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On December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. The ceremony coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The prize, a departure from FIFA's traditional sports focus, sparked controversy due to Infantino's close ties with Trump and ongoing political tensions.
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Paramount and other industry leaders have publicly rejected a boycott pledge calling for a ban on Israeli film institutions implicated in Gaza conflict. The pledge, signed by numerous actors and filmmakers, aims to oppose what signatories see as complicity in Israeli actions. Responses highlight tensions over artistic freedom and political activism amid ongoing Gaza violence.
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The European Court of Justice dismissed Austria's challenge against including gas and nuclear energy in the EU's green taxonomy. The ruling affirms the legality of the classification, which aims to guide sustainable investments toward climate neutrality by 2050, despite ongoing criticism over environmental risks and greenwashing concerns.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, threaten to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union is consulting members on managing participation amid geopolitical tensions, with Israel's involvement uncertain until December's decision.
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Spain has joined countries threatening to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates, citing Gaza conflict. The move follows protests and diplomatic tensions, with the European Broadcasting Union consulting members on managing geopolitical issues. The contest is scheduled for Vienna in May 2026.
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Several European broadcasters threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza conflict and press freedom. The European Broadcasting Union has given countries until December to decide on participation amid protests and political pressure.
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Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing political tensions. The European Broadcasting Union will decide in December whether Israel can take part amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The controversy highlights tensions between cultural unity and political disputes.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will hold an online vote in early November to decide whether Israel's broadcaster KAN will participate in Eurovision 2026, amid mounting calls for a boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Several countries threaten to withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete.
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The EU is considering new restrictions on Russian diplomats' movement within the Schengen area, following Czech proposals and ongoing concerns over espionage and sabotage activities linked to Russia. The measures include mandatory notifications for travel and are part of broader sanctions discussions.
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As of October 8, 2025, the EU is advancing a plan to use approximately €140 billion from frozen Russian assets to fund a loan for Ukraine’s war effort. The loan would be repaid only if Russia pays war reparations. The proposal faces legal and political challenges within the EU and strong opposition from Russia, which calls it theft.
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Recent developments highlight Scotland's luxury hotels gaining recognition for family friendliness, while Norwegian ski properties attract affluent buyers amid rising prices. Meanwhile, US ski resorts remain extremely expensive, prompting Scottish alternatives with better value. The industry is shifting towards year-round, nature-rich escapes.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing travel challenges, including cramped train cabins, airport overbookings, and high hotel prices during major events. Travelers are improvising, sleeping in airports, or choosing solo trips for flexibility amid systemic infrastructure issues. These stories reveal persistent systemic travel problems and individual resilience.
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Turkish authorities have detained officials and suspended over 1,000 players amid a major betting and match-fixing investigation. The scandal involves top-tier clubs, referees, and players, revealing a moral crisis in Turkish football. The investigation continues, with key figures under scrutiny.
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Austria has charged two former Syrian officials, including Brig. Gen. Khaled al-Halabi, with war crimes related to torture and repression during the Syrian uprising. Halabi, a double agent for Mossad, has been in Austrian custody since December 2024. The case highlights ongoing efforts to hold Syrian regime figures accountable in Europe.
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Scotland secured a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, overturning a 2-2 draw in stoppage time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match featured dramatic goals, including a bicycle kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range shot from Kieran Tierney, ending Scotland's 27-year absence from the tournament.
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Curacao, with a population of 156,000, has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so. The team secured its spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, in a dramatic CONCACAF qualifying finale. Haiti and Panama also qualified, with the expanded 48-team tournament set for North America.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.
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A referendum in Slovenia has rejected a law legalising assisted dying, with about 53% voting against. The law, approved in July, would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives under specific conditions. The suspension of the law will last at least one year, following a campaign backed by the Catholic Church and conservative groups.
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Recent studies reveal domestication processes in dogs, cats, and raccoons. Dogs originated twice in Eurasia with ongoing wolf interbreeding. Cats arrived in Europe around 2,000 years ago via North Africa, while urban raccoons show early signs of domestication, including shorter snouts and reduced fear of humans.