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Poland Approves Cohabitation Bill to Improve Rights of Same-Sex Couples

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Poland’s government has approved a bill introducing “cohabitation contracts” for couples living together, offering limited legal recognition to same-sex unions in a country with some of the EU’s most restrictive LGBT+ laws. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration, allows any two adults, regardless of gender, to formalise their relationship through a notary.

The bill grants rights related to housing, alimony, access to health information, health insurance, care leave, joint tax returns and certain tax exemptions. However, it stops short of legalising same-sex marriage, which remains banned in Poland. Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula said the government believes the proposal has enough support to pass both houses of parliament.

Reforms on LGBT+ rights have faced resistance from conservative coalition partners and veto threats from right-wing presidents. While LGBT advocacy groups welcomed the step as progress, they expressed disappointment over its limited scope, calling it a modest response to long-standing demands. Despite growing public support, Poland remains one of the most restrictive EU countries on LGBT+ rights.

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US NATO Envoy Questions Russia’s Claim of Ukrainian Attack on Putin Residence

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U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has cast doubt on Russia’s claim that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, saying it remains unclear whether such an incident even occurred. Speaking in an interview, Whitaker said he was waiting for confirmation from U.S. and allied intelligence services, noting that Ukraine has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged attack.

Russia alleged that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at a presidential residence in the Novgorod region and warned that it would retaliate and harden its negotiating position in peace talks. Ukraine dismissed the accusation as false and said Moscow has produced no evidence to support its claims. Ukrainian officials described the allegation as an attempt to justify further Russian attacks and avoid meaningful steps toward ending the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the issue during a phone call, adding that he was angry about the reported incident but acknowledged that the facts were still being verified. The White House and U.S. intelligence agencies declined to comment further. Whitaker stressed that any conclusions would depend on intelligence assessments, as diplomatic efforts continue amid signs that Washington and Kyiv may be close to a broader peace agreement despite unresolved territorial disputes.

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Heavy Snowfall in Poland Triggers 20-Km Traffic Jams, Strands Hundreds Overnight

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Heavy snowfall across parts of Poland caused major traffic disruptions overnight, with tailbacks stretching up to 20 kilometres on the S7 motorway between Warsaw and the Baltic port city of Gdansk, police said on Wednesday. The severe weather left hundreds of motorists stranded in freezing conditions after trucks struggled to climb icy slopes, leading to a complete standstill on key sections of the route.

Police officials said the situation began late Tuesday afternoon and worsened through the night, but traffic started moving again by early Wednesday morning. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported despite the prolonged delays. Emergency services remained on the ground to manage traffic and ensure safety as snow-clearing operations continued.

Officers in affected areas, including Ostroda and Olsztyn, assisted stranded drivers by providing hot drinks and support. According to state news agency PAP, the heavy snowfall also caused disruptions to rail and air travel, though services at airports and on railways were gradually returning to normal as weather conditions improved.

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Thieves Drill Into German Bank Vault, Steal €30 Million in Major Heist

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Thieves have stolen an estimated €30 million in cash and valuables after drilling into a vault at a Sparkasse savings bank branch in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen, police said. The break-in, described by investigators as highly professional and reminiscent of a Hollywood-style heist, involved the use of a large drill to access the underground vault. More than 3,000 safe deposit boxes containing money, gold and jewellery were forced open during the robbery.

Police became aware of the crime in the early hours of Monday after a fire alarm was triggered at the branch on Nienhofstrasse in the Buer district. Investigators believe the suspects exploited the quiet Christmas period to carry out the operation, gaining entry to and escaping from the bank through an adjacent parking garage. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the garage staircase overnight, and CCTV footage captured a black Audi RS6 leaving the area early Monday morning.

No arrests have been made so far and the suspects remain at large. Sparkasse said around 95% of the safe deposit boxes at the branch had been broken into, making it highly likely many customers were affected. The bank has set up a hotline for clients, confirmed the branch will remain temporarily closed, and said the contents of each safe deposit box are insured up to €10,300, advising customers to check for additional coverage under their home insurance policies.

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Merz Urges Europe to Assert Its Interests to Protect Peace and Prosperity

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Europe to assert its interests more forcefully to safeguard peace and prosperity in 2026, warning of mounting threats from Russian aggression, global protectionism and shifting relations with the United States. Speaking in his New Year’s address, Merz said the war in Ukraine posed a direct threat to Europe’s freedom and security, adding that Russia’s actions were part of a broader strategy targeting the entire continent.

Since taking office in May, Merz has played a key role in pushing European support for Ukraine and strengthening Germany’s defence posture. He said Germany now faces daily challenges including sabotage, espionage and cyberattacks, underscoring the need for greater resilience. Merz also highlighted economic risks from rising protectionism and Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials, which he said were increasingly being used as tools of political pressure.

Merz pointed to Germany’s struggle to revive its export-driven economy after two years of contraction, as Berlin seeks to reduce reliance on China while navigating global trade tensions and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Acknowledging a more difficult partnership with Washington since Trump’s return to office in 2025, Merz said Europe must rely more on itself, stressing that confidence, not fear, should guide the continent’s response as it works to renew long-standing peace, freedom and prosperity.

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German Prosecutors to Close Usmanov Probe After €10 Million Settlement

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German prosecutors have agreed to end investigations into billionaire Alisher Usmanov over alleged foreign trade law violations after he consented to pay €10 million, according to statements from prosecutors and his legal team on Tuesday. Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek businessman and founder of USM Holdings, has instructed that the full amount be paid, clearing the way for the case to be closed once the payment is received.

The probe focused on suspected payments of €1.5 million for security services at two properties in the Bavarian lakeside town of Rottach-Egern between April and September 2022, as well as allegations that Usmanov failed to declare luxury items such as jewellery, artwork and wine under EU sanctions regulations. Usmanov has denied any wrongdoing, with his lawyers stating that he neither owned nor controlled the properties involved and had no connection to the companies linked to the payments.

Munich prosecutors said that after payment, the case cannot be reopened based on the same allegations, with €8.5 million going to Bavaria’s treasury and €1.5 million allocated to prisoner welfare. Usmanov, who is subject to EU and U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, agreed to the settlement to save time and resources, his lawyers said, stressing that the payment does not constitute a fine or admission of guilt.

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Eurostar halts Channel Tunnel services after power supply failure

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Eurostar on Tuesday suspended all cross-Channel train services to and from London after a power supply issue occurred in the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France. The high-speed rail operator said services were halted until further notice and warned passengers to expect severe delays, according to a company statement.

A Eurostar spokesperson said there was no clarity yet on when operations would resume and declined to estimate how many passengers had been affected. The disruption comes during the busy winter travel season, impacting one of Europe’s most heavily used international rail routes.

Eurostar services from London connect major destinations including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Disneyland Paris. Tunnel operator Getlink had not issued an immediate comment on the incident at the time of reporting.

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Finland’s RMC to build icebreakers for US Coast Guard amid Arctic security push

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Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has signed an agreement to build two icebreaker ships for the United States Coast Guard, with delivery scheduled for 2028. The deal comes as the US looks to strengthen its national security presence in the Arctic, where strategic competition has been intensifying. The vessels will be built at Finnish shipyards, known globally for their expertise in ice-capable ships.

These icebreakers are the first to be developed under a memorandum of understanding signed in October by US President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Under the agreement, Finland will construct four medium-sized Arctic Security Cutters, while the US plans to build up to seven additional vessels domestically, using Finnish technology and know-how. While RMC did not disclose the value of the two-ship contract, US officials estimate the total cost of procuring 11 icebreakers at around $6.1 billion.

RMC CEO Mika Nieminen described the deal as a historic milestone, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver vessels quickly and cost-effectively. The move addresses a growing capability gap, as the US Coast Guard currently operates just two polar icebreakers compared to Russia’s fleet of around 40. Finnish officials welcomed the agreement, calling it a major boost for Finland’s maritime industry and a recognition of the country’s leadership in icebreaker construction.

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Swedish Pharmacy Staff Trial ‘Friendship Hour’ to Tackle Loneliness

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Staff at Swedish pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat are taking part in a pilot “friendcare” scheme, giving employees paid time off to connect with friends and strengthen social bonds. Participants, like pharmacy worker Yasmine Lindberg, are granted 15 minutes a week or an hour a month during working hours to meet, call, or message friends. Volunteers also receive 1,000 kronor annually to spend on friendship-based activities and online training on recognising and addressing loneliness.

The initiative is part of Sweden’s broader effort to address a growing loneliness concern. Health Minister Jakob Forssmed and other officials are encouraging businesses to play an active role, noting that loneliness poses significant public health risks and economic costs. Around 14% of Swedes report feeling lonely some or all of the time, with structural factors like single-person households, cold winters, and a culture of valuing personal space contributing to social isolation.

Apotek Hjärtat CEO Monica Magnusson says early results from self-assessment surveys show participants reporting higher life satisfaction. The company is collaborating with other Nordic firms through the ‘Together against involuntary loneliness’ network to share strategies and best practices. Psychologists highlight that while these programs help lower the threshold for social interaction, deeper societal issues like income inequality, urban design, and digital habits also need attention for lasting solutions.

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George and Amal Clooney Granted French Citizenship to Protect Family Privacy

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Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twin children, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship, according to official government documents. The move comes after Clooney expressed concerns about raising his children amid the pressures and scrutiny of Hollywood. The family, who also hold U.S., British, and Lebanese ties, primarily reside on a farm in France, while maintaining homes in England and Kentucky.

Clooney has openly discussed his desire to provide his children with a more normal upbringing, away from the constant attention of paparazzi and Hollywood fame. “I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood. France – they kind of don’t give a sh*t about fame,” he told the New York Times, emphasizing that the country offers a safer and more private environment for his family. He has also previously written to media outlets requesting that his children’s faces not be published.

France’s strict privacy laws make it illegal to photograph individuals in private spaces or share personal information such as home addresses. Celebrities in France are further protected, as photographers can face legal action if they capture images outside official appearances, a system that Clooney and other public figures have welcomed as a safeguard for their personal lives.

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