Ukraine retained its status as a partially free state in the annual Freedom in the World 2026 ranking. The global level of freedom has been declining for 20 consecutive years.
The Verkhovna Rada supported Ukraine's accession to the Convention on International Access to Justice. This simplifies the procedure for Ukrainian citizens to appeal to foreign courts.
About 10% of tourists cancel their trips or change exotic destinations to Egypt. Flights to Vietnam, China, and the Adriatic are gaining popularity.
From the end of 2026, Ukrainians traveling to the EU will have to undergo a paid electronic ETIAS authorization costing 20 euros. This system does not cancel the visa-free regime, but requires prior permission for short-term trips.
Iran has demonstrated the ability to attack targets up to 2000 km away, putting Ukraine, Moldova, and NATO countries with US bases at risk. Missiles such as the Khorramshahr can reach American military bases in Europe.
The European Commission has confirmed contacts with Ukraine regarding the repair of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, which is hindering the supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have 90-day reserve stocks, which eliminates short-term risks to supply security.
In Bulgaria, police are investigating the deaths of six people in the Balkan Mountains, found within a week. The case is linked to a non-governmental organization and is being considered as a mass murder or ritual suicide.
The public association BOEC reported the discovery of a secret facility of the Russian paramilitary organization near the village of Kladnitsa. Activists claim that the building is used to coordinate subversive activities, has a Russian flag and the PMC emblem.
Serbia plans to purchase gas through the EU's joint procurement mechanism to reduce its dependence on Russia. The country aims to secure approximately 500 million cubic meters of fuel annually through the EU initiative.
NAC "Naftogaz of Ukraine", in partnership with ORLEN, has secured the supply of almost 100 million cubic meters of American liquefied natural gas. The next batches of American gas are contracted for February-March.
On January 30, the draw for the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 season playoffs took place in Switzerland. The matches will be held on February 19 and 26, and the winners will advance to the round of 16.
Despite the war and rising prices, demand for winter holidays abroad remains stable. Ukrainians most often choose Egypt, UAE, and exotic countries, spending an average of 50-70 thousand hryvnias for two.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Ukraine could become an "economic lion of Europe," but to do so, it needs to abandon electricity and heating subsidies. Expert Yuriy Korolchuk explained what this would mean for Ukrainians.
Belgium has not joined the Peace Council initiated by Donald Trump. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot stated that his country had not signed the Peace Council Charter.
He has held the position since January 22, 2017: in 2021, he called Crimea "Russian. "
Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. is nearing a takeover of Serbia's sole oil refinery as U.S. sanctions force Russia's Gazprom Neft PJSC to sell its controlling stake. Hungary will ask U.S. authorities to lift sanctions on the Serbian refinery.
During excavations in Bononia (modern Vidin), a golden ring of fidelity weighing 23. 63 grams was discovered, dating back to the late 2nd – early 3rd century AD. The artifact, depicting a married couple, symbolized partnership and lifelong commitment in Roman culture.
The Ministry of Energy reported that Ukraine transported 6. 9 billion cubic meters of gas through interstate entry points in the year following the cessation of Russian gas transit. This concerns the needs of Ukraine and other countries through the Ukrainian GTS.
From February 1, the Bulgarian lev will cease to be legal tender. From August 2025, all stores will display prices in both currencies.
Russian propaganda has launched a campaign to discredit Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone, scheduled for January 1, 2026. Bulgarian special services have uncovered a network of accounts spreading false claims and manipulations, fostering fears of rising prices and loss of sovereignty.
The draw for the group stage of the 2026/2027 Nations League will take place on February 12, 2026, in Brussels. The Ukrainian national team will compete in League B.
Russia has decided to terminate military agreements with 11 European countries, concluded in 1992-2002. These agreements regulated bilateral military cooperation after the collapse of the USSR.
European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Discussions on providing a loan will continue on December 19 at the summit in Brussels.
EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.
European Council President António Costa stated that the EU will not impose a reparation loan for Ukraine at the leaders' summit if Belgium opposes it. This is a departure from his previous position, where he noted that the scheme only required a qualified majority.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of financial support for Ukraine through the issuance of joint EU debt, as an alternative to using frozen Russian sovereign assets. This comes ahead of a meeting of EU leaders where ways to finance Ukraine will be discussed amid its expected deficit of 135 billion euros by 2027.
The European Commission is trying to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support a proposed loan to Ukraine, financed by immobilized Russian assets. De Wever expresses concerns about the risks to the Belgian economy if Russia tries to reclaim the assets.
Belgium opposed the European Commission's proposals to unblock a €210 billion loan for Ukraine, financed by frozen Russian assets. This dashes the EU's hopes for a deal before the leaders' summit, as Belgium considers the guarantees provided insufficient.
Leaders of eight EU countries bordering Russia will demand targeted defense funding in the next long-term budget of the bloc at a summit in Helsinki. This is due to growing concerns about Russia's aggressive actions, which are testing their borders.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
