China creates ‘shadow fleet’ to import Russian LNG in circumvention of sanctions
China is actively developing its own ‘shadow fleet’ of gas carriers to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, despite US sanctions against key Russian projects such as Arctic LNG-2 and Gazprom’s Portovaya plant. This allows Beijing to diversify its energy supplies, obtain gas at discounts and strengthen its strategic…
Bulgaria to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026
On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will officially become the 21st member of the eurozone, adopting the euro as its national currency. This historic event will complete the country’s long-standing process of integration into the European economic system, which began with its accession to the EU in 2007. The decision to…
More than 3,000 migrants died in 2025 trying to reach Spain
According to the Spanish non-governmental organisation Caminando Fronteras, at least 3,090 people died or went missing in 2025 while trying to reach the Spanish coast by sea. Among the victims were 192 women and 437 children. This is significantly less than in the record year of 2024, when, according to…
Serbia to reinstate compulsory military service in 2026
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has officially confirmed the reinstatement of compulsory military service in the country, which was abolished in 2011. According to the government’s plan, conscription will begin in 2026 and will apply to men aged 19 to 27. The term of service will be 75 days: two months…
Lithuania called Russia’s statements about an attack on Putin’s residence a false flag operation
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry sharply criticized Moscow’s statements about an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. In an official statement, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry called these accusations “another Kremlin false flag operation” aimed at justifying possible new strikes against Ukraine and…