EU ambassadors were unable to agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to Slovakia’s veto during a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) on 9 July.

The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) is set to once again consider the 18th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday 9 July. However, Slovakia’s position blocking the package remains unchanged.

On Monday, 7 July, on the eve of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (EcoFin) meeting, during a dinner in Brussels, the ministers of economy and finance of the European Union member states will discuss support for Ukraine if the war continues in 2026.

On Wednesday 9 July, the European Parliament is set to vote on the resolution on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Following the suspension of some types of US military aid to Ukraine, the European Union must strengthen its own support for Ukraine.

The results of consultations conducted by Hungary on assessing Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union are not binding, but the European Commission takes them into account.

The European Commission has concluded negotiations with Ukraine on the main principles of the review of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between Ukraine and the EU after the expiry of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which introduced a preferential regime for Ukrainian exporters until 5 June 2025.

EU enlargement is one of the priorities of Denmark's presidency of the European Union and Copenhagen would like Ukraine and Moldova to move forward on this path simultaneously.

The EU has officially extended the sectoral sanctions against Russia for another six months.

The 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia is being blocked not only by Slovakia but also by Hungary.

The European Union believes that Slovakia, which has publicly opposed the adoption of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, will change its position in the near future.

Hungary and Slovakia have refused to approve the European Union’s new 18th sanctions package against Russia until the European Council meeting, where EU leaders are expected to discuss further sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.

At the European Council summit on 26–27 June, EU leaders plan to approve a document with strong messages supporting Ukraine’s progress in EU accession negotiations, particularly its readiness to open negotiation clusters.

The European Commission has proposed including additional measures against Belarus and sanctions targeting software used by Russian banks in the draft of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia.

The European Union will not unilaterally reduce the price cap on Russian oil from US$60 to US$45 per barrel, as this initiative is unlikely to be supported by the Group of Seven (G7).