Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone
Bulgaria is preparing to adopt the euro currency in January, at a time marked by renewed domestic political tensions and concerns that disinformation campaigns linked to Russia are deepening distrust of the new currency.
The Balkan country of about 6.5 million people is set to become the 21st country to join the eurozone on January 1. Officials in Brussels and Sofia hope the move will help strengthen the economy of the country, considered the poorest in the European Union, as well as consolidate its pro-Western orientation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that "thanks to the euro", Bulgaria will benefit from more trade, more investment and more quality jobs, as well as increased real incomes.
Poland is planning anti-drone fortifications along its eastern border with Russia
Poland is preparing to build new anti-drone fortifications along its eastern borders amid growing concerns about threats from Russia. The project, worth around 2 billion euros, is expected to be completed within two years.
The decision follows displays of Russian unmanned combat aircraft in Polish airspace earlier this year. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said the first capabilities of the new defense system are expected to be operational within about six months, while the full system will be completed within 24 months.
Polish authorities see this project as part of strengthening national security and protecting eastern borders, following rising geopolitical tensions in the region and threats from Russia.
Zelensky travels to Florida for talks with Trump as Kiev faces fresh attacks
Kiev has been hit by a fresh wave of air strikes from Russia, leaving about a third of the city without heat after drones and missiles hit power supplies. Hundreds of thousands of residents are bracing for freezing temperatures in the height of winter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that about 500 drones and 40 missiles, including ballistic missiles, were used in the attack. According to him, the main target was the capital, with strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure.
The events occurred at the same time as Zelenskyy headed to Florida for a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, who has proposed a plan to end the war that has entered its fourth year and has caused tens of thousands of casualties.
Italian police arrest nine people and seize over 8 million euros in investigation into Hamas financing
Italy has arrested nine people suspected of funding the Hamas group through charities as part of a wide-ranging anti-terrorism operation. Authorities seized more than 8 million euros in assets during the operation.
According to investigators, the funds collected, amounting to at least 7.3 million euros, were used to support Hamas structures, including assistance to the families of those involved in suicide attacks or imprisoned for terrorist acts. Prosecutors have stated that this financial support strengthened the organization's operational capacity.
The investigation had begun before the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel and, according to the prosecution, has uncovered a complex network of international financial transfers.
