France

In Switzerland, starting from January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to cover your face in public places. Violations are subject to a fine.

In 2024, 36,816 migrants crossed the English Channel by boat, 25% more than in 2023. This was the second highest figure since 2018

The President of France stated that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East directly threaten the security of Europe. He called for unity and strengthening the continent's defense in 2024.

Tens of thousands of pro-European demonstrators celebrated the New Year outside Georgia's parliament, continuing their protests against the government. President Salome Zurabishvili joined the protesters, refusing to hand over power to a successor.

Côte d'Ivoire announced the withdrawal of 600 French troops from its territory. Senegal has also confirmed the closure of French military bases by the end of 2025, which weakens France's military influence in the region.

The Kremlin has rejected proposals to deploy a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine. Germany and other Western countries are considering sending peacekeepers if a consensus is reached.

Latvia has prepared more than 1,000 combat drones of various types for transfer to Ukraine. In 2025, the country plans to allocate an additional 20 million euros for the purchase of drones as part of a coalition with the United Kingdom.

Denmark, France, and Lithuania have provided Ukraine with more than €150 million for the development of the defense industry. The funds will be used to produce missiles, deep-strike drones, and artillery systems.

German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz admits the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, subject to a consensus with Russia. He also supports providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles.

russia plans to hold a teleconference between the occupied Crimea and Western countries to justify its aggression. The occupiers are looking for partners in the West to spread the narrative of “Nazism in Ukraine.

In Norway, a bus carrying foreign tourists went off the E10 highway and ended up in the water, killing three people. Among the passengers were citizens of 8 countries, 11 people were hospitalized, and the rescue operation is ongoing.

Ukrainian wines are rapidly integrating into the global gastronomic culture due to their high quality and naturalness. The products are exported to many countries and appear on the menus of well-known international restaurants.

France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned Russia's massive strikes on six regions of Ukraine on December 25. The attacks caused severe damage to energy infrastructure, leaving thousands of homes without electricity for Christmas.

In Khmelnytsky region, police prevented the sale of a unique artifact from the Great Migration era. The silver overlay with gilding and solar signs dates back to 425-450 and is a rare find.

In seven Western European countries, support for Ukraine “until victory” has sharply declined. Most Europeans favor peaceful negotiations, even if it means Russia's control over some territories.

EU diplomats are skeptical about the possibility of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine without US involvement. The main obstacles are Russia's rejection and the difficulty of convincing the European population.

The French training program for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on the Mirage 2000-5F has been completed in six months. Delivery of the fighters, armed with Scalp missiles and AASM bombs, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a German company that produced emblems for Mercedes-Benz, has declared bankruptcy. The reason was a drop in demand for its products and the crisis in the European automotive industry.

The belarusian dictator pardoned more than 200 participants in the 2020 protests. Analysts believe that this is an attempt to ease Western sanctions, especially on Belavia and potash fertilizers.

Revenues of the restaurant industry in Ukraine increased by 120% in 2023, reaching UAH 31. 6 billion. McDonald's became the market leader with revenues of UAH 12.9 billion, and Kyiv generated 72% of all industry revenues.

Defense Minister Umerov announces preparations to receive French Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, as announced by the French Minister of the Armed Forces.

The European Union is using gas reserves at a record pace due to cold weather and reduced imports. Storage utilization has fallen by 19% since September, reaching 75% in December.

A new government headed by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was introduced in France. Seven ministers retained their positions, while some received new appointments, and the first meeting will be held on January 3.

French authorities have applied strict controls imposed for the Olympics to visitors to Christmas fairs. Human rights activists and lawyers have criticized the increased use of administrative surveillance of people without criminal records.

Cyclone Chido killed 94 people and injured 768 in Mozambique. The disaster with wind speeds of 260 km/h affected more than 622 thousand people and caused significant damage to infrastructure.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz ruled out the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine. He emphasized that such decisions should be made through NATO, not by a group of countries.

At a meeting of EU leaders, a conflict arose between Scholz and Duda over the confiscation of 260 billion euros of frozen Russian assets. Germany opposes it because of the risks to financial markets, while Poland supports the idea.

Iran introduced reduced working hours for government agencies and online learning due to a 350 million cubic meter gas shortage. Industrial enterprises and shopping centers were left without electricity, and production decreased by 30-50%.

A selection of atmospheric Christmas movies for the whole family to enjoy. From the romantic comedy Last Christmas to the drama The Holdovers, everyone will find something to put them in the holiday spirit.

A Ukrainian citizen born in 1972 was injured at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The woman is in serious condition in a German clinic, and consuls are providing the necessary assistance.