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1. Putin allows government takeover of firms vulnerable to drone attacks
The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to bring privately owned assets under state control, particularly in the industrial and defense sectors. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, approximately 805 companies have been transferred to the state, according to Vadim Yakovenko, head of the Federal Agency for State Property.
2. Germany ‘under threat’ after explosive drone found near airport
German politician Friedrich Merz has expressed concerns about national security following the discovery of another explosive drone near an airport. While he did not attribute the incident to any specific group, he assured that security agencies are actively investigating the situation.
3. Tornado ravages village of Pomas in France, dozens injured
A tornado has caused significant damage in the village of Pomas, with dozens of people reported injured. The extreme weather also forced the cancellation of the third stage of the Vuelta a España cycle race and left around 2,800 homes without electricity across ten villages.
4. US-Canada trade war escalates as Trump threatens to hike auto tariffs
President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts from 25% to 50% starting January 1. This escalation in the trade war comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
5. Trump’s Arctic saber-rattling boosts Iceland’s pro-EU campaign
In Iceland, the debate over sovereignty is central to an upcoming referendum on EU membership. Recent comments from President Trump have energized the pro-EU campaign, with polls indicating a close contest, as support for joining the EU hovers just above 51%.
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6. UK and France have reaffirmed their commitment to providing anti-missile technology to Ukraine, but experts warn that none of these systems will be operational for years. Dr. Frank Ledwidge highlights that the focus remains on symbolic gestures rather than addressing Ukraine’s immediate air defense needs.
7. In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has pledged €6 billion to build three theme parks near Paris, including a manga-themed attraction. This investment was announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new economic opportunities.
8. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a national security meeting as the Ceuta migration crisis continues, now 26 days in. The crisis began when thousands crossed into the Spanish enclave, prompting Sánchez to label the situation an “attack” on Spain’s territorial integrity, leading to military deployment to manage the border.
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed her frustration over unsolicited beauty advice received from a plastic surgeon on Instagram. The 48-year-old leader took to social media on Monday to address the issue, emphasizing her desire for women in leadership roles to be valued for their contributions rather than their appearance.
In a significant move, New Zealand is set to introduce legislation aimed at banning children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The proposed bill will require companies like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook to implement age verification measures, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 14 to 17 degrees with patchy rain possible feels like. In London, 17 to 24 degrees with overcast feels like. In Paris, 16 to 26 degrees with light rain shower low. In Brussels, 13 to 21 degrees with patchy rain possible feels like. In Berlin, 15 to 25 degrees with sunny feels like. In Stockholm, 12 to 22 degrees with sunny low. In Madrid, 15 to 24 degrees with overcast feels like.
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