Klaus Iohannis organizes consultations with parties to designate Romania's new prime minister

President Klaus Iohannis will hold consultations with parliamentary parties on Sunday at Cotroceni Palace to designate a candidate for prime minister. PSD, PNL, UDMR and minorities will go together to the consultations. USR, AUR, SOS Romania and POT will have separate meetings, digi24.ro writes.

Correspondence from Bucharest // Romanian MPs and senators take oath of allegiance on Saturday

The new Romanian deputies took the oath today after they had their first meeting yesterday. The 446 senators and MPs will form the new Legislative, which will vote on the country's new government in the coming days. The pro-European parties are still negotiating to form the Executive, which is still led by the current Prime Minister, Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu.

IMF approves new $1.1 billion installment for Ukraine

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new $1.1 billion tranche for Ukraine under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF). IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that "Russia's war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating social and economic impact on the country. Despite the ongoing invasion, macroeconomic stability is being upheld through effective policymaking by the Ukrainian authorities, as well as significant external support."

Ukraine cuts off Russian gas transit

Russian gas transit through Ukraine will cease on January 1. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that this will occur at 7:00 AM local time, due to the expiration of the relevant agreement, according to Reuters.

Denmark boosts Ukraine aid with $300m package

Denmark has announced a new $300 million military aid package for Ukraine. The funds will be used to provide air defense systems and maintain F-16 fighter jets, the BBC reported.

EU must prioritize enlargement, especially for Ukraine and Moldova

The expansion of the European Union should be a top priority for 2025, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated ahead of the European Leaders’ Summit.

Trump’s threats and Europe’s struggle for economic stability

The imminent return of Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through Europe, where people are already Trump’s threats and Europe’s struggle for economic stability with weak economies, ineffective leaders, and rising populism.

Shooting in Abkhazia Parliament leaves deputy dead, another injured

A shooting occurred in the Parliament of Abkhazia, a pro-Russian separatist region of Georgia, leaving one local deputy dead and another injured, AlJazeera reports.

NATO bolsters Ukraine’s defense ahead of peace talks

Supporting Ukraine and preparing for potential peace talks are key priorities on NATO's agenda, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

Russia hit by massive drone attack

On the night of Thursday, December 19th, the Rostov region was struck by a massive aerial attack. Over 30 drones and three missiles targeted multiple cities.

Correspondence of Dan Alexe // EU sues the UK for blocking the free movement of citizens

On Monday, December 16, the EU announced that it would take the UK to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for violating rules on the free movement of EU citizens and their family members after Brexit. The European Commission said it suspects that “there were several shortcomings” in the UK’s implementation of the treaties at the end of 2020.

Olaf Scholz faces no confidence vote as Germany schedules early elections

A majority of Bundestag members supported a motion of no confidence against Olaf Scholz's government.