European Union

Ukrainian and EU officials have called on European theaters not to invite Russian artists who support the war. Instead, it is proposed to hire Ukrainian or European performers.

The free trade regime between Ukraine and the EU remains in place, but additional benefits have been abolished. Tariff quotas will apply to 40 categories of agricultural products, which may reduce revenue by $800 million.

Ukraine is preparing to become part of the "roaming like at home" zone from January 1, 2026. The EC has received a report on the laws adopted for integration.

The President of Ukraine stated the importance of progress in negotiations on joining the EU this year. He emphasized Ukraine's contribution to European unity and the need for security guarantees.

Ukraine has expressed dissatisfaction with the EU's plans to pay €3 billion to private investors from frozen Russian assets. Kyiv considers this unfair, insisting on compensation for the victims of aggression.

The EU and Ukraine are negotiating a new agreement on import quotas for agricultural products. The quotas will be set between current levels and temporary exemptions granted after the Russian invasion.

Ukraine's international reserves amounted to $44. 5 billion as of June 1, 2025, decreasing by 4.6% due to NBU's foreign exchange interventions and government debt payments. Despite the decrease, the volume of reserves remains sufficient.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding quotas for the export of Ukrainian products to the EU. Export losses are estimated at $800 million due to the restoration of the pre-war trade regime.

Ukraine and Norway have extended the "transport visa-free regime" until the end of 2025. Special permits for freight transportation are not required if the transport meets the Euro-5 standard.

Due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the EU and IOM are allocating funds for the restoration of pumping stations and water pipelines. The project is designed for 700,000 residents, including IDPs.

Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.

US President Donald Trump has spoken positively about a potential trade agreement with the European Union. Trump hopes for an agreement, otherwise the US will impose tariffs.

EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has said that climate change could quadruple the likelihood of conflict over scarce resources. The military is consulting on the impact of climate on security.

Queen Maxima presented the Cathedral in Prague with the Bell of Freedom, made from Russian shells fired at Ukraine. The bell symbolizes solidarity with Ukraine and all victims of aggression.

NATO defense ministers discussed support for Ukraine and the allocation of 25 billion euros in additional security assistance. Support was also given to assistance proposals announced at the "Ramstein" meeting.

Ukraine is preparing for changes in export policy due to the termination of EU preferences. It is planned to reduce the export of raw materials and increase domestic processing to increase profits.

The shadow economy in Ukraine reaches 50% of the market, which leads to budget losses of 800-900 billion hryvnias. The most profitable sectors are tobacco, alcohol, gadgets, the agricultural sector and the gambling business.

The restoration of the pre-war trade regime with the EU will lead to losses of Ukrainian exports of $800 million. However, these losses are not critical and can be compensated.

The National Council of Slovakia adopted a resolution prohibiting the government from voting for new sanctions against Russia at the international level. The Slovak National Party was the initiator.

Russian attacks in Ukraine have led to more than 8,000 crimes against the environment, causing €85 billion in damage. The war has heightened attention to the protection of environmental resources.

The European Union intends to impose sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin together with the United States. Restrictions are necessary to exert pressure and encourage negotiations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold his first meeting with Donald Trump. They will discuss Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and trade policy, including US tariffs.

The EU Council has extended the suspension of safeguard measures on imports of Ukrainian steel and iron for three years. This is to support Ukraine's economy amid the war with Russia.

The European Union has announced 13 new projects to increase the supply of metals and minerals. This decision was made against the background of China's restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets.

Alexander Stubb emphasized the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia from the US and the European Union. He assured close cooperation between members and partners of the Alliance.

A large-scale international experience exchange project has started in Ukraine to combat gambling addiction. FAVBET is the general partner, and the state standard for support has already been approved.

Ursula von der Leyen announced a proposal to extend EU protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians reside in the EU, most of whom are in Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

The European Commission has approved Bulgaria's transition to the euro from January 1, 2026, which will make it the 21st country in the Eurozone. The assessment confirms Bulgaria's compliance with the convergence criteria.

France and Belgium are not yet ready to support an EU ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, fearing economic consequences and seeking alternative sources of supply.

The Prime Minister of Moldova stated that Russia seeks to deploy 10,000 troops in unrecognized Transnistria and establish a pro-Russian government. Moscow is trying to interfere in elections and promote interests in Moldova.