Farmers call for French blockades over cow disease cull

Police in France used tear gas to disperse farmers protesting the culling of cows infected with lumpy skin disease at a farm in Ariège. The protests lasted for two days, with demonstrators accusing authorities of inadequate support. Despite claims that the herd's owners consented to the cull, protesters argued it was causing family divisions. Four arrests were made during clashes on Thursday night.

Australia has implemented a world-first ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10, 2025, aiming to protect minors from online risks. French lawmakers are set to debate a similar bill in January, focusing on safeguarding children's mental health.

Farmers in southern France clashed with police as authorities culled over 200 cows infected with nodular dermatitis, a skin disease that poses no risk to humans. The use of tear gas by police to disperse the protests highlights the rising tensions surrounding the government's response to the outbreak and its impact on farmers' livelihoods.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire is essential before elections can be conducted in Ukraine, expressing the belief that the United States should engage with Russia regarding a potential truce during a virtual meeting with European leaders. This meeting included leaders from Germany, Britain, and France, highlighting the international dimension of the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

British far-right activists have been accused of harassing migrants in Calais, France, as they attempt to prevent undocumented crossings of the English Channel. These activists have made several visits to northern France, claiming their actions are aimed at stopping small boat crossings, which have surged recently. Migrant support groups argue that such activities promote violence and xenophobia against vulnerable populations.

The Trump administration has proposed a policy requiring visa applicants from 42 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany, to disclose their social media, phone, and email histories for vetting before entering the US. Critics have labeled this move as a form of censorship that undermines civil liberties and could deter tourism, particularly ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the United States pressures Ukraine to accept a peace plan favoring Russia, President Zelensky is seeking support from European allies. The UK, France, and Germany are spearheading the 'Coalition of the Willing' to provide military backing and counterbalance U.S. influence, while the EU is advocating for the release of €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's defense.