Latest Politics News
EU agrees $106 billion interestâfree loan package to support Ukraine
European Union leaders approved a âŹ100+ billion interestâfree loan to help Ukraine meet military and economic needs over the next two years, positioning the bloc as a principal backer amid the war with Russia. The package is part of wider EU discussions at the December council focused on strategic autonomy and continued support for Kyiv
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U.S. hints at military options, leaves possibility of war with Venezuela open
President Donald Trump refused to rule out war with Venezuela when asked in interviews, while senior U.S. officials discuss tighter measures including blockades targeting Venezuelaâs oil revenues. The White House has also seized a tanker near Venezuela and imposed sanctions on associates of President NicolĂĄs Maduro, signalling intensified pressure
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Fighting escalates in eastern DRC; UN Security Council debates MONUSCO mandate renewal
Recent weeks have seen renewed clashes in North and South Kivu with M23 capturing key towns such as Uvira, prompting Security Council negotiations on the MONUSCO mandate renewal and regional tensions over alleged Rwandan involvement. France circulated draft language and members warned of deteriorating security despite diplomatic efforts to deâescalate
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Doha Forum 2025 spotlights global dialogue amid geopolitical divides
World leaders and experts convened at the Doha Forum under the theme 'Justice in Action,' calling for dialogue to produce concrete outcomes on conflicts, climate and economic resilience. The forum aimed to bridge divides and influence policy ahead of major 2026 diplomatic agendas
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Dozens of nations form 'Pax Silica' criticalâminerals and tech coalition
The U.S. and six partners (Australia, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, UK) announced a coalitionâreported as 'Pax Silica'âto cooperate on critical minerals, AI and supplyâchain security as part of broader strategic competition with nonâWestern actors. The initiative frames tech and minerals as central to national security and economic resilience
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U.S. releases 2025 National Security Strategy emphasizing a new Western Hemispheric approach
The White House published its 2025 National Security Strategy, including a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine that prioritizes partnerships in Latin America on counterâdrug and strategic influence issues. The document integrates trade, immigration and security signaling a tougher posture toward perceived external influence in the hemisphere
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UN warns IsraeliâHamas ceasefire fragile; Gaza humanitarian situation remains acute
UN briefings to the Security Council emphasised the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire and urgent humanitarian needs, urging full implementation by parties and adherence to international law. The UN also highlighted risks of wider regional escalation and the necessity of increased humanitarian access
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EU parliament flags democratic backsliding in Georgia and Poland rulings questioned
EU debates in December focused on democratic erosion in Georgia and recent rulings finding Poland's Constitutional Tribunal lacked independence, underscoring ongoing EU concerns about rule of law in member and neighborhood states. These debates feed into Council discussions on future EU conditionality and funding decisions
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Brazilâs Congress advances bills affecting former President Bolsonaro and his allies
Brazilâs lower house removed allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro from their seats, and the Senate passed a bill that could reduce Bolsonaro's 27âyear prison sentenceâmoves that reflect continued political turbulence around the 2023 coup attempt case. These legislative shifts may reshape domestic power balances ahead of forthcoming legal reviews
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Pakistan accuses India of 'weaponizing water' amid bilateral tensions
Pakistan's deputy prime minister publicly accused India of 'weaponizing water' by releasing dam flows without warning, highlighting a new strand of bilateral friction that risks regional stability and requires diplomatic management. The allegation adds to longstanding disputes over shared river resources between the neighbors
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U.S. and Canada to begin freeâtrade agreement review talks in January
Officials announced formal talks to review the U.S.-Canada free trade agreement will begin in midâJanuary, signaling both parties' interest in updating trade terms and addressing contemporary economic and supplyâchain issues. The review aligns with broader US trade initiatives in Latin America reported this month
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UNDP/DPPA and OSCE emphasize peacebuilding and gender parity efforts
UN political briefings and OSCE/ODIHR events in midâDecember focused on peacebuilding in Syria, ECOWAS support for GuineaâBissau, border dispute mediation in Central Asia, and pathways to gender parity in politics. These initiatives reflect sustained multilateral engagement on governance and stability ahead of 2026 policymaking cycles
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