EU says Brexit transition to end in December 2020
The Brexit transition period should end on 31 December 2020, with a clear view what sort of relationship the EU and UK will have afterwards, the EU Commission proposed on Wednesday (20 December).
World Headlines
Poland cries foul as EU triggers ‘nuclear option’ over judicial independence
The Polish government has accused the European commission of a politically motivated attack after the EU’s executive body triggered a process that could see the country stripped of voting rights in Brussels, over legal changes that the bloc claims threaten the independence of the judiciary.
Russia, China call Trump’s ‘America First’ approach Cold War thinking
President Trump’s new national security blueprint labeling Russia and China ‘strategic competitors’ struck a nerve in Moscow and Beijing, with both criticizing the ‘America First’ approach as isolationist and reminiscent of Cold War-style posturing by Washington.
Japan approves missile defense system amid NKorea threat
Japan’s Cabinet has approved a plan to purchase a set of costly land-based U.S. missile combat systems to step up the country’s defense capability amid escalating threats from North Korea.
U.S. blames North Korea for ‘WannaCry’ cyber attack
The Trump administration has publicly blamed North Korea for unleashing the so-called WannaCry cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year.
Russian oligarchs sue Trump dossier producer for becoming ‘collateral damage’ in smear campaign
Fusion GPS, the producer of the infamous Trump dossier, is fending off in court three of Russia’s richest oligarchs by painting them as corrupt bankers in bed with President Vladimir Putin.
Prime Minister Theresa May promises Brexit plans ‘will not be derailed’
Prime Minister Theresa May has claimed her plans to broker a Brexit deal ‘will not be derailed,’ despite a number of challenges.
Islamic State got U.S. weapons meant for Syrian rebels: study
Sophisticated weapons the U.S. military secretly provided to Syrian rebels ended up with the Islamic State, a study said Thursday.
EU agrees to extend sanctions against Russia
The European Union agreed Thursday to extend sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
US ready to talk any time North Korea wants, Tillerson says
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that the U.S. would be willing to hold talks with North Korea even if the Communist nation does not do away with its nuclear weapons program.
Iraq PM warns Islamic State might erupt again somewhere else
Three days after declaring victory over the Islamic State group, Iraq’s prime minister warns that the group’s extremists might “erupt again somewhere else” without international cooperation in combatting the militants.
Russia not withdrawing forces from Syria, Pentagon says
The United States said on Tuesday it has not observed any meaningful withdrawal of Russian combat forces from Syria, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement on Monday of a significant pullout.
Putin visits Egypt in sign of closer ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Egypt on Monday, where he signed a deal to advance plans for a nuclear reactor but disappointed his hosts by delaying the resumption of direct flights that were suspended after the 2015 bombing of a Russian passenger plane.
Egypt uncovers ancient tombs at Luxor
Archaeologists in Egypt have displayed items, including a mummy, from one of two previously unexplored tombs in the ancient Nile city of Luxor.
Iraq holds victory parade after defeating Islamic State
An Iraqi military parade in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone celebrated final victory over Islamic State on Sunday, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi looking on as troops marched in formation, their bodies spelling ‘victory day’ in Arabic.
North Korea says U.S. threats make war unavoidable, China urges calm
Two U.S. B-1B heavy bombers joined large-scale combat drills over South Korea on Thursday amid warnings from North Korea that the exercises and U.S. threats have made the outbreak of war ‘an established fact.’
Dangerous Iceland volcano Oraefajokull may be about to erupt for first time since 1728
The Oraefajokull volcano last spewed out ash and lava in 1728, but is showing renewed signs of activity.
Schulz fights for ‘United States of Europe’ by 2025
Martin Schulz, the leader of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) urged his fellow members on Thursday (7 December) to enter into coalition talks with chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives to form a grand coalition.
Trump asks Saudi Arabia to allow immediate aid to Yemen
U.S. President Donald Trump called for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to immediately allow humanitarian aid to reach the Yemeni people, suggesting Washington had run out patience with a Saudi-led blockade that has been condemned by relief organizations.
Vladimir Putin announces plan to run for re-election in 2018
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday that he will officially run for office again in 2018, debunking questions and theories surrounding his delayed official announcement.