Europe

The European Commission is preparing for a possible increase in trade restrictions and a more aggressive political style if Donald Trump wins the US presidential election.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Küllike Sillaste-Elling to discuss the structure and thematic blocks of the future bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and Estonia.

Ukraine is pushing the EU to tighten sanctions against Russia by banning goods used in the production of missiles and drones in order to limit Russia's military potential.

The EU foreign minister called for three immediate steps to increase the supply of artillery shells to Ukraine: long-term contracts with defense companies, removal of regulatory barriers, and negotiations on supplies from third countries.

Farmers in Spain have blocked major roads and port terminals with tractors and burning tires to protest against EU environmental regulations that reduce their competitiveness in the agricultural market.

Chairman of the Munich Security Conference calls for greater European responsibility in security and cooperation.

VEON and Kyivstar announced investments of USD 600 million during 2024-2026 to restore the economy of Ukraine as part of its ongoing campaign to attract international business.

By October 2024, the Czech government will request the opinion of the National Economic Council on the feasibility of joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) as a prerequisite for the introduction of the euro.

Despite sanctions on trade with belarus due to its support for russia's invasion of Ukraine, illegal tobacco from Belarus continues to be smuggled into the UK, with over £162 million worth of goods, including tobacco, imported in 2023.

Russia has launched a new hybrid war against Georgia, using various tools in response to its failure to break Ukraine, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has said.

The key strengths of the Ukrainian economy are its resource potential, proximity to the EU market and opportunities for export industries, while its main weaknesses are an aging population, population decline and proximity to Russia, according to energy expert Oleksandr Katsuba.

France and Ukraine discussed joint projects to restore Ukraine's critical infrastructure and transportation sector, with a focus on repairing railways and improving water supply.

The European Commission recommends a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

Russians shelled one of Ukrenergo's substations in eastern Ukraine, damaging equipment. At the same time, the company emphasizes that no shortage of electricity is expected.

The EU intends to unveil its climate goals for 2040 and a roadmap for the next stage of the energy transition. It is assumed that by 2040, the European Commission intends to achieve a net reduction in emissions by 90%.

World No Cell Phone Day was founded in 2001 by French writer Philip Marceau, who wrote the world's first SMS novel. Anyone who wants to join the event is encouraged to leave home without their cell phones, and, in general, to pretend that they do not exist.

President Zelenskiy said that Ukrainian troops had liberated half of the territories occupied by russia on February 24 and stopped their further advance. However, russia still occupies 26% of Ukraine's territory.

In January, revenues from the Suez Canal were almost halved due to attacks by Yemeni Houthis on ships in the Red Sea, forcing major shipping companies to avoid this waterway.

Zelenskyy expressed hope that US support for Ukraine will continue if Trump is re-elected president.

President Zelenskiy warned in an interview that Russia has no plans to end the war and it could reach Europe, noting that delays in equipment deliveries have led to a stalemate.

Belgium proposes to use the frozen Russian assets as collateral for the issuance of debt for Ukraine's reconstruction.

Estonia has provided Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles, small arms ammunition, vehicles, and diving equipment as part of a new military aid package.

The Czech Republic called on its allies to purchase ammunition for Ukraine outside the EU due to the low level of shell production in Europe to meet Ukraine's needs.

Zelenskiy said that Ukraine is preparing for international meetings to discuss new support packages and has received additional air defense systems.

The IMF Managing Director said that European governments should be more resistant to demands to increase financial support for protesting farmers.

Poland withdraws lawsuits against EU climate change policy filed by the previous Law and Justice government.

During the telephone conversation, Yermak and Sullivan discussed the current situation on the frontline in Ukraine and the need to strengthen the country's air defense system against Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy thanks Macron for his personal efforts in securing a €50 billion EU aid package for Ukraine.

Syrian citizens are being deceived into signing contracts with the Russian military, promising them jobs and citizenship, but in reality being sent to fight in Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy said that the EU's decision to allocate 50 billion euros to Ukraine is a clear signal to Moscow that Europe stands united, but also that Ukraine expects decisions from America on security commitments.