An article by Ihor Harbaruk, Vice President of the "Ukrainian International Institute of Recovery", expert of the NGO "Economic Discussion Club".
Today, August 18, marks International Pinot Noir Day and "Never Give Up" Day. Also celebrated are Birth Control Pill Day, Bad Poetry Day, and the Day of Remembrance of Martyrs Florus and Laurus.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels for a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. After that, he will take part in an online meeting of the leaders of the "Coalition of the Willing."
Ukraine has 5 key demands for a war settlement, including a long-term truce before territorial exchange, reparations, and security guarantees. The return of prisoners and children is also a priority.
Volvo Cars has moved production of EX30 models for the US from China to Belgium. This will help avoid high anti-China tariffs and reduce delivery waiting times.
Ukrainians who were forced to leave for European countries receive different amounts of state aid. Payments vary from daily allowances in Sweden to over a thousand euros in Belgium, while Germany provides "citizen's allowance."
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
An international investigation has revealed that the smuggling of Anguilla anguilla eels is a multi-billion dollar business. Since 2021, almost 4 tons of glass eels have been exported from the EU, and gang members have been arrested.
The apple harvesting season in Ukraine lasts from September to November, with early varieties being picked in August. This year's harvest of quality apples is expected to be low due to weather conditions and the lack of protective technologies.
The number of representatives of Georgia's ruling party "Georgian Dream" and related individuals who have fallen under Western sanctions has exceeded 230. Restrictions were imposed by the USA, Great Britain, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine.
Ukraine's leading allies in Europe plan to approach the EU for tens of billions of euros in loans for joint procurement of weapons for Ukraine and to strengthen their own defense. The SAFE program envisages loans for weapons, financed by EU debt with a 45-year repayment period.
Nine countries have officially expressed interest in borrowing funds from the EU military procurement program SAFE by the deadline. Poland plans to request 25 billion euros, and Greece – at least 1.2 billion euros.
Qatar, the third largest LNG exporter, threatens to cut gas supplies to the EU in response to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The country demands changes to the law concerning forced labor and environmental standards, and also objects to the requirement for climate transition plans.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha announced the creation of a new format of cooperation Ukraine – Benelux, which will unite Ukraine with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The first ministerial meeting will take place in the near future, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also initiated a strategy regarding the Arctic, Antarctic, and the World Ocean.
On July 21, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed new ambassadors to a number of countries and international organizations. Among the appointments are ambassadors to Kenya, Kuwait, Spain, Oman, Canada, Mexico, Cyprus, Malaysia, Belgium, Japan, Angola, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE, Algeria, and South Africa.
The body of former Ukrainian Interior Ministry official Ihor Hrushevskyi was found in Barcelona. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, death occurred as a result of drowning.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
International visitors arrive at the DreamVille campsite at Tomorrowland festival after a fire destroyed the main stage. Organizers confirm the opening of the campsite and welcoming guests, while seeking a solution for the festival weekend.
US President Donald Trump stated that he convinced the Coca-Cola company to use cane sugar instead of corn syrup in drinks for the American market. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's “Make America Healthy Again” program.
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.
In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
Ukraine and Belgium signed a Letter of Intent at the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2025 in Rome. The document provides for an agreement between Belgian BIO Invest and Bank Lviv for 5 million euros for the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
The European Commission is considering options to finance Ukraine's budget deficit for next year, which could reach $19 billion. Off-budget grants, advance loans, and the use of Russian assets are being discussed.
There are no legislative initiatives in Ukraine regarding the reduction of the work week, and during the war, its duration can reach 60 hours. However, employers offer vacancies with various working time regimes, including part-time.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hopes for US flexibility regarding arms supplies to Ukraine after some deliveries were suspended due to concerns about stockpiles. The Pentagon suspended the transfer of artillery shells and air defense systems to Ukraine, citing a review of US stockpiles.
Ukraine and Denmark have signed an agreement on the establishment of Ukrainian defense production facilities in Denmark. Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production and supply to the Ukrainian army.
Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were forced to remain in Chile due to aircraft damage: during taxiing to the runway, a tow bar detached, damaging a landing gear tire. This was the first visit of Belgian monarchs to Chile in 65 years.
Germany will increase the minimum wage to 13. 90 euros per hour in 2026 and to 14.60 euros in 2027. This will make it the second highest in the EU after Luxembourg.
