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Elon Musk has publicly endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, claiming it is the only solution to Germany's issues. His support comes ahead of the February 23 elections, raising concerns among European leaders about foreign influence in domestic politics.
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The year 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This unprecedented heat has intensified extreme weather events worldwide, prompting urgent calls for climate action from global leaders.
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As Donald Trump prepares to take office, the UK faces declining trade with the EU, prompting calls for a new customs union. The Liberal Democrats advocate for a stronger negotiating position with the US and a reset in relations with Europe to bolster the economy.
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Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has accused Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of defamation, claiming his remarks about her economic record are damaging her reputation. This comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over rising borrowing costs and her recent trip to China amid economic turmoil.
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The U.S. is facing a record homelessness crisis, with over 770,000 individuals affected, particularly among families and children. Contributing factors include rising housing costs, inflation, and the end of pandemic-era support. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing options, leaving many vulnerable to homelessness as the government struggles to address the issue.
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Three lawyers who defended Alexei Navalny have been sentenced to prison for allegedly facilitating his communication from prison. The sentences, ranging from three and a half to five and a half years, have drawn international condemnation amid fears of escalating repression against dissent in Russia.
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As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, UK officials express concerns over potential tariffs that could impact the economy. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds warns of significant risks but also sees opportunities for closer collaboration in technology and digital trade.
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Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed a 100% property tax on homes purchased by non-EU residents. This measure aims to address rising housing costs driven by foreign speculation, particularly affecting UK buyers. The proposal follows widespread protests over housing affordability in major Spanish cities.
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As of January 2025, new travel authorisation requirements are in effect for non-European travelers to the UK, raising concerns about potential delays and impacts on tourism. Meanwhile, Trump's plans to revoke the CBP One appointment system threaten the legal status of many migrants in the US, including those from Venezuela.
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Donald Trump's recent foreign policy statements, including claims over Greenland and Panama, have sparked international concern. His suggestions challenge the principles of national sovereignty and raise questions about the future of U.S. relations with allies, particularly Denmark and Canada. The implications of these remarks are significant as they threaten established diplomatic norms.
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Tesla reported its first annual sales decline in 2024, delivering 1.79 million vehicles, down 1.1% from 2023. The company faces challenges from increased competition, regulatory changes under President-elect Trump, and a shift in consumer preferences towards hybrids. Shares fell significantly following the announcement, raising concerns about future profitability.
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Ryanair is pursuing a civil lawsuit against a passenger for €15,000 due to disruptive behavior that forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert to Porto, Portugal. The airline aims to deter unruly conduct and recover costs incurred during the incident, which affected 160 passengers.
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Finnish authorities have seized the oil tanker Eagle S, suspecting it of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. This incident follows a series of similar disruptions, raising concerns about potential Russian sabotage amid ongoing tensions since the Ukraine invasion.
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Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia's president amid widespread protests and claims of election fraud. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili declared Kavelashvili illegitimate, intensifying the political crisis following the suspension of EU accession talks until 2028.
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As of January 1, 2025, Belgium has implemented a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and expanded smoking restrictions in public areas. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke cites health risks and environmental concerns as key reasons for the legislation, positioning Belgium as a leader in EU tobacco control efforts.
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Recent articles highlight a growing trend where consumers face increased responsibilities in everyday transactions, from grocery shopping to dining out. This shift towards app-based services raises concerns about efficiency versus human interaction, impacting local businesses and consumer satisfaction.
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Croatia's presidential election has resulted in a runoff between incumbent President Zoran Milanovic and Dragan Primorac, as neither candidate secured a majority. The runoff is scheduled for January 12, 2025, following Milanovic's lead with 50.1% of the votes counted.
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Elon Musk's recent comments on child grooming scandals in the UK have ignited a political backlash. He accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips of failing to address historical abuses, calling for a national inquiry. This has led to heated debates among political figures, highlighting tensions in UK politics as of January 13, 2025.
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The Biden administration's National Marine Fisheries Service has withdrawn proposed vessel speed regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale, citing insufficient time to finalize the rules before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This decision has raised concerns among conservationists about the future of the species, which numbers fewer than 380 individuals.
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The UN envoy for Syria is advocating for a democratic transition amid skepticism from the interim government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Western leaders express concerns over the group's Islamist roots and the future of women's rights in the new regime.
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Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl's Freedom Party with forming a government after coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed. This marks a significant shift towards far-right leadership in Austria, with potential implications for European politics.
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Elon Musk is increasingly influencing European politics, particularly in the UK, where he has targeted Prime Minister Keir Starmer and supported far-right parties. His actions raise concerns among progressives about the implications for democracy and governance in the region.
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Ukraine has ceased the transit of Russian gas to Europe, a move described by President Zelensky as a significant defeat for Moscow. This decision, based on national security, is expected to impact gas supplies to the EU and neighboring regions, particularly Moldova and Transnistria.
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Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, is experiencing a severe energy crisis after Moscow cut off gas supplies on January 1. With freezing temperatures, residents are resorting to burning wood and using electric heaters, leading to power outages and water supply disruptions. Authorities warn of potential grid failures.
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Costas Simitis, Greece's former Prime Minister, passed away at 88. He served from 1996 to 2004, overseeing Greece's entry into the eurozone and the 2004 Olympic Games. A state funeral is scheduled for January 9, 2025, in Athens, following a four-day mourning period declared after his death on January 5.
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Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's interim government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is advocating for the lifting of international sanctions. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for a balanced approach to sanctions while announcing additional humanitarian aid for the Syrian population.
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The European Court of Human Rights has ruled Greece guilty of systematic pushbacks of asylum seekers, awarding €20,000 to a Turkish woman expelled to Turkey without the chance to claim asylum. This landmark decision could reshape Europe's approach to migration and border control.
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Meta has announced the termination of its fact-checking program in the U.S., replacing it with a community notes system that allows users to flag misleading content. This shift, framed as a return to prioritizing free speech, coincides with Donald Trump's impending presidency and has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform.
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Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada, following internal party turmoil and declining support. The Liberal Party will elect a new leader by March 9, with Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland as frontrunners. The political landscape is tense, with looming threats from the opposition and potential U.S. tariffs.
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House Republicans have introduced a bill allowing President-elect Trump to negotiate with Denmark for Greenland's acquisition. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated the territory is not for sale, emphasizing the island's desire for independence and cooperation with the U.S. amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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A baby boy was born aboard a crowded dinghy carrying migrants to the Canary Islands on January 6. The Spanish rescue vessel Talía responded to the emergency, transferring the mother and child to a hospital in Lanzarote. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants on this perilous route.
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The UK government plans to introduce a new sanctions regime aimed at disrupting people smuggling networks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced measures to freeze assets and impose travel bans on individuals and companies involved in illegal migration, marking a significant shift in the UK's approach to border security.
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A team of scientists has successfully drilled a 2.8 km ice core in Antarctica, revealing ice that is at least 1.2 million years old. This research aims to enhance understanding of Earth's climate history and greenhouse gas levels over millennia. The project, Beyond EPICA, is expected to provide crucial insights into past climate conditions.
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On January 16, 2025, protests erupted in Belgrade following a serious incident where a driver injured a demonstrator during ongoing anti-government protests. The protests, sparked by a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad, reflect widespread discontent with President Aleksandar Vučić's administration amid allegations of corruption and autocratic rule.
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Elon Musk's engagement in European politics, particularly through his platform X, is raising alarms among EU lawmakers. His upcoming livestream with far-right leader Alice Weidel is viewed as a potential violation of the EU's Digital Services Act, prompting calls for stricter enforcement from the European Commission.
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Slovakia's opposition has initiated a confidence vote against Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government, following widespread protests against his controversial meeting with Vladimir Putin. Critics accuse Fico of neglecting domestic issues while prioritizing foreign relations, particularly amid rising tensions with Ukraine.
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Illegal border crossings in the U.S. have significantly decreased since the presidential election, with reports indicating a drop to around 47,300 in December 2024. This trend follows policy changes under the Biden administration and anticipates a shift as Donald Trump prepares to take office again.
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Germany is working to secure the Eventin, a tanker carrying nearly 100,000 tonnes of oil from Russia to Egypt, which lost power off its northern coast. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia's use of aging tankers to evade sanctions, calling it a threat to European security.
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Elon Musk's recent support for Germany's far-right AfD party has raised concerns among European politicians. His comments, alongside Donald Trump's aggressive stance towards Europe, highlight tensions in transatlantic relations and the potential impact on EU-China trade dynamics.
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The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into Google to determine if it holds 'strategic market status' under new digital regulations. The probe will assess Google's impact on competition in search and advertising, particularly regarding data practices and AI integration.
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The Czech Republic has completed the expansion of the TAL pipeline, doubling its oil import capacity to 8 million tons per year. Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the country can now fully supply its oil needs from Western sources, eliminating reliance on Russian imports. This shift follows EU sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
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A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect on Sunday, following intense negotiations involving U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators. The deal includes the release of hostages and humanitarian aid to Gaza, but faces opposition from hardline Israeli officials and uncertainty over Hamas's compliance.
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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is under fire for an advertisement that many perceive as evoking the 9/11 attacks. The ad, celebrating resumed flights to Europe, features a plane heading towards the Eiffel Tower with the caption, 'Paris, we’re coming today.' The Pakistani government has condemned the ad, calling it 'stupidity.'