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The UK is close to finalising an agreement to rejoin the EU's Erasmus student mobility scheme by January 2026, aiming for participation from 2027. The move signals a shift towards closer EU relations after Brexit setbacks, amid ongoing negotiations on defense and trade agreements.
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Spain's outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona has led to export bans and containment efforts. Authorities suspect contaminated food as the source, with no farms affected so far. The outbreak threatens Spain's significant pork industry and international trade, prompting coordinated EU responses.
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Serbia's government has given Russian-owned NIS 50 days to sell its stake or face nationalization, as US sanctions threaten oil supplies. Bulgaria's largest refinery also faces shutdown risks due to sanctions on Russian companies, prompting government intervention and negotiations with potential buyers. The situation highlights regional energy security concerns.
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European tensions over Chinese-controlled Nexperia have escalated, disrupting auto supply chains and exposing Europe's dependency on Chinese technology amid US-China trade conflicts. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the crisis, but risks of ongoing instability remain. (Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:45:09 +0000)
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Italy's top pasta exporters face potential tariffs of over 100% from the US, threatening to raise prices and reduce exports. The US accuses Italian firms of dumping low-priced pasta, prompting investigations and diplomatic tensions. The move could impact Italy's $770 million annual pasta sales to the US.
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European space ministers in Bremen agreed to increase funding for space programs, with a focus on space transportation and Earth observation. The move aims to enhance Europe's space capabilities amid geopolitical and economic challenges, including security concerns and climate monitoring.
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As of November 21, 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demands Iran provide full access to nuclear sites damaged in June's Israel-US strikes. Iran rejects cooperation on bombed sites, citing security risks and political provocations. The IAEA warns Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, near weapons-grade, remains unverified, raising global nonproliferation concerns amid stalled diplomacy and renewed sanctions.
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AIDOL, Russia's first AI-powered humanoid robot, faceplanted during its Moscow debut, drawing viral attention. Developers attribute the fall to calibration and lighting issues, emphasizing it as part of normal technological development. The incident highlights Russia's emerging presence in AI robotics amid global competition.
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Germany's government is engaging in high-level talks with China to address trade issues, including rare earths and supply chain concerns. Chancellor Merz's coalition aims to reduce dependency on China and bolster economic resilience, amid rising tensions and a record trade deficit. The visit signals a strategic shift in Germany's China policy.
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Target's Black Friday gift bags faced criticism for low-value items, with customers expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial swag. Meanwhile, other retailers like Lowe's offered more generous freebies, highlighting a competitive gap in holiday marketing strategies.
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Russian forces claim to have liberated Zvanivka and advanced near Huliaipole, while Ukraine reports fierce fighting in Donetsk and Pokrovsk. Russia continues air and drone attacks, and Ukraine prepares for potential peace negotiations amid ongoing territorial disputes and strategic shifts.
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The European Commission is moving to delay and relax key digital regulations, including AI and data privacy laws, citing the need to boost competitiveness. Critics warn this marks a retreat from Europe's leadership in digital rights, amid US and Chinese competition. The changes aim to simplify rules for businesses, especially startups, but raise concerns over privacy and innovation.
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Israeli authorities have seized over 1,000 dunams of Palestinian land in the Jordan Valley for a security road, while settler violence has intensified across the West Bank, including arson, vandalism, and clashes with Palestinians. The escalation follows recent land confiscations and increased Israeli military and settler activity.
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On November 18, 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, Lebanon, killing 13 people and injuring several others. Israel claimed it hit a Hamas training compound, while Hamas denied any military presence in the camp. The strike marks a significant escalation amid ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire since November 2024.
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Recent reports highlight concerns over the UK’s military preparedness amid rising threats from Russia and China. Despite government promises to boost defence spending and build new factories, MPs warn that the UK lacks a comprehensive plan to defend itself and its territories, with funding and strategic gaps remaining unaddressed.
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Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and energy infrastructure, amid ongoing peace negotiations. The U.S. and Ukraine are revising a 28-point peace plan, while regional airspace breaches prompt NATO and Romanian military responses. Diplomatic talks continue with uncertain outcomes.
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EU foreign ministers are set to approve sanctions on Sudan, targeting military leaders amid ongoing conflict. The war, sparked in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, has led to a humanitarian crisis. The EU aims to pressure for a ceasefire and accountability for abuses.
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The U.S. and Russia have reportedly drafted a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, excluding Ukrainian and European input. European leaders emphasize the need for Ukraine's involvement, amid ongoing tensions and recent battlefield setbacks. The plan's details and implications remain uncertain, raising questions about its legitimacy and potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty.
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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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European and American housing markets face significant challenges, with record low building rates, rising costs, and affordability issues. The US struggles with a home shortage of up to five million, while UK housebuilding hits a nine-year low amid rising costs and regulatory hurdles. Policy responses vary widely.
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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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The EU has imposed sanctions on Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, following the seizure of El-Fasher in Darfur. The move condemns ongoing atrocities, including killings and sexual violence, amid Sudan's escalating conflict that has displaced millions since 2023. The US and other nations are calling for ceasefires and increased diplomatic efforts.
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On November 22, 2025, the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, concluded with a deal urging accelerated climate action and tripling adaptation finance by 2035. However, the agreement omitted a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap amid opposition from major oil producers, sparking criticism from many nations and climate advocates.
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The U.S. proposes a 28-point peace plan endorsing Russian demands, prompting mixed reactions from Ukraine and European allies. Zelensky warns of a tough choice between sovereignty and support, while Russia signals possible objections. The plan's implications could reshape ongoing negotiations and regional stability.
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The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded on 22 November 2025 with a compromised agreement after two weeks of tense negotiations. Despite support from over 80 countries for a fossil fuel phaseout plan, the final deal avoided explicit fossil fuel commitments, opting instead for voluntary initiatives and increased funding to help developing nations adapt to climate impacts. The summit exposed deep divisions between fossil fuel-dependent economies and others pushing for accelerated climate action.
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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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The UK government announced a new critical minerals strategy, backed by £50m, aiming to secure domestic supplies of lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths by 2035. The plan includes increasing domestic extraction, recycling, and diversifying supply sources to reduce reliance on China and strengthen national security.
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On December 1-3, 2025, Canada became the first non-EU country to join the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense initiative, granting Canadian defense firms access to EU-backed loans and reducing reliance on U.S. military procurement. Concurrently, Canada struck an energy and trade deal with Alberta to expand oil exports to Asia via a new pipeline, relaxing federal emissions caps in exchange for stronger carbon pricing and carbon capture projects, despite opposition from British Columbia and Indigenous groups. Canada also restarted stalled trade talks with India aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.
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France announced plans to reintroduce a voluntary military service for 18-19-year-olds, starting next summer, amid rising security concerns linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The program aims to bolster military manpower and national resilience, with initial recruitment of 2,000-3,000 volunteers, expanding to 50,000 annually.
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As the global food system accounts for about a third of human-caused greenhouse gases, consumers are exploring sustainable options like local farms and food donations. During Thanksgiving, these choices can significantly reduce environmental impact and food waste, with tips from experts on shopping and donating responsibly.
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Italy's lower house unanimously approved a law defining femicide as a crime punishable by life imprisonment, aiming to better quantify and raise awareness of misogynistic violence. The law responds to high-profile cases like Giulia Cecchettin's murder and coincides with the UN's Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
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Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's top negotiator and Zelenskyy's key ally, is being investigated following searches at his home linked to a $100m nuclear energy kickback scheme. The move risks disrupting peace negotiations and intensifies political tensions amid ongoing war with Russia.
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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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European authorities, led by the European Commission, are scrutinizing Shein for selling illegal products, including childlike sex dolls and weapons. France has suspended Shein's website amid investigations, and the EU has requested detailed compliance information. Sweden and France are actively pursuing legal actions and policy responses.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Tunisian President Saied criticized the EU ambassador after a meeting with union leader Noureddine Taboubi, accusing the envoy of acting outside diplomatic norms. The EU acknowledged the message, amid ongoing tensions over Saied's crackdown on civil society and protests over economic and political issues.
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Tanzania's election results sparked protests and a government crackdown, while Bulgaria withdrew its 2026 budget amid mass demonstrations over tax hikes and spending. Both countries are experiencing political instability linked to economic and electoral issues, with international concern mounting.
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EU leaders are working to unlock up to 210 billion euros in Russian assets held in Belgium to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. A legal proposal aims to address legal and political hurdles, with a key meeting scheduled for December 18. Belgium remains cautious amid concerns over legal liabilities and support from other EU nations.
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The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service has launched a new operational attribution science unit to help governments and insurers assess the physical risks of extreme weather events linked to climate change. The service will publish assessments within a week of events, aiming to inform policy and legal actions.
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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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At the recent CITES conference in Uzbekistan, over 100 countries agreed to ban trade in several endangered shark and ray species, including oceanic whitetip sharks and whale sharks. The measures aim to combat overfishing and illegal trade, with some countries opposing restrictions due to economic and cultural concerns. The move marks a significant step in wildlife conservation.
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Aleksandre Elisashvili, a former opposition MP and Citizens party founder, broke into a Tbilisi court building at dawn, smashing a window, pouring gasoline, and injuring a court official during his arrest. The incident follows ongoing protests against the government’s democratic backsliding.
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European officials, led by Michael McGrath, emphasize that any ceasefire in Ukraine must include accountability for Russian war crimes. They oppose proposals for amnesty and reintegration, warning that impunity would encourage future aggression. The debate follows US and Ukrainian negotiations on peace plans amid ongoing investigations into Russian atrocities.
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Spanish police arrested three individuals linked to a neo-Nazi group called The Base, which operates through a decentralized network of paramilitary cells. Weapons, tactical gear, and neo-Nazi materials were recovered. The group’s leader was in contact with the US-based founder, promoting violent accelerationism amid rising far-right sentiment in Spain. The arrests highlight growing extremism in Europe.
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Belgian authorities raided the College of Europe and EU diplomatic offices, detaining Federica Mogherini and Stefano Sannino amid investigations into procurement fraud, corruption, and conflict of interest related to a 2021-2022 EU-funded diplomat training program. Both were later released without charges.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin accused European nations of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine, claiming they lack a peace agenda and are 'on the side of war.' US negotiators are in Moscow discussing a draft plan to end the conflict, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and military developments.
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On December 3, 2025, Israel's COGAT announced the Rafah crossing will reopen soon, allowing Gaza residents to exit to Egypt under EU supervision. Egypt insists the crossing must operate both ways per the US-brokered ceasefire, but Israel restricts entry until all hostages are returned. The crossing's reopening offers critical medical evacuation and economic relief amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
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EU lawmakers and member states agreed to end Russian gas imports by late 2027, aiming to reduce dependency and cut Moscow's revenue. The deal includes phased bans on pipeline and LNG contracts, with exemptions for Hungary and Slovakia. The move signals a decisive shift in Europe's energy policy amid ongoing tensions.
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The EU has revised its asylum guidelines following the fall of Assad in December 2024. Opponents of Assad and military service evaders are now considered safe from persecution, while other groups remain at risk. The change impacts around 110,000 pending Syrian asylum cases and reflects a more stable but still volatile post-Assad Syria.
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Farmers in Greece have blocked key border crossings and highways, protesting delayed EU subsidy payments amid a fraud scandal. Police used tear gas, and arrests were made as protests intensified. The unrest follows investigations into large-scale subsidy fraud and land ownership fakes, leading to government resignations and disrupted trade routes.