Europe Norway Increasing tourists arrivals have led to Parliament approving a new tourist tax starting next summer; local communities will benefit from it, financing the public facilities needed and reducing the tourism industry footprint on nature
Europe Finland The world’s largest operational sand battery storage, holding 2.000 tonnes of crushed soapstone, has been activated in Pornainen; it stores as heat up to 100 megawatt-hours of renewable energy, supplying the local district heating network
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina The BiH embassies in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and Tel Aviv, State of Israel will be temporarily closed following a Presidency decision taken at an extraordinary session; diplomatic relations will be continued from Sarajevo
Europe Serbia The first local elections held after the start of students' protests drew national attention despite involving less than 1% of Serbia electorate: they are an indicator of shifting public opinion; ruling SNS in Kosjeric SNS won by 51 votes on 10.000
Europe Germany Balcony solar systems - small photovoltaic units - are reshaping the look of German cities: their number has doubled within a year and are now around one million, according to Market Master Data Register and estimates by German Solar Industry Association
Europe Bulgaria 18th Sofia Pride was held in Knyaz Alexander I Square with the theme “We are people, not propaganda” in response to growing rhetoric that presents LGBTI rights as a threat; organisers remind that behind every identity and cause stand real individuals
Europe Belgium A veterinary care group is calling on pet owners to add their animals to the blood donation register to cope with the severe shortage of animal blood donors; according to AniCura transfusions help surgery recovery and increase effectiveness of medication
Europe Albania The prolonged pre-trial detention with no formal charges of Erion Veliaj, Tirana Mayor and potential successor of PM Rama, is raising questions about Albania’s judicial practices diverging from European legal standards
Europe Austria A wave of shock is upsetting Austria after a former student, who reportedly had felt bullied, opened fire at his high school killing 10 people and himself, in one of the worst European school shootings ever; he used legally acquired weapons
Europe Portugal The municipal tourist tax charged in the capital Lisbon has brought to the city over 260 million euros in almost 10 years - in 2024 it amounted to nearly 49,51 million euros
Europe Serbia To end months of protests, Serbia’s government latest move is to undermine the cohesion of university professors and their students, as well as to divide the professors themselves
Europe San Marino National tennis team concluded its Davis Cup participation in 6th place within Europe Group IV; women's national team left for Moldova to play Billie Jean King Cup
Europe Hungary To protect local agriculture and the interests of Hungarian farmers, the country introduced a ban on the import of Ukrainian produce and food products