Europe Switzerland Supermarket chains Coop and Migros are recalling cheese products due to a possible risk of salmonella; contaminated Kräuterbrie soft cheese found at Landbrügg dairy triggered the measure and the dairy's decision to recall its entire product range
Asia Maldives Amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which prohibit the import, sale, free distribution and use of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes in the Maldives, came into force on 15 December; already nine persons have been sanctioned
Europe Latvia The 77th long-awaited annual publication 'Latvian Statistical Yearbook, 2024' is now available free of charge in digital format in Latvian and English, published by the Central Statistical Office
Europe Lithuania Lithuanian emigrants increasingly choose to return from abroad and settle in the country's less populated regions; the State Employment Service has created an interactive map with 50 indicators on housing, employment, education and other issues
Asia Georgia The European Higher Education Quality Assurance Registry suspended the registration of the National Centre for Quality Improvement in Education of Georgia due to violations dating back to 2023
Asia Kyrgyzstan The Bishkek mayor's office has proposed a draft legislation on the introduction of restrictions on the driving hours of vehicles delivering goods to shops and bazaars, especially during peak hours
Asia Kazakhstan Kazakhstani officials discussed the introduction of new digital technologies and artificial intelligence into everyday activities during a government meeting
Europe Malta An estimated 30.000 full- and part-time workers will work in hotels, restaurants and catering facilities throughout the holiday period
Europe Luxembourg Most of bottled waters sold in Luxembourg contain chemicals, a study by an environmental group has found, after previous research had also found pollutants in tap water
Africa Madagascar Madagascar Airlines acquired a new ATR 72-500, part of its fleet renewal Phoenix 2030 Strategy
Africa Liberia Empowerment Squared, together with its local and international partners, officially launched the Liberia Learning Centre in Paynesville, a $2 million state-of-the-art facility
Africa Mauritius Deputy PM has hinted that negotiations with the UK over the Chagos Islands are being held up over the amount of money involved for the UK 99-year lease for Diego Garcia, home to a major UK-US military airbase as per the original October agreement
Oceania Samoa Samoa started celebrating Christmas 13 days before the day itself; in these 13 days, government ministries and other congregations are invited to sing Christmas carols in their own style which are aired on TV
Europe Kosovo Kosovo's electoral commission has banned the country's main Serbian party, Lista Serba, from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for next February