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1. Romania pledges €50 million in arms for Ukraine
Romania has committed €50 million to the PURL fund, aimed at supporting Ukraine with US-made weapons. The announcement was made by the Romanian foreign affairs minister on social media, marking Romania’s entry into the group of Western nations aiding Ukraine’s defense.
2. Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens
Mali and Burkina Faso have announced a travel ban on US citizens, mirroring a similar restriction implemented by the Trump administration. Both West African nations stated they would enforce these entry restrictions in response to the US measures.
3. USA and Israel set deadline for Hamas disarmament
The USA and Israel have reportedly agreed on a deadline of December 31, 2025, for Hamas to disarm. This agreement was reached during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.
4. Germany faces daily attacks as Russia targets Europe
In his New Year’s address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Germany is under constant threat from Russian aggression, which he claims is part of a broader plan against Europe. He emphasized the growing urgency of addressing these security challenges.
5. Russian drone strikes on Odesa leave four wounded
An overnight drone attack by Russia on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has resulted in at least four injuries, including three children. Ukrainian authorities reported that the city’s infrastructure has been a frequent target since the onset of the conflict.
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6. Russia has placed its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile on combat duty in Belarus, raising concerns among NATO allies. This move is seen as part of Moscow’s ongoing military strategy amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe.
7. A cable car accident in Italy’s Piedmont region has resulted in at least six injuries and the evacuation of around 100 people. Local authorities reported that helicopters were deployed for rescue operations following the collision of two cabins with the cable car stations.
8. In a dramatic heist, thieves in western Germany used a large drill to break into a savings bank, making off with an estimated €30 million in cash and valuables. Police described the operation as highly professional, likening it to scenes from the film Ocean’s Eleven.
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Italy postpones ‘sugar tax’ to 2027 as debate grows across Europe. On Tuesday, the Italian Chamber adopted the 2026 finance law, officially delaying the implementation of the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages until January 2027. This tax was initially set to take effect on January 1, 2026, but successive governments have opted for postponements.
In other news, Poland has secured a €3.3 billion deal with South Korea to boost domestic missile production. The agreement will see the joint production of missiles for the HOMAR-K rocket launcher, marking a significant step in Poland’s defense capabilities.
Turning to the weather, chilly conditions are expected across much of Europe today. London and Paris will see highs of 4 degrees, while Berlin is set to reach just 2 degrees. Meanwhile, Brussels will have a high of 5 degrees, and both Riga and Stockholm are facing bitterly cold temperatures, not exceeding freezing. Madrid will experience cooler weather, with temperatures ranging between 3 and 9 degrees. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.