Agriculture – In a debate on farmers’ well-being on Wednesday (18 December), Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen said that linking farm subsidies to labour standards was a step forward but acknowledged the limitations of the mechanism.
Health – Since October 2023, Israeli authorities have "deliberately" blocked Palestinians’ access to sufficient water needed for health and infectious disease prevention in Gaza, according to a new report by NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Tech – The European Center for Digital Rights (noyb) filed a complaint on Thursday (19 December) with Italy's data protection authority (DPA) against the Irish-based low-cost carrier Ryanair for its verification process, which uses facial recognition.
EU court – The EU's top court on Thursday (19 December) confirmed member states that voluntarily sheltered non-Ukrainians who had a temporary residence in Ukraine could withdraw that protection.
Global Europe – With just over four weeks until Donald Trump returns to the White House, European leaders have started coalition-building to secure continued support for Ukraine in the event of any future ceasefire talks.
Around Europe
Czechia – Russian nationals will have a harder time getting Czech citizenship following an amendment approved by the lower chamber of the Czech parliament on Wednesday, sparking accusations of discrimination.
Hungary – While Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will be praised for his role in Bulgaria's full Schengen membership when he meets President Rumen Radev on Friday, Russian gas is expected to take centre stage.
Italy – Germany and France's economic struggles could negatively impact Italy, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday, stressing the need to boost Italian industry.
Poland – Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government on Wednesday (18 December) adopted a package of migration and asylum draft laws, including the possibility of temporarily suspending asylum rights, sparking controversy in Poland and abroad.
