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Former President Donald Trump claims ongoing negotiations with Hamas are close to a deal, urging the group to release all hostages held in Gaza. He suggests progress is imminent but warns of a tough situation if Hamas refuses, amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts. The story is current as of September 12, 2025.
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Maximilian Krah, a German Bundestag member from AfD, is under investigation for alleged money laundering, corruption, and spying linked to China. Raids on his offices and home in Dresden, Berlin, and Brussels follow a court-ordered immunity lift. The case involves allegations of Chinese payments and espionage activities dating back to his European Parliament tenure.
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NATO's North Atlantic Council met after Estonia invoked Article 4 following Russian fighter jets violating Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. This marks the second recent invocation of Article 4, amid ongoing tensions on NATO's eastern flank, with Poland also requesting consultations after Russian drone incursions. NATO vows to respond with all necessary tools.
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Multiple concerts in Europe and Turkey have been canceled or withdrawn due to artists' pro-Israel stances amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The cancellations include bands and singers like Disturbed, Morrissey, and Robbie Williams, citing safety concerns and political protests. The controversy highlights the cultural fallout from the Gaza war.
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President Trump criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's 5% defense spending target, calling them a 'laggard' and suggesting they could be expelled. Spain reaffirmed its commitment, stating it meets its targets, amid ongoing disputes over contributions within the alliance. The debate highlights tensions over NATO commitments and defense budgets.
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Thousands of protesters in Brussels demonstrated against government plans to cut pensions and healthcare, leading to clashes with police and transportation disruptions. The protests reflect widespread opposition to austerity measures amid Belgium's rising budget deficit, with unions mobilizing large-scale strikes and walkouts.
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On October 15, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth's Boeing C-32A made an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall, UK, due to a cracked windshield about 80 miles off Ireland. The plane descended to 10,000 feet and diverted following standard procedures. All onboard were safe. This marks the third such incident involving senior US officials' flights this year.
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The European Union announced a comprehensive defense roadmap focusing on drone detection, border security, and military cooperation. Key projects include the European Drone Defense Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch, aiming for operational readiness by 2027-2028. The plan emphasizes increased funding and joint procurement to bolster European security amid rising tensions with Russia.
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The European Commission is reviewing climate and emissions policies, including a proposed emissions trading scheme set for 2027, amid member states' concerns over rising costs and feasibility. Discussions include potential delays and adjustments to meet economic and environmental goals, with upcoming announcements expected this week.
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The EU is seeking China to relax export controls on rare earths and magnets amid escalating trade tensions. China has responded with export restrictions on Nexperia, a Dutch chipmaker with Chinese ownership, citing national security concerns. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the dispute and stabilize supply chains.
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The EU is seeking to persuade China to ease restrictions on critical material exports, which threaten to disrupt European industries like EV batteries and military manufacturing. EU leaders are considering retaliatory measures, including the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument, amid ongoing economic tensions with Beijing.
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European leaders are increasing intelligence cooperation and defense spending in response to rising tensions with Russia and internal EU trust issues. New initiatives include enhanced drone defenses and a strategic plan to strengthen eastern borders, amid concerns over Russian hybrid warfare and deteriorating US-EU intelligence ties.
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Virgin Trains has received regulatory approval to use a key depot in east London, enabling plans to launch cross-Channel services by 2030. This move aims to end Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly, with Virgin planning routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, and potential expansion into Germany and Switzerland. Further approvals are still needed.
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Michigan's Public Service Commission approved a rate structure requiring large data centers to sign long-term power contracts with penalties for early exit. Consumers Energy will cover infrastructure costs, but critics argue renewable energy requirements are lacking amid the state's clean energy goals. The decision reflects Michigan's effort to attract data industry growth amid uncertain demand and industry tax breaks.
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On November 13, 2015, ISIL terrorists carried out coordinated attacks in Paris, killing 130 people. The tenth anniversary was marked with memorials and reflections on the trauma, with survivors sharing ongoing struggles. New investigations reveal allegations of war-time human safaris in Bosnia, adding to the story's dark history.
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The US supports a plan to create 'safe communities' in Gaza, dividing the territory into Israeli-controlled zones and others. Construction of compounds for displaced Palestinians is underway, but details on funding, infrastructure, and governance remain uncertain amid ongoing conflict and political disagreements.
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A new 28-point framework, developed through US-Russia talks, proposes security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial recognitions, and economic reintegration of Russia. The plan favors Russia, with Ukraine expected to cede territory and abandon NATO ambitions. Ongoing negotiations are leaning towards Russian interests, with initial impressions showing a heavily Russia-favorable stance.
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Leaders from the EU, US, and Africa gathered at a summit in Angola to discuss trade, security, and infrastructure. Key topics included mineral processing, regional stability, and strengthening multilateral cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The summit aims to reshape Africa's role in global supply chains.
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As of December 5, 2025, the EU's plan to fund Ukraine's 2026-27 budget using a €90 billion reparations loan backed by frozen Russian assets faces strong opposition from Belgium. Belgium fears legal and financial risks, demanding guarantees from other EU states before supporting the plan. EU leaders aim to resolve the impasse at the December 18 summit amid ongoing Russian threats and stalled peace talks.
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A cloth nativity figure created by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer was stolen from Brussels' Grand Place. The figure, designed to be inclusive and relatable, was part of a traditional Christmas display. Authorities have replaced the stolen baby Jesus, amid mixed reactions on social media and political criticism.