European Union

The EU has transferred 1 billion euros to Ukraine under the ERA initiative, which is the third tranche from the revenues from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be used for priority expenditures of the state budget.

Estonia has abolished the right to vote in local elections for citizens of Russia, Belarus and stateless persons. Amendments to the Constitution have already been adopted, but will take effect after the 2025 elections.

The European Union plans to reduce gas procurement targets, ignoring US demands for $350 billion in imports. This decision was made against the backdrop of economic problems and Trump's tariffs.

The US has not yet made a decision on the withdrawal of up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. Polish leaders assure that it is only about the redeployment of American units.

The tenth meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will take place on April 9, 2025 in Brussels. The impact of the war, the reconstruction of Ukraine and financial assistance from the EU will be discussed.

Since 2010, the largest increase in house prices has occurred in Hungary (+234%) and Estonia (+228%).

The introduction of US duties against the EU and China is an invitation to negotiations. Possible EU duties against the US will be a lever of pressure, not real intentions.

Germany has temporarily suspended the reception of refugees under the UN program due to negotiations on a new coalition. In 2024-2025, the country pledged to accept 13,100 refugees.

Oleksiy Chernyshov stated that the change of status of Ukrainians abroad is possible only after the onset of a lasting peace. The effect of the Temporary Protection Directive has been extended until March 2026.

Ursula von der Leyen called on China to help Ukraine and mitigate the consequences of the customs war initiated by the United States. Support for a reformed trading system was also discussed.

Trump will not abandon the tariff plan, looking for ways to reassure partners. Allies are sounding the alarm about possible consequences for the economy and prices.

Bessent stated the desire of nearly 70 countries to help restore world trade. The United States also plans to negotiate with Japan to implement the President's vision for a new era of trade.

Donald Trump stated that the EU has created artificial barriers for American goods and is using the US in military terms. He stressed the need to rebuild relations between the parties.

Victor Ponta said he would stop exporting Ukrainian grain through Romanian ports to protect local farmers. He also plans to increase defense spending and support Moldova in the event of aggression.

Russia benefited from buying up gold before the war, which allowed it to compensate for a third of its frozen reserves. The value of gold reserves increased by 72%, or $96 billion, since 2022.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU aims to expand business with other countries due to US tariffs. A working group is also being created to monitor dumping in EU markets.

Huawei has fired two employees and suspended a third for their involvement in a corruption scandal. They are suspected of bribing European politicians to lobby for the company's interests.

Expert talks between Russia, China and Iran on Iran's nuclear program will take place in Moscow. The trilateral meeting will discuss aspects related to the nuclear issue.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU has proposed zero tariffs on industrial goods to the United States and is ready for countermeasures. Vietnam also wants to reduce tariffs for the United States to zero.

Robert Habeck said Elon Musk's comments on zero tariffs are a sign of fear. He called on Musk to demand that Trump end the trade war.

The HACC confiscated over 550,000 tons of bauxite and alumina worth UAH 2 billion, which belonged to sanctioned oligarch Deripaska, in favor of Ukraine. The raw materials were used to manufacture weapons.

The State Tax Service of Ukraine and Finland have signed a memorandum of understanding on technical assistance. The aim of the project is to increase trust in the Ukrainian tax service.

The German Ministry of Internal Affairs supported the idea of preparing young people for crisis situations and advises Germans to stock up on food, water and essential items.

US stock index futures and Asian stocks fell sharply after Trump announced he would maintain large-scale tariffs. The fall occurred amid fears of a global economic recession.

The Finnish Minister of Defense called on NATO to have a clear action plan in case of the withdrawal of US troops from Europe, in order to avoid a window of opportunity for Russian aggression. He emphasized coordination with EU initiatives.

European countries may review the status of Ukrainian refugees after the end of the war. There is no clear plan of action regarding their stay in the EU after the end of the conflict.

Bulgarian police are suspected of involvement in cigarette smuggling worth over 6 million euros. Politician Delyan Payevski may also be involved in the scandal.

The head of the Central Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, said that the trade war will have an impact on Europe's economic growth. Tariffs may lead to a decrease in inflation below the ECB's targets.

EU finance ministers will discuss the creation of a joint EDM fund to purchase defense equipment. The fund will be able to include countries such as Great Britain, Ukraine and Norway.

Finland is strengthening security in the Baltic Sea due to an increase in suspicious incidents related to Russian sabotage. Since 2023, 11 underwater cables have been damaged.