Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".
The European Union is discussing how to avoid Hungary blocking negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels is looking for ways to circumvent the veto needed to open and conclude negotiations.
The European Commission is considering changes to sustainability rules to make it easier to attract private investment in the defense industry. This should stimulate arms production in Europe.
The European Union and member states have allocated €140 billion in aid to Ukraine, of which €50 billion is military. European Commissioner Kubilius called for integration instead of a logic of aid.
European allies of Ukraine are considering blocking Nord Stream 2 if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. The EU may also double the number of vessels on the sanctions list for transporting Russian oil.
The head of the European Commission supported a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The EU is ready to impose tough sanctions against Russia in case of violation of the truce.
Dmitry Peskov stated that Trump has influence on Ukraine for negotiations, but Kyiv is not ready. He expressed hope for Trump's mediation for the flexibility of the Kyiv regime.
The European Union supports efforts for a just peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter. The EU calls for a 30-day ceasefire for negotiations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine in the coming weekend. He discussed this issue with allies and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen discussed with Friedrich Merz the importance of a ceasefire in Ukraine and strengthening its position. They agreed on further economic, military and political support.
On May 9, EU foreign ministers will meet in Kyiv. They will announce the allocation of 1 billion euros for the production of weapons in Ukraine.
May 9th is Magnetic Alphabet Day, which promotes creativity and learning. Also on this day, Europe Day is celebrated in Ukraine, symbolizing unity and European integration.
The development of the National Program for Harmonization of Ukrainian Legislation with the Law of the European Union has begun. The program will become Ukraine's "homework diary" on the way to EU membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed support for Ukraine and prospects for cooperation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The German Chancellor assured of continued support.
The European Commission has begun consultations on countermeasures and is preparing for proceedings in the WTO because of US duties. American bourbon and wine, as well as steel scrap and chemical products from the EU, are under threat.
lavrov criticized EU countries for obstructing visits by European leaders to moscow on May 9. He also accused the EU of double standards regarding Ukraine and Serbia.
The European Commission stated that without China's support, Russia would not be able to wage war against Ukraine on such a scale. The EU-China summit, scheduled for July, is an opportunity to develop relations with Beijing.
The Strichka coordination platform has launched a campaign to collect signatures for a petition to the European Parliament on the accelerated accession of Ukraine to the EU. This is necessary to strengthen European security.
Ursula von der Leyen said that a bad deal with Russia could provoke it to new aggression. A just peace presupposes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen called for speeding up Ukraine's accession to the EU, calling it a guarantee of peace. The EU is working to open the first cluster of accession negotiations in 2025.
Friedrich Merz has been elected Chancellor of Germany. The NATO Secretary General and EU leaders congratulated him, emphasizing the importance of leadership for European security and cooperation between countries.
The European Commission has presented the REPowerEU plan for complete energy independence from Russia. It is planned to gradually remove Russian oil, gas and nuclear energy from EU markets.
The head of the European Commission criticized Trump for suppressing science and urged scientists to choose Europe. She announced a program worth 500 million euros to attract foreign researchers.
Anthony Albanese has become Prime Minister of Australia again, his party has won a majority in parliament. Opposition leader Dutton has conceded defeat in the election.
On Tuesday, President von der Leyen will participate in a debate in the European Parliament on supporting a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the European Commission.
A state of emergency has been declared in Spain due to a nationwide power outage. An emergency government meeting is addressing the situation, with millions of people without electricity.
The Spanish Central Bank reported that online payments in the country are available during the blackout, and the TARGET system is working. CaixaBank assured that their online services are working, but incidents occur in branches and ATMs.
Power outages in Spain and Portugal will be resolved faster. REN denied information about a week-long network restoration, promising a quick solution.
Ursula von der Leyen has announced the European Commission's readiness to help restore energy supplies to the Iberian Peninsula following a massive power outage. The Commission will coordinate recovery efforts.
Giorgia Meloni and Ursula von der Leyen discussed transatlantic priorities and resuming dialogue with Donald Trump. They also spoke about support for Ukraine and security.