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 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
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
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
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 Belgium The Flemish regional government will fully reimburse the costs of asbestos removal in schools, announced Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir
Asia China Hainan, the tax-free island province popular with luxury domestic shoppers and international high-end brands, experienced a 29,3% YoY decline in duty free sales in 2024 as the nation's sluggish economy led to a reduction in tourism
Africa Comoros The reforms of the Comoros Broadcasting Office include measures on wages, redundancies and initiatives to improve working conditions; they have been outlined by the new Directorate General
America Bahamas VAT on food sold in grocery shops will be reduced by 50% as of 1 April, when the rate will pass from 10% to 5%; the measure will not apply to food prepared in delicatessen shops
America Saint Kitts and Nevis A new fleet of ambulances is on the way to St. Kitts and Nevis as the government continues to take extraordinary measures to improve healthcare; the five emergency medical transport vehicles are expected to arrive in the Federation in February 2025
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 Poland After Poland granted Israel PM Netanyahu access to the 80th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz, the EU called on all member states to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, which had issued an arrest warrant for war crimes
America Barbados Barbados will face environmental and commercial risks if invasive pests infiltrate the island due to loopholes in import protocols, officials have warned; agriculture manager Michael James urged residents to follow the proper channels for importation
Europe Belarus A ceremony presided by President Lukashenko marked the transition of Minsk's water supply system to underground artesian wells