Germany
The European Commission plans to withdraw the draft directive on the abolition of seasonal clock changes due to the lack of consensus in the Council of the EU. The final decision is expected in a few months.
The outgoing German government has agreed to provide an additional 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year. Also, assistance of more than 8 billion euros is planned for 2026-29.
By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson's disease in the world will increase to 25. 2 million. The largest increase is expected in East Asia, and regular physical activity reduces the risk.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Petteri Orpo, where they discussed defense support for Ukraine, including strengthening air defense, artillery, and investments in weapons production.
The President of Finland stated that Europe should create a negotiating team consisting of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy. He also assured Zelensky of Ukraine's support.
Pam Bondi said that a series of attacks on Tesla dealerships are acts of terrorism directed against Elon Musk. Vandals damaged the company's cars and buildings in several cities.
The German Minister of Defense criticized the Trump-Putin agreement on a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a "pacifier". Russian attacks did not stop after the conversation.
The Trump administration is considering abandoning the role of commander of NATO troops in Europe. This could signal a US withdrawal from the alliance and reduce Washington's influence in Europe.
The German government plans to propose Annalena Baerbock for the post of head of the UN General Assembly. The German Foreign Minister is known for her active stance on the war in Ukraine.
In Germany, the Bundestag supported the reform of the "debt brake", which will allow allocating hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen defense and infrastructure. The reform envisages the creation of an infrastructure fund of 500 billion euros.
Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in orders for Rafale. France will continue to support Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots on Mirage aircraft.
The euro reached a five-month high as the Bundestag considered increasing lending. The dollar hit a two-week high against the yen ahead of the Fed and Bank of Japan meetings.
Friedrich Merz spoke before the vote in the German parliament on plans to unlock funds for defense. He emphasized protection against attacks and called on Europe to increase its military potential.
According to the poll, 64% of Germans oppose the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Only 30% support the supplies, and 54% believe that Ukraine should give up the occupied territories for peace.
A number of EU countries, including Germany and the Baltic States, have advocated funding for Radio Free Europe amid decreasing support from the US. The Czech Republic initiated this issue at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
The Bundestag will vote on amendments to the Basic Law to facilitate the financing of defense and military aid to Ukraine. They plan to allocate 4 billion euros to support Ukraine in 2025.
The UK and the EU are discussing the seizing of frozen Russian assets to increase defence spending and increase pressure on Putin. The negotiations will include legal and financial cover for the confiscation.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is considering Germany as a location for its third factory in Europe. This would avoid EU import duties on Chinese-made electric cars.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 35,000 Ukrainians have received refugee status in Turkey. This was reported by the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine.
The German government has updated the list of military aid to Ukraine. It includes Gepard installations, IRIS-T missiles, ammunition, and MRAP armored vehicles.
The German government said that Russia is so far restrained regarding a 30-day ceasefire. The issue of Ukraine will be considered at the EU summit in the coming days.
Italy is among the top five countries shaping the "decline" of the rule of law in Europe. The impact of government decisions in Slovakia and Croatia is also a cause for concern, and Romania, France and Germany are not immune to problems in the context of the “democratic recession”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sybiha called on the EU to strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraine and Europe. He proposed using more frequent aid packages for various sectors.
The "Social Taxi" service for people with disabilities has been operating in the Brovary community since February 19. During this time, 28 free trips to hospitals and laboratories have been made.
Unknown vandals doused Tesla's headquarters in France with white paint. Tesla shares are falling due to Elon Musk's political activities and his ties to Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron intends to persuade European Union countries to buy weapons from European manufacturers. He offers alternatives to the American Patriot and F-35.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi announced preparations for a meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the "Ramstein" format in Brussels. Meetings on security guarantees for Ukraine are also being prepared.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian cities and embark on the path to lasting peace. The President of Ukraine stressed the importance of security guarantees.
In Ukraine, prices for medicines, especially domestically produced ones, are increasing. The head of the "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ukraine" association explains this by the rising cost of raw materials, energy, logistics, and competition for shelf space in pharmacies.
G7 foreign ministers expressed support for Ukraine, called for a ceasefire and discussed additional sanctions against Russia. They condemned Russia's military assistance from the DPRK and Iran.