News about EU: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.
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UNIFIL's mandate expires on December 31, 2026: 7,565 peacekeepers from 46 countries are preparing for a phased withdrawal. Lebanon is seeking an extension, but without success. On October 12, the EU created a new mission, EUSM Lebanon, which will not replace UNIFIL. Hezbollah refuses to disarm, and Israel holds the zone north of the 'Blue Line'.
Javlon TursunovThe European Parliament almost unanimously approved new passenger protection rules: refunds via a standard form on the European Commission's website in all EU languages, full refunds within 14 days, and intermediary liability.
Javlon TursunovOn Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the European Union unveiled an updated Arctic strategy that for the first time places security at the center of the bloc's policy. The document provides for an expanded icebreaker fleet, satellite surveillance, a maritime security hub, protection of subsea cables, development of the Northern Sea Route as an alternative to Suez, a refusal to extract hydrocarbons in the region, and projects on critical raw materials and renewable energy.
Javlon TursunovEU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament about six attacks on civilian ships over 10 days off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria. According to her, Ukraine is losing about €60 million a day in export revenue, while the global food system faces a combination of threats: a super El Niño, drought in both hemispheres, and the Middle East conflict complicating fertilizer exports.
Javlon TursunovFive European commissioners for external policy, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, sent a letter against the proposed 17.4% cut to the Global Europe instrument put forward by the Irish presidency of the EU Council. They warn of risks to EU influence, enlargement, migration and climate policy. EU leaders largely rejected the proposal at the summit, and António Costa is preparing a new compromise ahead of the special summit on 26 November.
Sevara AzamovaMichael O'Leary, in an interview with Euronews, criticised the European Commission chief for inaction on competitiveness, demanded a levy on flights by non-European carriers, and announced a reduction of flights to Belgium due to a tax increase. He also warned of rising ticket prices in 2027 due to expensive oil.
Sevara AzamovaRyanair chief Michael O'Leary criticised the green policy of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling her 'useless' and the European Parliament a 'ship of fools'. According to him, EU environmental laws make air travel more complex and costly. The airline is cutting one million seats from its winter schedule, including in Belgium due to rising passenger taxes and in Germany, which O'Leary called 'hopelessly uncompetitive'.
Javlon TursunovEurozone inflation reached 3.8% in September, up from 3.2% in August, with energy prices rising 18.8% year on year. Protests swept across Europe — from Brussels and Paris to Lisbon and Athens. Brussels is coordinating the release of oil reserves and calling for targeted aid, but does not control prices, rents or tuition fees.
Javlon TursunovAfter unprecedented violence in France over the weekend, President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a visit to the Persian Gulf, is facing criticism. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced partial curfews in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Nice. Presidential candidates from various parties say power has been lost. Meanwhile, the EU discusses peace talks on Ukraine, Trump criticizes Zelensky, and the European Parliament has finalized the shortlist for the Sakharov Prize.
Sevara AzamovaThe traditional Breton smoked sausage andouille de Guémené may disappear due to EU norms on carcinogenic PAH content. Producers blame the French authorities, who, unlike ten other EU countries, have never requested an exemption for traditional products.
Sevara AzamovaZelensky told EU leaders the war will cost Ukraine €155 billion in 2026 and requested at least €70 billion more. The Commission was tasked with working out options: new joint borrowing or the use of frozen Russian assets worth €210 billion, which Belgium opposes.
Aziz KarimovOn Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the European Union released an updated Arctic strategy, shifting its focus from the climate agenda to security. The document provides for enhanced satellite monitoring, a maritime security centre, an undersea cable between Greenland and continental Europe, an expansion of the icebreaker fleet, and cooperation with Canada, Britain and Norway. The US is mentioned in the document only a few times, while a number of initiatives are aimed at reducing dependence on Washington.
Aziz KarimovAccording to Eurostat data published by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, in 2025 women held 30.3% of leadership positions in the country, compared with an EU average of 35.9%. Over ten years, the share grew by only one percentage point, while the EU average rose by four. At the same time, the share of women among those employed in Germany is above the European average, and in the government it stands at 42.6%.
Nilufar KarimovaThe Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published a report arguing that Russia's aggression, uncertainty over US policy and China's economic pressure have devalued Britain's post-Brexit strategy. Polling shows 52% of voters support joining the EU. Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said Brexit had 'done more harm than good'.
Otabek YusupovThe four largest European telecom operators have signed a letter of intent for a joint application for mobile satellite service spectrum in Europe. The project envisions direct-to-device connectivity via satellites without investment in their own constellation and could become a European alternative to Starlink.
Sardor QodirovThe European Commission said it is preparing new steps to restrict visa issuance to Russians. EC spokesperson Markus Lammert recalled the measures already taken, including the ban on multiple-entry visas, and the EU ministers' decision to bar entry to Russian combatants. A number of Schengen countries are pushing for stricter common rules.
Otabek YusupovSlovakia and Hungary called on the European Commission to show flexibility in phasing out Russian gas, citing their lack of sea access and dependence on existing supply routes. Supplies must end in 2027. The V4 countries are seeking recognition of regional needs in the allocation of EU funds and a postponement of the second phase of ETS2 to 2030.
Aziz KarimovThe European Commission is working on measures, including activating the blocking statute, to protect the International Criminal Court after the US announced sanctions. No official decision on timing has been made yet.
Aziz Karimov
