EU mission to train military in Ukraine to be extended by two years, Borrell says
On Oct. 14, Josep Borrell confirmed plans to extend the EUMAM mandate for another two years, pending approval from the EU Council.
European Union
EU sanctions Iran over missile shipments to Russia
The EU's sanctions list newly includes individuals and entities responsible for the development and transfer of drones and missiles to Russia.
Poland’s 2025 EU presidency to focus on Ukraine’s integration and EU expansion, Duda says
Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that a key priority of Poland's EU presidency in early 2025 will be the European integration of Ukraine and maintaining an "open door to Europe" policy for new members.
EU officials considering reform to bypass Hungary’s blockade on Ukraine defense funds
A proposed reform of the European Peace Facility (EPF) would make financial contributions voluntary, aiming to bypass Hungary's veto on military aid to Ukraine, which has caused a 6.5 billion euro ($7 billion) backlog.
Ukraine braces for winter freeze amid potential Russian strikes targeting nuclear power
Ukraine is set to face its toughest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion as Russia eyes cutting off its nuclear power after already bombing out capacity from half of its electricity generation sector in large-scale air strikes. For now, Russia is not directly striking the plants with missiles
Opinion: JD Vance’s neutrality pitch for Ukraine is a shortcut to Putin’s next invasion
Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance might consider himself a genius for proposing “neutrality” for Ukraine as the centerpiece of his plan to end Russia’s war. For Vance, this appears to be a true eureka moment. Unfortunately, the concept of neutral status for Ukraine is not new. Vance
Hungary’s Orban rebuked by EU chief over Russia stance, complains of ‘political propaganda’
"I would have been pleased to debate the presidential program but I see you’re not interested," Viktor Orban said.
Zelensky arrives in Croatia for regional summit
The talks will focus on achieving peace, Ukraine’s path to NATO and the EU, as well as the reconstruction of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 9.
Hungary blocks EU sanctions changes, holding up $50 billion G7 loan package for Ukraine
"We believe that this issue, the prolongation of the Russian sanctions, should be decided after the U.S. elections. We have to see in which direction the future U.S. administration is going with this issue," Hungarian Finance Minister Mihaly Varga said.
EU readies to sanction Iran over missile shipments to Russia, Bloomberg reports
According to Bloomberg, the EU's sanctions would target "about a dozen individuals and entities," which includes firms involved in the engineering, metals, and aviation sectors.
'Ukraine will be 2nd strongest NATO member' in Europe, Latvian FM says
Ukraine will have the second-strongest military in NATO on the European continent once it joins the alliance, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said on Oct. 1.
Far-right Freedom Party wins Austrian elections, further cementing Russia-friendly wall in Central Europe
Austrians went to the polls on Sept. 29, handing victory to the far-right, anti-migration Freedom Party (FPO). The party gained 29% of the vote, its best result to date. Founded in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, a former Nazi SS officer, the party has long been climbing into the country's mainstream,
Far-right party opposed to Ukraine aid wins Austria elections
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party came first in a general election on Sept. 29, according to voter projections. The party is known for its Kremlin-friendly stance and opposition to aid for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The Freedom Party of Austria, or FPO, which is led by Herbert Kickl,
Ukraine launches program allowing foreigners to remotely start businesses in Ukraine
Ukraine has launched uResidency, a program enabling foreigners to start a business in the country remotely, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Sept. 27 at the Lviv IT Arena, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist reporting from the event. The program offers foreign entrepreneurs favorable conditions for conducting business,
Over 30 nations, EU adopt declaration in support of Ukraine's recovery
More than 30 countries and the European Union adopted the Joint Declaration of Support for Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine during a meeting in New York on Sept. 25, Ukraine's Presidential Office said. Backed during the Group of Seven (G7) + Ukraine meeting, the document contains several points including helping to
Opinion: As Russia circumvents sanctions, Europe faces a strategic crossroads
Returning from their summer recess, European Union leaders have a packed agenda. At the top of the list are strengthening the bloc’s readiness for conflict and bolstering its economic competitiveness. For decades, the EU relied on economic influence as a substitute for hard power. But in an era of
EU's von der Leyen unveils up to 35 billion euro loan to Ukraine as part of G7 pledge
"Relentless Russian attacks means Ukraine needs continued EU support," the chief of the EU's executive arm said during her visit to Kyiv.
Europe too 'reticent' in energy support for Ukraine ahead of winter, IEA chief says
According to the IEA report, Ukraine's electricity shortage could reach 6 GW this winter, which is about one-third of the expected peak demand.
Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine's energy needs with Zelensky
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 20 to discuss Ukraine's energy needs ahead of the coming winter.
EU considering ending Georgia's visa-free access over ruling party's democratic backsliding
"All options are on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its trend toward authoritarianism, "including the potential temporary suspension of the visa liberalization scheme," a spokesperson for the European Commission told Politico.
Germany plans additional $445 million in aid for Ukraine in 2024, AFP reports
According to the document seen by AFP — a letter to the parliamentary budget committee — additional funds are needed to "fulfill the German government's support commitments to the Ukrainian armed forces."
Bulgaria to ask EU to suspend egg imports from Ukraine
"When the import of a certain type of product or commodity — vegetables, meat, eggs — reaches certain limits that the European Commission has outlined in advance, then we can activate the mechanism of banning their import. We are currently doing this in terms of eggs," Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Georgi Takhov said.
EU aims to cover 25% of Ukraine's energy needs in winter, von der Leyen says ahead of Kyiv visit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Kyiv on Sept. 20 to discuss Ukraine's energy needs with President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said on Sept. 19.
EU allocates over $100 million from Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine in winter
"Russia must pay for the destruction it caused," von der Leyen said.
Why Russia still rakes in cash transporting gas through Ukraine: 4 key charts
While Russia's deadly war rages on Ukraine's soil, one unexpected aspect of the invasion is that natural gas continues to flow through Ukraine from Russia, with both sides profiting from the deal and – to an extent – financing each other's war machines. That is expected to change when their deal expires
Von der Leyen names new European Commission with pro-Ukraine figures leading diplomacy, defense
For the first time in history, the European Commission will include the position of defense commissioner. Former Lithuanian Prime Minister and Member of the European Parliament Andrius Kubilius will take up the new post overseeing the EU's defense policy.
EU preparing to raise up to 40 billion euros in loans for Ukraine without US, FT reports
The EU is preparing to gather up to 40 billion euros ($44.5 billion) in loans for Ukraine as Budapest keeps disrupting plans on a joint loan with the U.S., the Financial Times reported on Sept. 16, citing sources and a draft proposal.
EU ready for end of Russian gas transit via Ukraine, commissioner says
Europe is "fully committed" to phasing out Russian gas and is "ready to live without this Russian gas coming from the Ukrainian transit route," EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Sept. 11.
Russian oligarchs, financial company lose appeal against EU sanctions
Russian oligarchs Gennady Timchenko and Mikhail Fridman and Russia's National Settlement Depository on Sept. 11 lost their appeal against EU sanctions imposed against them.
EU to remove ex-Formula 1 racer, Prigozhin's mother from Russia sanctions list, RFE/RL reports
Hungary, which has repeatedly opposed sanctions on Russia and undermined Western aid efforts for Ukraine, once again reportedly demanded that several people be removed from the sanctions list in exchange for their support.
Portugal urges EU to begin making preparations for Ukraine's eventual membership
Portugal is advocating for Ukraine's entry into the European Union and is urging the EU to start preparing for this possibility, Bloomberg reports.
Zelensky meets Dutch far-right leader Wilders in Italy
President Volodymyr Zelensky met Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders on the sidelines of the Cernobbio Forum in Italy on Sept. 7.
(Updated: )
Most popular
Editors' Picks
Fall of Aleppo deals blow to Russia's Middle East clout, may indirectly strengthen Ukraine's hand
‘Destroying us little by little:’ Ukrainian troops worried about fate of Kursk operation
Once liberated Kupiansk braces for worst as Russian troops approach, and future Western support looks uncertain
