1. Portugal National Strike Disrupts Travel

On December 11, Portugal was hit by a nationwide general strike that paralyzed transportation networks. Airports, railways, and bus services were severely disrupted, with Lisbon and Porto experiencing mass cancellations. The strike, led by unions protesting wage stagnation and austerity measures, left thousands of tourists stranded. Authorities warned that disruptions could continue into the holiday season, compounding Europe’s travel woes. Many hotels reported last-minute cancellations, and businesses dependent on tourism expressed fears of significant revenue losses.

2. Airport Strikes Spread Across Europe

Major airports in Spain, Italy, and the UK also faced strikes from cabin crews and baggage handlers. The coordinated action is expected to cause widespread delays and cancellations during the busy holiday period. Travelers reported long queues and confusion, while airlines scrambled to rebook passengers. Tourism boards expressed concern that prolonged unrest could damage Europe’s reputation as a reliable destination. Industry analysts suggested that the strikes highlight deeper structural issues in aviation, including low wages and understaffing.

3. UK Announces Illicit Finance Summit

The UK confirmed it will host an Illicit Finance Summit in London in June 2026, aimed at tackling money laundering and corruption. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described illicit finance as the “lifeblood of crime,” linking it to drug trafficking and people smuggling. The summit will unite governments, civil society, and banks to strengthen enforcement against dirty money. Ahead of the event, the UK pledged £3 million to support anti-corruption watchdogs. Experts believe the summit could set new global standards for financial transparency, reinforcing London’s role as a regulatory hub.

4. EU Commission Targets Hungary Again

Brussels launched another infringement procedure against Hungary for failing to implement the EU Media Freedom Act. Critics accuse Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government of undermining press independence. The move highlights ongoing tensions between Hungary and the EU, with Budapest accusing Brussels of political bias. Analysts warn that repeated clashes could deepen divisions within the bloc. Some EU lawmakers are now calling for stricter financial penalties to ensure compliance.

5. French Broadcaster Sparks Outrage

France Info faced backlash after airing a segment linking Christmas markets to Nazi propaganda. The broadcaster claimed the Nazis used festive markets to promote German products. Politicians and cultural groups condemned the comparison as offensive and historically misleading. The controversy reignited debates over media responsibility during the holiday season. Public trust in state broadcasters has been questioned, with calls for editorial reforms to prevent similar missteps.

6. EU Raids Temu’s Dublin Headquarters

The European Commission raided Chinese e-commerce giant Temu’s Dublin offices over alleged subsidy violations. Investigators cited breaches of the Digital Services Act and unfair competition rules. The raid underscores Brussels’ growing scrutiny of foreign tech firms operating in Europe. Temu denied wrongdoing, but regulators vowed to pursue the case aggressively. Analysts suggest the case could set a precedent for how Europe handles global e-commerce platforms.

7. 🇬🇷 Greece Launches Food Sector Competition Study

The Hellenic Competition Commission announced a mapping study of Greece’s food supply chain. Officials aim to identify bottlenecks and unfair practices affecting consumers. The study comes amid rising food prices across Europe, with inflation hitting households hard. Results are expected to guide reforms in agricultural and retail sectors. Farmers’ unions welcomed the move, saying it could expose monopolistic practices that harm local producers.

8. Immigration Debate Intensifies in Brussels

EU lawmakers clashed over the bloc’s new migration reforms, approved earlier this month. Critics argue that offshore “return hubs” and expanded detention facilities undermine humanitarian obligations. Supporters insist the measures are necessary to ease pressure on frontline states like Italy and Greece. Human rights groups warned of legal challenges, saying the reforms risk violating international asylum protections. The debate reflects broader divisions within the EU over balancing security with humanitarian responsibility.

9. Violence Towards Tourists in Portugal

During the December 11 strike, several tourists reported harassment at Lisbon’s central train station. Protesters blocked access and vandalized buses carrying foreign visitors. Police confirmed minor assaults but no fatalities. Embassies issued advisories urging travelers to avoid protest hotspots, highlighting growing tensions between locals and visitors. Tourism officials warned that repeated incidents could deter future visitors, impacting Portugal’s economy.

10. Defense Industry Shake-Up in France

France approved the acquisition of Texelis’ defense business by KNDS Group. The deal consolidates Europe’s defense manufacturing sector amid rising security concerns. Officials said the move strengthens Europe’s ability to produce armored vehicles and military equipment. Analysts noted the timing reflects Europe’s push for greater strategic autonomy. Industry insiders believe the merger could accelerate innovation in defense technology, positioning Europe as a stronger global player.