A devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa claimed at least 23 lives, including tourists and staff, with many others injured. Preliminary investigations suggest a gas cylinder explosion in the kitchen as the cause, sparking calls for a thorough inquiry into safety compliance and accountability.

France's 39th Télérathon raised 83.5 million euros for rare disease research, with donations expected to increase as contributions continue through December. The event underscores the urgent need for funding in rare disease research, with 95% of conditions lacking treatments.

RSF forces have advanced into Sudan's oil-rich Kordofan region after capturing El-Fasher, causing over 40,000 people to flee in the past month, according to the UN. The conflict, involving RSF and the Sudanese military, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, with UNICEF and other agencies condemning the violence and urging for humanitarian access.

Dubai Police, with Europol and Serbian support, arrested Marko Dordevic, leader of the Vracarci gang, under an INTERPOL Red Notice. This highlights ongoing international cooperation against cross-border crime networks.

France's Finance Minister has upgraded the country's 2025 economic growth forecast to 0.8%, up from the previous 0.7% prediction. This optimism hinges on strong exports and business investments, despite political and fiscal challenges surrounding the 2026 Social Security budget.

Portugal aims to tackle its housing crisis by investing over €9.2 billion to build 150,000 public homes by 2030. The plan includes tax incentives to encourage private rental market participation and leverages EU funds and loans.

The European Commission has prioritized Portuguese energy projects as key to Europe's energy future by adding them to the EU's PCI and PMI lists, unlocking EU funding and streamlined permits. These projects, including Iberian electric interconnections and a hydrogen corridor, bolster Europe's energy resilience and are part of a broader €1.5 trillion investment in energy infrastructure until 2040.

GNV Virgo marks Italy's first long-haul ship powered by LNG, launching a key eco-friendly route between Genoa and Palermo. This move aligns with broader European decarbonization goals, though bio-LNG supply and cost challenges persist.

The CGTP union criticizes the Portuguese prime minister's plan to raise the minimum wage to 1,600 euros, calling it an insult to millions earning under 1,000 euros. In protest, CGTP and UGT plan a general strike on December 11, marking their first joint action since 2013, arguing the reform favors employers and harms workers' rights.

The ongoing slump in apprenticeship placements, with only 191,000 starts by September 2025, marks a 25-year low, urging applicants to expand and expedite their search strategies. With a forecasted shortage of seven million skilled workers by 2035, the situation calls for immediate adaptation by both individuals and policymakers to improve vocational training pathways.

Labour's Deputy PM hints at potential economic benefits of closer EU ties, while leader Keir Starmer firmly opposes rejoining the customs union or single market. This stance comes amid rising discussions on Brexit's economic impact, as Labour navigates its policy choices with an eye on improving EU relations.

Hotels in Portugal predict a strong holiday season, with occupancy rates between two-thirds and three-quarters for Christmas and New Year, surpassing 2024 figures. The Algarve and Madeira lead with high expectations, although airport infrastructure issues and a potential drop in British demand could pose challenges.

The EU will enforce strict new regulations by December 2025 to ban deforestation-linked products, impacting commodities like coffee, cocoa, and beef. This could disrupt global trade, affecting smallholder farmers and raising compliance costs, as the EU seeks to lead in sustainable imports.

The government has unveiled a comprehensive housing reform plan to enhance the availability of affordable housing, including VAT cuts and tax exemptions. This strategy promises public-private partnerships and significant public investment, aiming for 150,000 housing solutions by 2030.

CSIS confirms Chinese interference in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections, sparking debate on whether policymakers were sufficiently informed. Vigneault emphasizes the need for international cooperation and stronger domestic capabilities to counter espionage across academia and research sectors.

Madeira triumphantly clinches Europe's Best Cruise Destination for 2025 at the World Cruise Awards, marking its fourth consecutive win. The accolade underscores Madeira's excellence and impact in the cruise sector, with its ports seeing record growth and substantial economic contributions.

Major rail disruptions in northern Germany are set as regional trains between Hamburg and Schwerin rely on replacement buses until April 2026. Construction impacts include increased travel times and new service routes, with key changes starting December 14, 2025.

Italy is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) amid tensions within the parallel FCAS project. Italy's Defense Minister highlights GCAP's potential for broader participation to enhance innovation and reduce costs, as Germany evaluates its strategic options.

Andrej Babiš returns to power in the Czech Republic, forming a new coalition government with SPD and Motorists for Themselves, signaling potential shifts in domestic and foreign policy. This government faces challenges balancing EU tensions, domestic economic pressures, and maintaining support for Ukraine amid internal political dynamics.