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Putin’s Problems Stay with Finland

December 17
1907 December 17: National Day of Bhutan

1928 December 17: Kurdistan Flag Day
2010 December 17: Arab Spring
How much does Xmas spirit cost in Latvia?
Peltokoski reflects on life with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Lithuania becomes repair hub for German tanks damaged on battlefield in Ukraine
Another six K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers arrive in Estonia
Tusk’s Tallinn visit canceled as Kaja Kallas tests positive for Covid
Estonia renews defense cooperation agreement with USA


Putin: Russia is not interested in war with NATO
2024 preview: The West must decide if it wants Ukraine to win
Kosovo’s Serbs head across the border to vote
Kenya’s discreet church set up to welcome LGBT worshippers

18
December 18: International Migrants Day
1878 December 18: Qatar National Day
Germany to station troops in Lithuania
German brigade in Lithuania set to be combat ready in 2027
Germany puts its troops in the line of fire if Putin attacks NATO
Agreement on German brigade in Lithuania is historic – German defence minister
Latvia: Over EUR 100,000 raised in three days of High Five charity drive
EDF colonel: Small drones have proven very effective
Latvia: Grant program planned to offset August storm damages
Estonian experts critical of COP28 outcome
Will Latvia succeed in cutting medicine prices?
German military brigade in Lithuania to be operational by 2027
Green light given for industrial parks in four cities of Latvia
Lithuania hints that it is time for Hungary to leave EU
Foreign citizens might be able to volunteer for Latvian army in crisis
Ministers sign plan for German brigade deployment in Lithuania
Latvian bank profits in nine months of 2023 at €564.4 million
Lithuania: Vertical farm adds two lettuce varieties to retail
Tidiest forests of Latvia named
Skype legacy and beyond: Taavi Rõivas on deep tech’s future in Baltics
Overwhelming majority of Lithuanians reject idea of lower voting age – survey
Latvian expertise helping Dutch company develop hydrogen-powered planes
Estonia receives 6 K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers
Latvian central bank plans to provide future crypto services
Lithuanian government looking for ways to block Russian athletes from international competitions
Estonia: Biggest pay rise ever for senior civil servants in four years’ time
Latvia may deport more than 1,000 Russians for failing to meet residence requirements
Tickets go on sale for new Vilnius–Riga train
Estonia, Ukraine, UK commit to intensify cooperation in the field of digital
German brigade to be combat ready in Lithuania, on Russian border, in 2027
ECB flags ‘potential negative consequences’ of Latvia’s mortgage relief law
Estonian ex-president Kersti Kaljulaid to join Stockholm Environment Institute’s board
Latvia ranks low among EU countries for basic digital skills
European Union reaches agreement on major building renovation plan
Ticket sales begin for Rīga–Vilnius train
Environment Agency fines Estonian fuel retailer Olerex €8 million
Job vacancy numbers in Latvia went down in Q3
Estonia: Christmas peace declared in Jõgeva
Germany Draws Up Roadmap With Lithuania to Reinforce NATO Flank
Estonia: Otepää awarded winter capital title
Latvia set to buy new fighting vehicles by 2028
Estonia’s streamlined state agencies unable to respond to crises quickly enough
[Lithuania] German brigade plan: deployment dates, new schools and transport improvements
Latvia: New train removed from tracks due to ‘technical issues’
Lithuania’s Independence Act signatory Genzelis dies aged 89
Tartu teachers’ strike participation depends on local collective agreement
Number of vacant jobs in Latvia exceeds average in the EU in Q3 2023
Estonian incomes, living standards, life expectancy improved dramatically after transition to market democracy
Lithuania: MP Gražulis stripped of mandate, to be barred from election for 10 years
Estonian animation ‘Miisufy’ selected for Sundance Film Festival program
German brigade to be combat ready in Lithuania, on Russian border, in 2027
Latvia’s 4 largest banks undecided about appealing bill on support to mortgage borrowers
Vilnius Airport’s new terminal will allow to serve more routes, further expansion planned
Israel-Hamas war delaying some weapons deliveries to Estonia
European Parliament President Metsola to visit Latvia
Estonian textile artists’ association opens annual exhibition ETTE/VAATLIK
Lithuania mulls tighter laws for foreign workers
Estonia’s Edith Karlson asks others to make self-portraits for her Venice Biennial project
Roadmap signed for deployment of German brigade in Lithuania
ERR in Karabakh: Azeri refugees are returning
State secretary to Latvian Ministry of Defence submits resignation
AI delves into microscopic images to help understand how drugs work
Lithuania’s LTG Link kicks off ticket sales to Riga
European Union adopts new Russia sanctions package
Latvian passports to look different and cost twice as much
Estonia’s Riigikogu adopts law sent back by president unchanged
The art of Christmas on display at Latvian Art Academy
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda visits Estonia
Kariņš: Swedish NATO ratification by Turkey ‘a question of weeks, not months’
Estonia: Teachers’ union, conciliator still do not agree on who can strike
CIP and Ignitis Renewables wins Estonia’s first offshore wind tender
Latvian stevedores urge government to not stop transit of grains
Lithuania, Sweden, and Canada join forces to support Ukraine’s transportation sector


Where is democracy headed in 2024? Trump may have the final word
Putin has “no interest” in attacking NATO; warns of “problems” with Finland
Putin warns of problems with neighboring Finland after West ‘dragged it into NATO’
Denmark, Sweden to provide Ukraine with additional infantry fighting vehicles
Attack at Mexico holiday party leaves 12 dead – authorities
Finland closes its border with Russia again, claims Moscow is orchestrating a ‘hybrid operation’
Denmark, Sweden To Donate More Armoured Vehicles To Ukraine
A gloomy mood hangs over Ukraine’s soldiers as war with Russia grinds on
Ukraine probes listening device found in office used by top general
US to Gain Access to 15 Military Bases in Finland
Putin Ally Predicts ‘Big War’ With NATO
Strategic Patience Can Secure Victory in Ukraine
North Korea fires ICBM after condemning US ‘war’ moves
Repairing the arts in Poland after eight years of PiS
Freedom’s gambit. How to save Belarusian prisoners of conscience
US Lawmakers Still Negotiating Ukraine Aid Deal as Holidays Near
France to act against ‘radical’ Israeli settlers, pushes to defuse Lebanon tension
New Polish ruling coalition outlines plans to introduce same-sex unions
Ukraine and its backers need a credible path to victory
Over 20 thousand stateless individuals in Sweden
Seven European countries pledge CO2-free power systems by 2035
Germany’s Scholz tests positive for coronavirus
Sweden: “If You Want Our Aid, Take Back Your Migrants”
Ukrainian troops face artillery shortages, scale back some operations – commander
Texas to arrest migrants crossing border illegally under new state law
Sharp increase in child poverty in Iceland and Norway
A new deal gives the US military ‘unimpeded access’ to Sweden’s bases — including a vital outpost in the heart of northern Europe
Pakistan and Norway Celebrate 75 years of Diplomatic Relations
U.S. defense chief urges Israel to do more to protect Gaza civilians
Polish truckers to resume Ukraine border blockade
Can West Africa Meet Germany’s Energy Needs?
Russian held in Finland suspected of 2014-15 war crimes in Ukraine
Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling
Denmark will join Sweden in tank donation to Ukraine for over 240 million euros
Germany: Farmers blockade Berlin in tractor protest
Kyiv forced to cut military operations as foreign aid dries up
Erdogan, Orban pledge deeper ties in Budapest
Is the Baltic Sea a NATO Lake?

19
1961 December 19: Operation Trikora, New Guinea
1980 December 19: National Heroes and Heroines Day, Anguilla
Latvia’s Tech Leap: Smart Traffic Solutions in Riga Set to Revolutionize Road Safety
Estonia: Digital marriage and app elections in next wave of transformation
Latvian poet Andris Ogriņš dies aged 48
Lithuania’s roadmap to a greener transport landscape
Daugavpils hospital struggles to scrape by
Hatred, disputes, and ultimatums. Will returning Polish FM sour relations with Lithuania?
Baltic states to carry out joint audit of Rail Baltica
Estonian government completes 60 percent of its action plan to date
Latvia and Slovenia are close allies in strengthening European security – Mierina
‘Wonka’ attracts well over 12,000 movie-goers in opening weekend in Estonia
Latvia: Tourist numbers dipped in October
Estonia to Supply ‘Long-Term’ Military Aid to Ukraine
Ķirsis: Much of Rīga’s budget next year to go to education
EU Commission unlocks EUR 9 mln to Lithuania out of frozen RRF funds
In a shift, Latvia and Lithuania are paying Holocaust survivors and heirs for their stolen property
Commission, Baltic States and Poland commit to accelerated Baltic grid synchronisation with Continental Europe
Latvia: Initiative on reduced VAT on catering to be considered
Estonian grid operator Elering plans €700-million investment over next 5 years
Two dead after falling through the ice in Latvia
Estonia: Some sectors to be hit by EU court’s decision on working and rest time
Canada, Lithuania and Sweden to help rebuild Ukrainian infrastructure
Premiums up over 13% in Latvia
Kaunas extends free public transport for Ukrainians
U.S. agrees on 5-year defense ‘roadmaps’ with Baltic states
Latvia To Expand State-Funded Healthcare Services: A Giant Leap for Patient Care
Ukraine’s Join UP! starts direct flights from Vilnius to Sri Lanka
Lithuania 2024: ‘EUROVIZIJA.LT’ participants and details released
Bank of Lithuania upgrades economic growth forecast for 2023
‘Icicles mean neglect’ says Rīga mayor
Estonian MEP: Ukraine war increasingly coming off as an European affair elsewhere
Digitalization of healthcare in Latvia – why, how and for whom?
Lithuania adopts compulsory registration of SIM cards
Majority of Lithuanians back deployment of German brigade – survey
Bank of Estonia: Recession to continue and unemployment to rise
ERR in London: Labour Party victory forecast for next year’s UK general election
Commission improves transport in Latvia with 23 new electric trains thanks to Cohesion Policy funds
Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar concludes visit to Latvia
[Latvia] No surprises: inflation is low
Construction of Tallinn’s ‘environmental house’ to begin in January
Some rules relaxed for easier workforce entry into Latvia
Around 100 truckloads of ammunition arrived in Estonia in 2023
Estonia’s Riigikogu votes in favor of Israel statement of support
Higher electricity bills expected next year in Latvia
[Estonia] Finance minister: Planned €400 million tax hike needs to be canceled
EC unlocks €9m of frozen funds to Lithuania
Baltic Olympic chiefs want IOC explanations over Russian participation
EC, Baltics, and Poland agree on grid synchronisation by February 2025
Anti-misinfo site: Russian propaganda twisted former NATO commander’s words
Germany to Deploy Brigade in Lithuania for First Time Post-WWII
Edward Lucas on ways in which Ukraine can ultimately win
Forestry accounts for 1.5% of Latvian GDP and 17,400 jobs
PPA restricts ice access in south, east Estonia from December 20
Latvian sports stars to share 885,000 euro bonus
Estonia allocates €350,000 to Ukraine for aid, energy infrastructure repairs
Stronger together: Spanish and German Eurofighters secure Baltic skies
Estonia completes second synchronous condenser needed to uncouple from Russian grid
NATO and Northern Europe: No Longer the Forgotten Flank
PISA 2022: Gender gap in Estonia and Finland – from school to work pay
Russia’s Row With Finland Exacerbates Baltic Solitude
71 Estonian MPs call on Macron to ban Russian athletes from Paris Olympics
Estonia: Ministry mulls ban on short phone numbers with hidden costs


Slovakia wins EU OK on Russian oil-based products sales to Czech Republic
Moscow glows triumphant as front freezes and Western aid for Ukraine stalls
Moscow sends warning to Finland
Denmark, US Reach Defense Agreement
Iceland volcano erupts near town after weeks of quake activity
Twelfth package of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus: 61 individuals and 86 entities added
Lukashenko Calls for Significant Reforms in Belarus’ Neglected Melioration System
US and UK Issue Russia and Belarus Sanctions and Export Control Measures
Germany’s top court orders 2021 election rerun in Berlin
Fourteen members of Russian spy ring who planned to derail Ukraine aid train sentenced in Poland
Norway’s Equinor and German state energy group sign €50bn long-term gas deal
UK, Norway sign agreement on 2024 access to North Sea fishing grounds
How will the Ukraine/Russia war pan out in 2024?
UN rights chief: ‘Extensive failure’ by Russia to protect Ukraine civilians
One in 10 migrants crossing the Belarus-Poland border in need of life-saving treatment, NGO says
The Belarus KGB’s ill-conceived creativity
Ukraine war set to turn in Putin’s favor in 2024, Czech president warns
How Denmark is becoming the Baltic Sea’s newest jewel
OL3 boosts Finland’s nuclear output to record 23.6 TWh
Eolus Pushes Ahead with 1+ GW Offshore Wind Project in Sweden
Erdogan says signals from US, Canada may help Turkey move on Sweden NATO bid
Suomen Voima Launches new pumped storage project in Finland
What will PM Donald Tusk do with Poland’s populist bankers?
Finland’s military to receive more bridge systems from Patria
Denmark agrees to host US troops and equipment in new defence deal
Poland’s Oscar entry brings “peasant-mania” to the 21st century
Norway gets regulatory approval for 1.4 GW offshore wind tender
Poland’s adjustment in retail electricity and gas prices postponed to second half of next year
Bo Larsson, Sweden and Malmo soccer great, dies at 79
World Grain Focus on Poland
Denmark follows Sweden and Finland in signing US defence deal
Russia summons Finland ambassador over US border accord
Sweden, France strengthen cooperation on nuclear
Poland sees higher 2024 deficit as govt implements pay rise pledges
Putin says Russia ready to hold talks on the future of Ukraine
Mexican president says his country is world’s leading cultural power
Poland dismisses its representative at World Bank, drawing central bank rebuke
Ukraine military seeks extra 500,000 soldiers – President Zelensky

20
Sweden set to join Canadian-led brigade in Latvia once roadblocks to NATO membership end
Estonia, allies establish mechanism to provide cyber assistance to Ukraine
Latvian government okays Rail Baltica main line expenses
Estonia: How the X-Road paved the way to a digital society
Millions estimated in losses over scrapped Covid vaccines in Latvia
Estonia seeks builder for new zero-emission, battery hydrogen-fueled ferry
Latvia: Signature collection for referendum against partnership law still sluggish
Estonia: 2023 state budget deficit will be lower than forecast in spring
Lithuania: For the first time in history, Germany is permanently deploying brigade outside its territory – interview
World risks new age of empires where might makes right, warns Estonian foreign minister
Germany to deploy additional troops to Lithuania
Estonia issues around 200 exemptions to sanctions on Russia
Latvia’s passenger train market won’t be open for competition soon
Guidehouse to Double Lithuanian Team
Top Latvian officials talk counterterrorism
Estonia: Just Transition Fund progress far behind schedule in Ida-Viru County
Diesel cars in Latvia will face DPF checks from 2025
Lithuania: Via Baltica reconstruction halfway through, other half to be completed by 2025
Rīga Technical University ranked among world’s greenest
Lithuania has delivered a new batch of military aid to the Ukrainian army
Latvia’s Digital Mind to buy Poland’s EIP Dynamics
Estonia: Industrial output falls 3.3 percent on year to November
Latvia will benefit from an even larger EU single market – PM Silina
Switching Harmony Link to land-based cable to speed up decoupling from Russian grid
Latvia signs EUR 164 million contract on the purchase of Himars systems
Feature | ‘They are guarding our back’: HMS Richmond arrives in Tallinn
MPs concerned about Russian artists performing in Lithuania
Latvian citizen accused of terrorism threats
Estonia: From next autumn Covid vaccines free only to those in at-risk groups
Lithuania’s GDP per capita at 89% of EU average
Estonia E-Residency Program Generates €40 Million in State Revenue and 183 Million Euros in Economic Impact for Estonia
Lithuania under financial strain of accommodating German brigade, diplomatic cable suggests
Road maintenance funding to fall sharply over coming years in Estonia
Falling birthrate forces county hospitals to close maternity wards in Estonia
Estonia: Prosecutor’s office sends MP Martin Repinski criminal case to court
[Estonia] Jüri Ratas: Aimlessly thrashing about has stark consequences for the economy
Some Orthodox Christians in Lithuania move Christmas celebration to December 25
Latvia, USA sign HIMARS missile purchase deal
Former Latvian central bank governor Rimšēvičs sentenced to 6 years in prison
Estonia: EKA’s ‘Pattern Building’ concept could be used for schools and apartments
SEB bank still active in Russia
Paldiski LNG terminal could be fully functioning by spring
Little change in Latvia’s unemployment rate
Lithuania halfway through with Via Baltica motorway
Belarus extends visa-free entry for Baltics, Poland
Estonia: Power outages will only become more frequent in the future
Latvia’s ex-central bank chief sentenced to 6 years’ jail for corruption
Estonian defense ministry begins work with job portals to train conscripts
MP: Estonia should prioritize Turkish relations over recognizing Armenian genocide
Lithuania sends field equipment, rations to Ukraine
25% of Estonian boys think women should stay out of politics
From “Flooded Meadow” to Maritime Hotspot: Keeping the Baltic Sea Free, Open, and Interconnected
Estonia: Information Act should be renewed to benefit Estonian democracy
Germany’s Panzerbrigade 42 armored brigade receives official status in Lithuania
Asper Biogene case could be game-changer for data protection in Estonia
Lithuania’s real GDP per capita highest among Baltics in 2022


Ireland to launch legal action against UK over Troubles amnesty law
Cyprus foils alleged Iranian plot to kill Israelis, in joint operation with Mossad
Armenia considers possible future outside Russia-led military bloc
Germany’s ailing steel industry gets €2.6 billion to decarbonise
Holiday travel peaks in Europe despite security warnings
Germany’s participation in the European Hydrogen Bank “Auctions-as-a-Service” scheme
Ukraine’s citizen army struggles with a hidden enemy: combat stress
Health Care Under Siege as Ukraine Enters Second Winter of War
Swiss capital Bern considers legal cocaine project
Western Sanctions Reshape Norway-Russia Crab Fishing Industry
US: House Speaker Johnson among US politicians with ancestral ties to slavery
Norway Greenlights EUR 2 Billion Offshore Wind Contract for Difference Scheme
Ukrainians prepare for first wartime Christmas on new calendar
LNL Summer: the rise of Germany’s first female Chancellor
Anti-war candidate Duntsova applies to run in election against Russia’s Putin
Time is of the essence in defending Ukraine
US missile defense proposal stirs debate in Palau
Commission launches three new initiatives to support Ukrainian researchers and innovators
EU agrees new rules on hosting migrants, seeks to cut numbers
Poland’s revolution gets real as government reclaims control of public media
Polish government takes public TV news channel off air amid reform drive
Solidarity brings hope to Belarus three years after the democratic revolution
Venezuela frees dozens, including Americans, in prisoner swap
US aid debate pushed to 2024 as Ukraine continues to battle Russian drones
Russia’s First Electric Car Is a ‘Tesla Killer’ but Looks So Much Like a Washing Machine
Budget for EU emergency stockpiles in Finland rises to €305m
Ukraine Is Nato’s Front Line
Germany to seize more than $790 mln from Russian financial group
Iran summons Sweden’s envoy to protest life sentence against former Iranian official

21
Lithuanian Companies Rethink Recruitment Amid Labor Shortages
Latvia Boosts Support to ICC Trust Fund for Victims
U.S. Army unit continues forging bonds with Estonian Allies
Latvia: Over 200,000 euros raised in six days of High Five
Estonia Drops Tax Hike for Budget Cuts in Longest EU Recession
Schrödinger’s Russians: nobody knows if they are in Latvia or not
Lithuania’s regions increasingly challenge Vilnius in competition for workers
Latvian police crash funeral to arrest drunk driver
In Estonia: Rail Baltica will not pay off financially
Latvia sees stabilization in Covid incidence
Lithuania’s Vinted announces Canadian market exit
Britain’s Labour leader Keir Starmer visits Estonia, warns against ‘going soft’ on Putin
Impressions of exchange students from studying in Latvia
Estonian Human Rights Center to turn to court over Palestine protest
Latvia to prohibit national athletes from competing with Russian and Belarusian athletes
Incoming Polish PM Tusk can be strong ally for Estonia in Brussels
Two Latvian fugitives remain on Europe’s ‘Most Wanted’ list
Major international institutions need reform in face of Russian aggression
Lithuania Boosts Airspace Security with Swedish Air Defence System Acquisition
Rīga to host conference on Ukrainian children stolen by Russia
Lithuanian parliament fails to impeach imprisoned MP
Latvia: Young engineers display their robotics skills
Lithuanian defence minister plays down leaked cable on brigade-related costs
Estonia: Riigikogu votes down Isamaa MP call for investigative committee into prime minister
Lithuania plans to acquire short-range air defence system from Sweden
Explainer | What’s making news in Estonia as 2023 draws to a close
Latvian Saeima moves forward with ‘Moscow House’ takeover plan
[Estonia] New Defense League chief: Support for Ukraine in all ways must continue
Latvia to prohibit keeping dogs on chain
Lithuania contributes €10,000 to OPCW missions in Syria
Latvian central bank promises scrutiny of IT systems in financial sector during 2024
Estonia: Hate speech law will not come up for second reading before spring
Rīga’s Eastern Highway open for traffic
BNN ANALYSES | Who are the 2023 winners and the losers in Lithuania?
Latvian producer prices down nearly 10 %
Lithuania: Ordering Christmas Eve dinner from restaurant? Ethnologist says it’s not right
Markus Villig: Weak national defense scaring away investors in Estonia
Lithuanian parliament backs conscription reform
Finance minister wants privatization of three Eesti Energia subsidiaries
Santa Claus’ fast-track procedure at Rīga Airport revealed
Estonia: Riigikogu finishes its autumn session
First Škoda electric rolling stock starts rolling in Latvia
Tallinn’s oldest building St. Catherine’s Church gets new roof in 2024
Latvian ex-governor Rimšēvičs sentenced to six years in prison
[Estonia] Unemployment Insurance Fund: Signals from labor market worrying
Latvian president promulgates the country’s state budget for 2024
Tallinn changes procedure for determining school of residence
Ukrainian support center in Rīga to move location again
Estonia: Interior abandons plan to ban non-personalized prepaid SIM cards
Latvian Saeima permits employment termination for residents not loyal to the state
Estonia: Õhtuleht publishing buys Express Post
Rīga resident accused of war glorification
EU to Help Finland Probe, Secure Area of Damaged Baltic Pipeline
Love Scandinavia? Here’s Why Estonia Should Be Next on Your List
Virši is expanding to Lithuania in 2024


Belgium suspected China spy but was unable to prosecute
Smoke bombs in parliament as Albania’s former leader stripped of immunity
Independence referendum is out of the question, Spain’s PM tells Catalonia
Moldova Scraps Soviet-Era Abbreviation For Chisinau Airport
How Russia compromised Bulgaria’s sovereignty
Ukraine attacks Russian space communications center in Crimea
Russia to revamp Armenia’s nuclear power plant
Aral Sea: an environmental disaster to rival Chernobyl
Japan eases arms export curbs to send Patriot missiles to US
New Zealand Abandons Indigenous Rights and Pacific Priorities in Foreign Policy
Eviction, threats and suicidal thoughts: Uganda’s LGBT community endures trying year
Thailand edges closer to legalising same-sex marriage
Sweden cuts 2024 growth estimate, sees downturn until 2025
FEI sets criteria for participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials
Denmark’s Orsted to build world’s largest wind farm off UK east coast
Finland approves € 106 million aid package for Ukraine
Invisible poverty: homelessness is on the rise in Germany
2024: UN Humanitarian Forecasts for Ukraine
Ukraine updates: Kyiv to call on men living abroad to fight
Russia’s Rosneft considers sale of assets in Germany
Denmark to spend a billion kroner on state aid for green industries in 2024
Social media platform X back up after global outage
Denmark’s Humanitarian Impact on Afghanistan’s Earthquake Aftermath
Ukraine war: Kyiv digs in for the long haul with prospects looking bleak for 2024
Cost of rent in Poland up 62% since 2015, fifth-fastest rise in OECD
Kazakh producers look to boost transit payments to Belarus for German oil supplies
Kraków records world’s cleanest urban air
Germany swaps Russia for Norway in gas supply dependence
Japan-Sweden Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
German state-owned gas supplier aims to import ‘giga-scale’ amounts of low-carbon hydrogen from Equinor
Gunman kills 14 in attack at his Prague university
Norway to pay Sámi reindeer herders millions for violating their human rights
Four factors that stalled Ukraine’s counteroffensive
​Iceland sets up pensions research institute, linking with Denmark’s PeRCenT
Ukraine hopes to find ways to unblock border with Poland this week
Germany first beneficiary of European Hydrogen Bank’s financing scheme
Turkey could advance vote on Sweden’s Nato bid next week, top lawmaker says
Norway greenlights Norwegian Air’s $110 mln takeover of Wideroe
Ukraine can still defeat Russia, but it needs the right tools to do it
Taipei to donate more for Ukrainian refugees in Poland
The U.S. Is Looking to Use Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
Sweden’s yule goat has been burned, run over and shot. This year, it’s going to the birds

22
Eiffage wins rail contract in Latvia
Lithuania MOF Announces Unanimous Parliamentary Approval of Increase in Personal Tax-Free Income
Latvian border town residents wary about Lithuanian wind park plans
Year in review: Space Law in Estonia
Eiffage, Budimex And Rizzani De Eccher Win In Consortium Civil Engineering And Track-Laying Works In Latvia
Estonian FinMin: State budget in line with new EU budget rules
Another group of Ukrainian soldiers treated in Rīga
LRT English Newsletter. Can we afford a German brigade?
Estonia opens €25 million drone procurement process
Railway: Latvia – Lithuania passenger link ready to launch
Over 60 Võru County residents going to court over Nursipalu military training area expansion
Vertical Farming Lithuania: “We’re not reinventing the wheel here, just doubling the yield per m2”
Estonia’s former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves to divorce
Major Rail Baltica contract signed for Latvian mainline construction
Estonia Health minister: No maternity ward or hospital will be closed
Latvia’s energy efficiency improved slightly over last decade
Colliers Baltic has launched a new business venture in Lithuania by offering property management services to East Capital Real Estate
State Security Service raids Rīga ‘Moscow House’ over potential sanctions breach
‘There were no signals that Lithuania won’t get ready to host German brigade’ – president
State Audit: Rēzekne has millions of unreported liabilities
Lithuania buying new optical sights for Armed Force for €34m
Survey suggests Latvian residents have no broad consensus on Gaza question
Estonian animated films ‘Eeva,’ ‘Koerkorter’ shortlisted for 2024 Oscars
Rēzekne accused of heat price gouging last winter
Estonia’s Ekspress Grupp fined for news website acquisition infringement in Lithuania
Stora Enso to sell land and machinery of Näpi mill in Estonia
Contract signed for Rail Baltica mainline construction in Latvia
Balticconnector aiming for an April restart
Lithuania: Criminals responsible for stealing 28 luxury cars arrested
Jaan Toots: Narva needs an extension for Estonian education switch
Lithuania managed to cut alcohol consumption – do its policies work?
Three Latvian companies named as ‘Impact Stars’
Bolt launches parcel delivery service in Estonia
Latvia reports over 1% of GDP in donations to Ukraine
Ukraine prosecutor office calls whistleblower on Estonian NGO to testify
Ministry says construction of Latvia-Belarus border fence is on track
Estonia: Government agrees Sirgala military training area can more than double in size
Cautious Optimism Marks First 100 Days of Latvia’s New Government
Lithuanian president vetoes legalisation of night sights in hunting
Latvian Health Officials Call for Greater Focus on Prevention and Public Health Promotion
Lithuanian media group 15min buy out majority stake owned by Estonia’s Postimees
Year in review: Space Law in Latvia
French city adopts free public transport policy ‘inspired’ by Tallinn
Latvian State Audit Office Criticizes Rezekne Municipality’s Financial Management
Vestas wins onshore wind orders in Lithuania, Germany and the USA
Latvia’s First Biomass Trading Platform BioEx Marks a Successful Inaugural Year
8 Indian citizens detained after illegally crossing Estonian border
Latvian Foreign Ministry gives funding to document human rights violations in Belarus
Estonian Christmas lights sparkle in 10 countries this winter
Latvia Bolsters National Security with Border Fence Construction
The Baltic Sea Region: A Laboratory for Overcoming European Security Challenges
Latvian Parliament Adopts Citizen-Driven Amendments to State Administration Law
Rediscovering Europe’s Delicacy: The Matjes Herring in Lithuania
Polish F-16 jets launch under NATO Baltic Air Policing in Estonia
Lithuania Experiences Century-Low Atmospheric Pressure Amidst Unusual December Weather
Latvian Parliament Supports Sports Law Amendments to Stand with Ukraine
Estonia Bolstering Security Measures With US Presence on Ground
Convicted MP’s Retained Mandate Ignites Political Debates in Lithuania
Estonia, one of the first countries to introduce Christmas trees, celebrates the holiday


The UK edges closer to recession as new data shows economy shrinking
Montenegro fails to sell any 182-day T-bills at auction
Greece plans to raise up to 10 bln euros from debt markets in 2024
Moldova Appoints Romanian Ex-Finance Minister As Central Bank Chief
Netherlands Officially Clears Path for Bulgaria’s Schengen Entry After Parliamentary Debate
EU to provide 1.2 bln euro to support coal phase-out in Bulgaria
China’s BYD to build its first European electric vehicle factory in Hungary
Moscow Acknowledges ‘Issues’ in Fulfilling Military Contract with Armenia
Trade turnover between Russia, Tajikistan increases in 11M2023
Kazakhstan to extradite Russian cyber expert to Moscow despite US requests
Kazakhstan Launches Construction of New Rail Link to China
Kazakhstan reluctant to approve Chinese nuclear plant proposal – report
Uzbekistan summons Russian envoy over politician’s annexation remark
Looking Back on Deng Xiaoping’s Landmark Visit to Singapore
New US Sanctions Target Banks to Prevent Aiding Russia’s Defense Industry
New Polish foreign minister visits Kyiv on first overseas trip, pledging continued support for Ukraine
Second North Korean nuclear reactor appears to be operational, IAEA says
Germany’s government is warning companies to scale back dependence on China
Poland increases imports of berries faster than any country in the world thanks to exports from Ukraine
Russian copycats fill market gaps left by western brands
Norwegian cruise ship loses navigation ability in North Sea during storm
EU sends additional 500 power generators to Ukraine
Norway will get its first real, complete dinosaur skeleton next year
Russia blasts US on frozen assets, missiles as Ukraine bombardment persists
Woman killed by falling Christmas tree on Belgian market square
Norway plans to open its water to deep sea mining
Ukraine Community Recovery Fund Approves First Strategic Allocation
German home prices tumble amid property rout
Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
NATO chief says Russia suffered ‘strategic defeat’ in Ukraine
Mercedes-Benz Reported to Police in Denmark Over Greenwashing
Finland’s border closure with Russia contrary to international law: Amnesty International
Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan granted bail, but release uncertain
Japan to send Patriot missiles to US which may aid Ukraine
Turkish parliament to review Sweden’s NATO membership next week
From Alabama To Poland for the holidays
Congo awaits first provisional election results after messy vote
EU, Sweden and UNDP launch ten Recovery and Development Offices for post-war restoration in Ukraine
Tesla Loses Legal Appeal in Sweden as Strike Hits Eight Weeks
Turkish Parliament Resumes Debate Tuesday On Sweden NATO Bid
France grounds aircraft bound to Nicaragua with some 300 Indians on board
Finland sending 21st military aid package to Ukraine
Liquid Wind applies for environmental permit for third eFuel plant in Sweden
Ukraine likely to ramp up sabotage inside Russia in the new year
Cuba quietly authorizes euthanasia
Denmark ranks first for organic purchases in the EU
Europe entering “new cold war” with Russia – Finland’s defense chief
Denmark Slips Into Recession In Third Quarter
Czechs mourn victims of university shooting as police patrol public areas
China: Scholz Will Regret Confiscating Russian Assets, Putin Prepares a Surprise
This AI Trained on the Life Events of Every Person in Denmark. It Can Now Predict Their Future.
Health alert after parrot fever infects humans in Sweden
‘Shoot here!’: reporter screams at Prague gunman to help people flee
Poland’s new foreign minister vows to back Ukraine’s ‘titanic fight’
Russia warns US and Europe over reports Ukraine may get its seized assets
Poland hopes truckers dispute can be solved by year-end
More than 20 countries now part of US-led Red Sea coalition, Pentagon says
Ukraine and Poland set to work on resolving ‘problematic’ issues
Sweden’s Electrolux Professional to buy Japan’s Tosei

23
Estonia Backs ICC Victim Trust Fund for Assistance Programs
Lithuania Moves to Reform Conscription System in Bid to Strengthen Defense
Tallinn, Tartu to declare Christmas Peace at noon on Christmas Eve
Latvia’s Strops Technologies develops new kind of camera
Lithuania’s first female producer: ‘I felt like everyone was going through the door and I had to climb through the window’
On Estonian Christmas traditions
How Lithuanian-Americans are trying break deadlock on US support for Ukraine
Four traditional Latvian yule dishes
Estonia-based Crypto Exchange to List Shiba Inu’s LEASH


Spain’s Madrid region partially revokes trans, LGBTQ rights laws
New China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement Raises Security Concerns for Europe
Germany sends ammunition, demining equipment to Ukraine
Czech Republic mourns victims of Prague university mass shooting
Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Fighter Jets
Armenia takes path of revanchism and war. “Iron Fist” will crush the hydra
Biden signs $886 billion US defense policy bill into law
Azerbaijan-China relation stems from common values
Former Finnish President Halonen reflects on Russia relations and Nato membership
Wildfires, strikes and other 2023 events: Canada’s year in pictures
How Ukraine can win the war against the Russian ‘Goliath’
Israel-Hamas war’s staggering toll reaches a grim milestone: 20,000 dead
What life was like when Australia and New Guinea were one landmass
Japan-South Korea Cooperation: Strength in Unity, Danger in Division
Japan passes record $56B budget for defense
The first nail-biter election of 2024: Taiwan
Taiwan reports more Chinese military activity as election approaches
How Taiwan-ASEAN Semiconductor Cooperation Can Bolster Taipei’s National Security
Biden signs into law 2024 defense spending bill with Taiwan provisions
Catholic bishops reject Pope’s stance on blessings for LGBT couples

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1951 December 24: Libya Independence Day
1979 December 24: Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa, African America
1990 December 26: Slovenia Independence and Unity Day
1991 December 26: Dissolution of the Soviet Union
1943 December 28: Day of Memory and Sorrow in Kalmykia
1890 December 29: Wounded Knee Massacre, South Dakota, US
1911 December 29: Mongolia Independence Day