With the situation of a declining population, rising prices, and impacts of intense strategic competition, 2026 is forecast to be a year with few advantages for Japan. However, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae affirms that with its inherent strength and the people's will to rise, Japan will welcome a bright future.
The European Union (EU) enters 2026 facing numerous challenges stemming from the multi-layered crises of 2025: internal fractures, the burden of providing financial and military support to Ukraine, and security pressures, among others. With a number of major elections set to take place in 2026 - widely seen as shaping Europe’s geopolitical position - the bloc is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its internal resilience and strategic autonomy.
The United Nations General Assembly has just approved the organisation’s regular budget for 2026, totalling 3.45 billion USD. This modest budget signals an extremely challenging year ahead for the world’s largest multilateral organisation, requiring it to manage resources with great care to cover its expenditures.
As the clock strikes the final seconds of the old year, people around the world eagerly await the arrival of the New Year. Each place celebrates in its own way, each person carries personal wishes, yet all share a common hope for a year that is peaceful, fulfilling, and more prosperous than the last.
As the Gaza Strip residents prepare to welcome the New Year, they harbour hopes that peace will become a reality, following the establishment of a ceasefire after more than two years of conflict.
Only seven countries meet the PM2.5 threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), while more than 90% of countries exceed safe levels, according to the World Air Quality Report 2025 released by IQAir.
The fifth Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong River was inaugurated on December 26, marking an important step in strengthening transport connectivity and promoting trade within the Mekong sub-region, particularly among Viet Nam, Laos and Thailand.
France has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Group of Seven (G7) from Canada. As the country assuming the role of G7 chair in 2026, France is carrying a dual challenge on its shoulders.
In an effort to strengthen the European Union’s (EU) energy self-sufficiency, the European Parliament (EP) has just approved a plan to completely eliminate imports of Russian gas. However, this decision has met with opposition from some member states, who fear that “shutting off” the flow of gas from Russia could trigger a price surge in the energy market, harming the economy.
In early December 2025, Syria welcomed several positive signals on its path towards reconstruction and reintegration. From a country devastated by war and isolated diplomatically and economically, Syria is taking steps that demonstrate its determination to pursue stability, while maximising foreign aid and striving to balance relations with major powers and regional countries.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has warned that the European Union’s pursuit of a green agenda and its enforcement of regulations against American technology companies are undermining the transatlantic alliance.
Although lasting only two days, the State visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India - the world’s most populous nation - drew intense international attention, as it sought to consolidate the Asia–Europe strategic alliance at a time when both countries are under considerable pressure from the West.
The “Pact for the Mediterranean: One Sea, One Pact, One Future” has just been officially launched, marking a historic step forward in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the southern Mediterranean. The Pact is considered an important foundation for creating a cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous Mediterranean space.
Japan expects many changes
