Brussels
Today, European Union ambassadors will consider the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Journalist Rikard Jozwiak notes that there will be no "white smoke" (decision) today.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine. He explained this by fears that the US would then fully shift its attention to China.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Chinese companies' support for Russia in the war against Ukraine poses a serious threat to European security. She urged China to cease material support for the Russian military-industrial complex and to promote peace in Ukraine.
Budapest is set to host Pride. A record number of participants are expected to protest the Hungarian government's restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.
Donald Trump announced the suspension of negotiations with Ottawa on tariffs in response to Canada's introduction of a digital services tax on American tech companies. The U.S. will impose tariffs on Canada within seven days.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, during an EU meeting in Brussels, stated the importance of not shifting focus from Ukraine. Latvia advocates for the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the blocking of its financial assets.
President of France Macron stated the effectiveness of American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. He also emphasized President Trump's active position on a ceasefire in Gaza.
The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.
On June 26, the European Council failed to unanimously approve a statement in support of Ukraine due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto. This veto also prevents the start of association negotiations with the EU for Ukraine and Moldova.
EU leaders are discussing two options: concluding a quick trade agreement or a tough response to Trump's threats of 50% tariffs on all goods from the EU. A decision must be made by July 9, when the “grace” period expires.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that the European Union will open the first cluster of accession talks with Moldova on July 4. This event will take place during the "EU – Moldova" summit in Chisinau, starting with the "Fundamental Values" cluster.
Leaders of 26 EU countries will note the success of Ukraine's reforms on the path to accession/ Hungary is against, citing its "referendum" and alleged integration of the war.
The European Union summit starts today in Brussels, where key topics include the war in Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, and competitiveness. EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, its path to EU membership, pressure on Russia, and efforts to achieve peace.
The theft of more than 600 meters of cable near Lille disrupted Eurostar train traffic between London and Paris, leading to the cancellation of six trains and significant delays. This is the second consecutive day that railway traffic has been disrupted due to incidents near Lille-Europe.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, and the High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas, discussed the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's accession to the EU. Sybiha emphasized Ukraine's fulfillment of all requirements for negotiations on EU membership.
Denmark has allocated almost 3. 3 billion hryvnias for launching Ukrainian defense production on its territory. This project is the first step of the Build with Ukraine initiative, agreed upon during the Ramstein format meeting in Brussels, and will strengthen cooperation in the defense sector.
Hungary and Slovakia will not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Hungary stated that it will not support a ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as any new arms supplies or financial support to Ukraine.
Europe finds itself critically dependent on American tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, which control over two-thirds of the regional cloud computing market. This raises fears that the US administration could leverage its technological advantage, and even, at some point, disconnect Europe from vital cloud services that underpin its digital existence.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will visit Brussels on June 23 to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. He will brief on the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's needs, and discuss sanctions against the aggressor.
Spain is blocking a new NATO agreement to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, as demanded by Donald Trump. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez considers the commitment "unreasonable and counterproductive," which has angered other members of the Alliance.
The European Union will not lower the price cap on Russian oil due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The proposal to lower the price from $60 to $45 per barrel has been postponed due to market instability.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is cutting jobs at the world's most powerful military alliance as part of a major restructuring.
The world's largest crypto players are preparing to obtain licenses in the EU under the new MiCA regulation. This is happening despite disputes between regulators regarding the speed of approval of permits.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa called on Trump to end the trade war. They stressed the importance of avoiding protectionist measures.
The Association of Ukrainian Banks has included the leading Ukrainian insurtech project UKASKO as a member.
Hungary and Slovakia will not support the European Commission's plan to stop buying gas, oil and nuclear fuel from Russia. They consider it a violation of sovereignty.
US Representative Keith Kellogg said he had been persuading Trump to be understanding of Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader is fighting for the national survival of the country.
US Representative Keith Kellogg stressed that the unity of the Alliance is critical to ending the war. The US is working with NATO partners to support Ukraine.
The European Union has proposed sanctions against two small Chinese banks that are helping Russia circumvent trade restrictions. EU financial institutions will be prohibited from any transactions with these banks.
The President of Ukraine accused Orbán of using the war and Zelenskyy personally in domestic politics, which leads to the radicalization of Hungarian society and worsens relations.