Decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB (in addition to decisions setting interest rates)

In the past decade, over 72,000 individuals of Sephardic Jewish descent obtained Spanish citizenship under a law passed in 2015, allowing descendants of Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 to reclaim nationality. Applicants were not required to be practicing Jews or live in Spain, but had to pass a Spanish language and citizenship exam. The majority of successful applicants came from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, with Israelis, Americans, Panamanians, and Brazilians also benefiting from...

Former US secretary of state John Kerry warns that Sir Keir Starmer faces a challenging situation when meeting with Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the war in Ukraine and European defense commitments. Starmer plans to increase Britain’s defense budget, but Kerry emphasizes the tough choices and spending implications. The meeting is deemed crucial by former British ambassador Peter Westmacott due to the Ukraine crisis and its impact on European security. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer agrees with Donald Trump's call for NATO allies to increase their defense budgets, stating that the UK and Europe need to do more for their defense and security. Ahead of a meeting with President Trump, the UK Prime Minister plans to outline a pathway to spending 2.5% of Britain's GDP on defense and is prepared to contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if needed. Sir Keir will meet with Trump to...

Britain will ban Russian elites with ties to Putin's regime, citing them as a threat to national security and tools for Russian aggression. The crackdown will target those who support Putin or benefit from the Russian state, with the goal of increasing pressure on Putin amid the war in Ukraine. The ban is part of a broader strategy including sanctions and military aid to tighten the screws on Russia and protect Britain's national security. Full...

In the past five years, Britain has seen a 33% increase in million-pound homes, with a total of 702,580 properties now valued at £1 million or more. London led this surge, with 349,068 million-pound homes, while the rest of the UK experienced a 1% decline in such properties. Despite some regional variations, the return-to-work movement has driven increased demand for city living, resulting in 5,000 homes crossing the million-pound threshold in London in 2024. Full...

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested for stabbing a 17-year-old teenager in the chest at a Primark store in Nottingham city center in broad daylight. The victim was seriously injured but his injuries are not life-threatening. The attack occurred after a fight broke out between a group of young people outside the store. Full Article