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Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – European Council President Antonio Costa says Europe cannot accept any attempt by the United States to meddle in its politics, after Washington published a new security strategy sharply criticising the continent’s policies. “What we cannot accept is this threat of interference in European political life,” Costa says, adding that “the United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing which parties are good and which are bad.”

Indonesia (AFP) – Rescue workers in Pidie Jaya, Sumatra, have drafted in a team of elephants to help clear debris in the wake of severe flooding. At least 961 people have died in the affected parts of Indonesia, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency, after Southeast and South Asia were pummelled by monsoon rains and tropical storms.

Michendorf (Germany) (AFP) – Although Christmas is still a few weeks away, Santa is already being kept busy at festive events across the world: from skiing in Switzerland to camel riding in Pakistan.

Melbourne (AFP) – Parents and children express their mixed views on Australia’s imminent ban for under-16s to join social media, which will come into effect on December 10. Australia’s world-first legislation will apply to the most popular social media platforms and websites, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. There is keen interest in whether Australia’s sweeping restrictions can work as regulators around the globe wrestle with the potential dangers of social media.

Benin’s interior minister says that the army has thwarted an attempted coup by a group of soldiers who said they had ousted President Patrice Talon. “A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” says Alassane Seidou, adding that the army’s response “ensured control of the situation and foiled the attempt”.

Hundreds of people dressed as Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas gather to ski in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier, celebrating the start of the season.

In Belfast, the battle between technology and tradition is playing out at an artists’ market. Organisers of the annual Christmas fair have banned AI-generated artwork, insisting on “human creativity” as artificial intelligence floods the art world.

Dakar (AFP) – The traditional runway is replaced by pirogues ferrying models between Dakar and the island of Ngor at Dakar fashion week. “The theme was the ocean, the magic of the sea and fashion combined,” says Senegales fashion designer and organiser Adama Paris. 

Mexico City (AFP) – Hundreds of thousands of supporters fill Mexico City’s Zocalo Square to support President Claudia Sheinbaum during the seventh anniversary of the Morena party. IMAGES

Doha (AFP) – Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa warns that Israel’s demand for a demilitarised zone in southern Syria would endanger his country, as Israeli forces continue to operate in the area. US President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a security pact between Israel and Syria, has told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership.

London (AFP) – Activists from a little-known, self-proclaimed civil resistance group called Take Back Power throw food — purportedly apple crumble and custard — at a display case containing Britain’s priceless Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. London police say four people were arrested following the incident.

Riad (AFP) – In Riyadh, women in niqabs and men in traditional white robes sip alcohol-free pints, with no expectation of a hangover. The incongruous scene signals the changes under way in the conservative kingdom, which is home to Islam’s holiest sites, while gently prodding at deep-seated taboos. Booze has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952.