December 30
Schengen area: Council agrees to lift air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania
Albania: Former PM put under house arrest in corruption case
Thousands protest in Serbia alleging election fraud by governing party
Kalmyk activists draw public attention to incomplete rehabilitation of repressed people
31
1992 December 31: Velvet Divorce of Czechia and Slovakia
Irish language needs ‘a national effort’
A Guide to the Sami of the Arctic Circle: Location, Population, and More
Pope Francis tells Rome to clean up its act before 2025 Holy Year
Bulgaria, Romania get official green light for partial entry into Schengen
Chechen warlord applauds teenage son’s violence as he grooms dynasty for power
January 1
Same-sex couples able to marry in Estonia from New Year’s Day
2
Netherlands Blocks ASML Exports of Some Chip-Making Equipment to China
Eurovision – Vatican City
President of Montenegro refused the Invitation to mark the unconstitutional January 9th
Croatia’s Defence Exports are Growing in a Dangerous World
8 Simmering Threats You Shouldn’t Ignore in 2024
Karelia: Bailiffs recruit debtors for war in Ukraine
3
EU strategic agenda 2024–2029
Sweden, Portugal, Luxembourg: Which EU countries use the most – and least – renewable energy?
Walloon towns hit by floods as region grapples with travel chaos
Russian citizen arrested in Latvia on suspicion of spying for Russia
Nordics gripped by extreme cold as mercury falls to -43.6C in Swedish Lapland
North Macedonia to Launch Voluntary Carbon Market
How the West lost the plot on Serbia
Economy in focus: Moldova
Russia establishes naval base in occupied Abkhazia
Chechnya’s Kadyrov Calls for ‘Blood Vengeance’ Against Relatives of Fugitives
That time I was cornered into watching MMA with a war criminal
On December 25-31, three people wounded in armed conflict in Northern Caucasus
4
The simmering row over Spanish-language teaching in Catalan schools
Key 2023 trademark updates in Albania, Montenegro and Slovenia
Growing fears for Slovakian press freedom amid government crackdown
5
1968 January 5: Prague Spring
Eurozone inflation rises to 2.9% in December
Switzerland/Gambia: Jammeh-Era Crimes on Trial
Alexander De Croo sets out priorities for Belgium’s EU Council presidency
Anti-Semitic and anti-French graffiti condemned in Corsica
Sinn Féin walks immigration tightrope toward power in Ireland
Finland plans to ban Russian LNG from 2025
Nano Energies virtual power plant in Croatia gets new owner
‘Just fix it!’: Why Portugal’s housing crisis keeps getting worse
Moldova Tells Companies in Breakaway Transnistria: Time to Pay Taxes
Cyprus: ‘Despicable’ attack against anti-racism NGO KISA highlights rise in racist violence
Chechen security forces ‘threaten to kill’ families of Telegram channel admins
6
Entain included Antarctica and Vatican City on exit list in compliance drive
Ukraine war: Atesh, the group spying on Russians in occupied Crimea
Chechen Leader Offers Ukrainian Captives In Exchange For Lifting Sanctions On His Family
7
Irish language integrated school planned for east Belfast
‘We fled oppression, not our home’: Albania to Australia and back again
EU urges Big Tech to promote opposition media in Belarus
Israel recognises Druze, Circassian contributions to national defense
Russian media: 16-year-old Russian arrested for allegedly torching Su-34 jet at Chelyabinsk airbase
8
Learning multiple languages shows you ‘care’
The Faroe Islands Will “Close” Again to All but 80 Volunteers—and You Could Be Among Them
Push for Guernesiais to be Taught in UK Channel Islands Schools
Cyprus’ president picks new defense minister, shakes up Cabinet
In Eastern Ukraine, Chechen Battalion Warns Russian Victory Would Bring War to Europe
Disgraced Ex-Marine Offers Kadyrov’s Army ‘Friendship’ With America
9
‘Really a sad day’ as Norway votes to allow deep-sea mining in Arctic waters
San Marino announces songwriting camp for 10 shortlisted AI tracks produced via CASPERAKI
Pride and tensions in Kosovo
US joins Bosnia in show of support on eve of planned celebration by Serb nationalists
Bosnian Serbs mark controversial ‘national day’
Frenchman arrested in Azerbaijan for ‘espionage’
Furor In Georgia Over Depiction Of Stalin In Tbilisi Cathedral
10
Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform: Council agrees its partial negotiating mandate
Gypsies, tramps and thieves…. the real history behind the Romani ‘Gypsies’
10 Startups In Liechtenstein To Keep An Eye On
European women’s rapid and blitz chess championship 2023 starts in Monaco
Breton pitches €100 billion fund for defence industry cooperation
Zelenskyy: Ukraine Has Stopped Russia but Needs More Air Defense Systems
Gibraltar chief optimistic EU post-Brexit question to be resolved this year
Bosnia in 2024: Dodik Makes New Threat Just as EU Hopes Grow
Belarus accused of illegally transferring Ukrainian children across border
11
Dutch Caribbean islanders sue Netherlands over climate change
Zelensky arrives in Estonia as tour of Baltic states continues
Latvia announces new aid for Kyiv, including artillery, munitions, helicopters
Finland extends border closure with Russia until February 11
Hedd Wyn: how the life of one of Wales’ most promising poets was cut short by the first world war
US Confirms Kosovo’s Request for Anti-Tank Missiles, Serbia ‘Disappointed’
Serbia’s Authoritarian (Re)turn
Protests in Transnistria Denounce Moldova’s New Tax on Exports
Russia may use Transnistria to block grain corridor from Ukraine – ISW
Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania Join Forces to Tackle Black Sea Mines
Rights defenders report health worsening of Chechnya native in deportation prison in Belgium
12
European Parliament President Metsola visited Latvia and met the leadership of the country
Malta: New Highly Skilled Work Permit Option for Non-EU Nationals
OODA Reveals Design for Mixed-Use Vertical Village in Tirana, Albania
Moldova denies claim from Transnistria of training Ukrainian soldiers to commit ‘terrorist actions’
Belarus: parliamentarians and democratic forces hold dialogue in Helsinki on the country’s future
Council of Europe raises concerns about Russia’s national minorities
The other war the West is not winning: Russia imports as much battlefield material as before Ukraine invasion
13
1991 January 13: Freedom Defenders Day in Lithuania
Montenegro’s Scandal-ridden Chinese Road
Why is the EU soft on Serbia?
Protesters in Georgia demand punishment for woman accused of defacing Stalin icon
14
Denmark’s King Frederik X Takes the Throne as His Mother Steps Down
Leaders of Italy and Malta skip Libya Energy and Economic Summit
Russia’s Chechnya constructs Palestinian village for Gaza war refugees
15
1999 January 15: Račak massacre, Kosovo
A war of wills: Europe’s peace mission in 2024
Faroe Islands profile
Volcano erupts in Iceland, sending lava into fishing town
Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary becomes world’s first Australian-born queen
Eagle Bulk confirms ‘projectile’ attack on Gibraltar Eagle with damage but no injuries
Moldova in 2024: Reform, Elections, and the Ripple-Effects of War
Is Slovakia on a fast track to illiberalism?
16
Tech Talk | A framework for a European energy data space
Luxembourg’s new PM wants to be the EU’s Orbán whisperer
Austrians happiest in EU, while Germans grow glummer
Estonia arrests Russian professor suspected of spying for Moscow
Cornwall’s Creative Manifesto 2021-2025
How Much Do You Know About San Marino?
Slovenia joins ICJ motion against Israeli practices in West Bank, Gaza, E. Jerusalem
EU Warns Baku of ‘Severe Consequences’ if Armenia’s Territorial Integrity is Violated
17
Li Qiang hails China’s friendly ties with Ireland as a ‘good example’
The gamer versus the granny: Unlikely Andorra battle over housing rights
Andorra: Acquittal of activist who raised concerns about total abortion ban at a UN meeting “an important victory”
New Members from Slovenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Lithuania on European Film Academy’s Board
In Slovenia, Broadcaster RTV Faces ‘Bumpy Road’ to Reform
Slovenian sky guardians integrated into NATO defensive structures for 20 years
Croatia partners with UNDP to rebuild inclusive schools in earthquake-hit Türkiye
Serbia Cements China Ties With New Trade and Tourism Association
Wind energy offers many benefits to Portugal. Its potential is even greater
Fires in Greece: when migrants become scapegoats
Moldova to Join EU Regardless of Transnistria Settlement – Official
Tinder swipes left on Belarus after Valentine’s Day
Belarus: Crackdown Amid Growing Information Vacuum
EU releases funds to Hungary in controversial move
Cyprus assumes the Chair of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation
Azerbaijan revives demand for corridor through Armenia
Protest turns violent as activist jailed in Russia’s Bashkortostan
Hundreds of protesters clash with police in Russian republic of Bashkortostan
Violent protests over jailing of activist in Russia’s Bashkortostan
Gay Chechen Man Flees Russia After Months of Police Abuse – Rights Group
Counting of killed Komi warriors reaches 400
18
Irish language returns to Belfast courtroom for first time in 300 years
Russia’s war is splitting the indigenous Sami in two
The Discovery of Europe
New Russian edition of Pope Benedict XVI “Jesus of Nazareth” presented in Moscow
Council of Europe and Georgian authorities launch new Action Plan for 2024-2027
Judy Asks: Can the Far Right in Europe Be Contained?
Belgium risks treaty claims over Russian asset freezes
Northern Ireland grinds to a freezing halt over public pay dispute
Denmark and UNDP reinforce child-friendly justice system in frontline communities
Sweden’s call for population to prepare for war sparks panic and criticism
Greece in 2024: New Democracy Eyes New Win over Fragmented Left
Has Transnistria just entered its last year with Russia’s gas subsidy?
Moldova says customs talks with Transnistria separatists ‘difficult’
Georgia: Stalin Icon removed from Tbilisi church
19
1990 January 19: Azerbaijan: Black January
Luxembourgish language learners look to Liechtenstein
‘Criminal complaints’ filed against Israeli President Herzog in Switzerland
Belgium sends warship to Red Sea
What’s behind the Netherlands’ turn to the far-right?
Azeri Lawmakers Call for Sanctions Against France, for Recognition of Corsica
Finland reports disappearing asylum seekers who entered from Russia
Newest LGBTQ-Friendly Catholic Parish Has a Vatican City Postal Code
Malta to host European Men’s Water Polo Champions League Final Four through 2026
EU grants access to funding for Montenegro under the EU4Health programme
Kosovo’s central bank rules cash transactions must be in euros
Greece, Bulgaria, Romania join forces in offshore wind, green hydrogen
Fortune favours the Basques
Planned Russian base in Abkhazia could threaten Georgia’s Middle Corridor dreams
Hundreds Protest in Russian Republic of Bashkortostan
Russian Police Detain Demonstrators In Restive Bashkortostan
Russia: Use of force by police in Bashkortostan protests should be investigated
Bashkortostan Protests Peel Back The Layers Of Authoritarian Politics In Putin’s Russia
Belgium commits itself to official EU status for Catalan, but Lithuania reiterates its ‘no’
20
1991 January 20: The Barricades in Latvia
Estonia takes over World Masters Ski Orienteering Championship 2024 in February
Newcastle United and our Basque Bretheren
Belarus adopts new military doctrine involving nuclear weapons
Cyprus faces backlash over use of British bases to bomb Houthis
21
World Ski Orienteering Championship returns to the Austrian Alps
Israel approves plan to transfer Gaza tax funds to Norway
Pope Francis Calls for Release of Nuns, Other Hostages Kidnapped in Haiti
22
1919 January 22: Day of Unity of Ukraine
The economic impact of migration on Europe
Flanders government looks to force TikTok and YouTube to share revenue
Travel disruption as storm Isha lashes UK and Ireland with high winds and rain
Scotland’s oldest tartan, found in a peat bog, has been recreated and is now available to buy
Richest Countries in the World 2024
North Macedonia Nears Election Double-Bill without Social Media Rules
Kosovo: Scenarios for an unfinished secession
President von der Leyen in Sarajevo to encourage progress on the accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kyiv rejects calls to cede land to Russia by Slovakia’s populist leader ahead of high-level meeting
Slovakia Would Veto Ukrainian Membership In NATO, PM Says Ahead Of Kyiv Visit
Fire destroys almost entire Abkhazia art collection of 4,000 works
Head of Russia’s Bashkortostan Blames ‘Separatists’ for Unrest
23
1719 January 23: Founding of Liechtenstein
Italy’s contested regional autonomy law wins Senate approval
Under Kremlin Suppression, Speaking Your Own Language Is a Protest
A sharp right turn: A forecast for the 2024 European Parliament elections
Fight against human trafficking: Council and European Parliament strike deal to strengthen rules
Consumers losing confidence in the EU economy
ERRC will provide legal support to romani mother abused by a doctor in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia
Lessons from Finland’s attempt to transition to a circular economy
Denmark’s rising stars: 10 innovative startups you must keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond!
Turkey parliament backs Sweden’s Nato membership
A small town in Croatia is selling homes for 15 cents — here’s who can apply
There’s ‘no war in Kyiv,’ scoffs Slovakia’s Fico
Armenia Plans to Use Iranian Ports to Reach India
Under Kremlin Suppression, Speaking Your Own Language Is a Protest
24
The end of Europe?
WHO: “Alarming” rise of measles cases in Europe
New Czech volunteer-led research & legal action shows how Roma can combat online hate
NASA Welcomes Belgium as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory
New Agreement Secures Danish Drone Surveillance in the Arctic
Denmark confirms deal to recruit 1,000 health staff from abroad
What will it take for Sweden to join NATO now that Turkey has dropped its opposition?
Russia ‘hijacking’ frustration with EU accession – North Macedonia FM
‘This Is Not Sweden’ Shows What Catalonia Can Bring to the Table as a TV Power
Is Moldova Ready to Pay the Price of Reintegrating Transnistria?
Slovakia’s prime minister U-turns on Ukraine support during visit
Why is Cyprus seeing Russian bank deposits plunge?
Azerbaijan Accuses PACE Of Bias, Suspends Cooperation With Council Of Europe’s Legislative Body
Russian lawmakers approve bill to seize property from army critics
25
1759 January 25: Burns Night, Scotland
January 25: Dydd Santes Dwynwen/St Dwynwen’s Day, Wales
More than half of children fleeing to Europe face danger on their journeys, survey finds
Nazi genocides of Jews and Roma were entangled from the start – and so are their efforts at Holocaust remembrance today
StavKirker: Explore the Medieval Wooden Churches of Norway
Andorra Alpine skiing pioneer Joan Verdú: From Youth Olympic Games medal to World Cup success
Malta begins its OSCE Chairpersonship with a vision for strengthening resilience and enhancing security
Government Of North Macedonia Resigns Under Road Map For General Elections
Kosovo Removes Billboard In Volatile North With ‘Honorary Citizens’ Vucic, Djokovic, Putin
IKEA pokes fun at Portugal political scandal with cheeky new ad campaign
Greece faces Orthodox Church opposition over same-sex marriage plans
What are Wagner Group mercenaries still doing in Belarus?
‘No Urgency’ to OK Sweden’s NATO Bid, Speaker of Hungary’s Parliament Says
Swedish PM Kristersson agrees to meet Hungary’s Orban for talks on NATO bid
26
Bill to recognise Silesian as regional language submitted to Polish parliament
Irish language hip-hop band Kneecap pick up award at Sundance Film Festival
Podcast 76: Sami Culture in Northern Norway
Belgium calls on Israel to ‘fully implement’ UN Court’s Gaza rulings
China suspends issuing visas to Lithuanian citizens – formin
Scotland’s Highland Book Prize Names a 2023 Longlist
Montenegro’s Population Rise Linked to Influx of Foreigners, Demographers Say
Renew MEPs propose a mini-Schengen between Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania
CEE Startup Landscape: Why Moldova Should Be on Your Watch List
Moldova Separatist Negotiator, Fearing Arrest, Won’t Meet in Government-Held Areas
EU threatens to silence Hungary if it blocks Ukrainian funds
Crimean Tatar leaders meet with Turkish ambassador to Ukraine
How Will Russia’s Regions Bear the Brunt of Climate Crisis?
27
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
European Union and World Bank Support Ukraine’s Small Farmers via a Stronger Partial Credit Guarantee Fund in Agriculture
35,000 people protest in Austria against far-right
Pope encourages Order of Malta to continue its “humanitarian diplomacy”
Czech Republic senate rejects Istanbul Convention on violence against women
28
Former PM Stubb, Green candidate Haavisto set for Finland’s presidential run-off
Denmark: The future of tech and mental health
North Macedonia’s Parliament Elects First Ethnic Albanian PM
North Macedonia elects Albanian as caretaker PM
Brussels threatens to hit Hungary’s economy if Viktor Orbán vetoes Ukraine aid
29
The right-wing’s latest manufactured outrage? An EU inclusive language toolkit from 2019
EU calls for ‘gendered language’ to be scrapped
Finland’s rising stars: 10 promising startups you must keep an eye on in 2024
‘Enormous potential’: Inside Scotland’s green strategy to power the nation solely with renewables
Slovenia gets first energy cooperative self-supply solar power system
North Macedonia posts 160% growth in 2023 in new renewables capacity
Spain Extends Probe into Russian Involvement in Catalonian Independence Plans
Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft
Armenia PM proposes non-aggression pact to Azerbaijan
30
1972 January 30: Bloody Sunday, Northern Ireland
Eurozone narrowly avoids recession as German economy shrinks
Northern Ireland power-sharing could resume within days, after two-year hiatus
Pressure Grows on Hungary to Approve Sweden’s NATO Bid
Eddie Martinez will represent San Marino at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Toward Normal Relations between Kosovo and Serbia
Europe’s thirst for lithium threatens livelihoods, biodiversity in Portugal
Russia’s War on Moldova Will Be Political in 2024. And Then?
Inside Putin’s ‘Secret Country House’ on NATO’s Doorstep
31
Some EU countries use the eurozone as a credit card, with Germany picking up the tab – new research
Police destroy explosive device found at Israeli embassy in Sweden
Six Nations 2024: Six classic Wales v Scotland games
Commission amends annex to Monetary Agreements with San Marino, Vatican City and Monaco
Malta: The tiny European island of tolerance
Moldova Condemns Separatist March in Restive Gagauzia Region
Commissioner Simson in Moldova for the fifth EU-Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue
ICJ Rejects Most of Ukraine’s ‘Funding Terrorism’ Case Against Russia
February 1
In a sign of commitment, EU unlocks aid for Ukraine as it fights off Russia
European Union agrees on new $54bn aid package for Ukraine
Hungary’s Orban picks his next EU battle – farmers’ protests
Eurozone Inflation Dips at Start of Year
Isle of Man TT organisers introduce important competitor safety initiative
Latvia bans its sports teams from playing Russian or Belarusian squads
Commission amends Monetary Agreement with Andorra
Montenegro, China sign education cooperation programme
Italy’s Dodgy Detention Deal with Albania
Kosovo: Government should withdraw highly problematic media law changes
Spain’s Catalonia Region Declares Drought Emergency
Same-Sex Marriage Bill in Greece Welcomed as a ‘Beginning’
Armenia joins International Criminal Court, Moscow decries ‘unfriendly step’
Opponents of mobilization in Dagestan put on police preventive registration lists, human rights defenders report
Navalny asks Russians to protest against Putin by all voting at noon
2
Phasing out dinar in Kosovo: European Commission calls for transition period
Gagauz Leaders Celebrate Anniversary of Illegal Referendum on Quitting Moldova
Izhevsk: Russian Journalist Kidnapped, Told to Stop Reporting About Combat Drone Production
*
1945 February 4: Yalta Conference establishing post-WW2 world geopolitical boundaries
1917 February 6: Sami National Day
1929 February 11: Foundation of Vatican City, Lateran Treaty Day
1804 February 15: Statehood Day in Serbia
1918 Fabruary 16: Lithuania Independence Day
2008 February 17: Kosovo declaration of independence
2003 February 20: Spanish police close the only Basque language newspaper
2014 February 20: Heavenly Hundred Remembrance Day in Ukraine
February 21: International Mother Language Day
1944 February 23: Aardakh/Operation Lentil: Soviet expulsion of Vainakh (Chechen and Ingush)
1918 February 24: Estonia Independence Day
2014 February 27: Russia’s annexation of Crimea
1835 February 28: Kalevala Day, Finnish Culture Day
589 March 1: Saint David’s, National Day of Wales
1992 March 1: Bosnia and Herzegovina Independence Day
1878 March 3: Bulgaria Liberation Day
March 5: St Piran’s Day, Cornwall national day
1944 March 8: Mass deportation of the Balkars by Stalin’s Soviet Union