Asia Syria Germany's Ministry of Transport lifted the landing ban and normalized passenger traffic with Syria from 27 July 2026, thus opening to direct flights Düsseldorf-Damascus today 29 July, Berlin Brandenburg-Damascus and Cologne/Bonn-Aleppo on 1 August
Europe Lithuania A presidential election in Lithuania will be held on May 12, the country’s parliament decided; last spring, the Seimas had announced that a referendum on the legalisation of multiple citizenship would also be held on May 12
Asia Turkey The Ministry of Commerce changed the regulation on price labelling, making it compulsory to display fares and price lists in conspicuous places for consumers in restaurants, cafés and bakeries as of today 1 January 2024
Asia Azerbaijan 2024 has been declared as the Green World Solidarity Year in Azerbaijan; President Ilham Aliyev said that "this decision has been adopted in order to enhance international solidarity in the global effort against climate change"
Europe Hungary The Budapest100 programme, which will take place from 9 to 12 May 2024, will showcase the diverse architectural heritage of the 1970s and initiate a debate on its appreciation and possible future
Europe Kosovo Long-awaited EU visa liberalization scheme allowing Kosovo nationals to travel without a visa comes into force today January, 1 2024; Kosovars can travel to the passport-free Schengen zone without a visa for periods of up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Asia Japan Japan Airlines is preparing to launch its first direct flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Doha, Qatar, from 31 March 2024, becoming the first Japanese airline to provide a non-stop service to the Middle East
Oceania Tonga The country will host its first Super Rugby match in May 2024, with Moana Pasifika and Highlanders clashing at Teufaiva Stadium
Europe Albania Voltalia, an international operator in renewable energies, has started production of its 140 MW solar project, in Fier district in southern Albania; the Karavasta plant will be able to generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of 220.000 people
Asia Kyrgyzstan During the best performing nine months of 2023, the country exported 9,9 tons of gold, or which 8 tons exported to Switzerland
Africa Comoros The teachers' strike and the price of vanilla were the two main topics discussed at the last weekly ministerial meeting; the government also presented a summary of all projects implemented in the country
Oceania Fiji David Group Fiji's casino project manager, Sandeep Singh, said the $2 billion casino project would be detached from the local community, as Fijians will not be allowed in, to prevent the local community from being exposed to gambling
Africa Cape Verde The resolution establishing taxi fares in the municipality of Santa Catarina do Fogo was unanimously approved by the municipality's elected representatives during the 10th ordinary session of the Municipal Assembly
America Venezuela The US has released an ally of President Maduro’s in exchange for 10 Americans, signaling a diplomatic shift amid improved relations and commitments, though facing criticism for potential leniency towards Maduro and its impact on future negotiations