European leaders back Ukraine in Downing Street talks
European leaders lined up in support of Ukraine at meetings in Downing Street, London, demanding an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Kiev.
Although "positive progress" was noted, there is still no agreement on the conversion of these assets into loans, due to opposition mainly from Belgium.
Meanwhile, discussions on a US-proposed peace plan continue, but Ukraine refuses to give up territory.
Clashes erupt between farmers and police in Greece
Farmers in Crete clashed with police over delays in EU subsidies, escalating protests near the airports of Chania and Heraklion.
Tear gas was used and police vehicles were damaged, while demonstrators threw stones and overturned a vehicle. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promised that payments would be made by the end of December.
UN aid agency cuts 2026 request to 28 billion euros after lowest annual support in a decade
The UN has reduced its appeal for humanitarian aid for 2026 to about 28 billion euros, after 2025 funding fell to the lowest level in the last decade.
It aims to help around 135 million people in crises such as wars, climate disasters and famine, with a particular focus on the Palestinian Territories, Sudan and Syria.
The decline in support has left millions of people without necessary assistance, while the UN is calling for global defense spending to be balanced with humanitarian needs.
EU reduces relocations of asylum seekers from countries under migratory pressure
The EU agreed to 21,000 relocations of asylum seekers and 420 million euros in financial contributions for 2026, less than the Commission's initial proposal.
This reduces the level of solidarity for countries under migratory pressure such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus, while most countries chose to contribute financially.
Some countries received exemptions and, if the quotas are not met, a mechanism will be activated that forces countries to retain migrants who would normally be transferred.
