EU
🚗🇪🇺 EU revises automotive package, softening 2035 combustion engine ban (0.87)
The European Commission is set to revise its automotive package, softening the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035. The new proposal will change the CO2 emissions reduction target from 100% to 90%, allowing combustion engines to remain on the market. This shift has sparked tensions among EU member states, particularly between Germany and France. Currently, only 14% of new cars in the EU are electric, raising concerns about the pace of the transition to sustainable mobility. read →
🏛️💡 EU energy ministers approve cross-border funding for 2028-2036 (0.85)
EU energy ministers have approved the Connecting Europe Facility, allocating €29.9 billion for cross-border energy projects from 2028 to 2036. This funding aims to enhance energy resilience and support renewable energy initiatives. Spain is pushing for a timeline with France for trans-Pyrenean electrical interconnection works. However, concerns have been raised about reduced transparency in funding criteria and project assessments, prompting calls for greater oversight as negotiations with the European Parliament begin. read →
🏛️ EU launches first affordable housing plan to tackle crisis (0.85)🎁
The European Commission has launched its first Affordable Housing Plan to address the housing crisis in the EU. The plan aims to free up public funds for new construction, curb speculation, and empower local authorities to manage short-term rentals. While it includes measures to streamline construction processes and address homelessness, the Commission rejected calls for rent caps and a common EU housing fund. Member states will receive direct funding to implement the plan, which reflects the urgent need for affordable housing across Europe. read → 🎁 today's freebie
🏛️ Cyprus prepares for pivotal EU Council presidency starting January 1 (0.81)
Cyprus is set to take over the EU Council presidency on January 1, 2026, facing significant challenges including defense cooperation amid tensions with Turkey and shaping EU migration policy. The island nation aims to enhance its international reputation while leading discussions on critical issues such as the EU's long-term budget and a hard-line returns strategy for irregular migrants. Cyprus's preparations include increasing diplomatic staff and establishing direct flights to facilitate communication with Brussels. read →
🏛️🇪🇺 EU-Mercosur vote faces delay amid French opposition (0.81)
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement vote faces potential delay as France calls for a postponement to strengthen agricultural protections. Italy has joined France in this request, complicating the EU's timeline for finalizing the deal. The European Commission stresses the urgency of signing the agreement by year-end, while farmer protests in France highlight domestic opposition. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, with several member states expressing dissent. read →
🛠️🇪🇺 ATA files complaint against Spain over VAT exemption for self-employed (0.73)
ATA, Spain's largest self-employed association, has filed a complaint with the European Commission against the Spanish government for failing to implement Directive 2020/285, which would exempt self-employed individuals earning below €85,000 from charging VAT. The complaint, submitted on 12 December 2025, highlights Spain's unique position as the only EU country not to adopt this exemption, placing its self-employed workers at a competitive disadvantage. ATA is urging the EU to compel Spain to comply with the directive, citing potential legal repercussions and the need for a more equitable tax environment. read →
World
⚖️📺 Russia labels Deutsche Welle 'undesirable' organization (5)
Russia has designated Deutsche Welle (DW) as an 'undesirable organisation,' escalating its crackdown on independent media. This designation, following a recommendation from the State Duma, could lead to legal penalties for Russian staff and users collaborating with DW. Director-general Barbara Massing condemned the move, emphasizing DW's commitment to independent reporting despite increasing censorship. The designation adds to a growing list of over 280 organizations labeled 'undesirable' in Russia, raising significant concerns about media freedom in the country. read →
🏛️ EU sanctions Belarus over helium-balloon hybrid attacks (4.67)
The EU has approved sanctions against Belarus for its use of helium balloons in hybrid warfare against Lithuania. This decision follows Lithuania's declaration of a state of emergency due to repeated airspace violations. The new sanctions will target individuals and entities involved in destabilizing activities, marking a significant escalation in the EU's response to Belarus's provocations. Over 300 helium balloons have entered Lithuanian airspace since June, disrupting critical infrastructure and prompting heightened security measures. read →
🇪🇺🛑 France demands delay in EU-Mercosur trade agreement signing (4.5)
France has requested a delay in the signing of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, originally set for 20 December 2025, citing insufficient safeguards for European agriculture. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized the need for stronger protective measures, echoing concerns from other EU member states. The European Commission aims to proceed with the signing despite this opposition, while farmers' protests are expected in Brussels. The situation remains uncertain as a vote on agricultural safeguards is scheduled for 15 December. read →
⚖️📰 Jimmy Lai convicted under Hong Kong national security law (4.5)
Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong, was convicted on December 15, 2025, of collusion with foreign forces and sedition, facing a potential life sentence. The verdict has sparked international condemnation, particularly from the UK government, which labeled the trial politically motivated. Lai's defense will present arguments for leniency in mitigation hearings scheduled for January 12, 2026. This conviction is viewed as a significant blow to press freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong, amid ongoing concerns about the erosion of democracy in the region. read →
🏛️ EU imposes sanctions on Russian shadow fleet and propagandists (4.5)
The EU has imposed sanctions on five businessmen and four companies linked to Russia's shadow oil fleet, aiming to disrupt funding for the war in Ukraine. Additionally, 14 individuals spreading Russian propaganda have been added to the sanctions list. These measures include asset freezes and travel bans, reflecting the EU's commitment to countering Russian aggression and misinformation. read →
🏛️ Ukraine drops NATO bid for security guarantees amid peace talks in Berlin (4.33)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a readiness to abandon Ukraine's NATO membership bid in exchange for Western security guarantees during peace talks in Berlin. This shift comes amid ongoing negotiations with US envoys, who reported 'considerable progress.' Key issues remain, particularly regarding territorial concessions in the Donbas region, which Ukraine firmly rejects. European leaders are set to meet to discuss support for Ukraine as the US pushes for a swift resolution to the conflict. read →
🏛️💔 Deadly attack on Hanukkah celebration in Sydney sparks national and international outrage (4.33)
A shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on 14 December 2025 resulted in at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. Australian leaders condemned the attack as a terrorist act, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating it was an attack on all Australians. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized Australia's policies for fostering antisemitism. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the Jewish community, prompting calls for stronger protective measures and a national response similar to past gun control reforms. read →
🏛️🇨🇱 José Antonio Kast wins Chile presidency (4.33)
José Antonio Kast has won the Chilean presidential election with approximately 58% of the vote, marking a significant shift to the right in the country's politics. His opponent, Jeanette Jara, received around 42%. Kast's campaign focused on strict immigration control and enhanced security measures, resonating with voters seeking a tougher stance on crime. His victory has drawn congratulations from international leaders, including Argentina's president, while raising concerns about the implications for democracy in Chile, given his admiration for former dictator Augusto Pinochet. read →
France
🐄🏛️ France launches vaccination campaign amid nodular dermatosis outbreak (0.8)
France has launched a vaccination campaign targeting one million cattle in response to a contagious nodular dermatosis outbreak affecting ten departments. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced the initiative during a visit to Toulouse on 15 December 2025, amid escalating protests from farmers against culling policies. With 112 outbreaks reported since June, the government is under pressure to address farmers' concerns while ensuring the health of the livestock sector. The vaccination effort is part of a broader strategy to manage the crisis and restore calm in the agricultural community. read →
🏛️💶 France's 2026 budget faces critical negotiations as Senate approves draft (0.7)
The French Senate approved the 2026 state budget on 15 December 2025, moving to a joint committee for negotiations with the National Assembly. The government now estimates a public deficit of 5.3% of GDP, above initial targets. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces challenges in securing Assembly support, with the possibility of invoking Article 49.3 to expedite the budget process. The urgency of negotiations is heightened by the risk of ending the year without a new budget, which could impact public finance significantly. read →
Spain
🏛️ Airbnb fined €64 million for unlicensed listings in Spain (0.92)
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has fined Airbnb €64.05 million for advertising over 65,000 unlicensed properties. This final decision, announced by Minister Pablo Bustinduy, includes penalties for failing to comply with consumer laws and obstructing an investigation. The fine is the second-largest in Spain's history for such violations. Bustinduy warned of further sanctions against similar companies, emphasizing the government's commitment to enforcing consumer protection. read →
🚍💶 Government approves €60 nationwide transport pass (0.85)
The Spanish government has approved a new national transport pass costing €60 per month for general users and €30 for those under 26, set to launch in mid-January 2026. The pass will cover Media Distancia and Cercanías trains, as well as state bus services, benefiting around 2 million users. However, it will exclude high-speed trains and metropolitan transport systems, limiting its overall reach. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the initiative's commitment to sustainable mobility and cost savings for families. read →
🏛️⚖️ Congress investigates DANA flood management amid emotional testimonies (0.8)
The congressional committee investigating the DANA flood that killed 230 people in Valencia has summoned former regional minister Salomé Pradas, who acknowledged failures in emergency management during her testimony. Pradas expressed her apologies to the victims and criticized agencies for their inadequate responses. She accused Aemet of failing in its forecasts and the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation of negligence. The inquiry, part of a judicial investigation, aims to hold officials accountable and improve future emergency protocols. read →
⚖️🏛️ Supreme Court bars Acciona executives from travel amid corruption probe (0.8)
The Supreme Court of Spain has barred three former Acciona executives from leaving the country amid a corruption investigation linked to public works contracts. Manuel José García Alconchel, along with Justo Vicente Pelegrini and Tomás Olarte, faces allegations of rigging tenders in exchange for kickbacks involving Servinabar. García Alconchel shifted blame to Pelegrini during court testimony, while Acciona denies any wrongdoing and reserves the right to legal action. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in public contracting in Spain. read →
⚖️🕵️♂️ National Court investigates Leire Díez and SEPI corruption allegations (0.8)
The Audiencia Nacional is investigating former PSOE official Leire Díez, ex-SEPI president Vicente Fernández, and businessman Antxon Alonso for alleged corruption involving over €750,000 in commissions linked to public contracts. The inquiry, led by Judge Antonio Piña, focuses on five operations from 2021 to 2023, where the group allegedly exploited their positions to secure financial benefits. All three have been released on conditional terms, raising significant concerns about public integrity and accountability in Spanish institutions. read →
🏛️📊 Polls indicate PP's majority at risk in Andalusia amid healthcare crisis (0.73)
Recent polling from Centra indicates that the People's Party (PP) in Andalusia is at risk of losing its absolute majority in the upcoming elections. Projected to receive 40.2% of the vote, the PP could secure between 53 and 55 seats, down from 58. The Socialist Party (PSOE) is expected to drop to 25-28 seats, marking a historic low. In contrast, Vox is anticipated to gain ground, potentially winning 19-22 seats. Voter concerns are heavily focused on healthcare, exacerbated by a recent screening crisis, which has negatively impacted public perception of the PP's governance. read →
🎤📜 Secret recordings reveal Vox's awareness of Revuelta's financial irregularities (0.73)
Audio recordings have revealed that Vox leadership, including Santiago Abascal, was aware of alleged financial irregularities within its youth wing, Revuelta. Montserrat Lluis, Vox’s deputy secretary general, emphasized the need for professional management to prevent scandal. The party has reported Revuelta to the Independent Whistleblower Protection Authority amid growing calls for transparency from opposition parties. The situation raises serious questions about Vox's internal governance and accountability. read →
🏛️ Pressure mounts on Sánchez amid corruption and harassment scandals (0.73)
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces escalating pressure from coalition partners amid allegations of corruption and sexual harassment within the PSOE. In a recent press conference, he ruled out early elections but is set to meet ERC leader Junqueras to discuss legislative continuity. Coalition partner Sumar demands a cabinet reshuffle to address the crisis, emphasizing that inaction is not an option. The political landscape remains uncertain as the upcoming Extremadura elections could further impact Sánchez's leadership. read →
Portugal
🏛️📈 CMVM launches PPR fund comparator for investors (0.87)
The CMVM has launched an online comparator for 77 retirement savings plans (PPR) in Portugal, allowing investors to compare returns, costs, and risk levels. This initiative, part of the CMVM's strategic plan for 2025–2028, aims to enhance investor protection and transparency in the financial market. The tool is now available on the CMVM's Investor Portal, providing a user-friendly interface for potential investors. read →
⚖️🇵🇹 Constitutional Court ruling on nationality law expected soon (0.87)
The Constitutional Court of Portugal is expected to rule on amendments to the nationality law by December 15, 2025. Key issues include the potential loss of nationality and self-sustainability requirements. The ruling could have significant political implications, particularly for the Government and the Socialist Party, and may require Parliament to revisit contentious negotiations if the amendments are deemed unconstitutional. read →
🗳️📜 Presidential candidates submit signatures to Constitutional Court (0.87)
Several candidates have begun submitting their signatures to the Constitutional Court for the upcoming presidential elections in Portugal. André Ventura and António José Seguro submitted their candidacies on December 14, 2025, while André Pestana formalized his candidacy with 8,000 signatures on December 15. The deadline for all submissions is December 18, 2025. This election cycle is expected to be highly competitive, with a potential record number of candidates. read →