🏛️ EU approves 'Military Schengen' for rapid troop mobility across Europe (0.92)

The EU has approved the 'Military Schengen' initiative to streamline troop movements across member states, reducing permit processing times to three days in peacetime and hours in emergencies. The plan includes a €17.65 billion budget for over 500 infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing military mobility by 2027. This initiative responds to rising security threats from Russia and aims to bolster European defense readiness through improved logistical frameworks and a solidarity pool for resource sharing among member states. read →

⚖️📦 EU court upholds Amazon's VLOP designation under DSA (0.79)🎁

The EU General Court has upheld Amazon's designation as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act, rejecting the company's appeal against stringent regulations. The court ruled that the DSA's requirements are justified to mitigate systemic risks posed by large platforms. Amazon has two months to appeal to the European Court of Justice. The ruling reinforces the EU's commitment to stricter digital regulations aimed at protecting users from illegal content and ensuring accountability among major online platforms. read → 🎁 today's freebie

🏛️📉 EU proposes significant delays and simplifications to AI and data privacy regulations (0.77)

The European Commission has proposed significant delays to high-risk AI regulations, pushing the deadline to December 2027, as part of a broader Digital Omnibus aimed at simplifying tech laws. Proposed changes to the GDPR would allow companies to use personal data for AI training without explicit consent, raising concerns about privacy rights. The Commission argues these measures are necessary to enhance competitiveness amid pressure from the U.S. and tech giants. Approval from the European Parliament and member states is required for the proposals to become law. read →

⚓️🛡️ Russian spy ship Yantar targets UK pilots with lasers (0.83)

The Russian spy ship Yantar has directed lasers at RAF pilots, escalating tensions in UK waters. Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed the incident, stating that the UK is prepared to respond to any incursions. The Yantar has entered British waters multiple times this year, raising concerns over the security of undersea infrastructure. The UK has deployed naval and air assets to monitor the situation closely, with changes to engagement rules allowing for closer tracking of the vessel. read →

🕊️🤝 Zelensky in Turkey to revive peace negotiations (0.83)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Ankara on November 19, 2025, to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an effort to revive peace talks amid ongoing Russian attacks that resulted in 20 deaths. Zelensky emphasized the need to reactivate negotiations and is also expected to discuss a new prisoner exchange deal for 1,200 detainees. The backdrop of these discussions includes recent severe violence from Russia, which has intensified the urgency for diplomatic solutions. read →

🌍 COP30: Global coalition pushes for fossil fuel phase-out roadmap (0.77)

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, over 80 countries are advocating for a formal roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, known as TAFF. This coalition, which includes both fossil fuel producers and consumers, aims to establish clear guidelines for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the EU's absence from this initiative raises concerns about its climate leadership. Negotiations are intensifying, with a draft agreement expected to address fossil fuel transition, amidst a significant presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the conference. read →

🏛️ Poland closes last Russian consulate after railway sabotage (0.77)

Poland has closed its last Russian consulate in Gdansk following a railway sabotage incident attributed to two Ukrainians working for Russian intelligence. The attack on the Warsaw-Lublin rail line, crucial for aid to Ukraine, prompted Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to announce further non-diplomatic measures. Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the act as state terrorism, warning of its implications for Poland's security. The Kremlin denied involvement, labeling the accusations as Russophobia, and announced plans to reduce Poland's diplomatic presence in Russia. read →

🕊️🤝 US negotiates secret 28-point plan with Russia to end Ukraine war (0.77)

The US is secretly negotiating a 28-point plan with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, excluding Ukrainian and European participation. Led by Steve Witkoff, Trump's special representative, the plan addresses security guarantees for Europe and future US-Russia relations. Witkoff's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenski in Istanbul has been postponed, raising concerns about the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and EU aspirations. read →

🏛️🇪🇺 Netherlands suspends Nexperia takeover amid China tensions (0.77)

The Netherlands has suspended its takeover of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer, in a bid to ease trade tensions with China. This decision, announced by Minister Vincent Karremans, follows consultations with EU partners and aims to safeguard critical supply chains for the automotive industry. The suspension is viewed as a gesture of goodwill, with hopes for constructive dialogue with Chinese authorities. The move comes after China lifted an export ban on Nexperia chips, which had previously disrupted global automotive production. read →

🌊🇨🇳 China reimposes ban on Japanese seafood imports amid diplomatic tensions (0.77)

China has reimposed a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood, citing the need for further monitoring of water from Fukushima amid escalating diplomatic tensions. This decision follows controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. The ban is part of broader retaliatory measures affecting various sectors, including cultural exchanges and tourism, as both nations navigate a fraught relationship. read →

⚖️💼 UCO report reveals corruption scheme involving PSOE officials and Acciona (1)

A recent UCO report has revealed a corruption scheme involving Santos Cerdán, a former PSOE official, who allegedly received 2% kickbacks from public works contracts through his company, Servinabar. The investigation implicates former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and adviser Koldo García, with €6.7 million in kickbacks identified. The scandal has caused significant embarrassment within the PSOE, prompting calls for accountability as the government insists on the integrity of its operations. read →

⚖️🕵️ Almería provincial council corruption scandal unfolds with high-profile arrests (0.98)

The president of the Almería Provincial Council, Javier Aureliano García, and six other officials were arrested on November 18, 2025, in a corruption investigation linked to public contracts. The case, known as the 'mascarillas' scandal, involves allegations of illegal commissions related to a contract for medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation has expanded to include multiple contracts and has significant political ramifications for the Partido Popular in Andalusia. The community of Fines, where many activities took place, is grappling with the fallout from the arrests. read →

🏛️ Government actions on democratic memory ahead of 20N (0.97)

The Madrid government has banned a Falangist demonstration planned for 21 November 2025, citing risks of hate speech and violence. A Royal Decree has been approved to regulate the removal of Francoist symbols under the Democratic Memory Law. Additionally, investigations into several Francoist foundations are underway for potential legal dissolution. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of democracy, over 400 activities promoting democratic values are scheduled throughout November and December 2025. read →

🏛️📱 Sánchez to summon Meta executives and launch social media reforms (0.95)

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to summon Meta executives to Congress over allegations of user surveillance. He described social media as a "failed state" and outlined a regulatory offensive aimed at combating disinformation, hate speech, and protecting minors. A comprehensive package of measures is expected in the first half of 2026, following an inquiry into Meta's practices. Sánchez emphasized that the law must prevail over technology companies, ensuring accountability and user rights. read →

🏛️ Government proposes 10% salary increase for public employees amid union discontent (0.85)

The Spanish government has proposed a 10% salary increase for public employees from 2025 to 2028, but unions CCOO, UGT, and CSIF have rejected the offer, claiming it does not adequately address inflation. The proposal includes a cap of 4% for the first two years, which unions argue would lead to a loss of purchasing power. Negotiations are ongoing, with unions threatening a general strike if their demands are not met. A new meeting is scheduled for November 20 to discuss the proposal further. read →

🏛️ Vox pressures PP amid Pérez Llorca's investiture bid in Valencia (0.8)

Juanfran Pérez Llorca has registered his candidacy to lead the Generalitat Valenciana, succeeding Carlos Mazón, amid ongoing negotiations with Vox. While Vox pressures the PP to reverse Low Emission Zones and other climate measures, no formal agreement has been reached. Pérez Llorca expresses confidence in securing Vox's support, but the lack of a finalized pact raises concerns about the stability of the coalition. The investiture plenary is set for next week, with both parties needing to navigate their demands carefully. read →

✈️⚖️ TAP privatization under scrutiny amid judicial investigations and bids (0.83)

The privatization of TAP Air Portugal is under intense scrutiny due to judicial investigations into its 2015 privatization. Four defendants, including businessman Humberto Pedrosa, are being investigated for potential corruption. Amid these developments, Air France-KLM has submitted a formal expression of interest to acquire a stake in TAP, with bids due by 22 November 2025. The government emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity in the process, as political leaders express concerns about the potential impact of the investigations on negotiations. read →

🏛️ Labour negotiations stall as general strike looms in Portugal (0.73)

Negotiations over Portugal's Labour Code have stalled, leading the UGT and CGTP unions to call for a general strike on 11 December 2025. Key issues include proposed changes to parental leave and worker rights, which unions argue favor large companies. Labour Minister Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho is making last-ditch efforts to negotiate with the unions, but dissatisfaction with the government's proposals persists. The outcome of these negotiations is critical for labor relations in Portugal. read →