Europe – Page 379 – Prologue Journal

European Central Bank Leaves Rates Unchanged as Price Pressures Ease

New York Times Although the inflation rate has fallen to 2.4 percent, the bank said economic growth was expected to remain “subdued” in the short term. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/business/european-central-bank-interest-rates.html

Hungary’s Orban May Hold Up Aid for Ukraine at EU Leaders’ Meeting

New York Times The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, has suggested he will block both financial support and membership talks for Ukraine. There are workarounds on aid, but they are cumbersome. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/eu-ukraine-hungary-aid.html

Greta Gerwig, ‘Barbie’ Director, to Head Cannes Film Festival Jury

New York Times The director and writer behind “Barbie,” “Little Women” and “Lady Bird” will help pick the winner of next year’s Palme d’Or, the festival’s main prize. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/movies/greta-gerwig-cannes-jury.html

Putin to Give Annual News Conference in Russia on Thursday

New York Times In what is usually a marathon news conference, the Russian leader is almost certain to talk about the war in Ukraine, and he will take some questions, albeit in a closely controlled setting. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/putin-speech-russia.html

Thursday Briefing

New York Times An agreement at the U.N. climate summit. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/briefing/climate-summit-israel-ukraine.html

Britain’s dangerous game of constitutional hardball

New York Times In seeking to override the U.K.’s highest court, Rishi Sunak’s government is following other nations in a trend that can damage democracy, experts say. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/world/europe/sunak-rwanda-constitutional-hardball.html

Michael Blakemore, Single-Season Double Tony Winner for Directing, Dies at 95

New York Times Acclaimed in Britain, he had the unique distinction of winning awards for best musical and best play in 2000, for his Broadway revival of “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Copenhagen.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/theater/michael-blakemore-dead.html

Germany Reaches a Budget With Promises on Ukraine

New York Times The government avoided extra borrowing for 2024, but must make cuts in programs to address climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/business/germany-budget.html

With a New Leader, Poland Prepares for a Course Change in Europe

New York Times Prime Minister Donald Tusk is sworn in and vows to try to invigorate flagging European support for Ukraine and push for “full mobilization” against Russia’s military assault. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/world/europe/donald-tusk-poland-eu.html

Ukraine Faces Critical Tests as It Duels With Russia for Stamina

New York Times With Western support for Kyiv softening and Congress holding up urgently needed aid, Vladimir Putin’s bet on outlasting Ukraine and its allies is looking stronger. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/world/europe/ukraine-under-pressure-russia.html