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The Louvre Museum faces a crisis: a strike by workers due to understaffing, deteriorating infrastructure, and management decisions, leading to a partial closure and security concerns. A $102 million jewel heist exposed serious security failures, with thieves escaping with only a few seconds to spare. The museums physical structure is also under strain, with parts of the aging building deemed unsafe. The pressure is on Louvre President Laurence des Cars, as the Culture Ministry appoints Philippe Jost to help reorganize the museum.

Duke of Marlborough Charged with Serious Offenses: A Tumultuous History Unfolds The Duke of Marlborough, a British aristocrat, faces charges of nonfatal strangulation. This marks a surprising turn in his life, which has been marked by struggles, including drug addiction, and a complex family history. He was disinherited by his father and lost his inheritance to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace itself has seen drama, including a high-profile theft in 2019. This latest news adds another chapter to the Marlborough familys tumultuous history.

This weeks Prime Ministers Questions offered a lively, if not always productive, look into British politics. The session saw sharp exchanges and festive jabs, with both sides trying to land blows. Key moments included the Prime Minister confirming a license for Russian billionaire Roman Abramovichs money transfer to Ukraine, and internal party struggles highlighted by defections. The atmosphere was festive, with many Christmas-themed jokes, but serious political points were still made. The Prime Ministers opponent addressed ongoing industrial action and condemned the Prime Ministers suggestion to ban medical staff from striking. The final Prime Ministers Questions of the year was never going to be completely serious, with the Prime Minister securing a few weeks away from intense questioning.

EU leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasize urgency in finalizing Ukraines defense funding plan. No decision yet on using frozen Russian assets. Meloni raises concerns about potential risks and seeks clarity. Von der Leyen presents two funding options and stresses the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities.

In a recent address, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to escalate military action in Ukraine if peace talks fail, despite expressing a preference for diplomatic solutions. This comes amidst ongoing negotiations over a U.S.-drafted peace plan, with Ukraine seeking security guarantees and NATO membership, while Russia demands recognition of its annexed territories.

Spanish authorities evicted hundreds of undocumented migrants from an abandoned school in Badalona, leading to emotional scenes and a struggle to salvage belongings. Temporary shelter was provided, but concerns remain about the adequacy of resources and long-term solutions for these vulnerable populations.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni delays EU-Mercosur trade deal, seeking farmers protections; France also calls for delay, potentially hindering qualified majority for approval.

My Voice, My Choice: European Parliament votes to create a fund for womens abortion access, sparking debate on EUs role in health policy.

Serbias President Vučić announces absence from EU enlargement meeting, citing protection of national interests. Despite minimal progress since 2012, Vučić proposes simultaneous EU entry for Western Balkan countries. Opposition criticizes decision, while Minister Starović supports it, blaming EUs lack of acknowledgment for Serbias reforms.