Europe

The Security Committee of the Swiss Parliament has voted to allocate $5. 5 billion in aid to Ukraine as part of a package of measures aimed at improving Switzerland's defense capabilities.

Due to Russian missile strikes that damage power plants, Ukraine's energy system is experiencing electricity shortages, leading to consumption restrictions and dependence on emergency aid from European countries.

In fiscal 2023, Toyota achieved record global vehicle sales of 10. 31 million units, surpassing the 10 million mark for the first time, thanks to increased sales abroad, particularly of hybrid models in North America and Europe.

Four people have been detained in Georgia for stealing rare 19th century books worth hundreds of thousands of euros from libraries across Europe as part of an organized criminal group.

The U. S. State Department considers the suspension of consular services abroad for Ukrainian men of mobilization age to be a "complex issue" and respects Ukraine's right to determine its own policy, but has not yet decided whether to assist Ukraine in bringing the men home.

A U. S. proposal to use future interest on $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine instead of confiscating them outright is gaining momentum among the G7 countries, and officials are seeking consensus on the plan at the upcoming summit in June.

The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution stating that EU accession talks with Georgia should not begin until the proposed law on foreign agents is part of Georgia's legal order.

French President Emmanuel Macron considers the war in Ukraine "the main threat to European security" and wants to develop a European defense initiative to ensure the continent's reliable protection.

French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined his vision of a strong Europe capable of confronting global challenges, such as Russia's war in Ukraine, by strengthening its defense capabilities and engaging with all regions of the world.

Sunny weather and active solar power plants have helped boost Ukraine's electricity production, but the grid remains in short supply due to Russian missile attacks, requiring emergency assistance from Europe for much of the day and calling for conservation.

US President Joe Biden has assured that he will expedite the submission of documents to the relevant authorities to send missile systems and weapons to Ukraine as part of a $61 billion package of military and economic assistance to Ukraine and US allies.

Russia will sell gas to China at a price almost 30% cheaper than to Europe at least until 2027, according to the forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

The Ukrainian parliament has passed in the first reading a bill that will make the Diia. city more accessible to startups, including small tech companies, by providing access to the best tax rates in Europe and tools for scaling and attracting investment.

Germany and the United Kingdom plan to intensify cooperation, including joint support for Ukrainian helicopters, weapons, maintenance, and training, to strengthen Ukraine's military-industrial base.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Europe should continue to increase aid to Ukraine even after the approval of a large aid package from the United States, but he maintained his refusal to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the West should increase arms production to help Ukraine defeat Russia, as the era of peace in Europe is over.

The EU should provide Ukraine with the means for self-defense, as Putin understands only this language, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

France has proposed new EU sanctions against Russian disinformation operations and election interference around the world.

Ukraine has received €1. 5 billion of the second tranche of funding from the EU and expects the third tranche of €1.89 billion to be disbursed soon.

According to the IMF, trade disputes between Ukraine and its European neighbors have affected Ukraine's economic growth and budget revenues.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reacts to the Senate's passage of a bill on aid to Ukraine.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak discussed the prospects of investing in Ukraine with representatives of CRH, the largest manufacturer of construction materials in North America and Europe, assuring them of full support and favorable conditions for such large investors.

The United States is developing sanctions that could cut off some Chinese banks from the global financial system to force Beijing to limit exports of dual-use goods that help Russian military production.

The Ministry of Economy has submitted a draft National Energy and Climate Plan to the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management. This is a key strategic document expected by the EU from Ukraine.

Due to an electricity shortage caused by damage from Russian missile attacks, Ukraine has been forced to seek emergency assistance from European countries for the second day in a row, introducing electricity restriction schedules for businesses and industry from 18:00 to 22:00.

In the 2 years since the Russian invasion, the US program "Unite for Ukraine" has resettled 187,000 Ukrainians to the US with relative efficiency and little difficulty.

The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with the largest package of military aid, including ammunition, air defense equipment, drones, boats, missiles, vehicles and munitions to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Millennials in the United States overwhelmingly support a four-day workweek, and 74% want to reduce their workday, a recent survey found, citing improved work-life balance and productivity as key benefits.

The Czech Republic will once again propose to restrict the movement of russian diplomats in the Schengen area to combat the threat of russian intelligence and espionage activities in Europe.

EU allies insist on maintaining strong support for Ukraine after the US approves a $61 billion aid package.