Four Turkish F-16s violate Greek airspace over central Aegean
Four Turkish F-16s violated Greek airspace on Friday afternoon. According to reports, the Turkish fighter jets, two of them armed, entered the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) in pairs without submitting a flight plan, flying over the central Aegean. In response, Greek fighter jets intercepte»»»
Visteon’s new technical centre will create high-value-added jobs, says its CEO
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - CEO of Visteon, Sachin Lawande, said that the company’s new technical center, inaugurated on Friday in the Lac area, will serve as a strategic engineering hub to strengthen the presence of the company, which specialises in...»»»
Trump says Thailand, Cambodia have agreed to stop border clashes
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to halt fighting along their disputed border, which has killed at least 20 people this week. The latest fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours, which stems from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demar»»»
French farmers clash with police over cow cull
Angry French farmers are calling for more protests over the government-backed slaughter of cattle herds affected by so-called Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). On Thursday there were clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the southern Ariège department, after vets were called in to destroy potent»»»
Former French PM de Villepin calls for exploring new forms of cooperation between Tunisia and EU
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin called for exploring new forms of strategic cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union and for rethinking existing frameworks to ensure the interests of both sides.He...»»»
Protesters Rally for Palestinians over Gaza Funding in Downtown Sofia
Citizens rallied in front of the European Commission Representation in Sofia on Friday in support of Palestinians’ rights. The protest, organised by the unregistered student initiative Students for Palestine, Bulgaria under the slogan “NO to funding the genocide in Gaza!”, took place outside the Ho»»»
EU Indefinitely Freezes Russian Central Bank's Assets - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - EU countries have agreed to freeze the Russian Central Bank's assets held in Europe for an indefinite period, Reuters reported on Friday. The frozen assets are worth 210 billion euros ($246 billion), according to the report. An indefinite freeze in lieu of a vote every six months»»»
Lead Woman Event Highlights Women’s Leadership in Egypt’s Energy Sector
Egypt’s Women in Energy Network successfully hosted the Lead Woman: Women’s Leadership event, sponsored by Shell, bringing together senior leaders and professionals to advance dialogue around women’s empowerment, leadership, and allyship in the energy industry. The event opened with remarks from El»»»
Shipowners fund new geolocation system for railways
The Union of Greek Shipowners has signed a donation agreement with the state worth €2.49 million to finance the procurement and installation of a new geolocation system for all railway trains. The system, which allows continuous real-time monitoring of train locations, has been operating in pilot f»»»
Hegseth Blocks Driscoll From Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Rising Tensions
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has blocked US Army Chief Dan Driscoll from participating in Ukraine peace talks amid strained relations between the two officials, The Telegraph reported Friday, citing sources in the know. Hegseth moved to exclude Driscoll, a close friend of»»»
Amazon pulls AI recap from Fallout TV show after it made several mistakes
Amazon has pulled a video recap made with artificial intelligence (AI) from its hit TV show Fallout after users said it got several facts wrong about the series. The firm said in November it was testing the "first-of-its-kind" tool in the US to help viewers catch up on some of its shows on streamin»»»
No Budget, Big Consequences: Fiscal Council Flags Risks as Bulgaria Prepares for Extension Law
At the turn of the year, Bulgaria is preparing to enter 2026 without an approved state budget. The government is expected to pull back the second draft of Budget 2026 from parliament, allowing the Council of Ministers to move toward adopting an extension law either in the final days of December or »»»
TAP awarded “Outstanding Participant” title at closing of Media and Cultural Exchange Programme in Beijing
Beijing, Dec 12 (TAP) - Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) news agency received the highest distinction at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Media and Cultural Exchange Programme held on Friday in Beijing, with its correspondent in the Chinese capital Hedi...»»»
New study shows Romania hosts Europe's biggest brown bear population
Bucharest: Romania has the largest brown bear population in Europe, with an estimated 10,657 to 12,787 animals, according to new national data unveiled Friday in the central city of Brasov by Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu. The figures come from the country's most extensive bear monitoring pro»»»
Iran 'violently' arrests Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi
Iran "violently" arrested Nobel Peace Prize 2023 laureate Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony on Friday, her supporters said. Mohammadi, who was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024, was detained along with several other activists. Iranian security forces on Friday "v»»»
Abu Dhabi announces new parking rules in commercial areas of Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Abu Dhabi: Q Mobility, the company responsible for managing and developing public parking in Abu Dhabi, announced the introduction of parking regulation in commercial areas of Mohammed Bin Zayed City, effective from December 15. The move, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre under the Depart»»»
Tunis First Instance Court sentences Abir Moussi to 12 years in prison (judicial source)
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - Abir Moussi, head of the Free Destourian Party was handed down a 12-year prison sentence by the Fourth Criminal Chamber of the Tunis First Instance Court, in the case known as the “Presidential Registry Office” case.Meanwhile,...»»»
Bugatti Residences by Binghatti sells for record Dh550 million
The Bugatti Residences in Business Bay has set a new record, with a penthouse selling for Dh550 million — the highest price ever achieved for such a property in both Dubai and the Middle East, signalling significant shifts within the city’s premium real estate sector. Executed under the direction o»»»
Man found in possession of Kalashnikov at bus station
Police in Athens have announced the arrest of a 20-year-old man who was found in possession of a Kalashnikov-type combat rifle at Kifisou intercity bus station. The man was apprehended early Thursday as he alighted a coach. The weapon was found in his baggage, along with a magazine and 12 cartridge»»»
House Oversight Democrats release new cache of Epstein photos - UPI.com
1 of 15 | Jeffrey Epstein sits with Steve Bannon. Image courtesy of the House Oversight Committee Democrats. Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Democrats from the House Oversight Committee released new photos Friday from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The photos feature prominent people, inclu»»»
California woman wins $1M lottery prize one day before her birthday - UPI.com
A California woman scored a $1 million top price from a California Lottery scratch-off ticket she bought just one day before her birthday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A California woman scored a $1 million top price from a California Lottery scratch-off ticket »»»
Prime Minister bids farewell to Algerian counterpart at conclusion of official visit
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani Zenzri bid farewell to Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb at the presidential wing of Tunis–Carthage International Airport on Friday evening at the conclusion of his two-day official visit to...»»»
Deputy Foreign Minister Anguelieva Hosts Farewell Reception for Arab States' Ambassadors Accredited to Bulgaria
Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Anguelieva hosted a farewell reception for the ambassadors of the Arab states accredited to Bulgaria on Friday, the Ministry said. Anguelieva was appointed ambassador to Hungary in November. Arabist Dimitar Mihaylov, advisor in the Minister's Cabinet and soo»»»
Eritrea quits regional bloc as tensions rise with Ethiopia
Eritrea has withdrawn from East African regional bloc Igad, accusing the organisation of "becoming a tool against" countries like itself. In a statement on Friday, Eritrea's foreign ministry said Igad had strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability. The withd»»»
UAE warns citizens in Washington
Dubai: The UAE Consulate in Los Angeles has advised Emirati citizens in the United States to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall and flooding affect Washington state, warning of potentially hazardous conditions. In a statement, the consulate urged nationals to strictly follow safety instructions and »»»
Animal welfare group protests use of live pony in Volos Christmas crib
The Volos Animal Welfare Group released a statement protesting the placement of a live pony in a Christmas nativity scene set up by the Volos municipal authorities. According to the group’s post, the animal is being displayed as a public spectacle under adverse conditions, removed from its natural »»»
Police uncover cache of hundreds of stolen passports and IDs in central Athens
Police have arrested a 45-year-old man from Pakistan, accused of being the manager of a warehouse in Omonia, central Athens, where hundreds of stolen identity cards, passports, and residence permits were discovered. A total of 419 documents were found at the location, including several Greek identi»»»
Japan Culture Con 2025: Everything you need to know
Dubai: Meet Hatsune Miku and your favourite anime characters at Japan Culture Con (JCC), which is back for its second edition this weekend. The fest kicked-off on Dec 12 and runs until Dec 14. JCC 2025 expands with a wider programme and deeper dive into Japanese traditions than ever before, with a »»»
Call to boost diplomatic missions with key expertise to improve global economic positioning
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - Business leaders and diplomats called on Friday to strengthen Tunisia’s embassies and diplomatic missions with the necessary specialised expertise “to implement an economic diplomacy that would facilitate access to foreign...»»»
Islamic Jihad Denies Withholding Body of Last Israeli Hostage
Palestinian sources dismissed Israeli claims circulating over the past two days that the Islamic Jihad movement is refusing to cooperate with Hamas by handing over what Israel says is the last body of an Israeli hostage in Gaza, a step Israel has linked to moving into the second phase of the ceasef»»»
EU breaks fundamental vote rule to freeze Russian assets indefinitely: Live Updates
The European Union has voted to keep Russian central bank assets frozen indefinitely despite opposition from member states. The bloc pushed through the controversial agenda by invoking emergency powers legislation to bypass the need for unanimous approval. The European Commission, and its head Ursu»»»
Benin police arrest former defence minister turned opposition leader Candide Azannai
Benin's opposition figure and former defence minister Candide Azannai was arrested on Friday in Cotonou, according to a police source. It has yet to be confirmed whether his detention is linked to Sunday's foiled coup attempt. Benin's former defence minister and prominent opposition figure, C»»»
Pope Leo XIV urges Italy's spy agency to prioritize peace, human dignity - UPI.com
Pope Leo XIV pictured in May addressing Catholic faithful from the Vatican balcony in Vatican City, Vatican. On Friday, the American-born Catholic Church head urged Italy's intelligence officials to ground national security in ethical principles and cautioned that efforts to preserve peace must not»»»
Taylor Swift shown breaking down in tears after she met Southport attack families
Taylor Swift broke down in tears after meeting survivors and families of the victims of the Southport stabbing attack, backstage footage from her Eras tour reveals. The star met privately with some of those affected by the attack in July 2024, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance worksho»»»
Speaker of CNRD meets ambassador of South Korea in Tunis
Tunis, Dec. 12 (TAP) - Speaker of the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD), Imed Derbali, expressed during his meeting on Friday at the Council’s headquarters with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Tunisia, Lee Tae-won, his...»»»
Foreign Ministry Warns of Possible Transport Disruptions in Brussels Due to Union Strike
The Foreign Ministry advises Bulgarian nationals to closely monitor the latest updates on possible transport disruptions in Brussels due to an upcoming strike, the ministry announced on its website on Friday. On December 15, Monday, a general strike and demonstration are planned in Brussels, Belgiu»»»
Trade balance deficit widens to TND 20,168.5 million
Tunis, Dec 12 (TAP) — Tunisia’s trade balance widened to TND 20,168.5 million during the first eleven months of 2025, compared with TND 16,758.5 million over the same period in 2024. The coverage rate declined to 74.2%, down from 77.3% in 2024,...»»»
Bulgaria Backs Germany in Calling Out Russia's Alleged Cyberattacks, Disinformation Campaign
In a post published on x.com on Friday night, Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it stands in full support and solidarity of Germany's position, specifically that Russia's hybrid actions, including recent cyberattacks and coordinated disinformation efforts, are unacceptable. The Minis»»»
Will France be next to introduce an Australian-style social media ban for children?
Australia this week implemented a world-first ban on social media for under-16s, and France could soon introduce a similar measure. French lawmakers will in January debate a bill whose aim is to protect children’s mental health. Australia on Wednesday became the first country to introduce a social »»»
Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi arrested in Iran, supporters say
Iranian security forces have "violently arrested" Nobel Peace Prize winner and women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi, her foundation has said. The Narges Foundation said her brother confirmed Ms Mohammadi was detained in the eastern city of Mashhad, along with other activists. It has called for »»»
Germany summons Russian ambassador on alleged election interference - UPI.com
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to the media during a news conference in Jerusalem on Sunday. The German Foreign Ministry accused Russia's military intelligence of a disinformation campaign targeting Merz during February's general elections Pool Photo by Ariel Schalit/UPI | License Photo De»»»
White House sued by historic preservation group over ballroom plans
A nonprofit organisation tasked by the US Congress with helping preserve historic sites has sued the White House to stop construction on President Donald Trump's new ballroom. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the suit on Friday, arguing that the White House failed to seek necessar»»»
'They're no longer hiding': How Russia is shipping liquefied natural gas to China despite sanctions
A cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia's Portovaya plant was delivered to the Beihai terminal in China on December 8. This marks the first delivery since the facility was placed under US sanctions in January 2025. The development highlights deepening China-Russia energy ties as Moscow s»»»
Talking Europe - EU inches closer to trade deal with Latin America: Fair prices or Mercosur crisis?
The European Parliament is set to adopt its negotiating mandate on Mercosur, after which talks on the final shape of a trade deal can begin. The accord with Latin American countries would create a free trade area of more than 700 million people, at a time when the EU is locked in trade conflicts wi»»»
Iran Arrests Nobel-Prize Winning Activist Narges Mohammadi
Iranian security forces on Friday "violently" arrested the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi along with at least eight other activists at a memorial ceremony for a lawyer who died earlier this month, her supporters said. Mohammadi, who was granted temporary leave from prison in Decembe»»»
Iran Raising Fuel Prices for Heavy Users to Curb Consumption
Iran will raise the price of its heavily subsidized gasoline for heavy users on Saturday, state media reported, as the OPEC member seeks to control rising fuel demand without triggering public anger. Proposals to increase Iran's fuel prices, some of the lowest in the world, have long been postponed»»»
NBS gross FX reserves at 29.36 bln euros at end-November
BELGRADE - National Bank of Serbia (NBS) FX reserves hit 29,366.6 mln euros at end-November, their highest end-of-month level on record, after increasing by 2.5 mln euros from a month ago, the central bank announced on Friday. In a statement, it said the reserves had covered "164.2 pct of money sup»»»
Death toll from severe weather in Gaza rises to 13 in less than 24 hours
Gaza: A wave of severe weather and extreme cold that has been hitting the Gaza Strip since yesterday has caused the deaths of 13 Palestinians in less than 24 hours, in addition to a series of widespread collapses in several areas. Civil defense teams are continuing search and rescue operations unde»»»
Ministry of Housing signs MoUs with Saudi’s Amiantit and its German subsidiary PWT for water and infrastructure projects
The Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction signed two Memoranda of Understanding yesterday with two leading international companies in the water and infrastructure sector, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen vital infrastructure in Libya. The signing ceremony was presided over by the Mi»»»
Austria’s OMV prepares to lift force majeure and resume its exploration commitments in Libya
Austria’s OMV prepares to lift force majeure and resume its exploration commitments in Libya The National Oil Corporation’s (NOC) Exploration Department discussed last Wednesday (10 December) OMV’s 2025 exploration activities, including post-drill evaluation of discovery B1-106/4 and drilling resul»»»