Montenegro
Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu expressed concern over the possible diversion of the Ibar River, calling it a threat to water and energy security. Serbian President Vučić confirmed the intentions, citing domestic legislation.
Serbia plans to join the Schengen Area by the end of 2027, which would lead to the introduction of visas for Russian citizens. The government has formed a working group, but President Vučić previously denied that visa-free travel would be canceled.
The Financial Times reports that Ukraine is a "complex dilemma" for the EU: its army is valuable, but corruption and other issues raise concerns. Brussels is considering reforming the accession process, proposing phased integration.
Melinda Haring suggested four candidates to Zelenskyy for the position of ambassador to the United States after Stefanishyna’s dismissal. They include Unguryan, Husovskyi, Klympush-Tsintsadze, and Stavnitser.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees dismissing ambassadors in four countries. Diplomats in Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Pakistan were dismissed from their positions.
The Government of Montenegro has decided to introduce a visa regime for citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey from November 1. This was done to harmonize the country's visa policy with EU rules.
On Ukrainian Statehood Day, leaders and high-ranking officials from Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Serbia and other countries arrived in Kyiv to participate in the "Ukraine – Southeast Europe" summit.
The domain addresses of Telegram, t. me and telegram.me, have become inaccessible due to a DNS failure, affecting the opening of links in browsers. The messenger itself continues to operate normally.
On July 13, International Rock Day and French Fry Day are celebrated. In Ukraine, Orthodox Christians according to the new calendar honor the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel.
92% of Ukrainians plan a vacation in the summer of 2026, almost 70% choose to vacation in Ukraine. Popular foreign destinations are Turkey, Egypt, and European countries.
Marta Kos announced a new generation of accession treaties with additional guarantees. The issue of the right of veto will be discussed for each country.
Kyiv and Budapest have reached an agreement on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia. Hungary has supported the commencement of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations.
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.