A small underground fire broke out in Brussels near the Europa building, where EU summits are held, due to burning electric cables. Emergency services quickly extinguished the fire, and there were no casualties.
The EU is preparing a new mobile application for age verification that will allow confirming age without disclosing personal data. This step aims to enhance the protection of children online and will be the first stage towards the launch of the EU digital wallet in 2026.
Marta Kos stated that all clusters in the negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU could be opened this year. She is optimistic that Cluster 1 will be opened as early as June.
Oleksiy Chernyshov stated that Ukraine defends the rights of its citizens who were forced to leave due to the aggression of the Russian Federation. He noted that together with partners they will work on extending the temporary protection status for Ukrainians in the EU.
According to media reports, EU-US talks on combating evasion of sanctions against Russia have failed. An EU special representative announced a break in communications with the American side.
Mark Rutte emphasized the need to increase defense spending and weapons production to counter threats. Allies need to invest more to achieve their goals.
The introduction of EU duties on Ukrainian agricultural products may cause economic damage to Ukraine and undermine confidence in Europe. This will reduce Ukraine's export revenue to 3.5 billion euros.
On May 27, the EU Council will discuss the suspension of Hungary's voting rights due to violations of EU values. This is the eighth hearing within the framework of the procedure initiated by the European Parliament in 2018.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands and 7 other EU countries have called for an urgent strengthening of civil preparedness for man-made and natural disasters. They insist on accelerating work on threat analysis.
The EU Council has decided to open another 8 chapters of membership negotiations with Albania within the "Competition and Inclusive Growth" cluster. Benchmarks have been set for the provisional closure of these chapters.
Kęstutis Budrys stated that the 18th package of EU sanctions should target the Russian energy sector, including gas, oil, nuclear fuel, as well as financial institutions. He called for breaking the "vicious circle" of Russia avoiding punishment.
The European Union is preparing new rules for using the Internet. This will strengthen restrictions on children's use of social media due to the consequences of prolonged use of so-called "screen time."
The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU poses a threat, as Kyiv needs money and could drag his country into the war. He also criticized anti-Russian sanctions.
NATO defense ministers will meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels on June 5, 2025. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will chair the meeting.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia at the EU Council meeting on May 20. The sanctions will concern the energy and banking sectors.
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".
NATO negotiators aim to reach 5% of GDP on defense by 2032 to soften Trump's demands. Ministers will discuss this in Antalya amid efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Viktor Orbán announced an unprecedented intelligence operation by Ukrainian special services. He convened the Defense Council and accused Ukraine of a smear campaign.
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 President of the European Council, António Costa, announced the relaunch of the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans. He confirmed the requirement for candidate countries to implement reforms to meet EU standards.
The European Union will allocate an additional 900 million euros for the purchase of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. The funding will be carried out through revenues from frozen Russian assets.
The Presidents of France and Poland criticized politicians for supporting Russia at the parade in Moscow on May 9, calling it a disgrace and a refusal to see the truth about the war in Ukraine.
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.
European diplomats consider the agreement with the USA a priority and call for a pause in decisions regarding the USA. They propose waiting for the results of the NATO summit in The Hague.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
On the eve of May 9, Russia is activating a network of agents of influence to conduct propaganda events in Europe and America. Car rallies, акции and other events are planned.
German military officials are concerned about the US Ambassador to NATO's demands to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. He threatens that Trump will not attend the summit if the demands are not met.
The European Union intends to increase purchases of American goods by 50 billion euros to resolve trade differences. However, the EU will not agree to maintaining US tariffs as a fair solution.
Due to a nationwide strike by security and ground staff at the airport terminal, Brussels Airport is canceling all flights. Passengers are promised to rebook tickets.
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.
