Finland has been the happiest country in the world for the ninth time in a row. Ukraine maintained its position, while the well-being of young people in the West is declining.
Iceland's Foreign Minister predicts EU accession in 2028, provided voters agree. The most difficult topics for negotiations will be fisheries and agriculture.
Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the EU is attractive to distant partners in the context of geopolitics. The President of Finland also suggested that Canada consider joining.
Kaja Kallas will sign a security agreement with Iceland on March 18. The country is considering resuming the EU accession process as early as August this year.
The prime ministers of six countries have agreed on joint military production and support for Ukraine. Canada will invest $35 billion in Arctic defense.
Australia, France, and 14 other countries have refused to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympics. This decision was made due to the admission of Russia and Belarus under their national flags.
The Icelandic government plans to submit a bill to parliament on a referendum regarding the resumption of EU membership negotiations. The vote will take place in late September 2026, driven by the rising cost of living and changes in Europe's security architecture.
Ten Northern European countries, including Germany and Poland, have agreed to prepare for cross-border civilian evacuation. This decision was made based on Ukraine's experience to minimize chaos and protect citizens in the event of aggression.
In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.
In January 2026, the Renault Clio became the bestseller in the European new car market, selling 14,660 units. This was due to the hybrid version and an increase in corporate sales in France and Italy.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight arrived in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed them in the capital.
The PURL program remains a reliable mechanism for purchasing American air defense missiles. Contributions of $584 million have already been announced for 2026, but the need reaches $15 billion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the new European security strategy should be based on mechanisms implemented by Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of using force to protect Europe's interests.
Following the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, 17 countries announced new support totaling $38 billion. The aid includes funds for drones, air defense, and missiles for Patriot.
Former footballer Iya Andrushchak has become the head coach of the Ukrainian women's national team, replacing Volodymyr Pyatenko. The team will start their 2027 World Cup qualifiers in a difficult group with Spain, England, and Iceland.
Ukraine has agreed on a multi-level plan to ensure a ceasefire with Russia, which provides for a response within 24 hours to violations. In the event of continued hostilities, a coalition of the willing will be engaged, and in the event of a large-scale attack, a coordinated military response with US support.
European leaders and industry representatives met in Hamburg to discuss cooperation in energy and security in the North Sea. The UK and Europe signed the Hamburg Declaration to implement large-scale offshore wind energy projects.
The Ukrainian fish market is adapting to war, blackouts, and more expensive logistics. Consumption has not fallen, but some types of fish may become more expensive.
In 2025, Volkswagen sold 274,417 electric vehicles in Europe, surpassing Tesla, which sold 238,765 cars. Tesla's sales fell by 27%, while Volkswagen's increased by 56%.
In early 2026, Donald Trump once again raised the issue of acquiring Greenland, leading to an escalation of relations with the US and European allies. Greenland's and Denmark's refusal led to the introduction of trade tariffs against European countries.
Donald Trump is once again showing interest in Greenland, calling it a "big real estate deal" and a matter of US strategic security. This has caused concern among Danish and European leaders, who see it as a threat to sovereignty and NATO's integrity.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said the crew of the tanker Marinera, seized in the North Atlantic, would face trial in the United States. The vessel was carrying sanctioned oil, and its crew is subject to prosecution for violating federal law.
Russia sent a submarine and other naval forces to escort an empty, rusty oil tanker. This has become a new "hot spot" in relations between the US and Russia, according to a US official.
The Nordic countries stated that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland should only be resolved by Denmark and Greenland. This is in response to Trump's proposal to transfer the island to US control.
From 2026 to 2028, Earth will experience a cascade of double solar eclipses, including three total and three annular solar eclipses. This is a repetition of a pattern last observed from 2008 to 2010.
The Ukrainian Football Association has named the best goal of the Ukrainian national team in 2025. It was Ruslan Malinovskyi's second goal against Iceland.
Estonia will chair the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) format from January 1, 2026, coordinating the efforts of eight countries. Key priorities include supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on the aggressor.
Since PURL was launched in August, 24 countries have joined it, and the total amount of contributions is $4. 3 billion. This allows for the purchase of American weapons, including missiles for Patriots, and strengthening Ukraine's defense.
On the eve of Christmas, Iceland recorded its highest December temperature ever, reaching +19. 8°C in the town of Seyðisfjörður. This warming is attributed to tropical air masses and the peculiarities of the local landscape.
