Trump describes Europe's leaders as 'weak' and countries as 'decaying'

Friday, December 12, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.

Nato's secretary general, Mark Rutte, has said Europe must prepare for war with Russia 'like our grandparents endured', meanwhile Trump plans to break up the EU and Shabana Mahmood wins Tony Blair's approval for next Labour leader.

Top stories

1 | Europe must prepare for war with Russia, warns Nato secretary general

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2 | Blair gives Mahmood stamp of approval amid Labour leadership speculation

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3 | Trump plans to break up EU by 'pulling four MAGA allies' out of bloc

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4 | Charlie Kirk's accused killer makes first in-person court appearance

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5 | Time unveils its person of the year and it's the driving force looking to replace humans

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Editors' picks

'Madness not to': Why readers back a return to EU customs union

I am a Reform voter but not, nor ever have been, a Brexiteer. It was obvious to all that the best interests of our country were served by being in the EU, and it was maddening that so many failed to see this. Yes, the EU was a mess and is still in need of desperate reform, but us running away was never the answer.

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