In February 2025, the number of first-time asylum seekers in the EU decreased by 23% compared to last year. Most applicants are from Venezuela, Spain received the most.
Trump's special representative Keith Kellogg met in Istanbul with representatives of Ukraine, Great Britain, France and Greece to discuss peace. A possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin was also discussed at the meeting.
The finalists of Eurovision-2025 have been determined in Basel after two semi-finals. Ukraine has reached the final, where the founding countries and winners of the qualifying rounds will also perform.
13 countries of the Council of Europe have signed the Convention on the Protection of the Legal Profession. Ukraine is absent among them, although it was expected that it would be one of the first to ratify the document.
An earthquake of magnitude 6. 3 was recorded on the island of Crete, which may lead to destruction. Underground tremors were felt in Egypt, Syria and Israel.
In the semi-finals and final of Eurovision-2025 in Basel, viewers will see performances by winners of past years, including NEMO, Baby Lasagna and Jerry Heil.
EU countries are considering redirecting €400 billion from regional aid funds to the defense industry. The funds will go to bomb shelters, military-civilian technologies and military infrastructure.
Ukraine needs more Patriot systems to protect against ballistic missiles, but they are expensive. Patriots successfully shoot down targets, but debris still falls, creating a threat.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Olaf Scholz, noting Germany's important role in supporting Ukraine and the Chancellor's personal efforts. They discussed further assistance.
Contrary to Reuters reports, the Greek government has stated that it is not considering supplying Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
Ukraine's allies are discussing the transfer of additional Patriot air defense systems by June. Among the potential suppliers are the USA and Greece, who are striving to reach an agreement before the NATO summit.
Ukraine will receive a Patriot air defense system from Israel after modernization. The transfer of another system by Germany or Greece to protect Kyiv is being considered.
A 59-year-old Georgian native is on trial in Greece for collecting data in the port of Alexandroupolis, which is key to helping Ukraine. He allegedly transmitted information to the GRU through a Georgian citizen in Lithuania.
EU countries cannot agree on a "Buy European" position in the joint defense procurement program. Industry insists on prioritizing European manufacturers, with an exception for Great Britain.
Against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 16 countries in the EU have initiated a request to activate the "exception clause". This should facilitate the transition to higher defense spending at the national level.
In 2024, more than 93 million people in the EU were at risk of poverty, with Bulgaria and Romania being the leaders. The lowest rates were recorded in the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
The FMBTech project with a budget of 19 million euros has officially started in the EU, bringing together 26 organizations from 13 countries to modernize tanks for modern combat conditions. The project aims to create maneuverable and intelligent tanks.
UPL clubs agreed not to hold the match for the Ukrainian Super Cup. The basic date for the 1st round of the 2025/26 season is August 2, the final decision will be made by the UAF Executive Committee.
The survey showed that 51% of Ukrainians are not planning a vacation this year, and 10% will take only a few days off. The most popular destinations for recreation have changed.
Despite the war, Ukrainians continue to travel. The most popular holiday destinations in Ukraine are western resorts, and abroad - Bulgaria, Greece and Egypt.
Roman Yaremchuk became the champion of Greece, but this deprived Ukraine of a direct ticket to the Champions League 2025/2026. For the first time since 2008/09, no Ukrainian club will play in the main stage.
An explosion occurred near the Hellenic Train office in Athens. Unknown individuals on a motorcycle left a backpack with explosives. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, no one was injured.
From April, entrance to museums and archaeological sites in Greece will become more expensive, with a ticket to the Acropolis costing 30 euros. Free admission for EU citizens under 25 years of age remains.
Since 2010, the largest increase in house prices has occurred in Hungary (+234%) and Estonia (+228%).
According to Copernicus, March 2025 was the warmest in Europe since 1940, with average temperatures exceeding the norm by 2. 41°C. Arctic sea ice reached a record low.
Scientists have recreated the face of a woman who lived in Mycenae 3,500 years ago and may have been associated with the Trojan War. She was buried with weapons, indicating her importance.
The Greek government plans to spend over 20 billion euros to strengthen the country's defense capabilities by 2037. These investments are a response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In Paris, leaders discussed support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and the creation of "deterrent forces. " Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions and the role of the United States in stopping the war.
Greece will agree to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine only on the condition of a ceasefire, no deployment on the territory of the Russian Federation, and the presence of a clear exit strategy.
