Slovakia
Slovakia will not support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia without addressing the problems caused by the cessation of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies. The EU may vote on the sanctions on June 20.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he will not support EU sanctions against Russia if they harm his country's national interests. He will not support the cessation of fuel imports for nuclear power plants.
Contracts for service in the Ukrainian Legion were signed in Lublin. Volunteers from different countries will undergo 45-day military training in Poland.
The EU and Ukraine are negotiating a new agreement on import quotas for agricultural products. The quotas will be set between current levels and temporary exemptions granted after the Russian invasion.
The restoration of the pre-war trade regime with the EU will lead to losses of Ukrainian exports of $800 million. However, these losses are not critical and can be compensated.
The National Council of Slovakia adopted a resolution prohibiting the government from voting for new sanctions against Russia at the international level. The Slovak National Party was the initiator.
France and Belgium are not yet ready to support an EU ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, fearing economic consequences and seeking alternative sources of supply.
The director of a commercial structure has been notified of suspicion of fraud of UAH 28 million related to the supply of drones. He received the funds but did not supply UAVs, instead transferring the money abroad.
From June 6, the EU will restore quotas on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. Experts estimate Ukraine's possible losses from 1.5 to 3 billion euros.
Ukrainian aviation is on the verge of survival due to the loss of access to Soviet-era components. Experts are calling for the import of such parts from third countries to be allowed.
Despite the US call for coordinated action, a new package of EU sanctions against Russia is unlikely to be ready for the G7 summit. Hungary may block some proposals.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of the Mayan city of Los Abuelos in the jungles of Guatemala, over 2,800 years old. The find includes pyramids and monuments, indicating important ceremonial significance.
Russia earns billions from oil exports to the West, which allows it to finance the war. Russia's revenues from fossil fuels fell by only 5% in 2024, despite sanctions.
An attack occurred on border guards in Velykyi Bereznyi who were checking for involvement in smuggling evaders. Two officers were injured, and a criminal investigation has been opened.
The court found Peter Kažimír guilty of bribery when he was Minister of Finance. He has to pay a fine of 200,000 euros, but remains in office for now.
2 million border crossings have been recorded through the eQueue system, with the largest number being in the direction of Poland (1. 1 million). The system covers all checkpoints for trucks and buses.
Experts discuss the possible end of the "trade visa-free regime" with the EU, which may complicate Ukrainian exports. Negotiations are underway on a transition period and new measures.
The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.
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.
Prime Minister Fico responded to the threats of German Chancellor Merz regarding pressure on Slovakia for its position on Russia. He stated that the country does not need instructions and will defend its interests.
Friedrich Merz stated that the West's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine have been unsuccessful. He emphasized that Europe should prepare for long-term support for Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz stated that the EU will not allow a minority to block decisions. He emphasized that there are instruments of influence, including the cessation of funding.
The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.
When traveling in Europe, take care of your health insurance. Gather a first-aid kit with medicines and buy labeled products.
Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.
124 countries have backed a global agreement to improve pandemic preparedness. The deal addresses structural inequalities in the development of drugs and vaccines, taking into account the lessons of COVID-19.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.
A man tried to cross the border with Slovakia on a monowheel, but he was caught by a camera trap. He was 300 meters away from the border when he was stopped by a border patrol.
Ukraine and the European Commission are discussing trade conditions after June 5. The goal is to agree on a transitional period of visa-free trade before amendments are made to the Association Agreement.
The European Union is considering restoring quotas on imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from June to December. The restrictions were lifted in 2022 to support Ukraine.