Germany

Germany has approved a budget for 2025 with a record 78 billion euros of investment, net borrowing of 43. 8 billion euros, and a total budget size of 481 billion euros, adhering to the constitutional debt limit, but plans to cut military aid to Ukraine to 4 billion euros from about 8 billion euros in 2024.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planning a surprise visit to Belgrade on Friday to attend the signing of a cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia on lithium imports, essential for the EU's digital and green transition.

The Ministry of Defense has returned to the Armed Forces of Ukraine a significant amount of ammunition of various calibers that were previously transferred for disposal, and after quality control, this ammunition is now being used against the Russian occupiers on the battlefield.

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the UK are at risk of homelessness and exploitation due to shortcomings in security and support procedures, according to a report by the British Red Cross.

Some European countries are considering reopening their embassies in Afghanistan, which would mean diplomatic recognition of the Taliban almost three years after the fall of the previous government.

Trump's nomination of J. D. Vance, a critic of aid to Ukraine, as a potential vice president raises concerns in Europe about the second Trump administration's possible commitment to Ukraine and NATO.

A Ukrainian driver was detained for transporting 8 illegal Afghan migrants across the Polish-German border.

Spanish midfielder Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024, and his compatriot Lamin Yamal was named the best young player.

Spain has won the Euro 2024 football championship, defeating England 2-1 in the final and becoming a record 4-time European champion.

Spain's national football team equaled the European Championships record for the most goals scored in a single tournament, scoring its 14th goal in the 47th minute of the final match of Euro 2024 against England.

England and Spain to play in Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

The meeting will start today at 22. 00

Germany is preparing to deploy up to 800,000 troops and 200,000 pieces of equipment to NATO's eastern flank in case Russia attacks the Alliance.

Germany draws up a secret plan to deploy up to 800,000 NATO troops and 200,000 pieces of equipment via the A2 highway to Eastern Europe in the event of a Russian attack on the Alliance's eastern flank.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that the deployment of US long-range missiles in Germany would not lead to an escalation in relations with Russia. The official emphasized Germany's commitment to preventing war, which is about security and deterrence potential.

NATO and Japan have agreed to conduct joint exercises in Euro-Atlantic waters and to increase intelligence sharing out of concern that events similar to the war in Ukraine could occur in Asia.

Germany responded to an attempted assassination attempt on the executive director of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said at the NATO summit that the West should significantly increase the production of weapons and ammunition to continue supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

French President Macron assured NATO allies and Ukraine that despite the political uncertainty following the parliamentary elections, Paris remains committed to European security, supporting Ukraine and its commitments to NATO.

The first flight attendants were men. The idea to involve women in this work arose in the United States in 1930 purely from a pragmatic point of view - women are lighter than men.

Romania will provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system and support its security efforts in the Black Sea region under a new bilateral agreement.

Russia is working on countermeasures in response to the US decision to deploy long-range missiles in Germany from 2026, including hypersonic weapons, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

At the NATO summit, Allies will announce their intention to provide Ukraine with €40 billion in funding over the next year, as well as measures aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and bringing it closer to NATO membership.

President Zelenskyy thanked the partners for adopting the Declaration in support of Ukraine's air defense system to protect the population, cities and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror.

Japan has handed over 2 Nikken mechanized demining vehicles to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine to help in the disposal of explosive ordnance, which will be sent to Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions.

Norway will provide Ukraine with spare parts for Sea King helicopters to support the operation and maintenance of the helicopters donated by Germany.

France and Switzerland have offered to evacuate children from Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital to their clinics. Negotiations are currently underway to determine the best destination for the patients.

Health Minister Viktor Lyashko clarified that Ukraine's only laboratory for diagnosing oncohematological diseases was not destroyed by shelling, contrary to previous information, and work is underway to restore its operation.

NATO needs 35 to 50 additional brigades totaling 105,000 to 350,000 soldiers to fully implement its new defense plans against potential Russian aggression, which poses a serious challenge to Allies in providing the necessary personnel and capabilities, such as air defense.

Germany has handed over a third Patriot air defense system, ammunition, drones, cars, boats and other military aid to Ukraine, according to an updated list by the Bundestag.