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On December 10, 2025, UNESCO inscribed Italy's culinary traditions and rituals as intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the social and cultural importance of practices like family meals and cooking rituals. Italy is the first country to receive this recognition for its cuisine, emphasizing sustainability, regional diversity, and the communal nature of food preparation and consumption.
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On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands. Acutis, known as “God’s Influencer,” used technology to document Eucharistic miracles and is hailed as a relatable role model for young Catholics. The ceremony also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, noted for his charity.
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Protests across Italy have erupted in response to the Gaza conflict, with clashes at ports, strikes, and demonstrations in cities like Milan, Genoa, and Rome. Labour groups oppose military support for Israel, calling for sanctions and recognition of Palestine amid ongoing violence and international tensions.
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The US under Trump is escalating a culture war targeting Europe, promoting right-wing allies and undermining EU cohesion. Meanwhile, Hungary and other nations are adopting measures to classify Antifa as a terrorist group, aligning with US policies amid rising tensions.
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As of October 8, 2025, the EU is advancing a 'drone wall' plan to counter recent Russian drone incursions over Poland, Denmark, Estonia, and other member states. The initiative aims to establish a network of sensors and weapons to detect, track, and neutralize drones by 2030, with contributions from member states and expertise from Ukraine. The plan addresses rising hybrid threats and seeks to boost Europe's defense industry and job creation.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged a court complaint accusing her and her ministers of complicity in supplying arms to Israel, which some claim contributes to alleged war crimes in Gaza. The complaint, signed by 50 individuals, calls for a formal investigation into genocide charges amid ongoing protests and international legal challenges.
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European leaders met in Copenhagen amid rising tensions from Russian drone incursions and plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. The summit discussed strengthening defenses and legal concerns over asset seizures, with Russia condemning the plan as theft. The situation highlights Europe's growing security challenges.
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Israeli forces have intercepted the last vessel of the Gaza humanitarian flotilla, the Marinette, which was approaching Gaza in international waters. Several vessels with activists, including Greta Thunberg, were seized or harassed. The flotilla claims the interception is illegal, sparking international condemnation and protests.
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Mass protests erupted across Italy today, with over 80,000 participants in Milan and Rome, condemning Israel's interception of the Gaza aid flotilla. Demonstrators demand unconditional support for Palestine, release of detained Italians, and sanctions on Israel amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
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Mass protests across Italy occurred on Saturday, driven by a national strike supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. The protests responded to the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces, with demonstrations including calls to suspend Israel from international sports and political condemnation from Prime Minister Meloni. The protests were largely peaceful but disrupted transportation and services nationwide.
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Protests erupted across Spain, Italy, and other European countries following Israel's interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, with thousands demonstrating against Israel's actions and supporting Palestinians. The protests coincide with widespread support for Gaza, including large rallies and strikes, amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic tensions.
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Mass protests erupted across Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Ireland, following Israel's interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Demonstrators demand an end to the Gaza siege, with tens of thousands marching in major cities. The protests highlight widespread international criticism of Israel's actions and support for Palestinians.
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Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway in Egypt, focusing on a ceasefire, hostage releases, and troop withdrawals. US and Egyptian mediators report progress, with some initial agreements on terms. The talks follow Hamas's acceptance of US-led peace proposals amid ongoing violence and casualties.
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Hate crimes in England and Wales are increasing for the first time in three years, driven by antisemitism and anti-Muslim violence. The government is considering new police powers to restrict protests, amid rising tensions following recent terror attacks and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Leaders emphasize community safety and free speech concerns.
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Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by US, Qatar, and Turkey, have made significant progress toward a ceasefire, with discussions focusing on hostage swaps, Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza's future. The talks are ongoing, with optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
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Leaders from over 20 countries, including Egypt, the US, and European nations, are convening in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss Gaza's future amid a recent ceasefire. The summit aims to promote regional stability, support reconstruction, and address the ongoing conflict, with key players like Hamas and Israel absent.
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As Gaza ceasefire begins, UK officials highlight behind-the-scenes efforts, but US officials publicly dispute the UK's influence. The UK emphasizes its support and experience, while the US and Israel question its role, amid high-level diplomatic tensions and conflicting narratives.
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On October 14, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Time magazine's cover photo accompanying a story praising his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire. He called the image, taken from a low angle, the "Worst of All Time," complaining it made his hair "disappear" and featured a "floating crown." The cover story hailed the ceasefire as a major achievement of his second term.
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Italy's government aims to raise about €4.3 billion from banks and insurers in 2026 as part of an €18 billion fiscal package. Prime Minister Meloni emphasizes that profits from 2025 will fund social support, while the government also plans to cut income taxes for certain earners. The move is part of broader efforts to support public finances amid economic uncertainty.
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Tunisia has resumed voluntary repatriations of migrants, with about 7,200 returned in 2024, amid ongoing regional migration tragedies. Recent shipwrecks off Libya and Tunisia have resulted in over 58 deaths, highlighting the dangers of Mediterranean crossings. EU-Tunisia cooperation aims to curb migration, while Libya's chaos fuels deadly crossings.
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As of late October 2025, US President Donald Trump has canceled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, citing concerns over making a deal amid ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite recent talks and sanctions on Russian oil firms, no immediate meeting is scheduled. Trump pressured Ukraine's Zelensky to concede eastern Donbas, but European leaders oppose territorial concessions.
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Italy's Court of Auditors has temporarily halted the €13.5 billion Messina Bridge project, citing concerns over public spending. Prime Minister Meloni condemned the decision as an overreach, while Salvini vowed to pursue the project. The court will publish its full reasoning within 30 days, but the project faces significant delays.
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A partial collapse of Rome's Torre dei Conti during restoration resulted in one death and injuries. Russian comments linking the incident to Italy's Ukraine support have intensified diplomatic tensions. Italian officials condemned the remarks, emphasizing safety concerns and political independence.
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Libyan judiciary police chief Osama Elmasry Njeem was detained in Italy on ICC charges of war crimes, including torture and murder, linked to detention abuses since 2015. Italy released and repatriated him, prompting international criticism and investigations into Italian officials' handling of the case.
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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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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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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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Haiti has undergone a major security overhaul, creating the Global Stabilization Force (GSF) to dismantle gang networks. The UN-backed force, authorized for 12 months, aims to restore peace through coordinated military, police, and intelligence operations, following recent threats and violence by armed groups.
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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 UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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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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New York City Council members plan to introduce legislation in late December to raise their salaries by 16%, from $148,500 to $172,500, despite legal restrictions. The move aims to pass the increase early next year, potentially challenging the city charter and Mayor Mamdani's authority. The council last received a raise in 2016.
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Germany's parliament approved a pension package maintaining current benefits until 2031, with abstentions from the far-left and some conservative youth members. The vote highlights coalition fragility and ongoing debates over future pension reforms amid political disagreements and demographic challenges.
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Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a senior Libyan prison official, appeared before the ICC in The Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and sexual violence at Mitiga prison between 2015 and 2020. His arrest marks a significant step in accountability for Libya's wartime abuses.
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As of December 14, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with US envoys and European leaders in Berlin and London to discuss a US-backed peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. Ukraine is willing to forgo NATO membership for strong US security guarantees but refuses to cede control of the Donbas region. Russia continues military assaults and drone attacks amid stalled negotiations.
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A deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens. The incident, linked to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions, marks one of Australia's worst mass shootings and prompts international outrage and security concerns.