Europe

Tax and price changes that came into force in 2026 affecting consumers, income taxation and social support include a rise in prices of tobacco, nicotine products, and alcohol, while minor relief is expected in food, fuel and medical costs

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, who in 2018 made public she’d been diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, may need to undergo a lung transplant, for which the national hospital is preparing

UK's Stock Exchange index FTSE 100 on the first trading session of 2026 ended higher than the 10.000 points mark for the first time, on a wave of optimism driven by AI boom lifting sentiment and global markets

Dozens of patients were treated on New Year's Eve in Skopje for injuries sustained from accidents, falls, fireworks, alcohol and firearms, but no traffic accidents were recorded in town probably thanks to the Safe City system

The Order of the Falcon, Iceland's highest national honor established in 1921 and awarded twice a year, has been confered on fourteen Icelanders on New Year’s Day; for the first time the Office of the President announced number of recipients in advance

The number of families waiting for social housing in Brussels Region has risen from 50.000 to over 59.000 in one year; waiting time for securing social housing in the capital ranges from nine to thirteen years, depending on the type of housing requested

Despite concern pervading the business community in 2025, for reasons that include tariffs, increasing inflation, rising unemployment, higher pension contributions, warnings about profitability, sentiment for 2026 is resilient and even positive

New fares for public transport in Paris are taking effect today, impacting one of the most extensive and reliable networks; the average +2,3% hike includes Metro-Train-RER tickets, Bus-Tram tickets, airport tickets, the Navigo Week and Month passes

Two ministerial decrees foster safety and order during the busiest nights of the festive season: limits on fireworks possession leave room only to official pyrotechnical shows and security obligations for nightlife venues are strengthened

The Italian-San Marino Cross-Border Workers Association obtained the inclusion in the 2026 budget of a motion addressing the issue of double taxation that has penalized retired workers in the border area for years

Russia's main stock market index, the MOEX, rose to 2765 points on yesterday 30 December 2025; over the past month the index has climbed 2,92%, though it remains 2,23% lower than a year ago, according to benchmark index trackings from Russia

Hotels across Portugal’s Alentejo region are close to full for New Year celebrations, with occupancy rates expected to exceed 90%, according to the president of the Regional Tourism Authority, Turismo do Alentejo