European Union

Danish Economy Minister Stephanie Lose warned that a massive increase in military spending in the EU could pose a serious risk to the bloc's financial stability. This applies to countries that do not control the reduction of budget deficits and public debt.

Apple has appealed the European Commission's decision to fine it 500 million euros for violating competition rules. Apple believes that the Commission's demands exceed the limits of the law and impose confusing conditions for developers.

European countries plan to double military investments to develop their own defense industry. They face the problem of lacking quality alternatives to American weaponry, such as the F-35 and Patriot systems.

The EU diplomatic service will present member states next week with options for action against Israel in response to human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Restrictions could include suspending the agreement, sanctions against ministers and military personnel, trade measures, an arms embargo, or suspending scientific cooperation.

The European Union plans to create emergency reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth metals, and cable repair kits. This decision was made amid growing concerns about the EU's vulnerability to attacks and hybrid threats.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country's future in the EU depends on Moldovans ahead of the September parliamentary elections. The EU has allocated the first tranche of 270 million euros for Moldova.

The United States of America is considering imposing 17% tariffs on agricultural exports from the European Union. European officials are trying to negotiate exemptions for certain goods, including aircraft parts and alcohol.

Slovakia has blocked the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia for the second time, demanding guarantees from the European Commission regarding the RePowerEU initiative. This initiative envisages abandoning Russian gas by 2028, which, according to Slovakia, will have negative economic consequences.

The European Union and Moldova signed a declaration condemning Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and hybrid attacks. The document also demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria.

The Slovenian parliament approved a referendum on increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, which could hinder government plans. The opposition and two coalition parties supported the initiative, which is consultative in nature.

Ukraine will not suffer losses from the new terms of trade with the EU, despite the National Bank's assessment of possible export losses. An agreement has been reached to revise the free trade area, which provides for an increase in quotas for a number of goods and the liberalization of some positions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Kyiv of attempting to influence the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections. According to him, Ukrainian special services are operating in Hungary with the aim of bringing a pro-Ukrainian government to power.

Today, European Union ambassadors will consider the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Journalist Rikard Jozwiak notes that there will be no "white smoke" (decision) today.

Ukraine and Denmark have signed an agreement on the establishment of Ukrainian defense production facilities in Denmark. Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production and supply to the Ukrainian army.

In the first quarter of 2025, housing prices in the European Union increased by 5. 7%, and rental prices by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Since 2010, housing prices in the EU have risen by 57.9%, and rental prices by 27.8%.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, discussing the situation in Ukraine. This happened on the same day that Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin.

Agroholding MHP is switching to a partnership model of cooperation with agricultural producers, offering support in product certification.

Forest fires in Turkey claimed two lives, one of whom was an excavator operator fighting the blaze. A little-known group, "Children of Fire," claiming ties to Kurdish militants, has taken responsibility for dozens of arsons.

Ryanair is increasing the maximum dimensions of under-seat carry-on baggage from 40×25×20 cm to 40×30×20 cm, which increases the bag's volume from 20 to 24 liters. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and will exceed the minimum dimensions recommended by the EU.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine. He explained this by fears that the US would then fully shift its attention to China.

The European Union may soon adopt the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia has received guarantees from the European Commission regarding a gradual phase-out of Russian energy carriers by 2027, which removes obstacles to the approval of new restrictions.

US President Donald Trump will personally decide on extending the term of customs negotiations with trade partners after July 9. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Trump will determine whether partners are negotiating in good faith.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with EU and Danish leaders, discussing Ukraine's accession to the EU, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and military aid. The parties emphasized the importance of pressure on the Russian Federation and the use of frozen Russian assets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European countries to increase pressure on Russia, calling it a deliberate anti-European project. He emphasized the need for tough sanctions, a cap on oil prices, and an end to dual-use goods supplies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for the opening of the negotiation cluster regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU during Denmark's presidency of the European Council. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the EU's strength.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Frederik X of Denmark. They discussed patronage over affected regions, cooperation in military medicine, and support for veterans. Zelenskyy also invited Danish companies to participate in prosthetics and rehabilitation projects.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Europe lives in a world of predators and must actively defend democracy. Denmark, which has taken over the EU Council presidency, promises to strengthen the continent's security.

Denmark insists on applying Article 7 of the EU Treaty against Hungary due to violations of fundamental rights. Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre in Aarhus mentioned Budapest's blocking of Ukraine's membership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the transfer of two million shells and 1. 5 billion euros to Ukraine. The aid is financed by Russian funds, which underscores the importance of the Save Safe program for investments in Ukraine's defense.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated the need for a strategic rethinking of the EU's defense policy. They emphasized that supporting Ukraine with weapons is an investment in the security of the European Union, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are deterring a threat to Europe.