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1. Spaniards hurl flour, eggs and fireworks in mock battle
The annual food fight festival “Els Enfarinats” has transformed the Spanish town of Ibi into a scene of chaos, with participants throwing flour and eggs. Dressed in military-style costumes, they stage a mock coup, collecting “taxes” in the form of charitable donations from local residents.
2. Russia opens bombed theater in Mariupol
The theater in Mariupol, which was devastated by Russian bombings over three years ago, has reopened with performances of Russian fairy tales. The bombing likely resulted in hundreds of casualties, and the reopening has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions in the region.
3. Ireland eyes EU social media age checks laws for 2026 Council presidency
As it prepares for its rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, Ireland is advocating for EU-wide regulations on social media age verification. Vice-Prime Minister Simon Harris indicated that the government aims to implement a ban on children accessing certain platforms during this period.
4. Poland to deploy €2bn anti-drone systems within two years
Poland plans to establish a €2 billion anti-drone system within two years to enhance its defense against potential Russian attacks. This initiative comes in response to a rise in drone incursions into European airspace, prompting Poland to engage in NATO Article 4 consultations.
5. US offers ‘strong’ 15-year security guarantees as Kyiv pushes for longer
The United States has proposed robust security guarantees for Ukraine, extending for 15 years, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking a longer commitment. This announcement follows discussions with President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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6. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that allies of Ukraine will convene in Paris early January to discuss security guarantees as part of a peace agreement with Russia. This meeting follows former President Trump’s remarks suggesting that a peace deal is nearing, despite ongoing challenges.
7. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has proposed a controversial initiative to combat declining birth rates by offering financial incentives to women who choose to be fertilized with his sperm. The 41-year-old entrepreneur, who has six children, aims to address the issue in a unique and personal way.
8. Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who heroically disarmed a gunman during a shooting at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach, shared his thoughts on that fateful moment. The Syrian-born shop owner tackled one of the shooters from behind, preventing further tragedy in a situation that claimed 15 lives.
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In a tragic incident in Italy, a mother and her 15-year-old daughter have died after experiencing severe illness following a Christmas dinner. The suspected cause is food poisoning, and despite efforts to seek help, it came too late for the family.
In international news, China has announced plans to conduct military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas. This move is seen as a warning to what Beijing describes as “separatist forces,” amid rising tensions in the region.
Turning to the weather, chilly conditions are expected across Europe today. In Riga, temperatures will reach a high of 3 degrees, with strong winds and mixed precipitation. Berlin will also see a high of 3 degrees, with a chance of rain and snow. Meanwhile, Paris and Brussels will be slightly warmer at around 5 and 4 degrees respectively, while London remains cool with temperatures between 2 and 6 degrees. Stockholm faces bitter cold, with temperatures not exceeding freezing. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.