A decade after the Euromaidan protests, Ukraine's future in the European Union remains uncertain, with a decision expected at an upcoming Brussels summit. The 2013 protests were sparked by then-President Viktor Yanukovych's pivot towards Russia, leading to a revolution and subsequent Russian aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and a separatist war. Ukraine, now led by a pro-Western government, has paid a high price for its European aspirations, facing a full-scale war with Russia. European leaders will soon decide on initiating formal EU accession negotiations, a move supported by Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and European Council President Charles Michel. Analyst Olga Tokariuk emphasizes the importance of integrating Ukraine into the EU and NATO for peace in Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos to increase military aid to Ukraine, warning of the risk of Russia extending aggression to other nations. Kyiv is concerned that the war in Ukraine is losing prominence on the global stage.

Human Rights Watch's annual report describes 2023 as a difficult year marked by human rights oppression, particularly highlighting the suffering in Ukraine and Gaza. The organization criticizes selective outrage by countries, alleging war crimes by Israel in Gaza, and collective punishment by the Israel Defense Forces. It also addresses conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar's military junta's campaign against ethnic minorities, and atrocities in the Sahel region of Africa. The report condemns the persecution of women under the Taliban and accuses some countries, including India, Rwanda, and China, of targeting their citizens abroad. It praises institutions like the ICC for issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Brazilian Supreme Court's decision affirming indigenous land rights.

Human Rights Watch, in its annual report, has accused Israel of war crimes and noted that many governments express 'selective outrage' over crimes committed in the Gaza conflict.

Delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos face daunting global challenges such as worsening conflicts and climate change, a weak global economy, concerns over artificial intelligence technology, and attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The greatest short-term risk identified is disinformation, which could impact global elections and threaten democratic processes, leading to further social polarization and potential unrest. The summit occurs against the backdrop of major wars in Ukraine and Gaza, with key political and business leaders in attendance. Critics highlight the growing wealth gap, while organizers emphasize the importance of dialogue between political and business leaders to find solutions to global challenges.

Maersk group has halted all cargo shipments through the Red Sea due to increased attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. These attacks are part of the Houthis' efforts to support Hamas in its conflict with Israel.

In 2023, NATO welcomed Finland as its 31st member following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Sweden's application is pending, Ukraine faces significant challenges in its bid to join the Western military alliance.

The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022, and during the upcoming European Council summit in Brussels on December 14-15, EU heads of state will decide whether to initiate formal membership negotiations with Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized Ukraine's commitment to reforms required by the EU. Hungary's government, however, has threatened to veto Ukraine's candidacy and an associated EU aid package, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto questioning the EU's assessment of Ukraine's reforms. The summit will also welcome Poland's new Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who aims to improve relations with Brussels and support Ukraine. Additionally, the EU will consider new sanctions against Russia and discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict, including potential sanctions against Israeli settlers committing violence in the occupied West Bank.

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28 in Dubai, addressed the impact of climate change on public health for the first time, highlighting concerns that global warming could escalate the risk of deadly diseases.

Finland has closed its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, alleging that Moscow is sending asylum-seekers over the border as a hybrid attack in response to Finland's intention to join NATO. Russia has denied these allegations.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, commenced in Dubai with scientists issuing warnings about the imminent risk of irreversible and catastrophic climate change. The conference is highlighted as a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat climate change.

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is threatening to block a $50 billion EU aid package for Ukraine and veto Kyiv's EU membership bid. EU Council President Charles Michel met with Orban to discuss the issue ahead of a summit where EU leaders will consider Ukraine's accession. Hungary's Fidesz party has launched anti-EU campaigns, including personal attacks on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU has withheld $24 billion from Hungary over rule of law concerns. Analysts suggest Orban's stance could harm Hungary's economy and note Ukraine's reluctance to negotiate with Russia until its forces leave Ukrainian territory.

The right-wing, anti-Islam Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders won the highest number of seats in the Dutch snap election, sending political shock waves across Europe. Despite the victory, Geert Wilders may face challenges in forming a government.

Human rights groups accuse Spanish police of incorrectly classifying child migrants from West Africa as adults. This misclassification is occurring amid a surge in migration to Spain's Canary Islands, which increases the risks for the affected children.

The number of migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands has surged, with over 32,000 arrivals this year, the highest since 2006. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns that child migrants are being misclassified as adults by Spanish authorities, which puts them at risk and denies them the protections and opportunities afforded to minors. The case of 15-year-old Moussa Camara, who survived an 11-day sea journey only to be wrongly classified as an adult, highlights the issue. Amnesty International's Virginia Alvarez reported that child migrants are being held in adult detention centers without proper protection. Local authorities in the Canary Islands are overwhelmed and criticize the Spanish central government and the EU for not providing sufficient support or addressing the root causes of migration. Amnesty is urging for proper screening of child migrants and safer routes for refugees.

Over 60 world leaders, business executives, and campaigners will convene at the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the World Economic Forum's annual meeting to discuss global challenges such as conflicts, climate change, a weak global economy, and the impacts of artificial intelligence. The forum's Global Risks Report 2024 identifies misinformation and climate change as significant short-term and long-term risks, respectively. High-profile attendees include Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Critics argue that the summit does not effectively address growing global inequality, while organizers emphasize the importance of dialogue between political and business leaders to address the world's challenges.