Cyprus
Ursula von der Leyen at the EU summit in Cyprus avoided the topic of Ukraine's associated membership proposed in Germany. She spoke about the EU budget, funding, and reforms on a merit-based principle.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that after support and sanctions, the EU should open the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels insists on full membership despite discussions about alternatives.
EU leaders at the summit in Cyprus did not support the idea of associate membership for Ukraine. António Costa emphasized the opening of the first cluster of negotiations for full accession.
There are no provisions in NATO's founding treaty for expelling countries. The US is dissatisfied with Spain's refusal to provide bases for attacks on Iranian targets.
António Costa urged EU leaders to be autonomous due to diverging interests with the US. The bloc fears an energy crisis and pressure from Washington.
At the summit in Cyprus, readiness to start negotiations in the coming months was announced. Zelenskyy rejected associate membership, demanding full membership.
An internal US letter outlines options for punishing allies for refusing to support operations against Iran. Measures include reviewing the status of the Falkland Islands.
The President of Ukraine at the EU summit emphasized the importance of accelerated accession to the bloc. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking for a clear membership date to be set.
The leaders discussed the Drone Deal format and a 90 billion euro loan. Lithuania will support Ukraine's accession to the EU during its presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.
Russian structures are organizing artificial protests to discredit the President of Ukraine and the EU. European bodies have already been informed about these provocations.
The President thanked the EU for the 90 billion euro aid package and new sanctions. The funds will be used to strengthen the army, air defense, and protect the energy system in winter.
The President and Prime Minister of Ukraine welcomed the financial assistance from the EU for weapons and energy. The first tranche is expected in May-June to strengthen defense.
The President will take part in a special meeting of EU leaders and hold talks with Nausėda and Frederiksen. A meeting with Costa and von der Leyen is planned.
The Bureau of Economic Security is pressuring airlines over lease payments, ignoring the priority of international treaties on avoiding double taxation. Five companies have come under fire.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate in an informal dinner of EU leaders in Ayia Napa. The main topic will be unblocking a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
The spokesman for the German government announced the possibility of providing funds after an amendment to the EU budget. The procedure requires Hungary's consent and will be completed this Thursday.
In 2025, the number of immigrants in the European Union increased by 2. 1 million. Germany remains the leader in the number of people accepted and asylum applications filed.
EU ambassadors have provisionally agreed on a loan to Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Final approval is expected on Thursday after the procedures are completed.
EU ambassadors expect approval of a €90 billion loan after oil supplies resume. Two-thirds of the funds will go to defense and financial assistance to Kyiv.
EU permanent representatives will consider the last technical amendment for the launch of the loan to Ukraine. The issue has been put on the agenda without discussion due to the agreement of the states.
The Bureau of Economic Security has opened cases against 5 airlines, interpreting aircraft leasing as royalties. This contradicts international conventions and practice.
The European Union will conduct exercises to practice Article 42. 7 on collective defense. Kaja Kallas will personally oversee the review of the response to armed aggression.
Police detained seven members of a group who blackmailed over 1,500 people through Bitcapital and Crypsee. The perpetrators used a bot farm with 6,000 numbers.
The State Tax Service (STS) under the leadership of Tetiana Kiriyenko enabled the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) to equate aircraft leasing with royalties and open cases against airlines. This threatens double taxation, losses for airlines, and the complete destruction of the civil aviation industry.
The next informal meeting of EU heads of state will take place on April 23-24 in Cyprus. A meeting of EU heads of state and government is scheduled for June 18 - Viktor Orbán may be invited there before his resignation.
Diplomats report EU leaders' reluctance to discuss the accession of new members. Referendums and the experience with Hungary are cited as key risks.
Hungary's next leader will not hinder funding for Ukraine after Orbán's resignation. Budapest will only maintain its refusal to participate in the loan itself.
The President of the European Commission stated that energy import costs increased over 44 days. EU governments are advised to coordinate oil and gas reserves.
The European Union plans to quickly approve funding for Ukraine after Péter Magyar's victory in the elections. The new Hungarian leader promises close cooperation with Brussels.
Keir Starmer plans to increase investment in defense amid threats and opposition criticism. A new plan will be presented in May to strengthen the country's security.