In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in Rome that Russian assets could be unfrozen on the condition that Ukraine is compensated 500 billion euros. Frozen Russian assets abroad amount to over 300 billion euros.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's defense needs. The leaders also touched upon strengthening air defense and cooperation in arms production.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated that Ukraine will receive American Patriot air defense systems. This comes amid intensified Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian territories.
President Zelenskyy reported on a positive dialogue with Trump regarding Patriot systems. Germany and Norway are ready to pay for three Patriot systems for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Rome. The parties discussed the situation on the battlefield, support for Ukraine's defense production, and joint arms production, as well as challenges for Europe due to Russia's cooperation with allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing massive Russian shelling, increased investment in Ukrainian drone production, and the situation on the battlefield. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on its path to European integration and called on Slovakia to unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the country's readiness to buy additional Patriot air defense systems from the US for transfer to Ukraine. He discussed this issue with US President Donald Trump.
The European Commission announced a new financial support package for Ukraine worth €2. 3 billion, which includes grants and loan guarantees. The funds will be directed towards supporting businesses, investments, urban reconstruction, energy security, and critical infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of achieving justice for Ukraine, which has been suffering from war for over three years. She also stressed the need to rebuild destroyed schools and hospitals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He will speak at the plenary session alongside leaders from Italy, Germany, the European Commission, and Poland.
Large-scale fires are raging in Greece, causing evacuations near Athens and on the island of Thassos. Significant parts of Europe, including Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and France, are preparing for the return of an anomalous heatwave with temperatures above 30°C.
The meeting in Rome will focus on Ukraine's long-term recovery and the mobilization of investments, particularly private sector funds.
Germany is discussing the purchase of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles worth 25 billion euros. This is part of a plan to form six NATO brigades and transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the demilitarization of Ukraine is an absolute "red line" for France. He emphasized that France cannot deny Ukraine membership in NATO and agree to the demilitarization of its armed forces.
Beijing denied Berlin's accusations of using laser weapons against a German plane during the EU mission "Eunavfor Aspides" in the Red Sea.
40 years after the establishment of the Schengen area, internal border controls are being tightened, limiting freedoms. Poland has introduced controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania, and other EU countries are also strengthening checks.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in the Bundestag that diplomatic means for resolving the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine have been exhausted. He promised further assistance to Ukraine and criticized Russia for attacks on civilian targets.
Donald Trump, at a closed-door donor event in 2024, stated that he threatened Vladimir Putin to "bomb Moscow" if he invaded Ukraine. He allegedly made a similar warning to Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding Beijing.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering providing Ukraine with an additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. This decision could be the first major weapons system provided to Kyiv without prior White House approval under President Biden.
Russian occupiers discussed the use of poisonous substances against Ukrainian defenders. Intelligence services of the Netherlands and Germany confirm Russia's widespread use of prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will open a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Rome this week, together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The event aims to mobilize investments, particularly from the private sector, for Ukraine.
Germany has accused China of a laser attack on a German aircraft during the EU mission "Eunavfor Aspides" in the Red Sea. Berlin summoned China's ambassador over the incident, which occurred in early July.
The Port of Rotterdam is reserving berths for vessels with military cargo and planning cargo diversions in case of conflict. This is being done in coordination with Antwerp and at NATO's request.
President Zelenskyy instructed Defense Minister Umerov to prepare for the next "Ramstein" meetings in various formats. Ukraine expects new steps for stability from the format in August-September.
There are no legislative initiatives in Ukraine regarding the reduction of the work week, and during the war, its duration can reach 60 hours. However, employers offer vacancies with various working time regimes, including part-time.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have disagreements regarding aid to Ukraine within the framework of the "coalition of the willing" and approaches to communicating with Donald Trump. France is irritated by Britain's decision to engage with Trump, while London is annoyed by Paris's approach to negotiations.
