Oceania Palau A historic $15 million financing agreement has been signed with Saudi Arabia, marking a shift in how Palua's National Development Bank will now operate, as the loan will be directly invested into building affordable housing
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
Africa Libya In the presence of international football stars, the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi has inaugurated its new stadium, after years of closure during which the facility underwent a process of development and modernisation
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
Africa Niger A national convention was held 15-19 February to map out Niger's long-awaited political transition following the July 2023 coup, set governance priorities and determine transition timeline, set at five years from now; international response was positive
Europe Lithuania A commission to reduce red tape will be established with new body called' Commission for the Elimination of Excessive Business Requirements', chaired by the Prime Minister
Europe Norway Almost 90% of all new car sales in Norway involved electric or hybrid cars last year, and the numbers continued to grow in the new year
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
Europe Malta A total of 45 concerts and around 700 artists will benefit this year from a €1 million fund for Rock'N Malta
Europe Luxembourg 265 falsified sickness certificates were filed last year to Luxembourg's health insurance fund, said the Minister of Health
Europe Russia An ice fishing event held in Brazhnikov Bay of Vladivostok saw the participation of hundreds of people; families gathered for the flounders catching competition in a bright sunny day
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 Kazakhstan Value-added tax rate could be raised from 12% to 16% in a a package of amendments to the draft Tax Code submitted by Kazakhstan's Ministry of National Economy to the lower house of parliament to improve tax administration
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