Europe News China pitches for EU friendship amid tariff spat as Trump looms China's head of mission to the EU, Cai Run, has called for friendship between EU and China against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop, trade disputes and with Donald Trump poised to begin his second term as US president. 20/12/2024
Europe News Brussels moves to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats The Commission's proposal will only apply to Georgian holders of diplomatic and service passports, exempting the general population. 20/12/2024
No Comment Romania's ice hotel shapes up early with musical-themed rooms With favourable weather conditions, construction has begun earlier than usual, ensuring the hotel will be ready to host guests at one of Europe’s most unique winter destinations. 20/12/2024
Romania Romania’s Schengen accession set to strengthen ties with Hungary The European Commission declared Romania ready to join the Schengen area in 2011, but faced opposition from several countries. Austria, the last holdout, lifted its veto during a meeting in Budapest last month. 20/12/2024
Business Volkswagen talks over future of plants and jobs at a 'stalemate' Workers at the car giant have been taking industrial action following VW's revelations about the possibility of closing German plants and axing thousands of jobs. Volkswagen is struggling with falling sales in Europe, high labour costs and excess capacity. 20/12/2024
No Comment Santa sets off on his Christmas gift-giving tour Santa Claus left his office in Korvatunturi, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, and set off on his magical journey to deliver gifts across the world. 20/12/2024
Economy Rising butter prices leave European consumers with a sour taste Rising butter prices give European consumers and bakers a bad taste 20/12/2024
Destinations A tale of two Savoies: Traditional ski resorts vs eco-tourism A local resident shares her views on the two opposing visions - Savoie and Haute-Savoie - for the French Alps. 20/12/2024
Mobility Barcelona's metro trains are powering EVs each time they brake Regenerative brakes allow metro trains to produce energy rather than heat, which is now being used to supply EV charging points at street level. 20/12/2024
Partner content Threads of tradition: a genuine Italian fashion heritage tour Partner content presented by ENIT Italy’s fashion scene is internationally renowned for its elegance and timeless sophistication. While Milan and Rome often take centre stage, there are lesser-known corners of the country where unique craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions continue to shape the industry. 20/12/2024
Partner content Rome's best parks: green escapes in the Eternal City Partner content presented by ENIT Discover Rome’s most beautiful parks, from Villa Borghese to the Appian Way. Explore tranquil gardens, sweeping views and hidden green gems in the Eternal City. 20/12/2024
Partner content Castle trails and wild tales in northern Italy Partner content presented by ENIT Northern Italy is a region where history, culture and nature collide, offering travellers a captivating mix of medieval castles and outdoor adventures. From the towering peaks of the Dolomites to the serene lakes of Lombardy, each area has its own historic landmarks and unique story to tell. 20/12/2024
Living How to care for your pets during firework season, according to experts Puppies are a terrible Christmas gift idea - but pooches are the most pampered family member, new research reveals. 20/12/2024
Europe News Portuguese embassy damaged in strike on Kyiv after Putin's speech Russia launched five ballistic missiles against Ukraine's capital on Friday morning. Residential and office buildings, a hotel, and the embassy of Portugal in Kyiv were damaged. 20/12/2024
Europe News Poland summons Hungarian ambassador over fugitive asylum spat Hungary's government granted politicial asylum to opposition lawmaker Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted in Poland on charges of corruption and misuse of public funds. 20/12/2024
Radio Schuman Zelenskyy calls Putin 'crazy' and seeks further US support in Ukraine Zelensky sharply criticised Putin during a Brussels summit but struck a more measured tone towards incoming US President Donald Trump, calling him a 'strong man' and emphasising the need for detailed discussions about Ukraine. 20/12/2024
Markets Natural gas prices at highest for two years on cold weather concerns Natural gas prices rose to a near two-year high amid concerns of a cold-blast winter in the northern hemisphere. Signs of a US lower supply, as indicated by EIA data, further fuelled the price surge. 20/12/2024
Health news EU bans harmful chemical from materials in contact with food The European Commission has banned the use of bisphenol A, a chemical harmful to human health, in materials that come into contact with food. 20/12/2024
EuroVerify Viral video of Musk and Meloni kissing is AI-generated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's expressive face has often led to her being romantically paired with other prominent global figures online, and her recent appearance with Elon Musk has prompted the emergence of "Muskloni" fans. 20/12/2024
Markets Global markets in sea of red as the Fed dims hopes of Santa rally Global markets are set to end the week lower following the Fed’s hawkish rate cut on Wednesday, which sent government bond yields soaring, draining liquidities. 20/12/2024
Destinations What to do in Italy’s newly designated ‘most beautiful villages’ As cities like Venice and Florence battle overtourism, venturing to these quiet, out-of-the-way attractions can be a responsible act as a visitor. 20/12/2024
Europe News EU countries inspect Chinese vessel after data cables damaged The Yi Peng 3 has been anchored in the Kattegat Sea for a month while diplomats in Stockholm and Beijing discussed access to the vessel. 20/12/2024
Culture news Berlin's Komische Oper continues renovations despite budget cuts Berlin's Komische Oper renovations are likely to continue as city of Berlin slashes culture budget by 10%. Director Philip Bröking says that the upcoming budget cuts are extremely painful and, for many, difficult to implement. 20/12/2024
Europe News EU leaders agree principles on Syria but caution: 'Jury is still out' The European Union has opened the door for sanctions relief on Syria after Assad's fall but without providing a specific timeline. 19/12/2024
The Europe Conversation 'If we wish for peace, we have to prepare for war', says Finnish MP for Arctic Circle Two years ago, Finland was a non-aligned, militarily neutral country. 19/12/2024
Italy How Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's al-Assad bet in Syria failed Giorgia Meloni's government tried to reposition itself in the Middle East, betting on the normalisation of relations with Assad in exchange for the protection of Christians and the return of refugees. 19/12/2024