Brussels
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are accompanying Zelenskyy to the US. There, they will meet with Donald Trump on Monday.
The European Union is considering easing sanctions against Russia on the condition of a ceasefire. EU ambassadors are discussing the proposal after Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
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.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized that negotiations between Trump and Putin cannot resolve the issue of peace in Ukraine without the participation of Kyiv and the EU. Europe provides the main assistance to Ukraine, which is a matter of security for the continent.
Serhiy Leshchenko, advisor to the Head of the President's Office, stated that the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska would be symbolic. He emphasized that geostrategic decisions would not be made there.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will develop a strategy to influence the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. The EU does not exclude Kyiv from any final agreement, recognizing the US's strength in negotiations with Russia.
The European Union welcomes any efforts for a sustainable ceasefire in Ukraine. The EU supports Ukraine to be strong on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
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.
Slovenia has banned the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel, becoming the first EU country to introduce such restrictions. This decision has symbolic significance due to the almost zero volume of arms trade between the countries.
A study by the "European Movement" showed that only a third of citizens in the largest EU countries consistently support democratic values. 64% of respondents do not rule out the advantages of authoritarian rule, yet almost half support the idea of European defense integration.
According to a Deutsche Bank report, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in European city centers continues to rise, with only five cities having an average cost below 2,000 euros. London is the most expensive city with a rent of 5,088 euros, while Athens is the cheapest at 1,080 euros.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. They urged China to use its influence on Russia to end its aggressive war against Ukraine, acknowledging that relations between Beijing and Brussels have reached a "watershed moment."
The European Union has concluded an agreement with the United States, under which it will fully pay for military equipment that Washington will send to the EU. A significant part of these weapons will be distributed to Ukraine.
Shipowners and oil traders are distancing themselves from the Indian company Nayara Energy Ltd. after its inclusion in the EU sanctions package. The tanker Talara turned around and left the port of Vadinar without loading fuel, and Nayara began demanding prepayment due to concerns about payments.
The German government expressed disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget, which included €100 billion in aid to Ukraine. Berlin considers an increase in the budget unacceptable when member states are consolidating their own budgets.
The European Commission has temporarily suspended its investigation into the social network X for violating digital transparency rules. This decision is related to trade negotiations between the EU and the US to avoid escalating tensions with Washington.
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.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed optimism about the swift adoption of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This will happen despite public opposition from Slovakia, which blocked it the day before.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has resigned and is being considered for the post of Minister of Defense. Yulia Svyrydenko is to head the government, and Mykhailo Fedorov will become the first vice-prime minister.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is intensifying the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine to force its surrender. At least 9,000 cases of chemical weapon use have been recorded since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The Kremlin considers US President Donald Trump's statements about sanctions against Russia "very serious. " Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow is ready to negotiate with Kyiv, but will continue the "special military operation" if there is no response.
US President Donald Trump threatens to impose 30% tariffs on European goods from August 1, which, according to the EU's chief negotiator with the US, Maroš Šefčovič, will "practically ban" transatlantic trade. The EU has postponed the introduction of retaliatory tariffs on American goods until August 1 and is discussing further countermeasures.
Europe is facing a new wave of AI-powered Russian disinformation, doubling bot attacks on email and media. This tests the EU's Digital Services Act, which may become stricter.
EU ambassadors have practically agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a 15% reduction in the price cap for Russian oil. A final agreement is expected before the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
A deal between the EU and US President Donald Trump on threatened tariffs is unlikely to be reached in the coming days, according to Irish Minister Paschal Donohoe. The deadline for the agreement has been moved to August 1, allowing more time for negotiations.
The European Union is considering further financial assistance to Ukraine after 2026. Danish Minister of Economy Stephanie Lose confirmed that this issue will be a priority during Denmark's presidency of the EU Council.
The EU diplomatic service will present member states next week with options for action against Israel in response to human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Restrictions could include suspending the agreement, sanctions against ministers and military personnel, trade measures, an arms embargo, or suspending scientific cooperation.
The European Union plans to create emergency reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth metals, and cable repair kits. This decision was made amid growing concerns about the EU's vulnerability to attacks and hybrid threats.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's readiness to cooperate with France in nuclear energy, aviation, AI, green energy, and biotechnology. Issues concerning Ukraine and the Middle East were also discussed, and China resolved the issue of anti-dumping duties on European cognac.
The United States of America is considering imposing 17% tariffs on agricultural exports from the European Union. European officials are trying to negotiate exemptions for certain goods, including aircraft parts and alcohol.