EU hits Elon Musk's X with $140 million fine over business practices The fines were due to the platform's misleading use of blue check marks to identify verified users and a lack of transparency over ads and data access for researchers. Willem Marx
Trump's security strategy slams European allies and asserts U.S. power in the Americas The Trump administration has set forth a national security strategy that paints European allies as weak and aims to reassert America's dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The Associated Press
At least 4 countries pull out of 2026 Eurovision contest over Israel's participation Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia said they were pulling out of the contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to continue to compete, despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza. The Associated Press
Corruption investigation rocks Ukraine's leadership A corruption scandal in Ukraine hits Volodymyr Zelenskyy's inner circle but not the president himself. Eleanor Beardsley
Putin says there are points he can't agree to in the U.S. proposal to end Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin made the remarks to an Indian broadcaster before landing in India for a state visit, but refused to elaborate on what Russia could accept or reject. The Associated Press
Europe's left is taking notes on Mamdani's successful campaign for New York mayor The New York mayor-elect's victory has energized the European left, with politicians casting themselves as their country's version of Mamdani, and strategists eager to study how he won. Fatima Al-Kassab
Greetings from Ukraine, where churchgoers seek respite ahead of another winter at war Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world. Eleanor Beardsley
Belgium rejects EU plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine Belgium on Wednesday rejected a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help prop up Ukraine's economy and war effort over the next two years, saying that the scheme poses financial and legal risks. The Associated Press
Belarus weather balloons force repeated closures of Lithuania's main airport Lithuanian authorities accused Belarus of deliberate disruption after weather balloons directed at Vilnius Airport's runways forced an 11-hour shutdown on Saturday. The Associated Press
Austria's rebel nuns refuse to give up Instagram to stay in their convent The trio of octogenarian nuns gained global fame after fleeing their care home and breaking into their former convent. Now their superior has asked the Vatican to intercede in the dispute. Esme Nicholson
