European Union

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.

As of July 2, 2025, 14 cases of Chikungunya fever have been registered in seven regions of France. This is due to favorable climatic conditions and an increase in imported cases, which led to early symptom detection.

Poland calls on the European Union to fine Elon Musk's xAI Grok AI for obscene comments and antisemitic posts. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated that Poland could block the X social network.

The EU has not yet agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the European Commission proposed on June 10. Slovakia is blocking it due to unresolved issues of gas supplies after 2027.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for the resignation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and rejected Brussels' economic recommendations regarding fiscal policy. The Hungarian government refused the EC's demands for permanent fiscal measures to reduce the budget deficit, citing national priorities.

EU ambassadors approved sanctions against 7 individuals and 3 organizations accused of destabilizing the situation in Moldova. The sanctions will officially come into force next week.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's war crimes in Ukraine and supporting the investigation by the International Criminal Court. MEPs emphasized that Russia is responsible for the war of aggression and violations of international law.

Brent and WTI crude futures fell after rising to two-week highs. Investors are awaiting new developments regarding Trump's tariffs and the increase in US crude oil inventories.

US President Donald Trump has postponed the increase of trade tariffs on imports from the EU until August 1. Experts believe that this may be another postponement, as the customs war is not beneficial to either side, and its impact on Ukraine will be insignificant.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.

A deal between the EU and US President Donald Trump on threatened tariffs is unlikely to be reached in the coming days, according to Irish Minister Paschal Donohoe. The deadline for the agreement has been moved to August 1, allowing more time for negotiations.

President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."