Europe France A national plan to combat infertility will be launched soon, announced Health Minister before a National Assembly fact-finding mission on the declining birth rate; starting in 2026, French citizens aged 29 will receive a message on reproductive health
Europe Switzerland Swiss public transport is undergoing a historic reorganisation: timetables changes, four-track extension on the Basel-Olten line will be operative, new night trains between Bern and Winterthur will run at weekends and Zurich's tram network will evolve
Europe Sweden The Administrative Court has stopped all planned licensed wolf hunting in 2026 in all five counties where hunting was supposed to begin on January 2; hunters associations oppose the decision and Minister for Rural Affairs doubts about its application
Europe Germany Black and Muslim people are highly discriminated against on the real estate market in Germany; according to a new study, even having a foreign-sounding name can lead to fewer apartment viewings
Europe Bulgaria PM Rosen Zhelyazkov has resigned after a vote of no confidence in parliament, following a series of mass street protests first against 2026 controversial budget, then scrapped, and lately against alleged corruption of minority centre-right government
Europe Ukraine Deputy PM Taras Kachka visited Israel, the highest official since 2022; press reports he was satisfied with bilateral ties: with a change in Jerusalem’s stance on the war with Russia, Ukraine is looking to Israel as a model for navigating US pressure
Europe North Macedonia Activists have been participating in the annual, UN-backed 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign; this year there has been more urgency following four femicides in the small North Macedonia, largerly debated
Europe Spain Madrid has been named Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards, securing the title ahead of rivals including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Athens and Milan
Europe Poland Sting will headline TVP’s flagship New Year’s Eve show in Katowice this year; the Polish public broadcaster said the 74-year-old former frontman of The Police will perform a live set at 7:50 p.m. at the Spodek Arena alongside notable Polish artists
Europe Norway Only one film won more Golden Globe nominations this week than the popular and critically acclaimed Norwegian film Sentimental Value; its eight nominations set a record in Norway, and the film’s Norwegian star was thrilled.
Europe Netherlands Canadian company Cronos has acquired for €57,5 million Canadelaar, the largest legal cannabis producer in the Netherlands, supplying government’s regulated cannabis experiment; it is the first time a foreign investor has taken over a Dutch cannabis grower
Europe Vatican City The Institution for Works of Religion IOR released its first Sustainability and ESG Report, aligning with the highest international reporting principles for financial institutions and moving to an economic model consistent with Catholic ethical principles
Europe Romania Water supply has been restored in Prahova County's all 13 towns and communes that had been left without drinking water for over a week due to problems at the Paltinu Dam; however, water may only be used for hygiene purposes until tests are completed