Europe Czech Republic Almost half of Czech citizens believe that the current defence spending of 2% of GDP is sufficient and only 6% would voluntarily join the army if the Czech Republic or a NATO ally were attacked, according to a recent poll
Europe Montenegro The Montenegrin parliament voted to open an investigation and form a commission of enquiry into the role of state authorities in the politically motivated murders and attacks on journalists since the 1990s
Africa Algeria A new viral hashtag marking popular discontent #Manich_Radhi - "I am not happy, satisfied" -has been shared by thousands of Algerians despite a new crackdown on social media that brought to dozens of arrests in recent weeks
America Cuba The NGO Amnesty International accused the Cuban government of 'irregularities' and 'lack of transparency' in the process of releasing 553 prisoners, announced following the agreement between Washington and Havana
Asia East Timor The One Stop Shop was opened in the municipality of Liquiça; it is an initiative of the Government, through the Ministry of State Administration to modernise and improve the provision of public services to citizens
Oceania Papua New Guinea Arnold Amet has been appointed as the new ambassador to the United States; his endorsement, that came both from King Charles III and US President Donald Trump, marks a step in strengthening relations between the countries
Oceania Palau The Senate is again considering a proposal to lift the ban on the export of reef fish, with a bill that would allow limited shipments abroad of certain species for personal use
Africa Burkina Faso Burkina, with Mali and Niger, launched the common flag of the Confederation of Sahel States; the green background symbolises hope and prosperity, rebirth and renewal
Europe Latvia 111 people died in road accidents in Latvia in 2024, the lowest number since the country regained independence in 1991, according to information gathered by the State Police
Europe Austria After more than 40 years, the deposit for reusable glass bottles has been increased earlier this month from 9 cents (previously 1,2 Schillings) to 20 cents; brewery products are the most commonly sold in glass bottles
Africa Madagascar The World Bank has called for Madagascar to unleash private investment to increase and improve energy access on the island; the country has set the target of achieving 80% access to electricity by 2030
Africa Lesotho For the financial year 2025/2026 the budget presented by the Minister of Finance foresees a total expenditure of 65% of the GDP, reflecting commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth
Asia Kyrgyzstan Only one third of the teachers in private universities speak English at the required level, violating the obligation to teach English to foreign students, said the head of the department for monitoring the implementation of the resolutions
Europe Malta A total of 45 concerts and around 700 artists will benefit this year from a €1 million fund for Rock'N Malta