European Union

The Irish regulator fined TikTok €530 million for illegally transferring European data to China and for insufficient transparency. The company plans to appeal the decision.

In the first months after Trump's return, Russian billionaires collectively became $15 billion richer. Usmanov earned the most, but some, like Lisin, on the contrary, suffered losses.

Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that Putin is the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine.

Marta Kos declared her support for the opening of Cluster 1 for Ukraine and Moldova in the EU. The European Commission positively assesses Ukraine's progress in reforms for accession.

In 2024, almost 50,000 Ukrainians received certificates of proficiency in the state language. 18 audio guides and theatrical productions were launched abroad.

The agreement between Ukraine and the United States provides for investments in 57 strategic minerals, including lithium, uranium and titanium. Tax benefits and free conversion of the hryvnia are also provided.

During a rally of the far-right politician Grzegorz Braun in Poland, the Ukrainian flag was torn down. The incident occurred in the Lublin Voivodeship, the identity of the perpetrator has been established.

For the first time in 20 years, 5 Serbian trade unions will jointly protest with students against corruption, triggered by the railway station tragedy. They demand changes to labor legislation.

EU countries cannot agree on a "Buy European" position in the joint defense procurement program. Industry insists on prioritizing European manufacturers, with an exception for Great Britain.

Against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 16 countries in the EU have initiated a request to activate the "exception clause". This should facilitate the transition to higher defense spending at the national level.

The European Union is developing an alternative plan to maintain sanctions against the Russian Federation if the United States makes concessions to Russia regarding Ukraine. Brussels seeks to maintain the unity of EU member states on this issue.

Microsoft will defend the interests of cloud service consumers in the EU and resist government overreach. The company is ready to sue if ordered to suspend its cloud business.

In the Lviv region, a businessman was detained for organizing the illegal border crossing for draft evaders. For $9,000, he promised a transfer through the forests of Transcarpathia to the European Union.

In 2024, more than 93 million people in the EU were at risk of poverty, with Bulgaria and Romania being the leaders. The lowest rates were recorded in the Czech Republic and Slovenia.

The pro-Russian party "Vazrazhdane" signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian party "United Russia", despite the fact that Russia considers Bulgaria an "unfriendly country".

Due to legislative restrictions related to neutrality, Swiss defense companies are massively moving production outside the country. Switzerland risks losing lucrative contracts.

The European Commission is investing 910 million euros in the European Defense Fund. For the first time, the Ukrainian defense industry will be able to join the fund's projects, strengthening cooperation.

Gas consumption in the EU has fallen by 20% since 2021, which has allowed to reduce gas imports, and the bloc will be able to meet demand without additional infrastructure or imports.

The President of Ukraine signed a law promoting the development of volunteerism among students. The law enshrines the rights of volunteers and encourages social responsibility.

At night, SBU drones "hit" the Murom Instrument-Making Plant, which works for the Russian navy and aviation. There were 5 explosions at the plant, and a fire broke out.

Pressure on civil society has increased in Georgia, and cases of violence against protesters have been recorded. A number of laws restricting freedom of speech and assembly have been passed.

Despite statements about transformation, the ARMA leadership is actively resisting draft law No. 12374-d, which should reform the management system of seized property due to unwillingness to lose control.

The leaders of Poland, Britain, France and Germany will not be in Kyiv on May 9. Meanwhile, Fico plans to be at the parade in Moscow, despite EU warnings.

The government of Ukraine has approved a package of draft laws for joining the single euro payment zone SEPA. This will allow for quick transfers in euros between Ukraine and 36 European countries without unnecessary commissions.

A state of emergency has been declared in 55 districts of Slovakia due to brown bears. The government has involved the army to track down the predators, one bear has already been killed.

Sybiga had his first telephone conversation with the future head of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs: what was discussed.

The European Court has ruled that Malta's citizenship-for-investment program violates EU law. Malta is now obliged to stop issuing "golden passports".

The European Union will continue to increase military aid to Ukraine, despite a possible change in the US position on peace talks. EU members have already allocated 23 billion euros to support.

The government of Montenegro is initiating a review of all honorary citizenships granted to foreigners. The decision was made following the case of a businessman who is implicated in a case involving the embezzlement of more than €2.2 million.

The EU does not rule out separating Moldova's accession process from Ukraine's due to Hungary's resistance. Only Budapest opposes Ukraine's accession to the EU, blocking negotiations.