EU to abandon plan to phase out combustion engines – MEP

Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy, has drawn a parallel between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Jon Snow from 'Game of Thrones' amidst the European Union's decision to indefinitely freeze Russian assets. This comparison highlights Orban's perceived resilience and strategic positioning in the face of EU sanctions against Russia.

Reports suggesting Ukraine could join the European Union by January 1, 2027, have been dismissed as unrealistic by officials in Brussels, amidst ongoing discussions about a US-led peace plan. This skepticism comes on day 1,389 of the Ukraine war, highlighting the complexities of Ukraine's EU aspirations during the conflict.

A senior US official indicated that Ukraine's potential integration into the European Union by 2027 is unlikely, despite the US plan to end the war in Ukraine. European diplomats highlighted that even if pro-Moscow governments like Hungary were to agree, numerous complex issues would need to be resolved swiftly.

The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze €210 billion of Russian sovereign assets within its jurisdiction, a move aimed at redirecting these funds to support Ukraine's defense amid ongoing military aggression from Russia. This decision follows increased threats from Moscow regarding potential retaliation against Euroclear, the financial institution managing these immobilized assets.

The European Union has endorsed an indefinite freeze on Russian assets, a decision made in light of Ukraine's urgent financial needs as it faces a cash shortfall of approximately €135.7 billion over the next two years due to ongoing conflict. This move aims to bolster Ukraine's economy amidst the prolonged war with Russia.

Germany has summoned the Russian ambassador following accusations that Russian-linked groups have hacked its air traffic control system and attempted to influence the upcoming 2024 general election. These actions have been categorized as hybrid attacks, prompting Berlin to consider coordinated countermeasures with EU partners.

The European Parliament is poised to adopt its negotiating mandate on Mercosur, paving the way for discussions on a trade deal with Latin American countries that would establish a free trade area encompassing over 700 million people. This development comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the EU, China, and the US.

The European Commission is expected to announce a significant reduction in the scope of its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, according to a senior Member of the European Parliament. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental campaigners, who argue that it undermines the EU's green deal and its commitment to combating climate change.