Germany

Germany will increase the minimum wage to 13. 90 euros per hour in 2026 and to 14.60 euros in 2027. This will make it the second highest in the EU after Luxembourg.

At the Shehyni checkpoint, a 28-year-old Ukrainian tried to transport 32 pairs of Apple AirPods Max headphones hidden in a sofa from Germany. The undeclared goods were seized, and the driver faces responsibility.

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak discussed with advisors from partner countries the results of the NATO summit and the prospects for Ukraine's European integration. The discussion focused on increasing pressure on Russia and the importance of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump.

European NATO countries are increasing defense spending but refusing American weapons. This is due to concerns about the policy of Trump, who has already threatened to annex the territory of a European country.

President Zelenskyy stated that last year, deliveries of machine tools for Russia's military-industrial complex were recorded from at least 12 countries, including China, the US, and Germany.

A young Syrian man is accused of supporting a terrorist group and assisting in planning a thwarted attack on Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna. He helped the suspect with translating bomb-making instructions and joining ISIS.

The German parliament has approved a law to suspend family reunification for two years for migrants with subsidiary protection status. The restriction will affect approximately 380,000 people, mainly Syrian citizens.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a European tour from June 30 to July 6, visiting the EU headquarters, Germany, and France. The purpose of the visit is the final согласоvание of details for the China-EU summit in Beijing on July 24-25.

The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.

European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia opposed it, which led to the postponement of discussions.

EU leaders are discussing two options: concluding a quick trade agreement or a tough response to Trump's threats of 50% tariffs on all goods from the EU. A decision must be made by July 9, when the “grace” period expires.

North Korea opens Wonsan Kalma beach resort to domestic tourists after a six-year delay. According to dictator Kim Jong Un's plans, the resort should stimulate tourism development and attract foreigners, although it is currently only for locals.

The wealth of the world's 3,000 billionaires has grown by $6. 5 trillion in a decade, equivalent to 14.6% of global production. The richest 1% earned $33.9 trillion, which could overcome global poverty 22 times.

June 26 marks four important events: Crimean Tatar Flag Day, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Cosmetologist Day, and Toothbrush Day. Today is also World Refrigeration Day and the Day of Remembrance of St. David of Thessaloniki.

England and Germany will meet in the final of the European Youth Football Championship (U-21) on June 28 at 22:00 Kyiv time. England defeated the Netherlands 2:1, and Germany defeated France 3:0 in the semi-finals.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leaders of the E5 format states and the NATO Secretary General. Strengthening Ukraine's air defense, including against Iranian "Shaheds", and pressure on Russia due to its unwillingness to end the war, including sanctions, were discussed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine is protecting the security of Europe, therefore NATO partners will continue to support it. According to him, a significant strengthening of NATO is a strong result for Ukraine.

Two foreigners, citizens of Azerbaijan and Georgia, suspected of selling counterfeit dollars, have been extradited from Germany to Ukraine. They operate as part of a group that sold counterfeit dollars via Telegram channel and mail for 50-60% of the face value.

Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO are diminishing, but the Alliance is considering increasing investment in the arms industry. So far, the US has not committed to providing further weapons, but European countries are financing the production of Ukrainian combat drones.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the increase in NATO defense spending is a result of members' "own convictions", and not a favor. NATO leaders plan to officially approve an increase in spending to 5% of GDP, which is attributed to pressure from Donald Trump.

New Tesla car sales in Europe fell by 27. 9% in May, while overall electric car sales in the region rose by 27.2%. The decline is attributed to competition from cheaper Chinese electric vehicles and protests against Elon Musk's policies.

The United Kingdom plans to acquire 12 F-35A fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will expand the country's deterrence arsenal. This decision is part of a significant strengthening of the UK's nuclear position and its contribution to NATO.

Storm "Ziros" in Berlin and Brandenburg led to one death and several injuries. Urban railway traffic was partially paralyzed but later restored with restrictions.

At the NATO summit in The Hague, an increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP is being discussed, causing controversy among member states. Ukraine remains on the periphery, and its Euro-Atlantic integration is effectively frozen due to the position of Trump and Germany.

Donald Trump criticized the media over reports of uncertainty about the extent of destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities after US attacks. He claims that all facilities were 'completely destroyed', and journalists from CNN, ABC News, and NBC News are spreading 'fake news'.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed their position on US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating that US actions comply with international law. Rutte also expressed concern about Iran's possible possession of nuclear weapons.

Concerns about a possible Russian attack on NATO countries are growing among Alliance members, who predict such a possibility in 3-7 years. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized the urgent need for a significant increase in defense budgets and strengthening of armies, and also drew attention to China's growing military power.

Germany and Italy are demanding the return of their $245 billion gold reserves from US vaults, fearing President Trump's interference with the Fed's independence and geopolitical risks. Both countries are among the world's largest gold holders.

Several regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, were covered by heavy rain and thunderstorms. The State Emergency Service warns of possible disruptions in the operation of transport and utility services.

Annually on June 22, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Sorrow and Honoring the Memory of War Victims, dedicated to the beginning of the German-Soviet War in 1941, which claimed millions of Ukrainian lives. This date also reminds us of the price of peace and the importance of confronting aggression in the modern context.