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Recently, severe snowstorms and intense cold weather have swept across multiple countries in Europe, causing significant disasters. Airports in the Netherlands have already canceled over 400 flights, with an expected 600 more flights also being forced to cease operations. Both road and rail transportation have been severely affected, leaving thousands stranded at airports. France has also been hit by snowstorms, leading to multiple traffic accidents and at least five fatalities.

France continues to be enveloped in frigid weather, with snowfall in the Paris region and across the country, followed by freezing night temperatures. Six small airports in the west and north have been closed due to icy conditions. In the southwest department of Landes, two accidents resulted in three deaths due to icy roads. In the Paris region, two individuals also lost their lives—one in a collision with a heavy truck, and the other when a taxi skidded on the snow and fell into the Marne River. Bus services in Paris were suspended but have gradually resumed, although the situation remains chaotic.

To clear snow from the runways, Charles de Gaulle Airport announced that 40% of flights would be canceled on the morning of the 7th. Orly Airport is also planning to cancel one-quarter of flights during the same period. The meteorological department has warned that the severe weather is expected to continue until the 7th. Landmark sites in France, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, have been covered in heavy snow.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stated that snow is expected again on the evening of the 6th through the 7th and urged the public to avoid driving if possible. The French meteorological department has issued an orange alert for 38 administrative regions, and multiple railway lines have announced suspensions.

The Netherlands has also been continuously affected by snowstorms, with streets blanketed in snow. Amsterdam, being one of the major transit hubs in Europe, has seen transportation paralyzed for five consecutive days due to the stormy conditions and low temperatures. Schiphol Airport is facing the worst situation, having canceled over 400 flights on the 7th, with another 600 flights expected to be grounded. A large number of passengers are stranded at Amsterdam Airport, unable to transfer to subsequent flights. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has warned that, due to extreme weather and supply delays, de-icing fluid is nearly exhausted.
This morning, temperatures in southern and eastern Germany fell below minus 10 degrees Celsius, with many areas covered in snow, including regions close to the North Sea. Meteorologists predict a wave of storms will hit on the 9th, potentially bringing heavy snowfall to the north and east.

The United Kingdom has also experienced its coldest temperatures since winter began, with some areas receiving up to 15 centimeters of snow. The meteorological unit estimates that a new wave of storms is imminent. The UK Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for areas including Scotland and Northern Ireland, warning that the next storm is expected to bring strong winds and snow starting on the 8th local time.

To curb the increasingly severe problem of childhood obesity, the UK government has described this policy as a “world-leading health initiative” and announced that it will implement the strictest food advertising restrictions in the world starting January 5. The new measures aim to significantly reduce young people’s exposure to advertisements for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), creating a healthier food environment for children and seeking to correct dietary habits at their source.

Under the new rules, UK television channels will face advertising time restrictions, with a complete ban on unhealthy food advertisements before 9:00 p.m., during peak viewing hours. On digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, the policy goes even further, introducing a “24-hour ban” on all paid junk food advertising. As early as the end of 2024, the UK had already imposed higher sugar taxes on sugary drinks, milkshakes, and sweetened yogurts, gradually establishing a stringent nutrition management system.

In addition, local governments are authorized to restrict fast-food outlets from opening or operating near schools. Government officials note that nearly one-third of school-age children in the UK are currently overweight, a situation that not only harms public health but also places a heavy financial burden on the healthcare system.

Although the food and advertising industries have expressed concerns about potential economic impacts, the medical community and public interest groups have widely praised the policy. They argue that children are highly susceptible to the influence of attractive advertising, which can trigger impulsive consumption, and view the legislation as a major milestone in protecting the health of future generations. The UK’s move has attracted international attention, and its effectiveness is expected to serve as an important reference for other countries when shaping health policies.

A recent U.S. military raid on Venezuela that reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro has sent shockwaves around the world. In the aftermath, U.S. President Donald Trump once again reiterated that Greenland should be incorporated into U.S. territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stern warning that any U.S. attempt to annex Greenland by force would amount to the collapse of NATO. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, also responded, saying Trump’s remarks were disrespectful to Greenland and stressing that the island is not a commodity for sale.

In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump again claimed that “the United States needs Greenland.” Concerns were further heightened after the wife of one of Trump’s aides posted an image on social media showing the U.S. flag draped over Greenland. In a statement, Denmark’s prime minister described such rhetoric as “utterly absurd” and urged the United States to stop threatening its allies and other peoples. Greenlandic officials added that comparing Greenland to U.S. military intervention in Venezuela was completely wrong and unacceptable.

Leaders in both Denmark and Greenland have called for calm and unity, emphasizing that Greenland cannot simply be conquered. Trump, however, told reporters aboard Air Force One that from a national security perspective, the United States needs Greenland, and hinted that the issue would be revisited in the coming months. His remarks have intensified fears that Washington may take action regarding Greenland in the near future, potentially dealing a further blow to NATO and the European security order.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Beijing on the 4th to begin a four-day visit to China, marking the first visit by a South Korean president since 2019. On the 5th, Lee is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, attend a business forum, and hold talks with Premier Li Qiang, before traveling to Shanghai on the 6th.

More than 200 leading South Korean business figures are accompanying the delegation, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun. Discussions are expected to cover supply chain investment, the digital economy, and cultural exchanges.

According to reports, the Lee–Xi meeting will focus on trade, economic cooperation, and security issues, with Seoul hoping Beijing will play a stabilizing role amid rising regional tensions. Analysts note that recent U.S. military action against Venezuela, North Korea’s renewed missile tests, and heightened China–Japan friction over a potential Taiwan contingency have made the geopolitical environment more sensitive. This will be the second meeting between Lee and Xi within two months, signaling Beijing’s intent to strengthen economic cooperation and tourism exchanges with South Korea.

The trip is also Lee’s first visit to China since taking office in June last year, coinciding with a period of heightened global tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. strikes on Venezuela and North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles on the 4th. Analysts suggest that amid strained China–Japan relations, Beijing may be more inclined to deepen engagement with Seoul to keep supply chains running smoothly.

Markets are closely watching three key issues from the Xi–Lee talks: whether South Korea will propose concrete measures to narrow its trade deficit with China, how both sides will manage sensitive issues such as North Korea and Taiwan, and Washington’s response. Whether Beijing will ease restrictions on South Korean content and tourism has also drawn attention, as Seoul adopts a more cautious diplomatic strategy while balancing its ties with the United States and Japan.

As Iran’s currency, the rial, has plunged sharply, inflation has surged and living conditions have deteriorated, large-scale economic and anti-government protests have erupted across multiple parts of the country. The demonstrations have entered their sixth day, spreading from the capital Tehran to several other towns and cities, and have led to clashes with security forces. At least seven people have been killed, with dozens injured or detained, marking the most significant wave of unrest since the nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Protesters are no longer focused solely on economic grievances. Some crowds have chanted overtly anti-government slogans, while police and security forces have at times responded with live ammunition, drawing heightened domestic and international attention.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating: “If Iran shoots peaceful protesters as it usually does, the United States will come to rescue them. Our bullets are loaded and ready.” The remarks were widely interpreted as a direct warning to the Iranian government, implying that Washington could resort to military or other forms of action if necessary to protect demonstrators. Following Trump’s comments, the U.S. State Department publicly shared videos of the protests and voiced support for the “courage and determination” shown by the Iranian people.

Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, a former speaker of parliament and currently secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, accused the United States and Israel of inciting the protests. He warned that “U.S. interference in Iran’s internal affairs will lead to chaos across the entire region and the destruction of American interests. The American people should take care of their own soldiers.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Trump’s remarks as provocative and threatening, accusing Washington of escalating regional tensions. Officials said that if the United States were to intervene, Iran would respond with swift, comprehensive and decisive countermeasures.

Some reports also noted that Iran’s leadership views the United States and its regional military presence as potential “legitimate targets,” and has not ruled out retaliation should such actions be deemed hostile.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has submitted a formal letter of protest to the UN secretary-general and the Security Council, describing the U.S. president’s statements as “reckless and inflammatory threats,” and urging the international community to condemn the remarks to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

The current wave of protests was triggered by economic hardship and currency depreciation but has quickly evolved into broader social and political discontent. While bearing similarities to the protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, the unrest has not yet spread to every province nationwide. U.S.-Iran tensions have been steadily rising since U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, and the latest protests and war of words have once again intensified the confrontation between the two sides.

The Swiss federal government has announced that, starting from January 1 this year, stalking behavior will be formally incorporated into the Swiss Criminal Code. Under the new provisions, anyone who persistently follows or harasses another person may face a maximum sentence of up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine in lieu of imprisonment. The main objective is to strengthen protection for victims in response to the continued rise in such cases in recent years.

According to a 2022 survey by the Swiss Crime Prevention agency (SKPPSC), about 2% of the national population had experienced stalking within the past five years. Such incidents occur across all segments of society, affecting both men and women in various gender combinations.

From a gender distribution perspective, women are more likely to become victims. Based on statistics from the Canton of Bern in 2023, 87% of stalking victims were women, 41% of perpetrators were former partners, and cases of men stalking women were significantly more common than women stalking men.

Analysis of motivations indicates factors such as revenge, hatred, and a strong need for recognition or attention. Most stalking cases are not short-lived; they may last for months or even years, and in extreme cases for decades. With technological advancements, methods of harassment have also become more diverse.

SKPPSC emphasizes that early reporting is crucial for protecting victims. Once the police or relevant authorities intervene, many stalking cases come to an end. Early intervention also reduces the risk of victims suffering severe and long-term harm. Victim support centers are currently available throughout Switzerland, providing immediate assistance and legal counseling.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, an explosion and fire broke out at a bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana in Valais, Switzerland. Local media and police reported severe casualties at the scene. The incident occurred during a New Year’s Eve party, with an estimated crowd of more than 100 people. Police said dozens may have been killed and more than 100 injured.

Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly, and panic during attempts to escape led to crowd surges. The interior of the bar was chaotic. The injured were transported by emergency services to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and accidental factors have not been ruled out. Police also stated that terrorism is unlikely, and the current focus is on identifying the deceased and providing medical care.

Swiss officials announced a five-day national mourning period, as the government and rescue agencies work to handle the aftermath. The Valais police chief said identifying the victims could take several days and that families have been notified. Authorities have cordoned off the affected area and imposed flight restrictions in the surrounding airspace to facilitate rescue and investigative operations.

Driven by digitalization and persistent operating deficits, Denmark’s state-owned postal service, PostNord, delivered its final batch of physical letters on December 30 and officially ceased letter delivery services on December 31, bringing to an end more than 400 years of public mail delivery history.

Denmark ranks among the world’s most digitally advanced countries, with both government and private sectors widely adopting online services. As a result, the volume of official documents and personal letters sent in physical form has declined sharply. According to PostNord, letter volumes in 2024 fell by more than 90% compared with 2000. Last year, PostNord recorded an operating loss of approximately 428 million Danish kroner. In light of the drastic drop in mail volumes and long-term losses, PostNord ended its state-run letter delivery service on December 31 and will refocus its operations on parcels and express delivery.

The Danish government has designated the private logistics company DAO to take over the handling of physical letters. In the future, members of the public who need to send letters can do so at DAO service points, and DAO will also offer paid services such as home pickup. During the transition period, the government is providing DAO with subsidies of about 110 million Danish kroner . Should DAO be unable to continue providing letter services in the future, the government remains obligated to appoint another provider to ensure that letter-sending options are not interrupted. However, due to limitations in internet coverage and digital access, postal services still play an important role in rural communities, among women, and within low-income groups, who may be more significantly affected by this change.

Israel has formally recognized Somaliland—located in northeastern Africa and mutually recognizing sovereignty with Taiwan—as an “independent and sovereign state,” and has established diplomatic relations with it. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said today that China expresses grave concern over this move and firmly opposes it. China noted that Somalia issued an immediate statement rejecting the move, and that regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have also voiced condemnation.

The Israeli government recently announced its recognition of Somaliland as an independent country, making Israel one of the few nations to openly acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereign status. The decision quickly drew international attention and sparked a new wave of diplomatic ripples across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly reiterated its firm opposition, emphasizing respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that the recognition is based on long-term security cooperation, economic and trade ties, and geopolitical considerations. Israel noted that since declaring its separation from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has maintained relatively stable political institutions and democratic elections, in contrast to prolonged instability in the region. Israel believes that recognizing Somaliland will help enhance security along the Red Sea, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, and ensure the stability of maritime routes.

The Somaliland government warmly welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic step” that symbolizes growing international recognition of its more than three decades of governance achievements. The President of Somaliland emphasized that the government will continue to seek recognition from more countries and deepen cooperation with Israel in agriculture, technology, and security.

However, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said that China has consistently supported African countries in resolving internal issues through dialogue and consultation in accordance with international law and within the AU framework. China firmly opposes any unilateral recognition of Somaliland’s independence, arguing that such actions could exacerbate regional tensions and undermine peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The spokesperson reaffirmed that China recognizes the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole legitimate government representing Somalia.

The African Union has adopted a cautious stance, noting that the issue of Somaliland’s status involves colonial history, border delineation, and regional stability, and should be addressed through broad consensus. Most African countries have so far refrained from recognizing Somaliland’s independence, concerned that doing so could trigger other separatist movements.