European Union

EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine, calling them unacceptable. Brussels is considering the 18th package of sanctions and discussing a price cap on oil for the Russian Federation.

Ukraine's accession to SEPA will allow Ukrainian banks and fintech companies to operate under European conditions, simplifying euro transfers. This will open up new opportunities for businesses and Ukrainians abroad, although the euro exchange rate will depend on other factors.

The Russian coal industry is experiencing a crisis due to high borrowing costs, sanctions, and falling demand in China. Only half of the companies remain profitable, and some mines have suspended production.

In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the strengthening of defense cooperation with Ukraine and the encouragement of private investments for post-war reconstruction. At a conference in Rome, air defense and drone technologies were discussed, as well as the creation of a fund to mobilize private capital.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in Rome that Russian assets could be unfrozen on the condition that Ukraine is compensated 500 billion euros. Frozen Russian assets abroad amount to over 300 billion euros.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's defense needs. The leaders also touched upon strengthening air defense and cooperation in arms production.

President Zelenskyy met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The parties discussed Ukraine's European integration and the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as a new support package of over 2 billion euros.

The European Union and Israel have reached an agreement to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Measures include increasing humanitarian aid supplies, restoring aid routes, and repairing infrastructure.

EU governments are demanding that Brussels keep national plans for phasing out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027 secret. This is due to the desire to avoid influencing market prices and disclosing confidential information.

President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing massive Russian shelling, increased investment in Ukrainian drone production, and the situation on the battlefield. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on its path to European integration and called on Slovakia to unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

The European Commission has dismissed a freelance translator over security concerns. The translator took notes during a meeting between European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which is prohibited by the EU code of conduct.

Ukrainian companies, in particular LLC "MS AVIA-GRADE", face unsubstantiated accusations and responsibility for the actions of their suppliers, even when complying with the law. Experts emphasize systemic problems of law enforcement and the need for a clear distinction of responsibility between the customer and the supplier.

The President stated that Ukraine will be ready to open other clusters of negotiations on accession to the European Union this year.

Czech President Petr Pavel presented a plan for post-war reconstruction of Ukraine in Rome. It envisages attracting private capital, institutional reforms, and shared responsibility of allies.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Ukraine's reconstruction depends on its victory in the war, which means territorial integrity and lasting peace. He noted that Ukraine's victory is a matter of security for all of Europe and the return of people to the country.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen successfully survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the far-right in the European Parliament. 360 MEPs voted against the resolution, 175 voted for, allowing her to retain her position.

Ukraine received 1 billion euros from the EU from profits on frozen Russian assets. Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has already received more than 18.5 billion dollars from frozen Russian funds.

The Foreign Minister urged foreign partners not to delay new sanctions against Russia after the massive attack on Kyiv on July 10. He emphasized the need for quick action on the US Senate bill and the 18th EU sanctions package.

The meeting in Rome will focus on Ukraine's long-term recovery and the mobilization of investments, particularly private sector funds.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. They discussed Ukraine's integration into the EU, unblocking negotiation clusters, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced her resignation after two years at the helm, thanking Elon Musk for his trust. She emphasized the platform's transformation into a "digital town square for all voices" and noted that "the best is yet to come" with the xAI company.

Hungarian company MOL considers the Odesa-Brody oil pipeline and sea deliveries as the best solution to reduce energy dependence on Russia. The project requires significant investment and political support, given the war in Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in Rome. Issues discussed included the return of Ukrainian children, European integration, sanctions against Russia, and the creation of a Special Tribunal.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, assuring support for Ukraine and expressing hope for a swift start to negotiations regarding EU accession. He emphasized that Ukraine's security is linked to Europe's security.

The European Business Association supports draft law No. 13233 on Ukraine's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), but proposes to refine certain provisions. This concerns the definition of "senior management", simplification of non-resident verification, revision of financial monitoring thresholds, and alternative approaches to beneficiary identification.

Production of strong alcohol in Russia fell by 16% in the first half of 2025, and vodka by 10. 9% compared to 2024. At the same time, alcohol consumption is growing, and sales of rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila increased by 10.2%.

Law enforcement conducted a large-scale special operation to eliminate criminal schemes at customs in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi, and Volyn regions. A high-ranking State Customs Service official was detained, and officials who demanded bribes and facilitated smuggling were exposed.