European Union
The President of Ukraine discussed European integration and the strengthening of bilateral relations with the Prime Minister of Slovakia. The leaders are preparing for a personal meeting in Kyiv and Bratislava in the near future.
Trump has focused on Iran, pushing Ukraine to the background. In response, the EU has allocated 90 billion euros in aid and is preparing its own defense autonomy.
The US will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and cancel artillery deployments. Defense Minister Pistorius urged Europe to strengthen its own security.
Trump is raising tariffs on cars from the EU to 25% due to trade agreement violations. If Europeans manufacture cars and trucks at plants in the US, "there will be no tariff."
Bernd Lange has called the US increase of tariffs on EU cars to 25% unacceptable. He accused Washington of violating agreements and urged the EU to take a firm stance.
Donald Trump will raise tariffs on passenger cars and trucks from the EU to 25%. The new rules will not apply to vehicles manufactured at American plants.
Abbas Araghchi discussed ending the conflict with Israel and the United States with his foreign counterparts. Iran has conveyed a new proposal to Washington through intermediaries.
Roksolana Pidlasa, Chair of the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, noted: in May, Ukraine will receive €28. 3 billion for weapons, and in June – €16.7 billion for the budget. This refers to the EU's Ukraine Support Loan.
In the first quarter of 2026, over 2. 8 million new cars were sold in the EU. Germany emerged as the market leader, while the fewest vehicles were registered in Malta.
The trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur entered into provisional force on May 1. It covers 720 million people and provides for the abolition of billions in customs duties.
Ukraine plans to open six negotiation clusters by July and join the EU in 2027. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka during the Question Hour to the Government in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Ihor Zhovkva stated there are no barriers to EU membership or the opening of negotiation clusters during a meeting with a delegation from the Ukrainian-Austrian inter-parliamentary group led by its chair, Henrike Brandstötter.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Trump's mood influences oil prices. The politician also suggested the possibility of a future collapse of the NATO bloc.
The international jury of the 2026 Venice Biennale has resigned. The reason was a demand to exclude Russia and Israel from the competition due to ICC allegations.
The "Revival" party proposes to terminate the security agreement with Ukraine. Politicians also demand the cancellation of financial guarantees worth 1.2 billion euros.
The share of Chinese imports of sanctioned goods to the Russian Federation has risen to 90%. This allows Moscow to ramp up the production of missiles and drones for the war.
Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels of a humanitarian flotilla in international waters near Crete. 175 activists were detained and are being transported to Israel.
Kaja Kallas stated there was a lack of progress following the conversation between Trump and Putin. She emphasized the lack of pressure on Russia and unresolved issues regarding peace.
The President of Ukraine announced his readiness to meet with Péter Magyar. Zelenskyy maintains that there are no real problems.
The National Bank has downgraded its 2026 inflation forecast to 9. 4% and GDP growth to 1.3%. The reasons cited were attacks on the energy sector and the situation in the Middle East.
Péter Magyar demands the expansion of rights for the Hungarian minority to approve Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. His demands concern education and language.
In the first quarter of 2024, Ukraine exported 15. 5 million tons of agricultural products worth 6.3 billion dollars. Revenue increased due to an increase in the share of processing.
The EU is preparing a model for Ukraine's gradual integration with access to the market and programs without voting rights. Membership is possible no earlier than 2027 due to required reforms.
Following a drone attack in Dzerzhinsk, smoke was spotted near the Sverdlov explosives plant. The Russian strategic enterprise is under international sanctions.
The European Commission has accused Meta of insufficient age verification for children on Facebook and Instagram. The company faces a fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
From January to April 2024, the Russian Federation exported 850,000 tons of grain from the occupied territories. Ukraine is preparing sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet.
Italy's Ministry of Culture is investigating the Biennale due to Russia's admission to the 2026 exhibition. The EU is threatening to cancel two million euros in funding for the event.
In 2025, Ukraine withdrew 5 billion cubic meters of water, primarily for the energy sector and housing and communal services. The largest volumes of water withdrawal were recorded in 6 regions. The highest load from polluted discharges was observed in 5 regions and Kyiv.
This concerns five new categories related to the damage or destruction of critical and non-critical infrastructure. The Register also records the damage, destruction, or loss of assets.
The European Commission has allowed EU countries to subsidize companies due to the rising cost of energy resources. The new rules will remain in effect until the end of the year to support businesses.