The UK government has announced a commitment to create 50,000 new apprenticeships aimed at boosting youth employment in key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), hospitality, and engineering. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance job opportunities for young people amidst evolving economic challenges.

European Council chief Antonio Costa and the German government have sharply criticized the recent US security strategy, which they view as detrimental to transatlantic relations. This response highlights a significant shift in the dynamics between the EU and the US, as European leaders express concerns over the implications of the US stance on global security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the UK to meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. This meeting follows unsuccessful US-Ukraine talks in Florida aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 world championship during the final race of the 2025 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third in a race won by Max Verstappen. This victory allowed Norris to clinch the championship by a narrow margin of just two points over Verstappen, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.

FRANCE 24 has launched a significant video competition aimed at young people, inviting submissions that explore themes of European cohesion and the misinformation surrounding the EU and the European Parliament. Participants can submit their videos until May 4, 2026, with six prizes available, including an invitation to the awards ceremony at Europa Experience and the opportunity to have their work broadcasted.

A coup attempt in Benin has led to the arrest of several soldiers and the deployment of Nigerian fighter jets to assist in restoring order. The situation escalated when a group of soldiers claimed on national television to have seized power, prompting a swift response from the government and military forces.

Former President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on December 29, where they will discuss the challenging second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, focusing on governance issues in the enclave. This meeting comes amid ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Washington DC Police Chief Pamela Smith has announced her resignation, effective December 31, 2025, stating that her decision is not related to recent federal actions or the addition of the National Guard to the city. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for her tenure, which she described as both challenging and rewarding, while acknowledging the progress made in crime reduction.

Paramount has made a $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery, asserting that its offer presents superior value and a quicker path to completion for WBD shareholders, challenging Netflix's previous acquisition proposal of approximately $83 billion.