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EU leaders grapple with funding Ukraine: A hybrid solution emerges European Union leaders are engaged in high-stakes negotiations to finalize a financial aid package for Ukraine, with a major disagreement over using frozen Russian assets or issuing new EU-backed debt. Germany and several other countries advocate for using the assets, while Belgium, Italy, and others prefer EU debt. A potential compromise involves a hybrid solution, with twenty-five countries participating in the funding, excluding Hungary and Slovakia. The outcome of these talks is crucial for Ukraines financial stability.

Germanys parliament has approved a €52 billion military spending package, aiming to rapidly rearm and strengthen its forces amidst Russian aggression. The budget, which includes essential items like uniforms and protective equipment, and key combat assets like Puma infantry fighting vehicles and rockets for the Arrow Three missile shield system, has been temporarily exempted from public debt restrictions. The move underscores Germanys commitment to modernizing its military and fulfilling its NATO obligations.

This weekend, American and Russian officials will meet in Miami to discuss ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The U.S. has offered Ukraine a mutual defense promise, while Ukraine has softened its demand to join NATO. However, Russian President Putin has stated that Russia will not abandon its mission to liberate its historic lands. Ukrainian and European leaders are also working on security guarantees for Kyiv, including a demilitarized zone and troop commitments for training and monitoring a potential ceasefire.

Greek MEP Nikos Pappas, a Syriza party member and former basketball player, faces expulsion from his political group following allegations of assaulting a reporter at a Strasbourg bar. The incident, involving Pappas and a delegation of Greek journalists, escalated when Pappas reportedly struck the reporter twice from behind, causing him to fall. The journalist filed a complaint, leading to Pappass expulsion from Syriza and the Left groups formal procedure to determine his group status.

European Parents Protest Christmas Holiday Schedule Change: Cultural Identity and Family Traditions at Stake European parents are voicing their discontent over proposed changes to the Christmas holiday schedule for the 2026-2027 academic year. The new plan would require children to attend school on January sixth, a significant holiday for many cultures, particularly for families celebrating Three Kings Day. Parents advocate for a holiday period from December twenty-third to January sixth, allowing their children to observe this important cultural and family tradition. The secretariat general, managing the school system, has downplayed the issue, suggesting Three Kings Day could be discussed in the classroom as cultural content. This response has further frustrated parents, who feel their cultural identity and family values are being disregarded. Spanish parents have sent a letter to their countrys permanent representation to the European Union and gathered signatures from Members of the European Parliament to urge the European Commissioner for Budget and Public Administration to recognize the special importance of Three Kings Day and find a solution that respects cultural diversity.

Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, adopts a more confrontational approach, initiating legal battles, criticizing FIFA, and challenging the Reform party. This shift aims to showcase government values and priorities, as urged by Labour MPs. Starmer announces a license to transfer funds from Chelseas sale to Ukraine, criticizes World Cup ticket prices, and approves a review into foreign interference in politics.

Unexpected Turn: UK Ambassador to Washington Role Shifts; Chandra Out, Casey and Turner in Contention In a surprising twist, Varun Chandra, the frontrunner for the UK ambassador to Washington, has been removed from the final list of candidates. Instead, Nigel Casey and Christian Turner have moved ahead in the selection process. This decision comes amidst a push for a career diplomat and a fresh dispute with the Trump administration over a Tech Prosperity Deal. Chandra will remain in Downing Street in an enhanced role.

German lawmaker warns of budget implications if exports dont increase; Chancellor Friedrich Merz expresses frustration over trade deal delays; EU-Mercosur agreement nears finalization, with France and Italy seeking safeguards for European farmers.