Belgium and Luxembourg recognized the independence of the State of Palestine, joining France, Britain, Monaco, Canada, and Australia. The Belgian Prime Minister noted that legal recognition is possible after the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas.
BAE Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition production plant in Poland. This aims to address the shortage of shells in Ukraine and among Poland's NATO partners.
The court in Luxembourg found the European Commission's methodology for supervisory fees under the Digital Services Act to be flawed. EU regulators have been given 12 months to correct the methodology.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that partners will continue to help Ukraine, making it more extensive and systematic. The EU is allocating 6.6 billion euros for weapons. Germany plans to provide Ukraine with Patriot.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British military leaders. They discussed support for Ukraine, the situation at the front, and the supply of weapons.
Belgium will provide Ukraine with several F-16 fighter jets in September. This information was confirmed by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot during a press conference in Odesa.
Belgium is ready to join international forces with an appropriate mandate after a ceasefire. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated this in Odesa.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated Ukraine's firm intention to end Russian aggression in 2025. He discussed peace efforts with colleagues from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in Odesa.
Representatives of Ukraine and Benelux countries in Odesa condemned Russia's aggression and reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty. They emphasized the need to end the war and restore peace.
President Zelenskyy enacted the NSDC decision on synchronizing sanctions between Ukraine and key partners. Ukraine has 100% synchronized the US sanctions for 2025, which concern Russia's energy and military-industrial complex.
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
The number of representatives of Georgia's ruling party "Georgian Dream" and related individuals who have fallen under Western sanctions has exceeded 230. Restrictions were imposed by the USA, Great Britain, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine.
France and 14 other states signed a joint statement calling on the world to recognize the Palestinian state. This happened after a conference in New York aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha announced the creation of a new format of cooperation Ukraine – Benelux, which will unite Ukraine with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The first ministerial meeting will take place in the near future, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also initiated a strategy regarding the Arctic, Antarctic, and the World Ocean.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The Office of the Prosecutor General ensured the seizure and transfer to ARMA of funds and securities worth over $35 million USD, which belonged to former People's Deputy Volodymyr Makeyenko. The funds, which were in accounts in a Luxembourg bank, show signs of illegal origin.
US President Donald Trump stated that he convinced the Coca-Cola company to use cane sugar instead of corn syrup in drinks for the American market. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's “Make America Healthy Again” program.
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.
In the first quarter of 2025, housing prices in the European Union increased by 5. 7%, and rental prices by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Since 2010, housing prices in the EU have risen by 57.9%, and rental prices by 27.8%.
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.
EU countries have agreed to increase the European Investment Bank's annual lending limit to €100 billion and triple financing for the defense industry. The bank also plans to invest €70 billion in technological innovation and renewable energy sources.
The European Union is developing a scheme to increase profits from almost €200 billion in frozen Russian assets by moving them into riskier investments. This will ensure long-term support for Ukraine.
The world's largest crypto players are preparing to obtain licenses in the EU under the new MiCA regulation. This is happening despite disputes between regulators regarding the speed of approval of permits.
The European Union is extending temporary protection for Ukrainians, but is developing a plan for their return to rebuild Ukraine. 4.3 million Ukrainians live in the EU, and the protection program has been extended until March 2027.
Favbet Team celebrated a year: the team has come a long way from a startup to a cyberclub with a Ukrainian squad, victories and support for the Armed Forces. The plans include new activities for the community.
France has begun a large-scale reconstruction of the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur airbase worth $1. 7 billion. This is being done to accommodate the latest Rafale fighters and ASN4G missiles with nuclear capabilities.
The European Commission and the European Central Bank will give their consent for Bulgaria to join the Eurozone. This is expected to happen on January 1, 2026, making the country the 21st member of the currency union.
Latvia has sent 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition. Two Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within six months.
German bank Sparkasse stopped transferring money to Schroeder from "Gazprom" due to the threat of US sanctions. The ex-chancellor of Germany received about 200,000 euros twice a year.
