Brussels
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.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voted against Ukraine's accession to the EU, believing that it threatens the country's economy. Orbán's advisor stated that supporting Ukraine would cost $100 billion per year.
Britain is close to an agreement with the EU that will open access to the EU's €150 billion defense fund for British arms manufacturers. In exchange, Britain has made concessions on fishing rights.
Russia is lobbying for the restoration of direct flights to the US as part of a ceasefire agreement, linking this to the lifting of sanctions against "Aeroflot". The European Union is categorically against opening its skies due to sanctions, security issues, and "stolen" aircraft, which makes flights to the US without flying over the EU extremely difficult.
The head of EU diplomacy stated that the Georgian law on aligning grants with the authorities undermines the status of a candidate for the EU. It obliges the coordination of foreign donations for non-governmental organizations.
Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU is considering sending military advisors to Ukraine and allocating 40 billion euros for weapons. Hungary opposes these initiatives and a new package of sanctions against Russia.
The government of Ukraine has signed agreements with the European Investment Bank on the allocation of 300 million euros for the restoration of energy and critical infrastructure. The "transport visa-free regime" with the EU has also been extended.
The "Ramstein" meetings are working, but European leadership could delay the implementation of decisions. The participation of the United States is a signal to Putin, and the priorities at the meeting are air defense and artillery.
At the "Ramstein" meeting, Ukraine will insist on receiving new air defense systems. Zelenskyy called on partners to intensify the supply of Patriot to protect the Ukrainian sky.
Ukraine is ready to provide the EU with information on the involvement of sanctioned individuals in financing Russian aggression. This was stated by Stefanishyna during a meeting of the European Commission's Working Group.
Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate in the defense sector and increase joint production. The parties also discussed sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's European integration.
International project raised funds for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.