Thousands of farmers from across the European Union gathered in Brussels on Thursday, bringing with them about 500 tractors to Luxembourg Square, just outside the European Parliament. The large-scale protest was aimed at opposing the EU’s proposed free-trade agreement with Mercosur. The demonstration coincided with high-level talks among EU leaders, adding more pressure to the ongoing discussions.
Around 10,000 farmers voiced concerns that the deal with Mercosur—a South American trade alliance including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—could flood the market with cheaper agricultural imports. They argue this would jeopardize European farmers who are already struggling with rising expenses and stringent regulations. Many also expressed frustration over the possibility of reduced EU farm subsidies.
While EU officials maintain that the agreement could boost export opportunities for European industries, farming organizations believe that the safeguards for agriculture are still lacking.
Around 10,000 farmers voiced concerns that the deal with Mercosur—a South American trade alliance including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—could flood the market with cheaper agricultural imports. They argue this would jeopardize European farmers who are already struggling with rising expenses and stringent regulations. Many also expressed frustration over the possibility of reduced EU farm subsidies.
While EU officials maintain that the agreement could boost export opportunities for European industries, farming organizations believe that the safeguards for agriculture are still lacking.
At the EU Summit (Dec 18–19), leaders agreed on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine for 2026-27, backed by joint borrowing, but did not move forward with using €210 billion in frozen assets from Russia. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy advocated for accessing the frozen funds, but Belgium raised concerns over legal risks. Poland framed the decision as “money today or blood tomorrow,” while Hungary opposed the plan. The €90 billion loan is secured, but the discussion on the frozen assets remains unresolved.
The U.S. House passed a close vote to ban gender-related medical treatments and surgeries for minors. The bill passed 216–211 and would make these procedures illegal at the federal level. Supporters say the goal is to protect children and follow the lead of states like Texas that already have similar laws. Conservatives say the bill is about child safety and stopping progressive gender policies aimed at kids.
House Democrats released a new batch of undated Epstein-related photos depicting interiors, handwritten notes, and redacted passports and identity cards, including a South African identity card. The committee said the materials relate to women associated with Jeffrey Epstein, while noting the images do not include dates or broader contextual information.
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Africa’s growing population has long been framed as a problem, but a November 2025 report, "Food to Africa: On The Way To Food Sovereignty," drafted by leading experts in population, agriculture, and development, challenges that narrative. According to the report, a larger population isn’t a curse - it can be a catalyst for growth when governments make smart policies and strategic investments. Rwanda provides a striking example of this, proving that high population density can be harnessed to drive economic and agricultural progress.
Rwanda’s Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph
Rwanda is often remembered for its tragic 1994 genocide, but its recovery story challenges many preconceived notions about what a densely populated country can achieve. With 13.5 million people packed into just 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is Africa’s most densely populated nation. Despite this, the country has defied expectations by using its population density as a foundation for economic and agricultural growth.
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Southern Cross Report
Africa's Growing Population: A Hidden Asset for Economic Growth?
Africa’s rapidly growing population is often viewed as a looming challenge, leading to resource scarcity, hunger, and potential instability.
From Essays to Conversations: Universities Fight AI Shortcuts
With AI tools like ChatGPT, students can generate essays quickly, which makes it hard for teachers to know if they truly understand the content they’ve worked through. To address this, universities like UC San Diego, Vanderbilt University, and Illinois State University are using oral exams, in which students explain and defend their ideas out loud.
These exams aren’t easy. They can be stressful for students and require more effort from teachers, especially in large classes. But they show whether a student really understands the subject, not just whether they can write a convincing essay. Oral exams also help students practice skills they’ll need later, like speaking clearly, thinking on their feet, and answering tough questions (similar to a job interview).
With AI tools like ChatGPT, students can generate essays quickly, which makes it hard for teachers to know if they truly understand the content they’ve worked through. To address this, universities like UC San Diego, Vanderbilt University, and Illinois State University are using oral exams, in which students explain and defend their ideas out loud.
These exams aren’t easy. They can be stressful for students and require more effort from teachers, especially in large classes. But they show whether a student really understands the subject, not just whether they can write a convincing essay. Oral exams also help students practice skills they’ll need later, like speaking clearly, thinking on their feet, and answering tough questions (similar to a job interview).
The European Union has dropped its plan to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035, a flagship measure of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s climate agenda. The decision comes just over two years after the policy was enacted.
A spokesperson for the German automotive industry said, “This decision allows us to transition to electric vehicles at a pace that protects jobs, innovation, and the economic stability of Europe’s car sector.”
A spokesperson for the German automotive industry said, “This decision allows us to transition to electric vehicles at a pace that protects jobs, innovation, and the economic stability of Europe’s car sector.”
The U.S., with Jordanian support, struck over 70 ISIS targets in Syria on December 19, killing at least five militants in retaliation for a December 13 attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter near Palmyra. The strikes hit command centers, weapons depots, and strongholds using jets, helicopters, and artillery, as U.S. officials warned the action serves as a deterrent against future attacks.
> — "We will not tolerate attacks on our troops. This strike shows that America will respond decisively to any threat," said President Donald Trump.
> — "We will not tolerate attacks on our troops. This strike shows that America will respond decisively to any threat," said President Donald Trump.
AI and the Planet: The True Cost of Data Center Energy
A recent peer-reviewed study in the journal Patterns by Alex de Vries‑Gao highlights the environmental impact of AI systems. In 2025, AI consumed between 312 and 765 billion liters of water, mostly for cooling data centers, and produced 32.6 to 79.7 million tonnes of CO₂, comparable to New York City’s annual emissions from energy and transport.
The study warns of the growing impact of AI without sustainable practices, stating:
> “Without transparent data, the biggest opportunities for mitigating the climate impacts of data centers and AI cannot be easily identified, and the effects of interventions will remain hidden as well.”
Researchers emphasize solutions such as renewable-powered data centers, more efficient cooling, and less energy-intensive AI models to reduce environmental strain.
A recent peer-reviewed study in the journal Patterns by Alex de Vries‑Gao highlights the environmental impact of AI systems. In 2025, AI consumed between 312 and 765 billion liters of water, mostly for cooling data centers, and produced 32.6 to 79.7 million tonnes of CO₂, comparable to New York City’s annual emissions from energy and transport.
The study warns of the growing impact of AI without sustainable practices, stating:
> “Without transparent data, the biggest opportunities for mitigating the climate impacts of data centers and AI cannot be easily identified, and the effects of interventions will remain hidden as well.”
Researchers emphasize solutions such as renewable-powered data centers, more efficient cooling, and less energy-intensive AI models to reduce environmental strain.
Trump Recalls 27 Ambassadors
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has recalled about 27 U.S. ambassadors and senior diplomats from posts worldwide, with Africa most heavily affected, along with parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Most of those recalled are career Foreign Service officers, not political appointees.
The move is part of an “America First” diplomatic reshuffle, allowing the administration to align U.S. foreign policy with its priorities. Critics warn it could weaken U.S. influence abroad, while officials stress that ambassadors serve at the president’s pleasure and such recalls are within his authority.
This action does not involve U.S. citizens abroad, only diplomatic personnel.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has recalled about 27 U.S. ambassadors and senior diplomats from posts worldwide, with Africa most heavily affected, along with parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Most of those recalled are career Foreign Service officers, not political appointees.
The move is part of an “America First” diplomatic reshuffle, allowing the administration to align U.S. foreign policy with its priorities. Critics warn it could weaken U.S. influence abroad, while officials stress that ambassadors serve at the president’s pleasure and such recalls are within his authority.
This action does not involve U.S. citizens abroad, only diplomatic personnel.
Iranian Warships Deployed Toward South Africa
> “The presence of Iranian naval flotillas in distant waters demonstrates our commitment to maritime security and international cooperation,” an Iranian Navy commander said.
South Africa’s growing military and diplomatic relationship with Iran is one of the factors contributing to ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States, as Washington views Tehran as a strategic adversary and has expressed concern over defense cooperation and BRICS-aligned military activities involving Iran.
> “The presence of Iranian naval flotillas in distant waters demonstrates our commitment to maritime security and international cooperation,” an Iranian Navy commander said.
South Africa’s growing military and diplomatic relationship with Iran is one of the factors contributing to ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States, as Washington views Tehran as a strategic adversary and has expressed concern over defense cooperation and BRICS-aligned military activities involving Iran.
EU Delays Mercosur Trade Deal After Protests
The EU‑Mercosur free-trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia has been delayed due to farmer opposition and political concerns over environmental and economic standards. Negotiations, which began in 1999, aimed to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and strengthen economic ties, but protests in Brussels highlighted concerns over deforestation, labor standards, and competition with European farmers.
│ “The delay follows violent demonstrations in Brussels.” — AP News
The EU‑Mercosur free-trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia has been delayed due to farmer opposition and political concerns over environmental and economic standards. Negotiations, which began in 1999, aimed to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and strengthen economic ties, but protests in Brussels highlighted concerns over deforestation, labor standards, and competition with European farmers.
│ “The delay follows violent demonstrations in Brussels.” — AP News
The EU is considering reducing national veto powers because they slow decision-making, especially on foreign policy, sanctions, and enlargement. Leaders want to rely more on qualified majority voting so the EU can act faster and more effectively. Ending vetoes completely would require treaty changes and unanimous approval, so the idea remains controversial, with some countries worried about losing national control.