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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

4. Türkiye arrests 115 suspected IS members Turkish authorities have detained 115 suspected members of the Islamic State in a series of nationwide raids. The arrests were made in connection with planned attacks during the Christmas and New Year period, with an additional 137 individuals still being sought by police.

5. Lotto madness in the USA: colossal billion-dollar jackpot cracked In the United States, a lottery player from Arkansas has won a staggering jackpot of approximately 1.8 billion dollars on Christmas Eve. This significant win has made headlines, marking a remarkable holiday surprise for the lucky winner.

where he oversaw the test launch of new anti-aircraft missiles. State media reports indicate that Kim criticized South Korea's military advancements during his inspection. 6. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited a nuclear submarine production facility, where he oversaw the test launch of new anti-aircraft missiles. State media reports indicate that Kim criticized South Korea's military advancements during his inspection.

The storm has resulted in heavy rainfall, power outages, and closed roads, leading to at least two fatalities. 7. A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles as a severe winter storm wreaks havoc across California. The storm has resulted in heavy rainfall, power outages, and closed roads, leading to at least two fatalities.

attack that paralyzed France's postal service just before Christmas. The attack halted parcel deliveries, causing significant disruption during the holiday season. 8. The pro-Russian hacker group "Noname057" has claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that paralyzed France's postal service just before Christmas. The attack halted parcel deliveries, causing significant disruption during the holiday season. In a chilling forecast, Berlin is set for a bitterly cold day with temperatures not expected to rise above freezing, accompanied by breezy conditions. Meanwhile, Brussels will experience similarly frigid weather, reaching a high of just 1 degree Celsius, with strong winds nearing 32 km/h. Over in London, expect a chilly day with highs around 5 degrees and breezy conditions as well. As for Riga, temperatures will peak at 3 degrees, dropping to minus 1 by night, with a humid atmosphere and gusty winds. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. Algeria's Parliament Declares French Colonisation a Crime Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring the French colonisation of the country a crime, demanding both an apology and reparations. The law also criminalises the glorification of colonialism, reflecting the growing tensions in diplomatic relations between Algeria and France.

5. Europe Defends Digital Rules Amid US Visa Ban European Union officials have defended their digital regulations following a visa ban imposed by the Trump administration on a former EU Commissioner. The European Commission condemned the US decision, emphasizing the importance of their digital framework in promoting free expression.

This lump of hardened fat, oil, and waste marks a significant find since the last major fatberg was reported in 2017. 6. A massive fatberg has been discovered in London sewers, weighing approximately 100 tons. This lump of hardened fat, oil, and waste marks a significant find since the last major fatberg was reported in 2017.

draft, signaling a potential shift in negotiations regarding the contested Donbas region. This development awaits a response from Russia, marking a notable moment in the ongoing conflict. 7. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed openness to withdrawing troops in a new peace draft, signaling a potential shift in negotiations regarding the contested Donbas region. This development awaits a response from Russia, marking a notable moment in the ongoing conflict.

with retaliatory measures over entry bans affecting former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and others. Brussels condemned the US government's actions, asserting that such restrictions are unacceptable. 8. The EU Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has threatened the United States with retaliatory measures over entry bans affecting former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and others. Brussels condemned the US government's actions, asserting that such restrictions are unacceptable. A small propeller plane in the USA successfully executed an emergency landing after experiencing a sudden loss of pressure on board. The airport fire department confirmed that both individuals on the plane exited uninjured, showcasing the effectiveness of the aircraft's emergency landing system. In Austria, a pastry shop in Klagenfurt is facing backlash for selling a peanut chocolate with a name that includes a racial slur. The term, which has historical connotations, has sparked outrage on social media, prompting discussions about the impact of language and the importance of sensitivity in branding. Turning to the weather, chilly conditions are expected across much of Europe today. In Brussels, temperatures will reach just 1 degree Celsius, while London will see a high of 5 degrees. Berlin and Stockholm are both facing bitterly cold weather, with temperatures not expected to rise above freezing. Meanwhile, Madrid will experience cooler temperatures ranging between 3 and 9 degrees. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. Russell Brand faces new allegations In entertainment news, Russell Brand is facing fresh allegations, although details remain limited. This follows a series of accusations against the comedian, prompting increased scrutiny of his past actions.

5. Russia attacks Ukraine before Christmas Ukrainian President Zelensky has criticized Russia's heavy air strikes just before Christmas, highlighting the ongoing military pressure on Ukraine. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have had to retreat from the strategically significant city of Siversk amid these attacks.

that growth rates may be only half of the officially reported numbers. The study indicates that a decline in investment is pushing growth down to between 2.5 and 3 percent for 2025, far below the government's target. 6. Concerns are mounting over the accuracy of China's economic figures, with new analysis suggesting that growth rates may be only half of the officially reported numbers. The study indicates that a decline in investment is pushing growth down to between 2.5 and 3 percent for 2025, far below the government's target.

faces death for simply holding a poster during a demonstration. The slogan she displayed, “Mrs. Resistance. Freedom,” has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for her release. 7. International outrage is growing over the imminent execution of Iranian activist Zahra Tabari, who faces death for simply holding a poster during a demonstration. The slogan she displayed, “Mrs. Resistance. Freedom,” has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for her release.

Thierry Breton, due to alleged censorship of American online platforms. This move has raised tensions between the US and Europe, as it targets politicians and activists involved in the ongoing debate over digital freedom. 8. The United States has announced sanctions against several European individuals, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, due to alleged censorship of American online platforms. This move has raised tensions between the US and Europe, as it targets politicians and activists involved in the ongoing debate over digital freedom. In other news, tensions have escalated at the UN Security Council amid a heated exchange between the USA and Russia over the situation in Venezuela. The US ambassador declared Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as illegitimate, prompting sharp responses from Russian representatives. Meanwhile, in Australia, a British man faces deportation after being charged with displaying Nazi symbols. The 43-year-old was arrested earlier this month in Queensland, with authorities taking swift action against the alleged offense. Turning to the weather, chilly conditions prevail across Europe today. London will see temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius, dropping to 3 by night, while Paris is expected to reach a high of 4 degrees. In Brussels, it will be even colder, with highs of just 1 degree and strong winds nearing 33 km/h. Bitterly cold weather is also forecast for Berlin, Riga, and Stockholm, where temperatures will not exceed freezing. Madrid offers a slight reprieve with temperatures ranging between 3 and 9 degrees. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. European leaders show solidarity with Denmark following Trump’s latest Greenland threat European leaders have expressed their support for Denmark after US President Donald Trump renewed his interest in integrating Greenland into US territory. Trump has appointed a special envoy to pursue this objective, citing "national protection" as a reason for the move.

5. Four seriously injured in explosion in apartment building near Paris An explosion in a residential building near Paris has left four individuals, including three small children, seriously injured. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with local authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

its immigration policy since the civil war began. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates about the safety and treatment of returnees in Syria. 6. Germany's recent deportation of a convicted Syrian criminal marks a significant shift in its immigration policy since the civil war began. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates about the safety and treatment of returnees in Syria.

that could streamline actions within the EU. This comes after a summit where joint debt issuance was utilized to support Ukraine, showcasing a potential shift in how member states collaborate. 7. European leaders are exploring ways to eliminate national vetoes in decision-making processes, a move that could streamline actions within the EU. This comes after a summit where joint debt issuance was utilized to support Ukraine, showcasing a potential shift in how member states collaborate.

tech giants Google, Meta, and OpenAI. They allege that these companies have unlawfully used their copyrighted works to develop artificial intelligence models, igniting a debate over intellectual property rights in the digital age. 8. A coalition of authors, spearheaded by investigative journalist John Carreyrou, has filed lawsuits against tech giants Google, Meta, and OpenAI. They allege that these companies have unlawfully used their copyrighted works to develop artificial intelligence models, igniting a debate over intellectual property rights in the digital age. In a tragic incident, a Mexican Navy small plane crashed during a medical mission off the coast of Texas, resulting in the deaths of five of the eight people on board. Two survivors were reported following the crash, which occurred on Monday evening local time. In Sweden, the Forsmark 1 nuclear reactor has been temporarily shut down due to a fault. Operator Vattenfall confirmed that maintenance work had just been completed last week, and efforts are currently underway to resolve the issue. Turning to the weather, today in London, temperatures will range between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius, with breezy conditions and humidity around 85%. Meanwhile, Berlin is expected to be chilly, reaching a high of just 3 degrees, while Brussels will see temperatures hitting 5 degrees. Paris will experience cool weather with highs of 8 degrees, and Madrid is looking at a range of 1 to 7 degrees. In the north, both Riga and Stockholm are facing bitterly cold conditions, with temperatures not exceeding freezing. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. Explosion in Paris injures four An explosion in a residential building near Paris has left three small children and one adult seriously injured. The local prefecture has reported that the children, aged two, four, and five, are among the victims, while the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

5. Germany begins deportations to Syria Germany has deported a convicted criminal to Syria for the first time since the onset of the civil war. The German Interior Ministry confirmed the individual was handed over to authorities in Damascus, marking a significant shift in the country's deportation policy.

move that could streamline decision-making among member states. However, achieving consensus on this reform remains a complex challenge, as divergent national interests continue to complicate negotiations. 6. The European Union is pushing to eliminate the era of national vetoes, a move that could streamline decision-making among member states. However, achieving consensus on this reform remains a complex challenge, as divergent national interests continue to complicate negotiations.

against major tech companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The plaintiffs allege that these companies unlawfully utilized their copyrighted works to develop artificial intelligence models, raising significant concerns about intellectual property rights in the digital age. 7. A group of authors, spearheaded by investigative journalist John Carreyrou, has filed a lawsuit against major tech companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The plaintiffs allege that these companies unlawfully utilized their copyrighted works to develop artificial intelligence models, raising significant concerns about intellectual property rights in the digital age.

of Texas, resulting in the deaths of five of the eight individuals on board. The incident has prompted an investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash and support for the survivors. 8. A small Mexican Navy plane tragically crashed during a medical mission off the coast of Texas, resulting in the deaths of five of the eight individuals on board. The incident has prompted an investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash and support for the survivors. Sweden has temporarily shut down the Forsmark 1 nuclear reactor due to a fault, with operator Vattenfall working to resolve the issue. Maintenance on the reactor was completed just last week, raising concerns about the recent malfunction. In Spain, a wildfire-hit town has received a significant boost from the country’s Christmas lottery, winning 468 million euros. This jackpot has been described as an “injection of hope” for the community, which faced devastation just months ago. Turning to the weather, Madrid is experiencing cool temperatures today, ranging from 1 to 7 degrees Celsius, with gentle breezes. Meanwhile, Brussels will see highs of 5 degrees, while Berlin is chilly with temperatures around 3 degrees. In London, expect cool weather with temperatures between 5 and 7 degrees, and Riga is facing bitterly cold conditions, not exceeding freezing. Stockholm is also experiencing similar cold, with mixed precipitation expected. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. Germany deports Syrians for the first time since civil war Germany has deported a convicted criminal to Syria for the first time since the Syrian civil war began. The German Interior Ministry confirmed that the individual was handed over to authorities in Damascus earlier today, marking a significant shift in the country's deportation policy.

5. EU aims to end national veto era At a recent summit, European leaders discussed the possibility of ending the era of national vetoes. They explored issuing joint debt backed by the EU's common budget to support Ukraine, a move that would circumvent the need for unanimous agreement among member states.

against Google, Meta, and OpenAI. They allege that these companies have unlawfully utilized their copyrighted works to train artificial intelligence models, with the tech giants yet to respond to the claims. 6. A group of authors, spearheaded by investigative journalist John Carreyrou, has filed a lawsuit against Google, Meta, and OpenAI. They allege that these companies have unlawfully utilized their copyrighted works to train artificial intelligence models, with the tech giants yet to respond to the claims.

a technical fault, according to local media. Operator Vattenfall reported that maintenance was completed just last week and is currently working to resolve the issue. 7. Sweden's Forsmark 1 nuclear reactor has been temporarily shut down due to a technical fault, according to local media. Operator Vattenfall reported that maintenance was completed just last week and is currently working to resolve the issue.

wildfire-affected town, distributing 468 million euros in prizes. This financial windfall comes as a much-needed source of hope for communities recovering from the recent devastation caused by wildfires. 8. Spain's Christmas lottery, known as El Gordo, has provided a significant boost to a wildfire-affected town, distributing 468 million euros in prizes. This financial windfall comes as a much-needed source of hope for communities recovering from the recent devastation caused by wildfires. In other news, French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to engage in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to influence his policies once again. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has made headlines by abruptly recalling numerous career ambassadors, a move seen as an effort to reinforce the "America First" agenda, raising concerns about the impact on U.S. diplomacy. Turning to the weather, today in London, temperatures will range between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius, with breezy conditions expected. Berlin will be chilly, with highs around 2 degrees, dropping to near freezing tonight. Over in Brussels, temperatures will reach a high of 5 degrees, while Paris will see slightly warmer weather, ranging from 4 to 8 degrees. Meanwhile, Riga and Stockholm are bracing for bitterly cold conditions, with temperatures not expected to exceed freezing. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. India express train kills seven elephants crossing tracks A tragic incident in northeastern India has resulted in the deaths of seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, after a high-speed train collided with them. Local officials report that the accident occurred in Assam state, where the train driver had spotted the herd moments before the collision.

5. USA wants to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the table In a bid to facilitate peace talks, the United States is proposing direct negotiations between representatives from Kyiv and Moscow. This initiative, discussed during recent talks in Miami, aims to rekindle dialogue after months of stalled communication in the ongoing conflict.

384 individuals and seized approximately 1.4 tons of drugs. This large-scale drug raid highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the country. 6. In a significant operation across multiple Italian cities, police have arrested 384 individuals and seized approximately 1.4 tons of drugs. This large-scale drug raid highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the country.

from Europe, particularly under the Trump administration. Analysts suggest that despite fears, the U.S. still relies heavily on European allies, especially Germany, for strategic support. 7. Concerns are rising over the potential military withdrawal of the United States from Europe, particularly under the Trump administration. Analysts suggest that despite fears, the U.S. still relies heavily on European allies, especially Germany, for strategic support.

showcasing his six-pack abs on the cover of Men's Health. The singer's new fitness regime marks a departure from his previous lifestyle, garnering attention from fans and fitness enthusiasts alike. 8. British pop star Ed Sheeran has unveiled his impressive transformation after losing 14 kilos, showcasing his six-pack abs on the cover of Men's Health. The singer's new fitness regime marks a departure from his previous lifestyle, garnering attention from fans and fitness enthusiasts alike. In other news, a major storm system is expected to impact parts of Europe this week, leading to warnings of heavy rainfall and strong winds in several countries. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding and travel disruptions. Meanwhile, the European Union is set to discuss new measures aimed at enhancing energy security across member states. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on external energy sources and promote sustainability. Turning to the weather, today’s forecast shows chilly conditions in Riga with temperatures reaching a high of around 5 degrees, while London will see cool weather with highs between 7 and 10 degrees. Berlin is experiencing temperatures ranging from 4 to 7 degrees, and Paris will be slightly warmer, hovering between 9 and 11 degrees. Meanwhile, Madrid will be cooler with temperatures between 2 and 6 degrees, and Stockholm is expecting a high of just 3 degrees. Breezy conditions are prevalent in many cities, with rain expected in several locations. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. Crown Princess of Norway May Require Lung Transplant Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is likely facing a lung transplant as her health has deteriorated. The 52-year-old has been living with pulmonary fibrosis since 2018, a condition that severely impacts lung function.

5. Criticism of EU Support for Ukraine As the European Union struggles to provide adequate financial and military aid to Ukraine, criticism has emerged, particularly from Switzerland. Analysts argue that while the EU's efforts may be suboptimal, Switzerland's contributions are significantly lower.

many have had their consular appointments canceled. Lawyers report that this situation has left these workers stranded, far from their homes and jobs in the U.S. 6. H-1B visa holders returning to India for renewals are facing unexpected challenges, as many have had their consular appointments canceled. Lawyers report that this situation has left these workers stranded, far from their homes and jobs in the U.S.

reparations loan for Ukraine has collapsed. Despite the bold initiative, the bloc's 27 leaders opted against the risky venture, instead choosing to focus on supporting Ukraine's ongoing resistance. 7. The European Union's ambitious plan to convert frozen Russian Central Bank assets into a reparations loan for Ukraine has collapsed. Despite the bold initiative, the bloc's 27 leaders opted against the risky venture, instead choosing to focus on supporting Ukraine's ongoing resistance.

Authorities deemed Lawrence Ampe's actions as “gross indiscipline,” following his accusations of corruption and human rights abuses against senior officials. 8. In Uganda, a prison officer has been dismissed for making critical remarks about the government on TikTok. Authorities deemed Lawrence Ampe's actions as “gross indiscipline,” following his accusations of corruption and human rights abuses against senior officials. In other news, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reports that while famine is no longer present in Gaza, approximately 1.6 million people continue to face acute food insecurity and malnutrition. This highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has signed a decree calling for NASA to land astronauts on the moon by 2028, pushing for a renewed focus on manned missions to the lunar surface. Turning to the weather across Europe, today will see cool temperatures in London, ranging from 6 to 9 degrees, while Berlin will experience similar conditions between 5 and 10 degrees. Paris will be slightly warmer, with highs of 11 degrees expected, and Brussels will see temperatures between 6 and 11 degrees. In the north, Riga will remain chilly at around 4 degrees, and Stockholm will have a cooler range of 5 to 7 degrees. Rain is likely in several cities, including heavy showers in Paris and Brussels. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.

4. German court overturns ban on extremist group Germany's Federal Administrative Court has overturned a ban on the right-wing extremist group Hammerskins Deutschland. The court in Leipzig ruled in favor of several members who challenged the Interior Ministry's ban, stating that the ministry did not provide sufficient justification for its decision.

5. TikTok's deal and its implications for American users ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, has reached an agreement with US and global investors to manage its American operations. This move comes amid ongoing national security concerns from Washington, although the implications for TikTok users in the US remain unclear.

at supporting the country's military and economic needs over the next two years. This decision follows protracted discussions in Brussels, where leaders could not reach a consensus on utilizing frozen Russian assets. 6. EU leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a substantial €90 billion loan, aimed at supporting the country's military and economic needs over the next two years. This decision follows protracted discussions in Brussels, where leaders could not reach a consensus on utilizing frozen Russian assets.

between Washington and Venezuela. He plans to initiate a conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of Christmas, aiming to foster dialogue and reduce hostilities in the region. 7. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking to mediate the ongoing tensions between Washington and Venezuela. He plans to initiate a conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of Christmas, aiming to foster dialogue and reduce hostilities in the region.

Arrow 3 missile defense system. The agreement was announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry after the Bundestag Budget Committee allocated funding for the expansion earlier this week. 8. In a significant move, Israel and Germany have formalized a contract to enhance the Arrow 3 missile defense system. The agreement was announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry after the Bundestag Budget Committee allocated funding for the expansion earlier this week. In a significant development, the US has approved one of the largest arms packages for Taiwan, valued at 11.1 billion US dollars. This move comes as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China, with the package including advanced weaponry aimed at bolstering the island's defense capabilities. In another incident, the Estonian Foreign Ministry has reported that three Russian border guards illegally crossed into NATO territory in Estonia. This breach of international borders raises concerns about security and tensions in the region. Turning to the weather, today will be quite cool across Europe, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 9 degrees in London and slightly warmer at 8 to 11 degrees in Paris. Berlin will see similar conditions, with highs between 5 and 9 degrees, while Brussels and Stockholm will experience breezy weather with rain likely. Expect chilly temperatures in Riga, peaking at around 4 degrees, and Madrid will also be cool, with temperatures between 7 and 9 degrees. Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.