Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the country is not changing its foreign policy line and will not join the EU sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that Serbia pursues an independent policy that corresponds to the interests of its citizens.
President Zelenskyy and European Commission President von der Leyen discussed the anti-corruption bodies bill, which is to be adopted next week. Ukraine continues reforms to receive financial assistance and synchronizes sanctions against the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law that initiates a large-scale reform of ARMA, which provides for changes in asset management and strengthening control. This step opens the way for Ukraine to receive 600 million euros in financial assistance from the EU.
Greece is facing five large-scale wildfires that have engulfed several regions, including Attica, where an evacuation has been announced. Due to intense heat and wind, the flames are spreading rapidly, causing injuries to firefighters, destruction of property, and forest areas.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against over 90 Russian companies that extract rare earth metals for the Russian military-industrial complex. Additionally, 18 packages of European sanctions have been synchronized, targeting the shadow tanker fleet and 53 individuals and legal entities.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree on new personal sanctions against dozens of individuals and legal entities from Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE. The restrictions apply to companies involved in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals for drone production and the supply of military-purpose technologies to the Russian military-industrial complex.
Emil Brix, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, proposed discussing Austria's accession to NATO. NEOS party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that neutrality no longer guarantees protection, advocating for open debates on the future of the country's security policy.
Western sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine are increasing the isolation of Kaliningrad, which has no land connection with Russia. This has led to overloaded sea routes and problems for small businesses in the region.
The European Union is cutting part of its aid to Ukraine by 1. 5 billion euros due to decisions that de facto eliminate the independence of NABU and SAPO. Aid of 50 billion euros can be restored provided reforms are carried out and corruption is fought.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to conclude a trade deal before Friday's deadline. If no agreement is reached, 30% tariffs on EU exports to the US will come into effect.
Ukraine and Slovenia have agreed on new projects in the areas of water supply, energy efficiency, and communal infrastructure for frontline regions. Slovenian companies will also participate in housing reconstruction, green energy development, and waste management.
US President Donald Trump called the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging them to cease hostilities that erupted at the beginning of the week, and warned about the absence of trade agreements. Both countries face economic challenges, including the threat of high US tariffs, and Thailand, which depends on exports, has not yet concluded agreements with the US.
Georgian and American military equipment, including US armored vehicles and Georgian Didgori and Cobra, has been transferred from Senaki to Vaziani for the Agile Spirit 2025 exercises. The convoy passed along the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway, welcomed by local residents.
Qatar, the third largest LNG exporter, threatens to cut gas supplies to the EU in response to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The country demands changes to the law concerning forced labor and environmental standards, and also objects to the requirement for climate transition plans.
Wall Street's relentless rise this summer has pushed stock valuations close to record levels, prompting warnings of "euphoric" markets entering "bubble" territory. The S&P 500 index has reached historic peaks, and the cost of borrowing for US corporations has approached its lowest level in decades.
In Russia's Stavropol, the Signal radio factory, which produces active jamming stations, was attacked. Local residents report a drone strike on the building of the enterprise, which is under international sanctions.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed "strategic" cooperation to Ukraine, believing that Ukraine's membership in the EU would allegedly transfer the war to Europe. He previously stated that he would block Ukraine's accession to the EU and threatened to block the EU budget of 100 billion euros for Ukraine.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine states that it has fulfilled its obligations to the EU, expecting €12. 5 billion in support for 2025. This comes amid a reduction in the next aid tranche due to reform delays, although Ukraine claims that 13 out of 16 necessary reforms have been completed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss a trade deal. European diplomats do not expect a quick agreement due to Trump's tendency for last-minute cancellations and the complexity of decision-making in the EU.
The European Parliament is considering proposals to accelerate the EU's abandonment of Russian gas to January 2027, a year earlier than the European Commission's initial plan. Lawmakers propose obliging governments to impose sanctions on companies that violate the ban.
US President Donald Trump said the chances of reaching a trade deal with the European Union are "50-50, maybe even less. " He noted that for an agreement, Europe would have to lower its tariffs.
The EU Council has decided to integrate Moldova into the "roam like at home" zone from January 1, 2026. This will allow citizens of Moldova and the EU to use mobile communications without additional costs in the respective countries.
G7 ambassadors welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's commitment to quickly restore and ensure the independence of anti-corruption bodies. They expect the Verkhovna Rada to quickly adopt the law submitted by Zelenskyy, which is key for reforms and EU integration.
Serbia has confirmed its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its European aspirations, but is not ready to join the EU sanctions against Russia. Minister Nemanja Starović explained this by economic consequences and the lack of security guarantees as a non-EU member.
The price on the spot gold market decreased by 0. 5% to $3350.08 per ounce. The strengthening of the US dollar and optimism regarding trade negotiations between the US and the EU are putting pressure on gold prices.
Chinese automaker Zeekr, part of the Geely group, plans to expand its operations in the EU despite the imposed tariffs. The company is preparing to enter the markets of Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 12-24 months.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed government officials to present the bill on strengthening the powers of NABU and SAPO to all partners and to engage expert capabilities. The bill provides for the return of old norms, mandatory polygraph for employees with access to state secrets, and a ban on travel abroad for NABU employees.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposing that Germany participate in the expert review of the draft law on anti-corruption bodies. The situation at the front and the need to finance drone production were also discussed.
The European Commission has received support from EU member states for the introduction of 30% tariffs on goods from the USA if a trade agreement is not reached. The tariffs could affect goods worth 93 billion euros, but their introduction has been suspended until August 7 for negotiations.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
