Iceland 

Birnir was the most popular name given to newborns in Iceland in 2023 (30 male babies), while Emilía was the most popular name given to baby girls, according to data published by Registers Iceland

The new mayor of Reykjavík, Einar Þorsteinsson, defended the right of Palestinian protesters to gather in Austurvöllur Square, in front of the Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament, adding that the protest was peaceful and the cause is sympathetic to everyone

Displaced residents of Grindavík gathered at the Laugardalshöll sports facility in Reykjavík to discuss the future of the city and demand intervention by the authorities, with government ministers, scientists and civil servants also participating

Experts agree that volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula has ceased, although an official statement marking the end of the eruption is still awaited

Damage to homes and infrastructure in Grindavík could amount to 10 billion Icelandic kroner ($71,4 million), according to Iceland's director of natural catastrophe insurance

Reykjavík City Council approved a 3-year pilot project to delay school start times for teens: from autumn 2024, classes will begin no earlier than 8.50AM; this is the result of studies on teen sleep duration linking mental health decline and sleep deficit

There will be no compulsory schooling for children in Grindavík: they may attend school in the community where their family currently resides or attend one of several 'community schools' throughout Reykjavík

Over 400 Icelandic doctors have signed a petition calling on the government to denounce Israel for its attacks on Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire

A powerful seismic swarm started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on the night of 24 October, just north of the city of Grindavík; since then, more than 7.000 earthquakes have been detected in the area, including a M5,0 earthquake on 27 October

MAST, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, will be equipped with its own vessels and an increase in staff to better monitor fish farms