Trump Says He Respects Greenland, Denmark, But Only US Can Defend Island
DAVOS (Sputnik) – US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he respects Greenland and Denmark tremendously, but only the United States can defend the island. "I have tremendous respect for both the people of Greenland and the people of Denmark. But every NATO ally has an obligation to be abl»»»
Germany's public debt rises by 2.1 percent
Berlin: Germany's total public debt reached EUR 2,608.8 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2025, an increase of EUR 54.8 billion, or 2.1 percent, compared to the second quarter of the same year. In a statement today, the Federal Statistical Office explained that federal government debt rose»»»
Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Radev’s Resignation as President
Nearly two-thirds of Bulgarians approve of Rumen Radev’s decision to step down as president, according to a public opinion survey conducted by Gallup for the Bulgarian National Television (BNT). The poll shows that 64 percent of respondents view his resignation positively, while 23 percent oppose t»»»
Trump tells Davos US is 'economic engine of the planet'
Dubai: US President Donald Trump used his return to the World Economic Forum on Wednesday to champion American economic performance while delivering a blunt assessment of a Europe he claimed was "not heading in the right direction". Addressing a hall of global dignitaries and corporate executives i»»»
Syria says 7 soldiers killed after Kurdish force targets arms factory
Syria's defense ministry said seven soldiers were killed on Wednesday when the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces targeted an arms depot in the country's northeast, despite a fresh ceasefire announced a day earlier. "Army forces found a factory for producing explosive devices and drone munitions"»»»
Fate of IS detainees uncertain as Damascus reins in Kurds
Recent conflict between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria has again brought to the world's attention the detention facilities where Islamic State group members are held and camps where mostly women and children have been locked up for years. During the battles that th»»»
Israel says will strike Jarjouaa, al-Kfour and Qennarit in south
The Israeli army issued Wednesday evacuation warnings for three buildings in the southern towns of Jarjouaa, al-Kfour and Qennarit ahead of airstrikes. Earlier on Wednesday, two people were killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes on their vehicles on the Bazouriyeh and al-Zahrani roads, in the so»»»
Cabinet Adopts 2026 Action Plan Covering 200 EU Membership Measures
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved an Action Plan for 2026 containing measures based on Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union (EU). The 2026 Action Plan was drafted from proposals submitted by the working groups of the Council on European Affairs, the Gover»»»
Government Proposes Ratification of Defence Cooperation Agreement with Italy
The Council of Ministers Wednesday adopted a decision proposing to the National Assembly the ratification of the agreement between Bulgaria and Italy on cooperation in the field of defence regarding the joint construction and use of military facilities in the Kabile military area. The agreement was»»»
Bulgaria Honours Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on Traditional Holiday of Babinden
On January 21, Bulgaria celebrates Babinden, or Midwives’ Day, according to the old-style calendar. A traditional hand-washing ritual was held at the Maichin Dom obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in Sofia. Dona Manova, a young mother, washed the hands of Prof. Asen Nikolov, a long-serving doctor »»»
Government Approves Three Candidates for European Prosecutor from Bulgaria
The Government has approved three candidates nominated for the position of European Prosecutor from the Republic of Bulgaria. The nominees were proposed by a Selection Commission appointed by order of outgoing Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev, the Government Information Service reported on Wednesda»»»
Bulgaria Not to Participate in NATO Exercises in Greenland - Outgoing Defence Minister
Outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated on Wednesday that the country is not planning to send Bulgarian military personnel to participate in NATO exercises in Greenland. He made this statement during a parliamentary Defence Committee hearing on current issues. Zapryanov was responding to »»»
Military Sports Association Football Cup concluded
Doha, Qatar: The 2025-2026 Military Sports Association Football Cup, organized by the Military Sports Association, has come to a close. The Amiri Land Forces team secured first place after defeating the Military Parade Center team 1-0 in the tournament's final match. Acting President of the Militar»»»
How to Protect Yourself from Food Poisoning
Many people around the world suffer from food poisoning, a condition that occurs after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms of food poisoning may appear in some people immediately after eating contaminated food, while others may not experience them until several days later. Food poiso»»»
Trump casts doubt on NATO states’ commitment
US President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether NATO members would come to America’s aid if it were attacked, while stressing that Washington would still defend its allies in the bloc. Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Trump credited himself with being NATO’s chief benefactor, while recalling »»»
Terry Fox Run Dubai 2026: Date, location, and how to get involved
Dubai: The Terry Fox Run Dubai is set to return on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Expo City Dubai, bringing the community together to support cancer research in the UAE. The annual event, held in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, invites participants of all ages and abilities to take part in a»»»
Issa visits north to assess support for vulnerable communities
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut said the United States remains “committed to delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance and supporting durable solutions for vulnerable communities across Lebanon,” after U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa made a recent visit to North Lebanon and Akkar. Issa and his wife join»»»
Cabinet Proposes Acquisition of Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Systems for the Navy
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a decision to table to the National Assembly a proposal for approval of an investment expenditure project titled “Acquisition of Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Systems” for the Bulgarian Navy. According to the press release from the G»»»
MP Atanassov Warns Investigation Data "Will Be Used Against Inconvenient Figures" as Anti-Corruption Commission Closes
first-reading approval of a bill, proposed by GERB-UDF, providing for the closure of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Atanas Atanassov MP of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria told reporters that investigation findings "will be used against inconvenient figures". Upon the entry into force of »»»
Djedovic Handanovic: Serbia has written to US in support of NIS licence request
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Wednesday the Serbian government had sent a letter to the US administration in support of a request for an extension of an operating licence for the Serbian oil company NIS, as well as a potential transaction betw»»»
UK Mercenaries Eliminated in Strike on Ukraine's Headquarters Near Nikolaev – Underground
DONETSK (Sputnik) - Mercenaries from the United Kingdom were eliminated following a strike on the Ukrainian armed forces' strategic naval operations headquarters near the city of Nikolaev, the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground network in Nikolaev, Sergey Lebedev, told Sputnik on Wednesday.»»»
Putin to Keep Tabs on Response to Maritime Law Violations by Unfriendly Nations
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will be briefed on how Russia plans to respond to violations of international maritime law by unfriendly countries, the Maritime Collegium said on Wednesday. "The Chairman of the Maritime Collegium [Nikolai Patrushev] will brief the President of R»»»
Hamad International Airport marks a year of operational strength and global connectivity in 2025
DOHA: Hamad International Airport (HIA) concluded 2025 following a year of sustained operational performance, reinforcing its position as a global gateway for Qatar. Serving 54.3 million passengers, the airport delivered smooth, efficient operations that supported the nation’s connectivity, trade, »»»
Dubai Customs, Emirates SkyCargo move to integrate sea-air cargo systems
Dubai: Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo held a strategic meeting on Tuesday to advance plans to integrate sea and air freight operations, as Dubai steps up efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate cargo movement through the emirate. The talks focused on linking digital system»»»
February meeting to coordinate importing energy from Egypt and Jordan
A meeting comprising Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian and Jordanian officials will be held in February with the aim of facilitating the exportation of electricity and gas from Jordan and Egypt to Lebanon via Syria, a Lebanese ministerial source told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. The meeting will review prev»»»
AUB School of Business hosts roundtable on restructuring Lebanon’s banking sector
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Business Practice and Policy Initiative (BPPI), hosted an expert roundtable titled “Restructuring Lebanon’s Banking Sector: Global Standards, Local Realities.” The event gathered economists, banke»»»
EU lawmakers vote to hold up Mercosur trade agreement over legal concerns
European Union lawmakers on Wednesday voted to hold up ratification of a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur group of South American countries over concerns about the legality of the deal. In a vote in Strasbourg, France, lawmakers narrowly approved sending the EU-Mercosur agreement to Eur»»»
Trump tells Davos US is 'economic engine of the planet', calls Denmark 'ungrateful'
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday proclaimed his country was the world's "economic engine," and slammed Europe as "not heading in the right direction," as Washington's allies push back against its bid to seize Greenland. "The USA is the economic engine on the planet. And when America booms, »»»
Protests Planned Across Bulgaria Demanding Acting Chief Prosecutor Sarafov’s Resignation
Protests demanding the resignation of acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov will be held in front of courthouses in Sofia and several other cities across Bulgaria. Organizers say Sarafov has no right to hold the post and has, for at least six months, concentrated power in the Prosecutor’s Office»»»
Kazakhstan returns to UAE SWAT Challenge with five teams, including all-female unit
Dubai: Kazakhstan has confirmed its participation in the seventh edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge, set to take place from February 7 to 11, 2026, at the Training City in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai. The Central Asian nation will compete with five teams this year, including one all-female unit, underlining »»»
Dubai teacher killed in weekend road accident; school mourns
Dubai: A Dubai school is mourning the loss of one of its teachers who died in a road accident over the weekend. Sebastian Charles, a Year 4 teacher at Durham School Dubai, tragically passed away, the school's principal announced in a letter sent to parents on Tuesday. Although Charles had been with»»»
Teen detained for Serres killing beaten by fellow inmates in prison
A 16-year-old boy held in custody for the fatal beating of a 17-year-old in Serres, northern Greece, over the weekend, was, in the lead-up, assaulted by three fellow inmates during an incident that began over a minor dispute, authorities said. The incident occurred on Sunday inside the teen’s cell,»»»
CC-DB Deputy Floor Leader Lena Borislavova Will Not Run in Next Snap Elections
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Deputy Floor Leader Lena Borislavova announced on Wednesday on her official Facebook profile that she will not take part in the next early parliamentary elections. “In recent months, I have been actively working on two new projects through which I will conf»»»
Regional Cultural Institute for Arts and Crafts to Be Established in Oreshak
The Council of Ministers adopted a decree establishing a Centre for Arts and Crafts - Oreshak Regional Cultural Institute, the Government Information Service reported Wednesday. The new institute, based in the north-central village of Oreshak, Troyan Municipality, will be a specialized centrе for t»»»
European Investment Fund to Reinvest EUR 160 Mln in Bulgarian Businesses by 2035
The European Investment Fund (EIF) will reinvest EUR 160 million in Bulgarian businesses by 2035 under the European Commission’s Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE) initiative, the Government Information Service reported on Wednesday. The funding will be provided to e»»»
Es'hailSat, QAF sign MoU for satellite communications, ground networks for sovereign requirements
DOHA: The Qatar Satellite Company, Es'hailSat, and the Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to provide QAF with satellite communication services, ground infrastructure, and secure, flexible network solutions to support sovereign and operational requirements for »»»
"Sign of a growing front" against Donald Trump as Europe goes confrontational
President Donald Trump is heading to the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alps on January 21, where his ambitions to wrest control of Greenland from NATO ally Denmark could tear relations with European allies. It could also overshadow his original plan to use his appearance at the gathering of glo»»»
Live: Trump addresses World Economic Forum in Davos
US President Donald Trump arrived in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday for the World Economic Forum, where he launched into a speech lavishing praise on the US economy and accusing Europe of "not heading in the right direction". Follow our liveblog for all the latest developments. (FRANCE »»»
Northern lights stun Europe as most powerful solar storm since 2003 hits Earth
Here in France, as well as countries including Hungary, Greenland and Germany, some residents have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. These vibrant scenes are the result of the most powerful solar storm the earth has seen since 2003. But fortunately, little telecommunicati»»»
Key EU-US trade deal in limbo amid tension as US threatens extra tariffs
"In politics as in business – a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something.” Ursula von der Leyen's comments came amid growing tension between Europe and the US over Greenland and France's membership at Trump's Board of Peace, which led the European Parliament to suspend t»»»
Press Review - Press cartoonists on Trump's arrival for Davos forum in Switzerland
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, January 21: US President Donald Trump's upcoming arrival at Davos is all over the front pages, as cartoonists depict the ongoing tensions with Europe. Also, Israel has demolished a United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees compound in East Jerusalem. Next, the Morocca»»»
Safety concerns grow as second deadly train crash occurs in Spain
A commuter train near Barcelona ploughed into the rubble of a collapsed wall on January 20, killing one and injuring dozens. The latest incident is likely to raise more questions about Spanish transport safety, coming two days after the collision of two high-speed trains in the southern region of A»»»
NATO chief aims to deescalate Europe-US crisis as Davos braces for Trump
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday "thoughtful diplomacy" was needed to deal with tensions over Greenland, as President Donald Trump headed to Davos pushing US claims on the territory. Rutte has sought to deflect Trump's interest in the Danish autonomous territory into a broader discussion at NAT»»»
Fuel prices rise
Skopje, 20 January 2026 (MIA) - The retail price of Eurosuper BS-95, Eurosuper BS-98, and extra light household oil will rise by Mden 1.5 per liter, while the price of Eurodiesel (D-E V) will go up by Mden 2 per liter as of Tuesday midnight, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has said. As a res»»»
January consumer basket at Mden 66,413: SSM
Skopje, 20 January 2026 (MIA) - The minimal consumer basket in January 2026 stands at Mden 66,413 (EUR 1,079), up by Mden 921 over the one in December, said the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) on Tuesday. According to SSM, renting a 60m2 apartment increases the costs to Mden 81,788 (E»»»
Situation in dams will not be significantly impacted by recent high-intensity precipitation, says expert
Tunis, Jan. 21 (TAP)- "The situation in dams will not be significantly impacted by the recent high-intensity precipitation across the country," said expert in development and mamanagement of resources Houcine Rhili."No rainfall was reported in the...»»»