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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis plan to auction off official gifts has been derailed due to a criminal investigation into Bertolami Fine Art, the chosen auction house. The company is accused of involvement in illegal artifact trafficking, which led to the auctions cancellation. Melonis office was unaware of the investigation when they appointed Bertolami, but severed ties once the news became public. The canceled auction was expected to raise funds for charities.

Former President Donald Trump has filed a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against the BBC, alleging they maliciously edited his speech during the Capitol riot. The BBC, supported by UK minister Stephen Kinnock, is standing firm against the legal challenge. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to address the case and protect the BBC from potential financial burdens.

Global markets experienced a downturn today, with European and Asian indices seeing declines as investors awaited key U.S. economic reports. The S&P five hundred futures dropped by half a percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down by three tenths of a percent. In Europe, Germanys DAX index fell by four tenths of a percent, while Pariss CAC forty and Londons FTSE one hundred also slipped. Asian markets, particularly Tokyos Nikkei two hundred twenty-five index, experienced a downturn following preliminary data indicating a slight slowdown in manufacturing. Chinese markets retreated after Novembers economic figures came in weaker than anticipated. Looking ahead, Wall Street will focus on upcoming U.S. economic updates, including the November jobs report and inflation update.

Belgium and several other EU countries are resisting a European Commission proposal to unlock a €210 billion loan for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. The move has dampened hopes for a deal before Thursdays leaders summit. Belgium, supported by Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, and Czechia, is concerned about potential legal claims or retaliation from Russia and seeks alternative financing options. Germany, however, argues that joint debt isnt feasible and warns of severe damage to the EUs ability to respond if no action is taken.

Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, apologizes for calling feminist activists stupid bitches in a private conversation, sparking widespread criticism. She made the comments at a comedy show where activists attempted to protest, leading to a backlash from politicians, feminist organizations, and celebrities.

China imposes new tariffs on EU pork imports, ranging from 4.9% to 19.8%, following an investigation into unfair pricing. The tariffs, set to last five years, are part of escalating trade tensions between the two economic powers. China also placed anti-dumping duties on European brandy and is probing EU dairy exports. The new pork tariffs will significantly impact Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

New International Claims Commission Approved for Ukraine: A Pathway to Justice A significant development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict: a new International Claims Commission is set to be approved in The Hague, facilitated by the Council of Europe. This commission aims to provide compensation for damages caused by Russia since February 2022. The approval follows recent peace talks in Berlin, where Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed willingness to drop NATO bid for Western security guarantees, but firmly rejected territorial concessions. The commission will evaluate claims from the active register of damages, with over eighty thousand claims already filed. Twenty-five countries need to sign on for the commission to launch, with more than thirty expected to join, including European nations, Mexico, Japan, and Canada. This initiative is a crucial step towards accountability and justice for Ukraine, alongside a new international court to prosecute senior Russian officials.

New Years resolutions, a tradition dating back to ancient Babylonians, offer a chance for reflection and hope. Despite high failure rates, millions worldwide set goals, often inspired by holiday indulgence or family dynamics. The practice evolved from Babylonian oaths to Roman rituals, with the term New Years resolutions emerging in the 19th century. Participating in this tradition connects us to a rich historical tapestry, regardless of our ability to follow through.

In Berlin, European leaders, including Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US envoys, discuss ending Ukraine conflict. US proposes security guarantees for Ukraine, dropping NATO ambitions, but Zelenskyy rejects territorial concessions. Merkel urges Russia to consider peace plan. Progress made, but no direct talks date set, as international community awaits resolution.