EU leaders urged to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense
EU leaders are facing intense pressure to decide whether to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense, at a key summit in Brussels.
The European Commission has proposed a loan of up to 90 billion euros, guaranteed by Russian assets, but countries such as Belgium and Italy express legal concerns and financial risks.
However, most member states see this “reparations loan” as the only realistic option to provide medium-term support for Ukraine.
Trump claims economic successes in national address despite growing discontent
Donald Trump, in a televised address to the nation, claimed political and economic successes during his first year in office, despite a steady decline in public support and concerns about the cost of living.
He blamed predecessor Joe Biden for economic problems, while promising an economic "boom," even though inflation remains high and the job market has weakened after the imposition of tariffs.
Morocco accused of 'horrific' abuse of Gen Z protesters
Human rights organizations accuse Morocco of arbitrary arrests and "horrific" violence against hundreds of Generation Z protesters, following massive demonstrations for health and education in September-October.
Reports speak of beatings in detention, mistreatment of women, severe sentences without due process, and even the killing of three protesters by security forces, while hundreds of people, including children, remain detained.
While the government denies wrongdoing and talks about social reforms, fear and discontent remain high among young people.
China to raise taxes on condoms in bid to curb declining birthrate
China will impose a 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptives from January 1, for the first time in three decades, as part of efforts to curb the decline in birth rates and modernize the tax system.
The measure, included in the new VAT law, has been met with irony on social media and is seen more as a political signal than as a real tool for increasing birth rates.
Experts warn that the effect on fertility will be minimal, while the negative consequences may fall mainly on women, especially the most vulnerable.
