EU importing more gas from Russia than from US
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many EU member states reduced or stopped their purchases of Russian natural gas, but a significant amount is still imported into the bloc today.
New Hungarian visa rule stirs Russian spy concerns in EU
European People’s Party leader Manred Weber has criticised a new Hungarian visa liberalisation measure for workers from Russia and Belarus. The German conservative is worried that the move endangers EU security and provides a loophole for espionage.
Moscow renames square as anger over EU support for Ukraine boils
Russia has changed the name of its Europe Square to Eurasia Square in satisfaction with Europe’s position on the war in Ukraine and its support for the country. Ukraine is also currently in membership talks with the European Union.
Hungary’s Orbán justifies Moscow visit in leaked letter to EU leaders
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Russian President Vladimir Putin – without informing the EU and its leaders – to discuss the war in Ukraine. Hungary currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.
Top European rights court rules Russia guilty of abuses in Crimea
The European Court of Human Rights said Russia violated the right to life, the freedom of expression and assembly, among other abuses. Ukraine had filed a complaint with the court. The impact of the ruling is likely limited as Russia refuses to recognize the court judgements. The EU’s foreign ministers on Monday adopted new Russia santions.