European Union
Radosław Sikorski said that up to 40% of more than 2,000 Russian diplomats in the EU may be working for intelligence services. Poland also proposes restricting Russians’ visas and movement.
The Cabinet approved four draft laws to fulfill its obligations to the EU and the IMF. They concern VAT, transfer pricing, capital markets, and the High Anti-Corruption Court.
The Czech Republic, together with its intelligence services, will change the procedure for reporting trips by Russian diplomats. The new rules are intended to strengthen control.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said that Budapest does not support the expedited accession of any candidate country to the EU. The Union’s budget will be supported provided that it benefits Hungary.
EU foreign ministers supported banning entry to Russian ex-combatants and tightening visa rules for tourists. The details have not yet been determined.
The EU approved €6. 1 billion in defense funding for Ukraine, including air defense. Member states also promised additional resources, but provided no details.
The EU and Ukraine are working on the FREYJA project, which envisages the creation of a joint anti-ballistic shield.
According to the Head of State, liability for fraudulent call centers should be clear and strict—not only for those who are performers, but also for those who organize everything and profit from the call centers.
Ukraine may receive up to $1. 66 billion from the IMF by the end of the year. The tranche depends on the adoption of laws and the fulfillment of structural benchmarks.
EU and NATO leaders agreed to increase aid to Ukraine, including covering the costs of Patriot air defense systems. The allies also plan to invest €800 billion in defense.
Kaja Kallas said that a proposal for sanctions against 1,600 entities in russia’s military-industrial complex is being advanced. The new restrictions may be adopted in the autumn.
Parliament supported Draft Law No. 12117 on eco-industrial parks and industrial symbiosis. The document also changes the requirements for land and participants.
According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, official Minsk is deepening ties with authoritarian regimes against the backdrop of its isolation from the West. In particular, Belarus is preparing a visa-free regime with North Korea and has also received Afghan Taliban members.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has arrived in Ireland for a meeting of EU ministers. He will present Kyiv’s priorities for military, energy and sanctions support.
Zelenskyy criticized lawmakers for the failure to pass three laws that were supposed to unlock $4 billion in aid. He called for decisions to be adopted that would open up $30 billion in support.
Kaja Kallas said that the EU is engaging countries outside the bloc to supply Ukraine with air defense interceptors. There is a shortage of them to protect civilians.
Allies are calling on Spain and Greece to transfer PAC-2 missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine. The issue will be discussed by EU ministers, but the countries are concerned about their own defense.
Germany, France and six other EU countries propose avoiding the blocking of foreign policy decisions. They do not plan to change the treaties.
Sweden has signed a $4 billion contract with Naval Group for four frigates. The first ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2030.
Belgium opposed using €200 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands and Spain supported the scheme.
As part of the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI military operation, the MV SUN tanker was inspected in the Mediterranean Sea on August 30. Measures against the shadow fleet will be discussed by EU defence ministers.
Goldman Sachs warned of a global shortage of refining capacity due to wars and strikes on refineries. The forecast for diesel fuel margins has been raised to $63 in the U.S. and $49 in the EU.
52. 8% of Icelanders opposed resuming negotiations with the EU. Parliament will discuss the further fate of the application, which has not been officially withdrawn.
Yerevan is deepening ties with the EU and the US and preparing an application to join the EU. Russia retains influence through trade, energy, and its military base.
52. 8% of Icelanders voted against resuming negotiations on joining the EU, while 47.2% supported the initiative. Reykjavík was the only region to vote "yes".
Europe is recording an increase in Russia-linked acts of sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks. However, there is no evidence of preparations for a direct attack on NATO.
Belgium’s Defense Minister said that the country would not support the use of frozen Russian assets. The EU plans to discuss the issue next week.
Icelanders are voting to resume negotiations on joining the EU. Polls show 50.4% support, compared with 49.6% opposed.
EU gas storage facilities are 63% full, compared with an average of 80% at the end of August. Germany has about half of the reserves, increasing the risk of shortages.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to hold Russia responsible for a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport. He also wants to impose sanctions.