Africa Somalia New EU VISA restrictions make it more difficult for Somalis to travel to the bloc; the recently approved measures intensify an ongoing dispute with Mogadishu over the return of Somalis living irregularly in the EU
Europe Austria Austria's largest construction group, STRABAG SE, has been fined 2,79 million euros due to cartel allegations; the German Federal Cartel Office has target its subsidiary based in Cologne for illegal bidding with the renovation of the Zoobrücke bridge
America Colombia Collaboration with Ecuador against human trafficking has strengthened; officials from over 20 institutions in both countries updated their joint action plan to enhance prevention, investigation and support for trafficking victims in the border region
Europe Bulgaria An additional agreement with Skoda will be signed for the purchase of five new electric trains to expand the railway fleet
America United States Republican former President Trump has been elected as the United States’ 47th president following wins in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, in the 2024 race against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris who would have been the country's first female President
Europe Latvia The annual Riga Book Festival, a gathering of readers, publishers, authors and artists, will be held at the National Library of Latvia on 8 and 9 November hosted by the LNB and the Latvian Publishers' Association with 34 publishers
Asia Laos Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos, welcomed 1,7 million tourists in the first ten months of 2024, nearly doubling its target of 900.000; as peak season nears, officials expect figures to grow more and highlight the site's cultural appeal
Europe Finland Hurricane-force winds were recorded for the first time in the Finnish sea areas last week; the Finnish Meteorological Institute reported sustained winds of 33,5 metres per second
America Dominican Republic In response to severe flooding caused by heavy rains in several communities in Mao, Valverde, the Presidency's Social Assistance Plan sent emergency kits to support affected families
Europe Estonia The four parties of Tallinn's governing coalition have yet to finalise and present to the City Council the city's budget for next year, with an allocation of around €10 million that has been the subject of hours of discussion also this week
Asia Cambodia For the approaching Prahok season, traditional fish paste, fishers are urged to release endangered species like the giant barb and giant stingray if caught; penalties for illegal trading as well as community-led releases show conservation in action
America Costa Rica Costa Rica has become the first country to use artificial intelligence to create its national branding strategy, "Essential Costa Rica," aiming to position itself as a global leader in climate change and sustainability for 2035
America Cuba The country is awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Rafael, which is expected to exacerbate the difficulties caused by the recent blackout and Hurricane Oscar
Africa Equatorial Guinea The logos of the National Football League competitions, both men's and women's, for the 2024-2025 season, have been announced to media by the General Directorate of Competitions and Communication of the National Federation