Brussels


EU seeks to engage in dialogue with the US as soon as possible to avoid Trump's tariffs
The European Commission wants to start negotiations with the US as soon as possible to prevent the imposition of new duties. The EU is ready for difficult negotiations and to protect its own interests in trade.

Scholz criticizes Trump for demanding rare earth metals from Ukraine
The German Chancellor opposed Trump's proposal to provide aid to Ukraine in exchange for rare earth metals. According to Scholz, Ukraine needs the resources to rebuild itself after the war.

Trump plans to impose 10% duty on all EU goods - The Telegraph
The Trump administration is considering a 10% tariff on all imports from the EU. European leaders are already discussing retaliatory measures to possible US trade restrictions.

EU should be active in tariff talks with the US - Czech Prime Minister
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announces the EU's readiness for active negotiations with the US on tariffs. Trump announces the imminent introduction of duties on European products due to the $300 billion trade deficit.

Trump postpones 25% tariff on Mexico for a month: reason given
The US suspends a new 25% tariff on Mexican goods for a month. In exchange, Mexico will send 10,000 troops to the northern border to fight drug trafficking.

NATO Secretary General justifies Trump's interest in Greenland
Mark Rutte called Trump's interest in Greenland logical and called for a stronger NATO presence in the far north. Denmark once again reminded that Greenland is not for sale, and most locals are against joining the United States.

Trump's statements push EU to greater cohesion - Macron
The French president said that Europe will make itself respected in case of an attack on its commercial interests. He also noted that the US statements are pushing the EU to greater cohesion and security.

EU leaders vow to respond if Trump imposes tariffs
At a meeting in Brussels, EU leaders discussed a possible response to Trump's new tariffs on European goods. European leaders declared unity in opposing US trade restrictions.

Starmer to ask Europe to take more responsibility for defense - Bloomberg
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to appeal to EU leaders to strengthen their role in the defense of Europe. At the meeting in Brussels, he will also discuss the continuation of military support for Ukraine.

Ukraine became an associate member of the largest organization of NATO reserve officers
Ukraine has joined the Confédération Interalliée des Officiers de Réserve (CIOR) as an associate member. The decision was unanimously supported by the heads of national associations of reserve officers of NATO countries.

“We prevented a war” - Georgian President explains the decision to freeze talks with the EU
Georgian President Kavelashvili announced the suspension of EU accession talks due to his unwillingness to comply with Brussels' demands. He accused “foreign governments” of trying to drag Georgia into the war in Ukraine.

Fico's plane was not allowed to land in Belgium and had to return to Bratislava
Due to a technical failure in Belgium's air traffic control system, Robert Fico's plane returned to Bratislava. The meeting with representatives of the European Commission on gas transit and other issues was canceled.

France considers sending troops to Greenland - media
Denmark turned to France for help because of concerns about US territorial claims to Greenland. The French Foreign Minister confirmed his readiness to provide military support at Denmark's request.

EU agrees on roadmap to ease sanctions against Syria
EU foreign ministers agree on a plan to ease sanctions on Syria. Restrictions in the energy and transportation sectors may be lifted, but the decision could be reversed if the wrong steps are taken.

EU to extend sanctions against Russia, Hungary to back down - Bloomberg
The EU plans to extend sanctions against Russia, and Hungary will stop its resistance to this decision. In exchange, the EU will provide guarantees for the bloc's energy security.

The EU will hold an urgent meeting on Ukraine: what will be discussed in Brussels
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider the situation in Ukraine as the first item on the agenda. The meeting will be held on January 27 under the chairmanship of Kaja Kallas with the participation of Ukrainian Minister Andriy Sybiga.

Orban keeps EU on its toes with threats to block extension of sanctions against Russia, but a deal is in sight - Politico
Hungary is ready to give up blocking EU sanctions against Russia in exchange for a statement on energy security. EU diplomats expect a compromise to be reached at today's meeting.

EU prepares to lift sanctions on Syria, but not all - Reuters
The European Union is preparing to lift restrictions on Syria's energy and transportation sectors. The issue of financial sanctions remains open, and a final decision is expected at a ministerial meeting in Brussels.

International Customs Day, World Environmental Education Day: what else is celebrated on January 26
On January 26, the world celebrates International Customs Day, Audit Day and World Environmental Education Day. Each holiday has its own history and special significance for the development of society.

EU risks expiration of deadline to extend sanctions against Russia as Orban 'slows down' process - Bloomberg
The EU is facing a new confrontation over Orban's refusal to sign the extension of sanctions against Russia. The Hungarian prime minister criticizes the sanctions regime and calls for the resumption of relations with Russia without restrictions.

Orban: Trump's presidency will help European patriots “occupy” Brussels
Hungarian Prime Minister announces the beginning of a second wave of right-wing political changes in Europe after Trump's rise to power. Orban plans to “occupy” Brussels and lift sanctions against Russia.

Admiral Bauer: NATO is taking over responsibility for coordinating military assistance to Ukraine from the United States
NATO assumes responsibility for coordinating military assistance to Ukraine instead of the United States through a new framework agreement. The Alliance is establishing permanent assistance mechanisms to ensure stable support regardless of political changes.

Poroshenko complains again that he is not allowed to travel abroad. The Verkhovna Rada reacted
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada said that Poroshenko tried to leave on January 15 to attend the EPP meeting, which ended on January 14. Stefanchuk said that he did not know the legal purpose of such a trip.

Budapest says the EU should talk to Trump before deciding whether to extend sanctions against Russia
Hungary is postponing a decision on whether to extend EU sanctions against Russia until consultations with the Trump administration. Minister János Boca said that Hungary's position will depend on the US vision of the sanctions regime.

The EU is preparing sanctions against Russia without the veto power of Hungary and Slovakia
For the first time, the European Commission plans to impose sanctions against Russia without taking into account the vetoes of individual countries. Decisions on sanctions will be made by a qualified majority, not unanimously.

NATO Secretary General says it is necessary to strengthen support for Ukraine
At a meeting of the NATO Military Committee, Mark Rutte called for increased support for Ukraine. He emphasized the growing hostility of Russia and its allies against democratic countries.

Next Ramstein to be held in Brussels in February - Pistorius
The German Defense Minister announced that the next Ramstein meeting will be held in Brussels before the Munich conference. The future of the format will depend on the new US administration.

Massive strike to begin in Belgium against cuts in social benefits
Belgium's three largest trade unions announced a 24-hour strike on January 13 over cuts to social benefits of €3 billion. Transport is expected to stop and mass protests involving 50-100 thousand people are expected.

EU Foreign Ministers to meet in Brussels to discuss lifting sanctions on Syria - Kallas
EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions against Syria. This was announced by Kaja Kallas during her visit to Saudi Arabia.

Stopping gas transit: Ukraine is not a member of the working group of the European Commission and Slovakia - media
The European Commission and Slovakia are forming a working group to assess the consequences of the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The group will consider the economic impact and possible compensation for Slovakia.