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1. Deadly explosion during Friday prayers inside Syrian mosque
An explosion in a mosque in Homs, Syria, has resulted in at least eight fatalities and 18 injuries during Friday prayers, according to the health ministry. Images from the scene depict significant damage, with blackened walls and shattered windows.
2. UK records highest-ever arms exports in 2025
The UK has achieved a record in arms exports, amounting to €22 billion in 2025, as reported by the defence ministry. This increase is attributed to heightened military spending across Europe in response to security threats, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
3. Zelenskyy, Trump to meet on Sunday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. The discussions will focus on new peace proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict resulting from the Russian invasion.
4. NATO chief Rutte rejects calls for EU defense independence from US
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has dismissed calls for the EU to establish independent defense structures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ties with the US. This statement follows remarks from senior European politicians advocating for greater EU defense autonomy.
5. Belgium to introduce gender quotas for top management of state firms
Belgium’s federal government has agreed to implement gender quotas, requiring that one third of management board and executive committee positions in state-owned companies be held by women. This decision follows extensive negotiations and aims to enhance gender equality in leadership roles.
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6. Ukraine’s allies are gearing up for a significant meeting in January to finalize security guarantees aimed at stabilizing the region post-ceasefire. Discussions will include the potential deployment of troops, following a recent 20-point plan developed in talks between Washington and Kyiv.
7. Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party, has urged for the establishment of an EU military force to help secure peace in Ukraine. His call comes in light of the ongoing discussions about a comprehensive plan to end the conflict, which is currently under review by Moscow.
8. The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a stark warning against traveling to Germany, citing the country’s enforcement of EU sanctions as a reason for concern. The ministry claims that Russian travelers face arbitrary legal practices from German customs authorities, describing the situation as lawless.
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In other news, the European Union is set to revolutionize online shopping in 2026 with the introduction of AI agents capable of autonomously handling shopping orders and holiday bookings. This innovation aims to enhance consumer convenience and streamline the retail experience.
Meanwhile, Japan is preparing for record defense spending in response to regional threats, with a draft budget for 2026 proposing around nine trillion yen, equivalent to 49 billion euros. This move reflects the country’s commitment to bolstering its national security amid rising tensions in the region.
Turning to the weather, today will be quite chilly across much of Europe. In London, temperatures will range from 2 to 6 degrees, while Berlin will see a high of just 1 degree, dropping to -4 tonight. Paris and Brussels will both experience highs of 4 and 3 degrees respectively, with light breezes. In Riga, expect a high of 4 degrees and strong winds nearing 31 km/h. Meanwhile, Madrid will have cool conditions with temperatures between 4 and 7 degrees, and a high chance of rain. Finally, Stockholm will see a high of 3 degrees with gentle breezes.
Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.