American manufacturers. President Zelenskyy noted that European states could also temporarily transfer their systems.
Ukraine expects the European Union to prepare the content of the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions within a month. Kyiv proposes to add Russian legal entities and individuals who profit from energy resources to the sanctions list.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on the imposition of personal sanctions against eight individuals and five legal entities. The restrictions apply to Putin's special representative Kirill Dmitriev, former head of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oleksandr Tupitsky, as well as Russian publishing houses.
This move could unlock funding for Kyiv as the EU seeks ways to secure a loan without the risk of non-repayment.
Tens of thousands of people in Lisbon protested against new labor laws, which unions believe will undermine workers' rights. Protesters are also demanding higher wages.
Ukraine, together with the EU and public organizations, is deploying the Unity Network for Ukrainians abroad. The first Unity Centers will open this year in Spain and Germany.
The European Commission proposes to permanently freeze Russian assets in the EU and use the proceeds to finance Ukraine. Rejection of this plan could lead to annual EU expenditures of 5.6 billion euros, affecting the deficit and debt of individual states.
Romania and Bulgaria are trying to prevent the shutdown of their critical oil refineries as US sanctions against their Russian owners take effect on November 21. Bulgaria is considering nationalizing Lukoil's refinery in Burgas, while Romania views nationalization as a "last resort" for the Petrotel refinery.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that his country would not support the European Union's idea of using Russian assets to cover Ukraine's military expenses. Fico will not support the use of 140 billion euros from frozen Russian assets to go towards Ukraine's reconstruction or aid.
Representatives of the EU and the Belgian government have not reached an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Belgium demands legal guarantees and fears lawsuits, while the EU insists on a plan to use 140 billion euros.
The United States granted Hungary a one-year waiver from sanctions for using Russian oil and gas after Prime Minister Orban's meeting with President Trump. Hungary pledged to purchase approximately $600 million worth of liquefied natural gas from the US.
The European Union plans to establish a Center for Democratic Resilience to counter disinformation from Russia and other authoritarian regimes. This step is a response to the intensification of hybrid attacks and the spread of fake materials on social networks.
The United States fully supports the European Union's use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU proposes to use up to 185 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe without confiscating them.
EU countries could pay up to 5. 6 billion euros in interest payments annually if they do not agree on 140 billion euros for Ukraine, secured by Russian assets. The European Commission sent a document to EU capitals, highlighting the financial consequences of rejecting this plan.
British Vodafone and American AST SpaceMobile plan to build a European satellite mobile network that will expand access to broadband and support emergency response. Commercial deployment is expected in 2026, with Germany becoming the hub for satellite operations.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that drone sightings over Belgium could be related to discussions about the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium holds 183 billion euros in Russian assets, which constitutes the majority of all Russian state assets in the EU.
The European Commission is tightening visa rules for Russian citizens due to increasing security risks. Russians will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas, requiring a new application for each trip to the EU.
The SBU detained a militant of the "DPR" who tried to flee to the European Union by obtaining a Ukrainian passport. He participated in the battles for Donetsk airport, and now faces up to 15 years in prison.
Judge Tetiana Shuvalova claims numerous violations and the victory of individuals close to the HCJ members during the competition.
The EU introduced a new entry-exit system (EES) on October 12, which involves collecting biometric data from non-EU citizens. Currently, all checkpoints on the border with Hungary and Poland are connected to the system, and no traffic complications have been observed.
A bipartisan group of US senators is urging Hungary to stop buying Russian energy ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with US President Donald Trump. American lawmakers expressed concern that Hungary is not reducing its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Greece has begun fossil fuel drilling in the Mediterranean with US backing, for the first time in over four decades. This occurred on the day of the COP30 climate summit, where world leaders called for increased action on climate change.
President Zelenskyy discussed with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov strengthening energy security and defense cooperation. The parties agreed on joint production of defense products, particularly for security in the Black Sea.
