Ukraine has received Azerbaijani gas via the Trans-Balkan route for the first time, which is a positive step for supply diversification. Expert Volodymyr Omelchenko noted that the volumes are still small, but in the future they could reach billions of cubic meters, provided production in Azerbaijan increases.
Naftogaz Group has concluded its first agreement on the purchase of Azerbaijani gas with SOCAR Energy Ukraine. The test gas supply is being carried out via the Trans-Balkan corridor through Bulgaria and Romania.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the issue of transferring the Patriot system to Ukraine has not yet been discussed, although the country will continue military support. Romania has an agreement for seven Patriot systems with the US, four of which it has received, one it has transferred to Ukraine, and it expects the next three from 2027.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
The 2025 Venice Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 9, presenting new works by famous directors and actors. Among the premieres are Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia" and Paolo Sorrentino's "Grace", as well as Netflix films.
In Balkivtsi, Suceava County, Romania, the 8th Summer School for Ukrainian Children was opened, which for the second year in a row has an international character thanks to the presence of students from Chernivtsi. The event, organized in partnership with local and Ukrainian institutions, is dedicated to developing language skills and stimulating creativity in over 100 students.
Former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, has been detained in Greece. He was wanted in connection with three criminal cases, including the theft of a billion dollars from banks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine plans to open over 10 new consular offices by the end of the year, including in Romania, Iraq, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, France, and Poland. Consulates in Antalya and Gdansk will receive general consulate status.
The Ministry of National Defence of Romania reported scrambling military aircraft on the night of July 21. This occurred due to air strikes by Russian forces on Ukraine.
Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania will hold a trilateral ministerial meeting. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed this with his Moldovan counterpart Mihai Popșoi, confirming partnership and coordination of efforts regarding the transit of Ukrainian citizens.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
Border guards of the Mukachevo detachment detained a fake ambulance that was transporting an evader to Romania. The man was supposed to pay 10,000 US dollars for the transportation.
Law enforcement agencies from over ten European countries, Canada, and the USA conducted a joint operation "Eastwood" against the NoName057(16) network. As a result, over a hundred computer systems were destroyed and seven arrest warrants were issued, including for six Russian citizens.
During the night, the enemy attacked Izmail district with attack drones, damaging infrastructure and blowing out windows in administrative buildings in Izmail. Romanian media reported that the attack was recorded from Tulcea, with 13 calls to the emergency number.
The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.
On a beach in the Romanian village of Eforie Sud, a fisherman found a fragment resembling a drone wing. The anti-terrorist brigade seized the object for examination, and authorities are investigating the origin of the find.
Foreign ministers of Southeast European countries supported Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. Participants of the meeting in Dubrovnik reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
In Bucharest, a taxi driver refused a ride to former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș from the airport. The driver was fined 500 lei and had his professional certificate confiscated.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, reported that the number of attempts of illegal border crossing is neither increasing nor decreasing. Most such cases are recorded on the borders with Romania and Moldova.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated her country's readiness to help Ukraine in developing logistics communication lines with Moldova and Romania. This concerns corridors for Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv, as well as ensuring infrastructure.
Journalists published an anti-rating of high-profile scandals involving NABU representatives, which includes cases of abuse of office, conflicts of interest, inaccurate declaration, and ties to Russian citizens. These "screw-ups" jeopardize the existence of the Bureau.
Large-scale special operation exposed criminal schemes at customs.
Law enforcement conducted a large-scale special operation to eliminate criminal schemes at customs in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi, and Volyn regions. A high-ranking State Customs Service official was detained, and officials who demanded bribes and facilitated smuggling were exposed.
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.
Searches are taking place at Chernivtsi, Volyn, and Odesa customs offices. The investigation suspects assistance in the illegal export of counterfeit cigarettes to Romania under the guise of other goods.
Searches are being conducted at the office and residence of Yuriy Herasymov, head of Chernivtsi Customs. Officials are suspected of facilitating the smuggling of illegally manufactured cigarettes into Romania.
An express analysis showed that about 2,300 people died in 12 European cities from the severe heatwave that ended last week. Climate change made temperatures significantly higher, leading to 1,500 additional deaths.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal proposed to his Romanian counterpart Ilie Bolojan to hold a joint trilateral meeting with the participation of the Prime Minister of Moldova. Security challenges, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and the development of border infrastructure were discussed.
In 2024, the gender gap in employment in the EU cultural sector narrowed to 0. 8 percentage points, reaching its lowest level in a decade. However, women in the cultural sector are more likely to receive low wages than men.
