On July 1, 2024, the Greece government introduced a six-day working week for specific industries. The legislation allows for a traditional 40-hour workweek to be extended to 48 hours for some businesses. This includes an additional two hours per day or an extra eight-hour shift for private companies providing 24-hour services.
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has reclaimed its position as Europe’s largest stock market. For the first time in nearly two years, the total value of companies listed on the LSE surpassed that of the Paris Stock Exchange. This is by a valuation of $3.18 trillion for London against $3.13 trillion for Paris.
Norway has announced a tightening of its entry restrictions for Russian citizens. This comes in response to what Norwegian officials have labeled as “Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.” Starting May 29, 2024, Norway will deny entry to almost all Russian tourists.
The European Union (EU) has announced a aid package of 7.4 billion euros ($8.06 billion) for Egypt. This aid package is a deal aimed at addressing concerns regarding migrant flows from Egypt to Europe.
The European Union’s parliament has passed the world’s first regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI). The EU AI Act, born in 2021, establishes categories of AI risk, from unacceptable to low hazard with corresponding regulations.
India has finalized a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The agreement, termed a “watershed moment” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promises to inject a $100 billion in investments into the Indian economy over the next 15 years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the resurgence of measles in Europe, citing a 30-fold rise in cases. The WHO’s European region, comprising 53 countries, including Russia and Central Asia, seen a surge with over 30,000 reported measles cases between January and October 2023.
Over 200 Amazon workers across Europe including more than 1,000 at the Coventry warehouse in England, walked out in protest against the e-commerce giant’s working conditions and pay policies.
Researchers have revealed what is is believed to be Europe’s oldest shoes, sandals woven from grass, dating back over 6,000 years. These old ancient artifacts were found in the Cueva de los Murciélagos, or the Cave of the Bats, situated in the region of Andalusia in southern Spain.
The Ongoing problem that brought down Niger’s pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum, tensions between Niger and its previous colonial power, France, have reached new heights.
