Africa eSwatini 11 000 jobs have been added in 2023-25; though it may appear as a positive development for Eswatini’s economy, economists fear that Eswatini’s labour market is expanding in low-productivity jobs rather than sectors building long-term economic security
Europe Hungary 2024 was the second most successful year in the history of the Hungarian economy in terms of stimulating investment, with 4 trillion forints (€9,6 billion), announced the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Europe Ireland U2 frontman Bono was awarded the Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden; he paid tribute to his bandmates and fellow activists as he became the first Irish recipient of the highest US civilian honour since Mary Robinson, awarded by Barack Obama in 2009
Europe Croatia HaHaHouse was opened on Gajeva Street in Zagreb, on International Laughter Day, and is the first museum in the world dedicated exclusively to laughter; over 40 different installations and exhibitions combine humour, art and technology
Africa Cameroon Authorities must stop with the harassment of Alice Nkom, a lawyer well known for her advocacy towards decriminalization of homosexuality, and attacks on civil society organisations, said Amnesty International's regional directorate West and Central Africa
Europe Andorra The start of negotiations on the Andorran Health Service (SAAS) collective agreement continues to be postponed due to the provisional situation of the SAAS works council, awaiting renovation; backlog at negotiating table already amounts to almost 2 months
Europe Belarus A ceremony presided by President Lukashenko marked the transition of Minsk's water supply system to underground artesian wells
Europe Finland Greenhouse gas emissions have diminished significantly in 2024 because of the decrease in the use of fossil fuels in energy production, lower transport emissions and the impact of less intensive deforestation according to Etla Economic Research
Europe Denmark The 'Greenland Issue' has taken center stage in international attention; as Danish PM wishes to speak to Donald Trump on the matter, the press focuses on the legal options available, saying Greenland can declare independence but cannot be ceded to US
America Dominican Republic Business unions express concern over Senate approval of an amendment to the Integrated Management and Co-Processing of Solid Waste Act, saying there was no adequate public consultation and fair representation in discussions by the productive sectors
Africa Burundi 50 postgraduate students pursuing a master's degree at the University of Burundi were awarded a scholarship by the Chinese ambassadors, calling the initiative 'a strong sign of international solidarity and a strategic investment'.
Asia Georgia A fact-finding mission to Tbilisi will be conducted by the Assembly of Council of Europe on 14-16 Jan to assess Georgia's compliance with obligations and commitments as member state of Council of Europe upon political crisis and suspension of negotiations
Africa Ivory Coast The Hôpital Mère-Enfant in Bingerville, near Abidjan, has confirmed the success of the country's very first operation to separate Siamese twins
Africa Namibia The heavy rains that have hit the country in recent weeks are bringing benefits to the water reserves; Namibia Water Corporation confirmed that the main dams have seen a significant increase of water levels