Newsflash

Israel confirms criticized halt to emergency aid in Gaza

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, Israel has ordered international aid organizations operating in Gaza to disclose detailed information about their Palestinian staff. Failure to comply will result in suspension from March 1, a decision that the United Nations warns will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and Oxfam argue that these new requirements violate international humanitarian law and threaten their operational independence.

Israel claims the measures are necessary to prevent organizations allegedly linked to terrorism from operating in Palestinian territories. However, the affected groups strongly deny these accusations. MSF, for instance, has refuted Israel’s claim that two of its employees are members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The NRC emphasizes the critical role of foreign staff, both in delivering aid and ensuring their safety, and insists that disclosing personal information about employees is unacceptable.

The organizations were given a ten-month deadline to adapt to Israel’s new rules, but many remain steadfast in their opposition, fearing that compliance would compromise their ability to provide impartial aid and protection to those in need. The looming suspension threatens to further destabilize an already fragile humanitarian situation in Gaza, raising urgent questions about the future of aid operations in the region. 🚨🌍

Record number of executions in Iran in 2025, says Iran Human Rights

Iran has seen a dramatic and unprecedented surge in executions over the past year, with at least 1,500 people executed in 2025, marking the highest number in three and a half decades. Over 700 of these executions were for drug-related offenses. In 2024 alone, at least 975 people were executed, according to reports from Iran Human Rights (IHR) and the France-based group ECPM. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, founder of IHR, describes the increase as "alarming" and emphasizes that such high numbers have never been recorded since the organization's inception. He asserts that Iranian authorities use the death penalty as a tool to instill fear in the population. This escalation in executions raises serious concerns about human rights abuses and the use of capital punishment in Iran. 😢🚨

What to expect in Estonia in 2026

As 2026 begins, several significant changes and events are set to shape the year ahead. Starting January 1, Estonia will see a major tax reform, eliminating the so-called "tax hump" and introducing a uniform basic exemption of up to €700 per month for all employees. This change will result in higher take-home pay for many workers. However, excise duties on tobacco, alcohol, electricity, and other fuels will also increase, with tobacco and alcohol taxes rising by 10% from January 1 and electricity and fuel taxes following suit from May 1.

On the international stage, Estonia will take the lead in the Baltic Council of Ministers and the Nordic-Baltic 8 cooperation formats, reinforcing its role in regional diplomacy and collaboration. These developments promise to bring both economic and political shifts, setting the tone for a dynamic and transformative year. 🎉📅

Trump threatened tariffs on thousands, not all of them came to fruition

In response to escalating trade tensions, the EU and the U.S. have engaged in a series of tit-for-tat tariff threats. The EU initially planned to impose higher tariffs on American bourbon, but paused the move after U.S. President Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits. This retaliatory measure has yet to materialize.

Trump has also proposed a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films, citing a perceived threat to the American film industry, though no such tariff has been implemented. Additionally, he announced plans for a 100% tariff on microchips produced abroad, though details and timelines remain unclear.

In a bid to share the benefits of tariff revenues with the public, Trump proposed direct payments of at least $2,000 per person. However, budget experts have questioned the feasibility of this plan, and Finance Minister Scott Bessent suggested tax cuts as an alternative. These trade disputes highlight the ongoing economic tensions between the U.S. and its global partners. 💸🏛️

Minimum monthly wage to increase to €780

Latvia is set to increase its minimum monthly wage by €40 to €780 in 2026, alongside a similar rise in the non-taxable minimum from €510 to €550. The Welfare Ministry reports that the share of minimum wage earners has declined to 15.3% in 2024, the lowest in five years, with 117,895 workers, or 15.3% of all employees, earning the minimum wage or less. This marks a 4.1 percentage point decrease from 2021, when 19.4% of workers fell into this category.

The ministry emphasizes that raising the minimum wage will enhance the purchasing power of low-wage earners, stimulating domestic demand and contributing to economic growth. It also aims to reduce wage disparities within the Baltic states and align wages more closely with the EU average, potentially curbing emigration. Additionally, higher wages may incentivize businesses to invest in innovation and technology to boost productivity and competitiveness beyond low labor costs.

The increase is expected to foster fairer competition and reduce the shadow economy in sectors with a high proportion of minimum wage workers. The ministry clarifies that this adjustment will not impose additional administrative burdens on employers. 💰📈

Cyprus assumes EU Council presidency

Cyprus has assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, with a strong focus on supporting Ukraine, enhancing EU defense readiness, and advancing enlargement talks. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized that backing Ukraine is a central priority, viewing Russia’s war as a critical test of European security and decision-making. The presidency aims to accelerate the implementation of existing defense initiatives rather than introduce new ones, aligning with the European Commission’s White Paper for European Defense – Readiness 2030 and its accompanying roadmap. This roadmap sets targets to improve EU defense capabilities by 2030, including projects on air and space defense, drones, and monitoring the EU’s eastern flank.

Enlargement is another key priority, with Cyprus seeking progress on Moldova’s EU accession and broader support for the bloc’s long-term security architecture. While accession decisions require unanimity, the presidency can influence the pace of discussions. Cyprus has adopted the motto “An autonomous Union – Open to the world,” emphasizing security, migration management, and stronger engagement with the EU’s southern neighborhood. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised Cyprus’ readiness, highlighting its valuable experience in guiding critical issues such as supporting Ukraine, promoting stability in the Middle East, managing migration, strengthening energy resilience, and boosting Europe’s competitiveness. 🌍🛡️

What to know about the deadly NYE fire in a Swiss resort town

A devastating fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana during a New Year's celebration, killing approximately 40 people and injuring over 115. The blaze, which broke out around 1:30 AM on Thursday, quickly spread through the crowded basement nightclub, trapping patrons and causing a deadly crowd surge as they attempted to escape. Witnesses reported seeing a bartender lifting another while holding a lit candle, which may have ignited the fire. The intense flames and smoke led to severe burns and smoke inhalation among the victims, overwhelming local medical facilities.

Swiss authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, ruling out terrorism but describing it as an "embrasement généralisé," a term for a violent, rapid spread of flames. The resort, known for its ski and golf venues, is now in mourning, with Switzerland observing five days of national mourning for the victims. The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of crowded venues and the preparedness of emergency services in such high-altitude locations. Authorities have urged caution to prevent further strain on medical resources. The incident marks one of the deadliest tragedies in Switzerland's recent history, with international attention focused on the ongoing investigation and support for the affected families. 🏔️🔥🚑

Live: Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in Kherson region

Russia has accused Ukraine of a drone strike in the Kherson region that allegedly killed 24 people and injured at least 50 others during New Year celebrations in a Russian-occupied village. Ukraine denies these claims, asserting that its military exclusively targets Russian military or energy sites. Meanwhile, Russia has handed the U.S. what it claims is evidence of a Ukrainian drone strike targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence, an allegation disputed by U.S. officials. Additionally, Russia has requested that the U.S. cease its pursuit of an oil tanker suspected of violating sanctions.

In other developments, a vessel seized in Finland was found to be carrying EU-sanctioned Russian steel, while Ukraine’s lead peace negotiator met with Turkey’s foreign minister to discuss ongoing talks. Ukraine also reported striking Russian energy facilities, including the Ilsky oil refinery and an energy storage facility in Tatarstan. Meanwhile, Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine decreased slightly in December, though power outages affected thousands. Ukraine has deployed two new Patriot air defense systems received from Germany.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a peace agreement is nearly finalized, with only 10% remaining, emphasizing the need for a strong deal that ensures lasting peace. Meanwhile, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un praised his troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, hinting at further overseas military actions. Russian air defenses intercepted drones near Moscow, and restrictions were briefly imposed on local airports. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s resolve, stating that the nation is exhausted but unwilling to surrender. 🌍⚔️

Spatial uncertainty, limited land curb investment, report warns

Greece faces significant challenges in attracting investment, particularly from foreign investors, due to spatial uncertainty and limited available land. The annual tourism report by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) highlights that despite recent efforts, such as the approval of special urban planning schemes in popular island destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos, the overall framework remains discouraging for investment. INSETE emphasizes the need for clear, flexible, and effective spatial planning to ensure legal certainty and support sustainable development.

A major obstacle is the limited amount of usable land in Greece, which is significantly lower than in competing Mediterranean tourism markets and below the European average. Approximately 35% of land outside cities and settlements is designated as Natura 2000 protected areas, one of the highest ratios among participating countries. When additional protected zones, such as forests, archaeological sites, and high-yield agricultural land, are considered, the available land for development is further reduced. INSETE stresses that development must balance economic and social growth with environmental protection. However, spatial planning in Greece has historically been ineffective due to slow approval processes, overlapping regulations, and legal ambiguities, often resulting in outdated plans by the time they are finalized.

The issue is particularly evident in non-urban development zones, where fragmented and incompatible land uses lead to environmental degradation and inefficiencies in infrastructure and public services. This fragmented approach also fails to provide effective environmental protection. To address these challenges, Greece must streamline its spatial planning processes and create a more cohesive framework that supports sustainable development while safeguarding its natural and cultural heritage. 🏖️🌿

Ukraine authorises further searches for Polish WWII massacre victims

Ukraine has granted permission for further searches to identify the remains of Polish victims of massacres carried out by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II. The decision follows a diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries, allowing exhumations to resume in three locations: Puzhnyky, Ostrówki, and Wola Ostrowiecka. In Puzhnyky, a joint Polish-Ukrainian team previously uncovered the remains of at least 42 individuals, with estimates suggesting up to 90 more may still be buried there. The searches in Ostrówki and Wola Ostrowiecka aim to uncover additional victims of the 1943 massacres, where over 1,000 Poles were killed.

The Ukrainian culture ministry emphasized the importance of dialogue on these sensitive historical issues, stating that shared memory strengthens unity between the two nations, especially in the face of the Russian threat. The decision was influenced by a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish President Karol Nawrocki. While the move has been welcomed in Poland, some critics have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the process. The ongoing efforts highlight the complex and delicate nature of addressing historical atrocities while fostering neighborly relations. 🇺🇦🇵🇱

Chinese electric car giant BYD is growing, Tesla is losing

Chinese automaker BYD has achieved a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) market, selling 2.26 million electric cars in 2025, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. This surge positions BYD to surpass U.S. rival Tesla, which reported a potential decline in annual sales to around 1.6 million vehicles, an 8% drop from 2024. BYD’s total vehicle sales, including hybrids, buses, and trucks, reached 4.6 million units, with the majority sold in China. The company aims to expand its international footprint, targeting over a million sales outside China in 2026, a more than 50% increase from 2025.

To strengthen its position in Europe, BYD is constructing factories in Hungary, Turkey, and Spain. While the Hungarian facility faced delays, these investments underscore BYD’s ambition to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the global EV market. 🚗💨

Bulgaria adopts the euro

Bulgaria officially joined the eurozone on January 1, becoming the 21st member of the currency union. The euro replaced the Bulgarian lev at a final exchange rate of 1 euro = 1.96 levs as of December 31. President Rumen Radev celebrated this milestone in his New Year’s statement, calling it the culmination of Bulgaria’s integration into the European Union. He emphasized that this achievement reflects Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to European civilization. 🇧🇬💶

Cartoon (31/12/2025)

The openly fascist Blue-Black Movement has been reinstated as a political party in Finland, despite its history of promoting racist and extremist ideologies. The group, originally removed from the register in 2024 for violating constitutional and human rights laws, successfully re-registered after submitting the required 5,000 supporter signatures. The Justice Ministry confirmed that the group's revised program and rules were deemed acceptable, allowing its return to the political landscape.

Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the Blue-Black Movement draws inspiration from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist and fascist group active in Finland in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The group’s recent activities include a May Day march in Tampere, where participants displayed Finnish flags and a banner reading "May Day is White." The movement's re-emergence has sparked concerns about the rise of extremist ideologies in Finnish politics. 🇫🇮⚠️

Watch: President Stubb's New Year address

In his New Year address, Finnish President Alexander Stubb outlined three key priorities for Finland in 2026: peace, growth, and caring. Reflecting on the past year, Stubb emphasized the importance of individual contributions and Finland’s shared values, such as education, equality, and freedom, which he believes position the country well for the future. On foreign policy, he highlighted Finland's significant international role, particularly in supporting Ukraine and collaborating with allies. Stubb stressed that Finland’s security relies on strong national defense, NATO, and EU membership, and called for greater European responsibility and Nordic cooperation. He also warned that climate change is an existential threat, urging early action to gain a competitive edge.

Regarding the economy, Stubb acknowledged concerns about public finances but expressed confidence in Finland’s potential for sustainable growth through investments in education, research, and innovation. He emphasized the importance of exports, technology, and critical minerals, as well as the need for more work-based immigration to support economic development. On social cohesion, Stubb noted Finland’s status as the world’s happiest country but acknowledged the need for further progress, particularly in supporting those who feel marginalized. He underscored the importance of empathy, culture, and finding joy even in uncertain times. Stubb concluded by affirming that peace, growth, and caring are interconnected goals and wished Finns a happy and meaningful new year. 🌍💡

For a more livable Athens

Athens faces a critical juncture as it grapples with improving its quality of life amid rapid urban development. The city's challenges include excessive car dependency, inadequate public transportation, limited green spaces, and an over-reliance on tourism, which has led to uneven economic and social growth. Additionally, Athens lags behind global urban centers due to slow responses to past mistakes and the emergence of new social divides fueled by disinformation.

The city's progress is hindered by a historical failure to address issues promptly, as evidenced by decades-old concerns about its future. Key areas of focus include revitalizing the city center, enhancing neighborhood living conditions, and fostering new urban hubs. However, Athens must also prioritize education and informed citizenship to ensure sustained prosperity. The urgency of these challenges underscores the need for immediate action to align Athens with modern urban standards and secure a brighter future for its residents. 🌆🚇🌳

Sweden ready to receive injured patients from Crans-Montana ski resort fire

A devastating fire erupted during New Year's celebrations at a bar in a popular ski resort in Switzerland's canton of Valais, resulting in at least 40 deaths and injuring 115 people. Swiss authorities have requested international assistance, which is being coordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Sweden has swiftly responded, with Health Minister Elisabeth Lann announcing the country's readiness to receive severely burned patients. The University Hospital in Linköping and the Academic Hospital in Uppsala are prepared to provide the specialized care needed for these critical cases.

Lann emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that many patients require immediate advanced treatment. Several countries, including Germany and Italy, have also offered support. The challenge now lies in Switzerland's decision on which offers to accept, with distance being a key factor to avoid unnecessary transport stress for the severely injured. Reflecting on the tragedy, Lann drew parallels to the devastating Gothenburg disco fire, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. This crisis underscores the importance of EU cooperation in swiftly mobilizing aid and support during emergencies. 🇨🇭🔥

UK says small boat migrant arrivals approached record levels in 2025

The number of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats in 2025 reached its second-highest level since records began in 2018, with 41,472 individuals making the dangerous Channel crossing. This surge in arrivals has intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly as anti-immigration sentiment grows ahead of key local elections. The previous record of 45,774 arrivals was set in 2022 under the Conservative government, which had pledged to "stop the boats," a promise later deemed unrealistic by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Starmer's government has adopted a "smash the gangs" approach to dismantle people-smuggling networks, but progress has been limited. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, known for its anti-immigration stance, has surged in popularity, leading Labour by double-digit margins in opinion polls. Farage has hinted at the potential for Reform to win the next general election, scheduled for 2029, while Starmer emphasizes his government's commitment to overcoming decline and division.

Amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment, protests have erupted across the UK over the housing of migrants in hotels, including a massive far-right demonstration in London. Asylum claims in Britain are at a record high, with around 111,000 applications made in the year leading up to June 2025. The Labour government is looking to Denmark for inspiration, where strict migration policies have led to a significant drop in successful asylum claims. However, these policies may face resistance from more left-wing lawmakers within Labour, who fear alienating progressive voters. 🚤🇬🇧

New year brings full court docket of high-profile cases

In 2026, Greece's judicial system will tackle a series of high-profile cases with significant social and political repercussions. The year kicks off with the long-awaited trial over the 2023 Tempe rail disaster, which claimed 57 lives. Beginning on March 23 in Larissa, the case involves 36 defendants, including a 60-year-old station master accused of directing a passenger train onto the wrong track. The trial also targets systemic failures, with charges against 11 officials from the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) for lacking key safety systems. Additionally, 16 executives from OSE’s technical arm, ERGOSE, face charges related to delays in a critical signaling contract. Separate cases involve alleged tampering with the crash site and potential legal action against former transport minister Kostas A. Karamanlis.

On March 17, four individuals will stand trial for leaking the emails and personal details of thousands of Greek expatriate voters. The defendants include former New Democracy officials and a former Interior Ministry secretary general, all facing charges of breaching official secrecy and violating data protection laws. Civil lawsuits from affected expatriates seeking compensation are also pending.

Furthermore, dozens of criminal cases related to illegal agricultural subsidies paid by the OPEKEPE agency will advance, focusing on suspected fraud and irregular payments. These cases could impact EU-linked farm funding and public trust in subsidy mechanisms. Additionally, the trial of a police officer accused of raping his own children will proceed, sparking outrage and scrutiny of institutional safeguards. 📜⚖️

Finnish police question cargo ship crew over damaged telecoms cable

Finnish authorities are investigating a cargo vessel, the Fitburg, suspected of damaging a telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland. The ship, flying the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was detained on Wednesday after damage to a cable operated by Elisa was detected. The vessel is currently docked at Kantvik harbour in Kirkkonummi, and its crew, consisting of nationals from Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, has been interviewed. The investigation, led by Detective Chief Inspector Risto Lohi of Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), is in its early stages and focuses on potential offenses such as aggravated interference with telecommunications and criminal damage.

The Fitburg is one of several foreign vessels involved in cable disruptions in the Gulf of Finland over the past year. While similarities exist between these incidents, each case is treated separately. Finnish Customs also inspected the vessel and found it was carrying structural steel, a sanctioned item under EU regulations. The cargo remains detained while authorities assess the situation. The vessel is not on official sanctions lists, but it has been flagged by the sanctions-monitoring group Open Sanctions. The investigation continues to determine if a full criminal probe into possible sanctions violations is warranted. 🚢🔍

Attacks on police and arrests in Germany as nation rings in 2026

Germany’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2026 were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of violence and accidents occurred. Police presence was heightened in cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Bielefeld, where previous years had seen unrest and attacks on emergency services. In Berlin, over 400 arrests were made by 1 am, and police reported minor injuries from fireworks. Leipzig saw attacks on police and first responders, with fires breaking out in both known trouble spots and the city center. Hamburg experienced minor incidents, including fireworks being thrown at passersby and emergency services, while firefighters across the country battled multiple fires.

Despite the tensions, major celebrations in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich proceeded without major disruptions. Berlin’s traditional New Year’s Eve party was replaced with a DJ event at the Brandenburg Gate, while Hamburg’s "Silvester in Concert" show moved to a floating stage on the Elbe. Munich’s celebrations on Ludwigstraße remained peaceful, with no reported incidents. Authorities emphasized the importance of dressing warmly due to cold and stormy weather in some regions.

The year-end festivities were marked by ongoing discussions about banning private fireworks, with health professionals, environmentalists, and animal rights activists advocating for stricter regulations due to injuries and environmental concerns. While the celebrations were calmer than in past years, authorities remained vigilant, and incidents were relatively contained. 🎆🚒