Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/germanys-energy-crisis-looms-dublin-erupts-in-riots-uk-to-carbon-score-its-citizens/
Energy
Germany is experiencing economic challenges due to sanctions against Russia that restrict access to energy resources including gas, nickel, aluminum, and oil. Business leaders have warned that ongoing restrictions, such as cuts to supplies through intermediaries, could result in widespread bankruptcies by the second quarter of 2026. The government has outlined contingency plans that prioritize energy for hospitals and pharmaceuticals, followed by residential use, as concerns grow over inflation and recession in Europe’s largest economy. Former executives at major firms have described the situation as potentially the most severe crisis since World War II, with street protests reported in some areas. German government officials have stated that diversification efforts, including increased renewable energy production and alternative gas supplies, are underway to mitigate these impacts.
The U.S. Department of Energy plans to purchase 1 million barrels of oil for delivery in December and January to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which currently holds about 408 million barrels out of a 700 million barrel capacity. The purchase is funded by a portion of a recent tax and spending law that allocates $171 million for this purpose, as West Texas Intermediate prices trade near $58 per barrel, the lowest since 2021. China is reportedly continuing to stockpile oil, adding an estimated 530,000 barrels per day to its reserves in 2025 through new storage sites under construction by state oil companies, which is supporting global oil prices amid OPEC+ production adjustments. Analysts note that China’s larger-scale reserve expansions, including plans for additional sites by 2026, contrast with the U.S. effort and contribute more significantly to stabilizing global prices.
The Alaska LNG project, valued at $44 billion, is approaching a key milestone with the expected completion of an engineering and cost study for its 800-mile pipeline by December. The joint venture between Glenfarne Group and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation aims to transport North Slope natural gas for domestic use and exports to Pacific allies. Interest from up to 50 companies has been expressed for $115 billion in LNG purchases, with U.S. officials promoting investments from Asian partners such as Japan and South Korea to address trade imbalances. However, potential investors have raised concerns about high costs and logistical challenges associated with the project.
European Politics
A disturbance involving thousands of protesters occurred outside the Citywest Hotel in a Dublin suburb following allegations that a rejected asylum seeker sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in state care. The incident reportedly took place over the weekend near the facility, which the government recently purchased for €148 million to house migrants despite local opposition, including a petition with over 8,000 signatures. Protesters threw bottles, bricks, and fireworks at police and set a van ablaze, leading to the deployment of 300 officers in riot gear and a water cannon; six arrests were made. The suspect, a 26-year-old man from an African country who arrived six years ago and received a deportation order earlier this year, faces charges and required an Arabic interpreter in court. Authorities have condemned the violence as unrepresentative of community sentiment, while some locals have expressed frustration over migrant housing and prior incidents near schools. Officials have cautioned against misinformation regarding the suspect’s status, urging focus on the investigation rather than generalizations about migrants.
Geopolitics
Plans for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest have been canceled, with Trump stating that he sought to avoid a “wasted meeting” due to unresolved differences over Ukraine. A White House official confirmed that no immediate talks are scheduled, following Trump’s earlier indication of discussions within two weeks. Key sticking points reportedly include Russia’s refusal to freeze fighting along the current front line, in contrast to a U.S.-backed proposal supported by Kyiv and European leaders for an immediate ceasefire there. Preparatory talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov took place via phone and were deemed sufficient without an in-person meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that providing long-range weapons to Ukraine could compel Moscow’s engagement, while Russian officials insist on addressing root causes, including sovereignty over eastern regions and Ukrainian demilitarization. Russian spokespeople have described the U.S. ceasefire proposal as insufficient for lasting peace, advocating instead for resolutions to underlying territorial issues.
Economy
OpenAI has announced the launch of its AI-powered web browser, Atlas, initially for macOS, with versions for Windows, iOS, and Android to follow. The browser includes an AI agent for controlling navigation, direct chatting with websites, and conversational access to browsing history, integrated throughout the user experience. With ChatGPT reaching 700 million weekly active users, the development is seen by some analysts as a challenge to Google Chrome’s 64.9% market share and 3.45 billion users, amid a reported decline in Alphabet shares linked to speculation over impacts on search and advertising revenue. Others have expressed skepticism about its immediate threat to established browsers, citing user loyalty and potential privacy issues with AI features.
Precious metals have seen notable declines, with gold dropping more than 5%—its largest decline since August 2020—and silver falling over 7%, the biggest since February 2021. Traders attribute the declines to overbought conditions and the unwinding of speculative positions, including heavy ETF inflows, rather than a specific catalyst. Some claim safe-haven demand for gold has reportedly eased amid anticipated U.S.-China trade discussions and the end of seasonal buying in India. For silver, eased physical market tightness has prompted shipments to London and outflows from Shanghai vaults, narrowing premiums over New York futures. The U.S. government shutdown has suspended key positioning data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which some traders say could increase vulnerability to further corrections. Some market observers suggest the declines may be temporary, with fundamentals like physical market tightness still supporting potential rebounds.
US Politics
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has referred former CIA Director John Brennan to the Justice Department for allegedly making false statements during a May 2023 committee interview regarding the Steele dossier and the CIA’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The referral cites declassified documents showing Brennan’s involvement in including dossier material in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, despite his testimony denying CIA reliance on it and claiming opposition to its use. Jordan’s letter accuses Brennan of willful falsehoods, including overruling senior officers, and references similar issues raised in a 2017 House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing. This action follows a CIA review that documented procedural anomalies in the Trump-Russia probe, highlighting alleged manipulation by Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Brennan has denied the allegations, describing the referral as a partisan effort, while Democrats view it as an attempt to undermine past investigations.
Privacy and Surveillance
UK banks, including NatWest, have introduced “features” in their apps to track the carbon footprint of customer purchases across categories such as groceries, clothing, and transport. The tool provides summaries of CO2 emissions and suggestions, such as renting outfits for occasional use to reduce environmental impact. This development coincides with the government’s rollout of digital ID systems, which enable electronic verification for banking and other services. Reports from organizations including the University of Leeds and C40 Cities outline broader urban consumption goals for 2030, such as reduced meat and dairy intake, limited new clothing items, and minimized private vehicle use, as part of commitments by participating cities to lower emissions. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about data collection in these features, calling for stronger protections alongside their environmental aims.
European Union finance ministers have agreed on a roadmap for a digital euro, a central bank digital currency intended as an alternative to U.S.-based payment systems such as Visa and Mastercard. The European Central Bank initiated a preparation phase in November 2023, with recent compromises including limits on individual holdings and input from national ministers on issuance. Proponents of the digital euro cite goals of reducing reliance on foreign finance and energy, though legislative approval remains pending amid concerns over bank deposits, privacy, and costs. The digital euro would function alongside physical cash, with discussions addressing capital controls and economic independence. Critics have raised unfounded claims of potential asset confiscation, while officials emphasize its role in enhancing financial efficiency and sovereignty.
Sources
Germany’s Economic Meltdown: Chancellor MS Sacrifices Prosperity for Anti-Russia Sanctions
German Chancellor Friedrich MS is ready to sacrifice everything, even the country’s economy, in order to please the interests of Western globalists and the United States.
Source | Submitted by Karl Klein
OpenAI’s Atlas Browser Ignites AI Wars, Rattles Google’s Chrome Throne
Browser Wars Have Begun: OpenAI’s ‘Atlas’ Launch Sparks Anxiety For Alphabet
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Trump Shelves Putin Summit to Avoid ‘Wasted Meeting’ Over Ukraine Ceasefire
I don’t want to have a wasted meeting
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Riot Erupts in Dublin Suburb Over Alleged Rape by Rejected Asylum Seeker
A riot erupted outside an immigration facility in a Dublin suburb on Tuesday, sparked by the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl.
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by Rodster
Precious Metals Plunge: Gold Down 5%, Silver 7% as Market Tightness Eases
Precious metals have been clubbed like a baby seal this morning with Gold down over 5% (biggest drop since Aug 2020)… Silver is doing even worse, down over 7% (biggest drop since Feb 2021)…
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by Blaggers
EU’s Digital Euro: Confiscating Private Accounts to Fund a Phantom War with Russia?
The European Union is planning to cancel paper currency and move to CBDC to carry out confiscation of private accounts to fund their war with Russia.
Source | Submitted by westcoastjan
Trump’s Tiny SPR Top-Up: 1 Million Barrels Amid China’s Massive Oil Stockpile Surge
Trump To Buy Tiny 1 Million Barrels For SPR As China Unleashes Record Oil Stockpiling Spree
Alaska LNG Project Edges Closer to Reality with Pipeline Study Set to Conclude
The proponents of the $44-billion Alaska LNG are expected to complete by the end of the year the crucial engineering and cost study for an 800-mile-long pipeline set to service the export project.
House Judiciary Chair Refers Ex-CIA Director Brennan to DOJ for Lying About Steele Dossier
“All the world can now see the truth: Brennan, Clapper and Comey manipulated intelligence and silenced career professionals — all to get Trump.”
UK Banks Pioneer Carbon Footprint Tracking on Purchases as Digital ID Looms
UK banks are now tracking the carbon footprint of each purchase made by their customers—from groceries to clothes—just as the government rolls out Digital ID.
Riot Ignites in Dublin Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Girl by Asylum Seeker
Outraged by accusations that an asylum-seeker had sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl, thousands of flag-waving, bottle-throwing, firework-wielding Irish citizens surrounded a migrant hotel in southwest Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday night, setting fire to a police vehicle.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Der Spiegel, Global Energy Watch blog, Bloomberg, The Verge, Zero Hedge, EU Financial News, RT, RTE News, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.
He def needs to resign!
Rustad is more retarded than I thought…