German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the proposal for a joint European army's role in peacekeeping in Ukraine. He stated that these ideas are not immediate solutions to Europe's problems.
The Hungarian government has launched a campaign to collect signatures against EU funding for Ukraine, arguing that it threatens to impoverish Hungarians. The campaign is unfolding ahead of elections where Orbán's party could lose its lead.
The EU is preparing to suspend the ratification of a new trade agreement with the US in response to Donald Trump's statement about imposing tariffs on goods from European countries that supported Greenland's sovereignty. The EU is considering using the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which would allow for the introduction of mirror tariffs.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, advocated for the deployment of European troops, including the Bundeswehr, in Ukraine under European symbols. He criticized the scenario where peace would be exclusively ensured by American troops and noted that Putin is not ready for peace.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes that the European Union should not become completely independent from the United States in defense matters. He emphasized that the US expects Europe to take more responsibility and spend more on defense.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Brussels has ceased to be a key factor in world politics, and the negotiations in Alaska demonstrate a split in Europe. He also noted "experiments of external interference" in Central Europe.
The European Council on June 26 approved the extension of sanctions against Russia despite threats from Hungary and Slovakia. Negotiations are currently underway on the 18th package of sanctions, which includes restrictions on pipelines and imports of Russian fuel.
