Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
Europe France France is the most fertile country in the European Union, despite reaching an all-time low in terms of fertility in 2024, with 1,62 children per woman, compared to 1,4 for the European average
Asia Iran Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not seeking 'nuclear weapons' and warned US President-elect Donald Trump against risking a 'war' with the Islamic Republic
Asia Lebanon Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appointed the head of the International Court of Justice, Nawaf Salam, as Prime Minister, a position vacant for two years due to Lebanon's political stalemate
Europe Switzerland Johnson & Johnson plans to reduce its workforce in Switzerland, as the Company goes through reorganization and the business must adapt to a "complex and rapidly changing external environment"
America Antigua and Barbuda A call to save 60 gallons of drinking water per person to cover basic needs for at least three days has been issued by the Water Business Unit faced with temporary reduction in water production and foreseeing possible disruptions
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina With the adoption of the decision on the minimum wage in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025, the child allowance will increase from the previous 117 BAM (60€) to 190 BAM (90€) per child
Asia Bahrain Bahrain is planning a $30 billion increase in infrastructure projects, which include 22 large developments including five artificial islands
Africa Botswana The government extended the derogation for the export of live cattle, primarily to South Africa, until 30 April, as the Botswana Meat Commission, the only institution statutorily authorised to export meat products, continued to face operational problems
Asia Jordan A joint security committee with Syria will secure common border, curb arms smuggling, prevent resurgence of Islamic State militants, as international anti-narcotics officials say captagon, mass-produced in Syria, transits through Jordan to Gulf states
Europe Czech Republic The fruit harvest dropped by 65% in 2024 to 48.058 tonnes, the lowest in 100 years according to a number of sources, after heavy frosts in April damaged flowering crops; frost-related losses are estimated at CZK 1,3 billion, or € 51.382.500
Europe Estonia Funding for extracurricular education has decreased by a third in the last five years, and most hobby schools are now concentrated in larger municipalities; the Saare County has seen a 60% decline
Africa Egypt The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration organised an international, high-profile event at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation to support the candidature of Khaled al-Enany as UNESCO Director General
Asia Brunei The signing ceremony of the Haj management agreement for Brunei Darussalam pilgrims for the 2025 season took place recently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the Minister of Religious Affairs representing the country