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EU Backs Down on 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Amid Carmaker Pushback

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The European Commission is poised to ease its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, allowing up to 10% of sales to include non-electric options like plug-in hybrids and range extenders using CO2-neutral biofuels or synthetic fuels. This reversal follows intense lobbying from Germany, Italy, and Europe’s auto sector, including giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen, and Stellantis, as they grapple with competition from Tesla and Chinese EVs. The proposal requires approval from EU governments and the European Parliament.

This marks the EU’s biggest retreat from its aggressive green policies in recent years, with carmakers also urging relaxed 2030 CO2 targets and fines. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has described the situation as “high noon” for the industry. However, EV advocates warn that diluting the 100% zero-emissions goal to 90% could erode investments and hand more market dominance to China.

To counterbalance, the Commission plans incentives for EVs in corporate fleets—which drive 60% of new car sales—potentially with local content rules and tax breaks for small EVs. Credits toward CO2 targets may also reward sustainable practices like low-carbon steel production, though the auto sector prefers incentives over mandates.

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Romanian Government Survives No-Confidence Vote Amid Reform Tensions

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Romania’s coalition government on Monday survived a no-confidence vote in parliament over its economic policies and reform agenda, marking the sixth such challenge it has overcome in just six months. The motions were largely driven by public opposition to tax increases and spending cuts aimed at narrowing the European Union’s largest budget deficit and protecting Romania’s investment-grade credit rating.

Despite remaining in power, internal divisions within the four-party coalition were once again exposed. The leftist Social Democrats, the largest coalition partner, backed the government in the confidence vote but joined the hard-right opposition in a separate, non-binding motion against Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu. The Social Democrats have also warned they could leave the coalition unless Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan agrees to raise the minimum wage next year, while demanding Buzoianu’s dismissal over a recent water supply crisis.

The government is simultaneously pushing ahead with controversial judicial pension reforms, including plans to raise the retirement age for judges and prosecutors and cap pensions. After an earlier version of the bill was struck down, the Constitutional Court is set to rule again on December 28. Failure to pass the reform could further strain the fragile coalition and jeopardise access to key EU recovery funds, as protests continue over alleged dysfunction within Romania’s justice system.

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France Pushes to Delay EU Mercosur Trade Deal Vote Amid Farmer Protests

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France is urging the European Union to delay a vote on ratifying the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement, citing strong opposition from farmers and recent protests across the country. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, signed a year ago but not yet ratified, aims to open new markets for European exporters facing pressure from U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition. However, French farmers fear an influx of cheaper agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

As Europe’s largest agricultural producer, France is trying to build a blocking minority of EU member states to halt or postpone the vote in Brussels. While the European Commission has proposed safeguard measures for farmers, Paris has dismissed them as insufficient. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for delaying the vote until after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s planned visit to Brazil later this month, arguing that farmers’ concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The debate has exposed divisions within the EU, with countries such as Poland, Hungary, Austria and Ireland expressing sympathy for France’s stance, while Germany and business groups warn against missing a strategic trade opportunity. Italy’s position could prove decisive, as its industrial sector supports the deal but its farming community opposes it. At home, resistance in France is being fuelled by political pressure, livestock disease outbreaks and broader discontent in rural areas, making the Mercosur agreement a highly sensitive issue.

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Louvre Museum Shuts as Staff Launch Rolling Strike

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France’s Louvre Museum was closed on Monday after employees began a rolling strike over pay, staffing shortages, and deteriorating working conditions, disrupting access to the world’s most-visited museum during a peak tourist period. The walkout comes just two months after a high-profile jewel heist and follows recent infrastructure issues, including a water leak that damaged ancient books. The Louvre, which usually welcomes around 30,000 visitors a day, will remain shut until at least Wednesday due to its regular Tuesday closure.

The strike was called by several unions, including CFDT, CGT, and Sud, which say staff are facing rising workloads, insufficient permanent employees, and unclear instructions that make it difficult to perform their duties. About 400 of the museum’s 2,200 workers supported the action. Unions are demanding urgent renovations, better working conditions, and more permanent hires, especially in security and visitor services, while also opposing a planned 45% ticket price hike for non-EU tourists intended to help fund refurbishment work.

Tourists arriving early on Monday were left disappointed after discovering the museum was closed. While many expressed frustration, some visitors voiced understanding of the workers’ concerns. Union representatives said the aim was not to penalise visitors but to ensure the Louvre remains safe and properly maintained, warning that long-standing neglect by management has pushed staff to take action.

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Ukraine–US Ceasefire Talks Continue in Berlin as Washington Signals Progress

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Ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and the United States continued for a second day in Berlin, with Washington saying “a lot of progress was made.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held extended talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, also attended, while more European leaders are expected to join later discussions.

Zelensky indicated he was ready to give up Ukraine’s ambition to join Nato in exchange for strong security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, calling it a significant compromise. The talks centre on a 20-point Ukrainian peace proposal aimed at countering an earlier US plan seen as favouring Russia. While details remain undisclosed, Kyiv says the plan would form the basis for reconstruction and long-term security assurances.

Discussions also touched on sensitive territorial issues, including the Donbas region, where Zelensky said Ukraine could consider freezing the conflict along current front lines but would not withdraw troops unless Russia did the same. Any agreement reached by Ukraine, the US and Europe would still need to be presented to Moscow, which continues to oppose Nato membership for Kyiv. The talks come as Ukraine faces renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and as EU states debate using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s economy.

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Global Cities Tighten Hanukkah Security After Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

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Major cities across Europe and the United States have heightened security around Hanukkah celebrations following a deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Authorities in Berlin, London, New York and Warsaw increased police presence at synagogues, public menorah lightings and other Jewish sites as a precaution. The measures come amid concerns over public safety during the religious festival.

In Berlin, police intensified security around the Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah was lit to mark the first night of Hanukkah, with the event also including a prayer for the victims of the Sydney attack. New York Mayor Eric Adams said additional protection was being deployed for synagogues and public celebrations across the city to ensure the Jewish community could observe the holiday safely. In Warsaw, armed security was doubled at the city’s main synagogue, while Polish police reinforced protection around diplomatic missions and places of worship.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it had stepped up patrols and community engagement, despite no indication of a direct threat linked to the Sydney incident. France also ordered stronger security around Jewish institutions during the Hanukkah period, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez calling for increased vigilance at religious services and large public gatherings. The moves underscore broader efforts by authorities to prevent further violence following what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack.

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Spain’s Commitment to Renewable Energy Faces Growing Doubts

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Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s renewable energy leaders, now generating over half of its electricity from wind and solar power. Regions such as Aragón, dotted with wind turbines and solar farms, symbolise this transition. The shift has also attracted major foreign investment, including a €4bn battery factory near Figueruelas backed by China’s CATL and Stellantis, reinforcing Spain’s reputation as a clean energy hub and supporting the government’s goal of sourcing 81% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

However, Spain’s strong commitment to renewables has recently been questioned following a major blackout in April that affected large parts of Spain and Portugal. While opposition leaders blamed an over-reliance on green energy, the government and grid operator Red Eléctrica denied any direct link, citing technical anomalies and unresolved system issues. Despite this, Spain has since leaned more on natural gas, fuelling debate over whether the country’s energy mix is sufficiently balanced.

The controversy has revived calls to rethink plans to shut down Spain’s nuclear power plants between 2027 and 2035. Nuclear industry leaders and opposition parties argue that nuclear energy provides stability alongside renewables, especially when weather-dependent sources fall short. With political uncertainty growing and the possibility of a change in government, Spain’s long-term energy strategy now stands at a crossroads, even as renewable-driven investment continues to transform local economies like Figueruelas.

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EU Agrees on 2026 Fishing Quotas, Sidesteps Tougher Mediterranean Limits

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European Union fisheries ministers reached an agreement on fishing quotas for 2026, avoiding stricter limits previously proposed for the Mediterranean region. The deal was finalised after two days of negotiations in Brussels and was welcomed by Spain, which had strongly opposed a European Commission plan to reduce trawler fishing days in Mediterranean waters.

Under the agreement, Spain will be permitted 143 fishing days in 2026, broadly in line with current levels, instead of facing sharp cuts. While the European Commission had argued that reductions were necessary to ensure long-term sustainability, the final compromise balances conservation goals with the economic concerns of fishing communities. The quotas cover major fishing areas including the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea, with some measures extending through 2028.

The deal includes mixed changes across regions and species, such as a more than 50% increase in catch limits for Norway lobster in the Bay of Biscay, alongside reduced quotas for common sole in the Baltic Sea to protect vulnerable stocks. Fishing vessels may also earn additional days at sea by adopting more sustainable practices. Denmark’s fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement reflects a balance between scientific advice and safeguarding fish populations, with the new rules taking effect from January 1.

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Turkish Car Ferry Hit by Air Strike at Ukraine’s Odesa Port

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A Turkish car ferry, Cenk T, was damaged in an air strike at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Friday, triggering a major fire onboard. The vessel was anchored at Chornomorsk port when it was hit around 4:00 pm local time, according to operator Cenk Denizcilik. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for the attack, though Moscow has not commented on the incident.

The ferry was reportedly carrying essential food supplies when the strike occurred. Emergency response teams, including the ship’s crew, port firefighters and tugboats, were deployed to control the blaze, which broke out in the forward section of the vessel. The company confirmed there were no casualties or injuries among the crew. Video footage shared by Ukrainian authorities showed intense flames and efforts to douse the fire.

The attack came amid renewed diplomatic calls for a limited ceasefire covering ports and energy infrastructure, proposed earlier by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey’s foreign ministry urged steps to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and prevent further escalation. Later the same day, additional Russian strikes damaged port infrastructure in Odesa, knocking out power to thousands of homes and highlighting the continued risks to civilian and commercial facilities in the region.

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Germany Accuses Russia of Cyber-Attack on Air Traffic Control and Election Interference

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Germany has accused Russia of carrying out a cyber-attack on its air traffic control systems and attempting to interfere in the country’s federal elections, prompting Berlin to summon the Russian ambassador. A German foreign ministry spokesman said Russian military intelligence was responsible for hacking office communications at Germany’s air navigation service provider in August 2024, while also running a disinformation campaign aimed at destabilising domestic politics ahead of the February elections.

According to German authorities, the attack has been linked to the Russian hacker group Fancy Bear, which is believed to operate under the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence service. Officials said intelligence findings confirmed GRU responsibility and accused Moscow of spreading fake videos alleging ballot manipulation, targeting senior political figures including Green Party leader Robert Habeck and CDU leader Friedrich Merz, now Germany’s chancellor. While the cyber-attack did not disrupt flights, Berlin said it was part of a broader effort to undermine democratic processes.

Russia has firmly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and “absurd”. However, Germany said it would coordinate with European partners to impose counter-measures and make Russia “pay a price” for what it described as hybrid warfare. The accusations come amid growing concern across Europe over suspected Russian cyber and disinformation campaigns since the invasion of Ukraine, which has significantly worsened relations between Berlin and Moscow.

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