On 4 December, the Commission presented its new anti-drugs strategy and a new action plan against drug trafficking to protect citizens and disrupt criminal networks. The strategy adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing, among other things, on improving preparedness and response to drug-related threats, protecting public health and enhancing security.

On 5 December, the European Commission fined X €120 million for breaching its transparency obligations. Three breaches were found: the misleading use of its 'blue verified label', which can be purchased without any real verification of the identity of the person behind the account; the lack of transparency of its advertising directory; and finally, X did not comply with its obligations under the legislative package concerning researchers' access to the platform's public data. The procedures put in place by X for researchers' access to public data impose unnecessary barriers.

The 'Season of Ukraine in France' was launched on 1 December. Organised jointly by the Ukrainian Institute and the French Institute, it focuses on the visual arts, performing arts, cinema, literature, digital creation, heritage and the debate on ideas. The programme allows visitors to discover new facets of Ukrainian society and culture. Taking place in several cities (Paris, Marseille, Lille, Rennes, Metz, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Caen and Strasbourg), the Season aims to strengthen long-term links between France and Ukraine, by affirming culture as a major lever for resistance, transmission and the future. It will run until 31 March 2026.

Until 3 May 2026, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is presenting Arts of the Earth, an exhibition that reinterprets the transformation of artistic practices through the prism of the environment. Artists from several generations have explored ways of working with the earth. Arts of the Earth adopts an innovative museography, using local, compostable or recycled materials, as well as an innovative approach to logistics.

On 8 December, four new ministers (Labour, Justice, Health, Social Affairs) were sworn in and two ministers changed portfolio (Energy), in the presence of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. While none of the four new ministers has any ministerial experience, some are prominent figures in Cypriot public life.

On 4 December, 25 OECD member countries signed a declaration on the exchange of information on real estate ownership. National tax authorities will share information, making it easier to combat tax fraud. The agreement will mean that other countries will be able to provide information on the ownership or receipt of income from real estate by persons resident in countries that are members of the agreement, and, where applicable, on the amounts involved. National tax agencies will then be able to use this information in their audits.

On 2 December, at the end of the 6th Partnership Council between the European Union and Armenia, the two parties adopted a new Strategic Agenda. It aims to strengthen cooperation in transport, digital and energy links, as well as crisis management, hybrid threats and cyber security. Finally, it reasserts the EU's firm commitment to supporting Armenia's reform programme, including through technical and financial assistance.

On 1 and 2 December, the European Commission made further disbursements under NextGenerationEU. Bulgaria received its 3rd payment request for €1.6 billion. Croatia received a positive assessment of its 7th payment claim for €1.1 billion. Italy received a positive assessment for its 8th payment claim of €12.8 billion. Lastly, Poland received its 3rd payment of €6.2 billion. Details of these disbursements are available on the Foundation's website.

The publication of the US Security Strategy on 5 December confirms what was already apparent: this President of the United States considers Europe to be in decline and, in order to reverse its policies, intends to promote nationalist opposition in the Member States. Fighting against this is now a duty and a matter of urgency for Europe. It is a vital necessity within Europe and an imperative outside Europe for the fate of the world.

On 4 December, the Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on a modernised policy framework to support a competitive European wine sector. The updated measures are designed to better balance supply and demand, strengthen adaptation to climate change, simplify and harmonise labelling practices, encourage innovation, increase planting flexibility and boost rural economies through wine tourism.

On 4 December, the Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on a targeted revision of the regulation on products free from deforestation. The aim is to simplify its implementation and focus on reducing administrative burdens while preserving the aims of the regulation.

On 1 December, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He expressed once again his support for the Ukrainian people and his desire to ensure a just and lasting peace. In particular, Emmanuel Macron questioned the legitimacy of the American peace plan, stating that peace guarantees 'cannot be discussed or negotiated without the Ukrainians and without the Europeans being around the table'.

On 4 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides in Kyiv for the first time. They discussed support for Ukraine's accession to the EU, underlining the importance of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026 for progress in the negotiations.

On 2 December, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Dublin. He announced €125 million in financial assistance for Ukraine as part of the 'Ukraine-Ireland Partnership Roadmap 2030'. This agreement contains measures to bring the two countries strategically closer together, including political and security cooperation, the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, cooperation in innovation and education, the creation of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum and cultural cooperation.