European Union

Romania has extended the mandatory licensing requirement for Ukrainian products until December 31, 2025. This measure, introduced to protect local farmers, covers the entire agri-food supply chain.

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard calls for an extension of talks between the EU and the US beyond the July 9 deadline for a more favourable trade agreement. Progress in negotiations remains questionable, and the US's 10% "mutual" tariff could become the baseline for any agreement.

Ukraine has fully synchronized the 13th and 14th packages of EU sanctions against the Russian Federation and will 100% synchronize the EU sanctions package against Iran. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of sanctions for limiting Russian capabilities and expects quick action from Ukrainian institutions.

US President Donald Trump will support new sanctions against Russia, which provide for tariffs for countries that buy goods from the Russian Federation. Senator Lindsey Graham discussed this issue with Trump, noting that everything is going well for the bill to be signed.

The US administration lifted sanctions on the Hungarian Paks NPP expansion project, which were imposed by the previous Joe Biden government.

Budapest hosted its largest LGBTQ+ Pride in 30 years, gathering 200,000 participants despite the Orbán government's ban. The Mayor of Budapest and the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain led the demonstration, while the European Parliament emphasized support for European values.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Polish President Andrzej Duda discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, supporting Ukraine through the SAFE and ReArm Europe initiatives, and the importance of strengthening Ukrainian air defense. They also touched upon the issue of using frozen Russian assets.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his refusal to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that Zelenskyy hates him. Fico believes that Ukraine's EU membership is beneficial for Slovakia.

During a press conference with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to strengthen relations between the two states. They discussed the security situation, diplomacy, EU decisions, and coordination with NATO partners, as well as assistance to Ukraine and the interest of Polish companies in reconstruction.

During his farewell visit to Kyiv, Polish President Andrzej Duda discussed further aid to Ukraine and the decisions of the NATO summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Economic relations were also discussed, particularly the interest of Polish companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not plan talks with Putin, as previous contacts did not lead to de-escalation.

Budapest is set to host Pride. A record number of participants are expected to protest the Hungarian government's restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.

Germany will increase the minimum wage to 13. 90 euros per hour in 2026 and to 14.60 euros in 2027. This will make it the second highest in the EU after Luxembourg.

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak discussed with advisors from partner countries the results of the NATO summit and the prospects for Ukraine's European integration. The discussion focused on increasing pressure on Russia and the importance of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump.

European NATO countries are increasing defense spending but refusing American weapons. This is due to concerns about the policy of Trump, who has already threatened to annex the territory of a European country.

The EU is preparing to adopt the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, focused on energy and the shadow fleet. The restrictions will include a ban on European companies participating in Russian projects and personal sanctions against captains and ship owners.

US President Donald Trump said that he could introduce increased tariffs on European exports before or after July 9, the previously set target date. He noted that the date is not fixed and can be changed depending on the achievement of an agreement.

Donald Trump announced the suspension of negotiations with Ottawa on tariffs in response to Canada's introduction of a digital services tax on American tech companies. The U.S. will impose tariffs on Canada within seven days.

Fragments of downed Russian drones were displayed at an exhibition in Kyiv, including the "Oreshnik" ballistic missile and an updated "Shahed" with artificial intelligence and a camera. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted the presence of foreign components in Russian missiles and drones.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia produces more ammunition than all EU countries combined. He emphasized that sanctions against Russia are vital for stopping the Russian war machine for the sake of security not only of Ukraine but also of EU and NATO countries.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Senator Lindsey Graham's bill on sanctions against Russia can play a decisive role in achieving a truce. This bill is supported by 82 US senators.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, as Moscow rejects US peace efforts and a ceasefire, demonstrating a lack of pressure. He emphasized that devastating sanctions are a key tool to force Russia to a peaceful settlement.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his country stopped Ukraine's accession to the European Union. According to him, Ukraine's membership in the EU would drag Hungary into war and destroy it.

The introduction of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia is delayed due to disagreements among allies. Hungary and Slovakia are blocking the restrictions, demanding guarantees of gas supplies, while the US is not rushing to lower the price cap on Russian oil.

Ukraine is preparing to launch the Defence City joint arms production program with international partners by September. The program includes 21 initiatives for localizing production in Ukraine and up to 10 projects abroad, particularly in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree that activates the National Security and Defense Council's decision on synchronizing sanctions against the Russian Federation. The goal is to increase pressure on the aggressor and limit its military-industrial potential.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the NSDC decision sets tasks for state institutions, against the background of the need to synchronize sanctions of Ukraine and partners against the Russian Federation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a European tour from June 30 to July 6, visiting the EU headquarters, Germany, and France. The purpose of the visit is the final согласоvание of details for the China-EU summit in Beijing on July 24-25.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the results of the European Council meeting "important. " He noted the decisions regarding security support, pressure on Russia, and a high evaluation of Ukraine's transformation on the path to the EU.

Ukrainians in the UK are denied asylum, claiming it is safe to return home. According to The Guardian, this causes additional anxiety, despite the 18-month visa.