Europe Montenegro Montenegro will be first country to join the European Union under the new safeguards designed to ensure all new members uphold agreed democratic standards, preventing backsliding on the bloc’s values
Europe Spain Thousands of supporters flocked to the Barcelona on Sunday 31 August pier to salute the departing Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid for Israeli-blockaded Gaza; the convoy was then forced to return to port due to storm and set sails again this week
Europe Albania MEK, Mujahedin-e-Khalq, or People’s Mujahedin of Iran,an exiled Iranian opposition group with around 2.500 members hosted in Albania is under investigation on suspicion of cybercrime and inciting war, though committed to refrain from political activities
Asia Kyrgyzstan Volume of pharmaceutical production in Kyrgyzstan in the first 7 months of 2025 has increased by 2,4 times on 2024 figures, driving the country's industrial production growth compared to January–July 2024
Africa Niger Women of the collective "Keki Bon Sé" in Dosso are building their financial empowerment through the processing and marketing of peanut-based products, an income-generating activity that is booming in this area of Niger and throughout the country
Oceania Tonga An official tree planting ceremony at the St George Building recognised Tonga's commitment to hosting the Pacific Resilience Facility, during a visit of a technical mission from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Europe Portugal The derailment of Gloria funicular, one of Lisbon landmarks, at evening's rush hour, resulted in at least 15 casualties and a number of injured, including locals and foreigners; the city's other funicular railways have been shut for inspections
Asia Thailand Thailand faces renewed political turmoil after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s removal by the Constitutional Court over alleged misconduct; His ouster deepens instability, fueling uncertainty ahead of possible early elections
Asia Singapore Singapore announced it will host the World Bank’s ICSID Investment Disputes Centre first office outside the United States; the new hub will handle investor-state arbitration cases in the region and provide related training
Asia China Over 12.000 Chinese troops participated in the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II; the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea have appeared in public together for the first time
Africa Zambia Thousands of University of Zambia students were hosted at State House and introduced their newly elected student leadership for the academic year; President Hichilema emphasized that education remains a cornerstone of his development agenda
Europe Sweden The 'cultural canon', or the list deemed to define what it means to be Swedish, was unveiled; part of the election manifesto of the right-wing and nationalist parties, it includes Pippi Longstocking, IKEA and the Nobel Prize, but not the Abba
Asia United Arab Emirates The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre launched a major initiative giving readers access to over 30.000 digital libraries worldwide to promote reading and expand Arabic publications; OverDrive platform for e-book and audiobook is the technology partner
Asia Jordan Electronic passports have been launched; citizens can apply through the Sanad App or at Civil Status and Passport Department offices, application follows the usual procedures and fees and current passports will remain valid until their expiry date