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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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Europe's 2025 wildfire season, the worst on record, saw over 1 million hectares burned across Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean. Research from World Weather Attribution shows climate change made extreme heat and dry conditions 30-40 times more likely, intensifying fires by up to 30%, causing fatalities, mass evacuations, and damage to protected habitats.
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As the UN General Assembly opens on September 23, 2025, Luxembourg and several European countries plan to recognize Palestine, challenging US and Israeli opposition. The US revoked visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, citing non-compliance and peace undermining. Israel threatens West Bank annexation amid ongoing Gaza conflict, while international debate intensifies over Palestinian statehood and diplomatic representation.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog is in the UK for a three-day visit, meeting with UK officials and facing protests and calls for legal investigations over alleged war crimes. Security measures are heightened as tensions over Gaza escalate internationally.
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Colombian military forces have rescued 45 soldiers kidnapped by armed groups linked to FARC dissidents in Cauca. The incident underscores ongoing violence in coca-producing regions, with soldiers held for days before release. President Petro calls for dialogue amid persistent instability.
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Spain has announced a series of measures against Israel, including an arms embargo, restrictions on goods from West Bank settlements, and bans on two Israeli ministers from entering Spain. The move follows Spain's criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza and escalating diplomatic tensions.
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As of September 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call discussing a TikTok ownership deal amid ongoing trade talks in Madrid. While Trump described progress on TikTok and other issues, details remain unclear and the transfer of TikTok to US control is not finalized. A face-to-face summit is expected at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in late October.
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On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a rare airstrike in Doha targeting senior Hamas political leaders amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The attack, condemned by Qatar and multiple Gulf states, disrupted peace talks and raised regional tensions. Israel claimed the strike was a precise operation against those responsible for the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
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The Vuelta a Espana cycling race faces protests in Spain over Israel's Gaza offensive. A team named Israel-Premier Tech, owned by Sylvan Adams, has been urged to be removed due to political tensions. The Spanish government and race organizers are debating whether to exclude the team as protests impact the race's final stages.
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The Netherlands is advancing plans to ban two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country. The move follows their calls for violence and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The government is also drafting an import ban on goods from Israeli settlements amid ongoing tensions.
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Ireland's broadcaster RTE announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The EBU is consulting members on managing geopolitical tensions, with a final decision pending. Ireland's stance reflects broader international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, threaten to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union is consulting members on managing participation amid geopolitical tensions, with Israel's involvement uncertain until December's decision.
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Spain's government has recalled its ambassador to Israel after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez of issuing a 'blatant genocidal threat.' The dispute follows Spain's criticism of Israel's Gaza offensive, including measures to ban military sales and diplomatic expulsions. Both countries have taken reciprocal actions amid rising tensions.
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Multiple sources report that Israel's actions in Gaza are increasingly characterized as genocide, with UN findings, Israeli officials' remarks, and rising civilian casualties fueling this debate. The US and international community face mounting pressure to respond, with some countries recognizing Palestinian statehood amid ongoing violence.
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Spain has approved a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, prohibiting defense exports and imports, including from Israeli settlements. The move follows Spain's criticism of Israel's Gaza offensive, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling it 'the genocide in Gaza.' The decree is set to become law after parliamentary approval.
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A flotilla of around 50 civilian boats, including activists like Greta Thunberg, has joined efforts to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Attacked by drones off Greece, the ships aim to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade amid rising tensions. Spain and Italy are deploying naval ships for protection.
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On September 29, 2025, the UK Labour Party conference voted to back a non-binding motion recognizing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and called for suspending arms trade with Israel. This contrasts with the party leadership's stance that genocide determinations should be left to international courts. The motion was supported by trade unions and sparked internal party tensions.
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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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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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Firefly is set to acquire Princeton-based SciTec for $855 million, aiming to strengthen its defense capabilities, especially in missile warning and tracking systems. The deal, expected to close by the end of 2025, aligns with Firefly's shift toward becoming a vertically integrated defense contractor amid geopolitical tensions and increased European defense spending.
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Israel-Premier Tech, a cycling team owned by Sylvan Adams, announced it will rebrand and move away from its Israeli identity following protests and race disruptions related to Israel's conflict in Gaza. The decision follows pressure from sponsors and race organizers after protests during the Vuelta a España and other events.
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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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President Trump criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's 5% defense spending target, calling them a 'laggard' and suggesting they could be expelled. Spain reaffirmed its commitment, stating it meets its targets, amid ongoing disputes over contributions within the alliance. The debate highlights tensions over NATO commitments and defense budgets.
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Tens of thousands of protesters in London and across Spain demonstrated support for Palestine and skepticism about the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire. Demonstrations included calls for ending Israeli occupation, opposition to US and UK policies, and concerns over the ceasefire's durability amid ongoing tensions. The protests coincided with the two-year anniversary of the Gaza war.
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Three Qatari officials, including members of the protocol team, died in a traffic accident near Sharm el-Sheikh while en route to a summit on Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Two others were injured. The incident occurred days before a high-level summit co-chaired by Egypt and the US, involving global leaders to finalize the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
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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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Carlos Mazón, Valencia's regional president, resigned on November 3, 2025, amid sustained criticism over his administration's delayed response to the deadly October 29, 2024 floods that killed over 230 people. His handling of the crisis, including a late flood alert and absence during the disaster's peak, sparked protests and political fallout. Mazón will remain a regional lawmaker.
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Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi revealed she sleeps only two to four hours nightly, sparking domestic concern amid Japan's long work-hour culture. Her late-night 3 a.m. staff meeting drew criticism. Meanwhile, her meetings with Taiwan's adviser have provoked strong protests from China, complicating regional diplomacy following her recent summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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García Ortiz, Spain's attorney general since 2022, faces a historic criminal trial for allegedly leaking a confidential email. The case highlights tensions between Spain's left-wing government and Madrid's conservative regional authorities. The trial lasts 10 days and involves high-profile political figures.
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Colombia's government has conducted airstrikes that killed at least 12 minors this year, including children forcibly recruited by armed groups. Human rights advocates call for a suspension of strikes to prevent further casualties, as military operations and political tensions continue amid ongoing conflict with dissident rebel factions.
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Global climate negotiations in Brazil highlight accelerating warming, worsening extreme weather, and insufficient efforts to meet Paris targets. Scientists warn that current progress is too slow to prevent severe impacts, with rising sea levels, wildfires, and droughts affecting vulnerable regions worldwide.
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Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn visits China for his first official trip abroad since 2016, marking a significant shift in regional alliances. The visit emphasizes strengthening strategic cooperation, economic ties, and regional influence, amid ongoing border tensions and shifting US-China dynamics. The trip underscores China's growing regional influence and Thailand's balancing act.
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The U.S. has removed tariffs on Brazilian coffee, beef, and fruits, after negotiations with Brazil's government. The move aims to lower costs for American consumers and improve trade relations, reversing previous tariffs imposed amid political tensions and trade disputes.
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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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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Madrid to strengthen alliances and secure military aid, including 300 million euros for defense. He references Picasso’s 'Guernica' to highlight the horrors of war, emphasizing ongoing international support amid domestic and global pressures.
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Today marks half a century since Francisco Franco's death, ending his authoritarian rule. The anniversary prompts reflection on his legacy, with debates over his impact on Spain's democracy and rising support for right-wing parties among younger generations. Recent polls show a significant minority view Franco's dictatorship positively.
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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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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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On December 3, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a German leader in 27 years. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the visit highlights renewed UK-Germany ties post-Brexit, including the Kensington Treaty, and features commemorations of WWII tragedies and cooperation on Ukraine and migration.