Correspondence from Bucharest // Romanian MPs and senators take oath of allegiance on Saturday

The new Romanian deputies took the oath today after they had their first meeting yesterday. The 446 senators and MPs will form the new Legislative, which will vote on the country's new government in the coming days. The pro-European parties are still negotiating to form the Executive, which is still led by the current Prime Minister, Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu.

IMF approves new $1.1 billion installment for Ukraine

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new $1.1 billion tranche for Ukraine under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF). IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that "Russia's war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating social and economic impact on the country. Despite the ongoing invasion, macroeconomic stability is being upheld through effective policymaking by the Ukrainian authorities, as well as significant external support."

Ukraine cuts off Russian gas transit

Russian gas transit through Ukraine will cease on January 1. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that this will occur at 7:00 AM local time, due to the expiration of the relevant agreement, according to Reuters.

Denmark boosts Ukraine aid with $300m package

Denmark has announced a new $300 million military aid package for Ukraine. The funds will be used to provide air defense systems and maintain F-16 fighter jets, the BBC reported.

EU must prioritize enlargement, especially for Ukraine and Moldova

The expansion of the European Union should be a top priority for 2025, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated ahead of the European Leaders’ Summit.

Shooting in Abkhazia Parliament leaves deputy dead, another injured

A shooting occurred in the Parliament of Abkhazia, a pro-Russian separatist region of Georgia, leaving one local deputy dead and another injured, AlJazeera reports.

NATO bolsters Ukraine’s defense ahead of peace talks

Supporting Ukraine and preparing for potential peace talks are key priorities on NATO's agenda, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

Ministry of Energy: Republic of Moldova has stable electricity supply

The Ministry of Energy has refuted the fake information online, which claims that the Republic of Moldova is facing an impending energy crisis. Official data indicates a stable electricity supply and a diversified range of consumption sources.

Correspondence of Dan Alexe // Zelenski in Brussels for a NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine

Several European leaders are scheduled to meet on the evening of Wednesday, December 18, in Brussels, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The main topic of discussion will be the potential deployment of NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in attitude from Europe and NATO. European leaders are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a potential agreement between Vladimir Putin and the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump.

Correspondence Dan Alexe // EU sues the UK for blocking free movement of citizens

On Monday, December 16, the EU announced that it would take the UK to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for violating rules on the free movement of EU citizens and their family members after Brexit. The European Commission said it suspects that “there were several shortcomings” in the UK’s implementation of the treaties at the end of 2020.

Olaf Scholz faces no confidence vote as Germany schedules early elections

A majority of Bundestag members supported a motion of no confidence against Olaf Scholz's government.

Romanian schools to teach the history of communism by 2025

Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, "The History of Communism in Romania" will become a mandatory subject in Romanian schools.