President Ursula von der Leyen attended the annual Munich Security Conference and gave a keynote speech in which she described a world with competing visions and a more transactional approach to global affairs. She stressed that Europe must change in order to thrive in this new reality. As the Commission’s actions have shown in the first weeks of its new mandate, the EU […]
Ruslan Stefanchuk: “Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we stay strong”
On Tuesday, the Chair of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, addressed a formal sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Welcoming Mr Stefanchuk to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “I am proud that this Parliament has stood with Ukraine from the very first moment – united, unwavering, and resolute. We will […]
4.3 million under temporary protection in December 2024
On 31 December 2024, nearly 4.3 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine as a consequence of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine had temporary protection status in the EU. The EU countries hosting the highest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine were Germany (1 161 450 people; 27.3% of the EU total), Poland (991 630; 23.3%) and […]
Two Ukrainian brothers arrested on suspicion of leading a criminal gang
On 19 November 2024, law enforcement across Europe cracked down on a criminal network led by two Ukrainian brothers. The action day, which follows raids conducted in October 2024, saw the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of various criminal assets. In total, the operation, which took place over several months, led to the […]
Council extends economic restrictive measures against Russia for another six months
The Council today extended EU restrictive measures for a further six months, until 31 July 2025, in the light of continued actions by the Russian Federation destabilising the situation in Ukraine. These economic measures, which were first adopted in 2014, have been significantly extended since February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and […]
MEPs condemn Russia’s use of disinformation to justify its war in Ukraine
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs condemn the Russian regime’s systematic falsification of historical arguments to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The text adopted by Parliament rejects historical claims by the Russian regime to undermine Ukraine’s history and national identity as futile attempts to justify its ongoing illegal war. It also […]
Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”
On Monday afternoon, MEPs discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. In his first public discussion with MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Security and Defence and Parliament’s delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly since taking office […]
New €148 million EU humanitarian aid package for Ukraine
As Russia’s war of aggression continues to devastate Ukraine, approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance. New European Commission funding will be used to provide life-saving support and ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine. The €148 million in new funding will continue to support vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine […]
EU launches call for EU companies to invest in Ukraine recovery and reconstruction
At the first EU-Ukraine Investment Conference, which started on 13 November, the European Union has launched a call for expressions of interest to mobilise EU private investment in critical areas to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Proposals will be reviewed and matched with the most suitable investment projects funded under the Ukraine Investment Framework, which is […]