North of the Turkish coast, the tanker Kairos, part of Russia's shadow fleet, was damaged and caught fire. The vessel, which is under EU and UK sanctions, was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.
African swine fever has been detected in wild boars near Barcelona, Spain, marking the first case since 1994. This incident threatens pork exports to China, although the agreement allows restrictions only for the affected region.
An Italian court has ruled that plans to build a bridge between mainland Italy and Sicily violate environmental regulations and EU tender rules. The country's government is not abandoning the project, which is set to become the longest in the world and contribute to the region's economic development.
Belgium is slowing down the EU's decision to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, fearing legal claims from Russia and undermining trust in its financial institutions. This could also affect peace negotiations with Russia, which might refuse dialogue.
EU countries are increasing pressure on Belgium to unblock 140 billion euros of frozen Russian reserves. Belgium is accused of concealing information about tax revenues received from these assets.
The Asset Recovery and Management Agency has started collecting tender proposals for IDS Ukraine assets until December 12, 2025. The auction will take place on Prozorro in December 2025, with expected budget revenues of at least UAH 24 million per month.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine could harm a peace agreement. Belgium has not seen the legal wording from the European Commission, which will present a proposal this week on the use of the assets.
The European Commission is urging Western allies to speed up payments on a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. This comes as Belgium is stalling EU efforts to support Ukraine with a larger financing scheme using Russian assets.
The sanctions coalition imposed restrictions on over 500 entities in Russia's energy sector, including oil tankers and financial institutions. This led to a decrease in the price of Russian oil and a reduction in its exports, forecasting significant losses for the Russian budget.
The Parliament of Moldova has denounced the agreement with Russia on cultural centers, which will lead to the closure of the "Russian House" in Chisinau. The decision was supported by 57 deputies due to violations of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the EU to take more responsibility for European security and support peace in Ukraine. MEPs believe that lasting peace must be preceded by an effective ceasefire and reliable security guarantees from the EU and the US.
EU officials do not expect new sanctions against Russia before the holidays, and discussions on the 20th sanctions package are reportedly not expected to begin until January. This package will reportedly focus on closing loopholes, particularly in the export of natural rubber, which is used in Russia's defense industry.
American analysts have identified little-known sanctions that could harm the Russian war machine, focusing on chemicals for lubricants and tires. Blocking the Chinese company Xinxiang Richful and other suppliers could create a shortage of these critical materials.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that there are no signs of a quick peace in Ukraine. He noted that Putin is using a tactical moment to increase pressure on the front and civilians, expressing skepticism about a US-led peace agreement.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that concessions to Russia regarding borders threaten the security of Lithuania and Europe. He named three key levers of support for Ukraine: the use of frozen Russian assets, accelerated Ukrainian membership in the EU, and the creation of a Special Tribunal.
European countries are considering joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military exercises in response to Russia's hybrid attacks. This comes amid an unprecedented number of sabotage acts and attempted attacks linked to Moscow.
Thanks to sanctions, Russian oil exports have already decreased by 15-20%, and crude oil production in the Russian Federation will decrease by 5% by the end of the year. The 20th package of EU sanctions is being discussed, which includes restrictions on the financial sector and the infrastructure of the shadow fleet.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned against forcing Ukraine into unilateral territorial concessions. He emphasized that Ukraine must remain capable of defending itself in the future.
Frozen Russian assets could be the only way to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Europe. Europe must demand a just peace for Ukraine, using confiscated assets to save it.
Romania has agreed to introduce supervision of sanctioned companies, which also applies to Russia's "Lukoil".
The Ministry of Community Development has announced a call for applications from local self-government bodies to participate in a pilot project to create a municipal fund of affordable rental housing. The project's funding involves attracting 100 million euros from the European Investment Bank and the European Commission.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, stated the need to limit the size of the Russian army and its military budget. This is to prevent further military conflicts, avoiding the trap Russia is setting regarding limiting the Ukrainian army.
European politicians have agreed to improve the welfare of cats and dogs, as well as to track their origin. The document establishes minimum rules for all member states regarding microchipping, registration, and the prohibition of mutilation.
People's Deputy Oleksiy Honcharenko stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU would lead to a loss of sovereignty. Expert Boryslav Bereza criticized this statement, pointing to the lack of arguments and Poroshenko's previous actions.
Poland will receive 44 billion euros from SAFE funds to strengthen its army, drone systems, and security infrastructure on the EU's eastern border. The funding will also go towards space initiatives, AI-powered defense technologies, and the SAFE Baltic program.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Issues of strengthening sanctions against Russia, financial assistance to Ukraine, and the use of frozen Russian assets were discussed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined five EU priorities for peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine in the European Parliament on November 26. She emphasized the importance of a just peace, Ukraine's sovereignty, financial support, the role of the EU and NATO, and the return of abducted children.
EU countries are working on a "plan B" in case they cannot reach an agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his readiness to cooperate with the EU on financial support for Ukraine based on frozen Russian assets. This should show Putin that he needs to negotiate.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported significant progress in the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
