Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria ranking members Ivaylo Mirchev hopes for 2026 to be the year when full euro integration and civic awakening change the country for the better. "Let 2026 be the year in which our full euro integration and civic awakening will change our country for the bette»»»

Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world's second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates. An overhaul of the tax system announced late last year removes many exemptions that were in place since 1994, when Chi»»»

Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city's annual fireworks display. The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled th»»»

“I am convinced that the Eurozone is not just a change of currency, but a civilizational choice. This key decision required from the political class a clear choice - narrow party populism or statesmanship,” wrote GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Facebook. “For GERB, the choice was clear. This choice a»»»

Bulgaria officially adopts the euro as of the first day of 2026 and becomes the 21st member of the eurozone. This happens exactly 19 years after the country joined the European Union. Until the end of January, the lev will remain a legal means of payment alongside the euro, and from February 1 the »»»

Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. For mostly urban, young and entrepreneurial Bulgarians, it's an optimistic and potentially lucrative l»»»

“To regain our democracy, we must not waste the energy and hope that were born in the squares, nor the opportunity to change Bulgaria,” said President Rumen Radev in a televised New Year’s address to the nation. “We are counting down the last minutes of the passing year. In the comfort of our homes»»»

Australia, New Zealand and several eastern Asian nations were the first countries to ring in 2026 with spectacular fireworks displays. The rest of Asia, Africa and Europe will be the next regions to watch as the countdown clock ticks down to midnight.   The world is welcoming 2026 with a »»»

“For the first time since the Second Bulgarian Empire, Bulgaria is printing a currency that is accepted beyond the country’s borders. January 1, 2026 marks the beginning of an era. Bulgarians travel freely, work, and develop businesses as equal citizens in the richest union in the world,” said Cont»»»

As Bulgaria is joining the eurozone on January 1, 2026, BTA's English service is running an updated, revised and enlarged version of a timeline of the landmark dates in the country's progress towards accession that was first published in July 2025. July 1, 1997: A strict exchange rate regime known »»»

As 2025 comes to a close, editorial team thanks our readers for following our coverage throughout the year. Your engagement makes it possible for us to deliver news, analysis, opinions, features and perspectives that challenge the mainstream narrative and highlight the stories that truly matter. RT»»»

As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgaria was preparing to switch to the euro on Wednesday night to become the 21st eurozone member, amid concerns the move could usher in higher prices and add to political instability rattling the Balkan country.At midnight (2200 GMT Wednesday), Bulgaria will wave goodbye to both»»»

Doha: Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) shared climate information for January 2026 in its monthly weather brief. January, which marks the second month of the winter season in the country, is climatologically known to be the coldest month of the year. During this period, cold fronts are set to be »»»

PoliticsAsiaIran: Economic crisis, political discontent threaten regimeMohsen BarinProtests triggered by soaring inflation and a collapsing currency have highlighted widespread political discontent. Will Iran's deep economic woes lead to regime change? https://p.dw.com/p/569zaThe protests began wit»»»

More than three years after taking power in a military coup, Guinea’s junta leader Mamady Doumbouya secured a sweeping election victory on Tuesday that cements his grip on the presidency, in a vote critics say was held in a tightly controlled political environment as the country seeks to draw a lin»»»

On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro, completing a process of European integration that began with EU membership in 2007. With this step, the Bulgarian lev will exit circulation after nearly a century and a half, closing a chapter that began shortly after the country’s libera»»»

Peruvian authorities launched an investigation into a deadly train wreck near Machu File after trains operated by two rival companies collided head-on in a remote area. Photo by Ernesto Arias/EPA-EFE Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The driver of a train was killed and at least 40 passengers, including American to»»»

From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria officially switches to the euro, with the fixed conversion rate set at 1 euro = 1.95583 leva (BGN). For the first month, until 31 January 2026 inclusive, a dual-circulation period will apply, allowing cash payments to be made either in leva or in euros, depending on th»»»

2025 Wrapped: IAEA’s Most-Read Nuclear Explainers - Institute of Energy for South-East Europe About UsMission and VisionBackgroundAnnual ReportArticles of AssociationBoard of GovernorsOrganizationExecutive CommitteeScientific CommitteesResearchInternational Advisory GroupCo-operation in SE EuropeIn»»»

It's been a roller-coaster year for financial markets - but US stock investors are heading into 2026 on a high note. US President Donald Trump's global trade tariffs sent shockwaves through markets in the spring. But by summer, the US saw record highs fuelled by strong company profits and confidenc»»»

Skopje, 31 December 2025 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski recorded a holiday address to the public in which he said the year ahead was going to be one of progress and change and wished everyone health, peace and strength. "Dear fellow citizens, the year we are sending off was not easy. It »»»

The author of Heated Rivalry has revealed the success of the TV adaptation has resulted in her receiving specialist help with her Parkinson's disease. Rachel Reid, 45, was diagnosed with the condition in the summer of 2023, around the same time she was approached about adapting her book series for »»»

Iran on Wednesday appointed a new governor to the central bank after the former one resigned following a record currency fall against the US dollar that sparked large protests. The plummeting of the rial, Iran's currency, sparked the largest protests in the country in three years, with rallies that»»»

Iran's prosecutor general said on Wednesday that economic protests that had gripped the country were legitimate, but any attempt to create insecurity would be met with a "decisive response". "Peaceful livelihood protests are part of social and understandable realities," Mohammad Movahedi-Azad told »»»

BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.2820 dinars for one euro on Wednesday, which is a slight change relative to Tuesday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is up by 0.1 pct against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.2 pct y-o-y and by 0.2 pct relativ»»»

Mali and Burkina Faso say they will bar US citizens from entering their countries in response to a similar move by the Trump administration. The two West African states were recently placed under full entry restrictions under US President Donald Trump's expanded travel ban. In separate statements, »»»

2025 was an important year for Servier Romania, as the company continued to strengthen its leadership in cardiology and venous disease, expanded access to oncology treatments, and advanced major public health initiatives. Under the leadership of General Manager Dr. Jan-Frederic Kesselhut, Servier R»»»

Doha, Qatar: As Qatar Foundation marks its 30th anniversary, it has launched The QF Generation, an immersive storytelling initiative that brings together 30 individuals whose lives have been shaped by QF. Through personal reflections, they share their journeys and highlight how they are now contrib»»»

Dubai: Pakistan is set to enter 2026 as the world’s fifth-most populous country, with its population surpassing 225 million, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The milestone highlights the urgent need to address rapid population growth amid high fertility rates, persistent gen»»»

New Year's Eve revelers celebrated the end of 2025 on Wednesday, waving goodbye to 12 months packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. It was one of the warmest years on record, the stifling heat stoking wildfires in Europe, droughts in Africa and deadly rains acr»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Somali President Warns Israeli Recognition of Somaliland Could Fuel Gaza Displacement Plan 31-12-2025 09:58 AM Somali President Hassan Shei»»»

Relations between India and the Maldives represent one of South Asia’s most stable and organically developed partnerships. Maldives Insight reports. Long before diplomatic ties were formalised in 1965, the two nations were linked through maritime trade, cultural exchange and people-to-people contac»»»

Zohran Mamdani, young upstart of the US left, was readying Wednesday to take over as New York mayor for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump. After the clocks strike midnight, bringing in 2026, Mamdani will take his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop, taking the h»»»

Europe is no longer sleepwalking into disaster. It is marching toward it with wide-open eyes, clenched fists, and a disturbing sense of moral self-satisfaction. At the very moment when the United States, under Donald Trump’s leadership, is returning to diplomacy, restraint, and strategic realism, t»»»

In 2025, Sputnik got 10 billion internet hits and grew its audience to 23.5 million subscribers, adding 4 million in just one year. The agency expanded its radio broadcasting to 15 new countries, launched 24/7 broadcasting in Brazil and increased its global reach with new correspondent locations an»»»

Rabat, Morocco: Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, 45 years after their maiden appearance, by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat. Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty just before half-time for Tunisia and Feisal Salu»»»

As Bulgaria adopts the euro, small settlements lacking post offices, ATMs, and other essential services face a particularly difficult transition. One such place is the village of Emen in Veliko Tarnovo region, home to roughly twenty elderly residents. Emen lacks public transport, a post office, and»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatari athletes endured mixed fortunes in the passing year, marked by historic achievements, extraordinary individual performances and moments of heartbreak. Al Annabi experienced a roller-coaster 2025, but their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup on merit saved the blushe»»»

Central Asia, the Sahel region and northern Europe experienced their hottest year on record in 2025, according to AFP analysis based on data from the European Copernicus program. Globally, the last 12 months are expected to be the third hottest ever recorded after 2024 and 2023, according to the pr»»»

Doha, Qatar: In the Arabian Gulf, some of the region’s richest pockets of marine life are forming in unexpected places: around the steel legs of offshore oil platforms. And according to Director of Research and Policy Development at Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, Dr. Ra»»»

Japan’s sustainable finance agenda moved from vision to execution in 2025, marking a year in which policy intent, market standards and capital mobilisation began to align at scale, Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) writes. What had previously been framed as aspiration increasingly took on the cha»»»

NEW YORK — Growing Chinese auto giant BYD stands poised to officially surpass Tesla as the world's biggest electric vehicle company in annual sales.The two groups are expected soon to publish their final figures for 2025, and based on sales data so far this year, there is almost no chance the Ameri»»»

The UAE said Tuesday it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia led an airstrike on a southern Yemeni port targeting what it said was a UAE-linked weapons shipment. Following the strike, Saudi Arabia backed calls for UAE forces to leave the country within 24 hours. Th»»»

In tonight's edition: Somaliland's recognition by Israel prompts celebrations in the autonomous territory and condemnation from countries around the world. Plus we discover a musical adventure that's taking viewers around the world along for the ride: the South African animated film "David".»»»

Congo is heading towards another tightly watched presidential race after the ruling Congolese Labour Party confirmed it will again back veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso, extending the 82-year-old’s decades-long grip on power into a 2026 election already drawing opposition scrutiny. Congo’s Presi»»»

In tonight's edition, the largest ever protests against Israel's recognition of Somaliland are organised across Somalia. Also, a blown tyre and high speed are behind the accident that left boxer Anthony Joshua just injured in a Nigerian hospital. And Abuja ends the year still unpicki»»»

Iran’s government spokeswoman said she recognised nationwide protests over living costs, in a bid to cool tensions which have been running high in recent hours due to the collapse in the country's currency and rampant inflation.  »»»

Following the failure to make a breakthrough in the Mar-a-Lago peace talks Russia accused Ukraine of firing 91 drones at president Vladimir Putin’s official residence and vowed a retaliation and to toughen its conditions for a ceasefire. »»»

On a small boat in the Atlantic, about 27 nautical miles (50km) away from South Africa's Cape Point, a group of bird watchers are calling out seabird names: "Atlantic Yellow-nosed! Black-browed Albatross!" The tour boat takes bird watchers from Cape Town to see endangered seabirds, including albatr»»»