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Stellantis is navigating a leadership crisis following the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares amid tensions with the board over operational strategies. The company is under pressure from investors and dealers as it grapples with declining sales and market share, particularly in North America. An interim committee is now seeking a new CEO.
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The European Union has finalized a significant trade agreement with Mercosur, a South American bloc, despite strong opposition from France and other member states. This deal aims to create one of the largest free trade zones globally, potentially reshaping international trade dynamics amid rising protectionism. Ratification remains uncertain as member states express concerns.
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On December 18, 2024, European leaders, including President Zelensky, convene in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's defense and potential peace negotiations with Russia. The meeting comes amid concerns over U.S. policy shifts under President-elect Trump, who advocates for a quick ceasefire, raising fears of concessions from Kyiv.
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An 11-year-old girl was rescued off Lampedusa after spending three days adrift in the Mediterranean following a shipwreck that likely claimed over 40 lives. The girl, found by the German sailboat Trotamar III, was suffering from hypothermia but is now safe. This incident highlights ongoing migration challenges in the region.
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A court in Italy has dropped all charges against Matteo Salvini related to his refusal to allow migrants to disembark from the Open Arms rescue ship in 2019. Salvini, now a transport minister, claimed he acted to protect Italy's borders. The ruling is not final as appeals can extend for years.
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As of December 2024, small boat crossings to the UK have increased by 20% compared to last year, with 34,880 arrivals. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper attributes this rise to previous government policies and emphasizes the need for new strategies to manage migration effectively.
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President Biden is set to visit Italy from January 9-12, 2025, marking a significant diplomatic engagement. He will meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss global challenges and strengthen U.S.-Italy relations, coinciding with Meloni's rising influence in the EU and her ties with President-elect Trump.
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Elon Musk's recent endorsement of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has sparked outrage in Germany. His comments come ahead of a snap election scheduled for February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. German officials have condemned Musk's intervention as problematic and undignified.
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Peter Mandelson has been appointed as the UK ambassador to the US, a role that has sparked controversy due to his past criticisms of Donald Trump. The appointment comes as Trump prepares for a second term, raising concerns about UK-US relations.
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A car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 20, 2024, resulted in five deaths, including a child, and over 200 injuries. The suspect, a Saudi doctor, has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. Investigations are ongoing regarding his motives and background.
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Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee Year by opening a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison in Rome, marking the first time a sacred portal has been opened in a jail. This gesture emphasizes hope and reintegration for inmates, aligning with the Jubilee's theme of hope, which runs until January 6, 2026.
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On Christmas 2024, President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden delivered starkly different holiday messages. Trump used social media to criticize political opponents and assert U.S. territorial claims, while Biden focused on unity and compassion. Their contrasting tones reflect the ongoing political polarization in the U.S.
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Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, was arrested in Tehran on December 19 while reporting on the country's political landscape. Her detention is reportedly in retaliation for the arrest of a Swiss-Iranian businessman in Italy. The Italian government is working to secure her release from Evin prison.
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Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, was arrested in Iran on December 19, 2024, reportedly in retaliation for the detention of a Swiss-Iranian businessman in Italy. The U.S. State Department condemned her arrest, calling for her immediate release amid rising diplomatic tensions between Italy, Iran, and the U.S.
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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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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on January 4, 2025, just days before her meeting with President Joe Biden in Rome. Trump praised Meloni's leadership, while discussions reportedly included trade issues and the detention of an Italian journalist in Iran.