It would be risky for the Belgian securities depository Euroclear to seize Russian assets and give them to Ukraine to fund their war effort, as it could unbalance the European economy, says Belgian professor of financial law at KU Leuven University Veerle Colaert.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Putin’s Frozen Assets Could Bring Europe ‘to a Standstill’
Dec 13, 2025 | “If it were to fail, capital markets might come to a standstill.”
It would be risky for the Belgian securities depository Euroclear to seize Russian assets and give them to Ukraine to fund their war effort, as it could unbalance the European economy, says Belgian professor of financial law at KU Leuven University Veerle Colaert.
It would be risky for the Belgian securities depository Euroclear to seize Russian assets and give them to Ukraine to fund their war effort, as it could unbalance the European economy, says Belgian professor of financial law at KU Leuven University Veerle Colaert.
Make Europe Weak Again? – Trumps nationale Sicherheitsstrategie und die Folgen | PolitiX
Trump Administration Threatens Europe & Throws Longstanding International Alliance into Turmoil
Saturday, December 13, 2025
États-Unis : une fusillade éclate sur le campus de la prestigieuse université Brown, plusieurs blessés
LE FIGARO : L’université américaine a envoyé un message d’alerte invitant les étudiants à «fermer les portes, mettre les téléphones en silencieux et rester cachés jusqu’à nouvel ordre».
Une fusillade a éclaté ce samedi 13 décembre sur le campus de Brown, dans la ville de Providence, proche de Boston, a annoncé l'université, qui compte parmi les huit plus prestigieuses de la côte est des États-Unis (Ivy League). Plusieurs personnes ont été blessées par des tirs, selon les premiers éléments communiqués par la police. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 13 décembre 2025
THE TELEGRAPH:
‘Multiple people’ shot at Brown University: Students told to shelter or ‘fight’ if need be as police hunt for gunman »
Une fusillade a éclaté ce samedi 13 décembre sur le campus de Brown, dans la ville de Providence, proche de Boston, a annoncé l'université, qui compte parmi les huit plus prestigieuses de la côte est des États-Unis (Ivy League). Plusieurs personnes ont été blessées par des tirs, selon les premiers éléments communiqués par la police. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 13 décembre 2025
THE TELEGRAPH:
‘Multiple people’ shot at Brown University: Students told to shelter or ‘fight’ if need be as police hunt for gunman »
Trump's Gangster Peace Demands Are a Mockery of Just, Durable Peace
Festive Flavours with Famous Friends | Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas | Full Episode | Mary Berry
Dec 11, 2025 | Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas Full Episode: Much loved home cook Dame Mary Berry is joined by some famous friends for her ultimate Christmas feast, packed with tips to plan and get ahead for the big day.
Planning is Mary’s top tip for a successful and enjoyable day and here she shares her definitive recipes perfected over 50 years. Mary will begin her festive feast with a deliciously simple Stilton and Sage Mini Scone Canape, followed by her traditional Christmas feast including her Lemon and Herb Roast Turkey with all the trimmings. Her Crispy Roast Potatoes, honey glazed carrots and parsnips, Ruby Red Cabbage and Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing are all complimented by turkey gravy. To complete the meal Mary is joined by friend Rylan as they visit a pick your own vegetable farm where they cook up Brussels Sprouts with peas and cashews to try and convert some Brussels hating kids.
Mary will also be joined by some chef friends who share festive recipes from their own heritage. She visits Angela Hartnett at home, where she cooks up rich Pumpkin Ricotta Tortelli, a seasonal tradition for her Italian family. Monica Galetti welcomes Mary to her restaurant kitchen where she prepares a twist on Samoan Palusami with Smoked Haddock, Cavolo Nero and Sourdough which she’ll be serving to her family on Christmas Day.
To create the perfect table setting Mary also shows us how to create a sustainable and cost-conscious centrepiece from foraged greenery before Rylan joins her at home to share a festive cocktail with fizz and cranberries.
To complete the festive feast are two sumptuous desserts. Mary’s traditional British Christmas pudding recipe goes back to medieval times – a rich mix of dried fruit and nuts which is steamed for 8 hours before serving alongside a boozy cream. Alongside this is a Festive Trifle with layers of custard, cream, sponge and pear, topped with spun sugar.
Planning is Mary’s top tip for a successful and enjoyable day and here she shares her definitive recipes perfected over 50 years. Mary will begin her festive feast with a deliciously simple Stilton and Sage Mini Scone Canape, followed by her traditional Christmas feast including her Lemon and Herb Roast Turkey with all the trimmings. Her Crispy Roast Potatoes, honey glazed carrots and parsnips, Ruby Red Cabbage and Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing are all complimented by turkey gravy. To complete the meal Mary is joined by friend Rylan as they visit a pick your own vegetable farm where they cook up Brussels Sprouts with peas and cashews to try and convert some Brussels hating kids.
Mary will also be joined by some chef friends who share festive recipes from their own heritage. She visits Angela Hartnett at home, where she cooks up rich Pumpkin Ricotta Tortelli, a seasonal tradition for her Italian family. Monica Galetti welcomes Mary to her restaurant kitchen where she prepares a twist on Samoan Palusami with Smoked Haddock, Cavolo Nero and Sourdough which she’ll be serving to her family on Christmas Day.
To create the perfect table setting Mary also shows us how to create a sustainable and cost-conscious centrepiece from foraged greenery before Rylan joins her at home to share a festive cocktail with fizz and cranberries.
To complete the festive feast are two sumptuous desserts. Mary’s traditional British Christmas pudding recipe goes back to medieval times – a rich mix of dried fruit and nuts which is steamed for 8 hours before serving alongside a boozy cream. Alongside this is a Festive Trifle with layers of custard, cream, sponge and pear, topped with spun sugar.
Danish Intelligence Accuses US of Using Economic Power to ‘Assert Its Will’ over Allies
THE GUARDIAN: The US is also listed as a threat due to its interest in Greenland, which the Trump administration has claimed is vital to America’s national security
Danish intelligence services have accused the US of using its economic power to “assert its will” and threatening military force against its allies.
The comments, made in its annual assessment released this week, mark the first time that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) has listed the US as a threat to the country. Denmark, the report warns, is “facing more and more serious threats and security policy challenges than in many years”.
The report said that the US is “now using its economic and technological strength as a means of power, including against allies and partners”.
Competition between superpowers Russia, China and the US, it said, is “increasingly taking place in the Arctic”, which is growing in strategic importance amid increasing tensions between Russia and the west. This, it notes, poses a specific threat to Denmark, which used to rule Greenland as a colony and continues to control its foreign and security policy.
“The increased great power competition in the Arctic has significantly increased international attention to the region,” it said. “This applies in particular to the United States’ increasing interest in Greenland and its importance to US national security.”
It adds: “At the same time, the attention increases the threat from espionage, including cyber espionage, and attempts to further influence all parts of the kingdom of Denmark.” Greenland remains part of the Danish commonwealth or kingdom. » | Miranda Bryant, Nordic correspondent | Friday, December 12, 2025
Danish intelligence services have accused the US of using its economic power to “assert its will” and threatening military force against its allies.
The comments, made in its annual assessment released this week, mark the first time that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) has listed the US as a threat to the country. Denmark, the report warns, is “facing more and more serious threats and security policy challenges than in many years”.
The report said that the US is “now using its economic and technological strength as a means of power, including against allies and partners”.
Competition between superpowers Russia, China and the US, it said, is “increasingly taking place in the Arctic”, which is growing in strategic importance amid increasing tensions between Russia and the west. This, it notes, poses a specific threat to Denmark, which used to rule Greenland as a colony and continues to control its foreign and security policy.
“The increased great power competition in the Arctic has significantly increased international attention to the region,” it said. “This applies in particular to the United States’ increasing interest in Greenland and its importance to US national security.”
It adds: “At the same time, the attention increases the threat from espionage, including cyber espionage, and attempts to further influence all parts of the kingdom of Denmark.” Greenland remains part of the Danish commonwealth or kingdom. » | Miranda Bryant, Nordic correspondent | Friday, December 12, 2025
Phil Collins : Do You Remember? | Official Music Video
Ina Garten's Fan-Favourite Coq au Vin | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
George Benson : In Your Eyes
Donald Trump Is Pursuing Regime Change – in Europe
THE GUARDIAN — OPINION The US made it clear this week that it plans to help the parties of the European far right gain power. Keir Starmer and his fellow leaders have to face this new reality
When are we going to get the message? I joked a few months back that, when it comes to Donald Trump, Europe needs to learn from Sex and the City’s Miranda Hobbes and realise that “He’s just not that into you”. After this past week, it’s clear that understates the problem. Trump’s America is not merely indifferent to Europe – it’s positively hostile to it. That has enormous implications for the continent and for Britain, which too many of our leaders still refuse to face.
The depth of US hostility was revealed most explicitly in the new US national security strategy, or NSS, a 29-page document that serves as a formal statement of the foreign policy of the second Trump administration. There is much there to lament, starting with the sceptical quote marks that appear around the sole reference to “climate change”, but the most striking passages are those that take aim at Europe.
China and Russia, which you’d think the US would see as genuine strategic threats worthy of serious attention, are addressed flatly and with relative brevity. It’s Europe that gets Team Trump’s blood up, against Europe that it unleashes its rhetorical firepower. It warns that economic stagnation, “censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates” and above all, migration, raise “the stark prospect of civilizational erasure”. » | Jonathan Freedland | Friday, December 12, 2025
It’s America that needs regime change, not Europe! — © Mark Alexander
When are we going to get the message? I joked a few months back that, when it comes to Donald Trump, Europe needs to learn from Sex and the City’s Miranda Hobbes and realise that “He’s just not that into you”. After this past week, it’s clear that understates the problem. Trump’s America is not merely indifferent to Europe – it’s positively hostile to it. That has enormous implications for the continent and for Britain, which too many of our leaders still refuse to face.
The depth of US hostility was revealed most explicitly in the new US national security strategy, or NSS, a 29-page document that serves as a formal statement of the foreign policy of the second Trump administration. There is much there to lament, starting with the sceptical quote marks that appear around the sole reference to “climate change”, but the most striking passages are those that take aim at Europe.
China and Russia, which you’d think the US would see as genuine strategic threats worthy of serious attention, are addressed flatly and with relative brevity. It’s Europe that gets Team Trump’s blood up, against Europe that it unleashes its rhetorical firepower. It warns that economic stagnation, “censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates” and above all, migration, raise “the stark prospect of civilizational erasure”. » | Jonathan Freedland | Friday, December 12, 2025
It’s America that needs regime change, not Europe! — © Mark Alexander
Trump Says that the US Economy Is A++++
Michael Lambert: Trump & Starmer Are Finished: Why Both Leaders Won’t Survive 2025
Dec 13, 2025 | In today’s video I explain why BOTH Donald Trump and Keir Starmer are now entering the most dangerous moments of their political lives.
Trump continues sinking into delusion, dishonesty, and chaotic decision-making — from reckless tariff claims to bizarre political boasting, sweeping pardons, and state piracy at sea. The US economy is weakening, tourism is collapsing, and key industries are suffering. His grip on reality and on his own party appears to be slipping.
Meanwhile in the UK, Keir Starmer is doubling down on honouring a Brexit that is visibly damaging the country. With the NHS, local authorities, courts, police, and trade all deteriorating, Starmer’s refusal to confront Brexit head-on is pushing Labour into a political corner. And inside his own party, pressure is growing.
This is an excellent synopsis of the dire situation the UK finds itself in as a result of that absurd decision to leave the European Union. Keir Starmer is not the man who can lead us back into the EU or bring about prosperity for this nation. To be honest, I don’t really think that Starmer understands economics. Starmer has the mind of a bureaucrat. I also think he is risk-averse. He is certainly lacking in charisma. In fact, he reminds me of a programme the BBC used to show when I was a child: The Wooden Tops! 😊 Or Bill and Ben, The Flowerpot Men!
Under Starmer, this country is going nowhere fast. Problem is, other than Sir Ed Davey, no other politician speaks any sense. But even though the Liberal Democrats have done really well with Ed Davey as their leader, I have my doubts that the British electorate would be willing to give him a chance to become prime minister. That, in my opinion, is a great pity, because he is the only man who talks any sense. — © Mark Alexander
Trump continues sinking into delusion, dishonesty, and chaotic decision-making — from reckless tariff claims to bizarre political boasting, sweeping pardons, and state piracy at sea. The US economy is weakening, tourism is collapsing, and key industries are suffering. His grip on reality and on his own party appears to be slipping.
Meanwhile in the UK, Keir Starmer is doubling down on honouring a Brexit that is visibly damaging the country. With the NHS, local authorities, courts, police, and trade all deteriorating, Starmer’s refusal to confront Brexit head-on is pushing Labour into a political corner. And inside his own party, pressure is growing.
This is an excellent synopsis of the dire situation the UK finds itself in as a result of that absurd decision to leave the European Union. Keir Starmer is not the man who can lead us back into the EU or bring about prosperity for this nation. To be honest, I don’t really think that Starmer understands economics. Starmer has the mind of a bureaucrat. I also think he is risk-averse. He is certainly lacking in charisma. In fact, he reminds me of a programme the BBC used to show when I was a child: The Wooden Tops! 😊 Or Bill and Ben, The Flowerpot Men!
Under Starmer, this country is going nowhere fast. Problem is, other than Sir Ed Davey, no other politician speaks any sense. But even though the Liberal Democrats have done really well with Ed Davey as their leader, I have my doubts that the British electorate would be willing to give him a chance to become prime minister. That, in my opinion, is a great pity, because he is the only man who talks any sense. — © Mark Alexander
'It's a Mistake for Ukraine to Make Concessions': Former Trump Security Adviser John Bolton
Has Europe Got Any Influence over President Trump? | DW News
NATO Leader Warns: Russia Could Go to War with Europe within Years, Says Mark Rutte
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
EU to Freeze €210bn in Russian Assets Indefinitely
THE GUARDIAN: The decision is a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence – but Moscow is threatening to retaliate
The EU has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russia’s sovereign assets in the bloc, as Moscow stepped up its threats to retaliate against Euroclear, the keeper of most of the Kremlin’s immobilised money.
The decision by the EU to use emergency powers to immobilise €210bn (£185bn) of Russia’s central bank’s assets marks a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence.
European Council president António Costa confirmed on Friday that EU leaders had delivered on a commitment, made in October, to “keep Russian assets immobilised until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused”. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Friday, December 12, 2025
The EU has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russia’s sovereign assets in the bloc, as Moscow stepped up its threats to retaliate against Euroclear, the keeper of most of the Kremlin’s immobilised money.
The decision by the EU to use emergency powers to immobilise €210bn (£185bn) of Russia’s central bank’s assets marks a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence.
European Council president António Costa confirmed on Friday that EU leaders had delivered on a commitment, made in October, to “keep Russian assets immobilised until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused”. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Friday, December 12, 2025
C of E Responds to Tommy Robinson’s Carols Event with ‘Christmas Is for All’ Message
THE GUARDIAN: Release of 43-second video comes as senior church figures speak out against dangers of Christian nationalism
The Church of England has released a video in response to a Christmas carols event on Saturday being organised by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson amid calls from a growing number of senior church figures to challenge Christian nationalism.
In the 43-second video, Christmas Isn’t Cancelled, posted on the church’s YouTube channel, more than 20 people from the archbishop of York to schoolchildren speak about the “joy, love and hope” of Christmas. The message is “a simple reminder that Christmas belongs to all of us, and everyone is welcome to celebrate”, the C of E said.
A number of its leaders are speaking out against the dangers of Christian nationalism and the appropriation of Christian symbols to bolster the anti-migrant views of Robinson and his supporters taking part in the “Unite the Kingdom” event.
Rowan Williams, the former archbishop of Canterbury, warned of the potential “weaponisation” of events such as the one planned for Saturday, and said the C of E must be “absolutely clear” that the true Christian message was one of compassion and welcome to all.
Arun Arora, the bishop of Kirkstall and co-lead bishop on racial justice, said Christianity was being used as “a flag of convenience by the far right; a nationalist ideology cloaking itself in religion”.
He added: “Any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion. The far right has often sought to wrap itself in flags or symbols, which belong to us all, and now they are seeking to do it with Christmas – that should be resisted.” » | Harriet Sherwood,Chris Osuh and Diane Taylor | Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Church of England has released a video in response to a Christmas carols event on Saturday being organised by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson amid calls from a growing number of senior church figures to challenge Christian nationalism.
In the 43-second video, Christmas Isn’t Cancelled, posted on the church’s YouTube channel, more than 20 people from the archbishop of York to schoolchildren speak about the “joy, love and hope” of Christmas. The message is “a simple reminder that Christmas belongs to all of us, and everyone is welcome to celebrate”, the C of E said.
A number of its leaders are speaking out against the dangers of Christian nationalism and the appropriation of Christian symbols to bolster the anti-migrant views of Robinson and his supporters taking part in the “Unite the Kingdom” event.
Rowan Williams, the former archbishop of Canterbury, warned of the potential “weaponisation” of events such as the one planned for Saturday, and said the C of E must be “absolutely clear” that the true Christian message was one of compassion and welcome to all.
Arun Arora, the bishop of Kirkstall and co-lead bishop on racial justice, said Christianity was being used as “a flag of convenience by the far right; a nationalist ideology cloaking itself in religion”.
He added: “Any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion. The far right has often sought to wrap itself in flags or symbols, which belong to us all, and now they are seeking to do it with Christmas – that should be resisted.” » | Harriet Sherwood,Chris Osuh and Diane Taylor | Saturday, December 13, 2025
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