Rory McIlroy has been named Sports Personality of the Year after a standout season on tour. The award recognises his sustained excellence, consistency and leadership in golf, rounding off a year that reaffirmed his status among the sport’s elite.

European intelligence says a hostile state is targeting EU finance chiefs and politicians to derail plans to use profits from frozen central bank assets. Leaders will decide whether to proceed, with legal backing and guarantees for Euroclear under discussion.

Britain will rejoin the Erasmus programme, restoring EU student exchanges. Ministers plan to widen access, including apprentices and those from lower‑income backgrounds. Grants and fee waivers are expected, with placements across Europe resuming from 2027, aiding a practical reset with Brussels.

Sydney residents held a dawn vigil at Bondi after an incident that killed 15 people. Flowers and tributes lined the beach as the community supported survivors and bereaved families. Authorities are investigating and have urged calm, patience and solidarity.