Author: staff
Updated: 24/12/2025 – 12:00 GMT+1 Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this December 24th, 2025 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. … More
The US State Department on Tuesday imposed visa bans on a former European Union commissioner and four others, accusing them of forcing American social media platforms to censor users and their viewpoints. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the five people targeted with visa bans “have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetise, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose”. “These radical activists and weaponised NGOs have advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states – in each case targeting American speakers and American companies,” Rubio said in a statement. Rubio did not initially name those targeted, but US…
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz backtracked on a pledge on Tuesday that Israel would establish settlements in Gaza, following criticism the statement goes against the US-led peace plan for the Strip. Speaking at an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, Katz said that “with God’s help,” Israel would establish pioneer groups in northern Gaza “in place of the settlements that were evacuated.” “We will do this in the right way, at the appropriate time,” he added. The video spread on social media and became widely criticised. Hours later, Katz’s office released a statement clarifying that his comment was made in…
A breach opened in the wall of the Llangollen Canal near Whitchurch in Shropshire on Monday, leaving several boats stranded in a large hole after part of the canal bottom collapsed. Water poured out into nearby land as the bank gave way, prompting an emergency response. Crews dealt with what officials described as a landslip affecting the canal and worked alongside partner agencies to secure the area. Members of the public were asked to stay away, including from Whitchurch Marina, while the incident was managed.
Yes, it’s been one hell of a year for the world’s biggest trading relationship. The economic consequences will take years to materialize — but the short-term impact is manifest: in forcing Europe to face up to its overreliance on the U.S. security umbrella and find new friends to trade with. With a warning that the following might trigger flashbacks, we take you through POLITICO’s coverage of Europe’s traumatic trade year at the hands of Trump: January As Trump returns to the White House, we explore how America’s trading partners are wargaming his trade threats. The big idea? Escalate to de-escalate.…
India boasts one of the world’s most diverse cultural and geographical landscapes, from the majestic forts of Rajasthan to Kerala’s serene backwaters and Madhya Pradesh’s lush tiger reserves. However, planning a trip to the country can be overwhelming due to its size and varied regions and languages. So what better way to experience this multi-layered country than an indulgent, slow, immersive train journey that passes through several of India’s diverse regions? Here’s a roundup of the best Indian luxury train trips for 2026 that combine culture, history, and adventure. Heritage of India: Explore forts and palaces on the Maharajas Express…
There’s nothing quite like sinking into the sofa and putting on a Christmas film once everybody’s eaten their own weight in yummy food. And when it comes to holiday picks, there are go-to Yuletide classics. You can’t go wrong with rewatching It’s A Wonderful Life for the umpteenth time; The Muppet Christmas Carol remains a stone cold masterpiece; Home Alone is a fine viewing choice; Home Alone 2: Lost In New York is a finer viewing choice; and Die Hard is definitely a Christmas movie, despite what the Brits are on about. While no judgement shall be passed on those…
In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made the defense of Christmas traditions central to her political identity. She has repeatedly framed the holiday as part of the nation’s endangered heritage, railing against what she calls “ideological” attempts to dilute it. “How can my culture offend you?” Meloni has asked in the past, defending nativity scenes in public spaces. She has argued that children should learn the values of the Nativity — rather than just associating Christmas with food and presents — and rejected the idea that long-standing traditions should be altered. This year, Meloni said she was abstaining from…
Updated: 24/12/2025 – 7:00 GMT+1 Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this December 24th, 2025 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. … More
This Christmas, several artificial intelligence (AI) simulations of Jesus are giving religious advice or companionship during the holidays. The rise of AI-generated ‘Jesuses’ raises troubling questions about authenticity, bias, and who gets to shape religious belief and tradition, experts tell Euronews Next. These are particularly important questions, they say, during a season when people may be more emotionally vulnerable and searching for answers. For Catholics, Jesus is considered the son of God, born to humans on Earth, and his teachings, recorded in the Bible, are the foundations of their religious practice. In the last year, a handful of new AI…