2024-12-24

Europe News

Russian ballistic missile attack hits Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve

Ukraine's Human Rights Commissioner condemned a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed one and injured 11. Rescuers are still searching for survivors.

24/12/2024

Europe News

Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26

Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger died in an avalanche at a mountain resort in Switzerland, at the age of 26.

24/12/2024

Culture news

Unlocking the sacred: What happens at the Holy Door for Jubilee 2025?

The Jubilee ceremony begins with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica. The ceremony includes prayers in Latin and Italian, symbolising forgiveness, as the Pope crosses the threshold to start the Holy Year.

24/12/2024

Europe News

Pope Francis opens Holy Door to launch 2025 Jubilee

The 2025 Holy Year, themed around hope and trust, has begun with the Pope opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, as Rome prepares for 30 million pilgrims with heightened security and ongoing renovations.

24/12/2024

Europe in Motion

Are your Christmas gifts ready? Here are where EU toys come from

While the EU saw a drop in toy exports, China was the EU’s biggest supplier, providing 80% of these imports, valued at €5.2 billion.

24/12/2024

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Santa departs Lapland on Christmas eve mission

Santa Claus set off from his home in snowy Rovaniemi, Finland, embarking on his magical global journey to deliver Christmas cheer. Crowds gathered at Santa Claus Village to wave him off as he boarded his reindeer-drawn sleigh, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in multiple languages.

24/12/2024

Netherlands

Dutch court sentences five men over violence against Maccabi fans

The five defendants, who are all Dutch residents and aged between 19 and 32, were accused of public violence, theft and assault.

24/12/2024

Europe News

Maia Sandu sworn in for second term as Moldova's president

The role, which holds significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, is limited by Moldovan law to two consecutive four-year terms.

24/12/2024

Partner content

The Shanghai Marathon: A revolution in 5G-A technology and live broadcasting

Partner content presented by C114

5G-A represents a major evolution, offering enhanced speed, reliability, and functionality. It addresses specific demands for ultra-high-definition live streaming, low latency, and network stability.

24/12/2024

Syria

Kurdish forces fight Turkish-backed rebels in northern Syria

The SDF launched a counter-offensive against the Turkish-backed SNA to reclaim areas near Syria's northern border. Clashes have intensified since Bashar al-Assad's fall.

24/12/2024

Travel News

Groundstop of all American Airlines flights across US lifted

American Airlines flight services have resumed across the United States after they were temporarily grounded due to a technical issue impacting the airline's entire system.

24/12/2024

Europe News

Al-Assad's fall: A blow to Russia's influence in the region?

Ukraine's resistance, bolstered by US support, weakens Russia's military, contributing to the fall of the al-Assad regime, Zelenskyy's advisor argues.

24/12/2024

Business

BMW says luxury cars were sold to Russian buyers despite sanction

BMW Group has confirmed that it has sold more than 100 high-end cars to Russian buyers, despite EU sanctions being in place to halt the export of vehicles to Russia.

24/12/2024

Culture news

Step into Christmas in a Bavarian village... in Washington State?

Leavenworth, Washington, has become a holiday hotspot, transforming from a fading mining town into the Pacific Northwest's festive capital.

24/12/2024

Culture news

'Restoration of justice': A Christmas carol defying imperialism

From resistance to Hollywood: 'Carol of the bells' is globally known as a Christmas carol, but in Ukraine, it's also an embodiment of cultural resistance.

24/12/2024

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Bridge collapse in Brazil leaves at least 2 dead and a dozen others missing

A bridge in northern Brazil collapsed on Sunday, killing at least two people and leaving a dozen missing. Eight vehicles, including trucks and cars, fell into the river. A sulphuric acid spill is hindering rescue efforts. Investigations are underway.

24/12/2024

Tech News

German parties reveal tech policies ahead of next year's snap election

Ahead of the German general election early next year, we look at what some of the biggest parties want to achieve in technology policy.

24/12/2024

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Palestinian displaced families in central Gaza face harsh winter in their tattered tents

Palestinian families displaced west of Nuseirat in Gaza endure harsh conditions, living in torn tents near a landfill. Struggling with rain, cold, and lack of resources, they rely on plastic for warmth while facing health risks from nearby waste.

24/12/2024

Culture news

Jubilee 2025: Rome expects over 30 million pilgrims during Holy Year

To the faithful who go on pilgrimage to Rome, the Pope grants a special 'indulgence' or remission of their sins.

24/12/2024

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Enjoying Christmas dinner at an Arctic Circle restaurant

Tourists flock to Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi, enjoying snow, reindeer rides, and meeting Santa. At the Snowman World ice restaurant, visitors dine on local dishes in temperatures of -5°C, savoring rich, creamy meals like salmon soup and roasted elk.

24/12/2024

Turkey

Explosion at Turkish weapons factory kills at least 11 people

The explosion collapsed one of the main production buildings, and the surrounding buildings sustained minor damage, according to authorities.

24/12/2024

No Comment

How the Grinch arrested a suspected drug trafficker in Peru

Peru's Green Squadron arrested drug traffickers during a Christmas operation. An officer disguised as the Grinch broke into a suspected trafficker's home, finding drugs and money. The Grinch's disguise helped the police surprise and capture three suspects.

24/12/2024

Travel News

Tourists evacuated from Eiffel Tower after reports of elevator fire

The Parisian landmark attracts up to 25,000 visitors a day on average.

24/12/2024

Healthcare

Abortion rights petition hits 1m signatures, triggering EU action

The Citizens' Initiative “My voice, my choice,” calling for safe access to abortion in the European Union, has reached the necessary one million signatures for the EU Commission to issue a response.

24/12/2024

wellbeing

This country's children are Europe's unhappiest. How does it compare?

The UK ranked lowest in children's well-being in Europe. How do countries compare and what do experts believe is behind the decline in life satisfaction?

24/12/2024

Business

Aviva buys Direct Line, gaining share of the UK motor insurance market

Earlier this year, Direct Line rejected two takeover bids from the Belgian insurer Ageas where the second offer valued the firm at £3.2bn, which Direct Line branded as "unattractive" offer for shareholders.

24/12/2024

Russia

Russian cargo ship linked to Syria sinks in the Mediterranean

Ursa Major, built in 2009, sank following an engine room explosion, according to authorities in Moscow. The company operating the cargo vessel is owned by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

24/12/2024

Culture news

Berlin moves ahead with €130 million culture budget cuts amid protests

Berlin's government has approved a €130 million cut to its cultural budget for 2025, defying weeks of protests and warnings from the arts sector about potential closures and the city’s cultural standing.

24/12/2024

Ukraine

Ukrainian POWs and families face yet another Christmas in captivity

"While you are waiting for Christmas — we are waiting for our loved ones to return from Russian captivity," say the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war holding rallies to remember people held in Russian prisons and torture chambers.

24/12/2024

Travel News

Greece, Belgium, Italy: Travel strikes planned for February in Europe

Our travel guide is updated as soon as a new European strike is announced.

24/12/2024