France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
Opinion column by financial expert Olena Sosedka.
The European Union has begun work on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia after approving the 18th.
Gold prices rose 0. 4% to $3350.87 per ounce on Friday, while platinum reached its highest level since 2014. The US dollar weakened by 0.4%, and the EU approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
The ban on marketing agreements between pharmacies and drug manufacturers from March 1, 2025, negatively affects small manufacturers who have lost their promotion tools. This can also lead to market shadowization and job losses.
The EU Council has approved the gradual launch of a new digital border management system (EES) over six months. The system will record the entries and exits of non-EU citizens, increasing control efficiency and reducing fraud.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed military aid and energy resilience with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The parties reached concrete agreements on preparing for the upcoming winter and accelerating sanctions pressure on Russia.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
Hungary analyzed the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget for 2028-2034, stating that Ukraine could receive about 20% of the funds. Hungarian Minister for European Affairs János Bóka called this irrational.
The number of Russia's hybrid attacks in Europe has sharply increased since 2022, with over 200 incidents recorded between 2014 and 2024. The main targets are energy, transport, and communications, and the attacks are aimed at weakening European unity.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France discussed Ukraine's defense needs, strengthening air defense, and training pilots for Mirages. France confirmed its readiness to accept additional pilots for training and is working on joint solutions for protection against Russian strikes.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of the synchronization of European sanctions and new decisions regarding sanctions in Ukraine. This is a response to the 18th EU sanctions package, which increases pressure on the Russian tanker fleet and limits the price of oil.
The EU has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a revised price cap on Russian oil, disconnection of banks from SWIFT and restrictions on the shadow fleet. The sanctions also apply to Chinese banks and the export of drone technologies.
The European Union has approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, covering the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors. The package includes a new dynamic oil price cap, and Slovakia supported it after receiving guarantees regarding gas prices.
EU ambassadors approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, which previously blocked the sanctions, supported them after reaching agreements with the European Commission on gas prices.
China's Ministry of State Security accused foreign intelligence services of fraudulently exporting strategically important rare earth metals. Attempts to smuggle them through postal shipments and disguise the materials in other goods have been detected.
German politicians have called on the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to put the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party under surveillance. The reason for this was the party's actions, which include defending a pro-Russian propagandist and supporting an organization suspected of financing terrorism.
Slovakia will allow the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on July 18. Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed with Ursula von der Leyen on guarantees regarding gas prices and its possible shortage.
Hungary has banned entry for three Ukrainian military officials due to the death of ethnic Hungarian Jozsef Sebestyen. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called this decision absurd and unjustified, stating Ukraine's right to take appropriate measures.
Hungary has banned the entry of three Ukrainian military officials due to the death of an ethnic Hungarian in Zakarpattia. The Ukrainian side states that the cause of death was pulmonary embolism, not beating.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced damage to a church in Zakarpattia with a provocative inscription. Police and the SBU are investigating the incident in the village of Palad-Komarivtsi, where an unknown person set fire to the church doors and left an inscription.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a new treaty providing for mutual assistance in the event of armed attack and joint development of the Deep Precision Strike missile system. The agreement also covers cooperation in trade, transport, and migration, deepening ties after Brexit.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he does not know what Ukraine is and where it is located. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine published the country's coordinates and its description, provided by the Grok chatbot.
From November 1, collective accommodation centers for refugees from Ukraine in Poland will only accept representatives of protected groups. For other refugees, the "Together for Independence" program is planned, offering rental subsidies and Polish language courses.
The German government expressed disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget, which included €100 billion in aid to Ukraine. Berlin considers an increase in the budget unacceptable when member states are consolidating their own budgets.
The European Commission has temporarily suspended its investigation into the social network X for violating digital transparency rules. This decision is related to trade negotiations between the EU and the US to avoid escalating tensions with Washington.
Iceland has sufficient public support to resume EU accession talks, despite trade disputes and US threats. 58% of Icelanders support resuming negotiations, and the foreign minister considers it vital.
Gold prices fell by 0. 2% to $3340.79 per ounce due to a strengthening dollar and easing market tensions. This occurred after Donald Trump's statement about the "highly unlikely" dismissal of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign an agreement on mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. The document also provides for the joint development of a missile system and measures to mitigate the consequences of Brexit.
Law enforcement agencies from over ten European countries, Canada, and the USA conducted a joint operation "Eastwood" against the NoName057(16) network. As a result, over a hundred computer systems were destroyed and seven arrest warrants were issued, including for six Russian citizens.
