Asia Turkey Ankara is preparing for NATO Summit scheduled for 7–8 July 2026, the second hosted by Turkey with the one in Istanbul in 2004; this year's non-NATO guest list comprises East-Asian and Pacific powers, the absence of the central Asian block stands out
Africa Burundi The diplomatic dispute between Burundi and Rwanda took on a new front as Burundi closed its borders with its neighbour 'until changed'; Burundi has accused Rwanda of financing rebel attacks
Africa Comoros Voters are called to the polls today to elect a new President and President Assoumani is expected to win a fourth term; a former military officer, Assoumani is accused of gagging dissent and some opposition leaders have called for a boycott of the vote
Africa Sudan A lack of drinking water due to fuel shortages that forced the closure of several water plants is affecting a number of states, including Khartoum, Darfur and North Kordofan, amidst conflict that killed 12.000 people and displaced some 7,3 million
Europe France According to founders and strategists working in the quantum sector in France, the EU should support more funding initiatives targeting deep tech and quantum technologies
Europe Portugal The country broke the record for energy production in 2023, with more production from renewable sources, more days in a row with only renewable energy and the lowest emissions ever, Redes Energéticas Nacionais announced
Europe Germany The German drivers' union announced the start of nationwide strikes which will increase traffic chaos while the confrontation between farmers and the government over agricultural subsidies continues
Europe Belarus Current Time, a Russian-language network operated by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, has been added to the register of extremist organisationsa in a frame of ongoing repression of independent media and civil society by Belarusian authorities
Europe Belgium Belgian prison staff went on a 24-hour strike starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday evening to protest against overcrowding and poor working conditions; Belgian prisons currently house around 12.000 people, exceeding the capacity by around 1.300 inmates
America Cuba A 500% increase in the price of fuel, from 25 pesos (US$ 0,20) to 132 pesos, has been announced by the Cuban government as it struggles with shortages and the deepening economic crisis
America Bahamas The World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects 2024, forecasts that the Bahamian economy will grow by 1,8% in 2024, a revision from the 2% growth forecast in June 2023
Asia Cyprus Junior Achievement Cyprus is launching its 5th JA StartUp, fostering business ideas and innovation among university students and providing the practical experience to develop and run their own business; JA StartUp engaged over 20.000 students in Europe
Europe Ukraine Hundreds of people attended a ceremony in the courtyard of the gold-domed St Michael's Monastery in Kiev to honour the memory of the famous Ukrainian poet Maksym Kryvtsov, killed in action while serving as a soldier
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina The decision on entry and stay under special conditions for Palestinian citizens who are relatives of national citizens has been approved by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina