Europe Czech Republic The proposed law on public service media would change the funding model of Czech Television and Radio from licence fees to state budget financing and has become a highly debated issue from all sides over concerns over a potential loss of independence
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Six cruise ships docked simultaneously on 26 December bringing a total of 11.334 passengers to the island that was bustling with activity as it welcomed one of the largest influxes of visitors in its history
Europe Portugal Hotel occupancy on New Year's Eve in Madeira is expected to be around 100%, according to the Secretariat of Economy, Tourism and Culture; “a reflection of the continuous effort to promote the region” according to stakeholders
Asia Bangladesh Inland water transport strike disrupted Bangladesh supply chain: crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, over 80% of its cargo imported in bulk is delivered at sea and transported through waterways to its destination
Asia North Korea The first high-quality photos of a new warship currently under construction have been revealed by Korean Central Television, indicating that it is likely to be the largest in the navy and will be equipped with a missile launch system
Africa Algeria Over 4.000 detainees have been pardoned this year by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to mark the 70th anniversary of the independence war with France; Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi was also freed thanks to the initiative
Africa Equatorial Guinea More than two thousand boys and girls in the provincial capital of Centro Sur received the surprise of the 'One Toy, One Illusion' campaign by Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea
Africa Cape Verde The government said it had revoked the concession to Hong Kong-listed casino services company Macau Legend Development Ltd to develop and operate a casino
Africa Tunisia Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi has been released from Guantanamo Bay prison camp: the Tunisian detainee has never been charged with any crime and has been held for nearly 23 years, since the day the facility opened
America Paraguay The Senate approved a controversial bill imposing strict controls on NGOs who risk their autonomy, resources, and ability to defend human rights; Amnesty International urged the lower house to reject the proposal for violating international norms
America Peru An oil spill off northern Peru is threatening marine biodiversity near the Tropical Sea Reserve of Grau; cleanup efforts are facing criticism as the spill spreads, raising concerns for one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems
Asia Jordan Latest report by Ipsos found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism, as 69% believe the coming year will be better personally and 55% expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future
Africa Senegal PM Sonko said the government would submit legislation to repeal a law by former president Sall that granted amnesty for deadly political violence just before March 2024 elections, a mean to calm protests sparked by his last-minute vote postponement
Europe North Macedonia The country in 2024 saw political change fuel fears of return to ethnic strife as the country’s biggest ethnic Albanian party, long used to power, was relegated to opposition benches and may stir up ethnic tension in a bid to regain its lost status