European Union

In 2024, Berlin recorded 77 attacks on asylum seekers and 8 cases of damage to housing. 34 people were hospitalized, and authorities are investigating the incidents.

Presidential elections will be held in Romania, which may lead to political instability and affect support for Ukraine. The election results may cause division among European countries.

Countries are looking for reliable trading partners in Europe after Trump's trade war. Trust in the EU is growing, with support for membership reaching 74%, the highest level in 40 years.

Britain is close to an agreement with the EU that will open access to the EU's €150 billion defense fund for British arms manufacturers. In exchange, Britain has made concessions on fishing rights.

The European Union is looking for ways to facilitate the import of American gas, while adhering to rules on methane emissions. This is done to avoid a trade war with the US and increase gas purchases.

US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink is concluding her mission after three years of work. She called this position "the honor of a lifetime" and summarized US efforts to support Ukraine in the war, reforms, and the economy.

The grey market for gadgets in Ukraine caused losses of UAH 5. 5 billion in VAT, the share of grey Apple reaches 71%. The problem is global: the EU and the US are also fighting smuggling and billions in losses from grey imports.

Hungary can force the EU to lift sanctions against €210 billion of frozen Russian assets. This will remove the guarantee on loans to Ukraine and shift their coverage to EU and G7 taxpayers.

The number of DeLorean DMC cars, known thanks to the film "Back to the Future", is decreasing. Their shortage and iconic status are leading to a significant increase in prices.

Russia has worsened its forecast for oil exports this year and lowered its Urals price expectation to $56 per barrel. According to the forecast, this may require the use of reserves to cover expenses.

The Kremlin justifies the invasion of Ukraine with rhetoric of fighting "Nazism". This is aimed at militarizing society and preparing for a possible prolonged conflict with NATO.

The German company EKC is the largest supplier of chromium to the Russian Federation, which is used in military equipment. From January 2023 to April 2024, it exported metal worth 24.2 million euros, covering half of Russia's imports.

Great Britain called on Russia to commit to a full ceasefire, not just a one-day pause. Complete silence would allow for negotiations on a just and lasting peace, the British Foreign Office said.

The EU skeptically assessed Putin's statement about the "Easter truce". The European Union stated that Russia must prove its intentions to stop aggression with real actions, as words do not correspond to reality.

How RSE became a symbol of energy independence during the war.

Russia is lobbying for the restoration of direct flights to the US as part of a ceasefire agreement, linking this to the lifting of sanctions against "Aeroflot". The European Union is categorically against opening its skies due to sanctions, security issues, and "stolen" aircraft, which makes flights to the US without flying over the EU extremely difficult.

Due to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue in the EU, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection has established "hotlines" in the regions of Ukraine. Animal owners are asked to immediately report any suspicions at these numbers.

Lithuania is modernising the Vilnius-Augustów road in the Suwałki Corridor for civilian and military needs. These works, planned to be completed by 2028, will improve logistics and mobility.

During the meeting between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni at the White House, tension arose over the issue of responsibility for the war in Ukraine. When Meloni was asked about Trump's attitude towards Zelenskyy, he himself intervened and expressed criticism of the Ukrainian president, although he did not blame him for the invasion.

Dmytro Medvedev stated on April 18 that the EU should stop participating in the conflict in Ukraine, following the example of the US. In his opinion, this will allow Russia to "deal with the situation faster".

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held telephone talks with the head of European diplomacy. The discussion focused on the next steps to restore a just peace and strengthen air defense.

The United States has presented allies with proposals for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The plan envisions a ceasefire and a possible easing of sanctions against Moscow in the event of a lasting truce.

Foreign ministers of European countries will meet in Kyiv on May 9, 2025, which will coincide with Europe Day and Russian celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory. This will be an act of solidarity with Ukraine.

The Austrian Finance Minister stated that the country will support the use of frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to help Ukraine. But Austria will not be the first to take the initiative on this issue.

The Moldovan Parliament has decided to hold early elections on September 28. A tense struggle for influence is expected between the pro-Western PAS and the coalition led by Stoianoglo.

Manfred Weber spoke out against a complete ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, offering an alternative: CO₂ emissions compensation. He proposed hybrids and range extenders as transitional options.

In Ukraine, the collection of applications to the Register of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation continues. They can be submitted through the "Diia" portal in 9 categories, and all 45 are planned to be opened by the end of the year.

Trump's global trade war is leading to a fall in stocks, especially for technology companies. Nvidia expects losses of $5.5 billion, and airlines are preparing for an uncertain summer season.

The EU will not impose sanctions against Russian LNG in the new package due to internal disputes and lack of alternatives. A gradual abandonment of energy from the Russian Federation is planned by 2027.

A briefing for diplomats on sanctions against Russia was held in the OP. The impact of restrictions, foreign components in weapons and the confiscation of Russian assets were discussed.