Parliaments of European Union and Ukraine ratified simultaneously Association Agreement, but the Commission would propose to Member States to delay application of the trade related provisions as agreed by two sides and Russia.

The European Union condemned the murder of British aid worker David Haines, expressed condolences to his family and friends and vowed to continue efforts fighting terrorist groups that endanger global stability, the spokesperson said in a statement. Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Respond Kristalina Georgieva said she was shocked with the murder and urged for protection of relief workers.

EU has expressed concern over the abduction of an Estonian police officer by the Russian Security Services near the Estonian-Russian border and calls for his immediate release.

Strengthened EU sanctions against Russia entered into force upon the publication of the legal acts in the EU Official Journal.

President-elect Juncker unveiled his team and the new shape of the next European Commission. Instead of Enlargement portfolio there will be the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations one led by Johannes Hahn.

A package of further restrictive measures against Russia has been adopted by the Council today (through written procedure), deepening the targeted measures of 31 July.

President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker has announced the list of Commissioners-designate and sent it to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in his capacity as President of the Council of the European Union.

The current security challenges prove that a strong transatlantic relationship, based on common values, remains of fundamental importance to Europe, President of The European Council Herman Van rompuy said at the NATO Summit.

“We welcome the agreement on a ceasefire reached in Minsk today at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group. The ceasefire agreement must now be respected and fully implemented by all sides,” EU High Representative’s spokesperson said in a statement.

The European Union strongly condemned the murder of American journalist Steven Sotloff and expressed deepest condolences to his family, a spokesperson said in a statement.