Five EU countries propose temporarily restricting voting rights for new members of the bloc. The initiative envisages strengthening control over the rule of law.
Montenegro's accession to the EU by 2028 was called a realistic goal at the summit in Tivat. Brussels has already begun preparing the country's accession treaty.
Robert Fico will discuss compensation for assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Ursula von der Leyen. The Prime Minister claims an acute shortage of funds due to the support for Ukraine.
Macron invited Ukraine's allies to a parade in Paris to discuss support. He supported Zelenskyy's initiative regarding peace negotiations with the Russian Federation.
Serbian intelligence services have warned Vučić of a security threat during the summit in Montenegro. The President plans to visit despite the activities of foreign intelligence agencies.
The President of the European Council called EU expansion to the Western Balkans a realistic scenario. Leaders of the region will meet at a summit in Montenegro this Friday.
Robert Fico rejected the idea of German Chancellor candidate Merz regarding associated EU membership for Ukraine without voting rights. The Slovak Prime Minister advocates for either full accession or rejection.
On May 21, Vyshyvanka Day, International Tea Day, and World Meditation Day are celebrated. The Church honors the memory of Saints Constantine and Helen, Equals-to-the-Apostles.
The first semi-final of Eurovision has started in Vienna, where 15 artists are competing for 10 spots in the final. Representatives from Italy and Germany will also perform.
Twenty-six people of various nationalities, including Ukrainians, were evacuated from the MV Hondius vessel due to a hantavirus outbreak. The passengers were sent into strict quarantine.
The plan includes seats in the European Parliament without voting rights and market access without subsidies. It also proposes involvement in the European Union's mutual defense.
Diplomats report EU leaders' reluctance to discuss the accession of new members. Referendums and the experience with Hungary are cited as key risks.
The Alliance has come a long way from 12 founders to eastward expansion and Finland's accession. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, NATO is returning to deterring Russia.
Brussels fears the economic burden and political risks from new members. Ukraine's accession is possible by 2030, provided the war ends.
Iceland and Norway want to join the EU for protection. The bloc prefers wealthy candidates over poorer Eastern countries, where Ukraine is also on the waiting list.
The Verkhovna Rada supported Ukraine's accession to the Convention on International Access to Justice. This simplifies the procedure for Ukrainian citizens to appeal to foreign courts.
About 10% of tourists cancel their trips or change exotic destinations to Egypt. Flights to Vietnam, China, and the Adriatic are gaining popularity.
European Commissioner Marta Kos proposes revising the EU accession methodology to accelerate Ukraine's membership by 2027. This is intended to prevent the Kremlin from exploiting a security vacuum.
Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.
In Montenegro, a car from Prime Minister Milojko Spajić's motorcade collided with a BMW driven by a Ukrainian. Three police officers were injured.
At the Karasovići border crossing in Croatia, border guards discovered 500,000 euros in cash with a 24-year-old Ukrainian citizen. The money was hidden in the side panels of a car with Czech registration, which was heading to Montenegro.
Despite the war and rising prices, demand for winter holidays abroad remains stable. Ukrainians most often choose Egypt, UAE, and exotic countries, spending an average of 50-70 thousand hryvnias for two.
Countries that have been waiting for years to join the EU are divided over plans to become members without full voting rights. Some insist on all the benefits, while others are happy to be at the negotiating table.
Brussels is considering a revision of the EU accession system, proposing a two-tier model that could accelerate Ukraine's entry. This plan raises concerns among some member states about its implications for the Union.
Since PURL was launched in August, 24 countries have joined it, and the total amount of contributions is $4. 3 billion. This allows for the purchase of American weapons, including missiles for Patriots, and strengthening Ukraine's defense.
Former German footballer Sebastian Gaertner died in Montenegro after falling from a ski lift at a ski resort. His wife, who witnessed the accident, suffered a broken leg.
The draw for the group stage of the 2026/2027 Nations League will take place on February 12, 2026, in Brussels. The Ukrainian national team will compete in League B.
The US presidential administration has begun recalling career diplomats, terminating the mandates of mission chiefs in 29 countries by January 2026. This decision aims to replace personnel appointed during the Biden era with individuals who support Trump's ideology.
The United Kingdom has cut funding for countering Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans from £40 million to £24 million for 2025-26. This funding is aimed at combating national security threats and strengthening democratic institutions.
Lioness Vasylina, rescued from Kharkiv region, died in a rehabilitation center in South Africa. She did not wake up, showing no signs of illness, after being evacuated and living with lion Nikola.
