The European Union and India have reached a free trade agreement that provides for a significant reduction in tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement is called the "mother of all deals."
Relations between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are worse than with her predecessor Josep Borrell. Kallas complains about von der Leyen's dictatorial methods; her position is weakened by her background and limited political power.
The European Union has allocated the first 10 million euros for the functioning of a special tribunal on Russia's crime of aggression against Ukraine. The chief EU diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russian leaders must be held accountable.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said that no country has the right to seize another's territory, comparing Trump to Putin. She added that Trump's threat to impose tariffs undermined the prosperity of the EU and the US.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with Kaja Kallas strengthening pressure on Russia. Efforts to force Russia to end the war will be coordinated at the EU Council on January 21.
Ambassadors from 27 EU countries will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday after Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European countries. This is due to the US demand to be allowed to purchase Greenland.
Kaja Kallas reacted to Trump's tariff threats over European countries' stance on Greenland. She noted that disputes between allies benefit China and Russia.
In a private conversation with leaders of the European Parliament's political groups, EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas noted that it might be time to start drinking. According to her, this is due to current world events.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called on the EU to increase economic pressure on Russia. She proposed including in the 20th sanctions package a ban on maritime services for vessels transporting Russian energy resources, and strengthening restrictions on the export of Russian fertilizers.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's use of the 'Oreshnik' missile is an escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the US.
A summit of Ukraine's allies is taking place in Paris, where EU leaders may prepare a joint statement on security guarantees. Progress is expected in defining the guarantees that allies can provide, as well as discussing a peace plan.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas reacted to the events in Venezuela, where the government of Nicolas Maduro was overthrown. The EU calls for restraint, emphasizing adherence to international law and the protection of EU citizens.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the strengthening of critical infrastructure after damage to underwater cables between Estonia and Finland. The EU will invest in new cables, enhance surveillance, and counter Moscow's shadow fleet.
The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not attack Putin's residence during a recent drone attack, refuting the Russian leader's claims. CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas said that Russia's statements about Ukraine's attack on government facilities are a deliberate distraction. She emphasized that Moscow seeks to disrupt the progress of Ukraine and its Western partners towards peace.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused EU officials of wanting to harm Russia, comparing it to Hitler's Germany's invasion of the USSR. He stated that Europeans want to use the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia, seeing it as a threat.
The European Commission and Belgium are negotiating the use of 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Belgium seeks additional financial guarantees due to concerns about legal and financial risks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as coordination with Europe and the United States on the peace process.
The European Union does not plan to lift sanctions on Belarus, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. This decision was made despite the fact that on December 13, the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, which had been in effect since 2021.
Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for real troops and capabilities for Ukraine's security guarantees if the issue of NATO is not discussed. She stressed that these cannot be paper promises, but only tangible military capabilities.
EU diplomacy chief Kallas said that EU leaders will discuss financing Ukraine at Thursday's meeting, where a reparation loan is the most likely option. This loan will be based on frozen Russian assets, avoiding the use of taxpayer money.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the expansion of sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", adding about 40 vessels to the list. This decision is aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance the war.
The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze Russian assets worth up to €210 billion. The funds will remain in the EU until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine for the damage caused.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced discussions on supporting Ukraine at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine for future peace talks.
The defense ministers of the European Union countries discussed further support for Ukraine and European defense, emphasizing the critical importance of making a decision on multi-year funding for Kyiv.
Three people, including former Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, have been detained in Belgium on suspicion of fraud involving EU funds. The investigation concerns alleged favoritism in the European External Action Service's awarding of a program to the College of Europe.
European governments accuse Belgium of excessive demands for protection in case the Kremlin sues over the use of 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets. This could derail negotiations on the EU's plan to provide these assets to Ukraine before the December summit.
Kaja Kallas expressed concern about possible pressure on Ukraine in peace talks and emphasized the importance of reparations credits from frozen Russian assets. She also supported Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions, stressing the importance of trust during the war.
The head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russia must pay compensation to Ukraine. She emphasized that fair reparations loans, backed by frozen Russian assets, should form the basis for compensation for damages.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Belgium has legitimate concerns about the risks of a reparations loan for Ukraine, but other member states are ready to share these risks. The European Commission continues consultations with member states, including Belgium, on this issue.
