Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and discussed ways to achieve a just peace. He thanked for supporting Ukraine's right to self-defense.
Zelenskyy announced that he discussed the preparation of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia with von der Leyen. It should be aimed at key sectors of the Russian economy.
Ursula von der Leyen assured support for Ukraine on the path to peace and discussed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy steps to join the European family. Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump was also mentioned.
The head of the European Commission and the US President exchanged handshakes at the funeral of Pope Francis and agreed on a future meeting. The date of negotiations has not yet been announced.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Vatican. A meeting with Emmanuel Macron in Rome is also reported.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Rome on Saturday afternoon. The meeting will take place as part of the funeral of Pope Francis.
EU member states are in no hurry to use the European Commission's proposal to increase defense spending. Many fear the risks to debt sustainability and market reaction.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will urge the Trump administration not to impose a peace agreement on Ukraine that would appease Putin. He will stress that this will increase the threat to Europe.
Countries are looking for reliable trading partners in Europe after Trump's trade war. Trust in the EU is growing, with support for membership reaching 74%, the highest level in 40 years.
The European Union is looking for ways to facilitate the import of American gas, while adhering to rules on methane emissions. This is done to avoid a trade war with the US and increase gas purchases.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that the usual perception of the "West" is irrelevant. Europe is the guarantor of Western values, is in demand for the organization of trade and is known for its reliability.
Giorgia Meloni is meeting with Trump in Washington, seeking tariff relief and strengthened defense. The Italian Prime Minister hopes to become a mediator between the US and Europe, but the risks are high.
The European Commission is exploring legal ways for EU companies to terminate long-term gas contracts with Russia without paying large penalties. This is part of the EU's plan to abandon Russian fuel by 2027.
Tech giants, having grown closer to Trump, have suffered amid his trade war. The EU may introduce a tax on advertising revenue, and TikTok has faced problems in the US due to tariffs.
The European Union is suspending planned counter-tariffs on American goods for 90 days. This happened after the US announced a moratorium on tariffs for negotiations.
Prime Minister Shmyhal thanked the EU for its support to Ukraine, including financial and energy assistance. The opening of negotiation clusters on EU membership was discussed.
Ursula von der Leyen announced her readiness for negotiations with the US for seamless trade. The EU is diversifying its partnership with countries that make up 87% of world trade.
Hungary became the only EU country to oppose the introduction of duties in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. The EU approved duties on US goods worth €21 billion.
The European Union has approved tariffs on goods from the United States in response to American tariffs on steel and aluminum. These measures will intensify the trade war between the EU and the US, affecting exports from both sides.
China has vowed to take measures to protect its rights and interests after the US imposed a 104% duty. Beijing is ready to fight to the end if the US insists on its pressure.
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.
The European Union plans to introduce countermeasures against US tariffs as early as April 15 for the first package, and tariffs for the remaining goods will come into effect from May 15.
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.
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.
The Prime Minister of Slovakia accused EU ambassadors of refusing to honor the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bratislava due to the presence of the Russian ambassador. He called their behavior undiplomatic.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has found herself in a difficult situation due to plans to rearm Europe and the EU's role regarding Ukraine, while trying to maintain a coalition government.
France and Germany are pushing for an aggressive EU response to new US tariffs, considering targeting American technology and services to protect the interests of the European Union.
European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced the initiation of negotiations with the US in response to the new tariffs. The EU is ready for dialogue, but will not sit idly by if it does not reach a fair agreement.
US tariffs of 10% are insignificant for Ukraine due to the small volume of trade. Experts warn that Trump's economic policy may trigger a global crisis, especially for America itself.