Europe

A rare hoverfly, unseen in Belgium for over a century, was discovered in Averbode; the fact is even more noteworthy because two related species, the 'bijlsprietje' and the 'duinheidedwerg', were also found in the same area

With a +31,67% peak in tourist arrivals and a 25,03% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year, in 2024 BiH recorded its highest tourist results ever

The number of smokers in Croatia is rising: a new study shows that 37% of people used tobacco products in January, +4% compared to the same month two years ago

Denmark will increase its defense spending from 2,37% of gross domestic product in 2024 to 3,2% of GDP for the next two years

The Slovenian Forest Service will close pheasant and partridge breeding operations in Beltinci, in the northeast, by May 1, marking the closure of the last such breeding facility in the country

Sir Keir Starmer would be “ready and willing” to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine to enforce any peace deal; it is the first time the Prime Minister has explicitly said he is considering deploying British peacekeepers to the country

The Diversand association has called for the Ministry of Health to make the gender transition protocol public and thus provide answers to approximately 25 people, both adults and minors, who are currently waiting for specific regulations

For the second year running, Monaco has secured the podium position in the European Best Destinations ranking, earning the accolade of 'Europe's must-see destination of 2025'

Montenegro and Albania could conclude negotiations for EU membership in 2026 or 2027 if it were only technical aspects in the talks; the new EU Enlargement Commissioner reminded decisions are made by the 27 member states

Over a third of the population of northern Macedonia, or 35,2% are thinking of emigrating, according to a new public opinion survey conducted by the Institute for Policy Research in Skopje

The fight against organised crime in Albania has intensified and the authorities have seized millions of illicit assets, but the management of these properties is proving difficult, raising fears that they could return to criminal control

143.936 large families have opened deposit accounts in Belarus under the family capital programme as of 1 February 2025

Brigitte Haas's Union of the Fatherland won over 38% of the votes in the elections; the country will have its first female head of government