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France blocks EU-Mercosur trade deal: Macron pushes for farmer protections

The Trump administration and Congress are expediting the process to overturn Joe Bidens mining ban in northern Minnesota, targeting the Twin Metals project. The project, owned by Chiles Antofagasta, holds significant reserves of critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and nickel. The Interior Department has notified the House, and the plan is expected to be approved by Friday, giving Congress sixty days to reject the ban. Minnesota Republican Congressman Pete Stauber plans to introduce the rejection bill. Bidens ban, issued in 2023, was criticized for skipping proper notification procedures. The move could escalate tensions between mining advocates and environmentalists, but it aligns with the U.S.s goal of reducing reliance on foreign sources for these minerals, which are crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense equipment.

NATO countries are bolstering their Arctic presence amidst U.S. threats to seize Greenland. Proposals include enhanced intelligence, increased defense spending, military gear relocation, and additional exercises. Europe seeks to de-escalate tensions with Trump, as Denmark warns of NATOs dissolution if Greenland is taken. Trumps resource and security claims are disputed, with Russia and China focusing on the eastern Arctic. NATO envoys maintained productive discussions, with Denmark praising the alliances Arctic strategy and calling for further work. The topic also arose in an EU ambassadors meeting, with EU capitals supporting Denmark.

Protests in Iran escalate, entering second week, sparked by economic woes; Security forces crack down, killing at least 34 protesters and 2 officers, arresting over 2000; European leaders condemn violence, calls for tougher action grow, including expanded EU sanctions and potential U.S. intervention; Iran faces partial internet blackout, pressure on leaders mounting.

Storm Goretti threatens Europe with severe winds, heavy snow, and freezing cold, starting Thursday. The UK, France, and Germany are hit hardest, with gusts up to 100 mph and snowfall reaching up to 11 inches. The UKs Met Office issues rare red and amber warnings, while France and Germany close schools and urge people to stay indoors. Public transportation faces delays and disruptions, and temperatures could drop to -20°C. The storm is expected to ease by Saturday, but Europeans brace for the worst.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows strong action against Elon Musks X platform following the creation of non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes, some involving minors. Starmer calls it disgraceful and intolerable, urging X to regain control. Ofcom, the communications regulator, is backed by Starmer to intervene. Thousands of deepfakes have sparked outrage, leading to Ofcoms urgent contact with X for potential investigation under the Online Safety Act. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlights the need for new laws to cover generative AI chatbots like Grok. The Information Commissioners Office is also discussing potential data misuse with X. Regulators are pushing forward, with all eyes on enforcement steps to protect people online.

50 sheep invade Penny supermarket in Bavaria, causing chaos and viral sensation. Store manager Jürgen Kippes struggles to round them up, but eventually succeeds with a loud cash register bang. Shepherd blames acorn distraction for the incident, Penny offers to sponsor the sheep for a year.

The US, with British assistance, seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, the Bella One, in the North Atlantic. This move is part of efforts to control Venezuelas oil post-Maduros ouster. British leaders praise the operation as a trans-Atlantic success, highlighting its impact on Russias oil sanctions evasion and Ukraines funding. Reactions across Europe and the UK are mixed, with Starmer emphasizing new US security pledges for Ukraine. Tensions remain, particularly over Trumps Greenland purchase proposal, testing alliances and potentially affecting Ukraine support and trade deals.

Eni on the brink of greenlighting Cyprus gas field, aiming for March deal, set to boost Cypruss economy and reshape regional energy flows.