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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 17, 2025, the EU remains deadlocked over a €90 billion 'reparations loan' to fund Ukraine's 2026-27 budget using frozen Russian assets, mostly held in Belgium's Euroclear. Belgium opposes the plan, fearing legal and financial risks, demanding guarantees from other EU states. The European Commission insists the plan is vital for Ukraine's defense and peace leverage, while Russia condemns it as theft and threatens retaliation.
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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.
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European countries are advancing plans to limit protections under the European Convention on Human Rights, including proposals to narrow the scope of inhuman and degrading treatment and adjust the rights of criminals. These moves come amid political pressure to tighten migration policies and address public concerns, raising fears over potential erosion of fundamental rights.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky used group chat to answer reporters' questions mid-flight, emphasizing Ukraine's refusal to surrender land amid ongoing negotiations. He met European leaders to discuss security guarantees and territorial concessions, amid uncertainties over US support.
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EU leaders are meeting to decide whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's needs in 2026-27. The plan faces opposition from Belgium and others over legal and political risks. The summit could last days or until Christmas, as disagreements persist.
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In 2025, UK new car registrations surpassed 2 million for the first time since 2019, driven by a 24% rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales, which now hold a 23.4% market share. Chinese brands, notably BYD and MG, nearly doubled their UK market share to 9.7%, intensifying competition. Meanwhile, Tesla's UK sales declined 8.9%, reflecting broader challenges including political controversies and product delays. The UK government plans to review EV sales mandates in 2026 amid industry calls for clearer policies.
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The EU is considering unlocking about €210 billion of frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort, amid political and legal hurdles. The plan aims to support Kyiv as Ukraine faces potential bankruptcy and increased Russian aggression, with key EU states divided over legal risks and diplomatic implications. The decision could reshape EU-Ukraine-Russia relations.
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Farmers across France and Belgium are protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing it will flood Europe with cheaper South American goods and harm local agriculture. Protests include roadblocks, demonstrations, and clashes with police, coinciding with EU summit debates on trade and Ukraine support. The deal's approval is uncertain.
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On December 19, 2025, EU leaders agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion zero-interest loan through joint borrowing to cover military and economic needs through 2027. The plan avoids using €210 billion in frozen Russian assets due to legal and political concerns, especially from Belgium and Hungary. Ukraine will repay only if Russia pays reparations.
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On 30 December 2025, a power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel halted Eurostar and LeShuttle services, stranding thousands during peak New Year travel. Repairs allowed partial service resumption by evening, but delays and cancellations persisted into early January. Concurrently, severe winter weather disrupted rail and air travel across the UK, France, and the Netherlands, compounding travel chaos.
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Storm Goretti has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures across Europe, causing travel chaos, power outages, and fatalities. Major airports, railways, and roads are affected in the UK, France, the Netherlands, and beyond, with hundreds of flights canceled and severe weather warnings in place.