All articles tagged with #eu support
EU states have approved a historic free trade agreement with Mercosur after 25 years of negotiations, aiming to offset US tariffs and reduce reliance on China, despite opposition from France and protests from farmers. The deal will require European Parliament approval and includes safeguards for farmers and environmental concerns.
The article discusses challenges to EU support for Ukraine following the Czech election victory of Andrej Babis, who opposes military aid to Ukraine, alongside broader issues including Cuba's active support for Russia in Ukraine, and recent escalations in the Ukraine conflict such as increased Russian bombing and a French war crimes investigation. Zelenskyy urges more Western aid for air defenses amid ongoing Russian attacks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for strong deterrence against Vladimir Putin during her visit to Poland's border with Belarus, highlighting ongoing EU efforts to support front-line states against Russian aggression amid heightened tensions and military concerns.
Russian forces are advancing towards Kurakhove in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, with heavy fighting reported. Meanwhile, Elon Musk joined a call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, reaffirming his support through Starlink. EU's Josep Borrell visited Kyiv to assure continued European support, while Hungary's PM Viktor Orbán suggested Trump's administration might reduce US aid to Ukraine. Additionally, the US will allow defense contractors to maintain weaponry in Ukraine, and NATO condemned North Korea's military support for Russia. In other developments, Russia intercepted Ukrainian drones, and a Russian court sentenced two soldiers for a massacre in occupied Ukraine.
Russia is indicating its readiness to continue fighting in Ukraine for several more years, as defense spending is set to make up nearly 30% of the Russian government's expenditures in 2024. The increased military expenses will be funded through higher debt and oil and gas revenues. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers gathered in Kyiv to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, and President Joe Biden plans to call allies to confirm US support. The Pentagon has only 6% of the funds left to replenish weapons sent to Ukraine, and Ukrainian officials are lobbying Congress to continue aid. Russia may also be testing a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Severe flooding in central Greece has led to criticism of the government's handling of natural disasters, following last month's wildfires. The death toll has risen to 10, with fears that the number of missing could increase. Whole villages are underwater, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The Thessaly plain, a major agricultural region, has been severely affected, with damage estimated at €2 billion or more. Disaster management experts predict it will take at least 5 years for the agricultural sector to recover. The government has faced accusations of insufficient preparations and poor communication in response to the flooding. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has pledged support and resources, including seeking assistance from the EU. Greece's sovereign credit rating was raised to investment grade by DBRS Morningstar.