Talking Points

Battle lines drawn at European summit

European leaders meet in Brussels to debate the European Union's budget for the period from 2014-20. The bloc's leading officials want to see funding increased, but nations such as Britain are eager to see deep cuts in line with the austerity measures being implemented in many EU member states. To complicate matters, each of the bloc's 27 members can veto the budget at the summit.
 

Madonna sued in Russian court

A court in St Petersburg hears a US$10.5 million suit against Madonna brought by Russian nationalists who claim that the Like a Virgin singer violated local laws by promoting gay rights during a recent concert. The American pop star's tour to Russia proved highly controversial - she also called for the release of the anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot.
 

Inflation figures to be released

Another indicator of the state of the city's economy emerges with the Census and Statistics Department's release of October consumer price index figures. Year-on-year inflation stood at 3.8 per cent in September, up from 3.7 per cent in August.
 

Ang Lee's latest released

The latest film by Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee hits Hong Kong cinemas. Life of Pi, based on the Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name, tells the story of an Indian boy named Piscine Patel who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with only a menagerie of animals for company. Lee's previous hits span China and the United States, including Oscar winners Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain. It's the first Lee film to be released in 3-D.
 

Housing strategy group holds meeting

The group tasked with plotting a housing strategy for the city will hold a meeting. The Long-Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee, chaired by Transport and Housing Secretary Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, will review the changing housing needs and priorities of the community, and recommend measures to address them. It is expected to issue a report next year.
 

Serbian soccer thugs in spotlight

Violence and racism by Serbian soccer fans is in the spotlight at a disciplinary meeting called by Uefa, the game's governing body for Europe. Serbian authorities will be called to account for a torrent of racist abuse against black players during an under-21 international against England. Players were pelted with missiles as they left the field, prompting calls for Serbia to be banned from the international game.