Europe France Six departments in France, including Lyon and Cannes, are on red alert as "exceptional rain" causes severe flooding with up to 630 mm of rain in just 48 hours, vehicles have been submerged and swept away, prompting evacuations and road closures
Europe Vatican City Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta; he dedicated his last Easter Urbi et Orbi message to calling for peace worldwide, for global disarmament and the release of prisoners
Europe Belgium A railway workers' strike will take place from 22:00 on 27 April until 22:00 on 4 May, the second called by the rail union after a week-long strike disrupted service at the end of March; workers are denouncing retirement reforms and working conditions
Europe Moldova Authorities have pledged to overhaul the care system for fragile persons after an investigation into the country’s 5 institutions for people with disabilities uncovered widespread exploitation, violence and sexual abuse by staff against the residents
Europe North Macedonia Dojran Lake a unique wetland reserve laying 64% in NM and 36% in Greece, at its peak spawning season, is protected against illegal fishing by Greece authorities with drones and patrols while NM authorities aren't taking action
Europe Lithuania The Constitutional Court ruled that the 'the institution of partnership', as now defined in Lithuania's Civil Code, is unconstitutional because it only provides for a union between a man and a woman, excluding same-sex relationships
Europe Latvia Construction of Rail Baltica Riga Central Station complex has been resumed thanks to funds from the European Union's Recovery Facility; the building should be completed by August 2026 and would start serving rail passengers in the summer of 2027
Europe Estonia 189,5 million eggs were produced in Estonia in 2024, +6% compared to 2023 and the average annual egg production was 138 eggs per person, while consumption per person was 259 eggs, including imported eggs
Europe Luxembourg Ten of Luxembourg’s most promising startups have been selected to compete in the Startup World Cup, a prestigious global competition organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures; the winner will access the San Francisco challenge against 100+ global competitors
Europe United Kingdom The Supreme Court ruled that trans women do not fall within the legal definition of women under UK's equality legislation; the landmark judgment says the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, a blow to campaigners for transgender rights
Europe Slovakia While Slovak president condemned Russian strike on Sumy and urged to make pressure for peace, the parliament refused to sign the international document condemning Russia for those deadly attacks
Europe Russia The 47th Moscow International Film Festival MIFF, one of the oldest in the world having had its first edition in 1935, will open in Moscow tomorrow 17 April; ending on 24 April, it will display dozens of international works including five from Iran
Europe Belarus Belarus is moving to boost bilateral air transport cooperation with Iran; plans include the launch of direct flights between Tehran and Minsk, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said