No Comment Crans-Montana: Mourners pay tribute after deadly fire at Swiss ski resort People gathered at a makeshift memorial in Crans-Montana to remember victims of a deadly bar fire during New Year celebrations. 01/01/2026
Finland Officials: Ship seized in Finland carried EU-sanctioned Russian steel Countries in the Baltic Sea region have been on high alert following a string of incidents which saw undersea power cables, telecoms links and gas pipelines damaged. 01/01/2026
Netherlands At least two die in violent New Year Dutch police call 'unprecedented' Meanwhile, similar incidents of the police being targeted by fireworks were reported in Belgium and two youngsters died in an accident involving home-made explosives in Germany. 01/01/2026
Europe News Bulgaria switches to the euro amid mixed reactions from its citizens Bulgaria has become the 21st country to adopt the euro, replacing the lev after nearly 20 years in the EU. While many hope it will boost the economy, concerns about inflation and political instability persist. 01/01/2026
No Comment New Year swim continues at Carcavelos beach despite cold Dozens braved cold winds and rain at Carcavelos beach near Lisbon for the first sea swim of 2026, marking a tradition of renewal and strength despite rough conditions. 01/01/2026
Europe News How Spain and Portugal have changed in 40 years in the European Union Spain and Portugal celebrate four decades since joining the European Economic Community on Thursday. But what has changed in the two countries since then? 01/01/2026
No Comment Europe welcomed 2026 with fireworks and large public gatherings Major European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid welcomed 2026 with spectacular fireworks and large public gatherings, continuing beloved traditions. 01/01/2026
Ukraine Zelenskyy: Russia carries war into 2026 with drone attack on Ukraine Ukrainian president said on Thursday that Russia targeted energy infrastructure with over 200 drones in the latest strike on New Year's Eve. 01/01/2026
No Comment Switzerland resort fire: ‘several dozen’ dead and about 100 injured after blast in Crans-Montana Dozens of people are presumed dead and about 100 injured, most of them seriously, following a fire at a Swiss Alps bar during a New Year’s celebration, police said Thursday. 01/01/2026
World News Global celebrations mark New Year with hopes for peace in 2026 As clocks struck midnight, cities around the world celebrated the New Year with concerts, fireworks and light shows. 01/01/2026
No Comment Fire destroys historic Vondelchurch in Amsterdam A fire, likely triggered by fireworks, engulfed the Vondelchurch in Amsterdam shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, leading to its collapse. 01/01/2026
Switzerland At least 40 killed in Swiss ski resort bar fire during New Year party At least 40 people were killed and around 115 were injured when fire swept through a crowded Crans-Montana bar during New Year celebrations. 01/01/2026
Earth News These New Year's resolutions save money and the planet Starting with one habit you’ll actually keep can make a difference for your budget, your routine and the climate. 01/01/2026
Europe News EU exporters of heavy goods to start paying for their CO2 emissions Steel and aluminium exporters to the EU will start paying for the CO2 emissions linked to their production as of 1 January 2026. Critics have accused the EU's law of 'protectionism' and say it will hurt trade. 01/01/2026
Moments What will be the biggest travel trends in 2026? From visiting places associated with favourite books to travelling with multiple generations- these are the top trends likely to shape travel in 2026. 01/01/2026
Economy Europe’s corruption challenge goes beyond an East–West divide Petty bribery may be rarer in Western Europe, but influence, lobbying and regulatory capture remain powerful — and often minimised. 01/01/2026
Earth News France enacts ban on ‘forever chemicals’ - with one big exception Cosmetics and clothes made with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, have officially been banned in France. 01/01/2026
United Kingdom Channel Tunnel power malfunction resolved but train delays continue The tunnel operator, Eurotunnel, said the 50-kilometre undersea link was back to “full capacity" after a power fault inside it was fixed overnight on Tuesday. 31/12/2025
Vatican Pope Leo XIV asks that Rome welcome foreigners as 2025 draws to an end The Vatican this week released statistics showing 3.2 million people had participated in Vatican liturgies, audiences, Angelus prayers and Jubilee audiences this year. 31/12/2025
Belgium DAZN to continue Belgian league broadcasts after arbitration ruling DAZN announced last month it had no choice but to let its contract expire under Belgian law because it was impossible to fulfil the distribution condition of the deal. 31/12/2025
Finland Authorities investigating damage to undersea cables in Gulf of Finland Helsinki police have opened an investigation into potential aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. 31/12/2025
Moments Why these one-of-a-kind saunas should be your 2026 itinerary "The Nordics are redefining wellness in ways that feel both ancient and thrillingly modern,” says Off the Map Travel. 31/12/2025
Russia Russia sticks to Putin plot claims as allies question Moscow's motives Moscow has continued to claim a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence on Wednesday, in what Kyiv, EU, and US officials have seen as a means to disrupt US-led peace talks. 31/12/2025
No Comment Snow covers Berlin as winter weather settles over the city Berlin woke to a snowy morning, transforming the city into a winter postcard. 31/12/2025
Germany 'We are not a pawn in the hands of major powers,' Merz says In the text of his New Year's address, the Chancellor describes a world in permanent crisis mode and insists on his ability to act. The speech will be broadcast on 31 December. 31/12/2025
Earth News Cypriot fishermen turn invasive lionfish into a delicacy Consuming invasive species "can turn this challenge into an opportunity... and help limit the environmental threat," says the EU’s Fisheries Commissioner. 31/12/2025