Armenian parliament speaker Ruben Rubinyan and Russia's upper house speaker Valentina Matviyenko discussed a referendum on Armenia's EU accession during a phone call, amid Yerevan's ongoing integration moves and Russian warnings regarding the EAEU.
Hungary blocked further procedural steps in EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova during a technical meeting in Brussels, preventing formal talks on internal market and competitiveness reforms until at least September 1.
Konstantin Kosachev, deputy chairman of Russia's Federation Council, stated that the EU abandoned its European values by overlooking human rights violations in Baltic states during their accession, leading to its current silence on events in Ukraine.
The European Commission's attempt to advance Serbia's EU membership application by opening a new "cluster" of accession negotiations is facing significant opposition from member states, particularly the Netherlands, due to concerns over Serbia's democratic and judicial reforms and human rights record.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of Poland's opposition Law and Justice Party, stated Ukraine must stop glorifying Stepan Bandera and the OUN-UPA to join the EU. He warned that Ukraine's EU accession, especially on "privileged terms," could destabilize and disintegrate the bloc.
MEPs have warned Albania that its EU accession talks are at risk due to plans for a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner. Tineke Strik stated the government is "playing with fire" and jeopardizing EU ambitions, particularly concerning environmental policies and rule of law.
Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez stated that joining the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement is a top priority to increase bilateral trade and investment, diversify exports, and attract more Korean investment, especially in non-textile sectors.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Martinez in Seoul to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, trade, and development assistance. They agreed to continue efforts for Guatemala's early accession to the Korea-Central America FTA and expand cooperation on climate change and public administration.
Sweden will deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine for $2.54bn. Denmark also announced a $671.8m military aid package. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military prepares for a potential Russian offensive from the north, and a parcel bomb injured three in Monaco, reportedly targeting a Ukrainian-origin businessman.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated Ukraine faces significant EU accession problems if it continues to honor Stepan Bandera, a WWII Nazi collaborator. He criticized Ukraine's glorification of groups like OUN and UPA, responsible for massacring Poles, and confirmed Poland won't send remaining MiG-29 jets.
Iraq's Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, expresses hope for Iraq's future membership in the BRICS bloc, citing its importance, though noting it depends on various organizational conditions.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that the start of EU accession negotiations for Ukraine does not guarantee a successful conclusion, noting that some areas will be difficult. He also highlighted Poland's advantageous position as an EU member with veto power. Polls indicate nearly 60% of Poles oppose Ukraine's EU accession.
King Charles III's voluntary annual tax bill was revealed as £12.9m for 2024-25, and £30m since his accession. Despite his estimated £1.8bn private wealth, this sum is considerably lower than taxes paid by other wealthy individuals, raising questions about transparency and the tax-free nature of some royal assets like the Duchy of Lancaster.
Nearly 60% of Poles now oppose Ukraine's EU accession, a significant increase from 42% a year ago. Support remains around 35%, with undecided voters shifting to opposition, fueled by agricultural disputes and historical grievances over wartime massacres.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov notes Armenia's choice of development path, including potential EU accession, is important to Russia due to their fraternal ties.
Mass protests, dubbed the 'flamingo revolution', have erupted in Albania over plans to build mega-resorts on Sazan island and the Zvërnec peninsula, backed by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Locals and diaspora are outraged by the perceived exploitation of natural reserves and denial of access to cherished sites, fueling broader discontent with the government and oligarchic interests.
Russia claims Ukraine's decision to renounce Polish state awards, in response to Poland stripping Zelensky of an order, provides Warsaw legal grounds to oppose Ukraine's EU accession due to the glorification of Nazism.
The European Council has not set timeframes for the next stages of Moldova's EU accession negotiations, which began on June 15. While the European Commission urged for talks on all clusters to start in July, a unanimous EU decision was not reached during the summit. The process is merit-based and typically takes over 10 years.
Hungary blocked an attempt to fast-track Ukraine's EU accession, with PM Peter Magyar stating a clause for accelerated entry was removed. The EU remains divided on reopening communication with Moscow, with France and Germany opposing efforts by European Council President Antonio Costa.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims EU bureaucrats are deceiving Ukrainians about their chances of joining the EU, stating Ukraine has "zero chance" due to economic collapse, corruption, and conflict. The SVR also cited fears of strengthening right-wing radicals.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced significant adjustments to an EU leaders' statement regarding Ukraine's accession, including the removal of wording that accelerated the process. Magyar stated on Facebook that Hungary's suggestions led to the changes.
The EU is considering new accession treaties that could limit new members' ability to dissent on bloc decisions for up to 15 years. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned that "safeguards will bite hard" for states breaking ranks, with Montenegro potentially being the first to face such arrangements.
The EU is considering new accession treaties that could limit new members' ability to dissent on bloc decisions for up to 15 years after joining. Commissioner Marta Kos warned of "safeguards" for states that "break ranks," with Montenegro potentially being the first to face this. This push aims to speed up admissions amid global shifts but faces internal resistance.
The EU has formally begun accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, requiring both nations to undertake significant reforms. Ukraine faces the challenge of pursuing membership while defending against Russia's invasion, viewing EU integration as a crucial security guarantee.
