EU member states and the European Parliament have so far failed to agree on the internal mechanism for implementing the trade agreement with the United States, despite pressure from Washington and the threat of new tariffs on European automobiles.
Negotiations between representatives of the European Parliament and EU countries took place on the evening of May 6 and lasted more than six hours, but no final decision was reached. According to Bloomberg, Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, confirmed that the parties discussed possible amendments to the transatlantic agreement concluded in the summer of 2025, but failed to reach a final compromise.
The issue concerns EU-US trade arrangements announced in July 2025. Under the agreement, Brussels is expected to abolish tariffs on a range of American industrial goods, while Washington maintains a baseline tariff rate of 15% on a significant share of European exports. Stricter conditions remain in place for steel, aluminum, and copper, including 50% tariffs.
The main dispute within the EU is related not so much to the principle of the agreement itself as to guarantees in case the United States fails to fulfill its obligations. The European Parliament insists on additional safeguard mechanisms, including the possibility of suspending concessions if Washington violates the arrangements. Some EU countries, by contrast, support a faster approval of the deal in order to avoid further escalation of the tariff conflict.
The situation escalated after threats by US President Donald Trump to raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the EU from 15% to 25%. Brussels fears that this would hit Germany and other countries with major automotive exports particularly hard. According to Reuters, most EU countries are interested in completing the procedure as quickly as possible, while the European Parliament demands stronger safeguards be built into the agreement.
Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange stated that the negotiations had moved forward, but that “there is still a way to go” before a final decision is reached. The next round of consultations between the European Parliament and EU member states is scheduled for May 19 in Strasbourg.
For the European Union, this dispute is a test of its ability to conduct a unified trade policy under pressure from the United States. Some countries emphasize the need to quickly remove the risk of new tariffs for industry, while others fear that an overly soft EU position would create a precedent in which Washington could secure concessions through threats of additional duties.
For European businesses, the main uncertainty is currently linked to the automotive sector, industrial supplies, and transatlantic production chains. If the EU fails to coordinate its internal position in time, the risk of higher US tariffs will remain, and trade relations between the world’s two largest economic blocs could once again enter a phase of acute confrontation.
Active preparations for the resort season are underway in Odessa, according to the city’s military administration.
“The top priority is the safety of vacationers. Therefore, before the start of the season, eight additional mobile shelters will be installed along the coast at the city’s expense. They will be located along the stretch from Langeron Beach to the 16th station of the Great Fountain. The total number of functional shelters along the coast will increase to 19,” reads a statement on the CMA’s Telegram channel.
According to the information, this year there are plans to increase the number of public beaches to six, and two inclusive beaches will be operational. As agreed with the leaseholders, infrastructure for people with disabilities will be installed at the city’s other beaches.
Currently, tenants and the relevant municipal enterprise are carrying out a range of preparatory work: setting up lifeguard stations, installing buoys, conducting underwater surveys of the seabed, and testing alarm systems.
Reportedly, a joint commission of the city council and the Regional State Administration has been established to assess the readiness of the coastline; the decision to partially open the beaches will be made solely based on the results of its work. After the commission’s inspection and the signing of the inspection reports confirming the beaches’ compliance with requirements, the final list of beach areas open to visitors will be published.
Metinvest, Ukraine’s largest mining and metallurgical holding company, reported a 7% decrease in steel production for January–March of this year compared to the same period last year—down to 454,000 tons from 488,000 tons— but maintained pig iron production at 438,000 tons (436,000 tons in Q1 2025).
According to a press release from the parent company Metinvest B.V. on Thursday regarding operating results for the first quarter of 2026, due to the start of the Russian Federation’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the capacity utilization of the group’s Ukrainian enterprises continues to be affected by security factors, personnel availability, power supply, as well as logistical and economic factors.
It is noted that in January–March 2026, pig iron and steel production at Kametstal decreased by 12% and 20%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter—to 438,000 tons and 454,000 tons, due to unstable power supply in January–February 2026.
In addition, it is reported that in the first quarter of 2026, production of commercial semi-finished products amounted to 185,000 tons, which is 32% less than in the previous quarter due to a decrease in the output of commercial billets against the backdrop of lower steel production volumes and the prioritization of its consumption in subsequent production stages; at the same time, this was partially offset by a 2.2-fold increase in commercial pig iron production.
However, production of commercial semi-finished products was 7% higher than in the same period of 2025, thanks to a 96% increase in commercial pig iron production.
Overall, in the first quarter of 2026, finished product production increased by 8% compared to the previous quarter and by 11% compared to the same period in 2025—reaching 660,000 tons. In particular, flat-rolled steel production amounted to 292,000 tons, matching the previous quarter’s level and representing a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by the resumption of hot-rolled coil production at Ferriera Valsider and an increase in orders for hot-rolled thick plate.
Long product production amounted to 349,000 tons, an 8% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 4% increase compared to the same period last year, thanks to increased volumes at Kametstal and Promet Steel (Bulgaria); Pipe production amounted to 19,000 tons following the acquisition of the Tubular Iasi pipe plant (Romania) in December 2025.
In the first quarter of 2026, coke output decreased by 8% compared to the previous quarter and by 2% compared to the same period in 2025, to 256,000 tons, due to delays in coal deliveries amid unstable power supply.
In the first quarter, total iron ore concentrate production decreased by 2% compared to the previous quarter, to 3.882 million tons. Output of commercial iron ore products fell by 7%—to 3.521 million tons—due to unstable power supply during the reporting period. Specifically, iron ore concentrate production fell by 9% to 2.225 million tons; iron ore pellet production decreased by 3% to 1.296 million tons.
In the first quarter of 2026, total iron ore concentrate output decreased by 2% compared to the previous quarter, to 3.882 million tons. Commercial iron ore production decreased by 7% to 3.521 million tons due to unstable power supply during the reporting period. Specifically, iron ore concentrate production fell by 9% to 2.225 million tons; iron ore pellet production decreased by 3% to 1.296 million tons.
In the first quarter of this year, total iron ore concentrate production increased by 2% compared to the same period last year, while commercial iron ore output decreased by 6%. Production of iron ore pellets decreased by 24% due to the temporary shutdown of one of the roasting machines caused by damage to the power supply systems. As a result, the volume of marketable iron ore concentrate output increased by 8%.
As reported, Metinvest increased steel production by 4% in January–March 2025, to 488,000 tons. Total iron ore production for this period decreased by 15% compared to January–March 2024 but increased by 11% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 3.761 million tons. At the same time, production of commercial iron ore concentrate (IOC) decreased by 27% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and increased by 7% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 2.064 million tons. Overall, total IOC production in the first quarter of 2025 decreased by 21% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and increased by 17% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 3.815 million tons.
At the same time, Metinvest increased its production of pellet feed by 7% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and by 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 1.697 million tons, but reduced its total output of coking coal concentrate by 52% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and by 51% compared to the previous quarter, to 518,000 tons. Coke production in January–March 2025 decreased by 8% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and by 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, to 260,000 tons.
In the first quarter of 2025, Kametstal’s pig iron production amounted to 436,000 tons, production of commercial semi-finished products to 173,000 tons, and production of finished products to 597,000 tons. Specifically, production of flat products was 261,000 tons, and long products reached 336,000 tons.
It was also reported that in 2025, Metinvest reduced steel production by 4% compared to the previous year—to 2.018 million tons—and pig iron production by 2%, to 1.782 million tons. In 2025, output of commercial semi-finished products decreased by 3% compared to the previous year—to 839,000 tons. At the same time, commercial pig iron output doubled to 84,000 tons.
In 2025, finished product output increased by 13% compared to 2024—to 2.429 million tons. Specifically, flat-rolled steel production increased by 20%—to 1.107 million tons, while long-rolled steel production rose by 7%—to 1.322 million tons. Coke production decreased by 2% to 1.100 million tons.
In 2025, total iron ore concentrate production was comparable to the previous year’s volume and amounted to 15.695 million tons.
Metinvest is a vertically integrated group of mining and metallurgical enterprises. Its facilities are located in Ukraine—in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions—as well as in European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The holding’s main shareholders are the SCM Group (71.24%) and Smart Holding (23.76%). Metinvest Holding LLC is the management company of the Metinvest Group.
ARX Life Insurance Company (Kyiv) collected insurance premiums totaling UAH 91.185 million in January–March 2026, which is 11.8% more than in the same period of 2025.
This was reported by the rating agency “Standard-Rating” in its update on the insurer’s credit rating/financial stability (reliability) rating, which was maintained at “uaAAA” on the national scale for the reporting period.
According to a statement on the rating agency’s website, the volume of payments and reimbursements made by the insurer in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 12.45% compared to the first quarter of 2025—to UAH 17.111 million. Thus, the insurer’s payout ratio increased by 0.11 percentage points to 18.77%.
The company’s acquisition costs for the first quarter of 2026 rose by 0.05% compared to the same period in 2025—to UAH 43.011 million.
In 2025, ARKS Life Insurance Company reported a net profit of UAH 21.094 million, which is 57.48% higher than in the first quarter of 2025.
As of April 1, 2026, the company’s assets increased by 2.67% to UAH 436.138 million, equity by 6.04% to UAH 370.181 million, liabilities decreased by 12.87% to UAH 65.957 million, and cash and cash equivalents increased by 21.49% to UAH 198.771 million.
Thus, as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2026, the company had a capitalization ratio of 561.25% and a coverage ratio of liabilities by cash and cash equivalents of 301.36%.
At the same time, RA notes that during the reporting period, the insurer made financial investments totaling UAH 226.044 million, consisting of government bonds and municipal bonds (84.71% of the portfolio) and deposits in banks with investment-grade credit ratings (15.29% of the portfolio).
ARX Life is part of the international insurance holding company Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. ARX Life ranks among the top ten companies in the life insurance market in Ukraine.
The Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) has raised $40 million to build a new campus in Obolon, Kyiv; part of these funds will be allocated to a 100-bed student co-living facility, according to the KSE press office.
A co-living space is a modern student housing format that combines private areas or rooms for sleeping and relaxing with shared spaces: a kitchen, living room, coworking area, and study zones.
“KSE students live and study side by side: common areas, the library, labs, classrooms, and housing—all in one environment. Students inspire one another every day. The idea for science, business, or politics in Ukraine in the coming decades may begin with a conversation over coffee in the kitchen,” commented KSE University Rector Tymofiy Brik.
Currently, 296 students live in KSE co-living spaces in Kyiv. The new space adds another 100 spots.
It is reported that among the first residents of the co-living space in the new academic year will be 50 students returning to Ukraine through the Come Back Home grant program (supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York), and another 50 students who are already studying at KSE or have arrived from other cities in Ukraine.
KSE’s existing main campus is the Dragon Capital building on Shpaka Street in Kyiv. A new campus will open on Obolonska Embankment, with its buildings housing co-living spaces and lecture halls.
KSE is opening its first new facility this academic year: a 1,022-square-meter co-working space with over 100 seats and 858 square meters of classrooms.
The total budget for the campus development is $40 million.
As reported, in late April 2025, KSE purchased a new campus—the “Golf Club” in Kyiv’s Obolon district—for $18 million. This year, an additional $22 million was raised, part of which is being allocated to the new student co-living space and new lecture halls on Obolonska Embankment.
KSE is a private university and research center founded in 1996. It operates as a non-profit organization registered in the United States. Since 2022, KSE donors have allocated over $150 million to humanitarian, defense, and educational projects, including the development of university infrastructure.
The new Smart Line plant in the VinIndustri industrial park (IP) (Vinnytsia) has begun production of paint booths for the metalworking industry; initial investments in the plant totaled 46 million UAH, according to Dmytro Kysilevsky, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development.
“The plant’s design capacity is 20 paint booths per month. The first phase covers an area of 2,800 square meters. The industrial facility for the second phase, with an area of 5,000 square meters, is scheduled to be built by the end of 2026, with commissioning in 2027. The planned investment in the second phase is 60 million UAH,” he wrote on Facebook on Thursday.
Kysilevsky emphasized that with the second phase, Smart Line will become Ukraine’s largest manufacturer of paint booths.
In total, the company plans to employ 150 workers; currently, 32 specialists are working there, and the search for another 15 employees is ongoing.
“The first paint booths manufactured in the industrial park have been exported. Deliveries have already been made to Poland and Moldova. An order from Estonia is currently being fulfilled,” the MP said.
He added that to import equipment for the second phase of the Smart Line plant, the company plans to take advantage of the incentives provided for industrial park participants, specifically the zero VAT rate and zero import duties on equipment.
“The company can also take advantage of a zero corporate income tax rate for a period of 10 years, provided that the freed-up funds are reinvested. The Vinnytsia City Council has reduced the land tax for industrial parks from 3% to 1%. In addition, park residents are exempt from property tax,” Kysilevsky noted.
The VinIndustri industrial park, covering 26 hectares, was established in 2021. The initiative came from the Vinnytsia City Council.
According to information on its website, the Smart Line powder coating equipment plant was founded in 2014, and at the end of April of this year, the company began moving to its own production facility.
The company’s co-owners are two entrepreneurs from Khmelnytskyi—company director Oleksandr Bebekh (66.7%) and Serhiy Korbin (33.3%).
As previously reported, among the declared residents of the VinIndustri industrial park are Firewood (a manufacturer of equipment for producing fuel briquettes and pellets), Vizardy (metalworking for construction and agriculture), and the pharmaceutical distributor BaDM.
