Norad Santa tracker – LIVE: Follow Santa Claus as he delivers Christmas gifts on global journey

The EU is expected to spend at least €10 billion more this year to refill gas stores ahead of winter, as reserves were significantly depleted after a cold season. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the bloc agreed to maintain gas storage at 90% capacity, necessitating an estimated €26 billion to meet this target by November, compared to €16 billion last year. Analysts warn that increased demand from China and the need for higher LNG...

Germany has reversed its long-standing opposition to nuclear power under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signaling a shift towards collaboration with France regarding EU energy policy. The new stance aims to treat nuclear energy on par with renewables, resolving disputes that have hindered EU energy decisions, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This change reflects Merz's desire to enhance Franco-German cooperation and explore nuclear deterrence, while Germany seeks to address energy sovereignty and competitiveness amid rising energy...

Rafał Trzaskowski, the pro-EU candidate and mayor of Warsaw, is projected to narrowly win the first round of Poland's presidential election with 30.8% of the vote, edging out opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki at 29.1%. This tight race, which leads to a run-off on June 1, poses challenges for Trzaskowski in mobilizing progressive voters. Nawrocki, chosen by ultraconservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński, aims to broaden the Law and Justice party's appeal, while Tusk hopes a Trzaskowski victory...

On Monday, the UK will seek to redefine its relationship with the EU, with attention on the outcomes of the EU-UK summit. Recent trade deals with India and the US may strengthen ties with the EU rather than hinder them, as they avoid closing avenues for deeper relations. The summit is expected to yield agreements on defense, economic cooperation, and regulatory alignment, highlighting the UK's ongoing adaptation to EU rules, while revealing the limitations of...

A deal between the UK and EU for mutual recognition of conformity assessment could boost UK exports to the EU by an average of 9.8%, with some sectors like industrial machinery seeing increases of up to 27.9%. Despite the UK government's push for this agreement as part of a broader economic reset with the EU, Brussels has consistently rebuffed the request, citing political reasons and the UK’s own red lines. Industry bodies on both sides...

To revive Germany’s struggling economy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces the challenge of high employment alongside decreasing individual work hours, as 4.8 million workers are set to retire by 2035. Merz’s coalition aims to encourage younger generations to increase their working hours to sustain economic growth, particularly as the labour supply dwindles. While Germany has one of the highest labour participation rates, the average working hours per employee are the shortest among wealthy nations, signaling a...