European Union

The world's most influential finance ministers are gathering for the second time this year in South Africa for a G20 meeting, which the US Treasury Secretary will again miss. This comes amid the trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump and his criticism of the BRICS countries.

European partners will contribute to the purchase of Patriot systems for Ukraine, while NATO will not be directly involved. Germany and Norway are discussing funding for several systems, awaiting US approval.

Ukraine approved the opening of the roaming sector with the EU, which is a step towards launching a "roaming visa-free regime" from 2026. This will allow Ukrainians not to pay for roaming in 27 EU countries.

The US Department of Agriculture has lowered its expectations for wheat production in Ukraine for the 2025-2026 marketing year. Wheat exports from Ukraine have been reduced to 15.5 million tons, and global wheat trade will also decrease.

China's coal imports in June 2024 reached their lowest level since February 2023, falling by 11% in the first half of the year. This is due to weak demand caused by the shrinking real estate market and a slowdown in heavy industry.

Europe is facing a new wave of AI-powered Russian disinformation, doubling bot attacks on email and media. This tests the EU's Digital Services Act, which may become stricter.

Gold prices rose to a three-week high, and silver approached a 14-year high, amid demand for safe-haven assets following Trump's tariff threats. Investors are awaiting US inflation data and a possible rate easing by the Fed.

Oil prices rose by more than 2% due to expectations of new US sanctions against Russia. Increased production by Saudi Arabia and uncertainty with tariffs limit price growth.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the adoption of the 18th package of anti-Russian EU sanctions. Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions against Russia and warned of Slovakia's possible isolation.

EU ambassadors have practically agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a 15% reduction in the price cap for Russian oil. A final agreement is expected before the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

Donald Trump announced his intention to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, the cost of which will be reimbursed by the European Union. The US President is increasingly disillusioned with Putin, as the Russian dictator resists Trump's attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the possible introduction of 30% tariffs by the US would "hit German exports in the heart. " Germany is considering counter-tariffs and coordinating actions with EU leaders to prevent this.

As of early 2025, the EU population exceeded 450 million, an increase of 1. 07 million over the year. The growth is driven by migration after the COVID-19 pandemic, although the overall growth rate is slowing down.

The European Union will continue negotiations with the United States on a trade agreement until August 1, but is ready for proportional countermeasures. This is a response to the US president's statement about introducing a 30% tariff on EU exports, which will harm businesses and consumers.

Starting August 1, the United States is imposing 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union and Mexico. President Donald Trump announced this on social media, expanding tariff restrictions to a number of countries.

Slovakia aims to conclude an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by July 15 regarding energy security guarantees. Without these guarantees, the country is blocking a new package of sanctions against Russia, related to the cessation of Russian gas imports.

Ukraine hopes for new US sanctions against Russia and their synchronization with the 18th EU sanctions package. The goal is to force the Russian Federation to cease fire on all fronts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Russian strikes on Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi, calling on partners to intensify work on the 18th package of sanctions. He emphasized the need to deprive Moscow of oil revenues that finance war crimes.

The trade agreement between the US and the EU may fall apart due to disagreements over customs tariffs on agricultural products and cars. The EU proposes to limit tariffs on agricultural exports to 10%, while the US insists on flexibility; there are also disagreements regarding tariffs on cars.

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.